Phoebe Albury was the aunt of Henry Lawson. Her sister, Louisa married Peter Larsen (later Lawson) in Mudgee in 1866. Phoebe had a business as a milliner and dressmaker in the gold rush town of Gulgong and was captured in one of the photographs of the Holtermann collection standing outside her workplace with her sister Louisa.
Phoebe and Richard Stear
Source: Gulgong Pioneer's Muesum
Phoebe married Richard Stear at Gulgong in 1875. The marriage record (NSW BDM 3277/1875) calls her "Phabe". Richard Stear was born in Gunning NSW in 1853 and moved to Gulgong near the beginning of the 1870 gold rush. He briefly tried mining before taking up work at the Times Bakery which he later owned and ran. He was also Mayor of Gulgong for a time.
Phoebe Emily Albury and parrot, Gulgong, 1872
Click here for zoomable image
There were trips around the claims with ‘‘mother,” and visits to Aunt Phoebe, who had a parrot and a sewing-machine—something unusual for children then to remember and marvel over: there were lollies and circuses, and money boxes, and one night in a place they called a theatre. He was just six years of age.
LAND OWNERSHIP
The property depicted in this photo has been identified as Allotment 1 of Section 20 in the town of Gulgong, on the corner of Bayly and Medley streets. The Presbyterian Church is visible in the background of this photo which helps pinpoint the location.
James Young's letter to Surveyor General, 1871
Source: State Archives
TRANSCRIPTION
December 8th 1871
Sir, I having erected 2 cottages, one shed and closet, the improvements detailed below and which I estimate to be worth 80 I have the honor to apply that I may be permitted to purchase without competition under the provisions of the crown lands alienation act of 1861, the crown lands on which they are described here under.The improvements referred to are now in my possession. I have the honor to be your most obedient servantJames Young
The Surveyor GeneralNature of ImprovementsTwo cottages and one shed and one closet built of slabs and then boards and barkCounty of Phillip - Parish of GuntawangTown of Gulgong - Allotment 1 of Section 20
Source: Transcription of photographed letter from State Archives
LAWSON CONNECTION
The above description fits the buildings in the photo. The allotment and section numbers correspond with the block on the corner of Medley and Bayly Streets Gulgong. As James Young owned the buildings, the Lawsons and Phoebe Albury must have occupied the land as his tenants when photographed in 1872.
Phoebe Albury later married Richard Stear who bought the land from Young in 1877 (HLRV Vol-Fol 183-121). It is believed Stear then commissioned Peter Larsen (Henry Lawson’s father) to build the house, "Landsdown", for him on this block.
Source: Information provided by Peter Johnson and Sharelle Fellows
NEWS ITEMS
1884 - Suburban and Country Municipal Elections.
1884 - Suburban and Country Municipal Elections.
Gulgong.— The polling resulted as follows:— Richard Stear, 164; Samuel Bursill, 153; Alfred Blanchard, 140; Charles Zimmler, 123; Henry Holland, 92; Montague Marks, 35; and William Wesley, 32. The first three named were declared elected as aldermen. Auditors—Samuel T. Bishop, 143; Frederick Russell, 137; Robert Heard, 134. The first two were declared duly elected.
Source: The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912) Sat 16 Feb 1884 Page 301APPLICATIONS received in the Department of Mines, for permission to mine under roads, &c., &c., under Mining Act of 1874, section 28. JOSEPH P. ABBOTT.
Date of Application:
- July 3, 1884; William Thompson and Richard Stear. Description of land applied for: Portion of water reserve No. 31. Gulgong Goldfield, county of Phillip, parish of Gulgong; 25a ; to mine for gold.
- July 3, 1884; William Thompson and Richard Stear; portion of water reserve No. 31, Gulgong Goldfield, county of Phillip, parish of Gulgong; 25 acres; to mine for gold.
- July 3, 1884; William Thompson and Richard Stear; portion of water reserve No. 31, Gulgong Goldfield, county of Phillip, parish of Gulgong; 25 acres; to mine for gold.
1884 - GULGONG, FRIDAY.
