Residents of Upper Beaconsfield and surrounding areas

Robert Buchanan

M, #12572, b. 1825, d. 4 Nov 1899

Father*

John Buchanan

Mother*

Elizabeth Bullock

Probate (Will)*

Robert Buchanan. Gent. Armadale. 4 Nov 1899. 73/848.¹

Birth*

1825

Scotland.

Marriage*

Spouse: Janet (Jessie) Spittal.²

Land-Berwick*

20 Nov 1873

BER-Town S21-5. Transfer from Thomas Wilson to Robert Buchanan. 0a 1r 39 6/10p.³

Land-Berwick*

20 Nov 1873

BER-Town S21-6. Transfer from Samuel Cant to Robert Buchanan. 0a 1r 39 6/10p.⁴

Widower

22 May 1898

He became a widower upon the death of his wife Janet (Jessie) Spittal.²

Death*

4 Nov 1899

Armadale, VIC, Australia, #D11830 (Age 74) [par John BUCHANAN & Elizabeth BALLOCH].²

Death-Notice*

6 Nov 1899

BUCHANAN.—On the 4th November, at his residence, "Burn Brae," 26 Armadale-road, Armadale, Robert Buchanan, late of Berwick, in his 75th year, a colonist of 50 years' standing. Glasgow papers please copy.⁵

Land-Note*

3 Apr 1900

Memo No 24224. Andrew Buchanan of Flinders, Grazier, James Spital Buchanan of Collins Street Melbourne, Medical Practitioner, and Francis Alexander, of Burn Brae, Armadale Road, Armadale, Gentleman, are registered proprietors of the within-described land as Executors to whom probate of the will of Robert Buchanan (who died 4th November 1899) was granted 18th December, 1899.⁶

Land-Berwick*

6 Jun 1902

BER-Town S21-5.6. Transfer from Robert Buchanan to William James Grant. 0a 3r 39 2/10p - transferred by the executors.⁷

