Bassett Dickson iii (1815 - 1869)

BASSETT (iii) DICKSON was born on 17 Dec 1815 in Limerick, Ireland. He died on 19 Jan 1869 at ‘Scottsdale’, New Norfolk, Tasmania. He married Mary Skuse BROWN, daughter of Richard BROWN and Margery SKUSE on 15 Aug 1851 in St. George’s Church, Battery Point, Tasmania. She was born on 01 Feb 1828 in Cork, Ireland. She died on 12 Dec 1898 in Richmond, Tasmania, Australia. 

Bassett (iii) DICKSON and Mary Skuse BROWN had the following children: 

1. ANNE JANE DICKSON was born on 17 Sep 1856 in Richmond, Tasmania, Australia. She died about 1887 in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. She married James Henry McKay on 30 Mar 1891. 

2. ELIZABETH DICKSON was born on 07 Jan 1853. She died on 22 Nov 1903 in Richmond, Tasmania, Australia. She married David Napier JAMESON on 07 Aug 1875 in All Saints, Hobart, Tasmania. He was born on 04 Aug 1854. He died on 13 Mar 1888. 

3. FANNY ROSINA DICKSON was born on 21 Oct 1854 in Richmond, Tasmania, Australia. She died on 10 Dec 1940 in 15 Grant St, East Malvern, Melbourne, Victoria. She married George Arthur LOOKER J.P., son of William Robert LOOKER and Margaret Anne READ on 08 Jun 1878 in All Saints, Davey St, Hobart, Tasmania. He was born on 12 Oct 1850 in “Pontesford”, near Kilmore, Victoria. He died on 25 Sep 1906 in Murrumbeena, Melbourne, Victoria. 

4. EMILY FLORENCE DICKSON was born on 07 Aug 1858 in Richmond, Tasmania, Australia. She died in 1921 in Quirindi, New South Wales, Australia. She married James Henry MACKAY on 30 Mar 1891. He was born on 17 Jul 1866 in New South Wales, Australia. He died in 1945 in Quirindi, New South Wales, Australia. 

5. BASSETT RICHARD (iv) DICKSON was born on 01 Dec 1860. He died on 14 Jul 1939 in Lindisfarne, Tasmania, Australia. He married Janet Lucie Murray MACGREGOR, daughter of Evan Murray MACGREGOR (Major General) on 31 Aug 1889 in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. She was born on 02 Sep 1864 in Kullidgee, INDIA. She died on 28 Jun 1937. 

6. MARY CAROLINE DICKSON was born on 05 Oct 1862. She died on 18 Sep 1932 in New Town, TASMANIA, Living at “Bassett” 32 Bay Road, New Town. 

7. HENRY CHARLES DICKSON was born on 07 Jun 1866 in Richmond, Tasmania, Australia. He died in 1893. He married Katie Venetia TAPP, daughter of John Charles TAPP and Annie Amelia BALL on 23 Apr 1907 in Oatlands, Tasmania, Australia. She was born on 21 Apr 1872 in Hobart, Tasmania. She died on 30 Nov 1952. 

Note: The Mercury 20 September 1929 DISTRICT NEWS RICHMOND. The people of Richmond are regretting the departure from the district of Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Dickson, who are now residing in Hobart. Mr. Dickson, whose father was the late Mr. Bassett Dickson, was born at Richmond and was formerly the owner of the valuable Marengo Estate, which, in a patriotic spirit, he disposed of at much below Its true value, for the benefit of returned soldier settlers, retaining only a small farm, which he recently sold. Both Mr. and Mrs. Dickson will be much missed, as they were ever ready to assist any charitable or worthy object. To show the esteem in which they were held their Richmond friends presented them With the following gifts:- A silver tea and hot-water service, a handbag, two cases of pipes, a tobacco pouch, and a bridge set.

Oast House at 'Glen Ayr' by John Eldershaw

An account of an excursion to the Gordon River

TO THE EDITOR OF THE MERCURY. 
Sir, -Having just returned from an excursion to the Gordon River, which I made, accompanied by Captain Ogilvy, and Mr, Michael Murphy, for the purpose of ascertaining by personal inspection whether the Gordon country could, or could not be made available for profitable pastoral occupation, and believing that an account of our journey would be interesting to some of your numerous subscribers, I therefore beg to forward you the following particulars. 

