This is the second step in my Blogging from A-Z Challenge (April 2016).
My ancestors weren't always that good at holding onto money, especially during the difficult days of economic crisis in the outback town of Bourke in NSW in the 1880s and 1890s. That's why I've chosen
as the second step in my A-Z of quirky ancestor antics.
Ancestors from a few branches of my family tree, including some the NORTHCOTEs and RILEYs, lived in Bourke, NSW in the 1870s-1890s. It must have been a very remote, hot place to live in those days.
In 1886, my great-grandfather, Walter Stafford NORTHCOTE (the name he was using at the time), was recorded as being bankrupt in Bourke, NSW. He attributed his insolvency to pressure by creditors and an inability to obtain permanent employment. He owed £77 and 10 shillings to various businesses in Bourke - mainly butchers, bakers and landlords.
When I visited Bourke a few years ago, I was recounting the story of my great-grandparents' money troubles to a local man. After explaining that they both went bankrupt - my great-grandfather in 1886 and my great-grandmother in 1890 - he replied, "Who didn't in those days?" It made me realise that it wasn't such an unusual experience back in the 1880s and 1890s in Bourke, especially since it was a time of high unemployment and economic crisis. It must have been a tough life for them back then.
For related blogposts, see
My ancestors weren't always that good at holding onto money, especially during the difficult days of economic crisis in the outback town of Bourke in NSW in the 1880s and 1890s. That's why I've chosen
B for Bankruptcy
as the second step in my A-Z of quirky ancestor antics.
Ancestors from a few branches of my family tree, including some the NORTHCOTEs and RILEYs, lived in Bourke, NSW in the 1870s-1890s. It must have been a very remote, hot place to live in those days.
Source of map: Google Maps, 2016
In 1886, my great-grandfather, Walter Stafford NORTHCOTE (the name he was using at the time), was recorded as being bankrupt in Bourke, NSW. He attributed his insolvency to pressure by creditors and an inability to obtain permanent employment. He owed £77 and 10 shillings to various businesses in Bourke - mainly butchers, bakers and landlords.
Source: NSW Archives, Insolvency records, Date 4 June 1886, File no. 20814
Source: Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 5 June 1886 page 10
Only known photo of Walter NORTHCOTE, from Vivien NORTHCOTE's collection
He died two years later in 1888 in Bourke. Two years after his death, his wife found herself with nine sons to look after. While trying to support herself and her large family, she also went bankrupt. Her bankruptcy was reported in 1890. She owed £57 to her landlord and local shopkeepers. In the insolvency records, Margaret stated that "I am a boarding house keeper. I have not been in business before and have kept no books. I am a widow and have 9 nine children. It is my housekeeping expenses that have caused my bankruptcy at court."
Source: NSW Archives, Insolvency records, Date 12 November 1890, File no. 02899
Source: Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 22 November 1890, page 12
Margaret NORTHCOTE (nee RILEY), from Vivien NORTHCOTE's collection
Bourke Courthouse 2012, Photography: Maria Northcote
Inside Bourke Courthouse 2012, Photography: Maria Northcote
Bourke 2012, Photography: Maria Northcote
For related blogposts, see
Walking in their footsteps Part 5: Bourke
Getting my hands on original records
Great-great signatures
The widespread depression in Australia in the 1890s caused mainly by the failure of the banking system, had many of our ancestral families in court for bankruptcy. Poor woman trying to support a large family by running a boarding house. Difficult times indeed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. What a hard life!
ReplyDeleteIt was a though time for many and bankruptcy was far from uncommon. Poor Maria, no husband, nine children and no experience at business.
ReplyDeleteShe must have had a hard time of it but ended up doing a bit of midwifery to pay the bills. Suppose she had enough experience of giving birth.
ReplyDeleteYes the 1890s were tough by all accounts...nine children to feed and clothe...sheesh!
ReplyDeleteHard to imagine! And with no aircon ...
ReplyDelete