Reminiscences of Maitland - 1843 - 1862
A series of articles printed in the Maitland Mercury and the Maitland Weekly Mercury in the years 1893 - 1896 entitled Reminiscences of Maitland includes events between the years 1843 - 1862.
Below is a summary of the contents of each article with a link to the article below each entry:
No. 1 - 1843
Description of Maitland district in 1840's before gold was discovered and before the RailwayThe Hunter River Gazette was printed in a building at the corner of Hugh and Bulwer Street Maitland in the house afterwards known as the Gold Digger's Arms Hotel and later the Union Bank
Lecture of the Hunter River Society delivered by Rev. J.J. Smith
Inhabitants requested to meet in the Court house to discuss means to relieve debt of St. Peter's Church
Henry Ikin commenced business as builder, cabinetmaker and undertaker
List of auctioneers and other businessmen in the town
Travelling by the Singleton Mail
Andrew Lang offering to represent in the new Legislative Council
Iron Foundry established at Newcastle by Alexander Walker Scott
Wool coming down the country with teams passing through Maitland
Four candidates in the field for representation
Robbery of grapes at the vineyard of George Hobler
A Prisoner fishing at Nobbys drowned when he jumped in with his irons on
Teetotal party held in Mr. Dangar's new house at Singleton
The Duke of Manchester loading wool at Newcastle and Port Stephens
Long Tom Forrester, notorious bushranger captured at Belltrees
Maitland Union Benefit Society dinner
Two children murdered by aborigines near Black Creek
A.A. Company overseer at Dungog Mr. Titcombe attacked by a wild bull and gored to death
Constable William Moss of the Wollombi apprehended bushrangers Keating and Crow at Bishop's Bridge
Walter Rotton announced the Patrick Plains races
Account of bushrangers in the district in 1843
Maitland Mercury 21 October 1893
No. 2 - 1843
3 wagons and 5 drays drawn by 72 oxen carrying wool from Neotsfield through Maitland to Newcastle400 bushels of wheat at Thomas Cook's Auchertorlie destroyed by fire
30 or 40 aborigines from the Glendon, Patrick's Plains and Sugarloaf tribes made their appearance on the banks of the Hunter opposite George Hobler's residence, in search of Melville and Long Harry. Account of the affray that ensued
Stephen Dark plying a large boat from Gostwyck Mills, Paterson to Raymond Terrace and Morpeth
John Quigley arrested at Harper's Hill for bushranging
Daring robbery at the estate of Captain Crawford near Raymond Terrace by 4 armed bushrangers
Aboriginal murderers Melville and Long Harry captured
Newcastle gaol inmates
George Eldridge accidentally drowned near Jermain's farm.
Robert Keddie to open a coal pit at the East Maitland coal Hill
Armed aborigines roaming the streets of Maitland
James Stilsby begins running a coach from Maitland to Patrick's Plains
Man robbed at Mrs. Ellen Burridge's residence
Elephant tusk weighing 30lbs dug out of the sand north shore Newcastle
Bushrangers Forrester and Wilson executed at Newcastle
Aborigine Mickey Ugley brutally murdered at Mount George on the Manning River
Sharp run on the Savings Bank, Sydney
Extensive bed of limestone discovered at Black Creek
Mr. Hyland commenced manufacture of soap in West Maitland
Neat car called the Rob Roy built by Mr. Keddie running between Paterson and Morpeth
Queens Birthday auction of 124 allotments in West Maitland
In May over a hundred natives passed through Maitland to Campbell's Hill to hold a corroboree
Pottery works established at Irrawang near Raymond Terrace
Henry Rourke announced the opening of extensive tannery near the Angel Inn in High Street
Major Wentworth elected for the Northumberland Borough
Lord Bishop of Australia consecrated St. Mary's Church, West Maitland
Benjamin Harris, bushranger, committed at Muswellbrook for the murder of constable Rutledge
Amateur theatricals at the Northumberland Hotel, West Maitland
Prisoners attempt to escape from Nobbys Island by swimming
Melville and Harry handed at East Maitland gaol for the murder of children at Glendon
Number of insolvencies in the colony from Feb 1842 to September 1843 1002
Petition for removing the lock up from its position at junction of High and Hunter Street
13 drays laden with tallow and wool passed through Maitland from Windermere estate
Maitland Mercury 28 October 1893
No. 3 - 1844
Meeting of shareholders of the Hunter River Auction CompanyRoyal Mail for Singleton, Muswellbrook and Scone
Police Magistrate Edward Denny Day assaulted by Robert Turner
Prisoner before the Bench at Newcastle dropped dead
New Year's Day sports day at Maitland
Thomas McLelland appointed agent in Maitland for the Tweed Factory of Stockton
John Eales of Berry Park shipping cattle and sheep to Hobart in the steamer Helena
E.P. Capper grew a sunflower over four feet in circumference
Complaints of Sly grog shops
Foundation stone of the Maitland gaol
John Stewart, surgeon of Morpeth taking in boarders
Scores of Goats a nuisance in Maitland
Tea party held to clear debt of the Wesleyan Chapel West Maitland
Empty wool dray returning up country driven through Maitland on a Sunday causing outrage
F.J. King commenced boiling down establishment
Mr. Wright of Rutherford robbed on the road by two men
Temple of concord completed. Charles Harpur presented an eloquent address on the occasion
Maitland circuit Court presided over by Sir James Dowling
First ploughing match in the Hunter
100 acre of land on the Oakhampton Estate two miles from Maitland sold
Hostilities among the aborigines at Port Stephens
Commercial Banking Co of Sydney discontinued in Maitland
100 mullet caught in the Hunter River
Pidgeon shooting match for a hive of bees promoted by Henry Reeves
Joseph Vale and Mary Thornton convicted of murder of John Thornton
Nine hotels in East Maitland and fifteen in West Maitland
Harry Lorrequer, race horse of Maitland
New wind mill constructed at Dungog
Elizabeth Turner, carrier of West Maitland reducing charges for carrying goods
First annual show of the Hunter River Agricultural society in the yards of the Albion Inn
Maitland District council elections
Maitland Mercury 4 November 1893
No. 4 - 1844
Maitland Amateur Theatre opposite the Rose Inn openedSix prisoners escaped from Newcastle in the cutter Brothers
First piece of black cloth ever manufactured in the colony by Fisher and Donaldson of Stockton
An Old Hand's Chaunt Air'The Literary Dustman'
Maitland illuminated as previously on the Queens Birthday
Complaint by James Cornish of Bendolba, Dungog of the price of sending a letter
Mr. Latham just arrived from India via Hobart brought with him an orangutan and two anacondas.
