Early Days of Eyre Peninsula
James Dugold Somerville (1868 – March 1960), born in Glasgow, was a South Australian historian with a special interest in Eyre's Peninsula, especially Port Lincoln.
Note: These articles are confusingly indexed by Somerville, many with suffix numbers in the titles (but not included here). Some titles are duplicated. Somerville revisits some subjects, as he obviously finds new information at a later date. In collating all of his articles, I have listed them in published chronological sequence, added a sequence number, and assigned a section title to make navigation easier.
Establishment of Port Lincoln
1. Port Lincoln Special Survey Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 12 October 1934, page 7 See Precis 1
2. Settlement of Port Lincoln. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 19 October 1934, page 2 See Precis 2
3. How Port Lincoln Blocks were Allotted. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 26 October 1934, page 5 See Precis 3
Dutch Explorers
4. The Coming of Dutch Navigators. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 23 November 1934, page 5 See Precis 4
5. Dutch Commander First to Sight Coastline. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 30 November 1934, page 5 See Precis 5
6. Mystery of Old Hut on Thistle Island. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 7 December 1934, page 3
Matthew Flinders
7. Coastline Surveyed by Capt. Matthew Flinders. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 14 December 1934, page 3 See Precis 7
8. How Capt. Flinders Named Points of Interest. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 21 December 1934, page 3 See Precis 8
9. Flinders Investigations (cont). Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 4 January 1935, page 3 See Precis 9
10. Memory Cove Tragedy Big Blow to Flinders. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 11 January 1935, page 2 See Precis 10
11. Close of Exploration by Matthew Flinders. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 18 January 1935, page 2 See Precis 11
The French explorers
12. The Coming of Capt. Nicolas Baudin. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 25 January 1935, page 3 See Precis 12
13.Freycinet's Visit to Port Lincoln. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 1 February 1935, page 2 See Precis 13
14. Did the French Steal Flinders' Plans ? Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 8 February 1935, page 2 See See Precis 14
The Early History of Port Lincoln
15. Story of Pre-Settlement Period. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 15 March 1935, page 3 See Precis 15
16. The Coming of Whalers and Sealers. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 22 March 1935, page 3 See Precis 16
17. Henty Family Inspects Port Lincoln. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 29 March 1935, page 3 See Precis 17
18. Stories of White Outrages on Natives. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 5 April 1935, page 3 See Precis 18
19. Port Lincoln as Site for Capital - Early Attempts at Land Settlement. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 12 April 1935, page 3 See Precis 19
20. Home Authorities Oppose Scheme - Difference of Opinion About Site For Capital. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 19 April 1935, page 3 See Precis 20, 21, 22
21. Claims For Company Not Justified. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 26 April 1935, page 3 See Precis 20, 21, 22
22. Survey Instructions to Col. Light - Inspection of Port Lincoln Ordered. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 3 May 1935, page 3 See Precis 20, 21, 22
23. What Col. Light Thought of Port Lincoln - "Decidedly no harbour for merchant ships". Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 10 May 1935, page 3 See Precis 23-24
24. Port Lincoln Decided Against as Capital - Story of William Light's inspection. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 17 May 1935, page 3. See Precis 23-24
25. Opinion Divided Over Best Site for Capital - Story of Captain Mitchell's famous declaration. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 24 May 1935, page 3 See Precis 25-26
26 More About Port Lincoln as Capital - James's Strongly-Expressed Views. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 31 May 1935, page 3 See Precis 25-26
27. Birth of Port Lincoln Township. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 7 June 1935, page 3 See Precis 27
28. Port Lincoln Called 'Emporium of State' - March 19, 1839, Claimed as Birthday. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 14 June 1935, page 3 See Precis 28
29. Pioneers' Accounts of Port Lincoln Building Activity; Flourishing Gardens. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 21 June 1935, page 3 See Precis 29
30. First Cutter Built at Port Lincoln. Foundation Stone of Church Laid. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 28 June 1935, page 3 See Precis 30
Explorations around Port Lincoln
31. Explorations in Port Lincoln and District - Reported Discovery of Navigable River. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 5 July 1935, page 3 See Precis 31
32. Account of Robert Tod's Explorations - Dutton's Examination of Western Coast. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 12 July 1935, page 3
33. End of Dutton's Exploratory Trip - Robert Cock's Investigations in Gulf. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 19 July 1935, page 3
