Hi Listers, I was reading an account of the Windsor Fire in the Sydney Morning Herald. This was published on the 26th December 1874. Seems like "deja vu" with the Canberra fire of early January this year. I will not re-write all the article only certain particulars and the names of people. But if you are interested in looking at it, it makes interesting reading. The Disastrous Fire at Windsor. Without doubt the most alarming and disastrous conflagation that was ever witnessed here, and probably in any other town in this colony occurred on Wednesday last. A heavy gale was blowing from early morning, and increased by 1 o'clock pm, into a terrific hurricane. The atmosphere was densley intensified by the smoke from the bush fires from almost every point of the compass. At 2 pm an alarm of fire was raised in the town, and the news rapidly ran that several places were on fire, which was readily verified by the appearance of the flames. From the best information that can be obtained there were, if the expression can be pardoned, two origins. It then goes on to say that one origin of the fire was Montgomery's blacksmith shop then crossed George Street to O'Hara's stores. Then to the premises of Mr Gosper in Macquarie street which included a number of large wooden buildings including Mr Gosper's dwelling house. Then to the adjoining dwelling house and tannery of Mr Linsley and on the other side,Mr Dunstan's house. At the same time across the street to the row of houses occupied by Mr W Alderson and others, and to Mr Alderson's tannery buildings - extending to the Oddfellows' Hall - a large brick building - and Mr Tilley's weatherboard cottage adjoining, all of which were destroyed. The fire took a resistless course up both sides of Macquarie street demolishing a row of cottages and the Wesleyan chapel and mission -house on one side and buildings of Mr Calloway, Mr John Bowling [occupied by Mr J Pender], a large barn [property of Mr John Wood], and the whole of the valuable premises of Mrs Rochester on the other. The second fire broke out in Whittaker's buildings in George-street, part occupies by Mr W Byrnes as a grocery store, and part by the Hawkesbury Times office. The flames communicated to the Barraba Hotel, kept by Miss Bushell, a small tenement adjoining, and then with Mortley's boot shop, and Byram's chemist's shop. From the Barraba Hotel [which is situated at the corner of George and Fitzgerald streets] the fire ran down Fitzgerald street, consuming all the buildings on the southern side. Mr John Wood's house and premises were also burnt down. Two other houses in George street have also been destroyed, the one occupied by Mrs Stubbs and the other, a two storied brick house occupied by Mr Trathen. The fire was raging at 3.00pm and fire engines were telegraphed for to Sydney. They arrived by a quarter to 5 by special train and another by ordinary train at 7.00pm. The fire was not under control til late that night. Mention was made of Mr Bown, Mr Coley, Mrs William Alderson [who was carried from the fire by her son]. And special mention was made of Rev C F Garnsey, W Gosper, j Holmes, A Town, S Greenwell, W Beard and J Crowley. Deaths were an old woman named Eliza Wilson at Windsor and Mrs Abraham Johnston died while travelling in a buggy through Wilberforce Common and her clothes caught fire. There is a lot of detail in the article which runs a full column. Also another fire was mentioned at Waratah in the next column. Kristine Wood

Hi List I have a birthplace Hawkesbury River, birth was approx 1845. Can someone please advise me as to how and exactly where this would be Many thanks Maria Central Coast, NSW Australia

Gee Pam, I better take my blinkers off next time <vbg> or get some specs ! Diane ----- Original Message ----- From: "Pamela Hogan" <pamh52@bigpond.com> Subject: [H,H,HV] Stare Records Kingswood > I have had no problems in getting tea and coffee at > Kingswood as there is a tea room there. > Cheers > Pam

I just received my copy of the new "Windsor & Richmond Gazette Index 1911 to 1915" from the Gow's. I just wanted to thank them for their valuable contribution to local & family history. The index has been extremely useful already. For many years I have been assisting with research on the Fiaschi family. (Dr Thomas Fiaschi was a well known surgeon at Windsor & Sydney Hospital and also established the Tizzana Winery at Sackville. Some listers maybe aware of the 'Il Porcellino' statue which was presented to Sydney Hospital in l968 by the Marchessa Clarissa Torrigiani in memory of her father – Dr Thomas Fiaschi who died in 1928 & her brother, Dr Piero Fiaschi who died in 1948) As per the recent discussion about checking all indexes irrespective of dates & place range, three of the Fiaschi references refer to events overseas, i.e. Lemnos Island & Florence, Italy. For details about this & other titles contact rgow@ceinternet.com.au Michelle Nichols _________________________________________________________________ Hotmail now available on Australian mobile phones. Go to http://ninemsn.com.au/mobilecentral/hotmail_mobile.asp

