Lucina Rowe BEDGGOOD

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: 16 Jan 1854, Port Phillip, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Family/Spouse: Joseph WILMOTH. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 5 Mar 1815, Rangeworthy, Gloucestershire, England
• Immigration: 16 Jan 1854, Port Phillip, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Notes:

Daniel was born in Rangeworthy, but when he was 9 the family moved to Stroud. Daniel became a bootmaker.
He and Eleanor married in 1837 and lived in Stroud. Eleanor has been described as "a respectable young woman who kept a baby linen warehouse".
They had 2 children in Stroud and then they moved to Hoxton New Town, Middlesex (now part of London) where they had another 4 children. The next child was born in Dalston and the last child in West Hackney.

Thornbury October 26th 1837
My dear son
I was exceedingly glad to receive a letter from you yesterday, from Waimate, but without date, being the third I have had from you, the last direct, the two former copied by Mrs Thos B - one dated Sep 4th 36 - the other from Sidney (?). I was very thankful to a kind Providence that you were favoured to reach the place of your destination in safety, you can suppose how anxiously I thought of you while on the stormy ocean. Your dear wife seems to have suffered severely on the passage, but I hope she is now quite recovered from its effects. Tis indeed abundant cause of gratitude to God that you seem to be so comfortably situated, that the climate suits you, and that you feel in your right place for usefulness. You may well know that it was hard parting with you, I can assure you I felt it to be so, more especially when I reflect that tis hardly probable that I shall ever see you again on earth, you seem to derive consolation from the hope that we may meet again in Heaven never to part again. May God grant us a happy meeting there in his infinite mercy through our blessed Saviour. I am obliged for your prayers for me, hope you'll never forget me at those times, as I can assure you that I never retire to rest or rise from it, without reason being you and yours at the throne of grace. By God's helping my health has been pretty middling since you left. I certainly feel somewhat of the effects of advancing years as you may suppose, but I am well enough to walk to Thornbury today. I shall sleep at Mrs Wilke's tonight. I have resided
Page 2
with your Uncle Matthews at Itchington ever since you left, and there I'm likely to remain to the end of my days, unless I take a trip to see you by the new Railroads and Steamers.
Your uncles Jas (James?) and John Matthews are very well, they are very kind to me, are glad to hear from you, and desire their kind regards and love to you and yours.
My sister Mrs Hobbs is come to reside with us, I am sorry to inform you that she is quite blind.
Your sister Ann Jones and her husband were with us for a fortnight, about 3 months ago, thinking to get a situation in Bristol, which however he could not, so they went to London, where they staid 6 wks, but also failed to get employment there, so they returned to Manchester, where I am glad to hear he has got work. They were well when I last heard from them, as was also the case with your brother in London.
Your uncle Thomas and family were well when I heard from them about 3 weeks ago, but I'm sorry to inform you that he has lost by death his daughter Eliza and son Andrew, also Mr (or Mrs) Holt.
I saw your Uncle Josiah about 2 weeks ago, he was very well, his wife was in London, your cousin James is still with your Uncle in London.
Charles is married and has two children, he lives at Henley. George is married to a widow and has one child, keeps a Drapers and Grocers shop at Stroud.
Daniel is married to a respectable young woman who keeps a Baby linen warehouse at Stroud.
Betsy is married to a person named May, is likely soon to have a family, lives at Woolten.
Uncle Bobby is very well, and sends his best respects, still lives with Aunt Sally who is very ill,
Page 3
not likely to live long.
Mrs Wilke's has had a very bad finger from which she has suffered much, her two daughters are well, they each desire their best Christian regards and would be very glad to have a letter from you which they would answer.
Mr and Mrs Hopkins and their family are all well and likewise desire abundance of respect. Dr ? is removed to reside at Cheltenham. Mr Daniel Smith, Mrs Smith, Mrs Matthews and family, send also love and respect.
Poor Mrs Mullen is still living, but very helpless. Mr Pullen and sisters all well, they and all I have named above say they glad to hear of your welfare. Also Mrs Taylor of Eai?.
Next sentences hard to read, bits of page missing.
Health and ---- are enclosed ----- have this
------ crops of potatoes, corn and likewise
----- you would see a great alteration here -----
I am ----- to hear that little John is well and that he has not forgotten his poor old Grandmother who prays God xxx bless him.

