Chapter 1
Introduction
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| First Mosman Coat of Arms given by Mary Queen of Scots On the outside wall of John Knox House, Edinburgh |
When I started building the Dulley family tree on Ancestry, my cousin, Liz (née Mossman) who lives in England, asked me to find out something about her paternal ancestors who she thought “came from Scotland and were probably fierce”.
This history is the result of my investigation of a remarkable family. All errors are my responsibility and any opinions are mine. This is a family history not a research thesis. I relied on a large number of sources which are far too many to detail every one. I have summarised the main sources at the end of this document. The search facility provides a comprehensive index to this history.
See more details about the author John Dulley in Appendix a3. About the Author
I would especially like to thank all of the descendants of the families described in this history who have helped me and have become friends in the process. They are not only the descendants of the Mosman twins who came to Australia in 1828, but also of the Farquharson family who became closely related by marriage to the family. A special thanks also to the descendant of one of the many convicts who helped build the Australian family fortunes for information about convicts who worked for the Mosman twins and are also part of this history.
What started out as a genealogical exercise rapidly became a personally rewarding family history. The story begins in pre Tudor days in Scotland and follows the family’s allegiance, even to death, to several Scottish Kings and Queen and to the Catholic religion. It continues on to a prominent Mosman family in Scotland in the 18th century whose eldest son fought in several battles against Napoleon. But it is the youngest sons, twins Archibald and George, Mosman born in 1799, who are going to make their mark in early Australian history.
Australian Story
In the course of my research I found this quotation that empowered my search for information about their Australian heritage
“Australia’s meteoric developments are due in no small part to the fortitude, fidelity, sweat, blood and tears of our ancestors who helped to make this country and it is our duty to see that they are not forgotten.”
The twins arrived in Sydney in the early 19th century when the Colony was evolving from a penal colony into an exciting new country with opportunities for the brave and enterprising. They rapidly establish themselves as merchants, whaling masters and graziers, and have large families.
Their children play large parts in the development of the Colony prior to federation. One discovers gold and “adopts” and educates a young Aboriginal boy. Another joins the Queensland Native Police Force, notorious for its violent control of hostile Aborigines. Ironically he finds an Aboriginal partner, resigns and starts a part Aboriginal dynasty across northern Australia.
Archibald's daughters all marry notable men. Two of them marry Premiers of Queensland. Another marries an explorer who has travelled for months through uncharted country, the home of hostile natives. Last but not least is the youngest daughter who marries into an eminent titled Scottish family and returns to Scotland. Her only son inherits not only a title but two Scottish castles.
A Voyage of Discovery
Writing this history has been an exciting voyage of discovery helped not only by a myriad of sources but also by historical societies, old newspapers and last but not least, proud family members.
The journey has been made easier as the family left behind portraits and photos which give us a better understanding of the real people.
I hope this helps you begin an exciting adventure through the years with the amazing Mosman family.
The journey has been made easier as the family left behind portraits and photos which give us a better understanding of the real people.
I hope this helps you begin an exciting adventure through the years with the amazing Mosman family.
Reflections on Yesteryear
While researching this history I had to keep reminding myself how different conditions were for our ancestors.
Transport was horse, carriage and sailing ship (four months was an average trip from England to Australia). There was no running water or sewers, basic toilet, lighting with candles or oil lamps. Medical science was in its infancy and there were no vaccines or antibiotics. There was no electricity, no phones, radio, TV or home entertainment.
While researching this history I had to keep reminding myself how different conditions were for our ancestors.
Transport was horse, carriage and sailing ship (four months was an average trip from England to Australia). There was no running water or sewers, basic toilet, lighting with candles or oil lamps. Medical science was in its infancy and there were no vaccines or antibiotics. There was no electricity, no phones, radio, TV or home entertainment.
What changes have been made the last 200 years!
Next Chapter- SCOTTISH MOSMAN FAMILIES