(1796-1864) Daniel Ferguson
Importing Draught Horses
One of the strongest family legends is that Daniel Ferguson was sent by the government to bring the first horses back to South Australia. In fact, horses had been imported into the colony from other states almost as soon as it was founded, and it was to improve the breed of cart horse that Daniel Ferguson returned to England in 1855. His mission was undertaken on behalf of the Society for the Improvement of the Breed of Cart Horses, which had been established in 1854.
John Baker, MLC, had placed a notice in the Register in February advertising a meeting to import draught horses. However, a few days beforehand a smaller group, Daniel Ferguson among them, met in the office of Mr Brunskill. Although they decided to adjourn their meeting to Mr Baker's, they argued unsuccessfully for the shares to be £5, rather than the £25 suggested by Baker. According to the Register of 23 February 1854, more than 50 people attended Baker's meeting, and a decision was made to form a company. The next meeting, reported in the Register of 1 May 1854, was held at Bernard's exchange and "the attendance was very much larger than on the last occasion." John Baker again chaired the meeting. This time, only shareholders were allowed to take part in the proceedings, and a formal motion was put "that the Society now be established." One hundred and twelve shares had already been taken up and more contributions were expected.
The question of whether the horses should be brought to Australia at once was debated. Mr Whitford argued that as it was too late for the current breeding season, it would be better to wait to see if more shares were taken up. Daniel Ferguson added the comment that "it would take at least three months to arrange the preliminaries. That little delay would not make any material difference to the price."
Others, anxious to proceed, disputed the need for delay. The Chairman pointed out that no-one had as yet been authorised to collect money, and suggested some gentleman should move the appointment of a committee to collect money, draw up rules and report to a future meeting. Daniel Ferguson responded by moving the motion, which was then adopted. A committee of five, Daniel Ferguson, John Baker, Mr Whitfield, Mr Brunskill and Mr Duffield were then appointed.
Controversy continued over the question of whether it was really necessary to send someone to England to bring out the horses. The Chairman commented he thought it would be "the most satisfactory, though the rather more expensive plan." The issue was not a new one, as he went on to add that he wished to contradict the rumour that the society had been established for the sake of securing a berth home for certain individuals. The secretary's services were gratuitous, and should it be necessary to send someone to England, the committee would receive applications.
Daniel Ferguson then opened the discussion from the floor by saying that he thought "a person should be sent home, not for the purchase, but for the care of the horses." Further suggestions followed and Daniel Ferguson moved "that a competent person be sent from the colony to superintend the purchase, shipment and bringing out of the horses from England." Opposition was voiced by Mr Mortlock, who moved an amendment that someone in England be appointed to purchase the horses and for them to be placed under the care of the captain, who would be paid for their successful care.
After several speakers voiced doubts about leaving the horses in the care of the captain, he suggested instead that £500 could still be saved by finding someone in England to bring the horses out. In reply, Daniel Ferguson argued that the cost of sending a person would not be so great, adding that "there would be plenty who would be glad to go for their bare expenses for the sake of visiting their English friends." Eventually, it was decided to defer the question to the next meeting, when the committee could report and shareholders had more time to reflect. Both Daniel Ferguson and Mortlock's motions were then withdrawn.
At the next meeting, reported on 29 May 1854, the committee presented rules for adoption, and a recommendation that "some fit person be appointed to proceed to England and to superintend the purchase, shipping and bringing out of the horses." The committee's recommendations were accepted unanimously. At this stage, £800 had already been collected. Several people then offered to go to England. Mr Oscar Lines, who was intending to travel home anyway, said that he was willing to take on the task for £300 and travelling expenses, claiming nothing for his time and trouble, but leaving it to the society to fix a bonus, should his trip be successful.
Daniel Ferguson objected to this, on the grounds that the amount to be paid should be fixed before the appointment of an agent. He moved that it should be set at £300. This was carried unanimously, with the understanding that the money was being voted only for passage and travelling expenses. The agent was to charge all outlay for the horses keep to the society, and could also appoint an assistant at the Society's expense, to accompany any other horses that might be shipped later.
