- G - (Gri-Gz)

Introductory note:

The primary focus of the biographical register is musical personnel first active before the end of 1860, with a secondary focus on members of their circles - families, pupils, colleagues, and other important contacts - first active after 1860.

Beyond that, there has been no systematic attempt to deal with musical personnel first active after 1860, and the coverage is selective.

Major upgrades of the contents of this page were completed in 2020 and 2024, and newly added documentation (including genealogical data) and Trove tagging now brings the page content up to the end of 1860 close to completion.

Only such biographical information as can be confirmed from standard national databases or original documentation presented is entered at the head of each person entry in this page. Where no certain evidence of a person's birth year has yet been identified, the assumption is that we do not and cannot yet know with sufficient certainty to propose one. Years of birth or death, and sometimes also names and spellings of names, thus sourced and presented here, will often differ more or less substantially from those given (but often merely hazarded) in standard Australian and international bibliographic and biographical records.

The texts given in gold aim for the most part to be diplomatic transcriptions, wherever practical retaining unaltered the original orthography, and spellings and mis-spellings, of the printed or manuscript sources. Occasionally, however, some spellings are silently corrected (for instance, of unusual music titles and composers, to assist identification), and some orthography, punctuation and paragraphing, and very occasionally also syntax, editorially altered or standardised in the interests of consistency, clarity, and readability.

GRIFFIN, Benjamin Pitt (Benjamin Pitt GRIFFIN; B. P. GRIFFIN; Mr. GRIFFIN)

Songwriter, song writer, amateur vocalist, surveyor

Born England, c. 1784/85; son of Joseph GRIFFIN
Married Jane Oldridge MALLATT (1785-1839), New York, USA, 10 June 1809
Arrived Sydney, NSW, 17 December 1833 (free per Layton)
Active Maitland, NSW, by 1843
Died West Maitland, NSW, 17 June 1863, aged "79"

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Benjamin+Pitt+Griffin+d1863 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GRIFFIN-Benjamin-Pitt (shareable link to this entry)

Summary:

Benjamin Pitt Griffin, the elder, was a bank clerk and later in the Colonial Treasury. He was elected secretary of the Sydney School of Arts in April 1841 and served until early 1843, whereafter he was active in Maitland.

In the Maitland concerts in September 1843 he introduced his "Billy Barlow in Australia", described as "an original song, written by a Gentleman of Maitland".

In March that year, at an election dinner in Maitland, he had reportedly been:

called upon to sing the new song of "The King of the Cannibal Islands", which he did amidst great applause.

And, suggesting that he had probably fitted out the borrowed tune and format with locally topical words, at another dinner in May:

Mr. GRIFFIN was requested to sing his original electioneering song, which he did with much point and effect, and was highly applauded.

Yet again at a dinner in March 1844:

The list of toasts having been gone through, a song was called for from Mr. Griffin, who sang "Billy Barlow" in good style, introducing two or three verses appropriate to the occasion.

At the Royal Albert Theatre in Singleton, a performance of Venice Preserv'd, on Boxing Day 1846:

After the tragedy, Mr. Williams sung Mr. Griffin's excellent song of "Barney O' Keefe", in his usual comic style, and was loudly encored.

This was probably the recently written song published in the Mercury in January 1845, "MR. O'KEEFE'S ADVENTURES IN AUSTRALIA" to the tune of "Larry O'Gaff".

At an earlier theatrical entertainment in Singleton in February 1845, it was reported that both "Barney O'Keefe, a song by a Maitland gentleman now in Sydney, was highly applauded", and "Billy Barlow at Singleton, detailing the disasters of the real Hunter River Billy, was encored, but not again sung, owing to its length."

Griffin's daughter Caroline had married the Maitland book and musicseller William Lipscomb in 1838.

A son, Benjamin Pitt Griffin junior (1809-1881), went to the United States, where in 1851 he reportedly committed a robbery onboard a river steamer.

Documentation:

"MARRIAGES", New York Evening Post [NY, USA] (10 June 1809)

https://www.ancestry.com.au/search/collections/50015/records/513887 (PAYWALL)

On Thursday evening [8 June] by the Rev. Ralph Williston, BENJAMIN PITT GRIFFIN to JANE OLDRIDGE MILLET, both of England.

Passengers per Layton, December 1833; State Records Authority of NSW

https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/1210/images/imaus1787_081196-0566 (PAYWALL)

Male Emigrants . . . Richard Johnson / 59 / London / Watchmaker . . .
Benjamin Pitt Griffin / 49 / England / Surveyor

ASSOCIATIONS: Richard Johnson (senior) (immigrant)

[Advertisement], The Colonist [Sydney, NSW] (12 March 1835), 8

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31716287 

IN CONSEQUENCE of several conflicting statements which have appeared in different papers respecting the conduct and usage of the passengers by the ship Layton, it appears necessary that a correct account should be laid before the public.
The heads of several families, who were passengers by the said ship therefore propose publishing by subscription, a correct journal from the time of her leaving London to her arrival in Sydney.
It is conjectured the price of each copy will not exceed one Shilling.
Subscribers' names will be received at the Monitor Office, and at Mr. Johnson's, Watchmaker, George-street, opposite Bridge-street.
Signed, BENJAMIN PITT GRIFFIN. RICHARD JOHNSON.

See also A few copies of letters, and some remarks upon sundry documents on the subject of female emigration by the superintendent of the Layton emigrant ship (Sydney: Printed by William Jones, 1836)

https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/21687615/version/26049888

http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-601917180 (DIGITISED)

"MARRIAGES", The Colonist (24 September 1835), 7

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31717002

On the 19th instant, by special license, Mr. John Martyn, of Hunter Street, to Lucy Ann, third daughter of Mr. B. P. Griffin, of Elizabeth Street, Sydney. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. J. McGarvie, A. M.

"Marriage", The Sydney Monitor (14 November 1838), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32161844

On Saturday last, by License, in the Chapel of the Parish of St Lawrence, by the Rev. William Cowper, Mr. William Lipscomb, of West Maitland, to Caroline, sixth daughter of Mr. Benjamin Pitt Griffin, of Elizabeth-street, south, Sydney.

ASSOCIATIONS: William Lipscomb (bookseller, musicseller)

"DINNER OF MR. SCOTT'S FRIENDS AT NEWCASTLE", The Maitland Mercury (20 May 1843), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article660299

. . . Mr. GRIFFIN was requested to sing his original electioneering song, which he did with much point and effect, and was highly applauded . . .

The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (3 June 1843), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article660579 

On Wednesday evening last, about 50 of Mr. Scott's friends sat down to a substantial supper provided by Mr. P. J. Cohen, of the Rose Inn . . . After the cloth was removed, several appropriate toasts were drank and speeches delivered; and a number of songs were sang by Messrs. Hart, Harrington, Cashwell, and Griffin, the latter of whom sang a new song entitled "The Registration," which, was loudly applauded and encored . . .

"THEATRICALS", The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (2 September 1843), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article661771 

On Thursday evening, Othello Travestie and Bombastes Furioso, were repeated by the amateur company . . . Between the pieces "Billy Barlow" and several other comic songs were well sung, and were received in a very favourable manner . . .

"THEATRICALS", The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (16 September 1843), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article661902 

The third performance of the amateurs took place on Wednesday evening last . . . Billy Barlow" was sung, as usual, amidst great applause and roars of laughter, and several other songs, were also well sung. The next performance, being the last, will be this evening, when we hope to find the house a "bumper." The pieces selected are "Raising the Wind," "Scape-Grace," and "Othello Travestie," with the favourite song of "Billy Barlow."

[Advertisement], The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (16 September 1843), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article661918 

For the Benefit of the Maitland Benevolent Society.
THIS EVENING (Saturday), September 16, will be performed, at the Northumberland Hotel, the laughable Farce of RAISING THE WIND. After which, in One Act, the SCAPE-GRACE.
By particular desire, the original song of " Billy Barlow," in character.

[Advertisement], The Maitland Mercury (19 September 1843), 2s

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article661944

Just published, price 3d., and to be had at the Mercury Office, West Maitland,
BILLY BARLOW IN AUSTRALIA: an ORIGINAL SONG, written by a gentleman of Maitland; as sung at the Amateur Performances for the benefit of the Maitland Benevolent Society.

[Advertisement], The Australian (26 October 1843), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37113559 

ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE.
MR. COPPIN most respectfully informs the public that his
FAREWELL BENEFIT will take place on THURSDAY EVENING, Oct. 26, upon which occasion the performances will commence with the celebrated Peregrinating Play, taken from Bos's Pickwick Papers, entitled SAM WELLER; OR, THE PICKWICKEANS.
To be followed with (first time in this City,) the Maitland version of "BILLY BARLOW," by MR. COPPIN . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: George Coppin (vocalist, comedian); see also Coppin's recent Sydney edition of the music and words of Billy Barlow

"DINNER TO R. WINDEYER, ESQ., M.C.", The Maitland Mercury (23 March 1844), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article665315

On Thursday evening last about thirty gentlemen, many of them electors of the county of Durham, sat down to a most excellent dinner at the Rose Inn, West Maitland, in honor of R. Windeyer, Esq., M.C. . . . The list of toasts having been gone through, a song was called for from Mr. Griffin, who sang "Billy Barlow" in good style, introducing two or three verses appropriate to the occasion. Several songs were afterwards sung; and about 12 o'clock Mr. Windeyer took his leave, amidst loud cheering. The company did not separate until some time afterwards, and harmony and conviviality were kept up with great spirit.

ASSOCIATIONS: Richard Windeyer

"MR. O'KEEFE'S ADVENTURES IN AUSTRALIA. Air. Larry O'Gaff", The Maitland Mercury (4 January 1845), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article671050

When in ould Tipperary a broth of a boy I was,
I bate all the men, and the women's sole joy I was;
But times got so bad, sure, that out of employ I was,
And no brogues to his trotters had Barney O'Keefe.
To the priest then I went, and sis I, I'm long waiting now,
No work can I get, and I want to be aiting now;
You spalpeen, sis he, you must go emigrating now:
So to Sydney he sent off poor Barney O'Keefe.
Oh dideroo whack - skies look'd black - captain too calling loud
Ship pitching - I retching - sailors too bawling loud;
Faith, I might as well be on the top of a thunder cloud,
For the devil's broke loose here, said Barney O'Keefe . . .
[5 more verses] . . .
Warrah, 20th December, 1844.

"SINGLETON", The Maitland Mercury (1 March 1845), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article671980

On Thursday evening, the 20th instant, the first theatrical performance in aid of the funds of the Benevolent Society took place in the spacious barn of John Browne, Esq., of Macquarie-place. The performance was attended by the elite of the district within a circle of twenty miles; about 200 persons were present, and many others returned, not being able to procure admission. The first piece represented was "Billy Taylor, or the Gay Young Fellow," founded on the popular song of that name; and, judging from the roars of laughter throughout, we imagine it was well played. The songs and a dance by an amateur were received with enthusiasm. "Barney O'Keefe," a song by a Maitland gentleman now in Sydney, was highly applauded. "The Good-looking Fellow, or the Roman Nose," followed . . . "Billy Barlow at Singleton," detailing the disasters of the real Hunter River Billy, was encored, but not again sung, owing to its length. The whole was wound np by the farce of the "Valet de Sham," a piece previously played three times . . .

"COLONIAL MELODIES - NO. 2. By the author of 'Billy Barlow'", The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (12 July 1845), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article674510 

THE MAYOR'S TEA PARTY.
Air - The king of the Cannibal Islands."

No doubt you read, the other day,
"The Fancy Ball," by Mr. Rae:
So now a stave I'll sing or say
About the Mayor's Tea Party.
His Worship doesn't dance, you see
With jigs and reels he don't agree;
But yet, inclin'd to have a spree,
He ask'd the citizens to Tea!
French rolls by bushels, stale and new,
With rounds of beef a score or two,
And Garry Owen's best sky-blue,
Were at the Mayor's Tea Party!
Hokee Pokee - black and green -
Ham and chicken - fat and lean -
Oh! such a spree was never seen
As at the Mayor's Tea Party! . . .

"SINGLETON. BOXING DAY", The Maitland Mercury (2 January 1847), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article686852

. . . We anticipated great sport at the races, and were not disappointed . . . In the evening we were highly entertained at the opening of the Royal Albert Theatre. The house was crowded in every part. The pieces selected were "Venice Preserved," and "The Tailor of Tamworth" . . . After the tragedy, Mr. Williams sung Mr. Griffin's excellent song of" Barney O'Keefe," in his usual comic style, and was loudly encored . . .

"AMATEUR THEATRICALS", Sydney Chronicle (23 May 1848), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31756759

On Wednesday night the Maitland Amateur Company gave their fifth performance, selecting the play of William Tell, the farce of Bachelors' Buttons, and the farce of the Turned Head . . . Between the first and second pieces two songs were sung, by amateurs, the first a sentimental song, and the second the capital comic song " Barney O'Keefe's Adventures in Australia," which was very well given . . . The house was quite crowded, there being scarcely a vacant place to be found. - Maitland Mercury.

"AMATEUR THEATRICALS", The Maitland Mercury (16 December 1848), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article707024

On Wednesday evening the Maitland Amateur Company re-opened the theatre, and gave the following pieces - the tragedy of Venice Preserved, and the farce of the Man with the Carpet Bag . . . Between the pieces there were several songs sung, the best being "The Ship on Fire," "Barney O'Keefe in Australia," and a drunkard's song. The house was nearly filled, the attendance being very good.

"The Lynch Case And Mr. Griffin. To the Editors of the . . .", Daily Alta California [San Francisco] (23 October 1851)

http://cdnc.ucr.edu/cdnc/cgi-bin/cdnc?a=d&d=DAC18511023.2.9

In your issue of this morning I observe an account, extracted from the Sacramento Union, of a robbery committed on board the Marysville steamer by a "Sydney Duck," named Griffin . . . I would further mention that I have no male relative in the world of the name of Griffin, except my father, who has for the last twenty years held a responsible government appointment in the colony of New South Wales. Firmly believing that your sense of justice will find this a place in the Alta,
I remain yours, obediently,
BENJ. PITT GRIFFIN, "Boomerang Tavern," Kearny street . . .

? [Advertisement], Ovens and Murray Advertiser [Beechworth, VIC] (12 February 1857), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113014016 

STAR THEATRE. GRAND MONSTER CONCERT.
MR. JAMES ELLIS . . . Complimentary Benefit . . .
THIS EVENING, THURSDAY, FEB. 12.
PROGRAMME . . . PART I . . . Song - " Paddy Malone" - Mr. S. Benner. B. Griffin . . .
Pianist, Mr S. Benner . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Samuel Benner (vocalist, pianist, formerly of Maitland)

MUSIC: ? A song Paddy Malone, as arranged and sung by John Turner, formerly of Maitland, was published in Sydney in 1859

"DEATHS", The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (18 June 1863), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article18702415 

At his residence, Devonshire-street, West Maitland, Mr. Benjamin Pitt Griffin, in his 79th year.

Songs (extant in red bold; non-extant in black bold):

New song on King of the cannibal islands (Maitland, 28 February 1843)

"TO CORRESPONDENTS", The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (21 January 1843), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article658219 

The lines on the "King of the Cannibal Islands" are good, but we cannot insert them. We have determined to abstain during the election from inserting communications of a purely personal character.

"Original Poetry", Australasian Chronicle [Sydney, NSW] (2 February 1843), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31738744 

Oh! have you heard the news of late,
About a mighty King so great,
If you have not 'tis in my pate,
The King of the Cannibal Islands.
A lawyer he, and then he thought
New Zealand flats were easy caught;
So off he went and there he bought
An "Island" for about a groat:
Then rubb'd his hands, and look'd with glee
On his dominion o'er the sea -
And here I'll reign right merrily,
Said the King of the Cannibal Islands.
Hokee-pokee-wankee-fum,
How do you think land jobbing is done?
Of savages buy it - it's capital fun,
Says the King of the Cannibal Islands.

. . . [5 more stanzas] . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: D'Arcy Wentworth junior ("Major Wentworth", candidate, subject of parody); William Charles Wentworth ("Mr. Wentorth", half-brother of the former, subject of parody)

"PUBLIC DINNERS - PUBLIC JOURNALISTS, AND PUBLIC MEN", The Sun and New South Wales Independent Press (4 February 1843), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228130755 

Mr. Wentworth - better known now by the distinguished title of "King of the Cannibal Islands," since the publication of the clever parody upon him in the Chronicle of Thursday morning . . .

"ELECTION DINNER", The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (4 March 1843), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article658950

"ELECTION DINNER", The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (4 March 1843), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article658950

On Tuesday last [28 February] a dinner was given at Mr. P. J. Cohen's, the Rose Inn, West Maitland, by the Maitland Committee of A. W. Scott Esq., to the committee and friends of that gentleman at Newcastle . . . Mr. MUTLOW said he had to propose a toast . . . "The Ladies of the colony."
The toast was drank with all the honors. Air "Here's a health to all good lasses."
Mr. GRIFFIN returned thanks in an excellent and appropriate speech . . .
The whole of the toasts having been gone through, Mr. Griffin was called upon to sing the new song of "The King of the Cannibal Islands," which he did amidst great applause . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Alexander Walker Scott (d. 1883)

"DINNER OF MR. SCOTT'S FRIENDS AT NEWCASTLE", The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (20 May 1843), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article660299

New song on King of the cannibal islands (1843)

The registration (1843)

Billy Barlow in Australia

"AN ORIGINAL SONG", The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (24 December 1892), 5s

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article19018006

Billy Barlow in Australia:
AN ORIGINAL SONG, BY A GENTLEMAN OF MAITLAND.

The following verses have long been out of print, but old Maitlanders will recollect them as having frequently been sung at various entertainments by the late Mr. Edward Faning. The "gentleman of Maitland" who wrote the lines was Mr. Benjamin Griffin, whose relatives are among our best and most respected townsfolk of to-day, and the verses were first heard at an entertainment in aid of a fund for erecting the present Maitland Hospital.