I am very glad that you are likely to be doing well in temporal affairs, tis of but little consequence where our mortal remains rest at last, so that our souls get to their -------
I should be very glad of course to see you once more, perhaps as the facilities for conveyance are increased you may come to England again, even if you return to New Zealand afterwards.
Did you hear anything of your brother Joseph, I've not heard of him a long time, but suppose he is in the East Indies.
The ateration (alteration?) in the state of New Zealand is very wonderful - God be praised - you will be glad
Page 4
to hear that I think there is increasing attention paid to religion and religious education at Sabbath Schools and any Christians of various denominations.
We have had a most glorious Autumn, abundant crops of hay, corn, fruit and all well got in, we can hardly find casks for the cyder.
Your Brother Thomas and family were well when I heard last.
I shall send this letter to your brother Richard in London who is to take it to the Mission house, as you say to us tis no use to post letters to you otherwise.
I shall be very glad to hear frequently from you and will punctually answer your letters and if any alteration takes place you shall quickly know, wishing you the best of all blessings.
I remain your affectionate Mother
Martha Bedggood

Addressed to
Mr Richard Bedggood
No. 4 Macclesfield Street
City Road
London
For
Mr John Bedggood
Waimate
New Zealand

Mr Richard Bedggood will please to open this letter, read it, reseal it, and take it to the Mission House.
Stamped
Oct 27 1837

On their arrival in Melbourne, the family moved into a migrant hostel run by the Wesleyan Church in Carlton. Daniel attempted to carry out his trade of shoemaking but met with considerable difficulty. In the previous year there had been a dumping of all classes of goods from England. In that year, 6 million pairs of boots arrived, enough for every person in the colony to have 24 pairs. Daniel operated as a boot-repairer in a tent on the banks of the Yarra River.

In the next couple of years Daniel commenced bootmaking and his business grew. He took into partnership his sons Thomas, Edward and John. As the business expanded, Daniel also imported shoes from England, mainly for women and children. The Bedggood & Co. Ltd. business flourished over the years with the factory headquarters address changing several times.
Daniel retired in 1874 and continued living at his home in Church St., Richmond, for many years.

23 March. Black Lead Buninyong 1864.
Dear Brothers and Sisters
I hope that this will find you all in good health as it leaves us at present thank the Almighty for it. But am sorry it is my painful duty to tell you that Sister Hannah is no more. She died on the 18th inst. Friday last. She had been ill a long time. Daniel wrote to me to have her up here to see if the change of air would do her good. She was with me 13 days. The doctor in Melbourne gave her up. I had a doctor to her here. He told my wife he could nothing for her, her lungs were gone. He gave her some medicine to sooth [sic] her pain. She kept her bed only 4 days. Poor thing was very thankfull [sic] for the attentions she received. She was rather reserved. She said but little about her future state to me, but she always had her Bible by herald read it much and seemed aware that her time was short. She told my wife several times she was happy and I do believe it. I did hear her singing in the night that beauty full hym [sic] And am I Born to Die was a favourite. When she was taken for deathI was away from home. My wife asked her if she thought it was death. She said yes, then are you happy, yes. The last time she was asked her speech was gone. She was asked to give a sign. She clasped her hands and waived them as good as to say all was well. Her spirit took flight about 10 o’clock night on the 18th March. I telegraph for Daniel. Charles and Joe but James was in the wrong part of the Colony, it was impossible to let him know in time for the funeral, but I do hope this will bring him to God. I had her buried very respectable. I bought a piece of ground for her and enough for all my family to [be] buried in. I shall have it fenced in and plant some flowers in it as it [is] my own private property situated in Buninyong Cemetery Victoria. Charles, Daniel and Joe was at the funeral. Now my dear brothers and sisters the first link in the family is broke. It is high time for us all to double our diligence for it soon time be our turn, then my prayer is we all examine our selfs and see how matters stands betwixts God and our souls for we shall soon have to stand before him. When my dear sister was dying my wife was pleading with her Maker in behalf. She felt the influence of the holy Spirit abundantly such joy and gladness come over. When Hannah was asked if the praying did hurt her she put her hand out to pull my wife [to] her [to] pat her on the shoulders, so that she gave us reason to believe she is gone to rest.
Daniel told me there was letter this mail and that poor Mother was still in the wilderness but kept alive on brandy, so I expect she is gone before now. I am expecting every mail to hear she is gone to meet poor father to part no more and I hope the Lord will enable me to meet them in Heaven. I have been expecting Mother’s likeness but it is a long time coming.
Charles Stone has been here twice lately, he [is] quite well. Charles, Daniel and Joe all join with me in love to all.
From your affectionate brother George Bedggood and Mary Ann Bedggood.


