The Railway Hotel, Southport where William Brown's fortune took a change for the better.
12 Oct 1913 Truth
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William Joseph Brown b. 1873 d 1938
Hotelier, professional host
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The Early Days 1873 - 1894 - Tartha and Southport
The youngest son of Jane Rider and Thomas Huntley Brown, William was not 3 years of age when his father passed away. In 1880, it is reasonable to assume that William (7) accompanied Jane and her new husband, Lewis Eversden, to Tartha. The Eversdens relocated to Southport to establish Cambridge House, a boarding house close to the Broadwater in Nerang Street, when William was 13 years old. During his teenage and early adult years, he was known as "William Eversden" - probably a matter of convenience. William's years at Cambridge House were a grounding in management and hospitality skills. Raised in a hotel-like environment, it is no surprise he became a consummate professional host. He became a keen angler - see below - a sportsman, and a cricketer. Southport was a small town at this time, having been established only in the early 1870's. 20 years later, there was no bank in Southport, causing Lewis Eversden and others to campaign for one. (The Queensland economy struggled in the early 1890s.) |
1890 Southport Cricket Club score sheet
1890 Southport Cricket Club article
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Comment
William, who spent six years at Tartha, was the only one of Jane Rider's sons who did not follow a career on the land. His much older brothers, Thomas and James, and father Thomas Huntley Brown would have had negligible influence on his formative years. His step-father, Lewis Eversden, despite spending 22 years at Tartha - "engaged in pastoral pursuits" said his obituary - rarely demonstrated signs of being a committed farmer. He was a man of learning, letters, religion, flowers, and community service, and demonstrated an ability to envisage and execute business opportunities. William demonstrated these same qualities when the chances finally presented themselves. But he was probably never a gardener.
William, who spent six years at Tartha, was the only one of Jane Rider's sons who did not follow a career on the land. His much older brothers, Thomas and James, and father Thomas Huntley Brown would have had negligible influence on his formative years. His step-father, Lewis Eversden, despite spending 22 years at Tartha - "engaged in pastoral pursuits" said his obituary - rarely demonstrated signs of being a committed farmer. He was a man of learning, letters, religion, flowers, and community service, and demonstrated an ability to envisage and execute business opportunities. William demonstrated these same qualities when the chances finally presented themselves. But he was probably never a gardener.
1894 First Marriage - Jane Caless
Southport was a small community** in the 1890s and newspapers of the day show William mixed with the oft-mentioned Southport families such as the Calesses and the Lathers. Jane Caless was born in Brisbane in 1874, and interestingly her younger sister Mary Ann (AKA Polly) was the first (white) baby born in Southport on 20 May 1876, a mere 10 years prior to the establishment of Cambridge House by the Eversdens. Jane and William married on 26 Sep 1894. William was 21 and Jane was 20.
In 1899, the Eversdens (Lewis 64, Jane 62) retired from Cambridge House. William may have been working at Cambridge House during his early married years and may even have continued to work there after 1899. Electoral rolls record him as a (horse drawn) cab driver in 1905 and living in Nerang St.
Jane and William had 2 children:
** In this link there is a photo of the Southport Congregational Church (2nd from the top of the link's page) with the unmistakable figures of Jane Rider (left) and Lewis Eversden (right).
Southport was a small community** in the 1890s and newspapers of the day show William mixed with the oft-mentioned Southport families such as the Calesses and the Lathers. Jane Caless was born in Brisbane in 1874, and interestingly her younger sister Mary Ann (AKA Polly) was the first (white) baby born in Southport on 20 May 1876, a mere 10 years prior to the establishment of Cambridge House by the Eversdens. Jane and William married on 26 Sep 1894. William was 21 and Jane was 20.
In 1899, the Eversdens (Lewis 64, Jane 62) retired from Cambridge House. William may have been working at Cambridge House during his early married years and may even have continued to work there after 1899. Electoral rolls record him as a (horse drawn) cab driver in 1905 and living in Nerang St.
Jane and William had 2 children:
- Thomas Eversden Brown 1896 - 1967
- Evelyn May Eversden Brown 1899 - 1968
** In this link there is a photo of the Southport Congregational Church (2nd from the top of the link's page) with the unmistakable figures of Jane Rider (left) and Lewis Eversden (right).