When I was at home I was down on my luck,
And I yearnt a poor living by drawing a truck;
But old aunt died and left me a thousand - "Oh, oh,
I'll start on my travels," said Billy Barlow.
Oh dear, lackaday, oh;
So off to Australia came Billy Barlow . . .
[11 more verses and 5 encore verses] . . .

Billy Barlow in Australia (1843)

Jim Crow in-Singleton (1843)

Old hand's chaunt (1844)

Barney O'keefe in Australia (1844)

Billy Barlow at Singleton (1845)

Published editions:

[Words only] Billy Barlow, an original song, written by a gentleman of Maitland, as sung at the amateur performances for the benefit of the Maitland Benevolent Society (West Maitland: Mercury Office, 1843)

NO COPY IDENTIFIED

[Words only] Richard Howitt, Impressions of Australia Felix, during four years' residence in that colony (London: Longman, Brown, Green, & Longmans, 1845), 249-51

http://books.google.com.au/books?id=o0NCAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA249 (DIGITISED)

https://archive.org/stream/impressionsaust00howigoog#page/n275/mode/2up (DIGITISED)

[Words only] J. C. Byrne, Twelve years' wanderings in the British colonies, from 1835 to 1847 (London: Richard Bentley, 1848), volume 1, 197-99

https://books.google.com.au/books?id=FMMRAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA197 (DIGITISED)

https://archive.org/stream/twelveyearswand01byrngoog#page/n212/mode/2up (DIGITISED)

[Words and music] Billy Barlow, the newest and most popular verses, as sung by Mr. Sam. Cowell, at Canterbury Hall, by Mr. O' Toole, &c., to which is now added, Billy Barlow's emigration to Australia, showing how he got there and how he got settled (London: Davidson, [c. 1855 or later])

https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/17033429/version/19986201 (DIGITISED)

Bibliography and resources:

Russel Ward, "Jemmy Green and Billy Barlow", Meanjin 14/2 (1955), 249-54

https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.755517752944729 (PAYWALL)

John Earnshaw, "A further note on Billy Barlow", Meanjin 15/4 (Summer 1956), 422-23

https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/INFORMIT.964566743680609 (PAYWALL)

GRIFFIN, George (George GRIFFIN)

Musician, drummer, bandsman Band of the New South Wales Corps, bandsman Band of the 73rd Regiment

Born (at sea), 11 December 1789; son of Michael GRIFFIN (marine)
Arrived Sydney, NSW, 3 June 1790 (per Lady Juliana)
Enlisted (NSW Corps), 5 May 1798 (drummer)
Promoted (to private) Sydney, NSW, 24 May 1802
Tranferred (to 73rd Regiment), Sydney, NSW, 24 Apr 1809
Active Sydney, NSW, until 1819

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GRIFFIN-George (shareable link to this entry)

Documentation:

Alphabetical statement of service to 24 June 1806, New South Wales Corps (Australian Joint Copying Project, from Records of the UK War Office)

https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1303985270 (DIGITISED)

[Private] Griffin Geo. / [enlisted in NSW Corps] 5 May 1798 / [Date of birth, enlisted under 18] 11 Dec. 1789 . . .

Bibliography and resources:

Pamela Statham (ed.), A colonial regiment: new sources relating to the New South Wales Corps 1789-1810 ([Canberra]: P. Statham, 1992)

GRIFFIN, GEORGE, son of Michael, born on transport 11-12-1789.; 3-6-1790 Arrive Lady Juliana; 5-5-1798 Enlisted Sydney; 0-0-1798 Rank Drummer . . . 24-4-1810 Transfer 73rd . . .

Michael Flynn, The second fleet: Britain's grim convict armada of 1790 (Sydney: Library of Australian History, 1993), 304

In 1812-14, a George Griffin received payments for performing sacred music at St. Philip's, Sydney (ML MSS); SG 24 April 1819 notes a George Griffin leaving the colony on the brig Alert.

Robert Jordan, "Music and the military in New South Wales, 1788-1809", Journal of Australian colonial history 17 (2015), (1-22), 9-10

http://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=428841963923204;res=IELHSS (PAYWALL)

GRIFFIN, Nathaniel Lewis (Nathaniel Lewis GRIFFIN; N. L. GRIFFIN)

Theatrical manager, actor

GRIFFITH, George (George GRIFFITHS; G. GRIFFITH; Mr. GRIFFITH; GRIFFITHS [sic])

Professor of music, musician, violinist, band leader, piano tuner and repairer

Born Liverpool, England, c. 1824; son of Charles GRIFFITHS and Catherine CAMPBELL [PROV]
Arrived Melbourne, VIC, ? by mid 1854
Married (? common law) Susan ROCHESTER, by mid 1854
Active Wangaratta and Beechworth, VIC, by 1855
Active New Zealand, c. 1867
Died Melbourne, VIC, 31 December 1878, aged 54 (gravestone "21st Decr")

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=George+Griffith+d1878 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GRIFFITH-George (shareable link to this entry)

Documentation:

[Advertisement], Ovens and Murray Advertiser (3 March 1855), 6

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113013160

MR. G. GRIFFITH, Professor of Music (late of Mr. Wilkie's Music Saloon, Melbourne), teacher of the Piano forte, Harp, Violin, &c. Musical Instruments of all descriptions repaired.
Quadrille Parties and Balls attended on the shortest notice.
All communications to be addressed to Mr. G., office of this paper.

ASSOCIATIONS: Joseph Wilkie (musicseller)

[Advertisement], Ovens and Murray Advertiser (14 April 1855), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113013300 

SALLE DE VALENTINO, Late Beechworth Assembly Rooms.
Grand Promenade Concert and Ball, ADMISSION FREE, ON MONDAY, 16TH APRIL, and every other evening during the week, except Saturdays, on which occasion a Free and Easy will be held.
Programme:
Polka - "Grand Sultan."
Quadrille - from "Lucrezia Borgia."
Song - "Far, far upon the sea."
Schottische - Opera.
Song - "When swallows homeward fly."
Waltz - "Georgette."
Duett - "Am I not fondly thine own."
Descriptive - Russian War Galop.
INTERMISSION.
Quadrille - "Exhibition."
Song - "The Fortunate Man."
Polka - "Beechworth" (first time), composed by Mr. G. Griffith.
Song - "The Marseillaise."
Galop - "Mount Etna."
Finale - "God Save the Queen."
473 apl 14

[Advertisement], Ovens and Murray Advertiser (12 May 1855), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113013416 

Salle de Valentino, Beechworth Hotel.
BARLOW'S BENEFIT On Saturday Next, May 12 . . .
Messrs. BARLOW, SMALL, BRICE, ZEPLIN, GRIFFITHS, ELLAR, and SOUTTEN.
being their first appearance together as The American Minstrels,
introducing a variety of Songs, Glees, Chorusses, Catches, &c. . . .
BARLOW'S Multifarious Performances on the Pianoforte, Violin, Scotch Fiddle, Guitar, Banjo, Rock Harmonicon, Grid iron, Concertina, Flute, Bone Castanets, with that most pathetic and heart-stirring melody of "Pop goes the Weasel" on a Kitchen Bellows, as was (not) performed by him before Her Majesty at Buckingham Palace.
Mr. J. BRICE, the celebrated negro delineator, as the "Laughing Jackass."
Mr. GRIFFITHS will perform a Violin Solo, founded on popular airs.
Mr. ZEPLIN, the talented Harpist, will perform a Solo in the course of the evening.
Trickery on one and two Violins by Messrs. BARLOW and GRIFFITHS.
Mr. ELLAR will sing several well-known Ballads.
Mr. SMALL in some of his characteristics.
Mr. F. M. SOUTTEN will appear as the new member for Beechworth . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Robert Barlow (vocalist, musician); Julius Henry Eller [sic] (vocalist); Frank Soutten (vocalist); Joe Small (vocalist); George Frederick Zeplin (musician)

"THE TYROLESE MINSTRELS", Ovens and Murray Advertiser (9 June 1857), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113015646

These performers made a successful debut in this district at the Star Theatre, attired in their picturesque national costume. Madame Haimberger and Miss Kramer attracted the admiring gaze of a crowded audience, while their finished delivery of the mountain airs peculiar to their own homes, astonished and delighted all alike . . . Mr. Haimberger is an accomplished violinist, eliciting frequent and loud applause by his solos on that instrument. The entertainment was varied by performances on the harp and violin by Messrs. Zeplin and Griffith.

ASSOCIATIONS: Julius and Margeritta Haimberger (violinist, vocalist); Marie Kramer (vocalist)

"WOOLSHED", Ovens and Murray Advertiser (21 October 1857), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113234961

The opening ball of the Hibernia Hotel came off last evening (Monday) in regular Hibernian style. At an early hour the friends of the worthy host gathered from the surrounding neighbourhood to the scene of action, where a very select number of the fair sex were in waiting to illuminate the pleasures of the ball. The orchestral arrangements were conducted by Mr. Griffith, cornet by Mr. Barlow, and the harp by Mr. Lyons. Never did the fantastic toe so lightly fly through the graceful motions of the dance - nor ever was more justice done to the true character of "granuale" . . .

[Advertisement], Ovens and Murray Advertiser (17 March 1858), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113237131

THIS DAY. ST. PATRICK'S DAY.
St. Joseph's Catholic Church, BEECHWORTH.
GRAND HIGH MASS, With Orchestral Accompaniments.
AT ELEVEN O'CLOCK.
ORCHESTRE.
Mr. G. Griffiths, First Violin
" Weichman, Second Violin
" J. P. Hurley, Flute
" W. Radford, Viola
" Mr. Barlow, Cornet
" Jenkins, Sax Tuba
" Wright, Violincello
Herr Esther, Double Bass.

[Advertisement], Ovens and Murray Advertiser (6 April 1858), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article113237500 

ASHTON'S British and American CIRCUS . . . Tuesday, April 6, Being for the
BENEFIT OF MR. TROY KNIGHT, The Boston Serenaders will make their First Appearance here . . .
Battle of Alma and Ship on Fire - TROY KNIGHT
Solo on the Harp - Mr. ZEPLIN . . .
Violin - Mr. Griffiths . . . Flutina - Mr. Ashton

ASSOCIATIONS: James Henry Ashton; Troy Knight

"Indigo Police Court. Tuesday, 15th February, 1859", Ovens and Murray Advertiser (17 February 1859), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article117925889

George Griffiths was brought up, charged with permitting the sale of liquor in his unlicensed house . . . The words "Music Hall, George Griffits," [sic] was on the window that night when I came out; might have staid about ten minutes in Griffiths; there were not many there when I went in; there was no music playing; Mr. Griffiths is a violinist; have gone and had a dance in the place . . .
Constable Scanlan deposed that he knew the defendant Griffiths; he lives at the Music Hall; know the place, the words "Music Hall" are written in the window . . .
Case dismissed, there being no evidence to connect the defendant with the house.

[Advertisement], Ovens and Murray Advertiser (4 July 1859), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112903744

Monday, 4th July, 1859.
GRAND BALL & SUPPER at the EAGLE HOTEL, NEW BALLARAT.
MR. BUTLER, HAS much pleasure in announcing . . . a GRAND BALL and SUPPER . . .
nothing shall be wanting on his part to ensure those who attend of a good evening's amusement.
A Good Band engaged. Leader - Mr. GEORGE GRIFFITHS . . .

"ST. PATRICK'S DAY", Ovens and Murray Advertiser (20 March 1860), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112914345 

. . . The event of the evening was the gathering at Keay's Suffolk Hotel. There the celebrated violinist Mr. Griffith, accompanied by Mr. Langemezer on the harp, enlivened the proceedings by their animating performances . . .

"THE GRAND WINTER BALL AT CHILTERN", Ovens and Murray Advertiser (18 August 1860), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112915423 

This event, which excited so much emulation among the fair daughters of our community, came off on Thursday evening last in the Star Theatre, Chiltern . . . Dancing commenced about ten o'clock; the orchestra . . . consisted of Mr. Austin Saqui, piano; Mr. Griffiths, violin; Jenkins, the celebrated drummer, and part of the brass band from Butler's Eagle Hotel, a triangle was also added, and it was admitted that the music was altogether unexceptionable. About 250 ladies and gentlemen were present and an animating scene it was . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Austin Saqui

"THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY", Ovens and Murray Advertiser (4 July 1863), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112893938

Beechworth was stirred to its very centre on last Wednesday evening by, apparently, a very simple matter. The display at the Town Hall on that evening, however, proved that there was a peculiar significance felt to be attached to it. A number of ladies and gentlemen - some of the latter being professionals - had a few months since formed themselves into a Musical Society, and they determined on the night in-question to give the public the result of their spirited attempt. A most astonishing success was the consequence, the extraordinary proficiency of the performers being fully recognised by the number and enthusiasm of the audience. To those who fully understand the ennobling and refining influence of music, this entertainment will appear of very great importance. In this age, perhaps, nothing gives the human mind grander aspirations . . . There is no doubt that German music requires an educated ear, the frequent and unexpected change to minors appearing almost inharmonious, until an audience becomes accustomed to them. It was, therefore, wise in our new Society to give only one German song at their opening concert. To some persons, SCHUBERT's 'Serenade' appeared the most delicious 'morceau' of the evening, whilst many did not understand it at all; but it will be part of the duty of the Society to teach us to appreciate the very highest class of melody. With this view, whilst simple songs and ballads may at present form the staple of any programme, with which the amateurs may again favor us, a larger sprinkling of some of the gems, by SCHUBERT, MENDLESSHON, or BEETHOVEN, cannot fail to produce a good effect. It would, of course, be in the very worst taste to name in a public print, any of the private persons, who, on that occasion, voluntarily gave us the benefit of their talents . . . The same rule as to names does not apply to professional men, and no notice of the Concert would be complete without mention being made of Herr SCHMIDT's exquisite performance on the violin, and the manner in which he has instructed his pupils. Mr. GRIFFITHS, and Mr. RUXTON also deserves much praise for their masterly execution on the violin and piano. We, unfortunately, were not present at the 'First Part,' but MOZART's Twelfth Mass is decidedly the very best selection that could have been made by amateurs, - the one in fact that is generally attempted by non professional associations. We hear it was admirably rendered, and to judge from the subsequent successes, we should think the applause which it called down was well deserved. We wish all prosperity to our Philharmonic Society, and feel convinced that it will exert a powerful influence, both morally and socially, in Beechworth.

ASSOCIATIONS: Henri Ruxton

[2 advertisements], West Coast Times [Hokitika, NZ] (8 October 1867), 3

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WCT18671008.2.14.5 

PIANOS. G GRIFFITH, From Melbourne, PIANOFORTE TUNER AND REPAIRER.
Address - R. WRIGHT, Victoria Hotel, Revell street.

MUSIC provided for Balls and Parties. Violin and Piano always at command.
J. R. WRIGTH, Victoria Hotel.

? [Advertisement], The Argus (3 June 1871), 8

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5849064 

LONDON MUSIC HALL. Proprietor, I. Coleman. Manager, J. Black.
GRAND SALOON and FASHIONABLE LOUNGE. Open Nightly. With the following powerful COMPANY,
In Duets, Comic and Sentimental Staging, Dancing, At Intervals.
Great Success of Mr. J. J. DANIELS, Miss MILLY PARKER, Mr. L. LETVILLE, Mr. FRANK LLOYD, Mr. JOHN BLACK,
Mr. G. GRIFFITHS, Mr. G. CULLIMORE, Mr. H. FRITZ, Mr. J. MUNYARD.
Will shortly appear, JOHNNY COWAN. Maitre de Danse, Harry Santly. Overture at 8 sharp.

ASSOCIATIONS: Isaac Coleman (proprietor, c. 1880)

"Funeral Notices", The Age (1 January 1879), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199359942 

THE Friends of Mr. GEORGE GRIFFITH (Musician) are most respectfully invited to follow his remains to their lest resting place, the Melbourne General Cemetery. The funeral procession is appointed to move from his late residence, 49 Little George-street, between Webb and Gertrude streets, Fitzroy, TO-MORROW (Thursday), the 2nd, at a quarter to two o'clock punctually.

