George Lowe: Ex Convict, Entrepreneur, Innkeeper and Innovator

Day 13/50 Days of Family History Blogging

In the previous post about George Lowe, he was convicted of a crime in England and transported to Australia for life. If you missed it, you can catch up at the link below.

Part 1: George Lowe Convicted and Transported

We take up George’s story as he is living in Hobart with his wife. George is beginning to develop business interests.

Early Business Life

On 26 July 1816 George Lowe paid £120 cash to James Bryan Cullen for a farm of 78 acres situated on the Derwent River in the district of New Norfolk. James Cullen had been "possessed of the land as a settler removed from Norfolk Island in consequence of the evacuation". However, there is no evidence that Lowe actually took possession as Cullen remained on the property. It appears to have been a type of mortgage or loan, with the property used as security. Cullen was known to have financial difficulties. Six months later, in January 1817, George Lowe successfully tendered to supply 1500 lbs of fresh meat to His Majesty's Magazine on 28 March 1817. William Abel (another Norfolk Island ex convict settler) also tendered to supply the same amount on the same date, suggesting some sort of partnership had already developed between these two men.

At about this time, George was having financial problems.

from: The Hobart Gazette, 24 July 1819

CAUTION.
All persons are hereby cautioned against taking in Payment, a Promissory Note, drawn by the undersigned in September 1818, for £24 Sterling, in favor of George Lowe, or Order, payable on or before the 31st March 1819; the (same being given by me to the said George Lowe on condition of his returning to me two Promissory Notes, one drawn by Richard Burrows, sen. deceased, in favor of me, for £20 Sterling, and the other by Richard Burrows, jun. in favor of G. Lowe, or Order, for £3 Sterling, as will appear by a Receipt of the said G. Lowe's now in my Possession, and which is witnessed by a creditable Settler residing at New Norfolk, and in the presence of respectable Persons, who can testify that I did not receive any Consideration Whatever for the said Note of £24.
William Pressnell. N.B.-The above was inserted in October last.

1822

George was beginning to shake off his convict past and was becoming known as a settler and a respectable businessman.

On 19 November 1824, The Hobart Town Gazette reported that a Commission of Information had been instituted before 3 Commissioners, and 12 Jurors, including George Lowe, for the purpose of enquiring what sum or sums of money, if any, was or were due to the Crown from Edward Foord Bromley, Esq. J. P. late Naval Officer, at Hobart Town and Treasurer of the Colonial Revenue, against whom the verdict had been recorded: "We find that Doctor Bromley owes to the Crown the sum of £8,269.0s.8d. currency; but we find him to have been extensively robbed, to what extent is not known, and we therefore beg to recommend him to the most favourable consideration of the Government.

George Lowe, 'the responsible businessman'

At a Meeting of the Merchants, Shopkeepers, and issuers of small Notes, resident in Hobart Town, called together by Public Advancement and held this Day, the 4th July, at the British Hotel, Thomas Lempriere, Esq in the Chair, it was, in furtherance of the Measure adopted by the Bank of Van Diemen's Land to return to Sterling Payments, Unanimously Resolved, That, from an early Period, to be hereafter fixed at another General Meeting, Spanish Dollars be for the future taken, by the Individuals present, at their Sterling value, namely, Four Shillings and Four pence; and this Resolution being reduced into Writing, was immediately subscribed by Messrs, J. P. Deane, G. Lowe, Wm Cook, H. Hopkins, G. Stokell, W. Watchorn, A. Buchanan, J. Johnson, W Murray, J Roberts, B. Morris, J. Hiddlestone, John Dean, J. Donaldson, F. Allison, John Hamer, Ben. Guy, Rob. Stodart, J. Swan, Jas. Ogilvie.

