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 1841 - 1906 (65 years)
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| Name |
Craig, Robert John Lee |
| Born |
25 Feb 1841 |
Dungog, New South Wales, Australia  |
| Gender |
Male |
| Died |
16 Aug 1906 |
Campbell's Plain, via Warwick, Queensland, Australia [1] |
| Person ID |
I00773 |
My Genealogy |
| Last Modified |
29 Apr 2015 |
| Father |
Craig, William, b. Abt. 1802, Preston Pans, East Lothian, Scotland , d. 2 Jan 1869, Warwick, Queensland, Australia (Age ~ 67 years) |
| Mother |
Falla, Isabella, c. 1 May 1802, Dunse, Berkwickshire, Scotland , d. 26 Aug 1869, Warwick, Queensland, Australia (Age ~ 67 years) |
| Married |
31 Dec 1827 |
St Georges, Edinburgh, Scotland [2] |
| Family ID |
F00350 |
Group Sheet | Family Chart |
| Family |
Jackson, Annie, c. 8 Dec 1848, Clavering, Essex, England , d. 8 Dec 1923, Warwick, Queensland, Australia (Age ~ 75 years) |
| Married |
28 Mar 1865 |
Warwick, Queensland, Australia [3] |
| Children |
| + | 1. Craig, Arthur, b. 7 Feb 1866, Warwick, Queensland, Australia , d. 14 Apr 1939, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Age 73 years) |
| + | 2. Craig, Robert, b. 17 Jul 1868, Warwick, Queensland, Australia , d. 6 Mar 1935, Ashgrove, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Age 66 years) |
| | 3. Craig, Annie, b. 3 Mar 1871, Warwick, Queensland, Australia , d. 24 Sep 1955, Queensland, Australia (Age 84 years) |
| | 4. Craig, Emily, b. 26 Oct 1873, Warwick, Queensland, Australia , d. 7 Mar 1939, Queensland, Australia (Age 65 years) |
| | 5. Craig, Jessie, b. 24 Jun 1876, Warwick, Queensland, Australia , d. 24 Feb 1921, Queensland, Australia (Age 44 years) |
| | 6. Craig, Edith, b. 4 Aug 1879, Warwick, Queensland, Australia , d. 10 Sep 1970, Queensland, Australia (Age 91 years) |
| | 7. Craig, Gertrude Jane, b. 06 Ded 1881, Warwick, Queensland, Australia , d. Aft 1977, Warwick, Queensland, Australia (Age 97 years) |
| | 8. Craig, Charles, b. 19 Apr 1884, Warwick, Queensland, Australia |
| | 9. Craig, Hubert George, b. 13 Nov 1887, Warwick, Queensland, Australia , d. 23 Jul 1975, Queensland, Australia (Age 87 years) |
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| Family ID |
F00342 |
Group Sheet | Family Chart |
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| Notes |
- Lived at Clavering, Campbell Plain via Warwick and Strathmillar near Cunninghams Gap via Warwick
The Warwick Examiner and Times, August 22nd, 1906.
The late Mr. Robert J.L. Craig (By T.H., an old school mate)
Arrived on Canning Downs with my parents in 1853 when quite a lad, and being a resident of the Warwick district ever since, it is not surprising that I was brought into close touch with Mr. William Craig and his family of whom Robert was one. In 1853 when I arrived on the Downs William Craig was then carrying on business as a Blacksmith- Wheelwright on Hudson Hill. Prior to this time William Craig had been on Rosenthal where he came with his family from N.S.W. about 1848. It was shortly after our arrival that our families became acquainted and ever since Bob and I have been fast friends. Bob went to school somewhere in the vicinity of Deuchars Creek conducted by a man named "Lewis" and later attended the National School in Harris and it was at this time that I attended the same school. Leaving school about the age of 14 years he went into his father's shop to learn wheelwrighting. This he mastered and many a pair of 1st class wheels he turned out, and although it is many years since he relinquished business, there are still some of his wheels running. Many of the old hands have resaon to remember the excellent work turned out of Craigs' shop. In the latter fiftees the shop was erected in Victoria Street where years after it will be remembered by many as the busiest place in Warwick.
To the Cragi family may a large share of the credit of laying the foundation of Warwick be given. Of a family of five(5) sons only one, James, survives.