Comment
In naming their children, William and Jane showed a desire to honour the Eversden name. Perhaps it was only on his marriage that William discovered his surname was Brown, and not Eversden, the name by which he had been known up to 1894.
Son Thomas, on enlistment in 1916, unsure of the spelling of his second name, spelt it as "Everston", a simple mistake or misunderstanding for a 19 year old.
In naming their children, William and Jane showed a desire to honour the Eversden name. Perhaps it was only on his marriage that William discovered his surname was Brown, and not Eversden, the name by which he had been known up to 1894.
Son Thomas, on enlistment in 1916, unsure of the spelling of his second name, spelt it as "Everston", a simple mistake or misunderstanding for a 19 year old.
1900 photograph of the Southport Pier.
The bar between the ocean and the Broadwater was further south than it is today.
The bar between the ocean and the Broadwater was further south than it is today.
1904 Fishing fame at the Southport Pier
16 Feb 1904 Queensland Times
Capture of a Big Fish : AT SOUTHPORT. ROCK COD WEIGHING 236 POUNDS.
Last week (says the Southport "Bulletin" of Saturday) Mr. William J. Brown, of Nerang street, Southport, harpooned a large fish from the jetty, but in his struggles and getting tangled under the piles the harpoon had the barbs stripped and it escaped. As the fish still hung about the jetty, Mr. Brown had his gear fixed up again and on Monday morning last proceeded to have another attack on the monster. He succeeded in pinning the fish, but after some time the harpoon came out and number two trial was a failure. Nothing daunted in the afternoon, a third attempt was made with a better harpoon to land the fish, and again the weapon flew from the deft hand of Mr. Brown, unerringly transfixing the fish as he lay deep in the water alongside the jetty, for the cover of which he quickly made once more. Messrs. Jacob Fase and Kaleell, of the kiosk, quickly rowed out in their boat and gave very much assistance towards the capture, and after a time succeeded in clearing their prey from the piles, when he was quickly towed across to the beach in front of the Pacific Hotel, and landed amid great excitement of the large crowd assembled. A cart was obtained and the big fish taken up to Mr. George Lancaster's and weighed, turning the scales at just 236 lb. He was afterwards on view at Cambridge House, where many persons inspected the fine specimen. The wounds of the previous harpooning were quickly noticed, and it was a wonder he was as lively as he proved to be. The fish was a large rock cod, not a groper. Afterwards Mr. H. Rogers cut the fish up, and portions were distributed all round. The grain of the flesh was very coarse, and we can't say that it was very tasty, but there was plenty of it. It was the largest fish ever seen in Southport, and Mr. Brown and his assistants felt a sportsman's pride in landing their quarry at last after so much trouble.
16 Feb 1904 Queensland Times
Capture of a Big Fish : AT SOUTHPORT. ROCK COD WEIGHING 236 POUNDS.
Last week (says the Southport "Bulletin" of Saturday) Mr. William J. Brown, of Nerang street, Southport, harpooned a large fish from the jetty, but in his struggles and getting tangled under the piles the harpoon had the barbs stripped and it escaped. As the fish still hung about the jetty, Mr. Brown had his gear fixed up again and on Monday morning last proceeded to have another attack on the monster. He succeeded in pinning the fish, but after some time the harpoon came out and number two trial was a failure. Nothing daunted in the afternoon, a third attempt was made with a better harpoon to land the fish, and again the weapon flew from the deft hand of Mr. Brown, unerringly transfixing the fish as he lay deep in the water alongside the jetty, for the cover of which he quickly made once more. Messrs. Jacob Fase and Kaleell, of the kiosk, quickly rowed out in their boat and gave very much assistance towards the capture, and after a time succeeded in clearing their prey from the piles, when he was quickly towed across to the beach in front of the Pacific Hotel, and landed amid great excitement of the large crowd assembled. A cart was obtained and the big fish taken up to Mr. George Lancaster's and weighed, turning the scales at just 236 lb. He was afterwards on view at Cambridge House, where many persons inspected the fine specimen. The wounds of the previous harpooning were quickly noticed, and it was a wonder he was as lively as he proved to be. The fish was a large rock cod, not a groper. Afterwards Mr. H. Rogers cut the fish up, and portions were distributed all round. The grain of the flesh was very coarse, and we can't say that it was very tasty, but there was plenty of it. It was the largest fish ever seen in Southport, and Mr. Brown and his assistants felt a sportsman's pride in landing their quarry at last after so much trouble.