It was, at the same time, likewise Unanimously Resolved, That the insufficiency of the smaller Denomination of Specie, for the Purpose of general Circulation, rendering it unavoidably necessary that the Issue of Notes by private Individuals should, for the present, be continued, a Committee be appointed to receive and take into Consideration such Suggestions as may be communicated with Respect to the best Mode of guarding against a Repetition of the Forgeries that have lately so generally prevailed, and Report Thereon at another General Meeting to be held at the British Hotel on Wednesday the 12th Instant, at Six o'Clock in the Evening. The said Committee to be composed of the Chairman, Mr. Benjamin Guy acting as Secretary, and Messrs. J. P Deane, Allison, Cooke, Hopkins, Lowe, Dean, Stokell and B. Morris.

1826

The Committee, appointed at the above General Meeting, desirous of obtaining every possible Information relative to the Object for which they have been nominated, will thankfully receive any Suggestion on the subject that may he offered to their Consideration, in Communications addressed to the Committee at the British Hotel.

Lowe's expanding business interests

1827

Mr. George Lowe respectfully informs his Friends and the Public in general, that he has opened a BUTCHERS SHOP, at the House of Henry Conolley, opposite the Waterloo Mills, Liverpool-street, where there will be a constant Supply of good Beef and Mutton, at the following low Prices:- Sheep by the Carcase, at 4d. per lb; by the Side, at 4½d. ditto; Fore-quarter, at 4½d.; and Hindquarter at 5d. ditto. -Any Person having good Beef or Mutton for Sale, will please to apply to Mr. George Lowe. -All Transactions for ready Money. Shipping supplied on the lowest Terms.

The following month George had what appeared to be a clearing sale of excess stock.

From: The Colonial Times and Tasmanian Advertiser, 6 April 1827

Sale by Auction
BY Mr. J. C. Underwood,
On the Premises of Mr. George Lowe, Argyle-street, on Monday, the 9th, Wednesday, the 11th, and Saturday, the 14th of April next, at 12 o'Clock each Day,
Mr. LOWE proceeding to the Isle of France by the earliest opportunity, the following valuable Assortment of Merchandize will be Sold without Reserve:
BLACK and coloured Bombasines, English Prints of various Qualities, English silkHandkerchiefs, Company's Yellow and BlueeNankeens, Calicoes of every description, Striped Cotton Shirts of the best Quality, Battick, Flannels, Blue Dungarees, Slops of every description, six Pieces of Coarse Blue Cloth, a few Table Cloths, Women's and Children's Stays and Steel Busks, a few Pieces of Cords of the best Quality, Comforters and Gravets, Children's Beaver Hats, Ladies' Cloaks, Ladies worked Nett Caps and Lace Collars, a Lady's elegant Lace Dress, Gentlemen's Lamb's Wool Jackets, Buttons for Children's Dresses, Cricket Balls, Shoemaker's Hemp, Pins by the pound or paper; Pewter Pots in sets of quart, pint, and half-pints ; Gentlemen's Riding Whips, Paints of various colors, English Soap and Candles in Boxes; English Blacking in quart, pint, and half-pint bottles; Mustard in half-pound bottles, Pickles and Fish Sauces of various kinds; Glass Ware, consisting of quart and pint Decanters and Tumblers, of different patterns; English Tobacco Pipes, box or gross; Scales and Weights, Cape Butter of excellent quality; Raisins, superior sort, in small qualities ; English Treacle of the best quality, best White Wine Vinegar in Lots of five Gallons ; Gin (in Bond), by the Cask, or, in Lots of five Gallons ; Wine, by the Pipe, or in Lots of five Gallons; and Taylor's Brown Stout, in Hogsheads.Nankeens, Calicoes of every description, Striped Cotton Shirts of the best Quality, Battick, Flannels, Blue Dungarees, Slops of every description, six Pieces of Coarse Blue Cloth, a few Table Cloths, Women's and Children's Stays and Steel Busks, a few Pieces of Cords of the best Quality, Comforters and Gravets, Children's Beaver Hats, Ladies' Cloaks, Ladies worked Nett Caps and Lace Collars, a Lady's elegant Lace Dress, Gentlemen's Lamb's Wool Jackets, Buttons for Children's Dresses, Cricket Balls, Shoemaker's Hemp, Pins by the pound or paper; Pewter Pots in sets of quart, pint, and half-pints ; Gentlemen's Riding Whips, Paints of various colors, English Soap and Candles in Boxes; English Blacking in quart, pint, and half-pint bottles; Mustard in half-pound bottles, Pickles and Fish Sauces of various kinds; Glass Ware, consisting of quart and pint Decanters and Tumblers, of different patterns; English Tobacco Pipes, box or gross; Scales and Weights, Cape Butter of excellent quality; Raisins, superior sort, in small qualities ; English Treacle of the best quality, best White Wine Vinegar in Lots of five Gallons ; Gin (in Bond), by the Cask, or, in Lots of five Gallons ; Wine, by the Pipe, or in Lots of five Gallons; and Taylor's Brown Stout, in Hogsheads.
On the last Day of Sale, the following useful Articles will be put up:
A handsome Eight-day Clock, by Lormier and Edwards; a Copper, containing about 20 Gallons, with a Grate, complete; an elegant Globe Lamp, with spare Globe; and a beautiful Piebald Poney, rising five years old, and well adapted for the use of a Lady.
A Credit of three Months will be given to Purchasers of £20 and upwards, for Bills subject to the approval of Mr. Lowe.

