Source: SLNSW
Source: Information supplied by Baldwin & Davis, Research Gulgong (Sept 2006)
Rossiter's Hotel Gulgong, 1872
View of Mayne Street, looking west
Source: SLNSW
This image shows Rossiter's Hotel at the intersection of Mayne and Medley Streets, looking west along Mayne Street. Rossiter's Hotel, left, is opposite Kelly's Family Hotel [cropped] - Ambrose Kelly licensee. On the bend in the street is Dr Kelly's surgery and J.T Woods' Sydney House.
Source: Note supplied by Baldwin & Davis, Research Gulgong (July 2006)
Advertisement for "Thiodon" resting agains the wall outside Rossiter's Hotel
Source: SLNSW
Rossiter's Hotel Gulgong, 1872
View of Mayne Street, looking east
Source: SLNSW
Henry Charles Rossiter, 1872
Source: SLNSW
Henry Charles Rossiter married Mary Anne Friend in Young in 1868 (NSW BDM 1818/1868). Their children included:
- Henry Charles - born 1872 (Gulgong); married Kathleen Flood in Warren in 1894; died 1931, Paddington.
- Edward - born 1874 (Gulgong)
- Thomas - born 1876; died 1876 (Young).
- William - born 1877 (Gulgong)
- Emma Jane - born 1879 (Dubbo)
- Ivy - born 1886 (Dubbo)
- Oliver - born 1889 (Dubbo)
- Violet - born 1893 (Warren)
- Mona - born 1899 (Warren); married Robert White in 1927 in Darlinghurst.
In 1872, Rossiter purchased Allotment 1 of Section 17 for two pounds fourteen shillings. On 1 Sept 1892, the property was transferred to Lewis Charles Naughton of Gulgong, Store Assistant and some time later to Bernard Naughton.
Location of Rossiter's Hotel
Source: SLNSW
In 1874, Rossiter purchased two lots on Belmore Street (Allots 6 and 11 of Section 21).
Source: SLNSW
1871 - Sale of Race Booths
Sold by G.A. Davis: W. Frost, Rossiter, Saunders, Selff, Deitz, Bullock.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 3, 4 March 1871
1871 - Rossiter’s Hotel
(Corner of Queen [Mayne] and Chapel [Medley] Streets)
THE above HOTEL having been considerably enlarged, now offers every facility for the comfort & convenience of VISITORS. The PARLOURS are retired and cosy, thus affording exceptional attractions to those having business to transact. The TABLE is second to none on the goldfield, and the BAR is always well stocked with the Best Brands in WINES , SPIRITS &c.
Secure Yards. Good Stabling
ROSSITER & FRAZER, Proprietors.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 18, 17 June 1871
1871 - Early Closing Movement
A public meeting was held at Rossiter’s Hotel last Tuesday evening to initiate a movement; object is the closing of all business places at eight o’clock every evening except Saturday.
T. A. Browne P.M. presided, and gave his warm approval to the movement, which would be productive of benefit to all concerned, by enabling them to have leisure for mental recreation. Mr. H. J. Woods moved ‘That in the opinion of this meeting the hours of labour in stores on this goldfield are excessive and should be shortened'. Mr. Wilkinson second the motion, supported by Messrs. Pickering and Moses, carried unanimously.
It was moved by Mr. Tissington -'That the following gentleman who have signified their adherence to the movement, form a committee to carry out the object of the meeting, viz., Messrs. Angove, Booth, Samper, Frost, Walker, and Bourne, with power to add to their number', seconded by Mr. Hart and carried unanimously.
Mr. Murphy [Booth & Co.] moved and Mr. Selff seconded - 'That a deputation of the employees in the various stores, do wait upon those storekeepers who have not yet signified their adherence to the early closing movement, requesting them to close at eight o’clock' - carried unanimously.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 23, 22 July 1871
1871 - Masonic Meeting
A meeting of Masonic Brethren was held at Rossiter’s Hotel for the purpose of establishing a lodge in Gulgong. There was a good attendance. Brother W. Booth was voted to the chair. After animated discussion the meeting resolved unanimously to form a lodge. A committee was appointed to find suitable premises and to report progress to the next meeting.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 24, 29 July 1871
1871 - Hospital Committee.
