Gold in the Mudgee Area in the 1850s
Gold was discovered in the Mudgee area in July 1851 and the gold rush began almost immediately.
Back in the cities, there was a huge amount of interest in the happenings on the goldfields and reporters regularly updated their eager readers. This page contains some of their reports which describe what life was like for the people who lived on the goldfields, eking out a living and hoping to make their fortunes.
Back in the cities, there was a huge amount of interest in the happenings on the goldfields and reporters regularly updated their eager readers. This page contains some of their reports which describe what life was like for the people who lived on the goldfields, eking out a living and hoping to make their fortunes.
From NSW Dept of Primary Industries newsletter "Prime Facts", Feb 2007
In July 1851 an Aboriginal stockman in the employ of Dr Kerr found a large mass of gold and quartz, weighing about 136kg and containing a hundred weight of gold (50.8kg) on the western side of the village of Hargraves.
This began a ‘rush’ to the area and the subsequent of many rich alluvial deposits along the creeks and gullies in the area, especially Meroo Creek, Louisa Creek, Long Creek, Dalys Creek, Clarkes Creek, Campbells Creek, and Oaky Creek.In the early 1850s between 124kg and 156kg of gold are said to have been sent away from the field every fortnight under police escort."
For more info see http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/109479/hargraves-goldfield.pdf
In July 1851 an Aboriginal stockman in the employ of Dr Kerr found a large mass of gold and quartz, weighing about 136kg and containing a hundred weight of gold (50.8kg) on the western side of the village of Hargraves.
This began a ‘rush’ to the area and the subsequent of many rich alluvial deposits along the creeks and gullies in the area, especially Meroo Creek, Louisa Creek, Long Creek, Dalys Creek, Clarkes Creek, Campbells Creek, and Oaky Creek.In the early 1850s between 124kg and 156kg of gold are said to have been sent away from the field every fortnight under police escort."
For more info see http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/109479/hargraves-goldfield.pdf
It is possible that William Wilson may have come to the goldfields near Mudgee with his two brothers who later returned to the US.
The reference in the following report to men who had been working the Californian goldfields is interesting given that William Wilson was American.
From the Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 20 September, 1851
GOLD FIELDS, MUDGEE.
SEPTEMBER 16. -
At present I have not time to enter into the full details of all the localities I have recently visited in this part of the gold district. My perambulations, or rather my peregrinations, have been of late rather varied and rapid, and merely to indicate the different scenes of the diggings will be nearly all that the time for the post will admit of.
Within the last week I have been along the Meroo, from its source to its junction with the Louisa, a distance I should say of above twenty miles. One party, about the middle of this distance, with whom I am very well acquainted, and who are quite novices in the new game, were making for the last nine days from 2 ounces to 2 1\4 ounces of gold daily. Another party, about seven miles lower, part of whose gold I bought, being without exception the finest and plumpest sample I have anywhere seen, informed me that they had been making from 8 to 9 1/4 ounces daily ; and when I expressed my pleasure and astonishment, and enquired how they had done so well and procured such a superior sample, I received the reply, " by picking the pockets." They had been in California, and it appears had profited by their experience, as I found that several parties adjoining had been netting only 1, 2, and 3 ounces a day, - many not even, that. This, however, would seem to prove .that want of experience and skill, as in all other trades, maybe the chief cause of failure.
From the junction of the Louisa towards the World's End, which is merely a part of the Maroo, a distance of about 12 miles more, there are many parties at work, some of whom are doing well, as I learn, though along this part of the river I have not travelled. The part called the World's End I had visited soon after it was discovered, about two months ago. Many of the diggers here have been doing very well of late, and when the water falls, as soon it will, the general impression is that their fortunes will be materially improved.
The Louisa, along which I have been from the source to the falls, a distance of about five miles, is held in the same estimation by many of those who have tried it, and according to their judgment will yet turn out the principal diggings in the neighbourhood; and along these and their numerous tributaries there is room for thousands.
Long Crock and the Devil's Hole Creek; (what a fearful name!) also tributaries of the Meroo, have been proved to be very rich. I saw within the last two days 1 3/4 oz, which was got by a prospecting party within a few hours, and yesterday morning they struck their tent by daylight, and after a hurried breakfast went off to it.
The reference in the following report to men who had been working the Californian goldfields is interesting given that William Wilson was American.
From the Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 20 September, 1851
GOLD FIELDS, MUDGEE.
SEPTEMBER 16. -
At present I have not time to enter into the full details of all the localities I have recently visited in this part of the gold district. My perambulations, or rather my peregrinations, have been of late rather varied and rapid, and merely to indicate the different scenes of the diggings will be nearly all that the time for the post will admit of.