from: Colonial Times and Tasmanian Advertiser, 2 Feb 1827

In January 1827, local entrepreneur David Bush had taken over the management of the Kings Head Inn in New Norfolk from William Abel. Bush was in partnership with George Lowe who opened a shop on the premises.

Two months later, the Inn and property were all advertised for sale, and then withdrawn, as Abel had taken out a mortgage with Lowe for £1,350.

from: The Colonial Times, 24 August 1827

………. individuals establish stores in the interior, for the purpose of supplying the Settlers with necessaries, without compelling them for every article to drag through mud and mire, to Hobart Town or Launceston. . . . . Mr George Lowe, a wealthy trader of Hobart Town, is about to open an establishment at New Norfolk, on similar liberal principles; namely, to furnish the best of articles, at the Hobart Town prices, and to take live stock as payment. – Such undertakings as these must be very beneficially felt by the Settlers. – We hope to see the example followed elsewhere.

On 31 May 1827, Elizabeth Clarke, a convict servant assigned to George Lowe, had been found guilty of stealing a gown from his household, value 15 shillings. [Colonial Times and Tasmanian Advertiser, 1 June 1827]

In September 1827, the irrepressible Lowe was praised by the newspaper for his enterprising spirit:

from: The Colonial Times, 7 September 1827

It is said, that Mr. George Lowe, of Hobart Town, has offered to make a contract with the Government, for the erection of the New Norfolk Bridge, for £3000 in cash, and £500 worth of labour, to be supplied by the Government, on condition of receiving the tolls until his principal be returned, with a 15 percent compound interest; and that the Lieutenant Governor has not accepted the offer. –We think this enterprising man must put the Van Diemen's Land Company to the, blush, as they count over their immense capital.

A toll bridge was eventually built by the New Norfolk Bridge Company (Lowe was a minor shareholder) and opened in 1841; The Toll House still stands on the northern side of the Derwent River, not far from where Lowe had his property.

from: The Hobart Town Gazette, 22 September 1827

Mrs Edward Lord, has the honour to acquaint her friends and the public, that circumstances have prevented her retiring from business, as she intended, and that she has removed from Elizabeth-street, to the premises lately occupied by Mr. George Lowe, in Argyle-street, where her Stores are ready to receive commission goods as usual, and where she has now on sale, a choice selection of British and Foreign Goods of all descriptions, and an assortment of hosiery, broad cloth, Irish linen, millinery, ladies' and children's boots and shoes, gloves, hats, crockery ware, china, fruit, vinegar, &c. &c. per Medway. [Hobart Town Gazette, 22 September 1827]

In October 1827, Lowe became the Licensed Publican of the King's Head Inn, New Norfolk (now Valleyfield, pictured below, as it is today).