A meeting of the Hospital Committee was held at Rossiter’s Hotel, President Mr. R. Angove in the chair. Tenders for the erection of the hospital were opened, and that of Mr. W.J. White was accepted for the sum of 247 pounds, to be completed in 8 weeks from signing of contract.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 27, 19 August 1871
1871 - [NEW PROPRIETOR]
Rossiter’s Hotel has a new proprietor JOHN TREBBLE, who is the sole proprietor having purchased the business from Messrs. Rossiter and Frazer. Dissolution of Partnership Henry Rossiter and Robert Frazer. New Partner ship between Frazer & Trebble.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 45, 23 December 1871
1872 - POLICE COURT
Pocket Picking - James Fagan, picking pocket of Thomas Rice. Jimmy pretended to be drunk went to Rossiter’s public house and fell on Rice, trying to pick his pocket. Mr. Benjamin Stokes observed, landlord kicked him out, he then went to Binder’s Hotel, he tried the same caper, Stokes had followed, he then informed the police. Case dismissed.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 47, 6 January 1872
John Treble - Begs to inform patrons of the above hotel that he has become the Sole Proprietor.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 47, 6 January 1872
1872 - POLICE COURT
Bogus Cheques – Robert Gordon, bogus cheques, cashed by the following, Mr. McCubbin, of the Victoria Hotel, Queen Street, Mr. Treble of Rossiter’s Hotel. Committed to Mudgee for trial.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 61, 16 March 1872
HENRY ROSSITER Begs to inform the patrons of the above Hotel that, having become the sole proprietor, he will endeavour to carry on the business in a manner that will ensure a continuance of the favour hitherto bestowed upon the Hotel while owned by Messrs. Rossiter and Frazer.
As the BAR, TABLE, LIQUORS and BEDROOMS are all favourably know to the public, it will ever be the study of the proprietor to improve upon them, so as to keep pace with the wants of his customers. COMMODIOUS STABLING – SAFE YARDS.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 104, 14 August 1872
1872 - POLICE COURT
Stealing a Saddle – James Doyle was brought up charged with stealing a saddle, bridle and saddle cloth the property of Michael Garland. Sergeant O’Donnell, arrested the prisoner at Norton’s Guntawang, and charged him with robbery, prisoner denied charge. Michael Garland stated he was at Rossiter’s Hotel Queen Street on Saturday night, had tied his horse to the post and went inside, was there about 15 minutes, and when he came outside his horse was gone; found the horse later minus the saddle and bridle, value £5.
Thomas Collane, miner, stated had worked with the prisoner, was in Gulgong on Sunday and purchased a saddle and bridle from him, paid £3, left Hill’s stable between 8 and 9 am; prisoner said he had got the articles from a man named Sands, who owed him money. Alfred Burns groom at Hills proved the finding; remanded till Tuesday.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 129, 9 November 1872
1872 - New Year’s Races
Those who attended the meeting at Rossiters hotel: T.F. DeC. Browne [chair] Messrs. Selff, Craigen, Saunders, Redmond, Ryan, Rossiter, Binder, Graham, M. Downey and Robinson...
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 131, 16 November 1872
1872 - [BIRTH]
On Wednesday, the 27th November, at her residence, Rossiter's Hotel, Queen-street, Gulgong, Mrs. Henry Rossiter of a son [Henry Charles Jnr].
Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 7 Dec 1872 Page 281872 - POLICE COURT
Stealing a Bridle—Case against James Moor for stealing from Michael Gartlan outside Rossiter’s Hotel, was dismissed.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 194, 25 June 1873
1873 - POLICE COURT
Appeal Cases - Lewis v Connell – This case Lewis and party were supposed claim holders of the "Chance" and Connell and party claim holders of the "Black Swan". In addition to this there is a third claim holder - Pender and party - and it was arranged to hear the three cases in one.
The Black Swan had been taken up and registered to all 23 Black Lead to block off. The present applicants of the Black Swan were owners by purchase.
The appellants in the case were W. Connell, J. Newman, P. Malcome, W. Breen, W. Grattan and W. Daly. The respondents were H. Rossiter, J. Lewis, A. Poulson, R. Gillies, R. Collins and W. Ponder.
Dr. Belinfante in addressing the Bench said that he hoped their decision would be guided by the present evidence and not by any previous decision and if the respondents were not entitled to the ground they would be careful to which party the claim was given.
R. Collins stated he was shareholder in No 4. Black Swan and had purchased from Smith and Hogan date of purchase 24th June 1872. Adjourned.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 187, 31 May 1873
1873 - Arrest under Warrant
Thomas DeCourcy Browne was brought before the Bench. The nature of the charges against him were not gone into. Bail was allowed and tendered by Messrs. Rossiter and P. H. Jamieson.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 194, 25 June 1873
WHEREAS my WIFE Mary Ann Rossiter has left her home, I hereby caution all persons from giving her Credit on my Accounts, as I will not be responsible for any DEBTS contracted by her after this date.