We started from “Meadow Bank” at 4 o’clock a.m. on the 1st instant mounted each on a gallant steed, with our rugs and provisions strapped before us, and after riding about two hours came on to ‘Dawson’s Road’ at Dunrobin Bridge; we thence proceeded through the Dunrobin Estate, where there are so many tracks, and most of them so indistinct, that we were very doubtful for a considerable time as to whether we were on the right or wrong one, however, we ultimately found ourselves “all right” and continued our course until we reached the Repulse River, which we crossed, and soon began to ascend a barren rocky mountain, the land on each side of the road being of the most sterile, gloomy character, while the road itself proved much better than we had previously anticipated, the ascent being very easy in consequence of the numerous curves; the whole displaying an amount of engineering ability which we little expected to find in so remote a locality. 

We next came to “Judy’s Marsh,” where there are several old huts, which had been occupied by the men employed in making the road; we next passed “The Mount” or “Mount Misery” as it was styled by Dawson’s party, and in truth it is a not inappropriate name, for the whole country around appears to be of the most miserable description, and has a most forbidding appearance. 

Our route continued for miles over a similar country, wearing a most repelling aspect until we began to descend towards the Florentine Valley, where the land began to improve, and improved more and more as we proceeded, until we entered into a most magnificent Myrtle forest, where nature seems to have exerted her utmost skill in creating a scene of incomparable beauty, where tho botanists of Europe might revel in delight. They would indeed he in their proper element, gazing with admiration on tho innumerable floral beauties which grow in such profusion around; for my part I feel utterly unable to give any adequate description of the rich scene of beauty by which we were surrounded and long for the gifted pen of the Authoress of “Nine Years in Tasmania” to aid me while attempting to describe the indescribable beauties of “the fine valley of the Florentine.” Around us were growing in unexampled magnificence gigantic Myrtle trees, with their beautiful ever green foliage, the intervals between being filled with innumerable Fern Trees, their graceful spinated leaves growing in the resemblance of beautiful baskets on top and umbrellas below, while Sassafras trees of large dimensions, celerytopped pine, and a multitudinous host of beautiful trees and shrubs were mingled among them in unexampled profusion, the whole forming a “coupd- oeil” which may be imagined but never fully described. 

One of our party, Captain Ogilvy,  who had formerly rambled among the jungles of Bengal,’ where wolves and leopards crossed his path, declared that he had never seen any forest in India which could bear any comparison with the incomparable beauty of the one through which we passed. We were all filled with admiration, and while gaping at the extreme loveliness of the wonderfully mingled verdure around us, felt our hearts filled with a deep sense of the almighty power of the great Creator, who thus produced in this remote portion of a remote island, a scene of beauty, which might be sought for elsewhere all over the world in vain. We were forcibly reminded of the truth of that stanza of Gray’s Elegy, which says, “Full many a gem of purest ray serene, The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear: Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness on the desert air” 

But we must not loiter too long on our journey, so we proceeded along the road descending towards the Florentine until at a short turn we met two persons with pack horses well laden with kangaroo skins, &c, &c, while their drivers seemed equally well laden with double barrelled guns, American axe’s, &c, &c. We halted and enquired the distance to Mr. Wing’s residence; the person we addressed proved to be Mr. Wing, and informed us that it was four miles to the Florentine Bridge, near his location, and that it was sixteen miles further to the Gordon, which he said we could reach before dark. He seemed a very intelligent person, full of energy and determination and in the most friendly manner gave us every information in his power, telling us among other things that travelling through those forests it was necessary to carry an axe, lest the road should become blocked up with some of the giants of the vegetable world, which often fall across the road, in which case it is indispensable to hew a fresh path around them; he also informed us that he and Mr Blyth had recently started from the huts at the Gordon, with the intention of reaching a hut which Mr. Blyth occupies near “King William’s Mountain’’ but that they got lost in the bush and running short of provisions and matches to light a fire, were, during thirteen days reduced to great extremity and would probably have been starved but for meeting with a wombat which they killed and whose flesh they were glad to devour raw, otherwise they must have perished; and that he was at present very weak from the hardships he underwent, and was now on his way to the more favourably situated valley of Bagdad, where he intended to stay until his health should be sufficiently recruited. We then bade him good-bye and pushed forward and soon came to his hut, and his patch of cultivation, about a quarter of an acre in extent, the soil of which is evidently of the very richest quality, indeed the whole valley on the southern side of the Florentine is of the most  fertile description, - being a deep, rich, chocolate coloured soil, while that on the northern side has a very inferior sub-soil, although the surface is composed of decayed vegetable mould, producing: a similar exuberant vegetation which will require the labour of ages to clear away. I fear the profits (if any) of the agriculturalist be small indeed in such a locality and land elsewhere must become very valuable before many settlers can be induced to settle down in the fine valley of the Florentine. 