Grave

5-314/A, Berwick Cemetery, Berwick, VIC, Australia⁸

Newspaper-Articles

25 May 1872: FARMING IN THE BERWICK DISTRICT. No. III.
Crossing over to the eastern slope of the basaltic ridge we come upon the farms of Mr. James and Mr. Robert Buchanan—also Scotchmen—who go in extensively for cheesemaking. They have half a section of land each, and the one farm is almost a fac-simile of the other. Both gentlemen are excellent farmers, and Mr. R. Buchanan's place is so well managed and so completely appointed in every respect that it has earned the reputation of being the model farm of the district. He has planted a good bit of thorn hedging, all of which is doing well and some of the more advanced portions are able to do without protecting fences. The stock on each of the farms is pretty much the same. Each has about forty dairy cows, pure or half bred Ayrshires with Ayrshire bulls to serve them. During four months in summer, when the milk is most plentiful, the quantity of cheese made by each dairy is about five cwt a week, and for the rest of the year the average is about three and-a-half cwt. Both establishments are quite separate, but in the market their cheese sells as that of one factory, and readily commands the top price. It has never fetched less than sixpence and has lately risen as high as sevenpence and sevenpence halfpenny. An attempt was at one time made to start a cheese factory for the dis trict, but it fell through, mainly because the Messrs. Buchanan preferred to conduct their operations independently. It may be mentioned that on several occasions the Messrs. Buchanan have been successful prize takers at Mr. M'Caw's exhibitions of dairy produce. (James Buchanan.)⁹
27 Oct 1888: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 24. BERWICK. BERWICK. GREAT SUBDIVISIONAL SALE. Charming Mansion, Residential, and Building Sites, Valuable Market-garden Areas, From 2 Acres to 40 Acres Each.
Unrivalled for Beautiful Scenery and the Bracing and Health-renewing Properties of its Atmosphere, Situated Close to the Berwick Railway Station, and Between it and the Beaconsfield Sanatorium, 27 Miles from Melbourne.
Only One Hour's Journey by Rail.
Special Train on Day of Sale, Leaving Prince's-bridge Station at 12.27, Returning from Berwick at 6.50 p.m.
WM. HAMILTON and Co have received instructions from the Country Estates Company Limited to SELL by PUBLIC AUCTION on the ground, on Saturday, November 24, at three o'clock sharp,
The celebrated BURN-BANK ESTATE, recently the property of Mr Robert Buchanan, and situated within one mile of the Berwick railway station, subivided into blocks of from 2 acres to 40 acres.
This property is so well known as one of the finest in this celebrated district that there is little need for description, suffice it to say that almost the whole is splendid volcanic soil and beautiful undulating country. The charming and extensive views to be obtained from every part of the property have only to be seen to be pronounced unrivalled in Victoria, it is well watered by never failing creeks and springs, and has a large frontage to Cardenia Creek.
The Berwick neighbourhood and the surrounding hills towards Beaconsfield have long been the favourite resort in summer of Melbourne residents, and every year is becoming more popular, the wonderful salubrity of the climate and the charming scenery making it a highly desirable retreat for the summer months. But owing to the fact that all the land immediately in the vicinity of Berwick itself being in the hands of large holders for very many years, purchasers have had to go back many miles to secure available blocks for building.
This subdivision will now afford an opportunity to purchase blocks within a reasonable distance of the railway station, and it is not too much to say that never before has such a one offered to obtain such de sirable sites with all the surrounding advantages and within such easy distance of the metropolis.
There are two homesteads on the property, one W.B., containing eight rooms and outbuildings of a substantial description and surrounded by a splendid orchard and garden, all in first class order, and the trees are in full bearing, the other stone, containing 11 rooms well and solidly built, with all the necessary outbuildings for a well conducted farm and a good orchard.
A portion of the property is excellently adapted for market gardens, with plenty of water for irrigation purposes if required.
The public may attend the sale with the fullest confidence that no fancy prices are put on the land, and that it will be sold in a bona-fide manner, and that no bogus buyers will be there to force legitimate purchasers.
TERMS. The most liberal ever offered, enabling all to purchase, viz., 10 per cent cash, 10 per cent in six months from date of sale, and balance extending up to seven years on half-yearly bills, with interest added at six per cent, or all cash, at option of purchasers.
Title Freehold. LUNCHEON PROVIDED. Free Railway Passes
Conveyances will be in attendance on arrival of the train from Melbourne to convey purchasers to the sale.
Purchasers wishing to inspect the property before hand will oblige by communicating with Mr. R Skews, Berwick, who will give them every attention.
Plans and all information obtainable from Wm. Hamilton and Co , 70 Queen street, Melbourne; or R. Skews, Berwick. (Jessey Sykes.)¹⁰
1 Dec 1888: PROPERTY SALES. Messrs. William Hamilton and Co. report having held a very successful sale of the Burn Bank Estate, Berwick, on Saturday on behalf of the Country Estates Company Limited, realising £5,510, or an average of £68 per acre. The balance is held for private sale. (Country Estates Company Ltd.)¹¹
14 May 1890: PROPOSED NEW ROAD TO HARKAWAY.
In response to the wishes of a large number of property owners the Berwick Council decided, about two years ago, to construct a new road between Berwick and Harkaway, for the purpose of giving the people of the latter place a better means of access to the township and railway. A number of land owners consented to allow the road to pass through their properties free of cost, others contributed sums of money towards making the road, and one or two accepted the compensation offered by the Council. Two of the principal property owners, however Messrs. James Wilson and Troupe—objected to the road going through their land, and declined the Council's offer of £40 an acre for the land that would be excised. Efforts were made for some time to settle the matter without recourse to law, and eventually it was agreed to refer it to arbitration. Mr. A. W. Rodd was chosen to act on behalf of Messrs. Wilson and Troupe and Mr. R. A. Forbes for the Council, with Mr. F. Hare, P.M., as umpire. The matter came before the arbitrators in the Berwick court house, when a large number of witnesses were examined on both sides. Mr. Bryant, instructed by Mr. Herald, appeared for the Council, and Mr. F. Stephen for Messrs. Wilson and Troupe. Mr. Bryant, in opening the case, said the new road was to afford a better means of access, as the present road was constructed over several steep hills which made it almost impassable. About two acres of land would have to be taken from Troupe's property and three acres from Wilson's. Their properties would be severed by the road, but the Council had offered Mr. Wilson £48 an acre and Mr. Troupe £30 an acre for the land taken, and agreed to construct a substantial fence on either side.