Exhibition in Bailey's Cottage of Content
J.M. Saunders manager of the Bank of Australia announced that interest on deposits to cease.
Dray robbed by six men six miles from Singleton
Two men escaped from Maitland Gaol while awaiting trial
Survey of the Hunter river from Newcastle to the Falls, West Maitland
First regatta ever held in Maitland. Captain Livingstone judge
Foundation stone of St. John the Baptist's Church West Maitland, laid
Maitland Oddfellows Lodge opened
Governor Gipps accompanied by Lady Gipps toured Newcastle and Maitland
Notorious bushranger Wilson known as Wightman's tailor active in the Upper Hunter
Maitland Mercury 11 November 1893
No. 5 - 1844
Locations of boiling down plants, tobacco manufactories, soap, parchment and fell mongering businesses.Aborigine Monday told of the murder of the child of Mr. Tighe at the Liverpool Plains
Maitland Benevolent Asylum placed on the same footing as hospitals elsewhere
Fund raising beginning for the Maitland Benevolent Asylum
Maitland Mercury 18 November 1893
No. 6 - 1845
3 prisoners from the stockade iron gang at Newcastle murder a fellow convictJames Fitzpatrick executed at Newcastle
St. Patrick Day celebrated at Wollombi by horse racing
William Cross of Singleton challenging to fight a main of cocks
Wesleyan tea party
Shipment of tallow from Blaxland's Fordwich to London
William Boydell growing hops
Site of Maitland Hospital fixed on Campbell's Hill
George Chivers - tweed mill at Muswellbrook
William Kendall dismissed from police force for allowing prisoners to escape
Hunter River Agricultural Society's second annual ploughing match participants
Death of Rev. T. Mahoney, R.C. priest of Eat Maitland
Prisoners attempting to escape from the East Maitland lockup
Large fines for illegal distilling on Pitnacree Road opened
Archbishop Polding first visit to Maitland
Maitland cricket games
New Wesleyan Chapel
Aborigines causing havoc on the Barwin
Old Court House at East Maitland transformed into an amateur theatre
Ladies fancy bazaar in aid of the Maitland Hospital held at the court house
John Graham, shingle splitter lost in the bush for five days
First mention of a railroad in the northern district made in June
Cricket match
H.I. Pilcher, solicitor of Maitland since 1830 died age 45
Ploughing match at Mr. Geddes farm Ravensfield
Maitland Mercury 25 November 1893
No. 7 - 1845
Murder in Sydney by John Ahearn who was later executedVandalism in High Street
Sarcastic correspondence re Major Wentworth
Triplets born at Brook's Flat near Maitland to the wife of Henry Jackson
Meeting at St. Mary's Church, West Maitland re establishing a burial ground
Petitions to British Parliament to allow Australian grain and flour to be imported into the United kingdom on same terms as Canadian produce
Roman Catholic burial ground at East Maitland consecrated
Bishop of Australia visited West Maitland
Patrick Plains and Upper Hunter Agricultural Association formed
Foundation stone of a new church at Stockton dedicated to St. Andrew laid
Stone discovered near Jerry's Plains equal to best in colony for grindstones
Edmond Mulcahy, baker of West Maitland received large inheritance
Cattle being speared
Maitland Mercury 2 December 1893
No. 8 - 1846
Maitland Mercury extendedCloth for the billiard table at the Northumberland Hotel manufactured at the Stockton Cloth Factory
Wesleyan Chapel tea party
Works at the East Maitland gaol suspended early in January in consequence of the stockade being moved to Newcastle
Regular weekly markets established
First show of the Patrick Plains and Upper Hunter Agricultural Assoc., held
Irish Relief Fund for the distress in Ireland
Captain Scott, master of the cutter Young Queen drowned in the Paterson river and was buried on the day he would have been married
Man put in the stocks in Maitland
William Shea of Hillsborough accused of murder of Andrew Menzies
Partnership of Thomas William Tucker and Richard Jones proprietors of the Maitland Mercury dissolved by mutual consent
Robert Hannell Sloan 5 years old drowned in the Hunter River
Competition in the rival steamship companies trading between the Hunter and Sydney
New Lodge of Oddfellows opened at Morpeth
3rd Annual H.R. Agricultural society show held at Maitland
Census of the Population - comparison to 1841
Meeting of journeymen carpenters and joiners of Maitland held at the Cricketer's Arms Hotel
Rev. Stack presented with a farewell address and purse
St. John's Church West Maitland opened on 8th November
Attempts to renew transportation
