Australian Dictionary of Biography

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Born” 22 APR 1867 of Littleton Ernest Groom

"was born on 22 April 1867 at Toowoomba, Queensland, third son of William Henry Groom, and his wife, Grace, née Littleton"

Supports refining the imported bare-year BIRT event to the exact date and narrowing its place from Queensland to Toowoomba. Neither value is contradicted.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Born” 5 SEP 1918 of Robert Cummin Katter

was born Cummin Katter on 5 September 1918 in South Brisbane, fourth child of Carl Robert Katter, a Lebanese draper, and his locally born wife Vivian Bridget, nee Warby

Corroborates the existing BIRT event: 5 SEP 1918, South Brisbane.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Died” 18 MAR 1990 of Robert Cummin Katter

He died on 18 March 1990 at Mount Isa and was buried in Sunset lawn cemetery; his wife and their two sons and daughter survived him, as did the two sons and daughter of his first marriage.

Corroborates the existing DEAT event: 18 MAR 1990, Mount Isa.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Born” 11 FEB 1843 of Hugh Mosman

Hugh Mosman (1843-1909), mine owner, was born on 11 February 1843 at Mosman's Bay, Sydney, eldest son of Archibald Mosman and his wife Harriet, nee Farquharson.

Supports the existing BIRT event; ADB gives Mosman's Bay specifically, within Sydney as recorded.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Died” 15 NOV 1909 of Hugh Mosman

After many months of illness his placid and comfortable life ended at Toowong on 15 November 1909.

Supports the existing DEAT event and the refinement of the death place from Queensland to Toowong.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Died” 5 APR 1939 of James Tolmie

An active Presbyterian and Freemason, he died on 5 April 1939 and was buried in Toowoomba cemetery, leaving an estate sworn for probate at 4343 pounds. He had not married.

Supports the death date already in the tree and the refinement of the death place from Queensland to Toowoomba. The pound sign in the original is transcribed as 'pounds'.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Married” 22 APR 1944 of Robert Cummin Katter & Mabel Joan Horn

"On 22 April 1944 at the Church of the Holy Spirit, New Farm, Brisbane, he married with Catholic rites Mabel Joan Horn."

Independent secondary agreement with the Queensland registration, and the source for the place now attached to this event (New Farm, place #497). The same entry gives "born Cummin Katter on 5 September 1918 in South Brisbane" and "He died on 18 March 1990 at Mount Isa", both matching the tree.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Immigrated (Arrival in New South Wales)” 1838 of Arthur Hunter Palmer

"Educated at Youghal Grammar School and by a private tutor in Dublin, Palmer sailed in the City of Edinburgh and arrived at Sydney in 1838."

ADB, opening paragraph.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Education (Youghal Grammar School)” of Arthur Hunter Palmer

"Educated at Youghal Grammar School and by a private tutor in Dublin, Palmer sailed in the City of Edinburgh and arrived at Sydney in 1838."

ADB, opening paragraph.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Occupation (Manager, Dangar pastoral holdings)” FROM 1840 TO 1863 of Arthur Hunter Palmer

"In 1839 he worked on a property in the Illawarra district, probably as a jackeroo, and in 1840 became manager of the New England pastoral holdings of Henry Dangar" ... "On his return in 1856 an agreement was drawn up making Palmer general manager of all the Dangar holdings, thereby enabling him to accumulate much capital and stock." ... "He did not press his claims and continued to manage the Dangar affairs until 1863 when the conditions of the agreement were fulfilled."

ADB, pastoral career.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Occupation (Pastoralist, Beaufort Station)” FROM 1863 TO 1897 of Arthur Hunter Palmer

"After failing to obtain suitable land in the Mitchell District, Palmer leased thirteen runs totalling 900 sq. miles (2331km2) near the Belyando River in the South Kennedy District in 1863; he called his station Beaufort." ... "To improve his stock he bought rams at the Darling Downs Sheep Show in July 1864." ... "Over the years he expanded Beaufort and speculated in other land holdings, but with the succession of financial crises, the application of land Acts to large stations and Palmer's troubles as a director of the Queensland National Bank, Beaufort passed from his possession in 1897."

