EASTWOOD Joseph & George

JOSEPH EASTWOOD               #1
 

FOWLER STEAM TRACTION ENGIBE               #
 

Before settling, he left his brother, Milton, and Milton's brother-in-law, Hugh Climie, and set out from Broomehill along a track that had just been blazed by John Holland and which was subsequently known as “Holland's Track.” Prior to this, however, Milton and Climie had operated a store in Broomehill after coming up from Albany. Milton Eastwood also sank dams in Government Reserves along the Broomehill Road. (D3 and Woodyarrup) being two. He also owned a block in the Beegenup area which is now owned and farmed by the Wray family.

On their arrival at Coolgardie, Milton and Hugh set up a business to supply goods to the mines operating in the new and exciting goldfields. The business was termed Climie and Eastwood. Joseph, with wagon and team, transported the much needed items from Broomehill to the new store in Coolgardie. He did not make many trips, perhaps due to the fact that he nearly perished on one trip and was only saved by being shown water by an Aborigine. He remained on the goldfields working a water condenser and later shaping timber for the mine shafts. Whilst doing this work he became known as “Chipper.” He was also well known for his athletic abilities in running and cycling.

Joseph moved back to Broomehill and selected a homestead block on the extreme eastern edge of the Broomehill Road Board district as well as a block in the Gnowangerup Road Board area. Crown Grant No 2798/74 of 160 acres along with grants 5897/50 of 200 acres and 5988/55, another 200 acres, was issued to Joseph on 1st April, 1903 and ranged from seven year to twenty year terms at five pounds an acre rent, on November 100% of occupation was issued to Joseph on Grant 2796/14, This and he proceed to clear over the next four years and subsequently named it "Oaklank"

On the 15th May 1907, Joseph married May Elizabeth Burridge.

The marriage took place on the Beegenup property owned by Richard Burridge, and was celebrated by some fifty guests from the surrounding properties.

Cenye Eastwood, an older brother of Joseph, acted as best man, with May's sisters and a brother acting as bridesmaids and groomsman. The newly married couple returned to "Oakbank” where the development of the property continues,

During these years they raised a family of 8 children (six boys and two girls), The four eldest of the six sons were later very much involved in the development of the "Oakbank” property. They were Len, Edgar, Fred and Albert, By 1918 the property had grown to 2,523 acres (1022 hectares),

The first parcel of land annexed was 610 acres (247 hectares) which had originally been selected by John Gray, transferred to James Kelly, then to Joseph O'Neill and finally to Joseph Eastwood in 1917. The next year James Butterworth, who had selected 400 acres in 1905, came to Joseph and offered him the land as he had had enough, Joseph took up the offer, cropped the land and made enough to pay for it in one year (such was luck in those early days). This parcel of land is still being farmed by Stan Eastwood today,

 
JOSEPH EASTWOOD HEADSTONE              # 
 

 JOSEPH  AND MAY EASTWOOD               #
 

During 1925, Joseph purchased his first tractor which was an 19?? model Cross engine Case, and so came the transition from horse power to horsepower of a mechanical nature. Although Joseph never really came to terms with these new fangled machines, it was the greatest change that could take place in the eyes of his sons working the property.

Joseph's brother, George, who first selected 100 acres (40 ha) alongside Joseph's land in 1903, also took up other land on the Kwobrup road, totally 1226 acres (496 ha). This land he proceeded to develop until his death on 15th July 1917.

An obituary printed in the "Gnowangerup Star" of Saturday 28th July 1917 gave a very glowing report of George's achievements during those years and reads: “ The Passing of a Pioneer -

Twas but yesterday we laid to rest a pioneer of this district and I cannot permit this opportunity to pass without endeavouring to express appreciation of the many sterling qualities of one who did his best in the interests of this district.

Having lived within a few miles of the late George Eastwood for the past 13 years and having been brought into contact with him, both in public and private affairs and occasionally ever since, for the enlightenment of those who came to this district much more recently - the following facts.

At the first public meeting ever called at Gnowangerup for the purpose of organising the local Progress Association, and which by the way was held under the shade of a tree, there being no house available at the time, the gentleman chosen for its first President was George Eastwood and which office that gentleman filled with much credit.

Again later on when the first deputation of three was sent to Perth to urge upon the Premier the necessity for the construction of a railway to our district, the late George Eastwood was one of the three appointed and as a result of that mission the first survey of the railway through the district was granted.

When the Gnowangerup Agricultural and Pastoral Society was in its initial stages, George Eastwood took an active part in its affairs, including many a good day's work in fencing, clearing and exhibit pen construction on the show grounds, and all was done gratuitously and cheerfully.

Our late esteemed friend always took an interest in local public affairs, until unfortunately, ill health overtook him. Everyone had a good word to say for George Eastwood, quiet, unassuming and inoffensive in manner, possessed of good common sense, industrious, steady and temperate in all his habits, even tempered and most neighbourly.

No wonder that George Eastwood earned a particularly good reputation during his residence in this district. He was truly one of nature's gentlemen. I am very sure that the sincerest and heartfelt sympathy of all the residents of this district go out to Mrs. Eastwood and child in their bereavement in the passing away of him who lived a useful and worthy life among his fellow men.”

In the same year of his death the land was sold to Thomas Duncan Stewart and Samuel Walker Stewart with the exception of the 100 acres (40 ha) adjacent to “Oakbank” which was bequeathed to Joseph Eastwood for acting as executor of his estate.  

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References:                 Article:      June Eastwood

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Copyright : Gordon Freegard 2024