It appears to me that greater inducements should be held out to any persons who may be willing to brave the hardships and perils necessarily attendant on locating amids such gigantic vegetation and that instead of being compelled to clear and cultivate five acres per year, each settler should be entitled to a free grant if he clears and cultivates one acre each year, and resides five years thereon; as for thoroughly clearing five acres per year of such land, I deem it an impossibility, perhaps also if the grants  were smaller, say 100 acres, with fewer restrictions  as to capital and clearing, there would be a greater  probability enticing settlers; as yet the much over praised liberality of our land regulations has only succeeded in inducing one individual to settle down in this locality. I would also suggest that 20 pounds per year should be paid So Mr. Wing, on condition of his keeping the line of road clear off falling timber from the Repulse River to the Gordon. 

But to proceed, we passed the Florentine River, (a fine stream which in future ages will become available for irrigation,) and continued our route to the Gordon, which we reached about 5 o’clock p.m., and received a hospitable reception from Messieurs. Blyth, and Bedford, juniors, who showed us a secure post and rail paddock in which we turned our horses, and having made arrangements for ascending “the Thumbs” mountain next morning, we went down to the River Gordon close by, and crossed it on a recently constructed bridge, which, not having been built on scientific principles will probably be washed away by the floods of winter; it is very much shaken already by a tree which has been washed against it, and shows a decided inclination to plunge into the stream. The Thumbs Mountain is evidently a continuation of the Denison Range, from which it has been torn by some convulsion of nature, and the Gordon River now flows through the rent thus made. In all probability it formerly flowed over the clear marshes, or swamps, which extend for miles in a southerly direction, and seem to be a continuation of tho Valley of Rasselas, through which the Gordon flows until it reaches the Great Bend, where it turns off abruptly to the west, and runs through the gorge between the mountains. We next examined the vegetation in the neighbourhood, especially the villainous button grass which well deserves its un-promising appellation; it is an exceedingly coarse kind of herbage, and is only eaten by the stock when nothing better can be procured; it seems to be a species of cutting-grass which grows on a swampy, peaty surface soil, varying in depth from three to twelve inches, over a bad gravelly sub-soil, and will doubtless require the application of capital judiciously expended before any great results can be produced. 

A system of well arranged drains would doubtless have a good effect, and if the button grass could be eradicated, and English grasses substituted, the country would doubtless become well adapted for dairy purposes, or good fattening summer runs for sheep; but capitalists are not likely to embark in such schemes while the leases given by the Government are of so precarious a nature; in fact while tenants of the Crown can be dispossessed at any time by a six months’ notice, few persons will risk much capital on such terms. 

It has been stated that Alpacas will eat and thrive on much coarser herbage than sheep or cattle, it might therefore be worth while for the Government to make the experiment on a small scale, and by procuring a dozen from the neighbouring Colony of New South Wales, and placing them in charge of some intelligent and careful person at the Gordon, ascertain whether a fresh source of wealth might not thus be added to the resources of the Colony. But to return from this digression, we returned to the hut, and having had our appetites whetted by the keen air of the Gordon country, made a hearty supper of damper, tea, mutton, and kangaroo, (the latter kindly supplied by Mr. Blyth). 

We then began to think of sleeping quarters, and Dr. Sharland’s shepherds who live in an adjoining hut, having by this time returned from looking after their sheep, of which they have 900 in charge, it was arranged that one of our party was to sleep in their hut, while the two others took up their quarters with Messrs. Blyth and Bedford, which they did in a hut which would doubtless satisfy the most ample requirements of the most strenuous advocate of ventilation. The chimney was built of black marble beautifully streaked with white, but being only three or four feet in height, assisted the numerous chinks in the roof and sides in giving free admission to the air and light. Next morning we rose early, and notwithstanding that it rained during the night went with the shepherd to see his flock, but alas! for human hopes the cup of enjoyment is often rudely dashed from our lips; so it was on this occasion, it came on to rain and snow, and we were glad to make a hasty retreat to the hut where we consoled ourselves as we best could with a breakfast similar to our supper of the previous evening. 