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Comment
William's address was recorded as Nerang Street, the same street in which the Eversdens lived at Belle View. It is possible that William and Jane, who married when very young, lived with the Eversdens or resided at Cambridge House, which was also in Nerang Street. After weighing the Cod, William carted it to Cambridge House which had been run by Mr Rogers for about 5 years. This indicates a strong relationship with Rogers - perhaps William was in his employ? A fish of this size would probably have been cut up on a block in the back yard. Imagine the mess at the end of the job: tail, head, guts, fins, backbone, scales, and bits and pieces spread all over the yard. Every cat in Southport would have had a field day. |
1900 View down Nerang Street to the Broadwater. Cambridge House is the 2 storey building beyond the shops on the left.
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1904 Death of Jane Caless
Tragically, a very young Jane fell victim to tuberculosis. Her children Thomas and Evelyn were and 8 and 5 years of age. William was 31. Retired grandparents, Lewis and Jane, were 69 and 67 years old. 10 Jan 1905 Queensland Times OBITUARY. Just before midnight on Tuesday, the 27th of December, after a long struggle that cruel malady consumption, the wife of W. J. Brown, of Nerang Street, Southport, passed away surrounded by her family relatives. For some time past (says the "Bulletin") it was known that the end was nigh, and the sufferer displayed great fortitude, being comforted by the tender care and solicitude of relatives and loving friends. Cut off at the early age of 30 years, and leaving two children, a boy and a girl, after almost the whole of her life being spent here, during which she was loved by all who knew her, from childhood onwards, wide-spread and heartfelt sympathy was expressed from the whole community towards the sorrowing family. The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon, the Rev. H. H. Dixon officiated at the graveside, where many had assembled to pay their last respects. (The deceased was well-known to many of the Ipswich visitors to Southport, who will be very sorry to hear of her death at such an early age. She was, we believe, the daughter-in-law of Mr. and Mrs LJ Eversden, who for many years kept that favourite resort of visitors to the seaside, the Cambridge Boarding House - Ed. " Q.T.”) |
1904 Jane Caless's grave, Southport General Cemetery
1907 Rev H.H. Dixon and son Thomas
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Comment
After Jane's death, it is possible William and his two children lived with the Eversdens. It would be another 5 years before his second marriage to Annie Doherty.
The QT editor's comments - "well-known to Ipswich visitors" - suggest Jane Caless worked at Cambridge House.
Who was the Reverend Horace Herbert (AKA Jimmy) Dixon? Born in Cambridge in 1869, Dixon emigrated to Australia in 1899 and was the founder and headmaster of The Southport School.
After Jane's death, it is possible William and his two children lived with the Eversdens. It would be another 5 years before his second marriage to Annie Doherty.
The QT editor's comments - "well-known to Ipswich visitors" - suggest Jane Caless worked at Cambridge House.
Who was the Reverend Horace Herbert (AKA Jimmy) Dixon? Born in Cambridge in 1869, Dixon emigrated to Australia in 1899 and was the founder and headmaster of The Southport School.
1971 Thomas Eversden Brown headstone, Charters Towers
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Thomas Eversden Brown
Thomas, a railway fireman, enlisted in August 1915 and embarked for Europe with the 25th Battalion AIF. At Suez, he fell ill with chronic pulmonary disease and rheumatism and subsequently returned to Australia to be discharged in August 1916. Thomas resumed his position with the Queensland Government Railway and by 1919 was living in Dalby. There he met Robina (AKA Bina) Kennedy McLennan 1892 - 1978. Bina lived at .... Kilkevan, where else? She was the daughter of James Alexander McLennan - not to be confused with his brother Alexander James McLennan - who had purchased Kilkevan from Donald McLaran. Kilkevan was on the opposite side of the St Ruth - Dalby road from Glen Avon, home of Thomas's aunt, Susan Alice Brown. (See Comments and Conjecture below.) |
1978 Robina Kennedy headstone, Charters Towers
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This marriage connected the Brown family to the interwoven Scottish families of Dalby: the McLennan, McLaran, Nicholson and Ross families, as well as the Irish Kennedys.
