THURLEY-WIGG, Sarah

Sarah Thurley (Thurlow) and Wolton Wigg and Their Family

Sarah Thurley (1835-1906), the third child of Robert and Mary (née Woods) is thought to have arrived in Australia circa 1858. It is possible that she accompanied William, her brother, who emigrated to Australia seeking his fortune in the gold fields.

Thousands of prospectors came from overseas in the hope of 'striking it rich'. The first gold finds occurred in 1851 and ended with the last rush to Kalgoorlie, Western Australia in 1893.

Of the family of eight children, Sarah and three of her siblings - William, John and Jane - ventured across the seas to the antipodes leaving the land of their birth. Sarah was the only one to remain in Australia, the other three settling in New Zealand.

Sarah Thurley1 married Wolton Wigg in Fitzroy, a Melbourne suburb in 1866, doing surprisingly well for herself in the choice of a husband. Wolton, one of Rushworth's most respected residents, was known as the "father" of the town, after arriving from Bendigo in 1853 in search of his fortune in the Victorian gold rush.

Walton Wigg was a butcher, miner and brewer, becoming at once prominent in all public affairs. Being a man of considerable ability he was looked up to as a leader in all matters affecting the welfare of the community and in 1863, was elected the first Chairman of the new Waranga Roads Board, the forerunner of Waranga Shire which was proclaimed in 1865. Councillor Wolton Wigg held his seat continuously until he resigned in 1887, and was several times appointed President. Also to his credit, Wolton was one of the first territorial Justices of the Peace and acted as Judge in some local court cases.

Photo: Walbran’s Store, a two-storey brick building with iron lacework balcony around the upper floor was opened on Christmas Eve 1887 on the corner of High and Wigg streets, Rushworth, Victoria.

Across Wigg Street on the opposite corner from Walbran’s Store, Sarah (Thurley) Wigg, described as a very neat lady, managed a millinery and dress-making shop, selling feather boas and knickerbockers. Next door to Sarah’s shop stood her husband’s brewery. On arrival in Rushworth, Wolton initially set up business as a butcher but soon became known far and wide as a brewer. History records that he made the finest beer and ale in the district, supplying every pub within a 50-mile radius.

When Sarah and Wolton retired to Hawthorn, Melbourne, to be nearer their son, a Railway employee, a public banquet was held at the "Criterion" which was attended by all the leading community for miles around. To mark the occasion, and in recognition of their contributions, many of Rushworth’s residents presented to Wolton and Sarah a gold watch and a purse of sovereigns valued at more than £100. Sarah was particularly remembered for her interest in the young people of the town. She and her husband are said to have found it hard to leave Rushworth where they had spent so many years of their lives.