Triumphs and Tragedies

Today's blog relates to a man who arrived in the colonies in 1841, intending to be a labourer, became a member of Ludwig Leichardt's first expedition where he was lucky to survive several indigenous altercations. He went on to become a renowned botanist and land manager, married the first Australian born novelist, survived more tragedy and eventually called Rookwood "home".

Who was this person?

JAMES SNOWDEN CALVERT

James was born in 1825 at Otley, Yorkshire, England, the son of William Calvert, and his wife Ann. An education in Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham set up a wanderlust for the young man and in 1841 he boarded the ship the "Sir Edward Paget". Another young man with a heart for exploration, even though he had poor eyesight and little exploratory skills, was also on board; his name - Ludwig Leichardt. James headed north to a relative's property for work but when he heard that Leichardt was looking for people to accompany him on an inland expedition from Brisbane to Port Essington, although only 19 years of age, he jumped at the chance.

James Snowden Calvert - NSW Library (attributed to Louisa) 

Several young men joined the adventure financed by graziers, landowners and the like. Besides James, there was John Roper, John Murphy, two Aboriginal trackers, Charley Fisher and Harry Brown, a prisoner by the name of William Phillips and the naturalist John Gilbert who was the only competent bushman in the party. They took cattle, horses, dogs, flour, tea, guns and ammunition. James' position was as the botanist assisting Gilbert.

Ludwig Leichardt - Australian Museum

Little was heard of the expedition after departing in October 1844 and they were thought to be lost but in fact they were slowly making progress and naming rivers they charted along the way after those that had financed the trip, one being Thomas Burdekin who also calls Rookwood "home". During the trip they came across many indigenous tribes who were no doubt curious about these intruders. Little trouble was encountered until June 28, when a mob attacked them, believing one or both of their trackers had become too friendly with their women.

They discharged their guns into the crowd of natives, alas killing some with the rest fleeing. Calvert suffered spear wounds to the groin and leg, his nose damaged from a club and with multiple bruising. Gilbert was killed instantly by a spear through his neck while leaving his tent. They kept guard through the night but there was no further activity. Although being speared five times Calvert recovered quickly enough and the party continued their expedition on June 30. 

A few more skirmishes took place during the arduous trip and a year in they located the Roper River and crossed into Arnhem land. At this stage the dogs and cattle were dying, and they could only continue with allocated horses. They kept alive by shooting ducks, wallabies and anything else they could capture and cook.

In December they came across Aboriginals who could speak some English and knew they were not too far from a European camp. They finally made it into Port Essington on 17th December 1845 and set sail on a schooner to Sydney in March 1846 where they were greeted as heroes.

Leichardt's first expedition - Wikipedia

Ludwig Leichardt was restless for a further expedition but James Calvert, decided that life was not for him as he was continuing to suffer discomfort from his injuries incurred on the trip. 

James developed an even greater interest in botany. He became so adept that his interest won him medals for botanical entries at Exhibitions in London and Paris. 

James became the Manager of Cavan sheep Station, near Yass and it was here that he met Caroline Louisa Atkinson who was living in Oldbury nearby with her elder brother, also called James. Louisa, as she was known, was a feisty woman even though a frail one, who was often seen riding horses with culotte style pants as she wasn't keen on using the more gentile side saddle. Louisa was keenly interested in botany, geology and zoology and was a keen writer. By the time she met James Calvert, she was a published author, in fact, the first female Australian born author. Her first book was "Gertrude the Emigrant" published in 1857 and followed up in 1859 by "Cowanda". She also had many further works serialised in the Sydney Morning Herald and others between 1861 and 1872. Her noted works are those that dealt with natural history accompanied by drawings. With both having shared interests I like to believe theirs was a union based on the love of botany and nature.

Louisa Atkinson - Australian Dictionary of Biography

Louisa's second book - Wikipedia

James and Louisa married in March 1869 and lived happily at Cavan Station where Louisa continued writing novels, drawing and painting. In 1870 James and his wife moved back to Oldbury and lived in one of the cottages on the estate where Louisa gave birth to a daughter, Louise Snowden Annie Calvert in April 1872. Two weeks after Louise's birth, Louisa looked out the window and saw James's horse enter the property without a rider. Louisa in her panic suffered a heart attack and died immediately. When James finally limped home he was shocked to find his beloved wife now deceased. James was distraught and never recovered from his loss.

James Snowden Calvert - Australian Dictionary of Biography

After Louisa's death Calvert led a quiet life in the home where she had died. After an altercation with his brother-in-law, he took his daughter and moved to Sydney. He died in his Sydney residence at Forest Lodge in July 1884. Louise returned to Oldbury to live happily there until the death of her uncle.

James Snowden Calvert lies alone in a grave in the old Anglican area very close to the Army and Naval burial area under a large tree filled area.

James Snowden Calvert headstone - Findagrave - with thanks 

His wife Louisa, and daughter Louise, lie in the family plot in the All-Saints Anglican Cemetery in Sutton Forest in the southern highlands of NSW.

There are many references available for James Calvert and the successful first expedition of Ludwig Leichardt from Google, Trove, Australian Dictionary of Biography, etc. and I have drawn upon those for this blog.

There are a few references to Louisa Atkinson at the usual sources but the best reference to discover more about her and her mother, Charlotte, Australia's first children's author, is the book "Searching for Charlotte" written by Kate Forsyth, the historical fiction writer, and her sister Belinda Murrell. It details her life and indeed the family's interesting life of triumphs and tragedies by her great great great great granddaughters.

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or email me at

lorainepunch@gmail.com