On 20 Feb 1920, Thomas and Bina's only son, William Thomas Brown, was born in Dalby. Thomas and family subsequently moved to Brisbane and in the 1940s to Charters Towers. In Brisbane they lived at Blackall Terrace, East Brisbane, close to William's home at 546 Vulture St. Thomas and Bina were visited at Charters Towers by Annie Doherty in 1954. At that time, Annie's only child Francis had passed away, leaving just her step-children, Thomas and Evelyn. Thomas and Bina both passed away in Charters Towers. |
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1945 Death of William Thomas Brown
William enlisted in the CMF and on 8 Apr 1945 died tragically in a swimming accident in North Queensland: 9 Apr 1945 Cairns Post Mena Creek Tragedy. An Australian soldier, whilst visiting Mena Creek yesterday, slipped and fell into the swimming pool close to the cascade. He failed to reappear and diving was resorted to by others. The body was subsequently brought to the surface, but efforts at resuscitation proved unavailing. The remains were conveyed to Innisfail. Deceased was 24 years of age and comes from Southern Queensland. - Our Innisfail correspondent. |
1945 Death of William Thomas Brown
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Mena Creek Falls is part of "Paronella Park" which opened in 1937.
7 years after the accident, his parents still grieved: 8 Apr 1953 Courier Mail ROLL OF HONOUR BROWN. A tribute of love to the memory of our dear Son. Cpl William Thomas Brown. QX48215 (7th Div.), accidentally drowned 8th April, 1945. When the shadows cross our path, as shadows do, We stretch our hands across the mist and touch the hands of you. Mother and Dad. |
Paronella Park today - the cascade where William Thomas Brown accidently drowned
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Comment
When Thomas was discharged medically unfit in August 1916, who in the family would have taken care of him? His father was ensconsced in a New Farm boarding house, his grandmother was in the final year of her life, and Aunt Isabella was starting a new hotel in Mackay. That leaves one aunt in the Brown family - Susan Alice, perhaps assisted by daughters Gertrude and Irene, living at Glen Avon at St Ruth. It seems logical that Thomas may have convalesced at Glen Avon, next door to Kilkevan and his future wife.
After almost 20 years in Brisbane, Thomas and Bina moved to Charters Towers. It is possible Charter Towers was chosen for family reasons following William Joseph Brown's death (1938). A large number of Thomas and Bina's cousins and their families, both Caless and Brown, were living in the area. Thomas's Caless grandparents had also lived in Charters Towers and passed away there in the 1920s.
Thomas lived near his father and step-mother in Brisbane, suggesting a strong relationship between parents and son.
When Thomas was discharged medically unfit in August 1916, who in the family would have taken care of him? His father was ensconsced in a New Farm boarding house, his grandmother was in the final year of her life, and Aunt Isabella was starting a new hotel in Mackay. That leaves one aunt in the Brown family - Susan Alice, perhaps assisted by daughters Gertrude and Irene, living at Glen Avon at St Ruth. It seems logical that Thomas may have convalesced at Glen Avon, next door to Kilkevan and his future wife.
After almost 20 years in Brisbane, Thomas and Bina moved to Charters Towers. It is possible Charter Towers was chosen for family reasons following William Joseph Brown's death (1938). A large number of Thomas and Bina's cousins and their families, both Caless and Brown, were living in the area. Thomas's Caless grandparents had also lived in Charters Towers and passed away there in the 1920s.
Thomas lived near his father and step-mother in Brisbane, suggesting a strong relationship between parents and son.