HENRY ROSSITER
Rossiter’s Hotel, Queen Street, April 28th, 1874.Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 28 April 1874
1874 - Public Demonstration
A Public Demonstration will take place on Saturday afternoon. All miners are requested to attend, and thereby show their appreciation of the Government of NSW, in at length acceding to the prayer of one of their petitions.
The procession will move from Rossiter’s Hotel punctually at 4 .p.m
A collection will be made at the conclusion of the ceremony for the benefit of the Gulgong Hospital.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 30 April 1874
1874 - Police Court - Before the P.M., April 24
Assault - Christy Johnson charge by Henry Rossiter with striking him on the temple with a riding whip. The evidence of Mr. Rossiter having been taken the case was remanded for the evidence of Dr. Ewing and other witnesses.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 30 April 1874
1874 - [INSOLVENCY COURT - SURRENDERS]
Henry Rossiter, of Gulgong, publican. Cause of Sequestration: Losses in business and mining speculations. Liabilities, £1189 4s Assets, £311.WU. Deficiency, £878 4s. Official assignee, Mr. F. T. Humphery.
1874 - Deeds of Grant
It is notified that deeds of grant of the undermentioned portions of land in favour of the following persons are ready for delivery upon payment of the assurance fee, which is set opposite each name where the same is not already paid:-
- H Rossiter, 28 perches. Village of Gulgong, 2d.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 18 August 1874
1874 - Birth
On the 22nd instant, at her residence Queen St, Mrs. Henry Rossiter, of a son [Edward].
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 26 November 1874
1875 - Deeds of Grant
The following Gulgong deeds of grant are ready for delivery under the usual conditions:-
- H Rossiter, 1 rood
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 27 May 1875
1875 - Fire Brigade
Meeting held in Scully’s Building with Mr Samper in the chair. Mr Samuel Green was elected as an honorary member by Mr Harris.
Mr Cogdon the proposed the following gentlemen as members to be elected at the next meeting:- Messrs John Hunter, Maurice Lazarus, J S Ross, William Selff, Attwood W Honour, George Sharman, W Binder, P O’Neill, W Murphy, R Angove and H Rossiter.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 15 June 1875
1875 - Progress Committee
New members enrolled were: Messrs Rossiter, Scurrah, Spring, Arrowsmith, T Ryan, W Ward, Farr, Daveron, Ellis and Langdon.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 12 February 1876
1875 - Police Court before the PM
Larceny - Charles Stanley on bail appeared charged of stealing a pair of boots the property of Eliza Davis.
Sen Sergeant J Merrin: Miss Davis had informed me a pair of her boots were stolen, I proceeded to Mr Stanley’s residence near the pound, told him a pair of boots were missing from the sale at Rossiter’s Hotel, replied he had not seen any boots; just then a woman, who is called Mrs Stanley came out of a room; Mrs Stanley when questioned said Stanley had brought them for 4/- for her; Miss Davis’s brother was with me at the time.
Cross examined by Mr Cory: I was not in uniform, did not tell him I was a constable, did not caution him, he knew me well, I know him as the assistant pound keeper, he had been drinking.
Eliza Davis: I reside with my sister Mrs Rossiter, those are my boots, Mr Daveron the auctioneer was in my room with Mr Hall, Stanley was in various parts of the house, I purchased the boots from Sun Tong Lee for 8/6, they burst at the side on the first time of wearing.
Sergeant Keenan, said he wished to called a witness, a woman reputed as Mrs Stanley, she was present but she had disappeared.
Henry Davis: I am a brother to the witness, I saw the accused go into my sister’s room; when he left I noticed he went up the lane and over Red Hill. Case proved sentenced to 3 months Mudgee gaol.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 8 March 1876
1876 - Gulgong Municipality
I herby publish, for general information, the names of the undermentioned gentlemen, who have duly nominated as candidates for the positions of Aldermen and Auditors for the Gulgong Municipality...
- Henry Rossiter publican, Gulgong, nominated by Frederick William Russell clerk, Mayne Street and William Murphy, storekeeper, Mayne Street.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 5 April 1876
1876 - Gulgong Municipal
The nominees were read out. William Booth protested as to why his name was not on the roll. The Returning Officer with all courtesy refused to receive any protest or have any arguments. Mr Young inquired as to why his nomination was not read out, the explanation being it was either informal or too late. Messrs Collins, Sharman, Mallinson, Smith, Jansan, Larance then with drew their nominations and Mr Coleman was now deceased.
Those candidates who wished to address the meeting were invited to come forward...
