Horace James Rockwell
15 July 1859 – 3 July 1930
Son of Alfred Charles Rockwell and Eliza Taylor Robins Crocker
Brother of Male Rockwell, Male Rockwell, John Rockwell, Alfred Rockwell, Male Rockwell, Mary Rockwell, William Robert Rockwell, Male Rockwell, Henry Rockwell, Eliza Sophia Rockwell, Annie Rosa Rockwell, Alexander Charles Rockwell
Husband of Jane or Jean Ann Dallas
Father of Horace Bruce Rockwell, Gladys Robina Jean Rockwell, Winifred Jessie Dallas Rockwell, Alexander Gordon Roy Rockwell, Joseph Rockwell, William Percival Rockwell, Female Rockwell, Dorothy Eliza Annie Rose Rockwell
Horace James Rockwell was born on Friday, 15 July 1859 and was registered with Births in District of Clarence Plains, Tasmania, Australia. He was baptised on Sunday, 11 September 1859 at Kangaroo Point, Tasmania, Australia.
Australia, Tasmania, Civil Registration (District Registers), 1839-1938. Births in the District of Clarence Plains 1859 number 386
In the early 1880s, following in his father’s footsteps, Horace was employed in several lighthouse capacities.
Tasmanian (Launceston, Tas. 1881 - 1895), Saturday 1 July 1882, page 7
“H. J. Rockwell, assistant at Low Heads, promoted to senior assistant at Currie Harbour.”
“The Marine Board met this afternoon…
H. J. Rockwell’s resignation as signalman at Low Heads was accepted, and A. Rockwell’s services, at the same salary, were accepted.”
“HOBART MARINE BOARD
LIGHTHOUSES.
Mr. H. J. Rockwell, the superintendent at the Low Heads lighthouse, reported that Assistant Harris had taken up his quarters at the leading light-towers, and that A. Begent had taken the place of Harris at the station. ”
“HOBART MARINE BOARD.
Lighthouses.
The resignation, at the end of June, of H. J. Rockwell, assistant at the Low Heads lighthouse, was accepted, and the temporary appointment of Robert Harris, in his place, was agreed to.”
Horace was still involved in matters concerning the Marine Board of Table Cape in 1900.
Marine Board of Table Cape.
THE MONTHLY MEETING.
The usual monthly meeting of the Marine Board of Table Cape was held at the Burnie Court House yesterday afternoon…
A letter was read from Mr H. J. Rockwell enclosing an estimate for repairs to the Rocky Cape jetty. Warden Jones moved and Warden Byrne seconded "That Warden Byrne be authorised to arrange for necessary repairs at a cost not exceeding £10." Carried.
- North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times (Tas. : 1899 - 1919), Tuesday 7 August 1900, page 4
Horace and Jean Anne Dallas were married on Sunday, 29 December 1886 at the home of Jean’s father, Robert Dallas, at Rocky Cape, Tasmania, Australia.
Australia, Tasmania, Civil Registration, 1803-1933 Marriages in the District of Circular Head (Horton) 1886 number 235
Tasmanian (Launceston, Tas. 1881 - 1895), Saturday 8 January 1887, page 28
Shortly after their marriage, Horace and Jean moved to Victoria, Australia. This is where their daughter Gladys Robina Jean Rockwell was born. There is also mention of Horace having entered a piece of art in the Victorian Artists’ Exhibition in 1893.
ART AND ARTISTS.
Amid much that is commonplace both in subject and in manner of treatment at the Victorian Artists' Exhibition;
"DEPARTING Day," by H. J. Rockwell, truthfully delineates the subdued effect of a soft grey colouring; the general indistinctness of the objects is a veil In keeping with the subject, but the horizon line is rather hard, and destroys the feeling of air in the picture. The same qualities are observable, also, in his "Winter Fuel" and "Evening."
- Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic. : 1885 - 1939), Friday 5 May 1893, page 5
In 1891 Horace was again living in Tasmania, Australia. Horace’s daughter, Winnifred Jessie Dallas Rockwell’s birth certificate states her father’s occupation as ‘carpenter’ in Detention River, Tasmania, Australia. Therefore, the exact timeline of Horace’s time in Victoria is unclear.
Throughout his life in Tasmania, Horace was an active member of the Presbyterian Church. Here are a few examples of his contributions:
“A successful entertainment, consisting of songs, recitations, etc., in aid of the Presbyterian Church, Stanley, was held in Mrs Dallas’ barn on Thursday evening. The performers were: Rev. W. Morris (Presbyterian clergyman), Mrs Morris, Mrs Arthur Smith, Messrs Frank Smith, H. J. Rockwell, Alfred Brakey, and Miss Lilian Carroll. The amount taken at the door was £2 0s 6d.”
“Rev Hugh Livingstone, of Carisbrook, Victoria, has accepted a call to St James’ Presbyterian Church at Stanley. The induction will take place at Stanley on August 25. Revs Stewart Byron and W. Beck, with Mr Jas. S. Beattie and Mr H. J. Rockwell, have been commissioned to represent the Presbytery at the induction.”
Circular Head Chronicle (Stanley, Tas. 1906 - 1954), Wednesday 17 October 1906, page 2
Circular Head Chronicle (Stanley, Tas. 1906 - 1954), Wednesday 17 October 1906, page 2
Between 1887 and 1907, newspapers recorded Horace’s farming and land applications and advertisements:
“Public Notice: I intend to apply for permission from the Local Board of Health to erect a Steam Woodcutting Mill in Denison street off Macquarie street. H. J. Rockwell, 9 Denison street.”
“JUBILEE Wood and Coal Yard. H. J. Rockwell. Denison street; orders left at produce store, corner Macquarie and Barrack sts., promptly attended ”
“The Municipal Council will meet on Monday, when the following business shall have attention: …on application of Mr H. J. Rockwell for a cart crossing in Denison street.”
“CITY COUNCIL. PUBLIC WORKS.
On application of Mr. H. J. Rockwell for a cart crossing in Denison-street; that there was no objection provided that the usual conditions were complied with, namely, de-posit of £5.”
“Circular Head Municipality.
WARD BOUNDARIES.
The following are the boundaries in the Emmett and Mowbray wards of the above municipality:—
EMMETT WARD.
Commencing at a point on Bass Strait opposite the north-east angle 233 acres purchased by J. Alexander the Elder thence by a southerly line to and along the eastern boundary of that lot and along the eastern boundary of land purchased by A. J. Ford the southern boundary of that land and part of the southern boundary of land purchased by F. M. Quiggin to the east boundary of land purchased by H. J. Rockwell by that boundary and by a continued southerly line to the north-west angle of 144a. 3r. 33p.”
In 1902 Horace received a Certificate of Competency as Engine Driver from Inspection of Machinery Department, Tasmania, Australia. His occupation at the time was Land Engine Officer.
In 1902 and 1903, Horace also sold farms and land at Detention, Tasmania, Australia:
In 1902 and 1903, Horace also sold farms and land at Detention, Tasmania, Australia
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times (Tas. 1899 - 1919), Thursday 16 July 1903, page 2
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times (Tas. 1899 - 1919), Tuesday 21 July 1903, page 3
In 1904, Horace continued to be involved in various matters of business with the Marine Board.
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times (Tas. 1899 - 1919), Monday 15 February 1904, page 3
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times (Tas. 1899 - 1919), Monday 15 February 1904, page 3
According to the Tasmanian Post Office Directory, in 1905 Horace was a farmer in Detention River, Tasmania, Australia. He was living with his wife Jean.