Within the last week I have been along the Meroo, from its source to its junction with the Louisa, a distance I should say of above twenty miles. One party, about the middle of this distance, with whom I am very well acquainted, and who are quite novices in the new game, were making for the last nine days from 2 ounces to 2 1\4 ounces of gold daily. Another party, about seven miles lower, part of whose gold I bought, being without exception the finest and plumpest sample I have anywhere seen, informed me that they had been making from 8 to 9 1/4 ounces daily ; and when I expressed my pleasure and astonishment, and enquired how they had done so well and procured such a superior sample, I received the reply, " by picking the pockets." They had been in California, and it appears had profited by their experience, as I found that several parties adjoining had been netting only 1, 2, and 3 ounces a day, - many not even, that. This, however, would seem to prove .that want of experience and skill, as in all other trades, maybe the chief cause of failure.
From the junction of the Louisa towards the World's End, which is merely a part of the Maroo, a distance of about 12 miles more, there are many parties at work, some of whom are doing well, as I learn, though along this part of the river I have not travelled. The part called the World's End I had visited soon after it was discovered, about two months ago. Many of the diggers here have been doing very well of late, and when the water falls, as soon it will, the general impression is that their fortunes will be materially improved.
The Louisa, along which I have been from the source to the falls, a distance of about five miles, is held in the same estimation by many of those who have tried it, and according to their judgment will yet turn out the principal diggings in the neighbourhood; and along these and their numerous tributaries there is room for thousands.
Long Crock and the Devil's Hole Creek; (what a fearful name!) also tributaries of the Meroo, have been proved to be very rich. I saw within the last two days 1 3/4 oz, which was got by a prospecting party within a few hours, and yesterday morning they struck their tent by daylight, and after a hurried breakfast went off to it.
The following report mentions Devil's Hole Creek, where William Wilson and Winfred Seery lived.
From the Sydney Morning Herald, 3 October 1851
MEROO.
September 26 -
The MEROO AND LOUISA CREEK DIGGINGS –
At the Louisa Creek there are now about 200 persons at work, but on account of the way in which they shift about when one place is reported to be more prolific than another, it is difficult to arrive at a just calculation of the numbers.
In whatever direction you go you meet numerous parties prospecting. One man at the Louisa found a beautiful specimen, weighing 21ozs, the white quartz is mixed with the gold in quite a fret-work manner: the finder unfortunately broke his thigh a few days after, but is now progressing favorably under the care of Dr Gwynn.
There are also numerous creeks all of which fall into the Pyramul River, on the whole of which diggers are located, and are doing well, particularly on the Dirt hole Creek and the Devil's-hole Creek which falls into the Meroo; the Long Creek is also another good spot, diggers are located from the head of the Meroo to five miles below the World's End, a distance of thirty-two miles. One man last week obtained 9½ozs in a day, the average earnings certainly is not less that 1¼ per diem and this I am sure is a low estimate.
There are also many parties at work on the Pyramul, and ere long the whole of that river will probably be occupied. One principal cause of the unsettled habits of the population on the Meroo is that there is too much room, and consequently they are continually shifting: as soon as there are more people it will be worth securing all the good spots, and by this means much trouble will be saved to the Commissioner who now has too much work on his hands to carry out efficiently the intentions of the Government.
The people are in general well conducted and orderly, the only exceptions have been caused by the introduction of sly grog shops, which are always a curse to any place. The Commissioner, Mr Whitty, on Saturday week, seized a quantity of spirits, at the Louisa which of course was intended for sale on the next day, which is the day that these pests always reap their harvest of iniquity. The Commissioner, also (on information) searched other places and found plenty of kegs, but the rum had been disposed of.
From the appearance of those diggings, it is highly probable that as soon as the water is low, they will be highly productive and equal to the Turon itself; at present none of the parties are able to sink sufficiently deep. A man known as George the butcher, made above £300 out of one point in about three weeks.
From the Sydney Morning Herald, 3 October 1851
MEROO.
September 26 -
The MEROO AND LOUISA CREEK DIGGINGS –
At the Louisa Creek there are now about 200 persons at work, but on account of the way in which they shift about when one place is reported to be more prolific than another, it is difficult to arrive at a just calculation of the numbers.
In whatever direction you go you meet numerous parties prospecting. One man at the Louisa found a beautiful specimen, weighing 21ozs, the white quartz is mixed with the gold in quite a fret-work manner: the finder unfortunately broke his thigh a few days after, but is now progressing favorably under the care of Dr Gwynn.
There are also numerous creeks all of which fall into the Pyramul River, on the whole of which diggers are located, and are doing well, particularly on the Dirt hole Creek and the Devil's-hole Creek which falls into the Meroo; the Long Creek is also another good spot, diggers are located from the head of the Meroo to five miles below the World's End, a distance of thirty-two miles. One man last week obtained 9½ozs in a day, the average earnings certainly is not less that 1¼ per diem and this I am sure is a low estimate.