Golden wedding anniversary
The Spectator and Methodist Chronicle, 5th August 1887:
"A Golden Wedding
The children and grandchildren of Mr Daniel Bedggood, together with several ministers and their wives, in all about fifty, met in the Town Hall,Richmond, recently, to celebrate his golden wedding. In the evening his friends, Mr and Mrs Newton, Mr John Bedggood, and Mr and Mrs A. E. Shaw, entertained about two hundred friends to a social gathering, during which Mr Clarke presented Mr D. Bedggood with an elaborate silver tea kettle and silver biscuit barrel. Mr Bedggood responded in feeling terms, after which the party enjoyed themselves for several hours, We present our congratulations on the happy celebration."
The Spectator and Methodist Chronicle, 12th August 1887:
A Golden Wedding
The following report of a meeting to which we referred last week has been sent to us:- The office-bearers of the Richmond Wesleyan Church took advantage of the celebration of Mr D. Bedggood's golden wedding to recognise the very valuable services rendered by him to the church in this city.They invited Mr and Mrs Bedggood and their relatives in the Melbourne District to a social tea on Friday evening, 29th July. A large number of the members of the church and congregation availed themselves of the opportunity of showing their appreciation of Mr Bedggood's character, as one of the oldest and most prominent workers in the Methodist cause in this circuit.
After tea, the schoolroom not being sufficiently large enough, the meeting adjourned to the church, where the Rev. A. Rigg, superintendent, presided, and closed an admirable speech by calling on Mr Wm. Langford to present an address to Mr Bedggood. The address, which was designed and executed by Messrs E. Whitehead and Co., Collins-street, has a thick gilt frame, and consists of a gothic arch, richly illuminated with flowers, the rose and lily playing a prominent part.
The following is a copy of the address:- "To Daniel Bedggood, Esq. - Dear Sir - The celebration of your golden wedding affords us an opportunity as office-bearers of the Wesleyan Church in Richmond of subscribing our testimony to your long continued usefulness amongst us, and our high appreciation of your many and valued services to our church. We join with you in thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father, who has been pleased to prolong your days and those of your dear partner to the full period of human life, and who also has crowned that life with loving kindness and tender mercy.
We trust that you will be pleased to accept this address at our hands as the honest expression of our conviction that your connection with our church, both here and in other places, has been an unmixed blessing to the cause of true religion. We rejoice that one so able to counsel and so rich in experience is still permitted to dwell with us and minister to our welfare. As the leader of two large society classes, as a trustee or our church in Richmond, and also as having filled in the past every office which our church can place in the ....

Daniel died in 1894 at a hospital in St Kilda and Eleanor died 5 years later. They are both buried in Boroondara Cemetery.