34. Explorers Treated Kindly by Natives - Account of Robert Cock's Trip. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 26 July 1935, page 3
35. Visit of Stephens and Hill in 1839 - Poor Impression of Country Gained. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 2 August 1935, page 3
36. Story of John Cannan's Explorations - Did He Visit Scene of Gulliver's Travels. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 9 August 1935, page 10
37. Capt. H. C. Hawson's Exploration Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 16 August 1935, page 3
Edward John Eyre
38. Story of Eyre's Explorations - Able and Intrepid Overlander. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 30 August 1935, page 10
39. Edward John Eyre's Explorations - Second Trip Embraces Port Lincoln. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 6 September 1935, page 3
40. End of E. J. Eyre's Second Journey - Heroic Dash Across Trackless Country. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 13 September 1935, page 3
41. Governor Appreciates Eyre's Work - Launching of Trip to Central Australia. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 20 September 1935, page 3
42. E. J. Eyre Returns to Port Lincoln - Changes Plans for Northern Journey Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 27 September 1935, page 3
43. Overland Party at Port Lincoln In District When Frank Hawson Speared. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 4 October 1935, page 3
44. Explorer's Journey Along West Coast - Party United Once More at Streaky Bay. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 11 October 1935, page 3
45. Friendly Attitude of Native Parties Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 18 October 1935, page 3
46. Overlanders' Depot at Fowler's Bay - Search for Water in District. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 25 October 1935, page 3
47. Explorer Resumes Journey Westward - Head of Australian Bight Reached Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 1 November 1935, page 3
48. Explorer Continues Overland Journey Declines to Abandon Attempt Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 8 November 1935, page 3
49. How Baxter Met His Death End of Long Overland Journey Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 15 November 1935, page 3
Murders and Massacres
50. First Port Lincoln Murder - Story of Frank Hawson's Fortitude Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 22 November 1935, page 3
51. Natives and Frank Hawson's Murder - Proclamation Against Retaliation Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 29 November 1935, page 3
52. Murders of Brown, Biddle and Servants Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 6 December 1935, page 3
53. Massacre at Biddle's Station Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 13 December 1935, page 3
54. Search for Native Murderers Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 20 December 1935, page 3
55. Search for Native Murderers Cont. Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Monday 23 December 1935, page 3
56. Beheading of Aborigines Condemned Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 10 January 1936, page 3
57. Trials of Native Murderers Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 17 January 1936, page 3
58. Whites Lose Fear of Natives Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 24 January 1936, page 3
Charles Christian Dutton
59. Death of Charles Christian Dutton Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 31 January 1936, page 3
60. Disappearance of Dutton and Party - Tragic Result of Overland Journey Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 7 February 1936, page 3
61. Experiences of Search Parties - Volunteers and Police Fall Out Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 14 February 1936, page 3
62. Search for Dutton Continues - Party Leaves Port Lincoln in Boat Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 21 February 1936, page 3
63. Search for Missing Overlanders - E. J. Eyre Leads Police Party Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 28 February 1936, page 3
64. Unsuccessful Search for Dutton Eyre's Party Reaches Port Lincoln Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 6 March 1936, page 3
65. Disappearance of Dutton and Party (2)- Mystery of Fate Remains Unsolved Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 13 March 1936, page 3
66. Epochal Journey by Whalers - Fillip to Settlement of Country Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 20 March 1936, page 3
Murders and Massacres (cont)
67. Murder of Brown, Biddle and Their Servants (revisited) Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 27 March 1936, page 3
68. Investigation Into Brown's Death Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 3 April 1936, page 3
69. More Extracts from Dr. Harvey's Diary Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 10 April 1936, page 3
70. Search By Military for Native Murderers Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 17 April 1936, page 3
71. Military Search for Natives Continued Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 24 April 1936, page 3
72. Execution of Nultia for Part in Murders Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 1 May 1936, page 3
73. Interesting Old Papers Discovered Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 8 May 1936, page 3
Exploration of the northern frontier of E. P.