When quite a young man Bob took a great interest in stock, particularly horses and cattle, and he bred some very fine animals. He was fond of a good race horse and owned some of the best of his day and many who frequented the race course in those days will remember such cracks as Ben Bob and Black Bess. Those were the days when horses were raced for sport and the best horse came in a winner. Later he filled the position of Clerk of the Course for many years and nothing pleased him more than to see a real good race. bob was a keen judge of both cattle and horses, and it is not surprising to find any stock carrying the RC.5 brand worthy of inspection. For many years, in company with Jimmy Locke, he filled the position of Cattle Steward for the EDH&A Association, from which post some years ago he was relieved by his own request.
In the early 1860"s he selected a farm on Campbells Plain, now known as Clavering, where he made his home. He also had a fine grazing area on the range near Cunningham's Gap, known as Strathmillar, and it was from this property that he had just returned the afternoon before his death.
We knew each other intimately ever since we were boys, and it is with feelings of the most genuine regret that I learned early on Saturday last that I should that day follow his remains to their last resting place, which is in the close proximity of a number of groups of old friends and pioneers.
The death of Robert Craig has cast quite a gloom over the town and district and removes from our midst one of the finest men I have ever known; stirling, honest, upright, honourable to a degree; a man who at all times and in any conditions would scorn to be associated with any transaction that would not bare the keenest scrutiny and close investigation; a man whose word was at all times his bond, a man whose friendship continues to make life that more worthy of living; his familiar figure, his ever ready gratuitous advice and assistance will be sorely missed by those who had the honour and priviledge of his acquaintance. To his widow and family I extend my sincerest sympathy; I mourn the loss of a life long friendship Mr. Robert John Lee Craig.
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Monday August 20th, 1906, page 3
Personal
Saturdays Warwick"Examiner" announces the death of an old resident of the Warwick District in the person of Mr Robert Craig, of Freestone Road, who died suddenly on Fricay. "The late Mr Craig was one of the best known men in this district, and was one of the oldest hands. He knew Warwick when it was built on portion of Hudson's Hill and in the vicinity of Victoria Street. With his brother Tom he carried on blacksmithing, first at Rosenthal, and later in Victoria Street. Subsequently the deceased relinquished business and engaged in farming and grazing pursuits in the Freestone district. By a large circle of acquaintances the late Mr. Craig's sudden death is deeply deplored. He was a man for whom everybody had a good word to say. Deceased, who was 65 years of age, was a native of Dungog, NSW.,and leaves a widow and a family of nine, all grown up and four married. His son Arthur is postmaster at Mitchell, and his son Robert head teacher at Ilfracombe."
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Warwick Examiner and Times
Saturday, 25th of August, 1906.
Sudden Death of Mr. R. Craig
A considerable amount of surprise was expressed yesterday morning when it became known that during the night Mr. R. Craig of Freestone Road passed away suddenly at his residence. The deceased had only a few hours previously returned from his selection near Maryvale and partook a hearty tea. There was nothing to indicate that his health was anything but good, and he retired early to bed to readd the papers. At about 9.30 p.m. his daughter heard a noise from her Father's bedroom, and proceeding to ascertain the cause, found him in a dying condition. Doctor Phillips was immediately sent for, but before arrival life was extinct. Unfortunately Mrs. Craig and son were absent in Brisbane but she was communicated with and arrived by yesterday's mail train.
The late Mr. Craig was one of the best known men in the district and was one of the oldest hands. He knew Warwick when it was first built on the vicinity of Victoria Street. With his brother, Tom, he carried on Black-smithing, first at Rosenthal and later in Victoria St., subsequently the deceased relinquished business and engaged in farming and grazing pursuits in the Freestone District.
By a large circle of acquaintances the late Mr. Craig's sudden death is deeply deplored for he was a man for whom everybody had a good word to say. Deceased who was 65 years of age leaves a widow and a family of nine all grown up and four married. His son Arthur is Postmaster at Mitchell and his son Robert, Headteacher at Ilfracombe.
Deceased was a foundation member of the local Caledonian Society and was a committee man for a period of 32 years. The executive and members will attend the funeral which will leave from the late residence at noon today passing through town about 2 p.m.
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Copy of a letter sent by Annie Craig(Warwick) to her sister in Clavering, Essex, England.