Other names were put forward. As a consensus was not reached, at Daniel Ferguson's suggestion, the appointment was held over to the next meeting. Shareholders were to be allowed to vote by proxy and suggestions were called for of people in England who could help the agent, when he was sent. Daniel Ferguson also announced his intention of nominating Robert Smith. However, it was pointed out that Robert Smith held no shares. The meeting decided whoever went should hold at least 4 shares and Robert Smith agreed to take them. Despite this, in the end it was Daniel Ferguson himself who was given the responsibility, in recognition of the part he had played in the society and in agricultural circles generally.
Daniel spent several months in England. As well as selecting the horses to bring back to Australia, he took time to visit his family. In October 1854, he visited his sister Jean Kerr in Abbotsley, Huntingdon, after seeing his sister Susanna Ashmore in London. He set out for the return voyage to Australia in April 1855, his nephew Andrew Kerr noting in the Kerr diary "Uncle Daniel started from London to Australia on the 21st April."
The selection of Daniel to return to England, however, was far from the end of controversy. On 30 July 1855, Daniel Ferguson reached Adelaide on the Time and Truth with Clydesdale horses and mares. According to the Register on 1 December 1855, on his return he accused Thomas Gepp, a veterinarian returning from England on a similar errand of poisoning 3 of his stock as Gepp had given them medication before they died. In Gepp's defence, James Fisher who had employed Gepp to bring out horses, E B Gleeson and Trimmer gave testimony to his excellent character.
The voyage on the "Time and Truth" was described in detail in a diary kept by one of the passengers, W B Randell. Interspersed with accounts of the illness of his children from smallpox, the death of his daughter on board ship and his own religious observations, he also kept track of the welfare of the livestock on board, recording their progress and noting his own suspicions about Gepp.
On April 24, as the voyage started he wrote "Very rough. All stock Great and Small appear to be getting on much better on the whole than might be expected" and on 30 April "Ship making good progress - it will be a great mercy to us and all the poor horses and cattle if it remains so." On 1 May, conditions worsened and he noted "Rolling. Poor horses and cattle have felt it severely" The next day it was "Very uncomfortable for horses and cattle. Very rough."
The effect on the horses worried Daniel Ferguson. On 3 May Randell wrote "Gloomy AM with very strong winds. The horses in particular, especially those under the superintendence of Mr Ferguson, some of which were broken loose by the violence of the rolling and tossing of the ship. Both Mr Ferguson and Mr Gepp were up a good part of the night doing all they could to mitigate their suffering as much as possible. Several of them seemed to feel it very much, so much so that Mr Ferguson begins to fear their standing the journey." The next day conditions improved and Randell wrote "Weather settling. All stock on board recovering. 2 or 3 of Mr Ferguson's horses are the only ones that still remain affected." However, on 5 May "one of the fine cart horses under Mr Ferguson's care died this evening about 8 pm, thrown overboard 9 pm." He added another "appeared very sickly."
On 7 May, Randell commented he was "sorry to have to report the death of another of Mr Ferguson's horses," writing at length of his unfavourable opinion of the medical treatment of "these fine animals" especially "the copious bleeding." "I have expressed my opinion on the subject to the Captain and also said a word or two by way of advice to Mr Ferguson. I must not fail to add that I am persuaded that Mr Ferguson has acted with the greatest solicitude according to the best of his judgement for the welfare of all the horses under his charge and moreover I believe he would not of his own mind have bled them half as much, but for the opinion and advice of Mr Gepp who professes considerable knowledge in management of horses as also in the veterinary art."