At a meeting held in the council-chambers last night, Alderman Scully presiding, the following resolutions were unanimously carried - Mr. Zimmler proposed, and Mr. Stear seconded, "that the meeting cordially endorses and approves of the railway policy of the Government, and especially that portion which refers to the line from Mudgee to Walgett, via Coonamble." Mr. Stear proposed, and Mr. Langdon-seconded, "That the chairman be authorised to forward the above resolution by telegraph to the members for the district for presentation to the Minister of Works and the House of Parliament."
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Sat 18 Oct 1884 Page 14
1886 - [HOSPITAL MEETING]
The annual meeting of subscribers to the hospital, which was held here last night, was well attended. The reports of the committee and medical officer and the treasurer's balance-sheet were adopted. The result of the election of officers was as follows:—Mr. Samuel T. Bishop, J.P., president; Mr. F. W. Russell, vice-president; Dr. Joseph P. Kealey, surgeon; Mr. Christian Ode, secretary; committee, Messrs. Junian, Hewitt, Holden, Moverly, Wilson, Shannon, Holland, Curran, Stear, Tuxford, and Powell; auditors, Messrs. Turner and Seaton. The treasurer reported that he had obtained 96 annual subscriptions for the present year, being the largest number received for many years.
1887 - Gulgong. — Nominations for Aldermen: Arthur Garling, Richard Stear, Alfred Blanchard and John Hewett. Auditors: Fredk.Wm. Russel, Samuel T. Bishop, unopposed.
NOTICE is hereby given that Alderman Richard Stear has been this day, at a Special Meeting of the Council, duly elected as Mayor for the current Municipal year 1887-88.
Source: New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900) Tue 15 Feb 1887 [Issue No.91] Page 1113
1887 - Mr. R. STEAR, Mayor of Gulgong.
Mr. Richard Stear, the gentleman who at present fills the civic chair in Gulgong, was born in Gunning, N.S.W., in 1853. He was educated in the Anglican denominational school; and after he left school he threw in his lot with the thousands who at that time were eagerly engaged in digging.
"Good luck" did not wait on his efforts; and his anxiety to amass "a pile" was not rewarded as speedily as he desired. He found the search for gold more seductive than profitable. Shortly after the discovery of gold in Gulgong, in 1870, he proceeded thither; but, not being one of the fortunate ones who pegged out a "Homeward Bound" claim, he relinquished mining pursuits and became assistant to Mr. William Thompson, baker and produce merchant, who was then doing a large business among the mining population. He remained twelve years in that gentleman's employment, and was intrusted with the whole management of the business. In 1886 Mr. Stear became the purchaser, and is at the present time sole proprietor of the "Times Bakery and Produce Store," Gulgong. In 1883 Mr. Stear was elected an alderman; and when he came forward for re-election three years afterward, the ratepayers signified their approval of him by returning him at the head of the poll. He was also unanimously elected Mayor last year. Mr. Stear is a shrewd man of business, and a liberal patron of local sports. In private life he is highly esteemed. He is a fair average speaker, and his tact is such as enables him to conduct the affairs of the municipal council in a highly creditable manner.
Gulgong was proclaimed a municipal district in 1876, and embraces an area of about 33 square miles, including within its boundaries the Canadian township and the Guntawang Estate. The capital value of property for the current year is £83,000. The number of electors on the roll is 400, and the borough contains 52 miles of roads and streets, formed and otherwise improved. The council consists of nine aldermen, who are trustees of the recreation reserve of nearly 27 acres, and of several main roads outside the municipality; and in connection with the council there is a municipal free library containing about 1050 volumes.
Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 18 Jun 1887 Page 9
1888 - PROPOSED TRAMWAY FROM MUDGEE TO GULGONG.
1888 - PROPOSED TRAMWAY FROM MUDGEE TO GULGONG.
A large and influential meeting was held last night in the Council Chambers, Mr. Richard Stear, the Mayor, presiding. Mr. Charles Zimmler proposed, and Mr. James F. Plunkett seconded,—-"That a league be formed for the purpose of agitating the making of a tramway for goods and passengers from Mudgee to Gulgong, and thence to Cobbora, with branches therefrom to Dubbo and Wellington, the league to communicate with the aforesaid towns for the purpose of combining to have a bill passed through Parliament giving permission to run a great north-western tramway along the main roads of the colony in the districts above stated, to act as feeders to the railway stations at Mudgee, Dubbo, and Wellington." The motion was unanimously carried. A strong working committee was appointed.