H. Kemble English actor in Maitland
Foundation stone of the Maitland Hospital laid on 26th January
Maitland Mercury 9 December 1893
No. 9 - 1846 - 1847
Body of an unknown man found lying in the bush near the Morpeth RoadIn 1847 Edward Denny Day resumed duties as Police Magistrate after an absence of 2 months
Anti transportation petitions from the Hunter sent to Sydney to be forwarded to England
Man attacked by a hawk near Miller's Forest
Acrimony between Edward Denny Day and Captain Edward Biddulph
Native dogs troublesome at Jerry's Plains
Sir Charles Augustus Fitzroy visited the Hunter River district in February 1847
The old steamer Huntress ran aground near McDougall's Falls
Peter Pidgeon executed for murder at Newcastle gaol
Maitland Mercury 16 December 1893
No. 10 - 1847
Office of the Maitland Mercury moved from High and Bulwer streets to premises at corner High and Hunter StRev. James S. White formally ordained minister of ST. Andrew's Church Singleton 9th May 1847
Hunter River Vineyard Assoc., formed in a meeting at the Northumberland Hotel West Maitland
Bazaar held to raise money for the Maitland hospital
Murder of James Palfrey near the Goulburn River
Foundation stone of the Free Presbyterian Church laid on a site close to High Street opposite Dr. Liddell's residence
William Francis King known as the Flying Pieman making wagers
John Turner granted a license for an omnibus called the Forget-me-not to run between Maitland and Morpeth
Death of Lady Mary Fitzroy wife of the Governor and Lieut. Masters in carriage accident
Maitland Mercury 23 December 1893
No. 11 - 1848
Rev Christopher Eipper, minister of St. Ann's Presbyterian Church at PatersonSir Henry Parkes in business in Sydney
Four aborigines near Singleton residence playing game of five and twenties with a pack of cards
William Lee tried at Muswellbrook for highway robbery
William and George Hely aged 7 and 5 drowned in the Hunter River
In April immigrants who arrived on the Sobraon forwarded to Maitland
The mail coach from Singleton to Maitland stuck by armed bushranger Thomas Gregory
Description of the Election for the Northumberland Borough
Description of a deep and dangerous hole known as the brickhole near Early's Terrace
Breeza station purchased by Samuel Clift from Andrew Lang
Eliza Neilson from Irishtown near Clarence Town brutally murdered
Patrick Bryan executed at Newcastle for the murder of Eliza Neilson
Presbyterian Church service in Gaelic and afterwards in English
Licenses for hotels for the year 1848-49
Maitland Weekly Mercury 6 January 1894
No. 12 - 1849
Land lottery publicly drawn in Sydney. The first prize was the estate of Underbank on the Williams RiverBrutal murder of Mary Sadler near Glendon
The ship Eleanor Lancaster left Sydney for California gold fields
George Waters Ward hanged at Maitland gaol for the murder of Richard Connolly
Service in connection with the Synod of Australia. Induction of Rev. Purves
Punt built by Mr. Adams of Newcastle launched
James Watt age 14 died from the effects of a knife thrown by aboriginal boy Charley
Sensational murder of Scotch Mary at Singleton by Catherine Carter
Singleton Mail held up by two armed bushrangers Davidson and Smith
Maitland Weekly Mercury 13 January 1894
No. 13 - 1849
Edward Denny Day farewelledMajor Crummer appointed to Maitland
Plans of Maitland hospital drawn up
People leaving the colony for California gold rush
Letter from San Francisco from Dr. Frederick Bastone
Letter from San Francisco from Alexander Wilkinson
Colony re-declared a penal settlement and 1300 ticket of leave holder arrived
First railway company started in Sydney
Experiment in cotton growing tried at Bolwarra
Maitland Weekly Mercury 20 January 1894
No. 13 - 1850
New Postal Act came into forceLand around Maitland in 1850 selling for low price
Bourke's land in Maitland sold in allotments
Building of the first Australian railway commenced July in Sydney
The Empire was started as a weekly publication 28 December 1850 by Sir Henry Parkes
Lawrence Potts, storekeeper of West Maitland left for California Goldfields
Maitland Weekly Mercury 27 January 1894
No. 14 - 1851
Bourn Russell of Stoney Creek started wool washingExports from Hunter district to Sydney - cedar, shingles, wheat, hay, maize, barley, tobacco etc
Shingle splitting ceased as an industry having given way to galvanised iron
William Bucknell sent to England a sample of his cotton from Paterson.
Church of England Burial Ground at Campbell's Hill purchased from Augustus Drentler for £50.