Valleyfield, formerly The King’s Head, New Norfolk

On 27 March 1829, George Lowe foreclosed on Abel's £1,350 mortgage, by nominally paying £650 to Abel and £700 to a George Frederick Read to discharge a prior mortgage. He obtained possession of several adjoining properties along the bank of the Derwent River, including the Kings Head Inn.

There appears to have been some complex transactions related to this foreclosure as some of the property and stock were advertised for sale in February 1828.

from: The Hobart Town Courier, 16 February 1828

TO BE SOLD, two most desirable farms, situated in the most rapidly improving town of New Norfolk, the one containing 22 acres, and the other 92 acres, adjoining each other, and with a good House erected on them, an excellent Garden well stocked with fruit trees, stock yards and paddocks. Small vessels can approach within 200 yards of the house, which is contiguous to the site of the intended new bridge across the Derwent. Also, to be sold with the above, upwards of £1000 worth of dry goods and spirits, for the payment of which, a credit of 12 months will be given at a fair valuation. Apply to Mr. George Lowe, New Norfolk, or Mr. Lester, White Horse, Hobart-town. [Hobart Town Courier, 16 February 1828]

George and Honora's seventh and last child, Ann Norah Lowe, was born on 2 March 1829 on her brother George's second birthday. She was baptised on 22 Jan 1830 in New Norfolk Church of England. She died, aged 28, of diarrhoea on 14 Aug 1857 at Warwick Street, Hobart. In her death record she is described as a "gentleman's daughter".

from: The Hobart Town Courier, 14 March 1829

Mr George Lowe yesterday bought the valuable premises belonging to Mr. Presnell, at the corner of Collins and Argyle streets, near the Market place, for £1500.
We are glad to find that Mr. J. L. Roberts has commenced with a Brewing Establishment, on his own account, on the Premises of Mr. George Lowe, Argyle-street, and that with malt and hops he has succeeded in producing a beverage which is highly spoken of for its quality. [Colonial Times, 28 August 1829]. Lowe was by now a successful businessman; he later opened a pub for his eldest son James Lowe on the site.

from: The Hobart Town Courier, Saturday 21 March 1829

On Wednesday John Bell was convicted of stealing from a boat in the River Derwent, several articles of wearing apparel value £1 16 6, the property of George Lowe.

On 5 Sept 1829 the Hobart Town Courier listed G. Lowe as a signatory on a testimonial for the retiring Police Magistrate of New Norfolk.

In 1830 Lowe had sandstone stables and a coach-house built on his property at the Kings Head Inn at New Norfolk. On the keystone to the arched entrance, he had his initials GL carved with the year 1830. These buildings still stand and are the only surviving physical testament to George Lowe.

It appears that George Lowe foreclosed on the debt in 1831

The Hobart Town Courier, Saturday 6 April.1831
Sheriffs Office, Aug.4, 1831. In the Supreme Court, Lowe v. Lucas. On Tuesday, the 16th inst at 12 o'clock, the Sheriff will cause to be put up for sale by public auction, on the premises of defendant, situate at the Black Brush, about 100 bushels of Wheat in the straw, unless this execution be previously satisfied.

Lowe starts the colony's first coach service

from: The Colonial Times, 17 August, 1831

On Thursday last (11 August 1831) we were agreeably surprised to see a well equipped coach start for New Norfolk, it being the first thing of the sort this Colony has yet produced. It was drawn by three horses, and it is intended, so soon as certain arrangements shall be completed, to run it between New Norfolk and Hobart Town, each way, daily. Mr. George Lowe, of New Norfolk, is the spirited proprietor.

from: the Hobart Town Courier, 3 September 1831

On Thursday the 1st inst, we had the satisfaction to see the new four horse stage coach (the Eclipse) established by Mr. Lowe and Mr. Mills, between Hobart town and New Norfolk, make its first journey into town, driving down Elizabeth street, loaded with passengers inside and out, and the horn blowing in grand style. Its lively appearance as it passed us in the street, brought up the pleasing recollection of old times, when the mail coaches, which have since been attended with such general benefit to the community of England were first established. May this commencement prove equally auspicious in our young colony, and we are glad to hear that the present undertaking promises to succeed so well, so many places for passengers having already been booked, that the proprietors propose running it to and from New Norfolk instead of alternately every day. It carries 6 passengers very comfortably inside and 10 out.

