the family of james belcher of waterford, ireland - University of ...
the family of james belcher of waterford, ireland - University of ...
the family of james belcher of waterford, ireland - University of ...
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27<br />
Figure 3.5: William Belcher and Ellen Jamieson after <strong>the</strong>ir wedding in 1886<br />
Having paid <strong>the</strong> Survey Fee, and <strong>the</strong> first half-yearly License Fee <strong>of</strong> £8, he was<br />
issued with a licence dated 1st May 1881, and was entitled to occupy <strong>the</strong> land as a<br />
farmer. This he did by 1st September <strong>of</strong> that year. He <strong>the</strong>reupon set out to clear<br />
<strong>the</strong> land. It is presumed that he sold his house block at Echuca to pay his initial<br />
costs in setting up at Miepoll South. The railway through Euroa, from Sydney to<br />
Melbourne, having been opened in 1873, <strong>the</strong>re was a market for firewood to be taken<br />
to Melbourne, and William carted wood by horse and dray from <strong>the</strong> felled trees on<br />
<strong>the</strong> selection to Euroa to be railed to Melbourne. There was also a demand for Red<br />
Gum timber at local saw mills, and also for wattle bark for tanning, and I dare say<br />
that William also took advantage <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se markets while clearing his land.<br />
William marries Ellen Jamieson<br />
In 1881, Ellen Jamieson traveled to Miepoll South from her home in Franklinford,<br />
to be a bridesmaid at <strong>the</strong> wedding <strong>of</strong> Mary Wade, her sister Jean’s sister-in-law, to<br />
William Leckie. Mary Wade, her bro<strong>the</strong>r John Wade and William Leckie had all<br />
selected land not far from William Belcher’s selection, and <strong>the</strong>y all appear to have<br />
been good neighbours and friends. That wedding took place on 27th April 1881.<br />
After <strong>the</strong> wedding, it is said that <strong>the</strong> bridal party rode to Shepparton, to escort <strong>the</strong>