Alexander Smith

Story

Alexander Smith grew up at 72 Main Street, Newmilns, Scotland, where his parents George and Ann Smith, had a grocery shop. When young he worked as a handloom weaver and later became a weaver’s agent or “wee cork” as they were commonly called. In 1842 practically the whole town of Newmilns was dependant on handloom weaving.

In 1852 he went to Glasgow and was employed by the firm Leggats.

Scotland was now experiencing a downturn in trade, with unemployment, high prices and low wages, so no doubt these factors contributed to Alexander’s decision to seek a more prosperous future in South Australia. The fare was 5 pounds, so his mother took out a loan for 20 pounds and gave it him on the understanding that this was his share of inheritance when she died.

He sailed from Liverpool on the ‘Fitzjames’ and arrived in Melbourne on 13.9.1854 and not Adelaide as previously arranged. It is unknown why the ‘Fitzjames’ berthed at Melbourne and not Adelaide as Alexander had paid his passage to Adelaide and as this arrangement was not honoured by the Shipping Line it upset his plans to join his Uncle John Smith who had emigrated in 1853 and was now living at Yankalilla, 70 km south of Adelaide.

The following are extracts from letters Alexander received shortly after his arrival from brothers James and George in Scotland, dated 29.1.1855 and 31.1.1855:

“We were all happy to hear of your safe arrival. So far as the voyage is concerned I consider you have been very fortunate, both as regards a quick passage and more especially the healthful state of the emigrants, considering the number that went out. The storm you spoke of seems to have been a very severe one and I am very thankful you got through it safe. I was glad to know you were comfortable for provisions with the help of the small store you took with you. Having used a good many eggs myself this winter 3 and 4 months old, I knew you would have the pleasure of having one fresh for breakfast sometimes and how did Janet’s cake keep or did you give it the chance.

Sorry the sailing part of the trip turned out so unfortunate and you could not get to Adelaide as planned. It was a shameful deal you got from the Ship’s Agent, they are in general a lot of land sharks. They know emigrants have neither money nor time to enforce their claims by law – thus they take advantage.

Trade is exceedingly flat here – do not imagine you would have been better off at home.

There is nothing new about Newmilns since you left except it was hit severely with cholera in September and about 30 people fell victims. Nothing going on in this Country worthy of note except the War”

His brother wrote in length with news on the Crimean War.

Alexander found Melbourne was also in a depressed state with many idle or heading to the gold fields. He got a job breaking stones but soon found a position in the store of a Mr Currie where he remained for a couple of months before moving to South Australia. On arrival he proceeded to Yankalilla and within 2 days began work in the storekeeping business of John Heathcote. He remained there for 6 years and then branched out on his own with a general grocery and drapery store.

In 1862 he built a new store with an adjoining residence and here he and his wife Ann Elizabeth lived after their marriage on 17.6.1862. Ann had arrived from England in 1853 with her parents Daniel and Ann Brice. Alexander’s commercial career in Yankalilla was a prosperous one and he was Clerk of the District Council for 11 years.

In 1893 he took a trip back to Scotland to see his only remaining brother.

Of Alexanders children, only the eldest son, George, remained in the district and joined his father in the storekeeping business. The other sons, William, Alexander, James and Andrew went to Adelaide. Ann and Ethel went to Western Australia where they married and settled and Emma was a local artist and moved to Adelaide.

Alexander died on 30.12.1904 and then George managed the business for his mother Ann. George also catered for people living in outlying areas by driving a covered van pulled with horses. The van was fitted with shelves filled with groceries and rolls of calico, flannelette and cotton prints. He travelled from house to house so people living in outer areas could get supplies. As a treat for the children he carried a wooden tray with halfpenny lollies and sticks to choose from – if they were lucky enough to own a halfpenny.

Ann Smith had a kindly disposition and genial manners and died on 17.10.1915.

The shop and residence still stand in 2009 at 78 Main Street, Yankalilla.

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