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Evelyn May Eversden Brown
With her father William's rise to hotelier prominence in Brisbane, Evelyn became a popular figure in the city's social life in the 1920s. In Sep 1927, Evelyn (28) married Francis Burnett (35). Francis was the son of a well-known and wealthy Warwick pioneer Robert Andrew Burnett 1849 - 1930 who had retired to Park Rd, Milton. Francis was the Castlemaine Perkins sales manager. 21 Sep 1927 Daily Standard BRIDAL CHIMES. BURNETT - BROWN. At St. Benedict's Church, East Brisbane last evening, the marriage took place of Mr. Frank Burnett (son of Mr. R. Burnett, Milton), to Miss Evelyn Brown (only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Brown, East Brisbane. Rev. Father Humphries officiated. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a French gown of ivory marlette, beaded in crystal and silver, and a train of silver tissue and tulle. Her veil was arranged in cap effect, with orange blossoms, and her bouquet was of orchids and lilies, the gift of Mr. O. Bartel, Mayne. Miss A. Burnett (sister of the bridegroom) was bridesmaid. She wore a pink moriette frock, trimmed with French lace, and a headband of silver tissue, finished with posies. She carried a posy of pink sweet peas veiled in tulle. Mr. R. J. Burnett (brother of the bridegroom) was best man. Miss Myrtle Parker presided at the organ. After the ceremony the guests were entertained at the home of the bride's parents. On leaving for the honeymoon, which will be spent in Sydney and the Blue Mountains, the bride wore a frock of pervenche blue crepe Pekin, and a hat of plum-coloured corded silk. |
Burnett headstone - Balmoral Cemetery
Nearby are the graves of William Joseph Brown and Annie Doherty, and Francis Brown Francis 1891 - 1958 and Evelyn 1899 - 1968 had two children, Francis and Robert, the former continued the family connection with Castlemaine Perkins, and became universally known as "Mr Forex".
Evelyn travelled internationally with her step-mother, Annie Doherty. Francis and Evelyn are buried together at Balmoral Cemetery. Evelyn's descendants today may be a unique branch of the Eversden family in Australia. |
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1910 Second Marriage - Annie Doherty
In November 1904, a month before the passing of Jane Caless, the proprietor of Southport's Railway Hotel died: 28 Nov 1904 Morning Bulletin DOHERTY. On 22nd November, at his residence, Railway Hotel, Southport, Francis, the beloved husband of Margaret Doherty, aged 59 years. R.I.P. The 1903 electoral roll recorded Francis (58) as the Railway Hotel manager, his wife Margaret (54) (nee Moloney) as the proprietor and his daughter Annie (28) as the barmaid. The same electoral roll recorded William Brown ("domestic duties") living in Nerang Street. In 1905, his occupation was recorded as "cab driver". Six years after the death of Jane Caless, William and Annie tied the knot at The Star of the Sea Convent: July 17th. Miss Annie Doherty, of Southport, to Mr. William Joseph Brown; at the Star of the Sea Convent, Southport. 1911 Birth of Francis William Doherty Brown BROWN.—On 13th May, at the Railway Hotel, Southport, the wife of Mr. W. J. Brown - a son. 
1905 Railway Hotel Southport report
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Doherty grave, Southport General Cemetery
Star of the Sea Convent
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Comment
William's 1903 electoral roll occupation - "domestic duties" - and his Nerang St address perhaps indicate:
Following the death of Francis Doherty in 1903, it is understandable that Doherty's widow and daughter Annie may have felt a need for a guiding male presence or host, at the Railway Hotel, preferably someone within the family. William, with his Cambridge House experience, would have fitted the bill neatly. He brought managerial and marketing experience and he was only 2 years older than Annie Doherty.
The marriage provided a path ahead for William and his children, independent of the aging Eversdens. It offered security and, potentially, riches, as Annie was an only child. (Jane Rider's family always had an eye for a good marriage.) The only downside may have been a necessary switch from the Congregational faith to Roman Catholicism, but it appears that William took that in his stride. Soon the Railway Hotel advertised its services widely in the familiar Cambridge House style and became a popular destination for holidayers and fishing clubs. And William Brown became a consummate host, later to be affectionately known as "Old Billy Brown."
William's 1903 electoral roll occupation - "domestic duties" - and his Nerang St address perhaps indicate:
- the ailing Jane Caless needed constant nursing.
- raising the young children, Thomas and Evelyn, was very time consuming.