"Victoria's First Government House" with the compliments of Bedggood & Co. Pty. Ltd.
As a link with the days of early settlement Melbourne possesses no relic of such intrinsic interest as our first Government House. Situated in Agnes St, Jolimont, close to Wellington Parade, it is easily accessible. The elevation visible from Agnes Street is the side of the original house, the front facing south towards the river. The original front verandah was cut away when Bedggood's Shoe Factory was built. The ivy-covered building at the rear was the vice-regal kitchen, the edibles being carried by way of the roofed-in pathway to the dining room.
The Firm of Bedggood.
The dwelling of Governor Latrobe is adjacent to the factory of Bedggood & Co. Pty. Ltd., shoe manufacturers, whose property it is. The founder of the business was Daniel Bedggood who arrived from England in the barque "Janetze" [sic] (750 tons) in 1854. In Bridge Road, Richmond, he opened a business for making boots, chiefly of the heavy type, but before long extended it, and imported English footwear of all kinds. With the growth of the business the three sons, Thomas, Edward and John, were taken into partnership. Further progress was made, and in 1873 Edward built for the firm the brick factory that still stands in Judd Street, though it has been devoted to many activities since. In 1883 the firm moved from Judd Street to a new and larger factory in Waltham Place.
In 1894 the firm sent their representatives to America and England to buy the new machinery which had revolutionised the methods in America. The new method certainly cheapened boots considerably, and resulted in a more uniform article, but it killed the old craftsman, who prided himself on turning out a perfect example of his art.
The improvement of the manufactured article was always the object of the firm, and at different times they imported skilled operatives at high wages to teach their skill to the employees. At one time thirty men and women were brought from Leicester and Northampton, and as their terms of service expired they were eagerly sought for by other firms, and in all cases gave a good account of themselves, and raised the standard ofVictorian boot manufacturing so that it has held its own against all competition.
In 1899 the firm removed to their present premises in Jolimont, where at the present time an up-to-date plant and skilled operatives produce up to4,000 pairs weekly of high-grade shoes. The present ownership of the business consists of the third and fourth generation of the founder.
In recent years, men's and women's footwear of superior grade only has been specialised in, and the success of this policy has been proved by results. In the depression year of 1931, the output was a record one, and production continues to increase as time goes by.
Bedggood "Friendly Footwear" is distributed by shoe retailers throughout Australia.

"Australia's National Trusts Historic Buildings"
Governor LaTrobe's property in Jolimont was subdivided after he left Melbourne in 1854. The house remained just to the south of the present east-west street named after Sir James Palmer, a later owner of the property. The house stood at an odd angle to this new grid of streets on a block of land bought in 1899 by the Bedggood family, who preserved it as a caretaker's residence for their shoe factory on its south side.
In 1932 the remaining part of the cottage was opened to the public, but its preservations remained a burden upon the Bedggoods, who required the land, and in 1963 it was moved by the National Trust to Birchwood Avenue.

"East Melbourne, 1837-1977" by Winston Burchett.
Fenton's were replaced at 22 Agnes Street by Bedggood's Boot Factory, which in 1881 had also had small premises at 17 Gipp Street, East Melbourne.Bedggood's Jolimont site included the former Government House. Aware of its significance. they managed for some years to preserve part of it. By the efforts of the National Trust, and with the co-operation of the Melbourne City Council, what remained of La Trobe's Cottage was in 1959 removed, re-erected and restored on a suitable site on the Kings' Domain adjacent to the Botanical Gardens.

Burial
The Spectator and Methodist Chronicle, 13th April 1894:
Another old friend gone! The first intimation we received of the death of our old friend, Mr Daniel Bedggood, the founder of the well-known firm,Bedggood & Co., was from a paragraph in the daily papers last week reporting his burial in the Boroondara Cemetery. Many years ago we were closely connected with him in the Richmond Circuit, and held him in very high esteem.