1890 - The Gulgong Show.
1929 - Obituary - THE LATE RICHARD STEAR. - EX-MAYOR OF GULGONG. (Contributed).
Judging by the amount of real live interest taken by the Committee of the Gulgong Agricultural Society in their forthcoming show, the event should surpass any of the previous efforts. The schedule of prizes appears in another column, and our farming readers should lose no time in perusing the sections that most interest them. At a meeting held on Tuesday, Mr. Stear presiding, the final matters of detail were dealt with. A perusal of the list of judges shows that the Committee have been most fortunate in their selections they have quantity, quality, and competence. What more can they have?
Then another attraction is the event which should bring a whole brigade of peds. from the four corners. This portion of the show is in good hands, and must contribute to the 'hum.' And a horse leaping contest in this district has an all-round attraction. Even the ladies like it. The committee have been very successful in their special prizes, a whole host of which have been contributed.
1900 - SILVER WEDDING
STEAR—ALBURY.—July 8, 1875, at Gulgong, by the Rev. B. J. Meek, Richard Stear, to Phoebe Albury, both of Gulgong, now of Bowning, N. S. Wales.
1925 - GOLDEN WEDDING
STEAR—ALBURY.—July 8, 1875, at Gulgong, by Rev. B. J. Meek, Richard Stear (native of Gunning), to Phoebe Albury (native of Mudgee). Present address, Wynton, 74 Cook-road, Centennial Park.
The death of the late Richard Stear removes almost the last of the old Gulgong pioneers. Born at Gunning in 1854, he left there when ten years of age, and after a few years spent in the Araluen gold fields he made his way to Gulgong, which was then composed mostly of tents. The population at that time was about 30,000, the greater part being diggers. He was first employed by Conway and Blackman, a firm of timber merchants, and afterwards with William Thompson, of the Times Bakery, whose business was then down on the Black Lead. He was one of the carters, and it was his duty to deliver his first load of bread at Home Rule at four o'clock; drive home, load up again, deliver his second load at that place, and return to Gulgong for breakfast. The rest of the day was spent in town delivery, and to the various fields around Gulgong. Mr William Cann was the manager of the Times Bakery at this time, and he left later to start business on his own account at Newcastle. Mr Stear then took over the management. Both these gentlemen afterwards became mayors of the town in which they lived, Newcastle and Gulgong. Shortly after Mr Stear became manager the firm removed to the then new premises higher up in Herbert street, at present carried on by J. H. Speers, who by the way, served his apprenticeship with Mr Stear. About this time Mr Stear married Miss Phoebe Albury, a sister to poet Henry Lawson's mother, and while at Gulgong had a family of ten children, three boys and seven girls. It may not be generally known that the house at the corner of Medley and Bayly streets was built by Lawson's father and was first painted by Henry himself. In the late eighties Mr Stear conducted the business on his own account, and was a large purchaser of produce from the local farmers. While he lived at Gulgong he took a prominent part in all public affairs, was an alderman for a greater portion of the time, mayor for three years in succession, a leading spirit in the first agricultural show, and for many years a judge in the produce section. He was also founder of the Building Society; took a lively interest in the local hospital—he never missed a committee meeting, and was a trustee and chairman of directors of the butter factory. For years he advocated the extension of the railway from Mudgee to Gulgong, and when the commissioners held an inquiry into the advisability of extending the line Mr Fehon, the chairman, congratulated Mr Stear on the evidence and information he gave. When the line was built he was present at the opening, and rode in the first train. He was a member of the Happy Valley M.U. Oddfellows' Lodge for about fifty years, and remained a member up to the time of his death. He was very much attached to the members, and was always deeply affected when he heard of the death of one of the brethren. Leaving Gulgong in 1897 Mr Stear went to Pennant Hills, and later on purchased a business at Bowning, near Yass, where he was most successful. Retiring from business on his sixtieth birthday, he and Mrs Stear went to live at Centennial Park. After, his wife's death he lived with his eldest daughter at Yass, and died there on March 7. Mr Stear had a wonderful memory, and it was a pleasure to hear him relating some of his early Gulgong experiences. Old friends and acquaintances he never forgot, and he never lost an opportunity of inquiring after their welfare.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 11 Apr 1929 Page 12
1947 - HENRY LAWSON'S BIRTHPLACE - BEST HOUSE ON GRENFELL.