In 1906 Horace and members of his immediate and extended family participated in the annual school concert at Rocky Cape, Tasmania, Australia:
ROCKY CAPE: The annual school concert was held on Saturday last, and as usual was well patronised and much enjoyed by all those present. The children went through all their items without a hitch, and the concert was quite up to the high standard of other years. The following was the programme:— Chorus, "Marching song"; pianoforte duet, "Volunteer march," Misses G. and W. Rockwell; song and chorus, "A farmer's life," Masters S. Boys and S. Walters; recitation, "Peony James' fainting fit," Miss Ella Medwin; choruses, Chime again" and "Bell birds"; recitation, "A little boy's lament," Master R. Dallas; action song, "Meddle-some Mattie"; recitation, "A kitten's complaint," Master Leslie Smith; song and chorus, "Pansy faces," Misses G. Harman and A. Boys; recitation, "The crossing sweepers," Master Ken. Dallas; chorus, "Hear the voice of the watchman"; recitation, "The road to Heaven," Master Gordon Medwin; song, "The dirty boy," Master Albert Brakey; recitation, "Hang up the baby's stock-ing," four little girls; chorus, "Advance Australia"; action song, "Heads and heels"; club-swinging, Masters S. Boys, D. Davidson, R. Rockwell and S. Walters; Pianoforte duet, "Minnie's birthday," Miss G. and Master J. Rockwell; song "The longshoreman," Mr J. Tabor; recitation, "Hodge and the vicar," Master W. Daly; song, "With the tide," Miss Fooks (encore, "Coming thro' the rye"); song, "In the valley where the blue birds sing," Miss Irene Carroll; recitation, "Barbars Frietchie," Master J. Rockwell; song, "Clementine," Mrs B. Harman; song, "Doreen," Mr B. Boys; recitation, "The kiss in school," Master W. Daly; song, "Good-by, Mavourneen," Mrs Owen Harman; song, "I'm wearing my heart sway for you," Mr A. Brakey; song, "The skipper and his child," Mr H. J. Rockwell (encore, "Teaching McFadden to waltz").”
- North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times (Tas. : 1899 - 1919), Thursday 29 November 1906, page 2
Tasmanian Schools. Rocky Cape School children in 1904 Date: 1904 Institution: Circular Head Heritage Centre
Description: The Rocky Cape, Tasmania, State School children with four adults with a blackboard in front that reads 'Rocky Cape State School 1904'. Back: Arthur Boys, Syd Boys, ----------, Adeline Brakey, Gladys Rockwell, Florence Boys, Isabel Brakey, Gladys Brakey, Blanche Boys. Front: -----, ---------, -----------, Mr Walker, ------------, -------------, Gordon Medwin, Grace Dallas, Bernie Dallas, Miss Blanche Walker, Jean Dallas, Ella Medwin.
In 1907, Horace was involved in the tender process for the erection of a public hall at Rocky Cape, Tasmania, Australia and in 1907 and 1908, Horace made numerous donations to Devon Hospital.
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times (Tas. 1899 - 1919), Tuesday 20 August 1907, page 4
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times (Tas. 1899 - 1919), Thursday 10 December 1908, page 2
In 1909 it was announced that Horace and his family had made all the necessary preparations for their relocation to Queensland and in 1910, Horace faced the City Police Court in relation to non-payment of rates.
Circular Head Chronicle (Stanley, Tas. 1906 - 1954), Wednesday 24 February 1909, page 2
Examiner (Launceston, Tas. 1900 - 1954), Thursday 15 December 1910, page 4
By 1915, Horace and his family had moved to Queensland, Australia. Horace was a respected member of the community in Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia and surrounds and had several dealings with the city council.
The City Council… H. J. Rockwell, Kalkie, offering to sell the Council a quantity of stone at 1/- per yard.— Referred to the Works Committee.
- Bundaberg Mail and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. : 1892 - 1917), Friday 3 September 1915, page 4
A letter from Horace to his daughter Gladys shortly after his move to Queensland.