They were only entitled to the market value of the land—or a trifle in advance, as the sale was compulsory. They contended that their properties would be damaged by the severance. If that was so they would be entitled to compensation but it would be shown that this was not the case. The arbitrators in arriving at a decision must also consider whether the properties would be enhanced in value. Mr. Troupe claimed £60 per acre for the land, £270 compensation for severance, and demanded that a sub-way be made under the road to connect the main property from the portion severed. Mr. Wilson claimed £75 per acre and £500 compensation.—Mr. Bryant then read some particulars taken from the Shire books showing the valuations on the two properties for several years past, from which it was seen that the Shire valuations varied from £12 to £23, Troupe's land last year being valued at £15 and Wilson's at £18. These valuations had been appealed against on several occasions.
The first witness called was Alexander Crichton, grazier, of Gembrook, who deposed that he had known Messrs. Wilson's and Troupe's properties for 30 years. The old road to Harkaway passed over two or three steep hills and was utterly impracticable for vehicular traffic. The new road would skirt the hills and would be vastly better than the old one. It would open up a large tract of country and would afford the people an easy means of reaching Berwick. The road would be one chain wide, and would pass through Wilson's property for a distance of about 35 chains and 30 chains through Troupe's. About 30 acres would be severed from each property. He estimated the value of Wilson's .... pass) at £35 per acre, and Troupe's at £30 per acre. The value of both properties would be largely increased by the new road.—Troupe's to the extent of about £8 an acre and Wilson's £4 an acre. They both had first-class outlets at present, but still the new road would enhance their value.—To Mr. Stephen: Hessell's road leads from Wilson's and Troupe's properties to Berwick. The distance from the junction of Hessell's and King's roads to the proposed new road is about 10 or 15 chains. The new road would bring a portion of Troupe's land a mile nearer the railway station. The new road would necessitate a cutting along the side of a hill on both properties. It would be possible to conserve water on the portions of the hills that would be severed by the construction of brick tanks. Both properties would sell better for building purposes, and neither the road or cutting would interfere with Wilson's hill as a site for a mansion.
Wm. Brisbane, agent, and a member of Berwick Council, deposed that for all practical purposes the old road to Harkaway was useless, and kept the district back. The new road would avoid the hills and open up the back country. The value of Wilson's land was about £25 an acre, but it would nearly double in value with the new road. The same applied to Troupe's land, which at present was worth about £20 an acre for agricultural purposes. A number of property owners had given the land free, and he (witness) would have done the same. He, with other Councillors, had inspected another route proposed by Mr. Wilson, but which was not adopted on account of its unsuitableness.
—To Mr. Stephen: I did not refuse to inspect the roal proposed by Mr Wilson. Professor Halford's property at Beaconsfield was sold for £90 an acre. It is about five miles' from the railway station. Wilson's land is about one mile from Berwick station. There may be a cutting along the hill side, but I am not an engineer and know nothing about it.
Jas. Gibb, farmer, and a member of Berwick Council, deposed that the present road between Berwick and Harkaway had always been a source of trouble, and a new road was absolutely necessary in the interests of the district. Petitions had been repeatedly sent in to the Council for the last 20 years on the matter. The new road would benefit every property through which it passed. Wilson's land was worth about £20 an acre. He referred to that portion through which the road would pass, but when the road was opened the value would be doubled. Troupe's land was also worth £20 an acre. The new road would give him a better outlet than he had at present and would increase the value of his land. Both Wilson and Troupe had appealed against the Shire valuations for three consecutive years previous to 1888.—To Mr. Stephen: Wilson's land was valued at £23 an acre two years ago, and the construction of the Harkaway road was then before the Council. I never swore his land was worth £25 an acre. I sold 112 acres of land at Berwick some time ago for £110 an acre. I subsequently sold another lot at £85 an acre. The latter was not inferior land to Wilson's. I cut roads through my property five or six years ago, which greatly enhanced the value. I received £800 from the Government for 20 or 25 acres of land for railway purposes. My land is situated on both sides of the railway station and was sold during the height of the land boom. I paid £90 rates for 800 acres. In the boom year Wilson's land was valued at £23 an acre and mine at £45. It is now rated at £23 an acre and a portion wais sold at £60.—To Mr. Bryant: am prepared to give Wilson and Troupe £50 an acre for all their hill land that will be severed, provided the Council make and metal the road as proposed.