74. Exploration of the Gawler Range Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 15 May 1936, page 3
75. Exploration of North-West of State Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 22 May 1936, page 3
76. Major Warburton's Trip to Gawler Range Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 29 May 1936, page 3
77. Journey of Holroyd and Warburton Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 5 June 1936, page 3
78. Hack Continues His Exploratory Work Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 12 June 1936, page 3
79. Large Herds of Wild Cattle Reported Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 19 June 1936, page 3
80. End of Hack's Exploratory Trip Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 26 June 1936, page 3
81. Exploration by F. Miller and W. Dutton Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 3 July 1936, page 3
82. Capt. Douglas's Examination of West Coast Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 10 July 1936, page 3
83. Praise for Flinders from Capt. Douglas Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 17 July 1936, page 3
84. More About Geharty's Expedition Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 24 July 1936, page 3
85. End of Gerharty's Expedition Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 31 July 1936, page 3
86. Exploration by P. Egerton Warburton - Second Trip Through the Gawler Range, 1858 Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 7 August 1936, page 3
87. Exploration by John McDouall Stuart, 1858 Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 14 August 1936, page 3
88. Exploration of Northern Frontier Ends Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 21 August 1936, page 3
The tragedies of 1848 and 1849
89. Story of Tragedies of 1848-1849 Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 28 August 1936, page 3
90. Murder of John Hamp by Natives Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 4 September 1936, page 3
91. Fruitless Search for Native Murderers Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 11 September 1936, page 3
92. Tolmer's Enquiry Into Tragedies Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 18 September 1936, page 3
93. Dwyer Acquitted On Poisoning Charge Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 25 September 1936, page 3
94. Murder of Capt. Beevor and Mrs. Easton Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 2 October 1936, page 3
95. Pursuit of Native Murderers Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 9 October 1936, page 3
96. Pursuit of Native Murderers Ended Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 16 October 1936, page 3
97. Trial of Natives in Supreme Court Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 23 October 1936, page 3
98. Trial of Beevor's Native Murderers Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 30 October 1936, page 3
99. Trial and Execution of Natives Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 6 November 1936, page 3
100. Accounts of Waterloo Bay "Massacre" Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 13 November 1936, page 3
101. Waterloo Bay Story — 'Silly Old Yarn' Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 20 November 1936, page 3
102. Final Article on Waterloo Bay "Massacre" Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 27 November 1936, page 3
Vice-Regal
103. Visits of Governors of State Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 18 December 1936, page 3
104. Proclamation or Commemoration Day Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 25 December 1936, page 3
105. Visit of Lieut.-Col. George Gawler Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 8 January 1937, page 3
106. Governor Gawler's Views on Port Lincoln Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 15 January 1937, page 3
107. Visits of Governors Grey and Robe Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 22 January 1937, page 3
108. Visit of Governor Sir Henry Young Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 29 January 1937, page 3
109. Governor Young's Report on Port Lincoln Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 5 February 1937, page 3
110. Visit of Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 12 February 1937, page 3
111. Visit Impresses Governor MacDonnell Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 19 February 1937, page 3
112. Governor's Visit to West Coast Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 26 February 1937, page 3
113. Governor's Venture as Pastoralist Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 5 March 1937, page 3
114. Governor MacDonnell's Pastoral Operations Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 12 March 1937, page 3
115. Governor MacDonnell Pays Another Visit Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 19 March 1937, page 3
Monuments
116. History of the Monuments Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 26 March 1937, page 3
117. Deciphering of Inscription on Memory Cove Plate Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 2 April 1937, page 3
118. Discovery of Memory Cove Inscription Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 9 April 1937, page 3
119. New Tablet Erected At Memory Cove Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 16 April 1937, page 11
120. Flinders Monument on Stamford Hill Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 23 April 1937, page 3
121. Lady Franklin Visits Stamford Hill Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 30 April 1937, page 3
122. First Monument At Stamford Hill A Ruin Within 20 Years Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 7 May 1937, page 3
123. Stamford Hill Monument Restored Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 14 May 1937, page 2
124. Commemoration Committee Formed - Flinders Archway Unveiled Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Friday 21 May 1937, page 3
125. Flinders Monument Stamford Hill - Life of Lady Franklin Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Friday 28 May 1937, page 3
126. Nuyts Monument At Streaky Bay - Crew Of The Stedcombe Butchered Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Friday 4 June 1937, page 3
127. Conclusion Of Interesting Articles - Index of Subjects Dealt With Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Friday 11 June 1937, page 3
But wait! There's more!