Horace and his wife and children about 1916. Son, William Percival Rockwell, absent (serving in WWI)
Horace Bruce Rockwell (son), Gladys Robina Jean Rockwell (daughter), Horace James Rockwell, Winifred Jessie Dallas Rockwell (daughter), Jean Ann Dallas (wife), Joseph Rockwell (son), Alexander Gordon Roy Rockwell (son)
A poem written the autograph book of his daughter, Gladys’, mother-in-law, Annie Freia McKechnie nee Smith
In 1916, Horace was a member of the Town Guard Rifle Association. He was also granted permission to purchase land in Kalkie, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia by the Land Commissioner Court.
H. J. Rockwell, area 820 acres, parish of Kalkie.— Granted.
- Bundaberg Mail and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. : 1892 - 1917), Thursday 10 February 1916, page 4
In 1917, Horace was praised for his storage of ensilage during a drought:
Bundaberg Mail and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. 1892 - 1917), Monday 13 August 1917, page 2
Bundaberg Mail and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. 1892 - 1917), Wednesday 15 August 1917, page 2
From 1917 to 1919 Horace received several war reports in the newspapers about his son, Alexander Gordon Roy Rockwell.
Bundaberg Mail and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. 1892 - 1917), Friday 2 November 1917, page 3
Cairns Post (Qld. 1909 - 1954), Wednesday 6 March 1918, page 6
Bundaberg Mail (Qld. 1917 - 1925), Thursday 12 June 1919, page 4
According to Australian electoral rolls, in 1919 Horace was living at their farm ‘Hatherleigh’ in Kalkie, Queensland, Australia. He was working as a farmer with his son, Joseph, who was a dairyman. His wife, Jean, and children Alexander Gordon Roy and Winifred Jessie Dallas were living in nearby Burnett Heads.
RED CROSS SOCIETY THE FINAL MEETING.
After fulfilling a noble work for the past five years, the Bundaberg Red Cross Society finally disbanded yesterday afternoon. There was an excellent roll up of members for the final meeting. The president (Mrs. AV G. Marsh) presided, and there were also present: Mesdames J. Wright, W. .T. Heathwood, W. Dunn, W. Flint, W. D. Murray, G. Ritchie, H. S. Murray, J. Mackenzie, J. Forgnn, W. F. Marshall, T Collins, W. M. Smith, G. Aiken, J. F. Boreham, B. H. C. Krone, J. Seeds, R. Lister, D. Dredge, F. Hilton, E. T. Amos, H. A Cattermull, E. Jones, H. J. Rockwell, R. Ruddell, J. Toft, D. Watson, Goodchild, H. Henderson, A. F. Lovejoy, G. F. Mackay, J R. Thompson, R. J. Camp bell, D. Crabtree, A. Hitchen, T. Mur ray, W. Woodward, Geo. Layton, F. de Gunst, G. A. Buss, A. C. Kennedy, Hintz, W. D. Thomas, Ingram, G. A. Davies, F. Henrickson (Sharon), Percy Johnston, J M. Steindl, Misses John ston (Waterview), Rockwell, Cran, Jeffries, Toft, Goodchild, and the secretary (Miss J. Alison).
- Bundaberg Mail (Qld. : 1917 - 1925), Friday 5 December 1919, page 2
According to Australian electoral rolls, Horace and his family were in the same position between 1922 and 1928. However, there was no mention of ‘Hatherleigh’. Also, in a 1930 Australian electoral roll the only difference in living arrangements was the absence of Joseph.
Horace continued to be a successful diary farmer and cheesemaker in the Bundaberg region.
A.W.U. CLAIM FOR RURAL WORKERS.
FARMWORKERS INDUSTRIAL BOARD. SITTINGS IN BUNDABERG.
The Farm Workers Industrial Board appointed under the Indus trial Arbitration Act to Inquire in to the A.W.U. claim for rural workers other than the sugar and cotton industry, took evidence at the Court House yesterday… H. J. Rockwell, dairy farmer, with life long experience, in the industry stated that he was milking 20 cows. He did not employ labour.
