Edwin and Eleanor Rigby

Eleanor

Eleanor Lott was born about 30 December 1829 at Graveshead, England, to parents William Lott and Mary Ann Shuttlewood of Chapel Lane. She had three older sisters, Mary Ann (b1822), Sarah Jane (b1824) and Eliza (b 1827).

Her mother apparently died at or after Eleanor’s birth and her father remarried and had another three children (Elizabeth Sarah 1832, William Thomas 1834 and Eliza Ann 1837) to his second wife. William was described as a mariner in 1822 and a fisherman from 1824 onwards. 

Marriage 

Edwin & Eleanor married in Chatham, England on 29 September 1850. 

Emigration 

Edwin & Eleanor migrated to Australia with their infant daughter Eliza. They sailed from Gravesend in late October of 1852 aboard the sailing ship Agricola with Captain Bell in charge. Agricola was a substantial ship of 5600 tons.

When the ship arrived off Cape Morton on 26 February 1853 the Captain fired a number of guns each day until a pilot came alongside on the third day snd brought the ship into the Bay. Even then it was several days before the passengers were landed. Two or three days after arrival, a cutter came along side with fresh meat, bread and potatoes. The next day the passengers and their belongings were crowded aboard the cutter and they left for the town of Morton Bay, which we know as Brisbane today.

They landed at Taff's wharf, near the Thomas Brown Stores about 1 pm on 2 March 1853. They walked to the Immigration Depot which had earlier been the Military Barracks. The Treasury Building now stands on the site.

Edwin’s brother also emigrated to Australia, arriving at Port Phillip Bay in 1853 aboard a lugger named 'Gem'. This is an interesting story in itself and William Charles Rigby eventually moved to Adelelaide where he established a well known bookshop and publishing house. Rigby Press remained in operation until the late 20th century when it fell prey to a corporate takeover.

Settling in

It is assumed that Edwin found work as a carpenter in Morton Bay and Esther was born in 1854 on the south side of the river where Victoria Bridge now stands. Morton Bay at that time had a population of about 2,500 and Ipswich was about the same size.

By 1855 the family had moved to 'Mt Brisbane', the head station on Brigg's selection in the Brisbane Valley. This was roughly where the Somerset Dam now stands. It is likely that they would have travelled to Ipswich by boat, then by cart or dray to Mt Brisbane. There would have been less than 20 families there at that time.

Two more daughters were born at Mt Brisbane. Agnes in 1855 and Catherine Susannah in 1857.

It was probable that Edwin was employed building sheds, cottages and perhaps the first homestead, which was made of red cedar. These early buildings were all destroyed in the 1860 floods, but by that time, the Rigby family had moved to Warwick.

The family travelled to Warwick in a convoy of bullock drays. It would have been a journey of several days at least. Warwick at that time had a population was about 1500. The Colony of Queensland was just being formed and the whole colony had a little over 300,000 people!

The family lived for a short time in a two-story wooden house, then Edwin took up several blocks of land at about 43 Palmerin Street where he built a house. As the family grew, the house was extended to the rear. And grow the family did. Eight more children were born to the couple in Warwick.

Eleanor was clearly a woman of some refinement. Her daughters were all characteristically gracious, gentle and efficient. They were well educated for that time and place and were able to cope with the variety of circumstances in pioneering Warwick and other areas of Queensland. Eleanor was well liked by all.

Edwin had a hand in building many houses and shops in Warwick and by his efforts the family lived fairly comfortably. In later life he was remembered as an irascible old man, particularly when he had been drinking.

Endings

Eleanor died on 21 November 1890 after a long illness, thought to be tuberculosis. She was 61. In her will, she left all her possessions to her two unmarried daughters, Mary Ann and Beatrice.

Edwin died in Warwick Hospital on 7 December 1913 aged 84. He was suffering from asthma and bronchitis. He seems to have died intestate and his son Robert attended to his affairs.

Both Eleanor and Edwin are buried in Warwick, possibly in the same grave site. While Eleanor's headstone is intact, and there is a space for the addition of Edwin, nothing has been added. However, notes indicate that he is buried in the Warwick Cemetery, so it can only be presumed that he lies where intended in the grave with his wife.

Children

Edwin and Eleanor had 13 children, 12 born in Australia.

• • Eleanor Eliza born 29 September 1851 and was baptised at Chatham on 30 July 1852. 

  • Esther born 13 May 1854 in Brisbane - married William Kemp and together had 11 children. Lived in the Stanthorpe district, then as a widow in later life, in Newcastle. 

  • Agnes 1855

  • Catherine Susannah 1857

  • Edwin George 1859

  • Annie Maria 1861

  • James Hayes 1863

  • Mary Anne 1865

  • William Charles 1867

  • Jon Robert 1868

  • Thomas 1871

  • Ernest Henry Lott 1871

  • Beatrice Eugenia 1872