Strange Were There Two Different Brodie Families Involved IN Melbourne S North West
The Champion Ploughing Match took place yesterday in the Royal Park, near Brunswick. The prizes, consisting of a silver cup and a plough, were carried off by two brothers named Brodie,who are in the employment of Mr.
M'Conachie, of Broadmeadows. (P.2, Bendigo Advertiser, 13-8-1858.)
It's not strange that the match took place at Royal Park. The venue would have been the MODEL FARM. It is not strange that Mr Machonochie of "Stewarton" (section 5, parish of Tullamarine)would have employed ploughmen. It is the fact that the Brodie family was involved during the squatting era with huge runs north of Broadmeadows and Bulla Townships, and purchased extensive grants in these areas such as those comprising Dunhelen and Harpsdale.
Isaac Batey wrote in great detail about members of the Brodie family but I don't remember him or anybody else discussing insolvency in regard to the family. The mention of the Brodie brothers scratched the itch of curiosity that I first felt years ago when I saw mention of a Mrs Brodie running a store in Broadmeadows (Township)- found by chance and unlike the above par about the ploughing match, not included in a journal. A brief attempt to find the mention of Mrs Brodie's store at Broadmeadows again indicates that a miracle would be required to do so. I have a feeling that I had seen the report of the ploughing match at the same distant time but not wanting to get side-tracked from my objective at the time, did not follow up why the Brodie brothers would be mere ploughmen for another family rather than assisting on family farms such as Harpsdale and Dunhelen.
Another mystery involves the brothers' acquisition of skill in ploughing. From what I understand, squatters were not allowed to conduct agriculture on their runs, their licences being only for depasturing of stock. It is most likely that they were the sons of David Brodie, the family member most involved in the area, but they may have been David's brothers and therefore sons of George Sinclair Brodie.
Who was Mrs Brodie, the lady running the store at Broadmeadows Township?
Amazingly there doesn't seem to be an AUSTRALIAN DICTIONARY OF BIOGRAPHY entry about G.S., R.S., or David Brodie but- as almost expected- the Craigieburn Historical Interest Group (CHIG) had produced an article which details financial transactions which make it unlikely that family members would become mere ploughmen.
DUNHELEN
The PIONEERS OF PORT PHILLIP GROUP has published information about the Brodies but this does not seem to be available online.
Perhaps the identities of the ploughmen and the Broadmeadows Township storekeeper, and the reason for their occupations, will be discovered by chance or revealed by family descendants.
The mention of Mrs Brodie was an ADVERTISEMENT and I may not have found it because I limited my search to articles.
AHA! If I say something is on trove, IT IS, even if I can't find it.
MRS. BRODIE, late of Moonee Pomb,H »
to inform tl.o Settlers nail others, lint
she has oponed a Store nt Uroitl'iiwlo* » ml » »
complete Sloe!; nf Grocery, Dinpery. Irouraw
gery.nttd «eneml Stores, all ofu-Lich ski? tnlrudi
Fix this textoffering at Melbourne prices.___
OR IN ENGLISH!
NOTICE.
MRS. BRODIE, late of Moonee Ponds, begs to inform the Settlers and others, that she has opened a Store at Broadmeadows with a complete Stock of Grocery, Drapery. Ironmongery and general Stores, all of which she intends
offering at Melbourne prices. (P.4, Argus, 20-11-1851.)
N.B. MOONEE PONDS meant anywhere near the Moonee Ponds Creek and in this case almost certainly DUNHELEN, which extended east from the creek, as indicated by Dunhelen Lane at Melway 385 F11. Mrs Brodie must have been one of the earliest storekeepers in Broadmeadows if not the first. Was Mrs Brodie the widow of Richard Sinclair Brodie? (See the CHIG article.)
GEORGE BRODIE did become insolvent but in 1861 which would not account for the Brodie Bros. becoming employees or Mrs Brodie running a store.
George Brodie, of Melbourne, stock and sharebroker. Causes of insolvency : Losses in mining speculations, bad debts, and depreciation in the value of property. Liabilities, £2674 2s ; assets £2159; deficiency, .- £515 2s. Official assignee, Mr Courtney. (P.5, The Age, 16-5-1861.)
BRODIE BROS., PLOUGHMEN.
It seems almost certain that one of the brothers was John Brodie.
Ploughing with Horses or Bullocks.
First prize, £10, or a piece of plate of equal value, to No. 4, James Templeton, ploughman to Mr Cochrane.
Second prize, £6, or gold medal, to No. 25, John Brodie, ploughman to Mr Maconachie.(P.5, The Age, 10-6-1858.)
Janilye's comment under the journal would seem to indicate that John was not a son of George Sinclair Brodie.
It is possible that John's brother was David. A report of the first ploughing match run by the Gisborne Agricultural Society (in 1862)shows that David used horse teams and John, bullock teams.