- Bundaberg Mail (Qld. : 1917 - 1925), Thursday 7 August 1924, page 8
Horace also made numerous donations to the Bundaberg Hospital:
Nov 1924 – 1 pound 1 shilling
March 1924 – more than 10 shillings
In 1925, Horace was a member of the Qunaba Mill Cane Suppliers’ Association.
Standing: Jean Ann Dallas (wife), Alexander Gordon Roy Rockwell (son), Gladys Robina Jean Rockwell (daughter), Winifred Jessie Dallas Rockwell (daughter)
Sitting: Joseph Rockwell (son), Horace James Rockwell, Gladys’s children (Horace’s grandchildren): Joan Freia McKechnie, Winifred Betty McKechnie, Charles Bruce McKechnie
Butcher’s Rocks, Burnett Heads, Queensland, Australia about 1926
Jean Ann Dallas (wife), Winifred Betty McKechnie (granddaughter), Horace
Butcher’s Rocks, Burnett Heads, Queensland, Australia about 1926
In November 1929, a letter from Horace’s grandfather, John Rockwell, was published in the Advocate.
Advocate (Burnie, Tas. 1890 - 1954), Thursday 7 November 1929, page 15
Horace, Joseph Rockwell (son), Winifred Jessie Dallas Rockwell (daughter)
Horace’s home ‘Sea Park’ Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia late 1920s
Standing: Horace, Alexander Gordon Roy Rockwell (son), Mr Farr (blind friend of Joseph Rockwell), Joseph Rockwell (son), Winifred Jessie Dallas Rockwell (daughter)
Sitting: Winifred Betty McKechnie (granddaughter), Joan Freia McKechnie (granddaughter)
Horace’s home ‘Sea Park’ Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia late 1920s
Horace died on Thursday, 31 July 1930 at his home ‘Sea Park’, Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia. His death certificate records cause of death as
1. Carcinoma pancreas
2. Cachexia
3. Cardiac failure
Mercury (Hobart, Tas. 1860 - 1954), Saturday 2 August 1930, page 1
Brisbane Courier (Qld. 1864 - 1933), Monday 4 August 1930, page 17
Examiner (Launceston, Tas. 1900 - 1954), Thursday 7 August 1930, page 1
In December 1930, the Telegraph newspaper in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia mentions details about Horace’s will and estate.
Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. 1872 - 1947), Monday 15 December 1930, page 12
Horace was buried at Bundaberg General Cemetery, Queensland, Australia, on Friday, 1 August 1930. His burial information is as follows:
Id: 5913
Cemetery: Bundaberg General
Location: Gen-B9C
Grave No: P1223
He is currently buried with his wife, Jean Ann Dallas, and daughter, Winifred Jessie Dallas Rockwell.
SOURCES:
Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980, Queensland, Division of Wide Bay, Subdivision of Musgrave, 1919, page 39
Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980, Queensland, Division of Capricornia, Subdivision of Bundaberg, 1922, page 86, 1925, page 98, 1926, page 96 and 1928, page 97
Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980, Queensland, Division of Capricornia, Subdivision of Bundaberg, 1930, page 103
Australia, Tasmania, Civil Registration, 1803-1933. Marriages in the District of Circular Head (Horton) 1886 number 235.
Australia, Tasmania, Civil Registration (District Registers), 1839-1938. Births in the District of Clarence Plains 1859 number 386.
Australia, City Directories, 1845-1948 Australia, Alphabetical Directory of Tasmania, Tasmania PO Directory (Wise) 1905, Page 462.
Tasmanian (Launceston, Tas. : 1881 - 1895), Saturday 8 January 1887, page 28
Australia, Tasmania, Civil Registration, 1803-1933 Marriages in the District of Circular Head (Horton) 1886 number 235.
Register of Death in the District of Bundaberg in the Sate of Queensland. Number 55881. 2331, 10473.
Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), Saturday 2 August 1930, page 1
Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), Thursday 7 August 1930, page 1
Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Monday 4 August 1930, page 17
Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), Monday 15 December 1930, page 12
Australia, Births and Baptisms, 1792-1981, FHL Film Number 992576
Births in District of Clarence Plains, 1859, number 386.
https://www.bundaberg.qld.gov.au/residents/cemeteries-1/2
Libraries Tasmania, Record Type: Employment, File number: 368/1131, NAME_INDEXES:1518170, Resource: LID20-1-2 Page 170, Page 170 Back
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times (Tas. : 1899 - 1919), Thursday 10 December 1908, page 2
https://stors.tas.gov.au/LPIC147-4-15
Bundaberg Mail and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. : 1892 - 1917), Thursday 10 February 1916, page 4
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times (Tas. : 1899 - 1919), Tuesday 14 November 1899, page 2
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times (Tas. : 1899 - 1919), Friday 7 August 1908, page 2
Circular Head Chronicle (Stanley, Tas. : 1906 - 1954), Wednesday 17 October 1906, page 2
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times (Tas. : 1899 - 1919), Thursday 29 November 1906, page 2
Circular Head Chronicle (Stanley, Tas. : 1906 - 1954), Wednesday 12 August 1908, page 2
https://eheritage.libraries.tas.gov.au/resources/detail16c5.html?ID=CHH_01069
Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), Wednesday 31 May 1882, page 2
Tasmanian (Launceston, Tas. : 1881 - 1895), Saturday 1 July 1882, page 7
Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), Tuesday 25 July 1882, page 3
Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), Tuesday 9 May 1882, page 2
Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), Saturday 24 June 1882, page 2
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times (Tas. : 1899 - 1919), Tuesday 7 August 1900, page 4
Tasmanian News (Hobart, Tas. : 1883 - 1911), Monday 25 July 1887, page 1
Tasmanian News (Hobart, Tas. : 1883 - 1911), Saturday 23 July 1887, page 3
Circular Head Chronicle (Stanley, Tas. : 1906 - 1954), Wednesday 9 October 1907, page 3
Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), Tuesday 26 July 1887, page 4
http://ontheconvicttrail.blogspot.com/2017/01/low-head-lighthouse.html
Bundaberg Mail (Qld. : 1917 - 1925), Friday 5 December 1919, page 2
Bundaberg Mail and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. : 1892 - 1917), Friday 3 September 1915, page 4
Bundaberg Mail (Qld. : 1917 - 1925), Thursday 7 August 1924, page 8
Advocate (Burnie, Tas. : 1890 - 1954), Thursday 7 November 1929, page 15
Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic. : 1885 - 1939), Friday 5 May 1893, page 5
Bundaberg Mail and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. : 1892 - 1917), Friday 26 May 1916, page 3
Bundaberg Mail (Qld. : 1917 - 1925), Wednesday 28 January 1925, page 2
Bundaberg Mail (Qld. : 1917 - 1925), Thursday 12 June 1919, page 4
Bundaberg Mail and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. : 1892 - 1917), Wednesday 15 August 1917, page 2
Bundaberg Mail and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. : 1892 - 1917), Monday 13 August 1917, page 2
Cairns Post (Qld. : 1909 - 1954), Wednesday 6 March 1918, page 6
Bundaberg Mail and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. : 1892 - 1917), Friday 2 November 1917, page 3
Circular Head Chronicle (Stanley, Tas. : 1906 - 1954), Wednesday 24 February 1909, page 2
Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), Thursday 15 December 1910, page 4
Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), Thursday 19 June 1902, page 1
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times (Tas. : 1899 - 1919), Monday 15 February 1904, page 3
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times (Tas. : 1899 - 1919), Thursday 16 July 1903, page 2
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times (Tas. : 1899 - 1919), Tuesday 21 July 1903, page 3
North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times (Tas. : 1899 - 1919), Tuesday 20 August 1907, page 4
Northern Herald (Cairns, Qld. : 1913 - 1939), Thursday 7 March 1918, page 66
Tasmanian News (Hobart, Tas. : 1883 - 1911), Friday 24 June 1887, page 4