- William and Jane and family were living with the Eversdens.
Following the death of Francis Doherty in 1903, it is understandable that Doherty's widow and daughter Annie may have felt a need for a guiding male presence or host, at the Railway Hotel, preferably someone within the family. William, with his Cambridge House experience, would have fitted the bill neatly. He brought managerial and marketing experience and he was only 2 years older than Annie Doherty.
The marriage provided a path ahead for William and his children, independent of the aging Eversdens. It offered security and, potentially, riches, as Annie was an only child. (Jane Rider's family always had an eye for a good marriage.) The only downside may have been a necessary switch from the Congregational faith to Roman Catholicism, but it appears that William took that in his stride. Soon the Railway Hotel advertised its services widely in the familiar Cambridge House style and became a popular destination for holidayers and fishing clubs. And William Brown became a consummate host, later to be affectionately known as "Old Billy Brown."
1913 A fateful connection established
William Brown was charged with trading at the Railway Hotel, Southport, after closing time.
10 June 1913 Darling Downs Gazette
LICENSING ACT. SOUTHPORT CASES. IMPORTANT DECISION.
In the Southport, Licensing Court on Wednesday the police proceeded against W. J. Brown, licensee of the Railway Hotel, for committing a breach of section 81 of the Liquor Act by keeping his premises open during prohibited hours for the sale of liquor.
Constable McPaul, in his evidence, stated he saw Thomas Banham, Alfred Tuesley, Norman Tate, and James Ellis on the hotel premises at 11.30 p.m. April 12th. W. J. Brown and J. Ellis gave evidence for the defence. It was admitted that Tuesley, Tate, Banham and Ellis were on the premises when Constable McPaul arrived, but that no liquor was supplied after 11 p.m. The evidence disclosed that an argument on politics and the Liquor Act was entered into by Ellis and Banham and that the landlord drew their attention to the fact that it had gone past 11, but the argument continued till Constable McPaul arrived.
The P.M. (Mr. Mowbray) dismissed the case on the grounds that there was no evidence of the sale of liquor, other than the bar being open. He held that empty glasses, on the table together with the bar being open would have been sufficient evidence to convict, but no empty glasses were on the table. Norman Tate, James Ellis and Alfred Tuesley were charged with being on licensed promises during prohibited hours.
Mr. McCowan, as their solicitor, agreed that the three cases should be heard together, and the evidence taken in Brown's case be the evidence in this case.
The barrister for the prosecution agreed. The P.M. held that in their cases they were unlawfully on the promises, as the landlord had asked them on two occasions to leave the premises. Each defendant was found guilty and fined £1, costs of court 3/6 and profossional costs £2/2/-.
Comment
It appears that Mr Robert McCowan (38) represented William Brown (40) and Tate, Ellis and Tuesley. This may be the first time the two men had met. Was McCowan's impressive performance the catalyst for the long, but finally disastrous, business relationship that followed? Or were William Brown's social ambitions the driving factor?
William Brown was charged with trading at the Railway Hotel, Southport, after closing time.
10 June 1913 Darling Downs Gazette
LICENSING ACT. SOUTHPORT CASES. IMPORTANT DECISION.
In the Southport, Licensing Court on Wednesday the police proceeded against W. J. Brown, licensee of the Railway Hotel, for committing a breach of section 81 of the Liquor Act by keeping his premises open during prohibited hours for the sale of liquor.
Constable McPaul, in his evidence, stated he saw Thomas Banham, Alfred Tuesley, Norman Tate, and James Ellis on the hotel premises at 11.30 p.m. April 12th. W. J. Brown and J. Ellis gave evidence for the defence. It was admitted that Tuesley, Tate, Banham and Ellis were on the premises when Constable McPaul arrived, but that no liquor was supplied after 11 p.m. The evidence disclosed that an argument on politics and the Liquor Act was entered into by Ellis and Banham and that the landlord drew their attention to the fact that it had gone past 11, but the argument continued till Constable McPaul arrived.
The P.M. (Mr. Mowbray) dismissed the case on the grounds that there was no evidence of the sale of liquor, other than the bar being open. He held that empty glasses, on the table together with the bar being open would have been sufficient evidence to convict, but no empty glasses were on the table. Norman Tate, James Ellis and Alfred Tuesley were charged with being on licensed promises during prohibited hours.