On 14 May "Another mare died today. Respecting the poor mare of Mr Ferguson's which died this AM, I should say little at present, beyond recording my decided convictions that there is something suspicious that there has been foul play going on beyond what Mr Ferguson is aware of, both as to this mare and the other horses that have died before and will I am sure apply also to another fine grey horse that has been out of order and has a cough. I took an opportunity of hinting this to Mr Ferguson confidentially and I found that similar thoughts had crossed his own mind and named a circumstance or two that rather strengthened my convictions."
Not only the horses suffered ill health. On June 10 Randell reported "3 of Mr Ferguson's men are complaining of illness and appear to me to have the smallpox." The health of both the men and horses improved, until on 23 July Randell noted "The choicest of Mr Ferguson's horses is taken ill, very similar to those that have died before. The affair to me appear very suspicious but we shall see the results." A few days later "I am glad to find that Mr Ferguson's horse is considerably better, encouraging hopes of his recovery, not withstanding, no doubt but there has been some foul play towards him."
The arrival of the "Time and Truth" was reported on 31 July 1855 by the Adelaide Times, which listed it as a barque of 573 tons from Gravesend with 22 intermediate and 16 steerage passengers. It "arrived from England yesterday but on going alongside out reporter found that the smallpox had attacked the passengers during the voyage, consequently we were unable to furnish our readers with passenger list or manifest. There appears to have been 8 or 9 cases of the disease, but fortunately only one death has occurred." Although there was no sickness at present, the vessel was to remain in quarantine. "She was expected to bring horses from England for the Society formed for the purpose of improving the breed of horses in the Colony but we could not possibly learn whether they were on board or not." The next day the Times reported "This vessel has obtained pratique on account of no case of small pox or any other contagious disease having occurred for the past 2 weeks. She was towed up the river last night by the Adelaide steam tug."
On August 2, the Times noted "This vessel yesterday commenced to land the horses and other stock which she has brought out from England. A very large number of people thronged the wharf on the appearance of the first horse and on the animal being freed from the horse box several good judges expressed themselves in high terms of his symmetry. All stock are in excellent condition and appeared quite comfortable in their quarters as steerage passengers. The arrival of this vessel has created more sensation amongst the settlers of the Colony than that of any other vessel for some time past."
Matthew Rankine also noted the arrival of the horses in his diary on 2 August "Went and saw horses brought out by D Ferguson, well sloped horses but not large."
Mining Ventures
As well as farming, Daniel Ferguson also ventured into mining. His childhood was spent in the mining are of Muirkirk and he decided to invest in the opportunities that Glen Osmond offered. He is known to have been a trustee of the Wheal Gawler Mine, the first mine established in Australia and is referred to as an engineer with the Silver Lead Mining Company at Glen Osmond, which later bought him out.
Although South Australia was the last of the Australian states to be settled, it was the first in which metal mines were discovered. The fact that the metal deposits were close to the main port of Adelaide contributed to their quick discovery and development. By the time that Daniel Ferguson came to Glenunga to live, the Wheal Gawler Mine at Glen Osmond, South Australia's first mine, had already been operating for eight years.
The original company was too small to continue financing operations at Wheal Gawler and it was sold first to a German company, then in 1848, the Wheal Gawler Mines Association was set up. During the working life of the mine, three major shafts were sunk, the deepest one 240 feet, with levels and tunnels constructed leading into the hillside of Glen Osmond. £33,000 worth of ore containing silver lead was produced. However, the discovery of gold in Victoria and the resulting exodus of labour forced the closure of virtually every mine in South Australia.
The Silver Lead Mining Company in which Daniel Ferguson was involved also failed, disputes amongst the management a major contributing factor. The company was established by Osmond Gilles, the Colonial Treasurer for whom Glen Osmond is named. It produced galena, lead, copper and silver, but suffered the same difficulties with the exodus of labour in 1851 as Wheal Gawler. There also disputes over the royalties due to Gilles, a large charge on the company, resulting in Gilles' decision not to re-negotiate the lease. In his retirement speech, Daniel Ferguson proposed a toast to the colony, ruefully referring to his lack of success in mining, "with reference to the mining industry, he could not say much in its praise, as he had only one or two ventures and had not been very successful. He hoped however, their resources would be developed."