Hello All Does anyone know of Sarah McDuff nee Graham who had a son Henry to George Henry Ancel in 1866 at Windsor?. On the Arndell's Pioneer Hawkesbury families index, it is mentioned that George was a Gent, and Sarah was a domestic. May have sent a similar message a few days ago, but did not know of the extra name of Graham. Looking forward to hearing from you. ANNE

I have had no problems in getting tea and coffee at Kingswood as there is a tea room there. Also provide at the counter are a small selection of chips and biscuits etc. Cheers Pam

Dear Dianne, They do have a nice "Readers lounge" on the same floor as the research room. They even provide the tea and coffee, jug, milk etc. Some less than nice person frequently helps themselves to the supplies. The nearest shops are a couple of Km away though, and research work is hungry work too. so I usually advise people who have not been there to take lunch. Sincerely, Bill Diane wrote: > I wonder if they are open to suggestions Bill ?

Thanks everyone for the leads on James Roy. I'll follow them up. Happy hunting all, Justine. _________________________________________________________________ MSN Instant Messenger now available on Australian mobile phones. Go to http://ninemsn.com.au/mobilecentral/hotmail_messenger.asp

----- Original Message ----- From: "Justine Atkinson" <jay_i_am@hotmail.com> To: <AUS-NSW-HILLS-HAWKESBURY-HUNTER-VALLEY- L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 12, 2003 10:18 AM Subject: [H,H,HV] speaking of inquests > Morning All, > > This is slightly off the list, but does anyone know if there is anywhere in > NSW where I can find the inquest for a death in Victoria. Hi Justine The corners Courts are a State Gov utility so you wont find the actual docs in NSW Inquest for Victoria are out on a CD . If he was known in the Newcastle area there could be some ref to his death in the Newcastle Herald . Try subbing to the Melbourne list or check on the help list . Maybe you can find a SKS who will check at the Vic PRO for you No all Coroners inquest docs have survived Bye MargM Beautiful Central Coast of NSW Australia

Hi Justine, The following may be of interest ... http://home.vicnet.net.au/~dpsoc/inquest.htm#New%20South%20Wales Note: A consolidated index to inquests (1840 - 1985) is available on either fiche or CD. Copies are available at genealogical societies or you can purchase your own copy from Macbeths. They may be able to advise if, and where, this index is available in NSW. Diane ----- Original Message ----- From: "Justine Atkinson" <jay_i_am@hotmail.com> Subject: [H,H,HV] speaking of inquests > Morning All, > This is slightly off the list, but does anyone know if there is anywhere > in NSW where I can find the inquest for a death in Victoria. My ggg > grandfather James ROY, who lived in Adamstown Newcastle from > 1884 till whenever it was that they moved interstate, died in Outtrim > Victoria in 1896, I think from a mining accident. > Regards, > Justine Atkinson > Newcastle Australia.

I wonder if they are open to suggestions Bill ? A small tea/coffee/lunch room would be a great idea ! and it is sometimes very hot out there in the middle of summer. Like you say, always take a picnic lunch :) Diane ----- Original Message ----- From: "bilshute" <bilshute@ozemail.com.au> Subject: Re: [H,H,HV] Re Sorry about last night's text. > If you are going to KINGSWOOD remember to take lunch > as there are no shops nearby. > Sincerely, Bill