DAVID AND JOHN
David Brodie of Harpdale was a Presbyterian according to his 1905 obituary. Unfortunately it names only one of his three sons. However, as he was born in about 1836, if he had sons named John and David, they would not have been old enough to be ploughmen circa 1860.
DAVID BRODIE'S OBITUARY
The death notice of David Brodie's widow, Fanny, does name their children. He had a son named David but not one named John.
BRODIE.-On the 7th April at her residence, 271 Park-road, Royal Park, Fanny,relict of the late David Brodie of "Harpsdale" Broadmeadows, and loving mother of Rev. George Sinclair, William McKenzie,(Mrs.J.H.Forsyth), Irene. Frances,Jean and David. Private funeral.(P.1, The Age, 8-4-1931.)
Incidentally the locations (Mickleham, Bulla, Broadmeadows) given for Harpsdale indicate just how vague such descriptions were. The homestead was and is at Melway 385 E5 near the eastern boundary of crown allotment 18, parish of Bulla at the north east corner of that parish and shire. Immediately east was the shire of Broadmeadows. Land added to the estate immediately north was in the parish of Mickleham.
There was a John Brodie, a Roman Catholic, who died at North Melbourne in 1913 and may have been the same one almost murdered at Flemngton in 1859, and others of that name who might have been the ploughman but some clue needs to be found before a line of inquiry is started.
George Sinclair Brodie was married at least 3 times or at least there were 3 women involved.
when he died according to his Will, he had two sons the first one was David 1836-1905, whose mother was Margaret Woodwood and then there were 5 daughters Helen,1839; Catherine,1841; Mary,1843; Isabella, 1845; and Jessie Jane. 1846, all born in Melbourne all with the mother named as MARY, and in his Will there is Jane Deerie Brodie
Mr. George Sinclair Brodie, formerly of Melbourne, who recently died at Torquay, England has left behind him a large fortune.
His personal estate alone is sworn under
£70,000. The testator leaves to his wife,
Mrs. Jane Deerie BRODIE, in addition to
the money secured to her by settlement,
all the cash in the house in notes and
coin and £200, and his residence, with
the furniture and effects, for life or
widowhood; and subsequently the said
residence and furniture are to go to his
daughter, Helen Sinclair Brodie; he also
leaves to his wife the income of £12,000
for life or widowhood, with a power of
appointment over £2000; to his said
daughter £100 and two estates in Victoria;
to Margaret Bruce, an old servant,
£100; to his executors, 100 guineas each ;
to his son David, an estate in Bourke
county, Victoria ; to his son Richard
Sinclair, £6000; to his sons James Mackenzie
and Charles Burchett, £3000 each ;
to his daughter, Mrs. Catherine Mackenzie
Scott, certain estates in Australia;
to his daughters, Mrs. Jessie Jane Hurst
and Mrs. Isabella Williamson Wilson,
£8000 each; to the children of his late
daughter, Mrs. Mary Ann Berryman, £8000;
and the residue of his real and personal estate
to his sons Richard Sinclair and David,
his daughters Helen Sinclair, Mrs. Scott, and Mrs. Wilson,
and the children of his deceased daughter, Mrs. Berryman.
Brother James Sinclair BRODIE died in 1858 and left the administration of his estate to brother George. " On the 16th May, at Link Tower Lodge, Malvern, Worcester, James Sinclair Brodie, late of this colony,
after a long and painful illness, of disease of the heart"
[RE JAMES SINCLAIR BRODIE, DECEASED
Mr. Abraham moved that letters of administration in
the estate of James Sinclair Brodie, be granted to
George Sinclair Brodie, and Richard Brodie,
brothers of deceased, and also to Jessie Brodie,
and Harriett Brodie, spinsters, and Mrs M'Kenzie,
widow, they being the brother and sisters of deceased.
Deceased died in England, leaving property under the
value of £2,500 in Victoria, where Richard Brodie is
resident, he being next of kin and one of the joint heirs
of deceased. The application was granted."]
I have found your ploughmen! David Robert John and James all entered ploughing matches
sons of Thomas Brodie and Janet Wylie
Victorian DEATHS
BRODIE David Event Death
Father's name /Thomas
Mother's maiden name / Jennet (Wyle) Reg. year 1878 Reg. no 1862
BRODIE Robt Event Death
Father's name / Spouse's family name Brodie Thos
Mother's maiden name / Janet (Wyllie) Reg. year 1912 Reg. no 12466
BRODIE James Event Death
Father's name / Brodie Thos
Mother's maiden name / Janet (Wylie) Reg. year 1918 Reg. no 3361
Family name BRODIE John Event Death
Father's name / Spouse's family name Brodie Thos
Mother's maiden name / Janet (Wylie) Reg. year 1908 Reg. no 12065
Benalla Standard (Vic. Tue 8 Sep 1908
GRETA.
The death of Mr. John Brodie, a very old and well-known resident of the Greta district, took place at about six o'clock on Tuesday evening. He was 88 years of age, and claimed Renfrewshire, in Scotland, as his birthplace. He came to Greta 10 years ago and commenced farming with his brothers Robert and James.