"OLD IDENTITIES OF BEECHWORTH [by] BEN. EAGLETON", Ovens and Murray Advertiser (24 July 1909), 12

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article198711942 

. . . I have spoken of the number of excellent musicians who made Melbourne their temporary home. Among these were some who, finding too much competition in the city, made their way to the goldfields with varying fortune. The only ones I became acquainted with were settled at Beechworth when I arrived there some years afterwards, towards the end of my seven years' practical experience of mining. These were Burke, a fine performer on the cornet; Radford and Griffiths, violinists; and Ruxton, a pianist. Of these, I became acquainted with Radford, who at the time was playing for the dances at the Clarence Hotel at Yackandandah, and who expressed to me the bitter disappointment to his early ambition, which many more had suffered. In converse with me one evening he said with a sigh - "I thought when I came to Australia I was going to make a name, perhaps a fortune, but I soon found there were plenty as good as me; and here I am now, a fiddler in a pot-house." Griffiths was a married man, with a family, and was reduced to dire straits. He ultimately went to New Zealand, and I never heard of him again . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Benjamin Eagleton; William Radford; Henri Ruxton; Peter Constantine Burke

Bibliography and resources:

Lenore Frost, "George Griffith's goldrush adventure", blog archive, 2011 to 2020 ongoing family and biographical research (also archived at NLA Pandora)

http://goldrushadventure.blogspot.com

http://goldrushadventure.blogspot.com/2011/07 (earliest post)

GRIFFITHS, Miss (Miss GRIFFITHS)

Pianist

Active Parramatta, NSW, 1855

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GRIFFITHS-Miss (shareable link to this entry)

Documentation:

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (23 July 1855), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28641490 

PARRAMAMATTA. - PROGRAMME of Mrs. FRANK ANDREWS' CONCERT of VOCAL and INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC, which by the kind permission of the Rev. the Head Master, will be given in the Dining-hall of the King's School,
on MONDAY EVENING, July 23rd, 1855.
PART I. Overture - (Zauberflote) - Pianoforte duet - Mozart, Miss Griffiths and Mr. Packer . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Mrs. Frank Andrews (vocalist); Charles Packer (perhaps Griffiths' teacher)

GRIFFITHS, Miss (Miss GRIFFTHS) = Mary Ann GRIFFITHS (from 1862 Mrs. William PERRATON)

Vocalist

Active Melbourne, VIC, 1858-62 (as Miss GRIFFITHS)

GRIFFITHS, John Gordon (John Gordon GRIFFITHS; J. G. GRIFFITHS; Mr. GRIFFITHS)

Actor, theatre manager, librettist (cantata 1852)

Born England, c. 1809/10 (? Shropshire, August 1810)
Married Anne Rosina WYATT, Dorchester, England, 17 May 1828
Arrived Sydney, NSW, 3 January 1843 (per Posthumous, from London, August, via Melbourne, 10-25 December)
Died Manly, NSW, 4 March 1857

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=John+Gordon+Griffiths+d1857 (TROVE public tag)

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=John+Gordon+Griffiths+actor (TROVE public tag)

http://nla.gov.au/nla.party-1807285 (NLA persistent identifier)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GRIFFITHS-John-Gordon (shareable link to this entry)

GRIFFITHS, Ann (Anne Rosina WYATT; Mrs. John Gordon GRIFFITHS; Mrs. Ann GRIFFITHS; Mrs. GRIFFITHS)

Actor

Born England, c. 1809
Married John Gordon GRIFFITHS, Dorchester, England, 17 May 1828
Arrived Sydney, NSW, 3 January 1843 (per Posthumous, from London, August, via Melbourne, 10-25 December)
Died Sydney, NSW, 28 December 1868

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Ann+Wyatt+Griffiths+c1809-1868 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GRIFFITHS-Ann (shareable link to this entry)

GRIFFITHS, Fanny (Fanny GRIFFITHS; Miss F. GRIFFITHS; Mrs. Robert McGOWAN; Mrs. McGOWAN)

Theatrical dancer, actor

Born England, c. 1830; daughter of John Gordon GRIFFITHS and Anne Rosina WYATT
Active professionally Sydney, NSW, by 1845
Married (1) Robert McGOWAN (d. 1864), NSW, 1852

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Fanny+Griffiths+McGowan (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GRIFFITHS-Fanny-McGOWAN (shareable link to this entry)

GRIFFITHS, Emily (Emily GRIFFITHS; Miss E. GRIFFITHS; Mrs. William KING; Mrs. KING)

Theatrical dancer, actor

Born England, c. 1835; daughter of John Gordon GRIFFITHS and Anne Rosina WYATT
Active professionally Sydney, NSW, by 1845
Married William KING, St. James's church, Sydney, NSW, 24 April 1852

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Emily+Griffiths+King (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GRIFFITHS-Emily-KING (shareable link to this entry)

Documentation:

Marriages, Dorchester, Dorset, 1828; England, Select Dorset Church of England Parish Registers

https://www.ancestry.com.au/discoveryui-content/view/409248:9849 (PAYWALL)

17 May 1828 / John Griffiths / Anne Rosina Wyatt

"SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. ARRIVALS", The Colonial Observer (4 January 1843), 724

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226361669 

3. - The barque Posthumous, Captain Milne, from Port Phillip, having left the :25th December, with a general cargo. Passengers - . . . Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt; and servant . . . Intermediate - Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths and two children, Mr. and Mrs. Merton [sic] and four children, Mr. and Mrs. Deering and one child . . .

"THEATRICALS", The Australian (4 January 1843), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37117489 

Mr. Wyatt arrived yesterday in the Posthumous, from England, via Port Phillip, and has brought with him a large accession of theatrical talent, which will form a new source of attraction to the frequenters of the Victoria. They consist of Mr. Griffith, (Manager,) Mrs. Griffith, Mr. Deering, and Mr. and Mrs. Mereton . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Joseph Wyatt; Henry Deering; Thomas Mereton

"THEATRICALS", The Australian (16 January 1843), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37114919

From the JOURNAL OF COMMERCE, of August 13, we copy the following favourable paragraph, relative to the new Manager of the Victoria Theatre: "We understand that Mr. Griffiths, late manager of the Shrewsbury and other Theatres, is about to sail for Sydney, to take the management of the Victoria Theatre. We congratulate the proprietors on securing the services of this gentleman, who with his talented lady, has earned golden opinions in Edinburgh, Birmingham, and other principal towns. We heartily wish him success. This evening the new play of the Old House at Home is to be produced . . .

"ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE", The Sydney Morning Herald (23 January 1843), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12408023

ON MONDAY EVENING, 23RD JANUARY, 1843, Will be presented Shakspere's Tragedy of HAMLET, PRINCE OF DENMARK, the character of Hamlet by MR. GRIFFITHS, from the Theatre Royal, Edinburgh, his first appearance in this colony . . .

"THEATRE", The Sydney Morning Herald (25 January 1843), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12419173

Mr. Griffiths, the last of the newly arrived actors, made his first appearance on Monday evening, in the character of Hamlet, and we are sorry to say entirely failed in it; in characters of less importance he may be found useful; but in tragedy he will never succeed. Mr. Wyatt certainly made a most unfortunate selection of performers. Of the twelve brought out by him from England there is not one equal in ability to the leading members, male or female, of the old company.

"WEEKLY LIST OF INSOLVENTS", The Australian (23 September 1843), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37114759

. . . JOHN GORDON GRIFFITHS, theatrical performer, O'Connell-street, Sydney . . .

[Advertisement], The Australian (1 March 1845), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37155380 

ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE. Mr. GRIFFITHS . . . his BENEFIT . . .
MONDAY EVENING, the 3rd of MARCH . . .
A Neapolitan Dance, by the Misses E. and F. Griffiths (Pupils of Signor Carandini.) . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Gerome Carandini

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (17 October 1845), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12882888 

ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE. FOR THE BENEFIT OF MR. GRIFFITHS . . .
ON MONDAY EVENING, 20TH OCTOBER, 1845.
Will be presented, for the first time in the Colony, the celebrated Opera of
GUSTAVUS THE THIRD; OR, THE MASKED BALL.
Gustavus III - Mr. GRIFFITHS.
At the end of the Opera, a new Dance, in the character of Moggy McGilpin, by Miss F. Griffiths . . .
The Bavarian Broom Girl's Dance, by Miss E. Griffiths . . .

"THEATRICAL", The Melbourne Argus [VIC] (27 April 1847), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article255638471 

As announced in our advertising columns, Mrs. Griffiths, long known as an actress on the boards of the Queen's Theatre, takes her benefit on Thursday evening, under the distinguished patronage of his Honor the Resident judge. Mrs. Griffiths is about leaving the province to join her husband in Sydney, who stands high there as an actor. It is to be hoped, therefore, that her "farewell night" will be liberally patronized by the public.

"MARRIED", The Sydney Morning Herald (26 April 1852), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12936265 

By special license, on the 24th instant, at St. James' Church, by the Rev. George King, William, only son of Captain George King, R. N., Port Officer, Hobart Town, V. D. L., to Emily, third daughter of J. G. Griffiths, Esq., Woolloomooloo, Sydney.

"ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE", The Sydney Morning Herald (10 May 1852), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12936652

THIS EVENING, MAY 10 . . . A Cantata, appropriate to the first anniversary of the Gold Discovery in New South Wales, arranged by Mr. Gibbs, will be sung by Mesdames Sara Flower, Carandini, Messrs. F. and J. Howson, and Full Chorus . . .

"ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE", The Sydney Morning Herald (12 May 1852), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12936709

THIS EVENING, MAY 12 . . . A Cantata, appropriate to the first Anniversary of the Gold Discovery in New South Wales, arranged by Mr. Gibbs, will be sung by Mesdames Sara Flower, Carandini, Messrs. F. and J. Howson, and Full Chorus . . .

"MUSIC", The Sydney Morning Herald (12 May 1852), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12936703

Perhaps the only exception from the general failure which attended the awkward attempt at general holiday-making on Monday last, was the performance of a Cantata by the corps vocale of the Royal Victoria Theatre, the words and music in honour of the occasion, written by Mr. Griffiths, manager; and composed by Mr. Gibbs, director of the music at this establishment. This cantata is a composition in four parts, which were severally rendered by Mesdames Sara Flower and Carandini, and Messrs. F. and J. Howson. It is peculiarly a dramatic composition, written in a dashing allegro style, and does great credit to Mr. Gibbs, whose acknowledged tact in making available all the artistical resources at his command, was fully displayed on this occasion. The solo parts were effectively relieved and sustained by a chorus of twenty voices; and an enthusiastic encore from a house crowded to the ceiling made a warm response, not only to the musical arrangement, but to the main sentiment which the music illustrated; namely, the succession of "an age of gold", to "an age of iron". A theatre is not legitimately, the arena for the expression of political opinions; but the manner in which this allusion to the "transportation question" was received on Monday evening by a house crowded with persons of the most varied opinions on almost all other questions, must have satisfied Earl Grey, had his Lordship formed one of the audience who, con amore, joined in the chorus, "Advance Australia", that the repulsive question which he, it appears, desires still to re-open, is for ever settled, in so far as New South Wales is concerned. It was only out of consideration for the vocalists that a second encore was restrained.

ASSOCIATIONS: John Gibbs (violinist, leader of the theatrical band, composer; also one of Joseph Wyatt's 1842 imports)

[Advertisement], Bell's Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (25 September 1852), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59775363 

Royal Victoria Theatre . . . MONDAY EVENING, September 27 . . .
A variety of Singing and Dancing, by Madame Sara Flower, Mr. J. Howson, Mrs. McGowan (late Miss Fanny Griffiths), and Miss Collins . . .

"OBITUARY. THE LATE MR. JOHN GORDON GRIFFITHS", Bell's Life in Sydney (7 March 1857), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59866119

It is with sincere regret that we have this day to announce the decease of the above gentleman, which melancholy event took place at his residence, the Pier Hotel, Manly Beach, on Wednesday morning last. Mr. Griffiths's long histrionic career in this colony in connection with the Victoria Theatre, will not permit us to pass over the circumstance of his demise with out some passing comment. The deceased gentleman arrived in this colony in the early part of 1842 [recte 1843], having been engaged in England by Mr. Joseph Wyatt, the then enterprising proprietor of the Royal Victoria.

Mr. Griffiths arrived in this colony with the prestige of having attained considerable success in the mother country. He was known to have travelled about and performed with Macready, Mrs. Sterling, Edward Wright, Pritchard, and others, though of less note, performers of name and fame. On the Birmingham Circuit he was well known as a "Star" of no small magnitude. For a time he resided in that town, one of his children being buried there. From about 1827 to 1840 he was Manager of the Shrewsbury Circuit, where he was a great favorite; and on leaving which he was presented with a service of plate. Indeed, he was native of this country, although from his proficiency in the Scotch dialect and admirable assumption of Scotch characters, it was long thought he was a Scotchman . . .

Mr. Griffiths retired from the Victoria at the time Mr. Wyatt sold that establishment . . . On Thursday afternoon, the mortal remains of Mr. Griffiths were conveyed to their final resting place, the Camperdown Cemetery, accompanied by a numerous train of sorrowing friends, comprising principally the members of the theatrical profession. The pall bearers on the melancholy occasion were Mr. G. V. Brooke, Mr. W. H. Stephens, Mr. Frank Howson, Mr. G. Rogers, Mr. A. Torning, Mr. James Crosby, Mr. John Gibbes [Gibbs] and Mr. John Howson, and thus has the silent grave closed over the remains of John Gordon Griffiths, whose epitaph will shortly be seen not far from the tomb of the eminent Bochsa . . ..  

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (25 March 1859), 10

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13022862

PURKIS and LAMBERT have received instructions from Mr. Philip Cohen, who is retiring from the Manly Beach Hotel, to sell by auction . . . The whole of the valuable gallery of oil paintings, and rare engravings, statuary, &c, which will be removed to the Mart for convenience of sale. The above choice selection were originally the property of the late John Gordon Griffiths, Esq., and selected by him with great care. Catalogues are in preparation . . .

Sands' Sydney directory for 1861, 34

https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/1907/images/rdaus1863_078553__0000_03_a-0019?pId=25258 

Clarence Street [between Market and Druitt Streets] . . . 224 Griffiths, Mrs. A., actress . . .

"FUNERAL", The Sydney Morning Herald (29 December 1868), 8

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13177979 

The Friends of Mr. CHARLES GRIFFITHS (of the Government Printing Office), are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of his deceased beloved Mother ANN GRIFFITHS; to move from her late residence, Bathurst-street, near Sussex-street, THIS (Tuesday) AFTERNOON, at half-past 2 o'clock precisely. THOMAS HILL, Undertaker, Burdekin's-square, William-street, and Hill's old establishment, Riley-street.

MUMMER MEMOIRS . . . No. XV (By 'Hayseed')", Sydney Sportsman (25 April 1906), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167204480 

. . . John Gordon Griffiths was a Shropshire man born in 1810, and soon after leaving school joined a travelling dramatic company. He becamc a member of the celebrated McKay's Company, and was next with the historic Alexander at Glasgow. After leaving Scotland he played in London, where he met Mr. Joseph Wyatt, of the Victoria Theatre, Sydney, who induced him to come to Australia. He arrived in Sydney early in 1842, the year after Nesbitt McCron, and opened in the character of "Hamlet." He met with a most determined opposition, which almost drove him from the stage, but he secured the favor of his enemies by an extraordinary study, and performance of "Coriolanus." The management of the Victoria Theatre was entrusted to him, and in 1855 he became manager of the Prince of Wales Theatre. He retired for a short time, and took up his residence at. the Pier Hotel, Manly, where he died March 4, 1857 . . .

Bibliography and resources:

F. C. Brewer, The drama and music in New South Wales (Sydney: Charles Potter, Govt. Printer, Sydney, for the New South Wales Commission for the World's Columbian Exposition (1893: Chicago, Ill.), 1892), 12, 19,

https://archive.org/details/dramamusicinnews00brew/page/12/mode/2up (DIGITISED)

. . . Griffiths was decidedly the most talented of the new importation. His performance of Hamlet was a comparative failure, nevertheless at the end of the play he was called before the curtain . . . Despite the unfavourable impression caused by his first introduction to a colonial audience, Griffiths soon became a great favourite, and his fine portraiture of Sir Pertinax Macsycophant, Dandie Dinmont in "Guy Mannering," and Bailie Nicol Jarvie in "Rob Roy," deserved the very high encomiums passed upon them. His best character in tragedy was Iago, to which he gave quite a new reading in Sydney, on the lines of that of the celebrated Charles Young, of the Kemble period in London. Griffiths became manager, and showed considerable tact in this capacity . . .

[Joseph Michael Forde] "MUMMER MEMOIRS. No. 186", Sydney Sportsman (1 November 1911), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168594981 

A correspondent asks for some information respecting John Gordon Griffiths, an . . . old time, sterling actor, who was born in Shropshire, England, in August, 1810, and shortly alter leaving school joined a dramatic company. He became a member of the celebrated McKay's company, and was next with Mr. Alexander, at Glasgow. It was with these managers that he obtained that intricate knowledge of lowland manners and language, which made him so successful in Scottish dialect parts. After leaving Scotland he appeared in London, where he met Mr. Joseph Wyatt . . .

GRIFFITHS, Joseph (Joseph GRIFFITHS; J. GRIFFITHS; Mr. GRIFFITHS)

Professor of music, vocalist, violinist, orchestral leader, teacher of music, choirmaster, composer, merchant

Born England, 1820; baptised Bilston, Staffordshire, 9 July 1820; son of Samuel GRIFFITHS (1786-1872) and Joice MILES (1792-1881)
Arrived (1) Adelaide, SA, 13 February 1849 (per Glenelg, from London, 7 November 1848)
Departed (1) Melbourne, VIC, 23 June 1849 (per William Watson for San Francisco)
Arrived (2) Sydney, NSW, by April 1850 (from San Francisco)
Departed (2) Sydney, NSW, 9 May 1850 (per John Munn, for San Francisco)
Married Mary SMITH (1822-1896), Bilston, Staffordshire, England, 24 June 1852
Arrived (3) Melbourne, VIC, 26 December 1852 (per Covenanter, from Liverpool, 1 September)
Departed (3) Melbourne, VIC, June 1868 (per Wave of Life, for England) [PROV]
Arrived (4) Melbourne, VIC, 7 February 1874 (per Francis Thorpe, from England)
Died Richmond, VIC, 10 August 1901, aged 81 years

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Joseph+Griffiths+d+1901 (TROVE public user tag)

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Joseph+Griffiths+1820-1901 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GRIFFITHS-Joseph (shareable link to this entry)

GRIFFITHS, Catherine Mary (Catherine Mary GRIFFITHS; Miss GRIFFITHS, R.A.M.)

Pianist

Born Melbourne, VIC, 12 April 1853; baptised St. Stephen's, Richmond, 15 May 1853, daughter of Joseph GRIFFITHS and Mary SMITH

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GRIFFITHS-Catherine-Mary (shareable link to this entry)

Summary:

Joseph Griffiths was a native of Bilston in Staffordshire, and son of a prosperous blacksmith, Samuel Griffiths, and his wife Joice Miles.

A violinist, pianist, and baritone vocalist, he was, according to one of his later advertisements a pupil of Domenico Crivelli, so presumably spent some of his early or mid twenties in London.

Aged 28, he sailed from London in November 1848 bound for Melbourne. While his ship had stopped off in Adelaide in February 1849, however, he was persuaded by George Coppin to stay on there, long enough to participate in a concert by the Adelaide Choral Society, to sing at an Agricultural Society dinner, and to give a concert of his own in March.