Subsequent articles
Supplementary posts to "Early Days on Eyre Peninsula" - additions and corrections based on further research by Somerville. Some text is repetitive from article to article. Miscellaneous topics .
128. Station Owned By Tennant - Family In Possession for More Than 90 Years Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Friday 19 November 1937, page 11
129. John Tennant's Notable Arrival At Port Lincoln - First Overland Trip with Stock - Only Five Sheep Lost out of 7,000 Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Friday 26 November 1937, page 2
130. Port Lincoln Nearly Capital of State - Disagreement Between Col. Light And Governor Hindmarsh Recalled - Orders given for first town to be at Boston Bay Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Friday 11 March 1938, page 7
131. History of Port Lincoln's Special Survey Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Friday 10 February 1939, page 3
132. McLaren Outwitted for Special Survey Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Friday 17 February 1939, page 3
133. Progress with Port Lincoln Special Survey Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Friday 24 February 1939, page 3
134. Morphett Only Saw Limestone Country Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Thursday 2 March 1939, page 3
135. Governor and Lady Gawler Visit Port Lincoln - McLaren relinquishes application for special survey Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Thursday 9 March 1939, page 3
136. Completion of Special Survey Series Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Thursday 16 March 1939, page 3
137. The Swearing-in Ceremony Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Thursday 23 March 1939, page 11
138. First Clergyman to Visit Port Lincoln Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Thursday 28 March 1940, page 7
139. South Australian Company's Holding in the Port Lincoln Special Survey Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Thursday 9 May 1940, page 3
140. Explorations by McLaren, Flaxman and Morphett (1) Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Thursday 16 May 1940, page 3
141. Explorations by McLaren, Flaxman and Morphett (2) Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Thursday 30 May 1940, page 3
142. Explorations by McLaren, Flaxman and Morphett (3) Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Thursday 6 June 1940, page 3
143. Angas and Special Survey No. 2, Port Lincoln (1) Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Thursday 13 June 1940, page 3
144. Angas and Special Survey No. 2, Port Lincoln (2) Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Thursday 20 June 1940, page 3
145. Angas and Special Survey No. 2, Port Lincoln (3) Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Thursday 27 June 1940, page 3
146. Angas and Special Survey No. 2, Port Lincoln (4) Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1965; 1992 - 2002), Thursday 4 July 1940, page 3
Eyre Peninsula Yarns and Family History Facebook Group
Extracts from the book "JOURNALS OF EXPEDITIONS INTO CENTRAL AUSTRALIA" by Edward John Eyre 1840/41.
SLSA PRG-458-1-2-128A . James Dugald Somerville, historian, pictured working on the ballots for country lands as part of his research into the Port Lincoln Special Survey (see PRG 15/90). He also served as an engineer on the west coast railway. Snap taken by a 'SA News' photographer, 6 September 1933, in the Public Library of South Australia (as evidenced by the carved wooden chair that he is sitting on, which features the South Australian Institute logo ).
Port Lincoln Times (SA : 1927 - 1954), Friday 3 May 1935, page 5
Eyre Peninsula's History
MR. SOMERVILLE'S GIFT TO ARCHIVES
At the last meeting of the Adelaide Public Library Board special thanks were accorded Mr. J. D. Somerville for his gift to the Archives of 10 volumes of notes embodying his researches into the history of Eyre Peninsula. The papers, which are bound, comprise references which have been copied from files of newspapers, periodicals, printed books and other sources. They cover full references to exploration, early settlement, troubles with the natives, agricultural and pastoral development, the movements of ships, whaling operations, and to every other aspect of the history of Eyre Peninsula. Several series of articles based on the same notes appeared recently in ' The Port Lincoln Times.' The index alone is a work planned on such a scale that it took six months to complete, and indicates with a minimum of searching the full resources of the collection. A volume of maps is also included. Mr. Somerville's work, it was stated, would prove of inestimable benefit to future students of South Australian history.