There are also many parties at work on the Pyramul, and ere long the whole of that river will probably be occupied. One principal cause of the unsettled habits of the population on the Meroo is that there is too much room, and consequently they are continually shifting: as soon as there are more people it will be worth securing all the good spots, and by this means much trouble will be saved to the Commissioner who now has too much work on his hands to carry out efficiently the intentions of the Government.
The people are in general well conducted and orderly, the only exceptions have been caused by the introduction of sly grog shops, which are always a curse to any place. The Commissioner, Mr Whitty, on Saturday week, seized a quantity of spirits, at the Louisa which of course was intended for sale on the next day, which is the day that these pests always reap their harvest of iniquity. The Commissioner, also (on information) searched other places and found plenty of kegs, but the rum had been disposed of.
From the appearance of those diggings, it is highly probable that as soon as the water is low, they will be highly productive and equal to the Turon itself; at present none of the parties are able to sink sufficiently deep. A man known as George the butcher, made above £300 out of one point in about three weeks.
This report refers to the fact that the community had not had a visit from a minister of religion for some six months at the time of writing. This is interesting because Winifred Seery and William Wilson were married in 1856 at Richardson' Point (later called Windeyer).
From The Maitland Mercury & Hunter Valley Advertiser, 8 February 1854
THE GOLD FIELDS.
DEVIL'S HOLE CREEK, MEROO.
(from the Empire.)
Since my last, a large addition to our population has been made, and ground which was formerly passed over as worthless, is now proved to be very rich and I am of opinion that the gullies and flats in this neighbourhood will prove to be the richest discovered in the western districts.
At the Red River Flat, above one hundred yards Irom the Red River Hotel, one party took out 32 ounces last week. Bailey's party have been equally successful. Neyle's party (himself and son) took out 30 ounces in a very short time. Singleton's party has been doing very well, making from 4 to 5 ounces daily; and I might fill a column with noticing similar instances of success. In fact, although these diggings have been discovered and scratched over for the last two and a half years, yet it is only now they are being properly worked.
I will state one instance to show the absurd manner these diggings have been worked; a lad named White, son of a digger, commenced a hole last week; while sinking several miners told him to desist, stating that to their certain knowledge no gold could be obtained there; the lad, however, persevered, and about three feet down, got a prospect of 3 dwts. in a tin dish, and in two days afterwards, the party obtained £37 worth of gold, and are now doing several ounces a day. Now, had the lad got disheartened by the miners' reports, it is very probable that a large amount of gold would have been undiscovered; and new arrivals, seeing a hole abandoned, would naturally suppose that the place was worthless; but, by the lad's perseverance, a large flat has been thrown open, with room for hundreds. I merely mention this to show the folk of abandoning holes until thoroughly bottomed. The gold in this neighbourhood is all nuggetty, being found from 17 ounces downwards, and perfectly different from that of the Meroo, to which this is a tributary. We have had delightful weather lately; the district is very quiet, and the police business very trifling, which may, in a great measure, be attributed to the determination of the authorities to put a stop to Sunday selling at the various public-houses; the diggings are, in consequence, as quiet and orderly as a peaceable village.
We are most in want of a minister of religion,no one having officiated since 18th August last, when the Rev. E. B. Penter favoured us with a visit.
Much dissatisfaction is felt at the post office authorities, in consequence of the partial discontinuance of the mail.
Until the 1st instant, the mail was delivered at Richardson's Point twice a week, since then the delivery has been only once a week, and as the return mail leaves the same day, no answer can be given for a week after; therefore, in a matter of life or death, parties from the Devil's Hole Creek cannot get their answers to Sydney in less than 11 days from the day of receipt. The attention of the Postmaster-General is invited to this subject, as the miners are determined, unless this grievance is redressed, to call a public meeting and petition his Excellency on the subject.
From The Maitland Mercury & Hunter Valley Advertiser, 8 February 1854
THE GOLD FIELDS.
DEVIL'S HOLE CREEK, MEROO.
(from the Empire.)
Since my last, a large addition to our population has been made, and ground which was formerly passed over as worthless, is now proved to be very rich and I am of opinion that the gullies and flats in this neighbourhood will prove to be the richest discovered in the western districts.
At the Red River Flat, above one hundred yards Irom the Red River Hotel, one party took out 32 ounces last week. Bailey's party have been equally successful. Neyle's party (himself and son) took out 30 ounces in a very short time. Singleton's party has been doing very well, making from 4 to 5 ounces daily; and I might fill a column with noticing similar instances of success. In fact, although these diggings have been discovered and scratched over for the last two and a half years, yet it is only now they are being properly worked.