Cricket match between Maitland and Singleton Clubs
Melancholy accident to butcher Thomas Rouse at Singleton
James Glass almost drowned after falling through the rails of the old Victoria Bridge
Hewitt Banfield age 9 drowned in the Hunter River in January
People in California supposed all the people arriving for the gold rush were convicts - Jack Sheppards
A proposal to send the mail from Newcastle to Maitland overland instead of by steamer to Morpeth
Land in Horse Shoe Bend sold in 1851
On Anniversary Day, races were held at Gorricks new racecourse at Rutherford
Maitland Weekly Mercury 17 February 1894
No. 15 - 1851
News that Solicitor Frederick William Davies had died by his own handRichard Traynor leg caught in the cogwheels of a thrashing machine and died soon after
William May, an old resident of Morpeth died after being thrown from his horse
Three men convicted of highway robbery at the Maitland Circuit Court in March
Heavy hailstorm in March
St. Patrick's Day races at Wollombi
1910 acres of the Dagworth estate sold
Samuel Davis of East Maitland killed on the Morpeth road by falling off a load of wheat
Maitland Police statistics of industries in Maitland
Jackey Jackey presented with silver breast plate for his faithful and gallant conduct in the expedition of Kennedy to Cape York
Accident to engineer John Duke
Agricultural returns for the police district of Maitland for 1851
A return match between Maitland and Singleton cricketers played at Maitland racecourse
Population of East and West Maitland and Morpeth
59 applications for publican's licenses
James King of Irrawang losing crops to native dogs
Five boys George and Edward Lonsdale, John Gillies, John Gordon and George Davidson injured by an explosion of gunpowder
Maitland Weekly Mercury 24 February 1894
No. 16 - 1851
1st July disastrous flood in the Hunter2nd July Mr. Fisher's Tweed Cloth Manufactory at Stockton destroyed by fire
2 April Mr. E.W. Rudder of Sydney wrote to the SMH regarding the similarity of the auriferous formations in NSW to that in California
People leaving Sydney for the Bathurst gold fields
Prospectors searching for gold in the Maitland district
Digger's license fees
Maitland Weekly Mercury 3 March 1894
No. 17 - 1851
1851 - Most eventful year in history of colony because of gold discoveriesEscapes from Maitland gaol
Gaoler James Cox dismissed
John Wallace from Darlinghurst gaol appointed gaoler
Michael Cohillane executed at Maitland gaol on 2nd October for the rape of Ann Milsom at Scone
Building in West Maitland opened for divine service of the Congregational Church
Gold digger Thomas Garretty of Maitland accidentally killed on the way home
Reward offered for apprehension of two 17 yr old apprentices who absconded to go gold prospecting
Meeting held re constructing a footbridge or forming a dam across the Hunter River at the Falls
1852 - Property on the Corner of High Street and Tuck street Maitland sold for 300 pounds
Tenth year of the Mercury's existence - Richard Jones proprietor
Annual Maitland races held on Nicholson's racecourse Maitland
Death on the Laguna racecourse on New Years Day
A runaway horse and dray struck and killed Mrs. Jackson wife of a wheelwright of Melbourne St. Maitland
Description of the mail deliveries and names of mail contractors
Maitland Weekly Mercury 10 March 1894
No. 18 - 1852
New bridge built over Wallis Creek between East and West MaitlandBridge opened on the anniversary of the battle of Vittoria by Major Crummer
Cricket game results
Publican's licenses
Horsebreaker Joseph Chambers thrown from a horse and killed where Cohen's warehouse later stood
Girl charged with infanticide found not guilty and discharged
Maitland Daily Mercury 14 April 1894
No. 19 - 1852
Description of the Victoria BridgeMeeting held in St. Mary's Church, West Maitland to discuss plan for a grammar school
Flour milling in Maitland
Return of land under cultivation in Maitland Police district
Meeting held to discuss forming a new Steam Navigation Company
Three iron paddle boats named the Hunter, the Williams and the Paterson 120 horse power engines
First escort from the Hanging Rock diggings reached Maitland
Maitland Weekly Mercury 28 April 1894
No. 20 - 1853
Description of Jimmy Ashton's circusCricket in Maitland - George Moore
C.M. Doyle on his farm at Midlorn grew a crop of wheat from seed from the Snowy River
Meeting in Sydney to establish railway company for a line between Maitland and Newcastle
Maitland Jockey Club decided not to hold any races in 1853
The Long Bridge at West Maitland in dilapidated condition
In 1830 a large gum tree felled at Horse Shoe Bend was used to build a house which stood for 23 years.
A branch of the Bank of NSW opened in West Maitland in the residence of Dr. Liddell, High Street.
Dr. Liddell's residence in High Street was the site of the later Commercial Banking Company of Sydney
Maitland Weekly Mercury 5 May 1894
No. 21 - 1853
Gold nugget found by 'The Duke' at the TuronDescription of auctioneer Jeremiah Ledsam of Maitland
Description of cricket and result of games
Chinese imported by the shipload to Newcastle
Exceedingly tall Chinese man arrested in Maitland on suspicion on murder
Reward offered for return of three runaway Chinese assigned servants from Newcastle
Maitland Weekly Mercury 9 June 1894
No 22 - 1854
Adoption of new constitutionLegislative Council voted Mr. E. Hargreaves, the first discoverer of gold in NSW the sum of £10,000
A new system of attaching an armed guard to the Northern mail coach which left Maitland twice a week
Mail coaches being stuck up by bushrangers.