Griffiths sailed on to Melbourne, arriving on 8 April, and first appeared in the Mechanics' Institute music class concert on 17 April. Having in mid June given his own concert, and appeared on stage at the Queen's Theatre, for Joseph Megson and Morton King, as Francis Osbaldistone in Rob Roy "with all the songs", he reportedly sailed for San Francisco on 23 June 1849.

Evidently pursuing non-musical business interests, he returned to Australia the following year, probably arriving in Sydney in April 1850. The main purpose of this second visit was to purchase goods for export back to San Francisco, but while in Sydney he also appeared in concert for the Marsh brothers, Stephen and Henry, along with Sara Flower, making her local debut. He then sailed again for San Francisco on 9 May, with an export shipment including beer, fruit, butter, paper, boots, and one case of music probably purchased, or on consignment from, the Marsh brothers.

Having returned England, and his hometown, he conducted a concert for the Bilston Library and Institute on 22 June 1852, and on 24 June married Mary Smith. On 1 September 1852, Griffiths sailed with his wife from Liverpool on the Covenanter, returning to Melbourne.

In Melbourne Griffiths first carried on business as a merchant trader. He was later reported to have been a founding member of the Melbourne Philharmonic Society in September 1853, and from October 1854 was leader of the Philharmonic's band, under conductor John Russell.

By 1856, having "now devoted the whole of his attention to the Musical Profession", he first advertised as a teacher of "Violin, Pianoforte, Singing, &c.". That year, he was also leader of the choir at St. Stephen's church, Richmond.

He later returned to business pursuits, and was a councillor and served as mayor of Richmond.

He and his family returned to England for several years between 1868 and 1874. There his pianist daughter, Catherine, became a student at the Royal Academy of Music, London.

Documentation:

"SHIPPING. ARRIVED", South Australian Gazette and Mining Journal (15 February 1849), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article195937126 

Feb. 13 - The ship Glenelg, 1500 tons, Bannatyne from London. Passengers . . . Mr. Morgan and wife, Pickering and wife, Messrs. Griffiths, Gibson, Nicholls . . . in the intermediate . . .

"SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. ARRIVED", Adelaide Observer (17 February 1849), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158927143 

Tuesday, February 13th - The ship Glenelg, 1500 tons, Ballantine, master, from London. Passengers . . . in the cabin; and the following in the intermediate and steerage: . . . J. Griffiths . . . Joseph Griffiths . . .

"SOUTH AUSTRALIAN AGRICULTURAL AND HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY . . . THE DINNER", South Australian Register (24 February 1849), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article50246969 

. . . at half-past six, a most substantial dinner was laid on three parallel tables, in the Messrs. Marks's new store, adjoining the "Auction Mart Tavern," where there was a good spread . . . Mr. Joseph Johnson was called to the Chair . . . Mr. Coppin sang "The Itinerant Music Master" . . . Mr. Griffiths, afttr a call from the Chair, sang - "Woman's Heart" . . .

"THE DINNER", South Australian Gazette and Mining Journal (24 February 1849), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article195937182 

In the evening about 160 farmers, horticulturists and other gentlemen, partook of an excellent and well got up dinner furnished by Mr. Coppin, of the Auction Mart Tavern, in the new room of Mr. Marks . . .
Song - Mr. Coppin, "Jim Bags," which was received with great laughter and applause . . .
Song - Mr. Griffiths "Woman never yet was won by sighing" . . .

"AGRICULTURAL DINNER", Adelaide Times (26 February 1849), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article206980357 

We cannot close our report of the dinner without awarding their due meed of praise to those gentlemen who contributed so much to the company's entertainment by their "vocal music." Mr. Griffiths, in particular, sang several excellent songs with admirable taste; and the melody of his baritone we have not heard surpassed in the colony. Mr. Dicker also gave very good specimens of his talent to enhance legitimate hilarity; whilst Mr. Coppin, with his inimitable comic powers, rendered the most common-place ditty a matter of rich entertainment. Several others were not behind in their usual contributions on such occasions, and the whole proceedings were far less deadened with long leaden speeches, and infinitely more harmonious than the general average of dinner parties. It may not be inappropriate to mention here that Mr. Griffiths, referred to above, is a professed musician, now on his way to Port Phillip, but that he has expressed a determination to remain in Adelaide, if sufficient inducement for the beneficial exercise of his art should he afforded. His services, we understand, were offered to the Choral Society on Friday evening last, but were declined, as we are informed, from some petty jealousy on the part of the leader of the orchestra. Mr. Griffiths, however, has, we hear, at the urgent solicitation of his friends, consented, in any case, to give a concert on his own account shortly in Adelaide.

ASSOCIATIONS: George Coppin (actor, manager); Joseph Johnson (d. 1877); Frederick Dicker (vocalist); Adelaide Choral Society (organisation)

MUSIC: Woman's heart (Balfe)

[Advertisement], South Australian (13 March 1849), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71623281

EVENING CONCERT. NEW QUEEN'S THEATRE.
MR. J. GRIFFITHS most respectfully informs the Gentry and Inhabitants of Adelaide and its vicinity that, at the request of several friends, he has postponed his departure for Melbourne for the purpose of giving a Grand Evening Concert, upon which occasion he hopes to receive the patronage and support of the public generally.
On Wednesday Evening, March 14th, 1849.
PROGRAMME. - PART 1.
Overture Pianoforte - Mr. Seyler, from the Opera "Lucrezia Borgia" - Donizzetti
Song - Miss Lazar, "Glory from the Battle Plains," Opera "La Gazza Ladra" - Rossini
Song - Mr. Griffiths - "Song of the Sailor Boy" - Rodwell
Song - Mr. Lazar, "Figaro" - Rossini
Solo Violin - Mr. Griffiths, "Irish Melody," on one string, with variations - Griffiths
Song - Mr. Gale, "The Standard Bearer" - Shubert [sic]
Duet - Miss Lazar and Mr. Griffiths, "Flow Gently, Deva" - Parry.
An interval of fifteen minutes.
PART 2.
Song - Mr. Griffiths (with violin obligato by Mr. Lee, who has kindly given his gratuitous services on this occasion), "Hear me, Gentle Maritana" - Wallace
Song - Mr. Gale, "The Heather Bloom" - Balfe
Duet Violins - Messrs. Lee and Griffiths, "Le Solitaire" - De Beriot
Ballad - Miss Lazar, "I'll not beguile thee from thy Home" - A. Lee
Solo, Cornet a Piston - By an Amateur Gentleman.
Song - Mr. Griffiths, "The Mariner's Song" - Keiser
Buffo Song - Mr. Lazar, "Cinderella," introducing the most popular selections from the Opera - J. Parry
Duet - Miss Lazar and Mr. Griffiths, "Mighty Jove" - Rossini.
Doors open at seven o'clock. Concert to commence at eight precisely.
Price of admission- Boxes, 5s; Pit, 2s 6d.
Private Boxes can be secured on application to Mr. Griffiths, at Coppin's "Auction Mart Tavern."

"LOCAL NEWS", South Australian (16 March 1849), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71623303

MR. GRIFIFTHS'S Concert at the Queen's Theatre, on Wednesday evening, was well attended as regards the boxes, but there were very few in the pit. In truth, we doubt if, on occasions of this kind, it is worth opening the latter except at box prices. The amount added to the receipts must be very trifling, and the noisy and exuberant glee of the lower auditory - a counterpart to the shilling gallery demonstration in most theatres - tends greatly to mar the relish, and shock the good taste of those who go to enjoy the music, and helps to remind the quieter part of the audience that they are in a mere theatre, and not a concert-room. The same objection is applicable to a low piece of travestie injudiciously introduced by Mr. Lazar, purporting to be a buffo, in other words, a clap-trap parody on the opera of Cinderella. We were the more sorry for this, as we noticed an unusual number of ladies in the boxes, many of whom have not, for some time past, graced the theatre by their presence. We regret that we cannot speak in as high terms as we could wish of the evening's entertainment. Where the performers are few, with little of instrumental aid to vary the treat, the merit of the performers requires to be of a very high order to ensure success. We scarcely know what to say of Mr. Seyler on the pianoforte; he must be either out of practice, or exceedingly nervous. In his solo playing there was a painful indecision and hesitancy, that many might be apt to attribute to a want of knowledge of time. To his accompaniments we are inclined to be indulgent. It requires very great tact in the musician to humour the peculiar style and taste of the various vocalists he accompanies through the evening; and in this department even the best musicians may fail if not accustomed to it. Miss Lazar, in her duets with Mr. Griffiths, displayed her usual science. In her next attempts at solo, however, we would entreat the fair artiste not to beguile us so remorselessly of the words. Never on any former occasion had we so much need of the promptings of a libretto; association perhaps assisted us in detecting a solitary intelligible sound in one of her songs - it was "love." We are more of a poetical than a musical people. The Italians, possessing a language highly musical, may be permitted, as is their wont, to sacrifice sense to sound; we, possessing a language, however copious and expressive, vastly deficient in euphony, are constrained to articulate as clearly as the music may permit, at least as much of the poetry as may enable us to guess the remainder of a lyric performance. The scope of our remarks may be the better understood by reversing the Italian adage: Inglese Italianato e diavolo incarnato.

Mr. Griffiths has a fine voice, but better adapted for display before a private than a public audience. His taste and knowledge of music are conspicuous, but he lacks power. His skill on the violin, though much above mediocrity, was not what we hoped for, nor are we very rabid admirers of tricks on the violin. His one-stringed solo, with its bagpipe finale, was well enough by way of interlude to the more legitimate performances of the evening, but was in itself no very great treat. Mr. Lee's performance on the violin throughout the evening yielded us the most positive pleasure; united to taste and feeling, he appears to have a mastery of his instrument, which we have not heard surpassed in the colony. Mr. Griffiths and he did every justice to their violin duet; but the piece appeared to us infinitely more scientific than pleasing. Mr. Gale has a remarkably fine voice, rich and flexible, between a barritone and base, but it wants cultivation. A little attention and exercise would in a short time, enable this gentleman, who is but young, to produce greater equality in the upper and lower notes of his voice, the latter being at present rather reedy. He sings with great taste and ease, and both his songs were warmly applauded, his last, "The Heather Bloom" being unanimously encored. A gentleman, whose name we could not ascertain, played an air on the Cornet a'piston, accompanied by Mr. Seyler on the pianoforte.

"MR. GRIFIFTHS'S CONCERT", Adelaide Times (19 March 1849), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article206980466 

. . . Mr. Griffiths sung with much taste and feeling - the "Sailor boy," "Hear me gentle Maritana," and the " Mariner's song" . . . The performances of Mr. Griffiths on the violin gave much pleasure. The duet with Mr. Lee was a highly finished affair . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: John Lazar (actor, manager); Rachel Lazar (vocalist, actor); Philip Lee (violinist); Thomas Gale (vocalist); Albert Seyler (pianist)

"PUFFING" [Letter to the editors], South Australian Register (21 March 1849), 1 supplement

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article50247272 

Gentlemen - The wholesale system of puffing every body and everything, on the consideration alone of prompt payment for newspaper advertisements, has recently become so fulsome that a "showing up," under the circumstances, would be an outrage on the better sense of the public, who are treated with practical illustrations of the fact about five times a-week . . . The Times announces a concert grand, of course - that's the word; the Gazette, too, says something about extraordinary talent, and both threaten the public with the infliction of the deplorable fact that Mr. Griffiths is about to retire to Port Phillip! . . . Thus matters yet keeping with the public through the press; and, like some others, the operation of filching four shillings from my pocket and placing it to the better side of the account of Lazaar, Griffiths, Coppin, & Co., was effected. It is not my intention to observe particularly on that somewhat extraordinary display of musical talent and judgment on the occasion, further than stating that the time kept by the town clock seemed to be a matter of more grave consideration to the assembly than the periods into which the musicians divided their sickly sentimental productions . . . [signed] PHILHARMONIC.

"TO THE EDITOR OF THE . . .", South Australian Gazette and Mining Journal (22 March 1849), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article195937333 

Sir - You will greatly oblige me by inserting a few words in answer to a letter signed "Philharmonic," in the Register, showing-up the latest instance of the wholesale system of puffing carried on by the editors of newspapers, in consideration of prompt payment for advertisements. If, as "Philharmonic" states, the public is treated with a practical illustration five times a week, my instance cannot be the last, the concert alluded to having taken place just a week ago. As to my extraordinary talent, none can place less value on their own abilities than myself, or I should not have taken the trouble of leaving the vessel I came from England in for the purpose of giving my gratuitous services at the Choral Society's Concert, or so readily acceded to the solicitations of strangers at the Agricultural Dinner, at which place, I presume, the editors of the newspapers alluded to formed their own opinion of my superior talent. In answer to the insinuation that Mr. Coppin participated in the proceeds of the concert, I must state, in justice to that gentleman, I should not have visited Adelaide had it not been for the kind invitations I received from him for the purpose of assisting the Choral Society. During the time I have been in South Australia I have been a guest with Mr. Coppin, from whom I have received the most marked hospitality and kindness, and so far from his being a gainer by the concert, he neither spared pains or expense in forwarding my interests. Filching, and other low and ungentlemanly allusions, are not worth noticing. "Philharmonic" seems to know the proportions of puff necessary to accompany a well-paid advertisement, and, at the same time, illustrates au editor's mortification at not receiving an advertisement at all. In conclusion, "Philharmonic" seems to be some shortsighted individual who fancies his interests tottering, and, as a preventative, adopts the plan of raising a scare-crow, in the shape of a low and scurrilous letter, which is alike discreditable to the writer and to the editor who permits its insertion.
I am, Sir, Your obedient servant,
J. GRIFFITHS.
[We insert Mr. Griffiths' letter; but the epistle he alludes to is apparently directed far less against him than others who are obstinate non-advertisers with the Register, and who evidently cannot be abused into an alteration of their determination.- ED.]

"SHIPPING AND COMMERCIAL GAZETTE. ARRIVED", Port Phillip Gazette and Settler's Journal (10 April 1849), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223154717 

April 8 - Souvenir, schooner, 60 tons, Skey, master, from Adelaide 28th March, and Portland 4th April. Passengers - (cabin) . . . Messrs. Blundell, Dumeresq, Griffiths . . .

[Advertisement], The Melbourne Daily News (14 April 1849), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226472382 

Mechanics' Institution. MUSIC CLASS . . .
will give their Public Concert . . . On TUESDAY Next, 17th Inst.
PROGRAMME. 1st Part. Overture - "Tancredi" - Rossini . . .
Solo - Violin (by Mr. Megson) - L'Maurer.
Song - "The Boy in Blue" (by Mr. Griffiths) Rodwell.
Overture - "Gazza Ladra" - Rossini.
2nd Part. Overture - "Cheval de Bronze" - Auber . . .
Song - "Hear me gentle Maritana" - Opera "Maritana" - Violin Obligate - (by Mr. Griffiths) - Wallace . . .

"CONCERT", The Melbourne Daily News (19 April 1849), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226471943 

. . . A song by Rodwell, (far from his best,) served to display the powers of a recent professional from England via Adelaide, namely, Mr. Griffiths. This gentleman is open to more remarks than we are usually inclined to make on amateur efforts, as music is his profession, and his debut was made in that manner which fairly challenges criticism. Mr. Griffiths has a well cultivated, true, [?] tenor. His intonation is particularly sharp and distinct, and under very [?] able control. He is evidently a [?], and "well up" in his vocation. His only defect is want expression and a frozen subdued style, reminding us of the poet's description of mindless Greece - "We start for soul is wanting there." This was very remarkable in the merry song "Women are not won by sighing," [ ] "sighing" we forget which, introduced us to the encore of the "Boy in Blue" in a staid, implacable, melancholy and mourning style, and intonation. This was again observable in a [ ] scena from Maritana ("Hear me, gentle Maritana")- where music and words so far to encourage that abandon, [ ] which half the imagination of the [ ] undepicted. A very flattering [encore] greeted Mr. Griffiths in this [ ] composition, but unhappily he substituted - "Oh, steer my bark to Erin's Isle," which was his best effort throughout the evening. We have been thus candid with the [ ], for the reasons already expressed, further because we think it is to [ ] that so fine a voice should be [ ] by drawbacks which may not be [ ]table . . .

"THE CONCERT", The Argus (20 April 1849), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4768754

The musical treat, presented by the amateurs connected with the Mechanics' Institution, went off in the first rate style which we predicted, and the room was more crowded than upon any former occasion, in spite of the weather being very unsettled. The programme was good, and contained more than the usual share of novelty. A Mr. Griffiths, newly arrived, made his debut, and left a very favourable impression upon his audience. He possesses a fine bary-tone voice, evidently has had much musical experience, and is very happy in the selection of his songs. He is also remarkably distinct in his enunciation, a quality far too little aimed at by the generality of singers, and with a shade more of animation, he would make a very material addition to our musical corps . . . Mr. Megson so far opened his heart, as again to favour us with one of his brilliant fantasias on the violin, which, of course was rapturously applauded, and encored; an honor also both deserved and accorded to Mr. Pritchard's beautiful solo on the flute, both the songs of Mr. Griffiths, and one of those by the German gentleman. The overtures were well selected, and very creditably performed . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Joseph Megson (violinist, leader)

[Advertisement], The Melbourne Daily News (8 June 1849), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226471247 

MR. J. GRIFFITHS BEGS respectfully to announce to the Gentry and elite of the city of Melbourne, that at the request of many of his friends, he has arranged to give a Grand Concert previous to his departure from the colony, under the distinguished Patronage of His Honor the Superintendent, and His Worship the Mayor. Mr. Griffith will sing on this occasion several new and popular Songs, including Russell's grand scena, "The Maniac," "The Boy in Blue," "Pestal," "Molly Bawn," &c., &c. Mr. G. will also make his debut as a Violinist, by introducing "La Tremolo," in imitation of Paganini's "Monuement Perpetuale" [? Movimento perpeutal] Nearly all the available talent of the colony are already engaged for the Concert, a programme of which will appear in a few days.