Clavering, 1906
September 11thFreestone Road,
Warwick,
My Dear SisterQueensland
Emily has been down from Stanthorpe the place she is living at for a few days to see me and she told me that she got a letter from you and we were all so pleased to hear from you again it is a very long time since any of us have heard from home glad to hear that you and your family were well I cannot say the same of our selves we are in great trouble my husband is dead he died very sudden on the 16th of August last he had been away all the week and came home on thursday afternoon and seemed alright he did not complain and eat a good supper and sat reading till eight o clock and then went to bed and about nine the girls who were in the kitchen went into the house and heard him making a funny noise and ran in the room and found him almost gone he first opened his eyes and at them but could not speak and died almost at once I was away from home in Brisbane a hundred and sixty miles away you may guess what the great shock I got when the telegram came to say he wass dead I had gone for a holiday as I had not been very well he was a good husband and father and we all miss him so much Our two two eldest sons were to far away to get home in time for the funeral so did not see their father at all they hadnot seen him since last Christmas when they were home for their holidays Arthur the eldest one is post and telegraph master at a place called Mitchell and Robert the second one is school master at a place called Ilfracombe it takes four days to get home by train so you see we are a long way from each other they are both married Arthur has three children all boys and Rob as we call him has a boy and a girl two of the girls are married Emily the second girl has one boy and Jessie the third girl has two little girls they are both living near me and have three girls and two boys at home still the oldest girls name Annie and the two youngest are Edith and Gertrude the boys are Charley and Hubert Bert we call him for short will be nineteen next month So you see I have quite a large family but not as many as you dear sister I should like to send you a little money will you write and tell me where is the nearest general post office to you is there one at Waldren my husband had insured his life so there will be some money coming to me when everything is settled we have had some very bad seasons here and have not had good crops for some years on account of dry weather there has been times when we got hardly any rain for four years and it is so hot in summer you can just think what things were like not a blade of grass anywhere and nothing growing and cattle and horses dying everywhere but thank god it is better now we have had plenty of rain and there are plenty of feed for everything we are in a great way about Hannah we have not heard from her for a long time and dont know where to write well dear Emma I will close with love from us all to you and family remain your affectionate sister
Fancy Aunty Emily being aliveAnnie
Give our love to h
Robert John Lee Craig died unexpectedly of a heart attack, at Clavering on the evening of 16th August, 1906. His wife, in a letter to her sister in England, says, "..glad to hear that you and your family were well I cannot say the same of our selves we are in great trouble My husband is dead he died very sudden on the 16th August past he had been away all week (at his property Strathmillar) and came home on Thursday afternoon and seemed alright till eight o'clock and then went to bed and about nine the girls who were in the kitchen went into the house and heard him making a funny noise and found him almost gone he just opened his eyes at them but could not speak and died almost at once..."
Robert and Annie's first son was Arthur, who, at the time of his fathers death was a Post Master at Mitchell. Their second son was Robert, born on the 17th June, 1868. He was a teacher, who had commenced his career in the Education Department as a pupil teacher at Sladevale and later taught at Warwick, Charleville, The Normal School, Brisbane, Calvert, Ilfracombe, Wellcamp and Haigslea, from where he retired. His efforts, particularly with young cricketers was greatly appreciated as evidenced by the gift of a silver teapot to the couple from the residents of Wellcamp.(Now in the possession of his granddaughter Margaret McPhee of Toowoomba)
At Spring Hill on the 6th January, 1879 Robert married Margaret Scott, daughter of Fergus and Isabella Wilson. Margaret, who was born in Glasgow in 1871, had arrived with her family aboard the "Duke of Devonshire" on the 13th September, 1887.
Robert and Margaret had three children, Robert Fergus, born 12th August, 1898, Hilda May, born 10th October, 1900 and John Wilson born 5th November, 1912. Robert Craig died on the 6th March, 1935 at his home in Ashgrove. His wife survived him by fourteen years. Margaret died on the 2nd of December, 1949. Her brother- in- law John Craig, died on the 30th December, 1977 and Hilda Thompson nee Craig in 1989.
Robert Fergus Craig, eldest son of Robert and Margaret Craig was born at Spring Hill on the 12th August, 1898. He married Phyllis Jean Cooke on the 11th September, 1928 and had two children, John born 1932 and Margaret born, 1935.
Robert had worked with the Queensland Railway Department, first in Warwick and then in Toowoomba.
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| Sources |
- [S00134] Queensland Australia Death Certificate.
- [S00143] Edinburgh Scotland Old Parochial Regisers.
- [S00111] Queensland Australia Marriage Certificate.
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