from: The Colonial Times, 21 September 1831

We congratulate the Colony upon the very decided success that has attended the spirited endeavours of Messrs. Lowe and Mills, of New Norfolk, towards establishing a coach between that delightful township and Hobart Town. It has not failed, we understand, upon any one day since it started, on the first instant, to have a handsomely remunerating load. So far, too, as we can learn, the manner in which it is conducted, both as to the excellence of its horses, and the regularity of its driving, is of the highest order. It met with a trifling accident on Saturday last, on its way to town, in consequence of the pole having snapped in two, but although it was heavily laden, both inside and out, none of the passengers were at all hurt, and as a proof that they attached little or no importance to the accident, several of them among whom were some ladies, returned by it on the following morning. We consider these few words no more than due to a very meritorious undertaking, having heard the accident grossly magnified, and we can undertake to assert, that not the slightest blame attaches to anyone.

from: The Hobart Town Courier, 15 October 1831

ECLIPSE COACH. P. MILLS. In returning thanks to the public for the liberal encouragement received, begs to inform them that the partnership with G. Lowe Is Dissolved, and the business will in future be carried on by himself. The above Coach will on Monday the 10th Oct. leave Hobart Town every morning at 8 o'clock and return the same evening, leaving New Norfolk every afternoon at 3 o'clock. N.B. -All parcels or packages above the value of Five Pounds must be booked and paid for accordingly. Hobart town, October 8, 1831.

George Lowe's Business Activities Expand

from: The Colonial Times, 30 November, 1831

John Popkins stood charged with embezzling £3. 14s. 3½d. the property of his master, Mr. George Lowe, of New Norfolk, having received the sum on his master's account, and appropriated it to his own use. The prisoner pleaded guilty. It appeared that the man had been in the Colony ten years, and had lived with his present master seven or eight years. Mr. Lowe admitted that he had only once taken him before a Magistrate, although addicted to habits of intoxication; that during Mr. Lowe's absence in England he was in charge of property, and had the care of his children; and that he conducted himself with propriety and kindness to the family, when left under such very peculiar responsibility. The Court thought Mr. Lowe had erred in not checking the habits of the prisoner by an appeal to the authorities, and the present situation of the man, after so long a service, might be attributed to his indulgence in habits of unrestrained intemperance. Sentenced to be transported beyond seas for seven years.

from: The Colonial Times, 18 December 1832
On Sale, at the Stores of the Undersigned, ENGLISH SOAP, at the low Price of 6d. per pound by the box. GEORGE LOWE. Campbell-street, near the Commissariat of Accounts Office.On Sale, at the Stores of the Undersigned, ENGLISH SOAP, at the low Price of 6d. per pound by the box. GEORGE LOWE. Campbell-street, near the Commissariat of Accounts Office

from: The Colonial Times, 9 April 1833

Superior Cape Wine. ON SALE, ex Susannah, at the Stores of the Undersigned, 120 hhds. of very superior Cape Wine, in hhds. ALSO, a few quarter Casks of 19 Gallons each, of choice quality, adapted for the consumption of private Families. ALSO, Brandy, Rum, and Gin; Cape Butter, of excellent quality; pickled Herrings, Soap, and general Merchandize, at very low prices, for cash ! ! ! G. LOWE, Campbell-street. April 4th, 1833.

from: The Colonial Times, 16 April 1833

G. LOWE, solicits the attention of Innkeepers and large consumers, to his very large stock of choice French Brandy, Jamaica Rum, and English Gin, both in and out of bond; which he is determined to sell at such prices, as are calculated to meet the exigencies of the times, as also, Cape butter, pickled herrings, soap and general Merchandize, upon equally advantageous terms. G. Lowe. Campbell-street, April 12, 1833.