[Advertisement], The Argus (8 June 1849), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4769324 

Mechanics' Institution. MUSIC CLASS . . . ON TUESDAY EVENING, 12th INSTANT.
PROGRAMME: 1ST PART . . . Song - "The dream of the Reveller" (by Mr. Griffiths) - Russell.
Overture - Masaniello - Auber.
SECOND PART. Overture - Cenerentola - Rossini . . .
Song - Maritana (by Mr. Griffiths) - Wallace - By particular desire . . .

"THE MUSIC CLASS CONCERT", The Melbourne Daily News (14 June 1849), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226472957 

Despite the dense fog that prevailed on Tuesday evening, and raw chill that reminded one of "England, home, and chilblains," the Mechanics' Hall was crowded by (we presume) "the rank and fashion" of the town of Melbourne. The performances throughout were good, and we think an improvement on the last . . . A magnificent descriptive song of Russell's - "The Dream of the Reveller," was very correctly and sweetly sung by Mr. Griffiths - but wanted dramatic force - light and shade - in fact expression; nevertheless the song was much admired and loudly encored, upon which Mr. Griffiths (most erroneously, we think) substituted that unhappy ditty, "Mother be proud of your boy in blue," forcibly reminding us of Byron's criticism on Wordsworth - "When he tells the tale of Betty Foy,
The idiot mother of an idiot boy"
. . . Mr. Griffiths very sweetly gave us " Hear me gentle Maritana." He sings with an artistic truth and natural melody singularly pleasing, but, his enunciation is TOO PLACED. When encored, he introduced "When other hearts," &c., from the Bohemian girl, and here the warmth of coloring and tendresse so intensely embodied in the composition, were wanting. In other respects, however, the singer acquitted himself admirably. He possesses a beautiful voice and is a finished musician - pity with such acquisitions that he will sing with that subdued style which gives one the idea of a man languidly performing "a duty which he owed to society" and doing "it with Christian fortitude and resignation" . . .

"DOMESTIC GAZETTE", Port Phillip Gazette and Settler's Journal (14 June 1849), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223155085 

Mr. GRIFFITH'S CONCERT will come off this evening . . . the vocal powers of Mr. Griffiths are very superior. At the concert on Tuesday evening last, he was repeatedly encored . . .

[Advertisement], The Melbourne Daily News (14 June 1849), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226472965 

GRAND CONCERT, Under the Immediate patronage of His Honor the Superintendent and His Worship the Mayor.
MR. J. GRIFFITHS has the honor to announce that his CONCERT of vocal and instrumental music will take place at the room of the Mechanic's Institute, THIS EVENING, JUNE 14TH. On which occasion the Amateurs connected with the Musical Society have kindly given their services - together with several distinguished amateur vocalists.
To render the orchestra full and complete, Mr. G. has engaged all the available talent of Melbourne.
Leader of the band - Mr. Megson
Solo violin - Mr. Griffiths
Solo pianoforte - Mr. Anderson
Solo flute - Mr. Odrich
Accompanyist - Mr. Pietzker.
PROGRAMME.
Part 1.
Overture - "Guy Mannering" - H. R. Bishop
Song - "The Boy in Blue," - Mr. Griffiths - G. H. Rodwell
Duett - Flute and pianoforte - "Rondo Brilliante," Op. 14, Messrs. Pietzker and Odrich - Hoffmeister
Glee - "poor Insect," Messrs. Griffiths, Hailes, and Vaughan
Song - "Dermot Astore," by a Lady Amateur - F. N. Crouch
Solo - Violin - "La Tremolo," - De Beriot
Overture - Cheval de Bronze - Auber
Part 2.
Overture - "Fra Diavolo" - Auber
Song - "Molly Bawn," Mr. Griffiths - Lover
Solo, pianoforte - Fantasia Brilliante, Mr. Anderson - Dohler
Duett - "Flow Gently, Deva," Messrs. Griffiths and Hailes - J. Parry
Cavatina - "Bid me discourse" - H. R. Bishop
Grand Scena - "The Maniac," Mr. Griffiths - Russell
Canone - "Perfida Clori" Messrs. Griffiths, Vaughan, and Hailes - Cherubini
Tickets, 5s. each; to be obtained from Mr. Megson, Swanston-street; Mr. Clarke, Collins-street; Mr. C. Vaughan; Messrs. Pullar and Pittman, stationers; and from Mr. Griffiths, at Mr. Doyle's Confectionery Establishment, Swanston Street . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: George Hailes (vocalist); William Pietzker (musician); James Henri Anderson (musician); Charles Vaughan (vocalist)

"THE CONCERTS", The Argus (15 June 1849), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4770293 

The music class of the Mechanics' Institute gave another of their cheap and admirable concerts on Tuesday evening, and acquitted themselves with more than the usual success . . . A new feature was introduced in the shape of two quartettes sung by the Germans lately arrived, which were very successful, met with hearty encores, and were the most noticed performances of the evening. The respective solos of Mr. Megson on the violin and Mr. Thompson on the violoncello were also admirably performed and highly appreciated. Mr. Griffiths increased the favourable impression existing towards him by two more of his capital selection of songs, which although well sung would have borne a little more energy . . . A second concert was given last night by Mr. Griffiths, the principal vocalist at the above. In spite of the singularly bad management which led to two concerts being given within two nights of each other, a numerous audience were in attendance. The performance passed off a little more tamely than on Tuesday evening, but still appeared to give every satisfaction. With a very praiseworthy degree of liberality, Mr. Griffiths had engaged the German gentlemen who repeated their beautiful quartettes, although nothing of the kind was included in the programme.

"ROB ROY" and "MR. GRIFFITHS CONCERT", Port Phillip Gazette and Settler's Journal (16 June 1849), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223156867 

The celebrated piece Rob Roy is to be brought out on Monday next, on which occasion the "Baillie" will give his favourite character of "Baillie Jarvie;" the musical entertainments will be something more than usual on this occasion, as the manager has engaged the principal concert singers, and arrangements have been made to give extra effect to the orchestra and chorusses by the addition of auxiliary aid.

This concert came off on Thursday evening, and being the second in one week, was very respectably attended. The singing was admirable, and the lady amateur (Mrs. Reynolds) gave general satisfaction; she sang with confidence and precision, her song of "Bid me Discourse," which was excellent. The overture "Cheval de Bronze," was a decided failure, but the others were respectable. Mr. Griffiths shone with peculiar lustre in his solo for violin "La Tremolo," it is a masterpiece of execution on the violin - his songs of "Mollie Bawn" and the "Maniac," were correctly and well sung, the latter being a most difficult piece, and seldom attempted here. The German quartette singers were loudly applauded, and encored - upon the whole, it came off well.

[James Ruthven McLaughlin] "ROB ROY", Port Phillip Gazette and Settler's Journal (21 June 1849), 1 supplement

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article223158532 

On Monday evening, 18th June, the very interesting melo-drama of "Rob Roy," or, "Auld Lang Syne," was produced at the Queen's Theatre, and the cast of characters, for variety and repute, was so attractive, that before the curtain was raised, the house was densely crowded, box, pit, and gallery. Mr. Moreton King appeared as "Rob Roy" . . . "The Baillie" (Mr. Forsythe) gave ample proof that he had studied his part with good judgment and discretion. He was applauded throughout . . . Mr. Griffiths was not happy in "Francis Osbaldiston." This gentleman stands high as a musical professor; but, as a theatrical performer his want of tact, or stage acquirements, was very observable . . .

"Shipping Intelligence", Colonial Times [Hobart, TAS] (6 July 1849), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8765260 

MELBOURNE - Cleared Out, June 23 - William Watson, barque, 480 tons, E. Morrison, for San Francisco. Passengers . . . Charles Coppin . . . Joseph Griffiths . . .

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (1 May 1850), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12917548

ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE. MESSRS. S. AND H. MASRH'S GRAND CONCERT. FRIDAY EVENING, 3RD MAY, 1850 . . .
PROGRAMME. PART I . . . SONG - "Hear me Gentle Maritana," Wallace - Mr. J. Griffiths, pupil of Crevelli . . .
PART 2 . . . FINALE - "Hail to Victoria" (Australian national anthem) - Marsh - with Military Band Accompaniments -
MISS SARA FLOWER, Madame Carandini, Mr. J. Howson, Mr. F. Howson, Mr. J. Griffiths, Mr. Waller . . .

"MESSRS. S. AND H. MARSH'S CONCERT", The People's Advocate and New South Wales Vindicator (4 May 1850), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251539000 

The concert in the Victoria Theatre last night was the most animated and attractive fashionable entertainment of the season. Miss Sara Flower was the observed of all observers, and the high expectations or her abilities as a songstress were fully realised . . . Our attention was forcibly arrested by the finished performance of the Messrs. Marsh on the pianoforte; the debut of Mr. J. Griffiths, and Mr. Waller's splendid melodious, and masculine voice, which, with that of the Howson's, told effectually in the finale . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: The Marsh brothers (music sellers); Sara Flower (vocalist); James Waller (vocalist); Frank Howson (vocalist); John Howson (vocalist)

"CLEARANCES", The Sydney Morning Herald (10 May 1850), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12917796

May 9 - John Munn, barque, 638 tons, Captain H. R Cross, for San Francisco. Passengers - Mr. Joseph Griffiths, Mr. Samuel Hands, Mr. Higginbottom, medical superintendent . . .

"EXPORTS", The Sydney Morning Herald (10 May 1850), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12917787 

May 9. - John Munn, barque, 638 tons, Captain H. R. Cross, for San Francisco . . .
15 hogsheads bottled beer, 12 cases fruits, 1 case music, 8 cases preserves, 6 cases butter, 4 cases paper, 1 case boots, Joseph Griffiths . . .

"PASSENGERS", Daily Alta California [San Francisco] (30 August 1850), 2

https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=DAC18500830.2.8.2 

Per John Munn - Messrs. J. Griffiths and J. Haynes . . .

"BILSTON LIBRARY AND INSTITUTE", Staffordshire Advertiser [England] (26 June 1852), 5

The anniversary of this thriving and very useful institution was celebrated on Tuesday evening last, by the performance of grand concert in St. Mary's School-room. Above seven hundred persons, including most of the principal families of the town, were present, besides several from Wolverhampton and the surrounding districts. The band, vocal and instrumental, numbered between 70 and 80 performers, under the talented and very efficient leadership of Mr. Joseph Griffiths, whose visit to his birth-place on his return from Australia was enthusiastically welcomed on his appearance upon the platform. The principal vocalists were Mr. Culwiek, from Lichfield Cathedral; Mr. Paget, of Atherstone; Mr. J. Riley, of Bilston; the Misses Wight and Morris, of Wolverhampton; and Mr. Griffiths himself, whose "Song of the Traveller" was repeatedly called for by the audience, and on being at length given was received with the loudest applause. The other vocalists acquitted themselves with their usual distinguished merit and success. A glee by Messrs. Culwick, J. Riley, and Misses Wight and Morris was universally admired. The instrumentation was much above the average of provincial orchestras, Mr. Griffiths being not only an able but popular leader, and throwing a life and soul into his band that seems to animate every instrument, from the viola to the contra-bass, with his own spirit. We have seldom heard the overture "L'Italiani in Algieri" more tellingly performed. Miss Checkett's solo on the concertina, and Mr. Wright's on the flute, were an agreeable divertisement; and the orchestral accompaniments in more than one instance received separate and distinct round of applause. It is great musical loss to this district that Mr. Griffiths is soon about to return to Australia. He will carry with him the respect and good wishes of a large circle of friends, to whom his bonhommie and sterling character have greatly endeared him. One complaint we have to prefer - the several substitutions of other songs for those printed in the programme. The managers should avoid this practice as much possible, as it is scarcely fair to those who have gone to the expense, trifling it is, of purchasing the programme.

Melbourne, VIC (return 1852):

[Advertisement], The Argus (26 October 1854), 8

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4799436 

VICTORIAN EXHIBITION. Melbourne, 1854. This Evening, Thursday, October 26th.
The Philharmonic Society will perform a Selection from Handel's Grand Oratorio of JUDAS MACCABAEUS.
Principal Vocalists: Mrs. Testar, Mrs. Hancock, Miss Edwards, Mr. Hackett, Mr. Ewart, and Mr. J. King.
Principal Instrumentalists: Violins: Messrs. Griffiths, King, Fleury, Strebinger, Wm. Radford, M. Radford, Ryder, Pietzker, Fischer, Newton, Lewis, and Hurst . . . Leader: Mr. Jos. Griffiths. Conductor: Mr. J. Russell . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: John Russell (conductor); Edward King (violinist, leader); Achille Fleury (violinist); Frederick Strebinger (violinist)

"THE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY'S CONCERT", The Age (28 October 1854), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154851406 

A selection, comprising nearly the whole of Handel's sublime oratorio Judas Maccabeus was performed by the above society, at the Exhibition Building, to the most numerous and brilliant audience we have ever beheld in Melbourne. Perhaps the peculiar character so admirably displayed in this great work renders it one of Handel's most difficult oratorios. The Philharmonic Society however, proved itself quite equal to the task, and on this occasion we think that the performance of Judas Maccabeus, was not only their greatest effort, but also their greatest success. Looking at the performance as a whole, we cannot think it less than a great musical achievement for this country, and with a very few exceptions, principally in the solo department, the effect was thrilling, The band, led by Mr. Joseph Griffiths, consisted or all the first talent in the colony, each part being well sustained by able artistes. The overture (not one of Handel's most pleasing instrumental compositions) was rendered with excellent precision and effect, as were all the accompaniments of the various songs, and choruses, &c. . . .

"EXHIBITION CONCERTS", The Age (21 November 1854), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154851602 

The Philharmonic Society gave their fourth grand Concert on Friday evening last, to the most crowded and delighted audience ever assembled within the walls of the Exhibition building. The music chosen for the occasion was Handel's "Acis and Galatea," and a miscellaneous selection . . . The second part opened with Mozart's overture, "Zauberflote;" it was in a manner superior to anything of the kind we have heard in the colonies. We think the trombones should not have been introduced; Mozart never intended it or he would have written parts, which, we believe is not the case in the original score . . .

It is not a little pleasing to contrast the present position of musical acquirements in this colony, and the existing appreciation of musical ability, with the consideration in which they were respectively held previously to the establishment of the Philharmonic Society. Concerts, before the formation of this society, though usually with as limited a number of vocalists and instrumental performers, as could get through an equally limited selection were not infrequent, but with the higher glories of musical art we had literally no connection, we had neither orchestra nor chorus, nor could the performances of the distinguished singers resident among us generally speaking, bring before us those splendid productions which constitute the basis of the fame of the most eminent composers. There was much to be regretted, but nothing uncommon, in this; yet it was a deprivation which every real lover of music felt and deplored. Under these circumstances the Melbourne Philharmonic Society was projected; and it is not a small commendation to the gentlemen connected with it as conductor and leader, Mr. John Russell and Mr. Joseph Griffiths, that from the first they have assiduously and constantly aided, by their well-directed efforts, the progress of the society. Their duties have not been slight; nor have those of the secretary, Mr. J. Patterson, or the committee. The Melbourne Philharmonic Society, as its recent performances demonstrate, may take its stand with any society in the old country, out of London . . .

[Advertisement], The Argus (26 June 1856), 7

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7132095

MR. J. GRIFFITHS, Leader of the Philharmonic Band, having, now devoted the whole of his attention to the Musical Profession, is prepared to give Lessons on the Violin, Pianoforte, Singing, &c. For particulars apply at Wilkie's Music Saloon, 15 Collins-street.

"ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH, RICHMOND", The Age (15 September 1856), 2 supplement

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154872898 

On Friday evening about two hundred persons sat down to a most sumptuous tea provided in the Boys' School Room, Richmond, in honor of the presentation of a well deserved testimonial from the parishioners to the ladies of the choir . . . Members of the Choir: - Joseph Griffiths, leader; D. P. Starling, organist; Martha Perks. During the evening several pieces of music were sung under the direction of Mr. Joseph Griffiths (leader of the Philharmonic Society), in whose able hands the Richmond Church Choir has gained its present efficiency.

[Advertisement], The Argus (12 January 1857), 8

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7143011

MR. J. GRIFFITHS, Leader of the Philharmonic Band, Gives Lessons to Private Pupils on the Violin, Pianoforte, Singing, &c. Terms known on application to J. Wilkie's music saloon.

[Advertisement], The Argus (8 January 1859), 6

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7307648

J. GRIFFITHS, PROFESSOR of MUSIC, Teacher of the Violin, Pianoforte, Singing, &c. For terms apply at 15 Collins-street east.