About 4 years ago they sold out and settled on the Wilson Road, across the King Bridge, where the death occurred. Deceased had been a good ploughman, and contested several ploughing matches in Melbourne in 1860, where the Royal Park now is, and was very successful against the champion ploughman of the day. Mr. Brodie was a very familiar figure in the Greta district, and had a very large circle of friends.
Wangaratta Chronicle Sat 23 Mar 1918
Death at Wangaratta
Mr James Brodie died at his residence Baker street early on Thursday morning.
Four years ago he had a paralytic seizure and for the past six months he
was confined to his bed; death was due to senility.
The late Mr Brodie was 88 years of age, and a native of Dumbarton
Scotland. He came to Australia with his brothers in 1853, and for many years they lived at Greta, removing to Wangaratta some years back. He never married and took no interest in public life.
He is the last of the family, all of whom lived to a ripe old age;
Andrew was 70 years, Jack 88, James 88, Robert 94, and a sister 90.
The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, when the remains were interred in the Wangaratta cemetery. The burial service was read by the Rev H H Childs, and the funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr G V Steele.
Here is the obituary for David BRODIE J.P. of Harpsdale 1836-1905
He was the son of George Sinclair BRODIE and Margaret WOODWARD mentioned above* (not Woodwood)
Sunbury News Sat 14 Jan 1905
We very much regret to note the death of ex Councillor David Brodie, J.P., the owner of the Harpsdale estate, Mickleham. The deceased gentleman,
who was 69 years of age, had retired from farming pursuits for the past year
or so, and had also resigned his seat in the Broadmeadows Shire Council. He
had resided in the Broadmeadows district for upwards of 40 years, more than
half of which had been spent as a councillor of the Shire. On his retirement, he resided in a nice house situated in Park St.; Brunswick, where death took place on Friday. Mr. Brodie leaves a widow, three sons and four daughters, The eldest is the Rev. G. S. Brodie, B.A. At the time of Mr. Brodie's retirement from the Broadmeadows Council, his colleagues presented him with a handsomely illuminated address in token of their appreciation of his services as a good public man, who had done valuable work for the Council and ratepayers. Mr. Brodie was also an impartial justice of the peace, whose decisions always commanded respect.
Amongst his fellow councillors he was always the brightening influence, and he brought to bear a fund of good humour that was in itself a popularising factor. His ready wit and pleasant ways endeared him to all. The deceased gentleman was one of the pioneers of the district, and so well was he appreciated, that his district delighted to do him honor.
The pioneers are all passing away, and now the kindly Brodie joins his old Council colleagues-the genial Barry, the lovable Robertson, and others who have gone to the Great Beyond. Mr. Brodie was a true Scott, and was for many years an elder of the Bulla Presbyterian Church. The funeral was held on
Saturday, a large number of mourners following to see the last of one who had so endeared himself to the life and progress of the district. The place of interment was at Bulla.- Essendon Gazette
on the 26 March 1875 at Harpsdale, David Brodie J.P. and his wife Fanny Kelly had a son which they named George Sinclair Brodie after his grandfather.
Fanny Kelly the daughter of Thomas Kelly according to BD&M Vic did not have her death registered 'til 1933
The ploughmen/farmers BRODIE came from Dumbarton, Renfrewshire, Scotland, I found arrivals for James, Andrew, John and David in Tasmania from Glasgow, all on the ship 'Storm Cloud' 29 August 1855, with 352 immigrants on board. According to his obit, Robert also arrived 1855, however the lists are very difficult to read and there is no completely visible list. Brother Robert born 1819,and James selected land at Greta in 1875. The others later joined them. It's very difficult to find a wife amongst these brothers but I'm pretty sure if there was a Mrs. Brodie amongst them she wouldn't be running a store in Broadmeadows.
And as you know Richard Sinclair BRODIE was born October, 1813, in the shire of Caithness, Scotland and arrived in Victoria with the first settlers in 1836.
I think this below is your clue to Mrs. BRODIE of Moonee Ponds
The Argus Fri 9 Mar 1849
AUCTIONEER'S GENERAL LICENSE.
The application of Mr. W. L. Brodie, of the Moonee Ponds,
for an auctioneer's genereral license for the sale of cattle at his farm, was refused on the grounds that there was no publie necessity for such sales, and the absence of sufficient reasons for its being granted.
The above is William Laney Brodie who died age 32 at Moonee Ponds the next year 1850.
You're a marvel janilye!
*preens ;)
a little more evidence of location.-
The Argus Mon 1 Oct 1849
BIRTH.
At Parkfield Cottage, Moonee Ponds, on the 29th instant, the wife of Mr. W. L. Brodie, of a son.
This son born 29-09-1849 was named John Thomas Brodie and died age 2 at Broadmeadows in 1852. His mother Elizabeth Brodie