James Ramage, farmer, and President of the Berwick Council, said he fully agreed with the previous witness as to the benefit the new road would be to Wilson's and Troupe's properties. The land to be taken was worth £25 to £30 per acre, or 12s. to 15s. per annum for grazing. Could not say how deep the cuttings would be on the hill sides. There would be no difficulty in conveying the water from the upper portions of the properties along the road side to a place of storage. Heard Wilson say he would withdraw his opposition to the road if the Council would inspect the route proposed by himself. The Councillors, accompanied by Mr. Wilson, made an inspection, but were still of opinion that the route proposed by themselves was the better one.—To Mr. Stephen: I believe all the Councillors accompanied Mr. Wilson. Don't know of any land at Berwick having been sold. Some of my neighbors at Pakenham have sold land at from £7 to £15 an acre.
J. S. Peppercorn, surveyor, said the new road would take 2a. 0r. 12 9-10ths p. from Troupe's land and 3a. 0r. 37p. from Wilson's. He had not surveyed the road, and neither had he been over it. Mr. G. W. Robinson made the survey. The road would improve both properties and increase their value.—To Mr. Stephen: The cutting would only be on parts of the land, and would not injure either property if proper drains were made. [Mr. Bryant here read copies of letters sent by Mr. Herald, Council's solicitor, to Messrs. Troupe and Wilson, offering the former £30 per acre for the land taken and the latter £48; also stating that a good road would be made and a fence erected on each side.]
C. McRae, contractor, said the new road would be a great boon to the district. Troupe would be benefited more than Wilson. Both properties were worth about £20 an acre for agricultural purposes. The portions that would be severed would be equally good for agricultual purposes and better for residental sites.—To Mr. Stephen: There would not be much cutting on the hills, and there would be no difficulty in taking the water along the road.
J. Mulcahy, butcher, said both Wilson's and Troupe's land were worth £20 an acre for agricultural purposes, but the market value was probably £30 or £35 an acre. The road would slightly improve Wilson's property and greatly improve Troupe's in fact it would put £5 an acre on Wilson's and double the value of Troupe's.—To Mr. Stephen: If the road only extended from Berwick to the far end of Wilson's property it would not benefit him. He has two good roads to Berwick at the present time. Troupe has an outlet from Hessell's road and the foot of his land extends to the old Harkaway road.
P. J. Anderson gave evidence as to the necessity of a better means of communication between Berwick and Harkaway, and said that Troupe's land was worth £15 to £20 an acre for grazing, but the market value was about £20. Wilson's was worth £30. The value of the block that would be excised would in crease 100%.—To Mr. Stephen: If the land belonged to me I cannot say what price I would take for it. Messrs R. Anderson, Kemp, Smith...... the Council. They valued Messrs. Wilson's and Troupe's land at from £15 to £50 an acre, and with one exception contended that the road would benefit both properties, the exception being Mr. Greaves, who said that Troupe's land might be slightly benefited, but Wilson's would he diminished in value, and if the land belonged to him he would not have the road through it for £1000, as it would spoil the appearance of the property.
This closed the case for the Council, and evidence was then taken on the other side.
James Wilson deposed that he had owned the land through which the proposed road would pass for about 13 years, and the other part of his property for 30 years. He estimated the value of the hill
(which would be cut off) at £100 an acre, and the flat at about £5. The road would go along the side of the hill, and would spoil its beauty, and decrease its value. He believed the cutting would average from five to ten feet. When the road was made he would be unable to use his land to the same advantage as now. The lower part of the land would be almost useless for grazing purposes without the hill.—To Mr. Bryant: It is only within the last two years that I have valued the hill at £100 an acre. Never put a value on it before. Land close by sold at £50 an acre lately. The hill would decrease
£25 in value by the severence. The proposed road would be no advantage to me. My land consists of 500 acres. I have 120 head of cattle and horses grazing on it, and usually have from ten to 25 acres under cultivation. I cannot tell where my profits are, as I have another large property at Cranbourne, and do not divide the profits. The hill is not worth £100 an acre for grazing, but it was worth that as a mansion site.
J. W. Ogelby said he bought near Wilson's from the Country Estate Company, at £55 per acre. There was a hill on the estate for which the company wanted £75 an acre.
James Buchanan, M.L.C., deposed that Wilson's land, where the road would pass through it, was worth £80 an acre. The road would lessen the annual value of the property about one third. Troupe's property would be reduced to nearly the same extent.—To Mr. Bryant: I agreed to give land for a road to Harkaway, through my property. This was the road proposed by Wilson, but the Council had not sense enough to accept the offer. The road proposed by the Council will be of no advantage to Wilson, but will slightly benefit Troupe.
F. Barr, farmer, and member of the Berwick Council; said the land that would be taken from Wilson and Troupe was worth £50 an acre. The severance would seriously damage both properties for agricultural or dairy farm purposes.
H. J. Looker, estate agent, valued Wilson'a land at £65 an acre, and the severance would damage the property to the extent of about £300. The road would slightly benefit Troupe, but the severence would injure him to the extent of about £100.—To Mr. Bryant: The value of Troupe's land where the land will pass is £60 an acre, and the road will make about 22 acres available for building sites. The increase in value of this portion will be about £5 an acre.
F. H. Searle, S. J. Webb, and R. Buchanan, also testified to the injury that Messrs Wilson and Troupe (more particularly the former), would sustain by the construction of the new road. J. Troupe deposed that the value of both his and Wilson's land, where the road would pass through was £80 an acre. The road would damage Wilson's property to the extent of £600 or £700, and his to the extent of £400 or £500.—To Mr. Bryant:—The land is rich, and capable of growing onions and potatoes, and some wheat that was grown on it 14 years ago took first prize at the Paris Exhibition.
This closed the evidence, and Messrs. Stephen and Bryant having both addressed the arbitrators at considerable length, the latter stated their intention of reserving their decision until Friday, 16th inst.
The proceedings then closed. (Country Estates Company Ltd.)¹²