The Parkside Mill
Daniel Ferguson also owned a mill at Parkside Terrace and Glen Osmond Road, built opposite the Turf Hotel, on the former site of the residence of Dr Sweetapple. His son James is believed to have been involved in running it.
In the 1850s, agriculture in South Australia benefited from the discovery of gold in Victoria. Although labourers left South Australia, they needed provisions. Wheat-growers in South Australia helped to supply this market, and between 1850-7, the acreage of wheat in the colony increased from 41,807 acres to 175,865 acres. By 1853, South Australia was the wheat-growing centre of Australia. Flour mills were also needed, and the mill at Parkside prospered. In 1858, the Register advertised for wheat to store or grind at the mill, "Grist done at moderate prices and punctually attended to."
After Daniel Ferguson's death, the family sold the mill. By this stage, the market for wheat had fallen off. The Observer of 30 July 1864 contained an advertisement which indicated the extent to which Daniel Ferguson had built up the mill.
By Order of the Executors of the late Daniel Ferguson, Esq , At The Farm, Glen Osmond Road. To Capitalists, Speculators, Millers and Others, THE PARKSIDE MILL, Townsend, Botting and Kay ... will sell by auction...on Friday Aug 5 at 12 o'clock --All that valuable Freehold property known as the Parkside Mill situated at Parkside on the Mount Barker Road. The Mill is a substantial stone building of three storey, with complete machinery and mill gear, comprising 15 horse-power engine, Shell boiler, and new tubular boiler, 3 pairs Stones, Smut-machine, Dressing-machine, &,& There is on the property a Stable and Cottage. The land is about half an acre in extent, of finest... There is a first-rate well of never-failing water on the premises. Terms of sale, one-third cash, one-third at one year and one-third at 2 years, with interest at 8%.
The land was later sub-divided. The Register of 24 November 1880 advertised an auction of "that valuable block of land situated at the corner of the Parkside Terrace and Glen Osmond Road on which stood the well-known Ferguson mill. To Capitalists and others. On Thursday Dec 2 the above will be laid out in suitable allotments. Lithograph plates will be prepared and issued in due course." Another notice in the 9 December 1880 Advertiser read "At Old Parkside Mill. Under distress for Water rates. Quantity building materials. Auction"
As District Councillor
The early introduction of elected local government was a distinctive feature of the establishment of South Australia as a colony. One of the first councils to be set up was the East Torrens Council, gazetted on 26.5.1853, under the District Councils Act of 1852. All occupiers of rateable land, whether tenants or owners had the right to vote. Daniel Ferguson was one of the 5 members elected to the first council, representing the Southern section.
The Council first met at the World's End Hotel, Magill, on 13 June 1853. They began with no funds, but had the power to take over from the government the collection of licence fees for timber-cutters, slaughterers and publicans. Annual rates were also set, on the English principle of three-quarters of the estimated value, or 5% of the capital value. An assessor was also appointed.
The East Torrens District covered an area of 100 square miles. In 1851, it had a population of 3,705, with 739 dwellings. The area proved too large to be administered by five part-time councillors and two paid staff. Following petitions, it was divided into two smaller units, one of which became Burnside Council. On 14 August 1856, the District Council of Burnside was proclaimed, covering 10 square miles of the original East Torrens area. Daniel Ferguson was again elected as one of the five councillors, this time representing Glen Osmond.
The first meeting of the Council was held on 19 August 1856, at the Greengate Inn, Tusmore. Dr Christopher Penfold was elected chairman. Although it has long since disappeared, a plaque commemorating the first meeting and listing the names of the first councillors has been erected near the site, unveiled in 1956. It was reported the first meeting:
Resolved, that Dr Penfold be Chairman of the Burnside District Council.
