George Rush

Story

George Rush was born in Thame, Oxford, England 10th Oct. 1838 to David and Ruth Rush (nee Loosley). From 1844 onwards, the David Rush family were listed in the Thame Workhouse minutes for relief. In the 1851 census, they lived in Ludeson, Thame, Oxford, recorded as follows- David 39 ag labourer, Ruth 36 wife, children- Ruth 16, George 12 scholar, David 10 scholar, James 8, Mary, 3 and Alfred 3.

At 26 years, George decided to journey to Australia alone. George boarded the Black Ball clipper, “FIERY STAR” some 1880 tons which sailed from Gravesend on 27th July, 1864, having on board immigrants and Dr. David Salmond Esq., surgeon superintendent. After more passengers embarked at Queenstown, they sailed for Kepple Bay on 6th August with 568 souls including officers and crew. She crossed the Line on 5th September, rounded Tasmania on the 24th October, passed Moreton Island 30th Oct and anchored in Kepple Bay 5th November, having made the passage to Kepple Bay in 89 days. The ship experienced several stiff squalls and variable weather between Tasmania and Moreton Bay, and off Port Stephens a number of water spouts burst within a short distance of the vessel. On the 13th August she spoke the barque Prince Arthur, Liverpool to Hong Kong, also the ship Lincoln Sutherland to Calcutta, and the 14th spoke ship Planet to Bombay, 18 days out. On 1st October she spoke the barque William Prowse, Liverpool to Calcutta. 334 passengers were sent by steamer to Rockhampton and the remainder came to Brisbane. This ship bought a superior class of emigrants to the colony: several intelligent tradesmen from England, a number of hardy farm labourers from Scotland and chiefly agricultural labourers from Ireland.

Captain Yule and Dr. Salmond won the respect of all passengers. The ship arrived in Moreton Bay 26th Nov.

Recorded in unclaimed letters for George Rush at Brisbane G.P.O. was one 3/9/1864 from U K..

This would have told him his father passed away exactly 1 month after he left. Another was left at Glengallan 1865 and also on 2/8/1873 at South Creek Hut, Leyburn, and 30/5/1874 GPO Brisbane.

In 1876 he met and married Maria Baird from Ireland. Maria was born about 1850 in Newtownbarry (now Bunclody), County Carlow, Ireland. (Her journey is under BAIRD.)

George Rush selected land in 1876, 160 acres, lot no. 812 parish of Maida Hill, near Bell, Qld. At this time George cut timber on the Bunya mountains and also worked at Carbines Mill. Their home at first was a camp near the creek at the base of the mountain. This timber was carted down the Toowoomba range to Ipswich by bullock teams. At one time their daughter Ruth was very ill with yellow jaundice and could not ride in the wagon and so walked behind the drays.

CHILDREN of GEORGE and MARIA

George born 1877 married Elizabeth Daisy Pointon

Ruth born 1878 married George Bennett

Susan born 1880 married Arthur Surman

Edward John born 1881 married Mary Anne Windress

Alexander born 1882 married Sarah Jane Stokes

Henry born 1882 married Susan Edwards

It is said George also at one time had a market garden on the creek in Dalby and sold vegetables.

His daughter Ruth also worked at a hotel in Dalby (may have been the Imperial Hotel).

Maria had a home in Goodna and later moved to Thorpe St., Indooroopilly, (now Taringa Parade)

next door to her daughter Susan and reared Susan’s first child.

About 1912, George bought a dairy farm at Drillham called “Glenwood.” His daughter Ruth, her husband George Bennett and children did the work as he was over 70 by this time. When George passed away in 1924, the undertakers came and took him to Miles to be buried, but sadly a very bad storm flooded the creeks that night and none of the family were able to attend his funeral.

Maria is buried in the Toowong Cemetery, Brisbane and her daughter Susan is buried with her.

[About the Journey]

[Impressions on Arrival]

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