Mr. McCowan, as their solicitor, agreed that the three cases should be heard together, and the evidence taken in Brown's case be the evidence in this case.
The barrister for the prosecution agreed. The P.M. held that in their cases they were unlawfully on the promises, as the landlord had asked them on two occasions to leave the premises. Each defendant was found guilty and fined £1, costs of court 3/6 and profossional costs £2/2/-.
Comment
It appears that Mr Robert McCowan (38) represented William Brown (40) and Tate, Ellis and Tuesley. This may be the first time the two men had met. Was McCowan's impressive performance the catalyst for the long, but finally disastrous, business relationship that followed? Or were William Brown's social ambitions the driving factor?
Aug 1929 Melbourne Hotel licence application
This application for the Melbourne Hotel, West End, documents William Brown's hotel career and movements, 1905 to 1929.
31 Aug 1929
To the Licensing Court of the Licensing District of Brisbane, acting under "The Liquor Act of 1912." I, NELLIE McMANUS, of Brisbane, Married Woman, being the holder of a Licensed Victualler's License, under the said Act for the premises known as Melbourne Hotel, and situated at Stephen-street, South Brisbane, in the said district, hereby give notice that I intend to apply, at the next monthly sittings of the said Court, to transfer the said License to WILLIAM JOSEPH BROWN, of Roma, ex-licensed Victualler. And I, the said WILLIAM JOSEPH BROWN, hereby give notice that it is my intention to apply that such transfer may be granted to me. I am married, having a wife and one child. I have held a License before, for Railway Hotel, Southport, July, 1915, to November, 1915; Prince of Wales Hotel, Edward-street, Brisbane, February, 1916, to January, 1917; Boundary Hotel, West End, from June, 1917, to June 1925.
Dated this Twenty-first day of August, 1929.
NELLIE MCMANUS. W. J. BROWN. ROBERT McCOWAN, Solicitor for Parties, 334 Queen Street, Brisbane.
The application reveals William and Annie Brown's movements between 1905 and 1929:
1929 McCowan scandal
Soon after William Brown became the licencee of the Melbourne Hotel, the Robert McCowan scandal broke.
This application for the Melbourne Hotel, West End, documents William Brown's hotel career and movements, 1905 to 1929.
31 Aug 1929
To the Licensing Court of the Licensing District of Brisbane, acting under "The Liquor Act of 1912." I, NELLIE McMANUS, of Brisbane, Married Woman, being the holder of a Licensed Victualler's License, under the said Act for the premises known as Melbourne Hotel, and situated at Stephen-street, South Brisbane, in the said district, hereby give notice that I intend to apply, at the next monthly sittings of the said Court, to transfer the said License to WILLIAM JOSEPH BROWN, of Roma, ex-licensed Victualler. And I, the said WILLIAM JOSEPH BROWN, hereby give notice that it is my intention to apply that such transfer may be granted to me. I am married, having a wife and one child. I have held a License before, for Railway Hotel, Southport, July, 1915, to November, 1915; Prince of Wales Hotel, Edward-street, Brisbane, February, 1916, to January, 1917; Boundary Hotel, West End, from June, 1917, to June 1925.
Dated this Twenty-first day of August, 1929.
NELLIE MCMANUS. W. J. BROWN. ROBERT McCOWAN, Solicitor for Parties, 334 Queen Street, Brisbane.
The application reveals William and Annie Brown's movements between 1905 and 1929:
- 1905 - 1915 Railway Hotel, Southport - probably Margaret Doherty was the licencee prior to 1915
- Prince of Wales Hotel, Brisbane 1916 - 1917
- Boundary Hotel, West End 1917 - 1925
- between 1925 - 1929 William spent time at Roma. (Electoral rolls indicate he lived at East Brisbane.)
1929 McCowan scandal
Soon after William Brown became the licencee of the Melbourne Hotel, the Robert McCowan scandal broke.