W. J. Stear (Calleen). [son of Richard Stear]
What little mention there is of Lawson's birth merely states that he was born in a tent at Grenfell. Personally I would prefer to let it go at that, but it would not be fair to my uncle Peter. However, the least that can be said of the tent is that there were both privacy and comfort in it. My aunt, then Gertrude Albury, and later Mrs. Job Falconer, was sent by her parents, then living at Mudgee, to Grenfell. She was to do the housekeeping and attend to the baby, during her sister's illness.
She was a smart, capable and rather attractive girl of about fifteen years. She was in residence there, at the time of the birth, and remained for six months. She often spoke of these six months, as being the happiest of her life. Her description of' the tent is ''That the walls were built up high with slabs, the roof was of calico, and that it was far and away, the best house on Grenfell." Henry's father went to considerable trouble in building this nest, and love for his wife was the urge. There was a disparity of fourteen years between them, he being about thirty-two and his wife eighteen years old when they were married. Peter and my father married two sisters, Louisa and Phoebe Albury respectively. Uncle Peter confided a lot of his domestic affairs to father, and to my enquiry if there was much love between them this is what he said: "He worshipped the ground she walked on, and would do all in his power for her happiness and comfort (he altered his name from Larson to Lawson to please her). He liked to talk about my Louisa as he called her, and although he spoke English well he always pronounced the name Louisa, with a foreign accent." He was a carpenter and house builder by trade, and had also considerable experience in bush carpentering. It made very little difference to him if the material was sawn or only split slabs. Assisted by my cousin Henry, then about fifteen years old, he built our old home at Gulgong. My father was well pleased with the work and surprised at the quick time in which the job was completed. I would like to conclude by giving a few more particulars of Lawson's young nurse girl. In his sketch entitled "The First Buggy at Leaheys Creek" (Lachey's Creek) it was Falconers buggy he referred to. I have often had a ride in it myself, and I expect she was always his ideal as the typical settler's wife. She was a good housekeeper and manager, a neat sewer, and made her own clothes. In the art of crochet work she had very few, if any, peers. In the latter part of her life she added considerably to the family income by doing special crochet work for one of the most select drapery houses in Sydney. It would not be difficult to visualise what baby Henry's first garments were like. She was never idle, and there was not a lazy bone in her body. After my mother's death she was housekeeper for my father at Centennial Park. One morning she collapsed and died while hanging out the washing. She died in harness.
Source: The Grenfell Record and Lachlan District Advertiser (NSW : 1876 - 1951) Thu 9 Jan 1947 Page 2
Map showing 16 Gulgong properties owned by Richard Stear in 1887.
Source: Parish Maps
1931 - [BRIDGE]
They [the Alburys] had a large family, among them being many daughters. The late Mr. Richard Stear, who married one daughter [Phoebe Albury], owned the Times Bakery (now Mr. J. Spears) in Gulgong for years. Mr. Stear was Mayor of Gulgong, and took a leading part in all public movements.
The last work done by Mr. Albury and his men was the erection of a temporary bridge across Lawson's Creek. On the 24th May, in the late sixties, a three days' meeting was fixed by the Mudgee Turf Club, and rain fell in torrents, and the creek, coming down a 'banker,'' washed away the first bridge. The weather became fine, and the Club decided to race, but the trouble was for vehicles to cross the creek, as the stream was still running very strong. Anyhow, the contractor, with about 20 men and horse teams, worked day and night, and a temporary bridge of heavy trees was built, and by 10 o'clock on the morning of the first day of the races was completed, allowing vehicles, pedestrians, horses, etc., to cross, and a most successful meeting was held. The temporary structure remained for many mouths, and, after a time, a new one was erected.