ADB, pastoral career. No place row exists for Beaufort Station or the Belyando River, so the run is named in the summary only.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Magistrate, Port Curtis District” 1865 of Arthur Hunter Palmer

"Once established as a successful pastoralist, Palmer began to take an active part in local politics. In 1865 he acted as a magistrate in the Port Curtis District."

ADB. Wikipedia likewise: "He began acting as a magistrate in 1865."

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Colonial Secretary and Secretary for Public Works, Queensland” FROM 1867 TO 1868 of Arthur Hunter Palmer

"After the Macalister government fell in 1867, Palmer became colonial secretary and secretary for public works under R. R. Mackenzie" ... "The ministry had come to power in difficult times, and Palmer initiated stringent economies in the government departments. Because of his affiliation with the squatter party and his retrenchment policy, he was bitterly criticized by the liberal faction" ... "The Mackenzie ministry fell in November 1868 and Palmer joined the Opposition."

ADB. The ADB 'Groups' index lists him under "Mackenzie Ministry (Qld) (1867-68)".

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Premier of Queensland” FROM 3 MAY 1870 TO 7 JAN 1874 of Arthur Hunter Palmer

"When Charles Lilley 's ministry fell in May 1870 Governor Blackall asked Palmer to take the reins of government." ... "Palmer was colonial secretary and premier, holding office until January 1874." ... "During his premiership general elections were held in September 1870, September 1871 and December 1873." ... "Because of the depressed economy in 1870 Palmer again adopted a retrenchment policy, an action far from popular with city dwellers." ... "Most significant for Palmer was the Electoral Redistribution Act which divided the colony according to the proportion of adult males and allowed one member for each electorate" ... "a Homestead Areas Act which provided for the resumption of runs in the Darling Downs and the Moreton District to permit the increase of small-scale settlement on the land" ... "It failed at the second reading with most of Palmer's colleagues voting against it and he resigned." ... "When parliament assembled on 6 January 1874 Palmer was defeated and became leader of the Opposition."

ADB for the substance. Exact start and end dates and the predecessor/successor from the Wikipedia infobox: "office = 5th Premier of Queensland | term_start = 3 May 1870 | term_end = 7 January 1874 | predecessor = Charles Lilley | successor = Arthur Macalister", matching Wikidata P39 Premier of Queensland 3 May 1870 - 7 January 1874.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Leader of the Opposition, Queensland” FROM 1874 TO 1878 of Arthur Hunter Palmer

"When parliament assembled on 6 January 1874 Palmer was defeated and became leader of the Opposition." ... "He associated more and more with Thomas McIlwraith , who increased control of Palmer's political party. In 1878 he retired as leader of the Opposition in favour of McIlwraith and was elected for North Brisbane"

ADB.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Colonial Secretary and Secretary for Public Instruction, Queensland” FROM JAN 1879 TO 1881 of Arthur Hunter Palmer

"McIlwraith became premier and in January 1879 Palmer was appointed colonial secretary, secretary for public instruction and president of the Executive Council." ... "For a time in 1879-80 Palmer acted as premier while McIlwraith was in England negotiating an ambitious loan of 3 million for public works." ... "in 1880 Griffith accused Palmer and McIlwraith of owning shares in the shipping firm of McIlwraith, McEacharn & Co. which had been granted the contract to ship steel rails for Queensland railway construction. Both were exonerated from this scandal by a royal commission in 1881."

ADB. Wikipedia gives the same office: "Palmer became Colonial Secretary and Secretary for Public Instruction in January 1879." The ADB Groups index lists "McIlwraith Ministry (Qld) (1879-83)".

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Administrator of the Government of Queensland” FROM 2 MAY 1883 TO 6 NOV 1883 of Arthur Hunter Palmer

"From 2 May to 6 November 1883 and from 9 October 1888 to 1 May 1889 he acted as administrator of the colony in the absence of the governor"

ADB. Wikipedia gives the same period: "Palmer served as Administrator (deputy to the Governor) from 2 May 1883 to 6 November 1883".