I should have mentioned that we saw only a small mob of sheep, about 20, which looked clean and in fair condition, but we were informed that Mr. Blyth’s sheep did not look near so well, that in fact some of them were dying in consequence of having, been brought up in very poor condition, and insufficiently dressed. We had also pointed out to us the several selections made by recent applicant’s for land, and to our surprise found the selections differed very materially from the localities marked on the chart, thereby showing the necessity of a proper survey of this part of the country, which however it will be extremely difficult to execute properly before next summer. Still I do not despair of seeing it well done, under the directions of our present able Surveyor-General. 

I will here suggest that Dawson’s road ought to be continued to Port Davey, so as to enable pack bullocks, or horses to take rations to the several stations, which will be formed on this route, and also that a depot, or township be reserved at a suitable navigable part of Davey River, so that the sheep may be shorn there, and the wool or other produce shipped thence to Hobart Town; the expense, say from 5,000 to 10,000 pounds would be amply re-paid by the great improvement of this portion of the Colony, and the increased revenue which would indirectly be derived therefrom. At present the greater part is a waste, - wilderness inaccessible even to pedestrians without hewing their path through the tangled forests; there is here a fine opening for Sir Henry Young to signalise his administration by leaving a memento to the Colony in the shape of a road to Port Davey. 

But to proceed with our narrative. Finding from the thick covering of snow on the neighbouring mountains, and from the rain and sleet which were falling in the valley, that little could be gained by ascending the Thumbs, we therefore about one o’clock p.m. started amidst a heavy fall of sleet for Wing’s hut, where we passed the night, part of our time being occupied in killing bush rats, with which the hut is infested. We succeeded in destroying three of their number, and at early dawn started again on our homeward journey, but on reaching half-way up the Florentine Valley found the snow thickly strewed upon the ground, and it deepened as we proceeded, reaching in many places six inches in depth; all around was covered with a mantle of the purest white, very pleasing to the eye, but certainly not adding to our comfort; and to make matters worse, on proceeding further we found two trees had fallen across our path, whereby we were suddenly brought to a stand still, and held a consultation as to what was to be done, Three courses presented themselves, 1st to return to Wing’s hut, eight or ten miles back, for an axe to cut a path round the obstructions; 2nd to unsaddle our horses, and endeavour to force them to leap over, which it was very doubtful if it was possible for them to do; or 3rd to make a path around one of the trees, and leap the other, We chose the last, and ultimately succeeded with great difficulty in clearing the jungle, hoping the trees would bear their weight of snow at least until we passed through; we then rapidly pushed on, and meeting no further obstructions safely reached Meadow Bank, where we enjoyed the luxury of a warm bath, and good beds, blessings little appreciated by those who have never experienced the want of such comforts. Thus terminated our journey to the Gordon. 

I am, Sir, Your obedient servant, BASSETT DICKSON, JNR.  

SUICIDE  DEATH OF MR. BASSETT DICKSON. 
-On Tuesday Mr. Nicholas Browne, of Bothwell, his brother-in-law, and Mr, Henry Frazer, now on a visit from Victoria, another brother in-law, were at Mr. Dickson’s residence at Scotsdale, and spent the afternoon with him. On rising to leave, about six o’clock in the evening, they took their departure without observing anything unusual in his manner, but they had not proceeded farther than the gate leading to his residence. before they heard the report of a pistol in the house, and they became alarmed. 

They went back, and at once saw what had happened. Mr. Dickson had put a loaded pistol to his temple, fired it off, and fell. Mr. Nicholas Browne at once lifted him, but all sign of life was gone. He neither uttered a word nor breathed. His family and friends are thrown into the deepest distress, and his loss will be regretted by many to whom he was a sincere friend. 

This is one of those cases in which the mind from being over-taxed has given way, and left its subject the victim of despondency. Mr. Dickson was a man of considerable literary ability, of unimpeachable integrity, and of deep religious feeling, until his nervous system became shattered. 

His family are well provided for. Deceased leaves behind him a large amount of property. Had he lived he would have been one of the largest landowners in Tasmania. It is believed by many that troubles he had relative to his property had impaired his mental faculties. 