I will state one instance to show the absurd manner these diggings have been worked; a lad named White, son of a digger, commenced a hole last week; while sinking several miners told him to desist, stating that to their certain knowledge no gold could be obtained there; the lad, however, persevered, and about three feet down, got a prospect of 3 dwts. in a tin dish, and in two days afterwards, the party obtained £37 worth of gold, and are now doing several ounces a day. Now, had the lad got disheartened by the miners' reports, it is very probable that a large amount of gold would have been undiscovered; and new arrivals, seeing a hole abandoned, would naturally suppose that the place was worthless; but, by the lad's perseverance, a large flat has been thrown open, with room for hundreds. I merely mention this to show the folk of abandoning holes until thoroughly bottomed. The gold in this neighbourhood is all nuggetty, being found from 17 ounces downwards, and perfectly different from that of the Meroo, to which this is a tributary. We have had delightful weather lately; the district is very quiet, and the police business very trifling, which may, in a great measure, be attributed to the determination of the authorities to put a stop to Sunday selling at the various public-houses; the diggings are, in consequence, as quiet and orderly as a peaceable village.
We are most in want of a minister of religion,no one having officiated since 18th August last, when the Rev. E. B. Penter favoured us with a visit.
Much dissatisfaction is felt at the post office authorities, in consequence of the partial discontinuance of the mail.
Until the 1st instant, the mail was delivered at Richardson's Point twice a week, since then the delivery has been only once a week, and as the return mail leaves the same day, no answer can be given for a week after; therefore, in a matter of life or death, parties from the Devil's Hole Creek cannot get their answers to Sydney in less than 11 days from the day of receipt. The attention of the Postmaster-General is invited to this subject, as the miners are determined, unless this grievance is redressed, to call a public meeting and petition his Excellency on the subject.
From the GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, Tuesday 20 December 1859
RICHARDSON'S POINT.
Notice is hereby given, that the Post Office hitherto known as " Richardson's Point" will henceforth bear the designation of "Windeyer." Residents of that locality are therefore recommended to advise their correspondents of the change of the name, so as to ensure the due delivery of their letters and newspapers.
RICHARDSON'S POINT.
Notice is hereby given, that the Post Office hitherto known as " Richardson's Point" will henceforth bear the designation of "Windeyer." Residents of that locality are therefore recommended to advise their correspondents of the change of the name, so as to ensure the due delivery of their letters and newspapers.
The article on the left describes the profitable finds being made in 1860 when William and Winifred Wilson were possibly still on the goldfields at Devil's Hole Creek.
By the 1860s, William was a grazier and farmer in the Tarlo, Cotton Valley (Cotta Walla) and Woodhouselee areas. The family story is that he had cattle and horses and was comfortably off so perhaps he made enough money from gold mining to buy land and start a farm.
I'd like confirmation of this but it does seem to be a likely scenario.
From The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser, 6 November 1860
MUDGEE
(from The Empire's Correspondent.)
NUGGETS AT MEROO -
Several fine nuggets of gold have been found during the week, near to Windeyer, Devil's Hole Creek and Gratti, 8 miles from Midgee, weighing 60 ounces, 48 ounces, 41 ounces, 10 dwts; 30 ounces, 20 ounces and downwards.
A quartz reef has been discovered at the Devil's Hole Creek, which promises to prove rich. There has been a new crushing machine erected a few days since on the reefs. At the Meroo, the yield is not yet known but will be in a few days. Some 150 diggers, who left here for Kiandra some two months since, have all returned. The only drawback on the Meroo and its tributaries is the want of water to work the pug mills. I am of opinion that the Western goldfields will turn out as good as ever. The Chinamen here expect 1000 of their brethren diggers in a few days from the south, Kiandra.
In reference to the Land Bill, much anxiety exists. The way members vote is closely watched.
By the 1860s, William was a grazier and farmer in the Tarlo, Cotton Valley (Cotta Walla) and Woodhouselee areas. The family story is that he had cattle and horses and was comfortably off so perhaps he made enough money from gold mining to buy land and start a farm.
I'd like confirmation of this but it does seem to be a likely scenario.
From The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser, 6 November 1860
MUDGEE
(from The Empire's Correspondent.)
NUGGETS AT MEROO -
Several fine nuggets of gold have been found during the week, near to Windeyer, Devil's Hole Creek and Gratti, 8 miles from Midgee, weighing 60 ounces, 48 ounces, 41 ounces, 10 dwts; 30 ounces, 20 ounces and downwards.
A quartz reef has been discovered at the Devil's Hole Creek, which promises to prove rich. There has been a new crushing machine erected a few days since on the reefs. At the Meroo, the yield is not yet known but will be in a few days. Some 150 diggers, who left here for Kiandra some two months since, have all returned. The only drawback on the Meroo and its tributaries is the want of water to work the pug mills. I am of opinion that the Western goldfields will turn out as good as ever. The Chinamen here expect 1000 of their brethren diggers in a few days from the south, Kiandra.
In reference to the Land Bill, much anxiety exists. The way members vote is closely watched.