Forwarded from Admin ... ----- Original Message ----- From: "Maitland Family History Circle Inc." <mfhc@kooee.com.au> > Hello All, > The Maitland Family History Circle Inc. will be holding a > seminar with Joy and Allan Murrin on the 22nd March 2003. > Where: Maitland Room, Maitland Town Hall > Time: 10am - 2pm > Cost: $5 members, $7.50 non-members - includes a light > lunch. Bookings: Essential - Phone (02)49375301 or e-mail > mfhc@kooee.com.au > > The seminar will cover such topics as: > * Using the NSW BDM Index to find your relatives. > * NSW Civil Registration and early Church records. > What detail is provided and how to use it. > * Types of NSW transcriptions. > * NSW Registrations - some essential know-how's - > districts, names, registration numbers, acts of law. > Considerations if your relative is not listed on the index. > * LDS Catalogue an overlooked resource. > Searching by place, ordering films. > * Beyond the International Genealogical Index (IGI). > What is it and what it is not. > * IGI - identifying the primary source document and > ordering films from LDS Family History Centres > * Civil Registrations in the UK. > * Details recorded on Civil Registrations (UK) > * Civil Registration Index format film/fiche/quarters (UK) > * Using the British Census - 1881 and others in the UK. > * Parish Records (UK) > * The Scotland Church Record Index 1555 - 1854 > As well as the above attendees on the day will receive the > following discounts on any certificate ordered on the day. > NSW - full transcription $14 save $1 > England - $30 save $2 > Scotland - $22 save $2 > > Ann Campbell > President > Maitland Family History Circle Inc. > http://www.rootsweb.com/~ausmfhc/

Fowarded from Admin ... > Message : > Dear Anne Marie and Listers, > Holroyd City Council Library Service at Merrylands holds > the Sydney Gazette on microfilm from 1803 to 1842. > The Library is situated on the corner of Miller and Newman > Street, Merrylands, telephone : 9840 9960. > We would be delighted to see you. > Robynne Winley > robynne.winley@holroyd.nsw.gov.au

Thankyou Michelle and Allison for your help. Looks like I make another trip to Windsor - for some reason I thought the films only went to 1829, but it is the index. I do have the date I need. Best wishes ANNE ----- Original Message ----- From: Michelle Nichols <michelle_nichols@hotmail.com> To: <AUS-NSW-HILLS-HAWKESBURY-HUNTER-VALLEY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 11, 2003 10:08 PM Subject: [H,H,HV] Re: Sydney Gazette Anne, Re your enquiry about where the Sydney Gaazette is held. Hawkesbury Library has the Sydney Gazette on microfilm from 1803 until 1842 (the index is from 1803-1829) Many public libraries hold this newspaper. I am sure that Castle Hill, Blacktown & Parramatta libraries would also have. Give them a ring to make certain. Michelle Nichols _________________________________________________________________ MSN Instant Messenger now available on Australian mobile phones. Go to http://ninemsn.com.au/mobilecentral/hotmail_messenger.asp ============================== To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237

Morning All, This is slightly off the list, but does anyone know if there is anywhere in NSW where I can find the inquest for a death in Victoria. My ggg grandfather James ROY, who lived in Adamstown Newcastle from 1884 till whenever it was that they moved interstate, died in Outtrim Victoria in 1896, I think from a mining accident. Regards, Justine Atkinson Newcastle Australia. _________________________________________________________________ MSN Instant Messenger now available on Australian mobile phones. Go to http://ninemsn.com.au/mobilecentral/hotmail_messenger.asp

Hi Katrina I'm not sure, there are plenty of Irwin families, but if you can reply to me off list at twhite@idl.net.au and let me know which Irwin's you are after I may be able to help Regards Tracey

Anne, Re your enquiry about where the Sydney Gaazette is held. Hawkesbury Library has the Sydney Gazette on microfilm from 1803 until 1842 (the index is from 1803-1829) Many public libraries hold this newspaper. I am sure that Castle Hill, Blacktown & Parramatta libraries would also have. Give them a ring to make certain. Michelle Nichols _________________________________________________________________ MSN Instant Messenger now available on Australian mobile phones. Go to http://ninemsn.com.au/mobilecentral/hotmail_messenger.asp

Dear Judy, At State Records there are films which contain the results of Inquests, and if she actually died as a result of the fire then it should be there. Many fires also have an Inquest held into them so that could be there too. Some even have complete files available. Recently I found a car accident which contained the full statements of all concerned, so well worth a look. If you are going to KINGSWOOD remember to take lunch as there are no shops nearby. Sincerely, Bill > Could anyone help me with info. on an Elsie May Turnbull who died in a fire > at Windsor in 1942. >

Hi, my name is Judy Coppini, Could anyone help me with info. on an Elsie May Turnbull who died in a fire at Windsor in 1942. Thank you.