Woman killed at Wylie' flat near Singleton when here head was crushed between spokes of a dray
Reward offered for apprehension of a Chinese man name Tee Keng
Coach and buggy factory established at Maitland by J.W. Tuck
William Waugh of Nelson's Plains stabbed by farm labourer John Blaney
D and J. Dickson, merchants established direct communication by vessels between England and Morpeth
Second lodge of the Oddfellows opened at the Waterloo Inn
Daniel Gardiner alias Thomas Gardiner executed at Maitland Gaol for murder of his wife
Description of William Nicholson's race course at Maitland
Maitland Weekly Mercury 30 July 1894
No. 24 - 1854
First sod of the Great Northern Railway line turned at NewcastleCricket match played on the ground near the new Grammar School at Maitlandland
Foundation stone of the Congregational Church in West Maitland laid
Improvement in architectural aspect of Maitland
Patrick Henry fatally stabbed in a house in notorious Durham St
Fire Engine for West Maitland
Maitland Weekly Mercury 14 July 1894
No. 25 - 1855
Fatal stabbing in West MaitlandSkin of a black snake 12ft 3in long
Mayo's Hotel known as the Hunter River Hotel sold for £6950
Inspector Garvin of Sydney police elected Chief Constable of Maitland police district
Public meeting to form Patriotic Assoc., for relief of families of British soldiers killed in the Crimean war
Purchase of celebrated racehorse Cossack by Charles Reynolds of Tocal
Cricket news
Sir William Thomas Denison visited the Hunter
Maitland Weekly Mercury 21 July 1894
No. 27 - 1855
Church of St. Clement at Falbrook near Singleton consecratedWoman accidentally shot by her son at Morpeth
Woman drowned in the river near Oakhampton
First team saw mill in West Maitland established by James Wolstenholme
John Portus and son Alexander farewelled at Morpeth on their voyage to Europe
School of Arts meeting
Anniversary dinner of the Lodge of Oddfellows held in the Commercial Hotel
Michael Cussack confessed to the murder of John Campbell at West Maitland
Steam boiler burst at Pearse and Crofton's steam mill near the Long Bridge
Contributor's names for the Patriotic Fund
Prices land sold for in East Maitland in April 1855
Maitland Weekly Mercury 4 August 1894
No. 28 - 1855
Meeting held to raise money for Wesleyan ChapelBazaar held at Morpeth in aid of the Maitland Hospital
Prediction by surveyor George Boyle White that West Maitland would one day be completely flooded
Dangers of floods at Maitland
Maitland Weekly Mercury 11 August 1894
No. 29 - 1855
First sod of the Maitland portion of the Hunter River railway turnedFarwell supper to Alfred Levien at the Rose Inn
Theatrical company from Sydney gave 3 performances in Wilkinson's Waterloo Hotel
Pulling match between two draught horses at Campbell's Hill
Whisky provided at auction sale at Townshend's Trevallyn
Death of navvy James Pearson of Cambridgeshire at East Maitland
First volunteer corps formed in Maitland
Maitland Weekly Mercury 25 August 1894
No. 30 - 1855
The Rose Inn re-opened under the name of Sir William Denison Inn by James FullfordJohn Smith's offer of 4 acres for railway station not accepted
Foundation stone of Maitland High School in Free Church street laid
Challenge of George Lewis who arrived on the York in 1831 to sawyers throughout the colony
John Youdale, son of one of the first photographers in Maitland, drowned in the Hunter River
Maitland Weekly Mercury 1 September 1894
No. 31 - 1855
Celebrations in Maitland with the news that Sebastapol had fallen into the hands of the allied forcesMiss Gordon struck and killed by lightning at Tomago.
Three children of Robert Gordon had been killed within ten days of each other.
Fatal injury at Maitland Christmas races held at Nicholson's course on Boxing Day
Mary Graham drowned while attempting to cross Wollombi Brook
Maitland Weekly Mercury 8 September 1894
No. 32 - 1856
Church of England Grammar School in Devonshire St opened for divine worship until St. Paul builtPublic meeting to establish a branch of the British and Foreign Bible Society
Important discovery of coal made at Mount Vincent close to Mr. Knox child' residence by Mr. Keene
Survey of the Hunter River Railway from Maitland to Singleton made by Government
Purchase of land in Bourke Street by Wesleyan church to replace the church in High Street
Maitland High School in Free Church Street commenced and completed
A list of all the new buildings built in Maitland in 1856
Maitland lockup in need of repair
Application for publican's license by Henry Chivers
Maitland Road Trust
Death of Mr. William Travis storekeeper of Maitland
Division in the Church of England parishes in Maitland made in March
Maitland Weekly Mercury 15 September 1894
No. 33 - 1856
Bushranging in full swing - stick-ups in Maitland areaPolling for Northumberland Borough elections
Maitland Mercury commenced its first publication as a tri weekly newspaper
Steam first used in the printing of the Mercury
Rev. Robert Chapman of St. Mary's presented with a gift of sovereigns
Public meeting held for the purpose of taking steps to form a gas company for Maitland
Enoch Cobcroft of the Hunter River Hotel erected the first private gas works ever built in the colony
West Maitland Fire Brigade formed this year.
Theatre called 'The Queen's' the first theatre built in Maitland in High Street
First actors and actresses in The Queen's.