Henry Rossiter: Gentlemen—I consider it is no good my saying I will do so and so. Everybody seems to know each other’s business better than he does himself. I am not going to address you at any length. I am a candidate for the honour of election. Elect me and my actions shall prove I will do my duty.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 12 April 1876
1876 - Election of Mayor
At a meeting of the gentlemen lately elected as aldermen for the Municipality of Gulgong held on Saturday at the Warburton Hotel, Richard Rouse was elected as Mayor.
Aldermen Bird, O’Neill, Homer, Woods, Selff, Tuxford, Hunter and Rossiter.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 26 April 1876 1876 - Gulgong Borough Council
Weekly meeting, present: Mayor Rouse, Aldermen O’Neill, Hunter, Bird, Homer and Tuxford. A letter from Alderman Rossiter requesting 3 months leave was granted.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, 24 June 1876 Land Titles Office, Sydney, 6th February, 1879,
In the matter of discharge of mortgage, No. 10,417, of Henry Rossiter to Walter Church and Robert Hills, of allot. 1 of sec. 17, village of Gulgong, vol. 150, fol. 104. NOTICE is hereby given, of the intention of the Registrar General to register the above discharge of mortgage after the expiration of twenty-one days from the date hereof, without production of the original mortgage, reasonable cause having been shown, and consent of the Commissioners obtained, pursuant to sec. 91 of the Real Property Act. E. G. WARD, Registrar General.
Source: New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900) Fri 7 Feb 1879 [Issue No.40] Page 543
NRS-13495-29-[13/12400]-628
Divorce papers Henry Charles Rossiter - Mary Ann Rossiter, Thomas Fowler
1894 - [CONVEYANCE OF MAILS]
Divorce papers Henry Charles Rossiter - Mary Ann Rossiter, Thomas Fowler
Warren and Cannonbar, once a week—Henry Rossiter of Warren, horseback, 3 years, £41 9s., per annum.
Source: New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832 - 1900) Mon 29 Oct 1894 [Issue No.712 (SUPPLEMENT)] Page 6860
1903 - BANKRUPTCY
Henry Charles Rossiter, of Warren, late hotelkeeper. Mr. W. H. Palmer, official assignee.Insolvency Index 1842-1887 - Series: 0 | File No: 12002 | Citation: NRS-13654-1-[2/9532]-12002 | Place: Gulgong | Occupation: Licensed Victualler
Insolvency Index 1842-1887 - Series: 0 | File No: 17974 | Citation: NRS-13654-1-[2/9997]-17974 | Place: Medway, near Dubbo | Occupation: Innkeeper
Bankruptcy Index 1888-1929 - File No: 15708 | Date of Sequestration: 30/07/1903 | Citation: NRS-13655-1-[10/23405]-15708 | Place: Warren | Occupation: Hotelkeeper
1904 - OBITUARY
Charles Henry Rossiter, 71, for 21 years a resident of Warren.1914 - PROBATE
Probate Jurisdiction—In the Estate of HENRY ROSSITER, late of Warren, in the State of a New South Wales, Hotelkeeper, deceased, intestate...
1921 - DEATH.
ROSSITER. September 23, 1921, at her residence, 397½ Dowling-street, Moore Park, Mary Ann, relict of the late Henry Charles Rossiter of Warren, beloved mother of Harry, Ted, Will, Oliver, Ivy, Violet and Mona, aged 65 years. At Rest.
NB: Bertha Lawson, as a single parent, separated from poet Henry Lawson, lived at 397½ Dowling-street, Moore Park around 1903.
Mrs. H. Rossiter, wife of the late Henry Rossiter, who for many years conducted a hotel business in Warren, died in Sydney last week, at the age of 65 years. The deceased leaves a grown up family of four sons and three daughters.
1931 - DEATH.
ROSSITER.—June 4 at his residence 81 Hargraves-street Paddington, Henry Charles beloved husband of Kathleen Rossiter and father of May, Harry, Jessie, Herbert, Jack, Joe, and Nellie, and eldest son of the late Mr and Mrs H C Rossiter, of Warren, aged 58 years.
1931- [EARLY LIFE]
The older residents of Warren heard with regret the death of Mr. Henry Charles Rossiter, which took place at his residence, 81 Hargrave street, Paddlngton, recently, at the age of 58 years. The late Mr. Rossiter came to Warren as a boy with his father, the late Mr. H. C. Rossiter, who in 1882 took over the old Travellers' Rest Hotel, which was the first house built in Warren and is now the residence of Mr. W. Readford. He spent his school days in Warren.
Source: Narromine News and Trangie Advocate (NSW : 1898 - 1955) Fri 19 Jun 1931 Page 7
______________________________
Today, the Centennial Hotel occupies the same corner of Mayne and Medley Streets where Henry Rossiter had his hotel during the goldrush.
