ANDERSON Nicholas "Neil"   New  

Compiled by Gordon Freegard based on research by Merilyn Stewart
Written by Anne Anderson

Toolbrunup Early 1900’s
In 1913 Nicholas Anderson, a Finn, took up land in the southeastern extremity of the district and accidentally shot himself soon after his arrival.

His wife and two small sons, George and Neil, remained alone on the farm for six weeks, until her brother-in-law came to assist her. Today her grandsons have extensive holdings in the area.

Anne: (2025) The only ones that still own a small portion of the old farm now are the Smith family. Phyllis was an Anderson....Neil's daughter.

My husband Reg Anderson's Grandfather is buried in the old cemetery. Nicholas Anderson ( Niilo Pekkala) who died as a result of a gun accident in 1913 six weeks after his wife and baby son Neil Anderson arrived from Finland.

GEORGE & NEIL ANDERSON             #1
 

From ‘Gnowangerup’ by Pearl Marshall 1993

“Neil Jacob and Hilda Sophie Anderson immigrated to Australia from Finland around 1912/13 and pioneered the Lake Toolbrunup district.

Neil's brother Andy, a sailor, had visited Australia earlier and suggested it was a good place to settle.

As Hilda was pregnant with their second child it was decided that Neil and his young son, George and sister-in-law, Martha should set out for Australia with Hilda and second son, Neil, arriving when Neil junior was nine months old.

Anderson was an engineer in Finland, working in a power house.

Hilda, who was a tailor, brought her treadle sewing machine with her to Australia and it is still in the family today.

Hilda had only been in Australia for six weeks when her husband was fatally wounded while shooting ducks.

Hilda battled on her own with two small sons until Andy could be notified.

He subsequently joined her and they spent the rest of their days in Australia.

George and Neil attended a number of schools, Toolbrunup, Gnowangerup (staying at Mrs. Head's boarding house) and also having, on two occasions, a governess at home.
Together they farmed 12,000 acres, eventually splitting the partnership in about 1958. Neil's son Lance is the only Anderson still farming in the district.

George married Jean Peake and had one daughter and four sons, while Neil married Evelyn Trevaskis and had three daughters and one son.

George who is widowed, has retired to Tambellup and Neil and his wife still live and work on the farm with their son.”

Glen Oliver: There is some variation in Neil's name. He is listed as being buried in the old Gnowangerup cemetary (west of town in the bush) and a Shire document lists him as Niils Pekkala AKA Neil Anderson. Papers of the day report him as Nicholas Jacob Anderson or Andersen (of Waikelongup) a Russian Finn. Constable McArthur from Gnowangerup attended at Waikelongup after the shooting accident.

Addition to Anne’s Story:

George and Neil were separated after their father’s accident (and tragic death) in Nov 1913 as Nanna couldn't cope and George lived with the Porteous family until 1917.

He learnt to speak English and Neil didn't so when he got to visit they couldn't speak to each other. George returned home in 1917 with Nanna and Setta (uncle) in 1917 and went to Toolbrunup school with Neil.

The Newspaper item reads:

"Toolbrunup Shooting Fatality."

As reported in last issue a man named Nicholas Andersen had been found in the bush about 26 miles east of Tambellup. Constable McArthur, of Gnowangerup, took charge of the body, and reported that he was satisfied that deceased had accidentally shot himself.
The coroner (Mr A. E. Burt, R.M.) was advised of the finding of the body and the constable's assurance of accidental death, and gave orders for the burial, not deeming an inquest necessary”.

The Great Southern Herald Wednesday 19, 1913

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.