Maitland Weekly Mercury 22 September 1894
No. 34 - 1856
First race meeting held in East Maitland on Queen's Birthday at rear of the Black Horse InnAustralia's Daughters penned by Sir Robert Wisdom
First parochial church meeting of St. Paul's held at West Maitland
Richard Nathan Hammond aged 3, killed by the wheel of a bullock dray
The Peace Holiday celebrated in Maitland and Morpeth after the battle of Sebastopol
Three men crushed to death at Maitland Brickyard
Maitland Weekly Mercury 29 September 1894
No. 35 - 1856
Accident at the Hinton PuntAboriginal named Tommy died in cart on the way to Maitland Hospital
First gold escort from the Rocky River diggings arrived in West Maitland
Foundation stone of t. Paul's Church West Maitland laid
Preliminary steps to establish a Mechanics Institute in East Maitland
Young boy seriously injured in a crushing mill in West Maitland
Two day race meeting held in East Maitland on Boxing Day
Special train from Newcastle to Maitland for the race brought 500 people
Requests to government for a new court house at Maitland
Proposal to bridge the Hunter River at Pitnacree
Australian Cricket Club established at West Maitland
Maitland Weekly Mercury 13 October 1894
No. 36 - 1857
New Year's Eve celebrations - descriptions of practical jokingYoung lad David James Taylor killed after his pony fell in Swan Street Morpeth
Son of Solomon Harris saved from drowning in a heroic rescue by Joseph Risby of the Falls Hotel
Mrs White and two children drowned at Raymond Terrace
Thomas Owen known as Tommy the Tailor drowned at Morpeth
Rutherford Races held opposite the old Spread Eagle Inn
Man who called himself the Marquis of Townshend appeared in Maitland Police Court
Maitland Weekly Mercury 20 October 1894
No. 37 - 1857
Twelve year old Thomas Hoare accidentally killed when an iron hook lodged in his skullMaitland Bread Company formed
Great Northern Railway opened by Governor Sir William T. Denison on 30th March 1857
New School of Arts building in West Maitland formally opened
Maitland Weekly Mercury 27 October 1894
No. 38 - 1857
Description of the destruction and deaths in the disastrous flood at MaitlandFoundation stone of the Wesleyan Church at the corner of William and Newcastle Sts East Maitland laid
Eight year old Alexander McGregor killed at Phoenix Park by the falling of a tree
Correspondence re the drainage of water
Congregational Church at West Maitland completed in December 1857
Maitland Weekly Mercury 10 November 1894
No. 39 - 1858
History of the Wesleyan Church in MaitlandMoses Murphy of the Commercial Hotel in Morpeth drowned at Hinton
Election speech of William Cheater
Maitland Weekly Mercury 17 November 1894
No. 40 - 1858
Presentation to Isaac Gorrick on his departure from Maitland for EnglandCricket challenge - Horse Shoe Benders to play the Northumberland Club
Maitland Weekly Mercury 1 December 1894
No. 42 - 1858
Foundation stone of St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church at East Maitland laidBazaar in aid of building fund of the Mechanic's Institute at East Maitland
Annual Three days race meeting of the Northumberland Jockey Club West Maitland
Presentation to long time resident Thomas Evans who was leaving the town
Description of Wallis Creek before and after the Great Northern Railway company altered the flow
Working bee proposed for the East Maitland race course
Bacon curing establishment of Messrs Solomon, Vindin and Co killed a pig weighing 615 lbs
Betting on a race between gigs
Maitland Weekly Mercury 23 February 1895
No. 43 - 1858
Opening of the Great Northern Railway 27 June 1858Maitland Annual Races on Nicholson's race course - 2000 people
Gold in quartz discovered in the church and school lands 4 miles from Dungog
Maitland Weekly Mercury 2 March 1895
No. 44 - 1858
Thomas Boland killed in a fight at OakhamptonThe Bank Hotel premises in East Maitland formerly occupied by the Bank of Australasia sold for 2000 pounds
Other properties sold in the district
New Roman Catholic Church blessed by Dean Lynch
Meeting in the Courthouse East Maitland to consider petitioning the governor to declare East Maitland a municipality
Report on the humour of auctioneer R.G. Yeomans
Ann Ross aged 16 died 4 months after being severely burned in a kitchen fire
Auction in England of the effects of the late former Governor of NSW Sir Charles Fitzroy - gold trowel which he laid the foundation stone of the Sydney Exchange and silver trowel with which he laid the Victorian Dock
Novel court case of Thomas Osborne and Adam Nixon
Bazaar in aid of the building fund of the newly built Wesleyan Chapel
Maitland Weekly Mercury 9 March 1895
No. 45 - 1859
Wesleyan Chapel in High Street opened on 13th JanuaryLudicrous affair of honor on the old Maitland Racecourse
Campbell's Hill toll gate - Maitland - Great Northern Road
Description of the benefits of carrying goods
Live tortoise found embedded in rock during construction of the Great Northern Railway at Maitland
Luke Kingsmill, Clerk of Petty Sessions thrown from his gig on the Morpeth road and killed
Terrific hailstorm at Maitland in February
Banquet to commemorate St. Patrick's Day - list of people who attended
Maitland Weekly Mercury 30 March 1895
No. 46 - 1859
Cab driver James Stilsby brought an action against Sergeant Kerrigan of the Maitland PoliceMary Keating aged 3 1/2 years lost in the bush between Maitland and Quarrabalong for 8 days
Branch of the Commercial Bank first opened in Maitland in April in premises of Messrs D. Cohen Co
Cricket match held in Weller's large paddock on the Eat Maitland Road