from: The Hobart Town Courier, 19 April 1833
TO BE LET. An agreeable House at New Norfolk, on the left bank of the river, lately in the occupation of Mr. Geo. Lowe. The House contains ten rooms well furnished, and recently repaired completely; there is a large garden well stocked with fruit trees, and eight acres of land, part laid down in English grass. A large stone built store to be let with the House.-Enquire of the Printer of this paper.

from: The Colonial Times, 16 July 1833

TO BE LET, with immediate possession, all that House and Premises situated at New Norfolk, and lately in the occupation of Mr. GEORGE LOWE. The House will be let separate, or with he Premises and Store, if required; and it has been lately repaired in the most complete style. Rent moderate. -Apply to Dr. OFFICER, New Norfolk.

from: The Hobart Town Courier, 21 June 1833

Sheriff's Office, June 20, 1833. In the Supreme Court, Lowe v. Barnes.
On Monday the 1st July next, at 12 o'clock, the Sheriff will cause to be put up for sale, by Public Auction, at the Court House, Hobart town, a Farm of 36 acres, situated at New Norfolk, bounded on the one side by Hibbins, and on the other side by the river Derwent, unless this execution be previously satisfied.

from: The Hobart Town Courier, 2 August 1833

FOR SALE, at the Stores of the undersigned, Campbell street, about 600 dozen of Dunbar's best bottled Ale and Porter. GEO. LOWE. July 25, 1833. [Hobart Town Courier, 2 August 1833]

from: The Colonial Times, 12 November, 1833

Prime Brazil Tobacco. Just Landed from the Jess, two hundred baskets, warranted good, and at reduced prices. Apply to Mr. GEORGE LOWE, Campbell-street, or to J. LESTER, Murray-street. Nov. 8, 1833. [Colonial Times, 12 November 1833]

from: The Colonial Times, 22 April 1834

Illegal hitching posts for horses?
Hobart Town Police Report. Messsrs. George Lowe, J. Trotter, and W. Sharman were severally charged with causing obstructions and nuisances, opposite their several buildings by posts, and in breach of the Police Act. Case dismissed, it being frivolous.

from: The Colonial Times, 16 September 1834

Cape Wine NOW landing from the Swallow, fine rich flavoured Cape Wines, from 300 to 400 half pipes, 200 quarter casks. Apply to Mr. G. LOWE, Campbell-street, or J. LESTER, Murray-street. Sept. 12, 1834.

from: The Colonial Times, 14 October 1834

In October 1834, George Lowe was one of many Inhabitant Householders of Van Dieman's Land who signed a petition to convene a public meeting to petition the Lieutenant Governor for a remission of the sentence passed upon Mr. Thomas Lewis.

from: The Colonial Times, 20 January 1835

Lowe is listed as having been appropriated 2 shares at £10 each in the New Norfolk Bridge Company, which built the toll bridge over the River Derwent.

from: The Colonial Times, 20 January 1835

Mr. George Lowe was charged with a breach of the Wholesale Spirit Act, in selling a quantity of wine, he not being a licensed wholesale dealer in wines and spirits. It appears, by the evidence of Mr. James Lear, that he had bought a quantity of wine of another person, who had stored it at Mr. Lowes', and that Mr. Lowe was not the Vender. Discharged.

from: The Colonial Times, 14 October 1834

In August 1835, George Lowe was one of 51 citizens who signed a request to convene a Public Meeting to consider petitioning the petition to convene a public meeting to petition the Commons House of Parliament, on the illegal and atrocious flogging of one of His Majesty's free subjects, by a Military Magistrate of this Province; and, to represent generally the misapplication of the patronage of the Crown, in the appointments to the Magistracy.

George Lowe’s wealth was getting busier, as his wealth was increasing. He was appearing in the newspapers constantly. The above article from the newspaper, are just a sample of those that appeared.

More to come on the business life of George Lowe.

Day 13/50 Day Family History Blogging Challenge