Resolved, that the future meetings be held at the same place on the second and last Friday of each month, and that the next meeting shall take place on the 29th of the present month.
Resolved, that the Chairman apply to the Colonial Secretary for an advance of funds.
Resolved, that three advertisements be inserted in the Register for a Clerk and he be called upon to find security to an amount of £50.
Resolved, that all funds received by the District Council of Burnside be paid into the Bank of South Australia
Resolved, that all cheques drawn against money so deposited shall be signed by the Chairman and one of the Councillors.
Resolved, that the Chairman and Councillors of the District of East Torrens, prior to the division, should be requested to divide the balance of funds in their hands amongst the three districts; and that the landed property of Woodforde should sold, and the proceeds divided as above in proportion to their respective assessments.
The newly formed council immediately faced the problem of by-elections. John Austin decided to move to Victoria and William Milne was found ineligible to be a councillor. The full council did not meet until 29 December 1856, comprised of Dr Penfold, Daniel Ferguson, John Townsend and the newly elected James Grylls and Alexander Fergusson.
Daniel Ferguson served as a councillor for Burnside from 1856-63. In 1859, he became its 3rd chairman, taking over from Alexander Fergusson, who had replaced Dr Penfold. Daniel remained chairman for 4 years, until his retirement from the Council not long before he died. When Daniel Ferguson was councillor, the Council had to meet in borrowed rooms. Early meetings continued to be held at the Greengate Inn, or at Alexander Fergusson's home at Monreith. Later, a room was leased in John Fort's home at Burnside for 5 shillings a week, which covered the room and "accommodation for horses, together with fire and candles where necessary."
The Council's annual income was less than £500. According to the 1861 census, Burnside had a population of 1,210 with 261 buildings. With a limited income, it was restricted in what it could do, even with government assistance. To ensure their needs were met, residents sometimes had to subscribe partially or wholly to local projects.
Much of the Council's business was connected with roads, and residents presented petitions asking Council to establish internal streets. At times, decisions were deferred for lack of funds. In some cases, funds were specially raised. For example, J. W. Bull, Osmond Gilles' manager, attended a Council meeting to arrange for a road on the northern side of the Woodley section. This was accepted on the understanding that "the undernamed having agreed to raise the sum of £60 for completing the same - Mr Milne £10, Ferguson £10, Sturkey £20, Edgar £5, Gryllis £5, Davenport £10"
The Council also had the power to appoint District Constables and to lay down by-laws. Offences were usually to do with riding or parking drays on the footpath, allowing cattle to stray, and stealing sand or gravel from roadworks. The Council was also responsible for ensuring Scotch thistles were cut down and stubble burnt off.
The control of the cutting down of trees was another issue that came up frequently. For example, it was noted in the Minutes in 1857:
April: Resolved that Mr Daniel Ferguson be empowered to sell two trees on Glen Osmond Road at £1 each.
June: Chairman reported that he with Crs Ferguson and Gryllis had examined the District Road leading past Sections 1062, 1070 and 1277 and found that a number of trees ... were marked off for the purpose of being cut down.
Resolved that the Clerk write to owners and occupiers of such Sections cautioning them against cutting down such timber.
July: Messrs Williams & Grant engaged with the Council to complete Milne's Bridge . for £20 provided the Council will find trees containing sufficient timber for the job. Mr Gryllis and Mr D. Ferguson to point out the trees.
As well as holding positions on Burnside Council, Daniel Ferguson also held other positions in civic life. He was a Justice of the Peace and from 1861, also served as a member of the Central Road Board. Set up in 1849, its task was to help control the development of main roads in the colony. Although short of funds, it could raise money from licence fees on carriages and carts. Edmund Bowman, whose niece Jane Forrester later married Daniel's son, was a fellow member. Robert Kelly, whose wife was related to Mark Goldsack, later to marry Daniel's daughter Mary, was also a member. Daniel attended meetings of the Board until just before his death.