Citations

[S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Records Office Victoria), VPRS 28/P0, unit 940; VPRS 28/P2, unit 534; VPRS 7591/P2, unit 299.
[S22] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (online).
[S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Records Office Victoria), C/T 229-627 - Robert Buchanan of the Parish of Berwick in the County of Mornington Farmer - C/T 690-910.
[S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Records Office Victoria), C/T 111-104 - Robert Buchanan of the Parish of Berwick in the County of Mornington Farmer - C/T 690-910.
[S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 6 Nov 1899.
[S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Records Office Victoria), C/T 690-910 - Memo No 24224. Andrew Buchanan of Flinders, Grazier, James Spital Buchanan of Collins Street Melbourne, Medical Practitioner, and Francis Alexander, of Burn Brae, Armadale Road, Armadale, Gentleman, are registered proprietors of the within-described land as Executors to whom probate of the will of Robert Buchanan (who died 4th November 1899) was granted 18th December, 1899.
[S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Records Office Victoria), C/T 690-910 - William James Grant of High Street Berwick Coachbuilder.
[S44] Index of burials in the cemetery of Berwick,
5-314 Buchanan John M 21 01/01/1871 27
5-314-A Buchanan Robert M 74 06/11/1899 337
5-314-A      Buchanan F 72 24/05/1898 319
Buchanan John      1871 21 son/ Robert & Jessie
Buchanan Robert 1899 74 hus/ Jessie, f/ John
Buchanan Jessie      1898 72 wife/ Robert, mother/ John.
[S14] Newspaper - Leader (Melbourne, Vic.), 25 May 1872, p6.
[S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 27 Oct 1888, p2.
[S14] Newspaper - Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic.), Sat 1 Dec 1888, p14.
[S12] Newspaper - South Bourke and Mornington Journal (Richmond, Vic.), Wed 14 May 1890, p2.

Last Edited

13 Sep 2020

The Equity Trustees Executors + Agency Company Limited

?, #12590

Land-UBeac*

GEM-D-49.53. Transfer from Pauline Johanna Albers to The Equity Trustees Executors + Agency Company Limited. 162a 1r 18p (GEM-D-49) & 157a 2r 22p (GEM-D-53) (320a 0r 0p.)¹

Land-UBeac*

17 Aug 1904

GEM-D-49.53. Transfer from The Equity Trustees Executors + Agency Company Limited to Anna Pauline Albers Henry August Albers. 162a 1r 18p (GEM-D-49) & 157a 2r 22p (GEM-D-53) (320a 0r 0p.)²

Land-Note*

14 Jan 1914

GEM--41: Mortgagee: Arthur Joseph Gardiner. Not discharged. Mortgagor was The Equity Trustees Executors + Agency Company Limited.³

Citations

[S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Records Office Victoria), C/T 2670-807.
[S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Records Office Victoria), C/T 2670-807 - The Equity Trustees Executors + Agency Company Limited to Anna Paulina Albers of Upper Beaconsfield Spinster and August Henry Albers of the same place farmer - tenants in common - C/T 3005-940.
[S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Records Office Victoria), C/T 2318-484 - Mortgage No 329020 - discharged only to parts transferred to Shire of Berwick and Country Roads Board. Land eventually transferred by mortgagee.

Last Edited

23 Jul 2017