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Administrator of the Government of Queensland” FROM 9 OCT 1888 TO 1 MAY 1889 of Arthur Hunter Palmer

"From 2 May to 6 November 1883 and from 9 October 1888 to 1 May 1889 he acted as administrator of the colony in the absence of the governor"

ADB; Wikipedia agrees on the same dates.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Lieutenant-Governor of Queensland” FROM 15 NOV 1895 TO 9 APR 1896 of Arthur Hunter Palmer

"and from 15 November 1895 to 9 April 1896 was the first lieutenant-governor of the colony"

ADB; Wikipedia agrees: "He also served as Lieutenant-Governor of Queensland from 15 November 1895 to 9 April 1896." The ADB occupation index also lists "lieutenant-governor".

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Education (Rugby School)” FROM 1843 TO 1847 of John Douglas

"He was educated at the Edinburgh Academy, Rugby in 1843-47 and the University of Durham (B.A., 1850)."

ADB gives the Rugby years directly.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Graduated (University of Durham)” 1850 of John Douglas

"He was educated at the Edinburgh Academy, Rugby in 1843-47 and the University of Durham (B.A., 1850)."

ADB gives the degree and year.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Occupation (Pastoralist)” FROM 1854 TO 1862 of John Douglas

"In 1854 with Hood they went to the Darling Downs and bought, reputedly for £50,000, the 64,000-acre (25,900 ha) station Talgai which in 1853 ran 20,900 sheep." ... "Meanwhile Douglas, besides holding Talgai until 1862, may have had an interest in another Hood property, Langton Downs near Clermont; on 13 July 1860 he bought in the Port Curtis district six pastoral runs, Tivoli, Borenia, Dundee, Montrose, Panuco and Tooloombah, sometimes collectively known as Tooloombah."

Two sentences from the ADB entry, covering the Talgai purchase and the Port Curtis runs.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Postmaster-General of Queensland” FROM 1 MAR 1866 TO 20 JUL 1866 of John Douglas

"When Arthur Macalister became premier in 1866 Douglas accepted office as a minister without portfolio from 1 to 28 February and postmaster-general from 1 March to 20 July and leader of the government in the Legislative Council."

ADB gives the office and its exact dates.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Treasurer of Queensland” FROM 19 DEC 1866 TO 21 MAY 1867 of John Douglas

"He was treasurer from 19 December 1866 to 21 May 1867 and then secretary for public works until 15 August."

ADB dates. Wikipedia's infobox agrees: "5th Treasurer of Queensland — In office 19 December 1866 – 21 May 1867 — Preceded by John Donald McLean — Succeeded by Thomas Blacket Stephens".

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Secretary for Public Works, Queensland” FROM 21 MAY 1867 TO 15 AUG 1867 of John Douglas

"He was treasurer from 19 December 1866 to 21 May 1867 and then secretary for public works until 15 August."

The "until 15 August" runs on from the 1867 treasurership, so the works term is 21 May to 15 August 1867.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Postmaster-General of Queensland” FROM 12 DEC 1868 TO 13 NOV 1869 of John Douglas

"Despite his attitudes he was returned for the Eastern Downs in 1868 and when the liberal (Sir) Charles Lilley became premier Douglas held office as postmaster-general from 12 December to 13 November 1869 and moved into the Legislative Council as leader of the government on the understanding that he would be appointed Queensland's emigration agent and agent-general in England at £1000 a year."

The ADB writes "from 12 December to 13 November 1869"; the start is 12 December 1868, consistent with the Council term beginning 11 December 1868.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Agent-General for Queensland in England” FROM 15 SEP 1869 TO 29 DEC 1870 of John Douglas

"In these posts from 15 September 1869 to 29 December 1870 he vigorously advocated migration to Queensland, tried vainly to promote a cable from Java to Queensland, made useful contacts with the Colonial Office but resigned after disagreements with the Palmer ministry."

"These posts" refers to the immediately preceding sentence: "Queensland's emigration agent and agent-general in England at £1000 a year".

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Secretary for Public Lands, Queensland” FROM 5 JUN 1876 TO 8 MAR 1877 of John Douglas

"On 23 April he was returned for Maryborough and in the Thorn ministry as secretary for public lands from 5 June 1876 to 8 March 1877 introduced two minor bills which became the Crown Lands Alienation Act and the Settled Districts Pastoral Leases Act. He was also vice-president of the Executive Council."