The Spectator and Methodist Chronicle, 27th April 1894:
In Memoriam
Mr D. Bedggood
The late Mr Daniel Bedggood was born of Christian parents in Rangeworthy, Gloucestershire, on January 28th, 1815. In early life he removed to London, and joined the Methodist Church at City-road. As he became acquainted with the doctrine and discipline of our Church, and also with her ministers and people, his attachment thereto became very strong and decided.
Some forty years ago he was attracted to this colony like many others, with the view of improving his condition. The writer well remembers him and his family in North Melbourne in 1856. He subsequently removed to Richmond, where for fully thirty years he conducted his business with uprightness and diligence. During that time, by his geniality and exemplary life, he gained many friends. He was indeed a pillar in the RichmondChurch, and held at different times the offices of class-leader, society and circuit steward, and trustee. Blessed with success in the worldly business, he was a liberal supporter of the Church he loved so well. His knowledge of the Word of God, and of Wesley's hymns, together with his habitual fellowship with God, made him a most valued and acceptable leader.
Of late, with many others of his fellow colonists, he sustained great financial losses, but through the kindness of his family, he was surrounded by every comfort. Some four years ago he came to St Kilda, where, through the infirmities of age, he was precluded from taking any official work, but as health permitted he attended his class-meeting and the public ordinances of God's house. To the last he cherished the kindliest feelings to the ministers of his Church, and was among the first to give a word of sympathy and encouragement.
His last illness began with the present year, and for the last three months he was confined to his house, suffering at times great weakness and pain, which he bore with uncomplaining submission to his heavenly Father's will. Christ was with him in his trouble, a very present help in the time of need. He did not "cast him off in his old age, nor forsake him when his strength failed." Death to him had no terrors; it was the gate of life. Absent from the body, he would be forever present with his Lord. While prostrated by weakness and pain, he was favoured with the unremitting and loving care of his family. He fell asleep in Jesus on March 31st, in the eightieth year of his age. Many of his friends from all parts joined in the procession to the grave; there the solemn service was conducted by the Revs. Joseph White and J. W. Crisp. A sermon in improvement of his death was preached in the St Kilda Church on the evening of April 15th, by the Superintendent of the Circuit.

Daniel married Eleanor ROWE on 31 Jul 1837 in Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England. Eleanor was born on 16 Aug 1811 in Gloucestershire, England; died on 2 Mar 1899 in Richmond, Victoria, Australia; was buried on 4 Mar 1899 in Boroondara Cemetery, Kew, Victoria, Australia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: 16 Jan 1854, Port Phillip, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Notes:

Eleanor was "a respectable young woman who kept a baby linen warehouse" before she married Daniel.
"Beryl Beaurepaire" by Michael McKernan

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 28 May 1783, Thornbury, Gloucestershire, England
• Census: 6 Jun 1841, George St, Stroud, Gloucestershire, England
• Census: 30 Mar 1851, George St, Stroud, Gloucestershire, England

Notes:

Thornbury October 26th 1837
My dear son
I was exceedingly glad to receive a letter from you yesterday, from Waimate, but without date, being the third I have had from you, the last direct, the two former copied by Mrs Thos B - one dated Sep 4th 36 - the other from Sidney (?). I was very thankful to a kind Providence that you were favoured to reach the place of your destination in safety, you can suppose how anxiously I thought of you while on the stormy ocean. Your dear wife seems to have suffered severely on the passage, but I hope she is now quite recovered from its effects. Tis indeed abundant cause of gratitude to God that you seem to be so comfortably situated, that the climate suits you, and that you feel in your right place for usefulness. You may well know that it was hard parting with you, I can assure you I felt it to be so, more especially when I reflect that tis hardly probable that I shall ever see you again on earth, you seem to derive consolation from the hope that we may meet again in Heaven never to part again. May God grant us a happy meeting there in his infinite mercy through our blessed Saviour. I am obliged for your prayers for me, hope you'll never forget me at those times, as I can  assure you that I never retire to rest or rise from it, without reason being you and yours at the throne of grace. By God's helping my health has been pretty middling since you left. I certainly feel somewhat of the effects of advancing years as you may suppose, but I am well enough to walk to Thornbury today. I shall sleep at Mrs Wilke's tonight. I have resided
Page 2
with your Uncle Matthews at Itchington ever since you left, and there I'm likely to remain to the end of my days, unless I take a trip to see you by the new Railroads and Steamers. 
Your uncles Jas (James?) and John Matthews are very well, they are very kind to me, are glad to hear from you, and desire their kind regards and love to you and yours. 
My sister Mrs Hobbs is come to reside with us, I am sorry to inform you that she is quite blind. 
Your sister Ann Jones and her husband were with us for a fortnight, about 3 months ago, thinking to get a situation in Bristol, which however he could not, so they went to London, where they staid 6 wks, but also failed to get employment there, so they returned to Manchester, where I am glad to hear he has got work.  They were well when I last heard from them, as was also the case with your brother in London. 
Your uncle Thomas and family were well when I heard from them about 3 weeks ago, but I'm sorry to inform you that he has lost by death his daughter Eliza and son Andrew, also Mr (or Mrs) Holt. 
I saw your Uncle Josiah about 2 weeks ago, he was very well, his wife was in London, your cousin James is still with your Uncle in London. 
Charles is married and has two children, he lives at Henley. George is married to a widow and has one child, keeps a Drapers and Grocers shop at Stroud. 
Daniel is married to a respectable young woman who keeps a Baby linen warehouse at Stroud. 
Betsy is married to a person named May, is likely soon to have a family, lives at Woolten. 
Uncle Bobby is very well, and sends his best respects, still lives with Aunt Sally who is very ill,
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not likely to live long. 
Mrs Wilke's has had a very bad finger from which she has suffered much, her two daughters are well, they each desire their best Christian regards and would be very glad to have a letter from you which they would answer. 
Mr and Mrs Hopkins and their family are all well and likewise desire abundance of respect. Dr ? is removed to reside at Cheltenham. Mr Daniel Smith, Mrs Smith, Mrs Matthews and family, send also love and respect. 
Poor Mrs Mullen is still living, but very helpless. Mr Pullen and sisters all well, they and all I have named above say they glad to hear of your welfare. Also Mrs Taylor of Eai?. 
Next sentences hard to read, bits of page missing.
Health and ---- are enclosed ----- have this
------ crops of potatoes, corn and likewise
----- you would see a great alteration here -----
I am ----- to hear that little John is well and that he has not forgotten his poor old Grandmother who prays God xxx bless him. 