Catalogue of a valuable collection of cabinet & gallery pictures by eminent masters; also, a collection of engravings, including the musee francais and musee royal (atlas size), a few lots of photographs, a large quantity of violin and other music, and a small library of books, containing some valuable works, the whole collected by Mr. Joseph Griffiths, who is leaving the colony: to be sold by auction by Messrs. Gemmell, Tuckett & Co. at their sale rooms, on Friday, 22nd May . . . (Melbourne: Printed by W. H. Williams, 1868)

http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/107194 (DIGITISED)

. . . MUSIC.
76 Boosey's Publications for the Violin. Ten copies, various.
77 Traver's Interludes for Organ (4), Mozart's Thorough Bass, and two others, Seven books
. 78 Davidson's Hand-Book, of Glees. Sixty parts, various.
79 Davidson's Choral Book, various. Forty-six parts.
80 West's Violin Preceptors. Eleven copies.
81 Berbiguer's Flute Preceptor. Eleven copies.
82 Mendelssohn's Part Songs and others, various. Nine books.
83 Twelve Sets of Dance Music, various. Arranged for band.
85 Collection of Psalm Tunes. Arranged for classes.
86 Novello's Part-Song Books, consisting of twenty-five treble, twenty bass, nineteen tenor, twenty-two alto; in all, eighty-seven books.
87 Two scores Novello's Part-Song Book.
88 Pianoforte score copies of the Operas of Don Juan and Iphigeni in Tauris.
89 Mozart's Quintetts for Stringed Instruments, in score, diamond edition.
90 Judas Maccabaeus, St. Paul, The Creation. - Three books.
91 Berlioz' Modern Instrumentation and Orchestration.
92 Albrechtsberger's Thorough Bass, Harmony, and Composition.
93 Cherubini's Counterpoint and Fugue.
94 Nageli and Pfeiffer's Part-Songs and Choruses, Hill's Rounds and Canons, Hullah's Manual. Three books.
95 Beethoven's Quartetts, complete. Four books.
96 Solos and Studies for the Violin.
97 Solos for the Violin.
98 Sixteen Concertos and Solos for the Violin, with Pianoforte Accompaniments by De Beriot, Ernst, and others.
90 Twelve sets of Duetts for Two Violins, by De Beriot, Viotti, and others.
100 Solos for the Flute.
101 Studies for the Violin, by Seb. Bach, 1 vol.; Songs, 1 vol.; Hewit's Theory of Melody, Harmony, and Modulation, 1 vol.
102 Mozart's Requiem. The Madrigalean Feast and Bird's Mass, for five voices - Three books.
103 Twenty-two sets of Bosisio's Quadrilles and Waltzes, for Pianoforte and Small Band.
104 Twenty-eight sets of Easy Airs, for Violin and Pianoforte.
105-49 [all entitled] Thirty pieces of various Operatic Selections for the Pianoforte, Songs, Quadrilles, Studies, and New and Popular Music.
150 Bochsa's Standard Tutor for the Harp, Tutor for the Trumpet, and a lot of overtures
150* Lot of Hullah's Class Sheets . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: William Henry Williams (printer, amateur vocalist)

England census, 1871, Kentish Town, St. Pancras, Middlesex; UK National Archives, RG 10 / 240

https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/7619/images/LNDRG10_247_250-0398 (PAYWALL)

34 Caversham Rd / Joseph Griffiths / Head / 50 / Manager Ins[uran]ce Co'y / Staffordshire Bilston
Mary [Griffiths] / Wife / 49 / - / Staffordshire Gnosal
Catherine M. [Griffiths] / Dau. / 17 / - / Australia
Frank A. [Griffiths] / Son / 15 / - / [Australia]
Alice L. [Griffiths] / Dau. / 12 / - / [Australia]
Etty F. [Griffiths] / [Dau.] / 10 / - / [Australia]
Emily J. [Griffiths] / Dau. / 7 / - / [Australia] . . .

Passengers' list, Melbourne, 7 February 1874, from London, on the Francis Thorpe; Public Record Office Victoria

https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/1635/images/30796_125469__324-00023 (PAYWALL)

Mr. Griffiths / 55 // Mrs. Griffiths / 50 / Miss Griffiths / 18 // . . .

"AN AUSTRALIAN PIANISTE", The Brisbane Courier (27 August 1874), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1387689

The Melbourne Daily Telegraph of Tuesday states that Miss Griffiths, a native of Victoria, was born in Richmond some twenty years since, and is therefore entitled to receive some special notice. Her father, Mr. Joseph Griffiths, was one of the founders of the Melbourne Philharmonic Society, and also its honorary leader for eleven or twelve years. He would further be known to many of our readers as having been one of the councillors and afterwards Mayor of Richmond. He left the colony some four or five years since to accept the management of the local branch in London of the Australasian Insurance Company. Miss Griffiths went with her father to London, and was not slow to follow up the musical education which she had already received at her father's hands by joining as a pupil the Royal Academy of Music, where she studied as a pianiste for four years, and was awarded a first class certificate. She subsequently appeared in London at several high-class concerts, and returned to this colony a few months since. It is asserted of her that she has few, if any, superiors, or even equals, in the higher walks of classical music, and her selections for performance on the occasion of her first appearance show that she is not afraid of challenging our critics.

"THE MELBOURNE PHILHARMONIC SOCIETY", The Argus (25 December 1878), 6

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5926050

In a colony whose distinct history extends over little more than 27 years, a society which has existed and has been uninterruptedly before the public for 25 years is entitled to rank as a venerable institution . . . The Argus of the 26th September, 1853, contained notice of a meeting to be held in the Mechanics Institution, consequent on a requisition, signed by 20 amateurs, requesting Mr. John Russell to undertake the management of a society to be formed "for the practice and cultivation of classical music, vocal and instrumental." The meeting was held on the 1st October. On the 8th the Society was formally inaugurated, and the following officers appointed - Patron - His Excellency Lieut. Governor Latrobe; president - His Honour Mr. Justice Barry, then Acting Chief Justice; vice presidents, Mr. Chas. Vaughan and Mr. J. M. Smith; conductor, John Russell; leader, Joseph Griffiths; treasurer, W. G. Dredge; Hon. secretary, James Paterson; committee, Messrs. F. J. Sargood, T. G. Goold, Montefiore, Walker, T. Dredge, G. L. Allan, Revs. W. Jarrett and A. Morrison, with the conductor, leader, treasurer, and hon. secretary . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: William Gilpin Dredge (member); Thomas Green Goold (member); George Leavis Allan (member)

"DEATHS", The Argus (12 August 1901), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10565961

GRIFFITHS.- On the 10th August, at his residence, No. 291, Church-street, Richmond, Joseph Griffiths, J.P., aged 81 years.

Bibliography and resources:

W. A. Carne, A century of harmony: the official centenary history of the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Society (Melbourne: Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Society, 1954)

https://webarchive.nla.gov.au/awa/20140215050353/http://www.rmp.org.au/downloads/files/Carne.pdf  (DOWNLOAD PDF TRANSCRIPT FROM PANDORA)

Gary Kent, "Joseph Griffiths, in Charles Stitz (ed.), Australian book collectors: some noted Australian book collectors & collections of the nineteenth & twentieth centuries . . . volume 4 (A-H) (Bendigo: Bread Street Press, ? [date])

The Richmond pioneers

http://victoria.mypeoplepuzzle.net

GRIFFITHS, William (William GRIFFITHS; Mr. W. GRIFFITHS; Mr. GRIFFITHS; GRIFFITH)

Bass vocalist, actor, wood carver

Born Liverpool, England, 1808
Married Ann ADAMS, Isle of Man, 21 December 1833
Arrived Sydney, NSW, 31 August 1838 (free per William Metcalfe, from Plymouth, 14 May)
Died New York, USA, 1882

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=William+Griffiths+1808-1882 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GRIFFITHS-William (shareable link to this entry)

GRIFFITHS, Annie (Annie GRIFFITHS; Mrs. Edward YEAMANS)

Dancer, actor, circus performer

Born Isle of Man, 19 November 1835; daughter of William GRIFFITHS and Ann ADAMS
Arrived Sydney, NSW, 31 August 1838 (free per William Metcalfe, from Plymouth, 14 May)
Married Edward YEAMANS (d. 1867), St. Peter's church, Melbourne, VIC, 25 July 1853
Departed Sydney, NSW, August 1863 (for India and China)
Died Manhattan, New York, NY, USA, 3 March 1912

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Annie+Griffiths+Yeamans+1835-1912 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annie_Yeamans (Wikipedia)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GRIFFITHS-Annie-YEAMANS (shareable link to this entry)

See also:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lydia_Yeamans_Titus (Wikipedia)

GRIFFITHS, Maggie (Margaret GRIFFITHS; Miss Maggie GRIFFITHS; Mrs. W. D. GREY)

Dancer, actor, circus performer

Born Sydney, NSW, 1843; daughter of William GRIFFITHS and Ann ADAMS
Married W. D. GREY, Wellington, NZ, 6 May 1865

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GRIFFITHS-Maggie-GREY (shareable link to this entry)

Summary:

Family historians, Donald and Ian Wilkey, have thoroughly researched the life and career of Griffiths's daughter, Annie Griffiths Yeamans (1835-1912), who in Australia and the United States became a famous circus performer and clown. In March 2016, Ian kindly shared some details about William Griffiths with me, allowing me to update my entry on an actor-singer I had previously only identified as "Mr. Griffiths". Griffiths, a wood-carver by trade, arrived in Sydney with his family from the Isle of Man, via Plymouth, in 1838.

He made his first advertised public appearance in the colony at fellow wood-carver and musician George Peck's Sydney farewell concert on 2 October 1839, singing in ensemble with the creme of Sydney's vocalists, and again at the first anniversary of the Cecilian Society on 11 December 1839.

Griffiths later appeared in concerts for Maria Prout and Isaac Nathan in 1841 and 1842, and, despite being described at first as "an amateur", he also began to act and sing at the Victoria Theatre.

By 1847, he was effectively a permanent member of the company, care being taken in billing that he ("W. Griffiths") was not be confused with the actor-manager John Gordon Griffiths ("Mr. Griffiths").

As well as regularly taking spoken roles, he featured in opera productions, including Guy Mannering, in Bishop's arrangement of Mozart's The marriage of Figaro (as Geronimo) in June 1847, and Maritana, and especially in long running seasons of Loder's The night dancers and Balfe's The siege of Rochelle.

Notably, he sang in two locally-composed operas, Isaac Nathan's Don John of Austria (as the Secretary) in May 1847, and in John Howson's The corsair in 1848.

He was still associated with the Royal Victoria Theatre as late as June 1860, when his name appears along with those of Frank Howson, Charles Eigenschenck and others as signatories in an advertisement paying tribute to the manager Samuel Colville.

DISAMBIGUATION: William Griffith (portrait painter, of Parramatta, d. 1870)

Documentation:

"LIST OF PASSENGERS PER WILLIAM METCALFE", The Sydney Herald (5 September 1838), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12856655 

. . . William Griffith, cabinetmaker and joiner, wife and child . . .

[Advertisement], The Sydney Herald (8 May 1839), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12864488 

WILLIAM GRIFFITHS, WOOD CARVER, (Recently arrived from Liverpool,)
BEGS leave to acquaint the Cabinet-makers, Architects, House and Ship Builders, and others, of Sydney and its environs, that he has commenced Business in the above line; and trusts that his practical experience will entitle him to the consideration of those parties who are desirous of having their work executed with punctuality, and in an efficient manner.
N. B - A Respectable Youth wanted as an Apprentice.
Castlereagh-street, Sydney, two doors from Mr. Windeyer's. May 8th, 1839.

[Advertisement], The Sydney Herald (2 August 1839), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12862731 

WANTED, A RESPECTABLE YOUTH as an Apprentice to the Wood Carving business. Apply to William Griffiths, Wood Carver, west-side Castlereagh, street south, between Bathurst and Liverpool-streets. N.B.- A Premium required.

[Advertising], The Sydney Herald (2 October 1839), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12858352 

. . . MR. PECK begs to inform his Friends and the Public that he will give a Grand Miscellaneous CONCERT of Vocal and Instrumental Music, at the Royal Victoria, Theatre, Pitt-street, on WEDNESDAY EVENING, October 2nd Principal Vocal Performers - Madame Gautrot, Mrs. Bushelle, Mrs. Clarke, Mr. Bushelle, Mr. Worgan, and Mr. Griffiths. PROGRAMME. PART I . . . Glee - Five Voices - "Blow, gentle gales", accompaniments full orchestra, H. R. Bishop - Mrs. Bushelle, Mrs. Clarke, Mr. Bushelle, Mr. Worgan, and Mr. Griffiths . . .
PART II . . . Comic Glee, Finale to the first act of Guy Mannering - "The fox jumped over the parson's gate" - Bishop - Mrs. Clarke, Mrs. Bushelle, Mr. Bushelle, Mr. Worgan, & Mr. Griffiths . . .

[News], The Australian (10 December 1839), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36862528 

The anniversary of the Cecilian Society takes place to-morrow evening. The Directors have been fortunate in obtaining the services of Miss Fernandez, Mrs. Curtis, Mrs. Clancy, Mr. Wallace, Mr. Griffiths, and many other first-rate musicians and vocalists. Colonel Wodehouse has in the most handsome manner proffered the services of the principal players in the band of H. M. 50th regiment on the occasion.

[Advertisement], The Australian (3 March 1840), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36862413 

MRS. CLANCY HAS the honor to announce that her Concert will take place in the Old Court House, Castlereagh-street, on Tuesday Evening, March the 3rd, 1840 . . .
PROGRAMME. PART I . . . 4. Song - Follow him - Mr. Griffiths . . .
PART II . . . 8. Song - The Gipsey Prince - Sporle - Mr. Griffiths . . .

[News], The Australian (5 March 1840), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36860961 

Mrs. Clancy's concert was very flatteringly attended on Tuesday, and presented on the whole a very pleasant evening's entertainment. There was nothing perhaps very brilliant, but there is more gratification in a quiet, unobtrusive exhibition, than one with higher pretensions which may not effect what it promises . . . Mr. Griffiths has a good quality of voice if he had style and energy to turn it to account . . .

[W. A. Duncan], "MRS. CLANCY'S CONCERT", Australasian Chronicle (6 March 1840), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31727767 

. . . Neither the other amateur, nor Mr. Griffiths should ever sing out of their own families, and Mr. Worgan, unless he can got a new diapason to his organ, should at once and for ever stop its bellows . . .

[Advertisement], The Australian (23 March 1841), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36851064

. . . Mrs. J. S. PROUT, Pianist, begs to announce that her Concert, of Vocal and Instrumental Music will take place at the Royal Victoria Theatre, TO-MORROW EVENING, March 24 . . .
PROGRAMME. PART I. Overture to "Don Giovanni" - Mozart - Full Orchestra.
1. Opening Scena and Pastorale, "Notte Giorno" and Giovanette, from Mozart's celebrated Opera "Don Giovanni;" full Orchestral accompaniments - Mr. & Mrs. Bushelle, Mr. Leggatt, Mr. Worgan, and Mr. Griffiths . . .

"The Oratorio", The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (2 July 1841), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32189723 

This Festival, to which the musical portion of the community of the colony had been looking forward for so long a time with the greatest interest, took place in St. Mary's Cathedral, on Wednesday the 30th ultimo . . . we give a list of those artists by whom it was executed . . . Mr. Bushelle, Mr. Nathan, Mr. Worgan, Mr. Griffiths, Mr. Edwin Grobety . . .

[Advertisement], The Sydney Herald (14 July 1841), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12869989 

MR. DEANE begs to inform his friends and the Public, that . . . his CONCERT of Vocal and Instrumental Music . . . will take place at the Theatre Royal, on WEDNESDAY, the 14th July, 1841 VOCAL PERFORMERS - Mrs. Bushelle, Miss Deane, and Mrs. Emanuel (being her first appearance), Mr. Bushelle, Mr. Griffiths, Mr. Allen, and several other Gentlemen Amateurs . . .

[W. A. Duncan] "MR. NATHAN'S CONCERT", Australasian Chronicle (5 August 1841), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31732497 

. . . The Urchin's Dance, by the Misses Nathan and Mr. Griffiths (this gentleman is rapidly improving in style) . . .

"MR. NATHAN'S CONCERT", The Sydney Herald (6 August 1841), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12870415 

. . . the Misses Nathan and Mr. Griffiths were encored . . . Calcott's well-known glee was performed with superior execution, - the Misses Nathan being well supported by Mr. Griffiths, while the Pizzicato touches amongst the stringed instruments, and Mr. Nathan's own fitful flights of musical imagination on the piano forte, were splendid. The piece was rapturously encored . . .

MUSIC: The urchins' dance, The elves' dance (Callcott)

"THE CECILIAN SOCIETY", The Australian (18 September 1841), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36852349

. . . Among those which appeared to us most deserving of particular notice we may mention the songs of Mr. Josephson, junior, and Mr. Griffiths . . . Mr. Griffiths sang "When Time hath bereft thee," with much effect. His tones are rich and mellow; his style is unaffected; and his enunciation is most distinct. To this air Mr. G. imparted that pathos of which it is peculiarly susceptible . . .

[Advertisement], The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (28 September 1841), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2554580

Royal Victoria Theatre. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1841 . . .
THE AUSTRALIAN HARMONIC SOCIETY Having taken the Theatre for the above Evening, have the honor to announce, that MR. JOSEPH SIMMONS, BEING a Member of the Club, has kindly consented to appear for this night only, and sustain TWO OF HIS FAVOURITE CHARACTERS, &c.
Several AMATEURS of the CECILIAN SOCIETY, have also kindly volunteered their services . . .
A MUSICAL MELANGE . . . 5. Song, "Tambourgi" (Nathan,) - Mr. Griffiths . . .

W. A. Duncan], "CHARITY SERMON", Australasian Chronicle (5 October 1841), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31733063 

High mass was celebrated in St. Mary's on Sunday last . . . Mozart's grand mass No. 12 was very effectively performed by the choir, in addition to which . . . During the collection Mr. Griffiths sung Clifton's "Ecce Deus" with much skill, and this part of the service concluded with Zingarelli's brilliant "Laudate" . . .

MUSIC: Ecce Deus (Clitton)

"Mr. Nathan's Concert", The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (30 October 1841), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2554858

. . . "Drink and a fig for sorrow," a new composition of Mr. Nathan's followed. It was sung by Griffiths with much spirit. It would be unfair to criticise this gentleman's singing, as we would that of Phillips, Ransford, or Seguin on the English stage - but we must allow him a considerable degree of merit. He decidedly improves, and sang correctly in time and tune. His terminating cadence was introduced with very good taste and effect. The song as a composition, pleased us much. We know no bass solo of modern production to compare with it. The air is bold - much in Shield's style - while the accompaniment is full and effective a la Mozart, but our readers must hear in order to appreciate it. The glee to the same words, (composed for the Sydney Harmonic Club,) was rich in melody and harmony, and gave us great delight - it was well sung by Messrs. Griffiths, Worgan, Allen, &c. &c. . . .

