James Spurr was a native of Yorkshire, England, born at Tuxford in 1830. As a young man, he emigrated to Tasmania with his wife and infant son. It is said that he didn’t have a shilling to his name when they arrived in Launceston in 1859. James spent the next nine years as an overseer for a Sassafras farmer and then purchased land for himself in the same district. [1] When James passed away in 1919, his surviving children were identified as John, Henry, Harriett (BONNEY), Kate (WATSON), Mary Ann (SHEAGOLD), Alice (BEVERIDGE), Emily (PRICE) and Lilian (RATCLIFF). [2] There were at least three other children. Below is a family portrait taken in 1906 to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary. Further below is excerpt from an article published in the North Western Advocate (18 September 1906), describing the occasion. [1] Cyclopedia of Tasmania Vol 2 p 246 [2] Last will and testament SASSAFRAS PIONEERS On Friday last two of the oldest pioneers of the Sassafras district celebrated their golden wedding. Fifty years ago, on 14 September 1856, Mr and Mrs James Spurr were married in England, both being natives of Yorkshire, and they left their native shore in November 1858, arriving in Launceston on 21 January 1859, by the sailing vessel named the Greyhound.
Soon after landing they commenced farm work and as soon as the opportunity presented itself they took up a farm in the fertile district of Sassafras, where they are still residing with one of their younger sons. It may be said that both of them are well and hearty, their ages being 76 and 72 years respectively, and although they have not taken any prominent position in public matters, yet they are highly respected and have been ever ready to help good and beneficial movements in the district. Their family consists of seven daughters and five sons, and three of the latter have farms of their own at Barrington and the other two have farms at Sassafras. Although widely scattered over the island, yet all the members of the family were present at this happy function, and the fine weather that prevailed made the proceedings all the pleasanter. A sumptuous dinner was partaken of by the guests, the tables presenting a veritable credit upon the taste and ability of the ladies responsible for the arrangements. In the centre of the table was a beautiful three decker wedding cake, artificially decorated with imitation sovereigns and gold ribbon. At the conclusion of the dinner, the Reverend C Palmer read an appropriate piece of composition sent specially for the occasion, and the honoured couple were rewed by the formal putting on of a second wedding ring. A telegram was read from their son-in-law, Mr Watson, of Mathinna, congratulating Mr and Mrs Spurr on their golden wedding. The gifts were numerous, the majority of them taking the form of purses of sovereigns. It was certainly a very joyous occasion, and the proceedings were marked by the most hearty and cordial feelings. A hearty vote of thanks were passed to the ladies who had contributed so largely to the brilliancy of the day’s proceedings, and Mr and Mrs Spurr desire to thank all their friends for their goodwill and loving congratulations.
3 Comments
Wendy smith
30/8/2018 19:50:06
Thank you for the spurr family article, i am a great granduaghter of emily price. Was great to read
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Wendy smith
30/8/2018 19:53:09
Thank you for the spurr family history.
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Tazdan
31/8/2018 11:19:13
You're most welcome!
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