Archbishop Polding of Sydney proceeded to Singleton laid foundation stone of St. Patrick's Church. Description of ceremony
Fencer named Lachlan Grant died at Anvil Creek from the bite of a fly on the hand
Maitland Weekly Mercury 18 May 1895
No. 47 - 1859
First steps towards building the church of St. Mary's, West MaitlandlandButcher John James Penny of West Maitland died after being thrown from his cart
Foundation stone of the Olympic Theatre in West Maitland laid by actor Henry Edwards. Description of the theatre
Elect of Parliamentary representatives in June
William Tierney duped by a three card trick by Sydney spielers
Maitland Weekly Mercury 25 May 1895
No. 48 - 1859
Billings' menagerie of performing wild animals visited West MaitlandSummary of the exports from the district for the week ending June 1859
Protest against West Maitland being incorporated into a municipality
James Story an old Maitland identity sworn in as night watchman. Also town crier and bill poster
Gate and booths at annual races
Corner tone of Mechanics Institute East Maitland laid on 26th July by Sir Charles Nicholson
Maitland Weekly Mercury 1 June 1895
No. 49 - 1859
R.G. Yeomans and Joseph Eckford established cattle yards at Campbell's HillHistory of Maitland cattle yards
Olympic Theatre opened on 1st August 1859
Hunter River News published for a brief period
Maitland Annual races extended over period of three days
Complaint by John Borthwick of East Maitland re the blocking of Banks street by the railway line
Maitland Weekly Mercury 8 June 1895
No. 50 - 1859
Ploughing match held in Harbottle's paddock near the Vitoria Bridge 5th August attracting thousandsDescription of dinner after the plough match
Devon bullocks bred by Charles Reynolds of Tocal sold in Maitland for 40 pounds each
Maitland Weekly Mercury 15 June 1895
No. 51 - 1859
Two men convicted of murder handed at the Maitland Gaol on 22nd NovemberAction of libel brought by Dr. Wigan against Dr. Macartney
Select of advertisements from the newspaper in 1859
Arrival of ship Columbian with the charter of the Northumberland Chapter attached to the Maitland Lodge of Unity no 804
Maitland Weekly Mercury 22 June 1895
No. 52 - 1859
Rebecca Bailey beaten to death with a strap by her paramour railway navvy John Jones who was executed for the crimeSensational shooting case in West Maitland
Tuck's illuminated star, lit with gas for the first time on New Year's night 1860
400 people travelled from Maitland to Newcastle by train for cricket
Two Maitland residents almost drowned at Newcastle beach. Rescued by Mr. Kemp, a powerful swimmer
West Maitland branch of the Bank of Australasia first opened in previses previously known as the Fitzroy Hotel at the corner of Elgin Street
Telegraphic communication between Maitland, Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide first established on 12 January 1860
E.C. Weekes accepted the office of Colonial Treasurer
12 year old Richard Antcliffe drowned in the Hunter River
Fight over a game of cards between two navvies at Lochinvar resulted in the death of one
Maitland Weekly Mercury 13 July 1895
No. 53 - 1860
Rev. McIntyre and members of his family attacked and beaten in public as he arrived to give a lecture at the Presbyterian Church in Free Church stCalled for Mounted Police to be stationed at Maitland
Summons against the ring leaders of the riot
Maitland Weekly Mercury 3 August 1895
No. 54 - 1860
Frequent correspondence to the Mercury for months after the above riotTeamster John Barton murdered while on his way from Morpeth to Wollombi. Perpetrator George Swan sentenced to death which was commuted
Hotel on Campbell's Hill erected by Joseph Eckford in 1860 29 rooms and capable of accommodating 240 people
Ploughing match held in David Dickson's paddock at Bolwarra
Bazaar held in aid of building St. Peter's parsonage East Maitland
Two men John Jones for the murder of Rebecca Bailey and Jim Crow an aboriginal also convicted of murder were hanged at Maitland gaol.
Phrenologist Professor Hamilton took a cast of the heads of the executed men
Maitland Weekly Mercury 10 August 1895
No. 55 - 1860
Opening of the extension of the Great Northern Railway from West Maitland to Lochinvar on 27 June 1860Death of two prominent residents of West Maitland in July - William Carrey and Dr. Michael Macartney
E.C. Close junior resigned from his position in the Legislative Assembly in 1860
Death of racehorse Jorrocks at the age of 27
Meeting held to consider forming one or two Volunteer Rifle Companies
First stone of St. Mary's new church at West Maitland laid on 17th September 1860 in presence of 500 people
Maitland Weekly Mercury 17 August 1895
No. 56 - 1860
George Swan sentenced to death but sentence commuted to imprisonment for life, the first three years in ironsThree year old Arthur Hastings Burns crushed to death at his father's flour mill corn High and Sempill Street in November
Notts's flour mill situated at eastern end of the Long Bridge destroyed by fire in November. Mill originally built for Peter Green
Election after a dissolution of Parliament was granted over the Robertson Land Bill
9 year son of John Duke accidentally drowned at the Falls
Teamster Robert Hamilton accidentally killed near the Spread Eagle at Rutherford by being crushed beneath the wheel of his dray
Working bee on the East Maitland racecourse
A plasterer named Francis Ford, 34, poisoned himself by taking strychnine
First sports on the new racecourse at East Maitland held on Boxing Day . 3000-4000 people attended.