It is not long since he concluded the purchase from Sir F. Smith of that gentleman’s estate known as Campania, in the Richmond district, and on terms which, when it was too late, he satisfied himself were, if not beyond its real value, at any rate not such as were likely to prove reasonably remunerative. 

On Tuesday Mr. Dickson was in town, and made a purchase of a firearm of some sort or other at the shop of Mr. M. Connell, who is understood to have remarked, jestingly, with a sort of involuntary prescience, “I wonder whether he’s going to shoot himself with it?” 

Deceased was about fifty-three years of age. The jury returned a verdict of “Died by a pistol-shot from his own hand while in a state of temporary insanity.” 

The Launceston Examiner 23 January 1869 Campania Estate was the childhood home of Sir Francis Villeneuve Smith, Chief Justice and Premier of Tasmania. The property passed from the Smith family to Bassett Dickson of Richmond in 1868. James Brock purchased the Campania Estate from Bassett Dickson’s widow in 1873. In 1882 H.J. Brock, his brother William Brock and several other shareholders registered the Campania Gold Mining Company. H.J. Brock invested 5,000 in the unsuccessful venture. 

SUICIDE OF MR. BASSETT DICKSON, J.P. 
We regret to announce that, on Tuesday evening last, Mr. Bassett Dickson, J.P., committed suicide, by shooting himself with a pistol, at his residence, Scottsdale, three miles from New Norfolk, under circumstances of a very distressing nature. It appears that Mr. Nicholas Brown, of Bothwell, and Mr. Henry Fraser, of St. Kilda, Victoria, brothers-in-law to Mr. Dickson, had been on a visit to Scottsdale, and after tea Mr. Brown, who had been pressed to remain for the night, but declined, having business to attend to, had taken leave, and was about to mount his horse, Mr. Fraser seeing him off, when the report of a pistol was heard in the house; both Mr. Brown and Mr. Fraser rushed in, and found that deceased had gone to his room, discharged the pistol at his temple, and lay weltering in his blood, on the carpet. Mr. Brown lifted him up, when Mr. Dickson muttered a few words about his children, and those were the last he spoke. 

A messenger was instantly despatched to New Norfolk for Dr. Moore, but not being at home, Dr. Huston promptly attended in his stead, and found on arrival that life was extinct. The cause of the rash and fatal act we are not in a position to state with any degree of certainty. Deceased had been some time ailing, and had been treated by Dr. Moore for a pulmonary complaint, but at the beginning of this week he rallied considerably, and on Monday went out in a boat on the river with some members of the family. Mr. Dickson had been latterly subject to depression of spirits, owing, it is said, to the multifarious cares incident to his large property which had been lately increased by the purchase of the magnificent estate of Campania, in the Richmond district. 

In the course of Tuesday night Mr. Fraser came to town in order to apprise deceased’s sister, Mrs. McCormack, of the melancholy catastrophe; and yesterday morning accompanied that lady to Scottsdale. 

An inquest was to be held yesterday afternoon, at Scottsdale, before Mr. Jamieson, the coroner. Mr. Bassett Dickson has been a prominent colonist for a number of years. He will be remembered as the author of several poems; and also as having taken an active part in the political affairs of the district of Richmond; the parliamentary seat for which he contested several times with Mr. Gregson. 

His name appears in the Commission of the Peace, March 28th, 1854. 

The mournful event of Mr. Dickson’s death caused quite a sensation in New Norfolk, Hobart Town, and all the adjacent districts, which the intelligence reached with astonishing celerity. We understand deceased having occasion to make an alteration in his will, only executed it on Monday last; and it is expected that his wife and family are amply provided for. 

The Mercury 21 January 1869 
INQUEST ON THE LATE MR. BASSETT DICKSON. 
-On Wednesday afternoon an inquest was held at Scottsdale, Now Norfolk, before Mr. Jamieson, coroner, and the following jury of seven, namely : -Messrs. R. Terry (foreman), W. G. Salier, Riddock, R. Thompson, Clewer, Price, and Oakley, touching the death of the late Mr.Bassett Dickson. Mr. Nicholas Brown, deceased’s brother-in-law, and Dr. Huston were the witnesses examined, and the jury returned a verdict of died by a pistol shot from his own hand while in a state of temporary insanity. The Coroner then issued his warrant for the interment of the remains.