ADB dates for the lands portfolio under Thorn.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Premier of Queensland” FROM 8 MAR 1877 TO 21 JAN 1879 of John Douglas

"He replaced Thorn as premier in 1877, combining this position with lands from 8 March to 7 November and with the colonial secretaryship from 7 November 1877 to 21 January 1879. As leader of the Liberals against the Nationalists Douglas could do little while his party was losing popular support. He had alienated some voters by his desire to use land sale revenue to extend railways as far as the Gulf of Carpentaria. He found more support for his anti-Chinese legislation, keeping many of these unwanted migrants out of Queensland by quarantine regulations while his bill awaited royal assent."

ADB. Wikipedia's infobox gives the same term: "7th Premier of Queensland — In office 8 March 1877 – 21 January 1879 — Preceded by George Thorn — Succeeded by Thomas McIlwraith — Constituency Maryborough".

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Colonial Secretary of Queensland” FROM 7 NOV 1877 TO 21 JAN 1879 of John Douglas

"He replaced Thorn as premier in 1877, combining this position with lands from 8 March to 7 November and with the colonial secretaryship from 7 November 1877 to 21 January 1879."

ADB dates for the colonial secretaryship.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Title (CMG)” 1877 of John Douglas

"In 1877 he was appointed C.M.G."

ADB. Wikipedia carries the post-nominal CMG on the article title.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Government Resident and Police Magistrate, Thursday Island” FROM APR 1885 TO 23 JUL 1904 of John Douglas

"In April 1885 he was offered the post of government resident and police magistrate at Thursday Island. In July he visited most of the islands of Torres Strait in his charge, and accompanied Captain Everill's expedition for the Geographical Society of Australasia up the Fly River in New Guinea." ... "In 1888 he returned to Thursday Island where, apart from a visit to Britain in 1902, he remained in charge until his death on 23 July 1904." ... "his Past and Present of Thursday Island and Torres Straits (Brisbane, 1900) ended with a plea for a 'yes' vote for the 'triumphant consummation of our Australian Constitutional Commonwealth'." ... "Port Douglas, in northern Queensland, was named while he was premier and a memorial chapel was built in the cathedral on Thursday Island."

Four passages from the ADB entry covering the whole Thursday Island residency.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Special Commissioner for the Protectorate of British New Guinea” FROM DEC 1885 TO SEP 1888 of John Douglas

"After Sir Peter Scratchley died in December 1885 Douglas was appointed special commissioner of the protectorate of British New Guinea; he remained in charge until its annexation in September 1888. As a commissioner with few defined powers Douglas realized that he could not achieve much" ... "His general lines of policy followed those of Scratchley and the spirit of J. E. Erskine's proclamation: to protect the Papuans yet to develop the island for Europeans. His long crusade for financial support from the Australian colonies was fruitless" ... "Douglas was not chosen for the permanent appointment"

Three passages from the ADB entry on the New Guinea commission.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Education (The King's School, Parramatta)” of Hugh Mosman

Educated at The King's School, Parramatta, he was one of the many young men who, attracted to Queensland in 1860 by the pastoral boom, found themselves penniless after the slump of 1866 and contraction of the northern and western pastoral frontier.

ADB gives no dates of attendance, so the event carries none.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Occupation (Pastoralist)” FROM 1860 TO 1866 of Hugh Mosman

he was one of the many young men who, attracted to Queensland in 1860 by the pastoral boom, found themselves penniless after the slump of 1866 and contraction of the northern and western pastoral frontier.

Date range taken directly from the two years named in the quote.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Occupation (Prospector)” 1871 of Hugh Mosman

Like other broken squatters he turned to prospecting, basing himself on the newly-discovered Ravenswood field. With George Clarke and James Fraser, Mosman prospected the country west of Ravenswood late in December 1871.

Dated 1871 from the December 1871 prospecting trip named in the same passage.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Discovery of the Charters Towers goldfield” 24 DEC 1871 of Hugh Mosman

With George Clarke and James Fraser, Mosman prospected the country west of Ravenswood late in December 1871. There his eleven-year-old Aboriginal servant, Jupiter, found promising traces of gold at a place which Mosman named Charters Tors (Towers) in honour of the mining warden, W. S. E. M. Charters. The find was reported in January 1872 and stimulated a rush which founded north Queensland's richest goldfield.