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1938 Death of William Joseph Brown
Chronic nephritis brought about the demise of William. He passed away in Rosslare Private Hospital, Vulture Street, East Brisbane, on 21 Jun 1938. An obituary in The Telegraph provided a glimpse into the main events in his life. 28 Jun 1938 The Telegraph The late Mr. W. J. Brown. The death of Mr. William Joseph Brown, of Fairville, Vulture Street, East Brisbane, occurred on Tuesday. The late Mr. Brown was born in Ipswich in 1872, and subsequently left for the Moonie River district. Later he went to Southport where he resided for a large number of years, during the period conducting the Railway Hotel (now the Del Plaza Hotel). Afterwards he came to Brisbane and was a well known licensed victualler, conducting both the Boundary and Melbourne Hotels, South Brisbane. He retired from business about three years ago owing to ill health. Mr. Brown is survived by his widow, two sons, Messrs. T. and F. Brown, of East Brisbane, one daughter, Mrs. F. Burnett, of Ashgrove, three grandchildren and one sister, Mrs. J. Kennedy, of Glen Avon, Dalby. |
Balmoral Cemetery - Grave of William Joseph Brown and Annie Doherty
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1938 Part of William Joseph Brown's death certificate
Comment
The Telegraph obituary downplays the influence and the legacy of William Brown. He stepped into the void at the Railway Hotel after the death of Francis Doherty and became a popular and successful hotelier. He grew and secured the Doherty family fortune in a challenging and rapidly changing era. His legacy is the Burnett family hotel dynasty that continues to this day.
From an historic - the early 1800s - point of view, William's death certificate:
The Telegraph obituary downplays the influence and the legacy of William Brown. He stepped into the void at the Railway Hotel after the death of Francis Doherty and became a popular and successful hotelier. He grew and secured the Doherty family fortune in a challenging and rapidly changing era. His legacy is the Burnett family hotel dynasty that continues to this day.
From an historic - the early 1800s - point of view, William's death certificate:
- perpetuated the legend of John (SIC - should be Thomas) Huntley Brown, "Sea Captain"
- and side-stepped Jane Rider's illgitimate birth.
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Francis William Doherty Brown
Francis Brown lived with his parents in the 1930s, his occupation listed variously as "barman" and "mechanic". He married at the relatively late age of 38 in 1949 but sadly passed away 2 years later. His widow remarried and lived a long life. 15 May 1952 Courier Mail DEATHS BROWN.— At his residence, Bond St., Enoggera, on 19th May, Francis William Doherty, beloved Husband of Mary (nee Walker), Son of Mrs. Annie Brown, 546 Vulture St., E. Brisbane, and the late W. J. Brown, Son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. F. Walker, Brother-in-law of Betty, Kent St., Ascot, Brother of Thomas (Charters Towers) and Mrs. Frank Burnett, 428 Waterworks Rd., Ashgrove. R.I.P. |
1952 Francis Brown headstone, Balmoral Cemetery
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Annie Doherty
Annie Doherty lived another 23 years after her husband's death, and died 10 years after the death of her only offspring, Francis. She was not averse to spending her wealth, travelling overseas with Evelyn and by aeroplane from Cairns to Charters Towers to visit (briefly) her step-son Thomas and his wife. 11 Sep 1954 Northern Miner Mrs. A. Brown, East Brlsbane, who has been spending a holiday in Cairns, arrived by plane on Friday on a short visit to her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. T. E. Brown, School Street. Annie was laid to rest alongside William Brown at Balmoral Cemetery - see grave above. |
Fairville - 546 Vulture St, East Brisbane
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Comment
Annie Doherty proved to be a very strong and resilient lady. Raised in a hotel environment, perhaps she was more hard-nosed than her husband? Newspaper articles suggest Annie maintained a strong relationship with her step-children, Thomas and Evelyn.
It is possible Annie's "flying" visit to Charters Towers was related to inheritance. She died without a living blood descendant.
Annie Doherty proved to be a very strong and resilient lady. Raised in a hotel environment, perhaps she was more hard-nosed than her husband? Newspaper articles suggest Annie maintained a strong relationship with her step-children, Thomas and Evelyn.
It is possible Annie's "flying" visit to Charters Towers was related to inheritance. She died without a living blood descendant.