Maitland Weekly Mercury 7 September 1895
No. 57 - 1861
Auctions of horses by Isaac GorrickTwo steam companies with head quarters at Morpeth
Captains of the steamers
Committees active in the town
New Year's Day sports
List of schools in the district
Sports Day on New Years Day attended by 1400 people
Ceremony at Singleton
Maitland Weekly Mercury 14 September 1895
No. 58 - 1861
Terrific hailstorm on 4th January 1861William James Mannell struck dead by lightning at Largs
Meeting of the newly formed Volunteer Rifle Company at West Maitland
John Fitch's store and two houses in High Street destroyed by fire
Michael McShane killed by lightning at Phoenix Park
James Nancarrow almost killed by the kick of a horse
Fearful accident at Louth Park to farmer Patrick Phelan
Rifle match between James Wolfe and William Owen
Maitland Weekly Mercury 21 September 1895
No. 59 - 1861
Sensational robbery committed at the Bank of Australasia East Maitland by junior clerk Walham BeardmoreDavid Buchanan first introduced to Parliamentary life by being elected for the constituency of Morpeth
At Newcastle, presentation of colours to the Newcastle Rifle volunteers
James Allen of Black Creek died after an altercation with aboriginal man Jackey
Division between parishes of St. Mary's and St. Paul's in West Maitland explained
The old Thistle Inn situated at the junction of Regent street and Campbell's Hill demolished
Description of Old Jim Bates of Campbell's Hill
Maitland Weekly Mercury 12 October 1895
No. 60 - 1861
A ploughing match in connection with the Hunter River Agricultural and Horticultural Association in George Tucker's paddock at BolwarraRev. William Chaucer a Presbyterian clergyman of Newcastle sentenced to 12 months imprisonment in Darlinghurst gaol for supplying a false marriage certificate
Alexander Wilkinson of West Maitland presented with a handsome testimonial by the Marine Lodge at Newcastle in honor of the exertions in restoring the lodge to its flourishing condition
Cricket Match participants and results
R.B. Minter solicitor of Maitland died suddenly at his residence
St. Barnabas Church at Horseshoe Bend built by Mr. Graham
Second annual exhibition of the Hunter River Agricultural and Horticultural Association in yards of the Northumberland hotel
Maitland Weekly Mercury 26 October 1895
No. 61 - 1861
West Maitland Company of Volunteers - description of their march through the town and military exercises in attack and defence of a fortified positionPopulation of various townships from the Census returns of 1861
Maitland Weekly Mercury 2 November 1895
No. 62 - 1861
First volunteer funeral ever held in Maitland accorded to R.B. Minter, solicitorHis Excellency Sir John Young accompanied by Lady Young and suite visited West Maitland on 26th June
Exhibition at the School of Arts was a great success
James Connolly age 16 visiting Maitland from Clarencetown was accidentally killed in High Street after being hit by a butcher's cart. Son of Chief Constable Connolly
Maitland Weekly Mercury 23 November 1895
No. 63 - 1861
Sensational case at the Maitland Circuit Court of an aborigine known as Black Harry the terror of the district between Merriwa and GunnedahMaitland Weekly Mercury 30 November 1895
No. 64 - 1861
Bazaar in aid of the building fund of St. Mary's Church West MaitlandElderly woman named Mortimer wife of a miller at Campbell's Hill was burned to death in September
Thomas Kelly, crippled and age 50 or 60 years died a peculiar death
Elizabeth Daly postmistress of West Maitland for many years recipient of a testimonial from the townspeople
George Sims of Phoenix Park drowned in the Hunter river at Morpeth
James O'Brien, apprentice saddler of West Maitland died after over charging his gun
The Great Northern Road was the scene of a daring mail robbery by bushrangers
Maitland Weekly Mercury 7 December 1895
No. 65 - 1861
Fatal accident of James Ackroyd aged 60, known as Yorkey when he fell into the riverA society called St. Mary's Young Men's Society formed
Penny Bank system began in West Maitland
Verse called 'Wollombi' contributed to the Mercury by Mr. Basil E. Kendall, brother of Henry Kendall.
Maitland Weekly Mercury 7 March 1896
No. 66 - 1862
A farmer of Buttai John McCormack was killed at Oakvale by being dashed against a gum tree by a horse he was ridingRev. William McIntyre took his departure from the district in February
Footrace took place on Christian's Flat between Richard Jurd of Kurrajong and Edward Jones of Newcastle
Stormy public meetings re the Incorporation of West Maitland
Cricket match lasting three or four days played in Sydney
Maitland Weekly Mercury 14 March 1896
No. 67 - 1862
Interesting cricket match on Christian Flat in March between employees of the Mercury and the opposition paper the EnsignExtension of the great Northern railway from Lochinvar to Black Creek opened
Maitland Volunteer Band played at Thomas Brown's Bush Inn at Black Creek
Kangarooing a favourite sport with many young Maitlanders
Pidgeon shooting match
Annual Ploughing Match held at Louth Park Road
Stone pulpit erected in St. Paul's Church in April