"THE VICTORIA", Sydney Free Press (2 April 1842), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226358049 

The Opera of Guy Mannering, which was produced at the above Theatre on Thursday evening, formed, as we had anticipated, a dramatic treat of the first order. In addition to the attractive announcement of the original music of the piece, there was also the expectation of three first appearances, being those of Mrs. Bushelle, Mrs. Wallace; and Mr. Griffiths, each of whom, although they were previously well known to the public as vocalists, had never before sustained a dramatic character . . . We now come to the male debutante Mr. Griffiths, but owing to the insignificance of the character which he had to sustain, being, in fact, nothing higher than those usually allotted to the supernumerary actors of a corps dramatique, we were totally unable to form any estimate of his chance of success in an histrionic point of view. Mr. Griffiths is a very useful man in glees and chorusses, but as a stage singer for solo pieces, his voice, although clear and musical, is not sufficiently loud to produce the necessary effect, and in consequence of this deficiency, his delivery of that celebrated old song of Braham's "Safely follow him," was little better than a failure . . .

[Advertisement], Sydney Free Press (5 April 1842), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226358579 

Royal Victoria Theatre . . . SECOND NIGHT of THE OPERA of GUY MANNERING . . .
Gabriel - Mr. Griffiths (His first appearance in character) . . .

[Advertisement], The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (25 June 1842), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2556837 

Royal Victoria Theatre . . . MR. SIMMONS' BENEFIT . . . June 27, 1842 . . .
COMIC GLEE, "THE LONDON CRIES" By Mrs. Knowles, Mr. Knowles, and Mr. Griffiths . . .

"ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE", The New South Wales Examiner (8 July 1842), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228246991 

MR. GROVE'S BENEFIT . . . MONDAY, JULY 11TH 1842 . . .
Song - "The Ivy and the Oak," - Mr. Griffiths . . .

"Theatricals", The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (20 August 1842), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2557171

. . . The beautiful song of the "Sailor's Grave" was very well sung by Mr. Griffiths, and elicited great applause. Mr. Griffiths being an amateur, had not, of course, the confidence on the stage which a professional naturally has, but still he gave great promise of being a first-rate singer, with a little practice . . .

MUSIC: The sailor's grave

"CONCERT. To the Editor", The Australian (31 May 1842), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37115169

Sir, - I am induced to trouble you with a letter, for the purpose of congratulating the inhabitants of Sydney on the very good Concert which was given last evening in the Hall of the College, by Mr. Nathan and his talented family . . . The second pant was opened by an overture (Nathan,) followed by a lively glee by the Misses Nathan and Mr. Griffiths, who has a good bass voice . . .

"VICTORIA THEATRE . . . GENERAL TICKET NIGHT", The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (16 August 1842), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2557139 

On Thursday next, the performances will be for the mutual benefit of all the members of the Corps Dramatique, or what is called, in technical terms, a "ticket night," which means, that every member of the company can sell as many tickets for his own emolument as he can. The pieces chosen for this occasion, are the Gamester of Milan, after which, a variety of singing and dancing; the whole to conclude with the beautiful drama of the Robber's Wife. During the evening, Mr. Griffiths will sing the beautiful song of the "Sailor's Grave." The character which this gentleman has so justly acquired for the admirable manner in which he sings such melodies, requires no comment. We wish them all every success - for they deserve it.

"ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE", The Sydney Morning Herald (24 August 1842), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28650551 

For the Benefit of of MR. KNIGHT, Acting Proprietor . . .
AUGUST 25, 1842 . . . KING LEAR. After which, SONG, "THE WHITE SQUALL," MR. GRIFFITHS . . .

"MUSICAL", The Australian (2 September 1842), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37114047

The Oratorio in aid of the funds of the benevolent Society came off, as announced, on Wednesday night; and to say that we were pleased, would but faintly convey our feelings on the subject; we were delighted and astonished. We confess that we previously felt some misgivings that a composition, so difficult as the Messiah . . . would prove too great an attempt for the musical powers of our community. We are happy to say that our fears proved to be wholly without foundation . . . "The trumpet shall sound", would, we have no doubt, have been sung well by Mr. Griffiths, had it not been completely marred by the horn accompaniments, which seem fated never to be played in tune . . .

"MISS HINCKESMANN'S CONCERT", Australasian Chronicle (13 October 1842), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31737527 

. . . "Hail lovely infant," is a laboured melody, and received justice from Mr. Griffiths in the singing, but the poetry is so detestable in all but its loyalty, that the piece to us was as insufferable as if it had sounded of high treason. We do not remember a single chord of the accompaniment. God help royalty when it must smile upon such trash! . . .

"ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE", The Sydney Morning Herald (3 May 1847), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12900105 

THIS EVENING, MAY 3, WILL be presented (for the first time), an Opera, in three Acts, entitled DON JOHN OF AUSTRIA. Brother Carlos, or Charles V, Mr. Nesbitt; Philip II, Mr. J. Howson; Don Quixada, Mr. Spencer; Don John of Austria, Mr. F. Howson; Secretary, Mr. W. Griffiths . . . Agnes, Mrs. Guerin; Dorothy, Mrs. Gibbs . . .

[Advertisement], Sydney Chronicle (12 June 1847), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31752234 

ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE. MR. NESBITT'S BENEFIT, On Monday Evening, June 14th, 1847 . . .
THE FESTIVAL OF APOLLO; OR, A CONVIVIAL PARTY OF FRIENDS ENTERTAINED BY MR. NESBITT . . .
Introductory Address by Mr. NESBITT. Toast - "The Queen" - Song - "The Queen God bless her," Mr. F. HOWSON.
Toast - "Australia! The Land we live in." Song - "Australia the wide and the free," Mr. W. GRIFFITHS.
Toast- "The Ladies" - Song- "Let the Toast be dear Woman," Mr. J. HOWSON.
. Toast- "England, Scotland, and Ireland." Song - "The Land of my Birth," Mr. F. HOWSON.
Toast - Mr. Nesbitt, "Prosperity to the Drama in Australia" - Glee - Messrs. F. and J. HOWSON and W. GRIFFITHS.
Toast - "Happiness and prosperity to the Patrons of the Drama. The kind friends before us" . . .

[Advertisement], The Australian (26 June 1847), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37130017 

ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE . . . FOR THE BENEFIT OF MR. AND MRS. GIBBS . . .
ON MONDAY EVENING, JUNE 28, 1847, will be produced, the admired Opera, entitled The MARRIAGE OF FIGARO; OR, THE FOLLIES OF A DAY.
With the whole of the Original Music, composed by Mozart, adapted to the English Stage by Sir Henry R. Bishop, and arranged for this Orchestra by Mr. Gibbs . . .
Count Almaviva - Mr. J. Howson . . . Figaro - Mr. F. Howson; Antonio (the drunken gardener) - Mr. Griffiths;
Cherubino (a Page) - Mrs. Ximenes . . . Geronimo - Mr. W. Griffiths . . . Countess Almaviva - Mrs. Guerin; Susannah - Mrs. Gibbs; Barbarina - Madame Carandini . . .

"THEATRICALS", The Sydney Daily Advertiser (17 August 1848), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article253059174 

In our columns of last week, we referred slightly to the performance of the "Siege of Rochelle" at the Victoria Theatre . . . We are happy to record that each succeeding representation has been an improvement on the one immediately preceding it; and that the opera on Tuesday night was given with a power and finish that could scarcely be expected in any English colony . . . The quartette, "Lo! the early beam of morning," in G, one of "the real hits" of the opera, was effectively sustained by Mrs. Guerin, Madame Carandini, Mr. F. Howson, and Mr. W. Griffiths. The accompaniment of bells to this quartette is extremely pleasing . . .

"THE DRAMA", Bell's Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (30 September 1848), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59765686 

The historical play of IVANHOE, founded on the celebrated work of Scotland's peerless novelist, was produced on Monday, with a success which may fully warrant an early repetition . . . In the course of the piece, a Pas de Trois, by Messrs. Arabin, Hollis, and W. Griffiths, was executed in the double shuffle and cobbler's knock style, to the unutterable dismay of the Carandini, and the inexpressible rapture of the deities.

"THE DRAMA", Bell's Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (23 December 1848), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59766029 

The great novelty of the season, the Opera of the "Corsair," was produced on Monday night at the Victoria, for the benefit of Mr. J. Howson . . . The opening chorus in the key of G, is a bold and spirited composition; the principal solo parts were well sung by Mrs. Rogers and Mr. W. Griffiths . . .

"THE DRAMA", Bell's Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (31 March 1849), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59768677 

The Opera, this week, (the Ton) was Bellini's "La Sonnambula" . . . if all the music Were sung it would be the greatest treat the manager could afford us. The ladies, from the captivating Prima Donna (Amina), the bewitching Lisa, to the Graceful Griffiths, one and all seemed unusually inspirited - and for the gentlemen, the Messieurs Howson, if possible, excelled themselves. W. Griffiths also, (not our Jolly Varmer Ashfield) must have been trying the effects of electricity, he was actually lively . . .

[Advertisement], Empire (15 December 1851), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60126102 

ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE. LAST NIGHT BUT ONE OF THE SEASON. FOR the Benefit of MR. NESBITT . . .
Shakspeare's celebrated Tragedy of Macbeth, with all the original music . . .
THIS EVENING, MONDAY, December 15th . . . Duncan, (King of Scotland) Mr. Rogers; Malcolm - Mr. Willis; Banquo, Mr. Spencer; Macduff, Mr. Arabin; MACBETH, Mr. NESBITT; Siward, Mr. W. Griffiths; Fleance, Miss E. Griffiths; lst Witch, Mr. Griffiths; 2nd Witch, Mrs. Gibbs; 3rd Witch, Mr. Howard . . .

[Advertisement], The People's Advocate and New South Wales Vindicator (15 May 1852), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article251531723 

OLYMPIC CIRCUS, CASTLEREAGH-STREET . . . Several Novelties are in active preparation for Wednesday next, being for the Benefit of Mr. ASHTON, on which occasion Mrs. Ashton, Signora Cardoza, Miss Griffiths, and Miss Margaret Griffiths will appear . . .

Marriages solemnized in the parish of St. Peter's, Melbourne, in 1853; register, 1853-54; St. Peter's Eastern Hill

https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/9732/images/43331_1831109387_0163-00007 (PAYWALL)

[25 July 1853] At St. Peter's Church / Edward Yeamans / Bachelor / [born] New York / Mechanist / 28 / [parents] Royal Yeamans / Mechanist / Sarah (maiden name unknown)
Ann Griffiths / Spinster / Isle of Man / - / William Griffiths / Carver / Ann Adams . . .

[Advertisement], The Argus (6 July 1855), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4811306 

ISLEMAN.- John Stephenson, send your address to Wm. Griffiths, carver, Australian Hotel, Spring and Lonsdale streets.

[Advertisement], Empire (23 May 1859), 7

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60400575 

ISLE OF MAN.- WILLIAM GRIFFITHS, WOOD CARVER, Newtown Toll Bar, Sydney.

[Advertisement], Empire (27 August 1859), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60403340 

TO CHARLES POOLE, ESQ., LESSEE AND MANAGER.
DEAR SIR - Allow us to congratulate you on the unprecedented fact of your having kept open the Prince of Wales Theatre during a period of fourteen month's, notwithstanding the difficulties which beset you . . . Your obedient servants,
MARIA CARANDINI, JOSEPH T. DOWNEY, SARA FLOWER, CHAS. EIGENSCHENCK . . .
J. JOSEPHSON, JOHN GREGG, W. GRIFFITHS, JOHN HOWSON . . . SUSAN GRIFFITHS . . . KATE GRIFFITHS . . . MAGGIE GRIFFITHS . . .

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (27 June 1860), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13042411 

COMPLIMENTARY BENEFIT TO THE LESSEE AND MANAGER, MR. SAMUEL COLVILLE.
CORRESPONDENCE . . . Dear Sir, - As a mark of our appreciation of the generous and upright deportment which has characterised your transactions with us . . . we have the honour to be your obedient servants,
Frank Howson, C. Thompson, E. Grossi, William Griffiths, Charles Eigenschenck . . .

[Advertisement], Empire (22 July 1861), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60486287 

WILLIAM GRIFFITHS, Wood Carver, REMOVED from Newtown, to the rear of Belevedere Cottage, Bourke-street, near Woolloomooloo-street, Woolloomooloo.

"ROYAL LYCEUM", Bell's Life in Sydney and Sporting Chronicle (1 August 1863), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59793464 

Ashton's Circus has been pretty numerously attended, and given unequivocal gratification to his audiences during the past week, the engagement of Messrs. Raphael, E. Yeamans, and E. Maclean adding considerably to the strength of the company . . . We were glad to see our our old friend Ned Yeamans once more in the ring, after a lengthened absence from the scene of his former triumphs. He is as lively, active, and witty as ever - "a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy" - one who in making the unskilful applaud, never causes the judicious to grieve, but rather declare him "a very pretty follow in his way." We regret that the renewal of our acquaintance is doomed to be short-lived, as he, accompanied by Mrs. Yeamans, is about to sail for China and India, substantial inducements having caused him to accept an engagement for them both. Trusting that both his health and his exchequer will be benefitted by his transit to the Celestial regions, we wish him most "favourable and happy speed" there, and quick "returns" back again.

[Advertisement], The Herald (7 November 1863), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article247588445 

IN the Supreme Court . . . Insolvency Jurisdiction . . .
Edward Yeamans, of Melbourne, comedian . . .

"MARRIAGES", The Sydney Morning Herald (14 July 1865), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13115997 

On the 6th May, 1865, at Wellington, New Zealand, by the Rev. J. Moir, W. D. Grey, Esq., to Margaret, youngest daughter of Mr. W. Griffiths, wood carver, Sydney, New South Wales.

"DEATHS", The Sydney Morning Herald (9 March 1867), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13155466 

On the 28th Auguet, 1867, at Leavensworth City, Kansas, North America, Mr. EDWARD YEAMANS, many years connected with the equestrian establishments in these colonies.

"MUMMER MEMOIRS", Sydney Sportsman (22 January 1908), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166734720 

Mrs. Annie Yeamans, the American actress, who was brought up in Australia . . . This grand old woman of the profession, born in the Isle of Man, 72 years ago, is the daughter of William Griffiths, a Welsh singer, and his Manx wife. She was only a year old when her parents emigrated to Sydney, New South Wales, where her father had an engagement in a stock company, which opened Sydney's first theatre. For several years the family moved about Australian towns, the father appearing at several theatres. When Annie was ten years old, say in 1846, she was given a child's part in a play called "The Farmer's Daughter." She took lessons in ballet dancing too, and she can trip it merrily even to-day. At the time of the gold excitement, she was in Melbourne, where she got an engagement with an American circus . . .

"MUMMER MEMOIRS", Sydney Sportsman (27 March 1912), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article168597343 

The mail has brought us notice of the death of Mrs. Annie Yeamans, the grand old woman of the American stage. Though the later years of her life, the greater half, were spent on the American continent, as an actress she belonged to Australia, she having made her first appearance on the stage in this country. This grand old woman - she was recognised as such all over America - was born in the Isle of Man 70 years ago, the daughter of Mr. William Griffiths, a Welsh singer, and his Manx wife. Her parents came to Sydney three-quarters of a century ago, when Annie was but twelve months old, and her father had an engagement in a stock company which opened at the old Victoria Theatre, in Pitt-street. For several years the family moved about Australian towns, not many then, the father appearing at the several theatres. When Annie was ten years old, which would be about 1847, she was given a child's part in an old-fashioned play called "The Farmer's Daughter." She took lessons in ballet dancing, possibly from Jeronymo Carandini, who was then teaching dancing at 158 King-street (1847). At the time of the gold fever, the first fifties, the Griffiths family was in Melbourne, where Annie got an engagement with an American circus . . .

Bibliography and resources:

"ANNIE YEAMANS", Gallery of players from The illustrated American . . . edited by Henry Austin, no. 7 (New York: Lorillard Spencer, 1895), 40

https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_m0sMAQAAMAAJ/page/n327/mode/2up (DIGITISED)

Annie Yeamans, Find a grave

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/37769498/annie-yeamans 

GRIMANI, Antonio (James GRIMANI, Antonio GRIMANI)

Pianist ("from the Milan Opera House"), musician (White Swan, Hobart), violinist

Born c. 1836
Arrived Melbourne, VIC, April 1855 (per George Mashall, from England, age "19") [PROV]
Married Bridget BURNS, Castlemaine, VIC, 28 April 1856
Died near Woods' Point, VIC, June 1864

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Antonio+Grimani+d1864 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GRIMANI-Antonio (shareable link to this entry)

Documentation:

"The late flood", Mount Alexander Mail [Castlemaine, VIC] (15 February 1856), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202631100 

An inquest was held yesterday afternoon upon the body of James Greenstreet, deceased. The unfortunate man was a travelling agent of Mr. Sullivan, of this town, and in returning to Castlemaine on Thursday evening was washed away by the flood. The following depositions were taken at the inquest . . . Antonio Grimani examined: I am a musician, living at Castlemaine. I was at the Junction of the Loddon on the 7th instant. I asked him to give me a ride. He did so. We went on towards Castlemaine . . . After crossing the flood, he gave the reins into my hand and told me to drive on, and that he would go back and see what was the matter with last witness, who was behind. I saw no more of the deceased until this day. I have no doubt the body I saw is that of James Greenstreet. The deceased was intoxicated when he left me to search for his mate . . .

[Advertisement], The Argus (27 December 1856), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7142258

GEORGE MARSHALL,- Mr. James Grimani, violinist, communicate immediately with Campbell Brothers and Co., 9 Market-street.