I am very glad that you are likely to be doing well in temporal affairs, tis of but little consequence where our mortal remains rest at last, so that our souls get to their -------
I should be very glad of course to see you once more, perhaps as the facilities for conveyance are increased you may come to England again, even if you return to New Zealand afterwards. 
Did you hear anything of your brother Joseph, I've not heard of him a long time, but suppose he is in the East Indies. 
The ateration (alteration?) in the state of New Zealand is very wonderful - God be praised - you will be glad
Page 4
to hear that I think there is increasing attention paid to religion and religious education at Sabbath Schools and any Christians of various denominations. 
We have had a most glorious Autumn, abundant crops of hay, corn, fruit and all well got in, we can hardly find casks for the cyder. 
Your Brother Thomas and family were well when I heard last. 
I shall send this letter to your brother Richard in London who is to take it to the Mission house, as you say to us tis no use to post letters to you otherwise. 
I shall be very glad to hear frequently from you and will punctually answer your letters and if any alteration takes place you shall quickly know, wishing you the best of all blessings. 
I remain your affectionate Mother
Martha Bedggood 

Addressed to
Mr Richard Bedggood
No. 4 Macclesfield Street
City Road
London
For
Mr John Bedggood 
Waimate
New Zealand

Mr Richard Bedggood will please to open this letter, read it, reseal it, and take it to the Mission House. 
Stamped
Oct 27 1837

Josiah married Hannah PACKER on 11 Mar 1805 in St Paul's, Bristol, Gloucestershire, England. Hannah (daughter of Daniel PACKER and Ann UNKNOWN) was born about 1780 in Rangeworthy, Gloucestershire, England; died on 3 Feb 1864 in 43 Chapel St, Stroud, Gloucestershire, England; was buried on 8 Feb 1864 in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 24 Dec 1780, Rangeworthy, Gloucestershire, England
• Census: 6 Jun 1841, George St, Stroud, Gloucestershire, England
• Census: 30 Mar 1851, George St, Stroud, Gloucestershire, England
• Census: 7 Apr 1861, Old Chapel St, Stroud, Gloucestershire, England

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: Abt 6 Apr 1744, Tytherington, Gloucestershire, England

James married Ann SMITH on 13 Apr 1775 in Tytherington, Gloucestershire, England. Ann (daughter of John SMITH and Elizabeth UNKNOWN) was born about 1754 in Tytherington, Gloucestershire, England; died in Sep 1794 in Tytherington, Gloucestershire, England; was buried on 27 Sep 1794 in Tytherington, Gloucestershire, England. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 28 Apr 1754, Tytherington, Gloucestershire, England

Other Events and Attributes:

• Baptism: 25 Dec 1746, Dyrham, Gloucestershire, England

Daniel married Ann UNKNOWN. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]