RICHARDS ABEL "ABE"

Abe’s parents were Charles John Richards (c1846–1919) and Rosanna Elizabeth nee Ackland (1852-1927). Roseanna was born in South Australia in 1852. The family made the long journey to Gnowangerup in 1901 when Rosanna was aged about 54. Charles and Abel selected two blocks in what was described as a “droughty area” at the time (early 1900’s).

In c1900 Charles Richards came with his son Abe to inspect the area, and they selected two blocks. They then returned to New South Wales in order to accompany another 10 members of their family, as well as Mr and Mrs C. A. Whyatt, and their four children to the Nigalup area.  (Mrs Whyatt was a Richards). For six weeks, the Richards and Whyatts camped at a well-known survey watering point D3 about 6 km east of Broomehill, and the Richards organised the initial clearing of their land. (Hock Herbert History of Gnowangerup to 1913 published in the Gnowangerup Star.) Children I have recorded for Charles and Roseanna are: Ethel (m. Henry Searle); Edie (m. Ollie Woods) Bob known locally as ‘Snobby Richards’; and Abel. Edie and Ethel had a double wedding at Christmas Farm in May 1907.
 

Isabell nee Lundy married Abel Richards and came to live at Camballup, 2 miles east of Pallinup Siding in 1901. Isabell’s mother was Mrs Mary Ann Lundy who lived in Gnowangerup.

Abe and Isabell had nine children. I have identified a few - John Victor (1904), Leslie, Roy, Evelyn, Maggie, and Stanley E. (b.1909). Leslie, Roy, Maggie and Eve were recorded as students at the Gnowangerup School on the day it opened in October 1908.

In 1911 Leslie wrote: “Quebec Farm, Gnowangerup: Dear Aunt Mary – Roy and I are sending you our yearly subscriptions. We had a very nice picnic at our school on Coronation Day. We all won something. I had a big abscess on my leg, and couldn’t run, but I won 1s. for coming second in an apple eating competition. We had our hands tied behind our backs, and an apple was laid on a tarpaulin, and whoever ate theirs first won 2s. 6d. Second prize 1s. Roy won 1s. 6d. for second Siamese race and second obstacle race. Roy and I ploughed for most of this year. We have in nearly 300 acres and will finish this week. We have two Muscovy ducks, and a cat and kittens, also a dog named Sandy. Stanley is growing a big boy now and has his curls yet. Eve and Maggie don’t go to school as four miles there is too far in the winter. With all good wishes. I am 13 and a half and Roy is 12. Yours affectionately Leslie Richards.” (11 August 1911 Western Mail)

In 1912 Evelyn wrote: “Quebec Farm, 19/8/1912 Dear Aunt Mary – Roy, Maggie and I are going to school now. There are nearly 30 scholars at the school now. We have a new teacher now. Leslie and Roy are very pleased with the calendars you sent them. Maggie and I are in the second class and Roy is in the third class. We have one dog and one cat, and one pet lamb; we have 12 horses. We have two cows in milk; Maggie and I milk one cow and mother milks the other one, and we have plenty of cream and milk. Leslie and Roy put in nearly all the crop this year. We have about 400 acres in this year. To dear Aunt Mary from Evelyn Richards.” (31 January 1913 Western Mail) [In January 1912 Leslie was 14 and a half; Roy 12; Evelyn was aged 11, Maggie 10, Jean four years and three months and Stanley two and a half.]

The family “started ‘deep grubbing’ that was considered necessary for the set plow, but soon changed to the ‘hurry-up’ methods of the stump jump plow.” 

When Mr. Abel Richards carted wheat and other products to Broomehill until the Tambellup-Gnowangerup railway line was opened in 1912: His horses were envied by every teamster on the road.  “Other settlers within horse-travelling distance were Mr Abel Richards at Cambellup” Hock Herbert History of Gnowangerup to 1913 Gnowangerup Star.  Arthur Allardyce also mentions Abe in his story “Early Days on the Road” as one of the teamsters of that period – “Abe Richards  - (the silent and hard to understand man)” Abe won several prizes at the Gnowangerup Show for his horses and his ‘buggy turnout’.
 

ABE & ISABELL RICHARDS At WILLEMEENUP c1912                    #1
 

Death of Mrs Abe Richards January 1915:

“Mrs Abe Richards, of Gnowangerup, who had been seriously ill for some time past, and an inmate of Nurse Turner’s hospital for the past four or five weeks, has passed away. Mrs Richards, with her husband, helped in the Pioneering work of the Gnowangerup district, and will be greatly missed by a large circle of friends. (The Gnowangerup Times Jan 16 1915)

Great regret was expressed on all sides when it was learnt that Mrs. Abel Richards had died, after a short and severe illness, on the 14^th inst., in the Tambellup Hospital. Mr. and Mrs. Abel Richards selected land here in the early days of this district, and (the) deceased was truly of the type who made good pioneers. She assisted to build up a fine farming property, and has brought up a family of nine children. Mrs. Richards was the daughter of Mrs. M.A. Lundy, also a resident of this district. Much sympathy is felt for Mr. Richards and family, and also for the large circle of relatives. The funeral took place at Gnowangerup, and was very largely attended.” (The Gnowangerup Times Jan 23 1915)

Isabell’s brother was Victor Lundy who enlisted in WWI and was Killed In Action near Ypres in 1917 aged 26. Victor’s name is on the Gnowangerup and Districts Honour Board in the Memorial Hall.Abel’s father Charles died on 3 December 1919 aged 73.  In May 1921 Mr. Abel sold “Quebec Farm” to Felix Grocock and 1926 James and Elizabeth Garnett bought Christmas Farm.Abel’s mother Roseanna died on 19 March 1927 aged 75.
 

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.

References:                 Article:      Research by Merilyn Stewart

                                  Image:     1      Johnston Family

Copyright : Gordon Freegard 2023