Hello Michelle, I note that you have copies of the Sydney Gazette to 1829, where would I be able to get to see an edition for 1831. Many thanks ANNE ----- Original Message ----- From: Michelle Nichols <michelle_nichols@hotmail.com> To: <AUS-NSW-HILLS-HAWKESBURY-HUNTER-VALLEY-L@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2003 10:54 AM Subject: [H,H,HV] STDNEY GAZETTE - 200 years old today Today celebrates 200 years since Australia's first newspaper which was first published on the 5th March 1803. The "Sydney Gazette" is a very important source of historic material and for the first few decades of the colony it is the only printed source documenting the day to day activities. It was published by George Howe (1769-1821) & subsequently by son Robert Howe (until 1829) and then several others. It was originally published weekly and the editor stated in its first edition "We open no channel to political discussion or personal animadversion [criticism]; information is our only purpose.." George Howe arrived as a convict on the "Royal Admiral" in 1800 and by 1802 was employed as the Government Printer. In 1803 Governor King wrote to Lord Hobart in England and suggests that a weekly publication would be beneficial for the community. King "gave permission to an ingenious man [i.e George Howe] who manages the Government printing press to collect materials weekly" he included several copies of the paper and then states "..the motive which has guided me in granting this indulgence to the inhabutants has been for bettering their condition." Howe was allowe to use the Government's press & type for the publication but it was accomplished out of his own pocket. By 1811 he was given an annual wage of 60 pounds. The "Sydney Gazette" cost 6d per issue and like newspapers today most of the costs were met by paid advertsiements. The Secretary to the Governor censored each paper. It ceased publication on the 20th October 1842. The Sydney Gazette is available in most large public libraries and research centres on microfilm. In 1964 the Trustees of the Public Library (using money from the Sir William Dixson bequest) and A & R published a Facsimile reproduction from 1803 to 1811 (9 volumes) Each of these volumes are indexed and are very useful for family researchers. An index from the State Library is also available on microfilm covering 1803-1829. As family researchers looking for every piece of available information about our families or localities we are all aware of the value of newspapers. May I suggest if anyone has not consulted the Sydney Gazette is most worthwhile. It is also interesting to read the factual accounts of events including the arrival of Macquarie, the Castle Hill uprising, Hawkesbury floods and so forth. >From the First edition, the first article is headed GENERAL ORDERS and it talks about the "repeated complaints made of the great losses sustained by the Settlers at the Hawkesbury from the vexatious conduct of the Boatmen by whom they send their grain to Sydney" Apparently many of the boats were deemd unsafe and at times the boatmen through quantities of the grain overboard. The Magistrates were directed that action could be taken. Other articles include : · that the Granary at Hawkesbury is being filled with wheat that is spoiling · 15 fugitives fled from Agricultural settlement at Castle Hill & mentions some of the farms they enetered including M. Declamb; Bradley & Bean at Balkham (sic) Hills · the late drought has been severley felt in all parts of the colony (somethings never change) · Full grown fowls available from 2s to 3s · Instructions for preparing a piece of land for a vineyard · Sale of goods from the cargo "Castle of Good Hope" · Court report of Mr R. Fitzgerald vs Samuel Allen · Nautical information · Ship news including boats arriving from the Hawkesbury owners Raby, Miller, Palmer & Jones. · Accidents involving a constable who's musket went off and shot a labourer "through the body, who soon expired" and a Mr J. Eard of Parramatta who was thrown from a carraige. · Deaths of R. Withers 17.3.1803 of apolexy at his Cornwallis Farm. Maria Wood died of consumption om the 28.2.1803, she left 3 daughters, the eldest in the Orphan Asylum. _________________________________________________________________ MSN Instant Messenger now available on Australian mobile phones. Go to http://ninemsn.com.au/mobilecentral/hotmail_messenger.asp ============================== To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237