ADB dates the trip only to late December 1871; the exact day comes from the Wikipedia citation on the same event.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Discovery of the Charters Towers goldfield” 24 DEC 1871 of Hugh Mosman

He was one of the social lions of Charters Towers and the main street was named after him.

Supports the last sentence of the summary. Note the town itself is named for warden Charters, not for Mosman; only the main street carries Mosman's name.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Occupation (Mine owner)” FROM 1872 TO 1886 of Hugh Mosman

Mosman's life was easy from that time onward. Between 1872 and 1886 he floated or participated in several reefing companies.

Date range taken from the quote.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Mining accident” 1882 of Hugh Mosman

In 1882 Mosman lost his left forearm in a premature explosion of dynamite but the accident did not affect his activities.

Place inferred as Charters Towers, where his mining interests lay per the same entry.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Member, Queensland Legislative Council” FROM JUN 1891 TO JAN 1905 of Hugh Mosman

he kept out of public life until June 1891 when he accepted nomination to the Queensland Legislative Council. His speeches were few, conservative and unremarkable and he resigned in January 1905.

Nominated, not elected: the Queensland Legislative Council was an appointed chamber. He was not a Legislative Assembly member for Townsville.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Queensland Turf Club Derby, winning owner” 1902 of Hugh Mosman

His great enthusiasm was the turf and his highlight was the winning of the Queensland Turf Club Derby with Balfour in 1902.

The Queensland Turf Club raced at Eagle Farm, Brisbane; place recorded at city level.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Probate (Estate)” of Hugh Mosman

Unmarried, he left an estate of more than £70,000 to his relations.

ADB gives no probate date, so the event carries none.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Baptized” 7 APR 1833 of William Henry Groom

"William Henry Groom (1833-1901), politician, publicist and newspaper-owner, was baptized on 7 April 1833 at Plymouth, England, son of Thomas Groom, cordwainer, and his wife Maria, nee Harkcom."

The ADB gives the baptism date rather than a birth date; the Queensland register and Wikidata give the birth as 9 March 1833, which is consistent with a baptism four weeks later.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Conviction and Sentence of Transportation” 26 OCT 1846 of William Henry Groom

"On 26 October 1846 he was convicted of stealing and sentenced at the Plymouth Quarter Sessions to seven years' transportation."

Wikipedia describes the offence as embezzlement; the ADB wording (stealing) is followed here.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Immigrated (Transported convict, Hashemy)” 8 JUN 1849 of William Henry Groom

"From Pentonville he was sent to Sydney in the Hashemy and arrived in Sydney on 8 June 1849."

Secondary account of the transportation; the convict indent itself was not consulted.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Conditional Pardon” OCT 1849 of William Henry Groom

"He was conditionally pardoned in October and worked near Bathurst."

The Parliament of Australia first-Parliament exhibition agrees: "He was conditionally pardoned in October 1849 and worked in the Bathurst and Turon areas in New South Wales." No place is linked because the pardon's location is not stated.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Occupation (Storekeeper and Auctioneer)” FROM AUG 1856 of William Henry Groom

"On his release he migrated to Queensland where in August 1856 he set up as a store-keeper and auctioneer at Drayton. He was financed by a Cornishman, John Thomas Littleton, whose sister Grace (b.8 June 1838) he married in 1859."

Also a second confirmation of the wife's identity, since the tree records the spouse as Grace Littleton.

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Occupation (Proprietor, The Toowoomba Chronicle)” FROM 1874 TO 1901 of William Henry Groom

"In 1872 he built a store and hotel at Stanthorpe but returned to Toowoomba in 1874 and bought a share in the Toowoomba Chronicle. As sole proprietor in 1876-1901 he made it the most powerful newspaper on the Darling Downs."

The Queensland Parliament register agrees: "Bought a share in the Toowoomba Chronicle in 1874 and was sole proprietor from 1876 to 1901".

Australian Dictionary of Biography · National Centre of Biography, Australian National University

For “Education (Sydney Grammar School and the University of Sydney)” 1860 of Boyd Dunlop Morehead

Educated at Cape's school in Scotland for eighteen months and Sydney Grammar School, he matriculated at the University of Sydney in 1860 but left after two terms.

ADB, opening paragraph.