[Advertisement], The Argus (2 July 1857), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7134593

GRIMANI, JAMES, Music Master, - Messrs. Campbell Brothers and Co , 9 Market street, have news of importance for you, reply at once.

"Government Notices", Otago Daily Times (3 April 1862), 6

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ODT18620403.2.32.2

Information is requested respecting Antonio Grimani, formerly of Stawell, Victoria, who left Lyttleton, Province of Canterbury, in November last, for Dunedin. A letter of importance awaits him art the Office of the Commissioner of Police, Dunedin.

[Advertisement], The Mercury [Hobart, TAS] (16 January 1863), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8814487

THEATRE ROYAL, MR. H. J. HALL, THE GREAT DRAMATIC POLYPHONIST . . .
SIGNOR ANTONIO GRIMANI, from the Milan Opera House, will preside at the Piano Forte, and accompany MR. HALL throughout the Entertainment . . .

"MR. HALL'S ENTERTAINMENT", The Mercury (20 January 1863), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8814585

Although the heavy rain which set in yesterday afternoon, and continued nearly to the hour for opening the Theatre, to some extent affected the attendance in the dress circle, a very good House was attracted last night by the programme put forward by Mr. Hall. And the company was certainly very unanimous and enthusiastic in its approval of the performance. Mr. Hall fully justified all the encomiums that have been passed upon him by the colonial press. His voice is very pleasing, his impersonations remarkably clever and his changes of character astonishingly rapid. An entertainment more varied or better sustained throughout, has never been offered by any artist in Hobart Town, and there is something really wonderful in the energy and spirit with which so trying a role was kept up to the last. Signor Grimani was a most efficient accompanyist on the pianoforte, and contributed greatly to the success of the entertainment, which was brought to a close amid the loud and repeated plaudits of the audience. We trust that Mr. Hall will receive a patronage during his brief stay in Hobart Town, commensurate with his indisputable and rare abilities.

[Advertisement], The Mercury (29 January 1863), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8814851 

THEATRE ROYAL. GRAND MORNING BESPEAK, AND FASHIONABLE DAY ENTERTAINMENT . . . (THIS) THURSDAY AFTERNOON, JANUARY 29, At 3 o'clock p.m. MR. H. J. HALL, in thanking his numerous admirers for the unusually liberal patronage bestowed on his Drawing-Room Monologue, trusts to make this morning performance the most fashionable and pleasant reunion that has taken place for some time here . . . During the 1st and 2nd part of the entertainment, Signor GAGLIARDI will perform a Solo on the flute - O'Cara Memoria, by Caraffa. Signor Antonio GRIMANI will preside at the Pianoforte, and accompany Mr. Hall throughout the Seven Ages of Man . . .

[Advertisement], The Cornwall Chronicle [Launceston, TAS] (30 May 1863), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72195363 

. . . SIGNOR GRIMANI Will accompany Mr. Hall on one of Collard and Collard's double-action Grand Piano-fortes, and perform between the Parts of the Entertainment one of Mr. Thalberg's Solos with variations . . .

[Advertisement], The Mercury (8 July 1863), 8

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8819018 

HALL'S ENTERTAINMENT! For the 105th representation in Tasmania. 40 CHANGES OF DRESS. 30 SONGS AND DANCES. SIGNOR GRIMANI'S SOLOS, much admired . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: H. J. Hall (actor, monologuist, polyphonist, vocalist, dancer); Giacinto Gagliadi (flautist)

[Advertisement], The Mercury (24 July 1863), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8819468 

This day, FRIDAY, 24th July. Orchestrina.
W. A. GUESDON & CO., Will sell by public auction, at the mart, Collins-street, on FRIDAY, 24th inst., at 11 o'clock, AN ORCHESTRINA. This novel and magnificent instrument comprises pianoforte, harmonium, set of flutes, with the addition of triangle pedal, having two keyboards. Each instrument may be placed separately or jointly with any two or more, affording scope for upwards of thirty different arrangements.
The qualities of the piano are first class, both for touch and tone. The harmonium possesses bass and treble arrangement separately for sacred or other music. The flutes comprise a set of 33 boxwood pipes, producing a delightful effect, and when the whole instruments are played in combination, constitute a complete orchestra.
The above will be on view at the mart.
SIGNOR GRIMANI will play selections from different authors.
Terms at sale.

"POLICE COURT, TUESDAY, 3RD NOVEMBER 1863 . . . FELONY", The Mercury (4 November 1863), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8822114

Stephen Bell, Emma Bell, Benjamin Wood, and Mary Ann Phillips were charged . . . with having on the 27th October feloniously stolen a cheque for the payment of £11 11s. 9d., and a silver watch, the goods and chattels of Thomas Powell, and also another cheque for payment of £1, the property of the said Powell. Thomas Powell, farmer, of Tunbridge, deposed: I arrived in town by the coach on the 26th October. I went first to Mr. Watkins's, and from thence to the White Swan, public-house, Liverpool-street. I remained there two or three hours, and had a glass or two of drink. I went from there to the Garrick's Head public-house, accompanied by the pianoforte player Grimani . . . Grimani did not come into the room. He stood at the bar. The other man was still in the room when Bell took the money . . . Cross-examined by Mr. Graves - . . . I had something to drink with Mr. Wilks, but I do not remember having anything with anyone else. I am not sure but that the musician Grimani might have had something. It was after the White Swan was shut up that I went to the Garrick's Head. I remember treating Bell and the musician when I went in, and that was all I shouted for during the evening . . . It was between 12 and 1 o'clock when I went into the Garrick's Head. I did not see Grimani there when I went to bed. Grimani went out directly after I accused Bell of robbing me . . .

"HOBART TOWN AND THE SOUTH. POLICE OFFICE. Tuesday, 3rd November, 1863", The Cornwall Chronicle (11 November 1863) 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article72195452

. . . Thomas Powell was then called and examined - He deposed . . . he first went to Mr. Watkins', and from there to the White Swan, where he stayed for two hours, and during that time had a glass or two; from the White Swan he went to the Garrick's Head, kept by the prisoner Stephen Bell, and was accompanied by Signor Grimani, pianoforte player at the White Swan . . .

"ITEMS OF NEWS", Mount Alexander Mail (18 April 1864), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197441391 

From the Police Gazette, we find that information, is requested of Antonio Grimani, a Neapolitan musician, who, under the name of James Grimani, married Bridget Burns, at Castlemaine, on 28th April, 1856.

"DEATHS", The Argus (6 June 1864), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5749428

GRIMANI.- On his way to Wood's Point, Antonio Grimani, late of Pleasant Creek.

GRIMSHAW, Samuel (Samuel GRIMSHAW)

Bugler, bugle player

Born Hobart, TAS, 23 June 1853; son of William GRIMSHAW (c. 1860) and Ann CRAWLEY (d. 1853)
Active Hobart, TAS, 1864
Died Rookwood Asylum, Sydney, NSW, 1919, aged "67"

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Samuel+Grimshaw+1853-1919 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GRIMSHAW-Samuel (shareable link to this entry)

Documentation:

Births in the district of Hobart, 1853; Tasmanian names index; NAME_INDEXES:957616; RGD33/1/4/ no 2452

https://stors.tas.gov.au/NI/957616k 

https://stors.tas.gov.au/RGD33-1-4$init=RGD33-1-4-P578 (DIGITISED)

Grimshaw [Samuel] . . . 23 June 1853; son of William Grimshaw, labourer, and Ann Crowley [sic] . . .

"THE QUEEN'S ASYLUM. DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES", The Mercury (19 December 1864), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8830048

. . . Shortly after the general body of the children had taken their allotted places the recently organised band of the establishment entered upon the scene, and formed thence forward a prominent and most agreeable feature of the display. The members of the band, 25 in number, and for the most part rather below than above the average size of the inmates, were dressed in a neat uniform of blue with red facings. Their instruments consisted of fifes and drums, and a bugle. The last named instrument was very creditably played by Samuel Grimshaw, the boy who, as will be seen below, took one of the Fox's prizes for the year. Grimshaw acquired his knowledge of bugle playing from the carpenter of the Institution, bugler Luckhurst, of the City Guards. The leader of the band is Bandmaster Campion, also of the City Guards, and the manner in which they executed several pieces of music, including the National Anthem and British Grenadier, was surprisingly good, especially when regarded in connection with the fact that it is only some three months since the band was originated . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Bugler Luckhurst

GROBETY, Edwin (Edward Benjamin GROBETY; Edwin GROBETY; GROBITY; GROBERTY)

Teacher of music, vocalist, organist, convict

Born London, England, c. 1815/16 (? Berne, Switzerland); ? son of Benjamin GROBETY and Ann COOPER
Arrived Sydney, NSW, 21 July 1838 (convict per Bengal Merchant, from London, 24 March)
Married Catherine BRADY (d. 1891), NSW, 20 April 1846
Active Sydney and Campbelltown, NSW, by 1841
Died Campbelltown, NSW, 22 May 1849, aged 33

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Edwin+Grobety+d1849 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GROBETY-Edwin (shareable link to this entry)

Summary:

A Benjamin Graberty [sic] married Ann Cooper, at St. Andrew's church, Holborn, on 14 June 1814. A Benjamin Groberty was a victim of theft in Holborn in 1802.

Edwin Grobety, reportedly aged 21, was found guilty at the Old Bailey on 5 April 1836 of embezzling 20 pounds on the account of George Peachey, his master, a music seller (and later pianoforte maker) of Bishopgate, London. Judgement was respited.

There was an unclaimed letter for "Edwin Grobeti" at Adelaide General Post Office in October 1840, though he probably never set foot there. A letter to the Editor of the Australasian Chronicle in December 1841, concerning a supposedly haunted house at Campbelltown, reports that a "person of the name of Grobety has lived in the same house for two years, and he has never heard these noises until the last week".

He donated 1 pound 1 shilling to St. Patrick's Orphans' School at Windsor, NSW, in June 1841, and later that month was listed among the vocalists at Isaac Nathan's Oratorio in Sydney as "organist to St. Peter's church, Campbelltown" [Episcopalian/Anglican].

At St. John's Catholic church, Campbelltown, in August 1842, it was reported:

The mass of Count Mazzinghi, in B flat, was sung with great precision and taste by the Rev. Messrs. Sumner and Macginnis, and the choir, accompanied on the seraphine by Mr. Grobety, the organist, of Campbelltown. This splendid composition we believe was never before sung in this colony, and we can only say that it was performed with a judgment and ability that did ample justice to the composer.

He married Catherine Brady at Campbelltown in 1846. In 1847, Grobety was Campbelltown agent for Bell's Life.

Documentation:

"OLD COURT, Tuesday, April 5, 1836. 891. Edwin Grobety . . .", Central Criminal Court (1836), 893-94

http://books.google.com.au/books?id=uq0DAAAAQAAJ&pg=RA2-PA893

http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/browse.jsp?div=t18360404-891

Second Jury before Mr. Sergeant Arabin. 891. EDWIN GROBETY was indicted for embezzling the sum of 20l., which he had received on account of George Peachey, his master; second COUNT, for larceny. Mr. CLARKSON conducted the prosecution.
GEORGE PEACHEY. I am a music seller, and live in Bishopsgatestreet. The prisoner was in my service-on the 5th of February, I delivered him three Lewes Bank-notes, one of £10 and two of £5 payable at Esdailes - he was to get Bank-notes of the same amount for them, and turn to me with them - he went between two and five o'clock in the afternoon - he did not return - I went to Esdaile's to make inquiry, but did not find him till the 14th of February - on the 9th of February, I received this letter from him, which I know to be his handwriting - it came me by the post, with the bill enclosed.

Cross-examined by MR. PAYNE. Q. How long had he been in your service? A. About four months. I had a very good character with him. I know he lived with respectable people before me, I believe the bill to be in his writing - he always bore a good character - (letter read.)

"Sir,- Deeply regretting what I have done, and knowing of no other way of repaying you, I have enclosed a bill for the amount, which is payable at the regular time; I candidly confess to you that I left England this morning, for New York, previous to which I wrote this letter. I shall, notwithstanding, cause the money, to be left at Curtis's for you at the right [894] time. Consider, Sir, I have no intention of injuring you; but, had I not left you when I did, I should have been arrested the next day for a bill over due, which I was obliged to draw; but in this, Sir, you will not be deceived. I hope all proceedings will be stayed, by this bill, as I hope that if I deceive you in the payment I may suffer for it - that you will pardon the wrong I have done; I hope you will - trusting on your known kindness, I am now on my way to New York, having procured a situation there, by which means I will pay you - if possible I will pay before the ten months are expired, if not then, punctually at the time. Please receipt this bill in a letter to my father, and, for God's sake, dear Sir, do not expose me, as by means of your money I shall, and have been, able to procure a responsible situation, and by which I shall be able to pay you. If you take proceedings through my being abroad, it will only cause you expense, and debar you for ever from your right. I consider, now Sir, that I have but borrowed the money, believing that your kindness, though shamefully abused by me, will be repaid by this bill, and hoping for the forgiveness of God and man, I regret deeply the shameful conduct I have taken.-
Yours sincerely. E. GROBETY. Feb. 7, 1836.

Being obliged to pass through Bristol, whilst in that I town, wrote this letter, being the last and first place I was in before I left England. Bill due, December 10th, 1836.
London, February 7th, 1836.- Ten months after date, pay to my order twenty pounds, value received.- £20 0 0. Accepted payable at Curtis and Co., bankers, London. -
E. B. GROBETY. Mr. George Peachey, music-seller, 73, Bishopsgate-within, London.

Charles Evans. I am a clerk in Esdaile's house, in Lombard-street. On the 5th of February change was given for a £10 and two £5 notes, of the Lewes Bank - one of the notes I have now in my hand.

Cross-examined. Q. Whose writing is this on the note? A. One of our clerks - we do not know which of the clerks paid the notes.

MR. PEACHEY re-examined. I know this note by the paper being pasted at the back.

Prisoner. I plead guilty.

(Mr. Blundell, solicitor in the Temple, and John Matthews, of New Inn, Old Bailey, gave the prisoner a good character.)

GUILTY, Aged 21. - Recommended to mercy by the Jury and Prosecutor. Judgment Respited.

ASSOCIATIONS: On George Peachey, see http://www.lieveverbeeck.eu/Pianoforte-makers_England_p.htm 

Newgate calendar of prisoners, 1836, for Edwin Grobetty; UK National Archives

https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/61811/images/61811_ho77_043-00116 (PAYWALL)

No. 15 / Edwin Grobetty / 21 / Labourer / [committed by / The Lord Mayor / [When committed] Mar. 19 / Stealing monies, value 20l, of George Peachey, his master / [tried] Apr. 5 / [before] Serj't Arabin / Guilty / Judgment respited

List of 270 male convicts, by the ship Bengal Merchant (3), William Campbell, master; J. Noott, surgeon-superintendent, arrived from England, 21st July, 1838; State Records Authority of NSW

https://www.ancestry.com.au/interactive/2024/32082_223781__0002-00044 (PAYWALL)

38-936 / 40 / Groberty, Edwin / 23 / R & W / Protestant / Native Place: London / Music Teacher (piano-forte) / Sentence: 14 years / Former Conviction: 3 months / Height: 5' 3" / Complexion: fair; ruddy / Colour of Hair: sandy / Eyes: grey / Particular Marks / Scars / Remarks: small scare outside left eye; raised mole on left jaw; finger nails short

[Advertisement], South Australian (20 October 1840), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71620193

General Post Office, Adelaide. LIST OF LETTERS lying Unclaimed . . . Grobeti, Edwin . . .

"The Oratorio", The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser (2 July 1841), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32189723 

This Festival, to which the musical portion of the community of the colony had been looking forward for so long a time with the greatest interest, took place in St. Mary's Cathedral, on Wednesday the 30th ultimo . . . we give a list of those artists by whom it was executed . . . Mr. Bushelle, Mr. Nathan, Mr. Worgan, Mr. Griffiths, Mr. Edwin Grobety (organist to St. Peter's church, Campbelltown), Mr. Boyce, Mr. Rigby, Mr. Allen, Mr. Falchon . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Isaac Nathan

"GHOSTS AT CAMPBELLTOWN", Australasian Chronicle (2 December 1841), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31733597

Mr. Editor - Having observed a letter in your paper of Saturday last, concerning my house, in Campbelltown, being disturbed at nights by unusual noises, &c., I beg leave, through the medium of your columns, to reply to the same, as such a report may tend to injure me in my business, and also those who are now living in the same house . . . A person of the name of Grobety has lived in the same house for two years, and he has never heard these noises until the last week; as also a respectable lady, Mrs. Kenny, who is a tenant of mine, and during the long time she has lived here has never been disturbed until these few days; when suddenly reports were circulated that a ghost was heard, but not seen, and the good people of our town have been terrified out of their wits by the "great unknown" . . .
I remain your obedient servant, JAMES SHEIL. Campbelltown, November 29, 1841.

"THE FESTIVAL OF ST. AUGUSTIN, AT CAMPBELLTOWN", Australasian Chronicle (23 August 1842), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31736951

At an early hour this morning (Wednesday) our little town presented a most animating sight. From all parts of the neighbourhood might be seen hundreds of happy faces, every person dressed in his Sunday suit, wending his steps towards the church of St. John, which was soon filled to excess; indeed so great was the press for room that numbers were compelled to remain outside the doors, through the disappointment of not being able to procure sittings. At half-past eleven o'clock the service of the mass commenced by a most beautiful chorus in the key of G major, which was given with fine effect; immediately afterwards the Rev. N. Coffey officiated as high priest, assisted by the Very Rev. the Vicar General, and the Rev. Messrs. McEvoy and Grant, as deacon and subdeacon. The mass of Count Mazzinghi, in B flat, was sung with great precision and taste by the Rev. Messrs. Sumner and Macginnis, and the choir, accompanied on the seraphine by Mr. Grobety, the organist, of Campbelltown. This splendid composition we believe was never before sung in this colony, and we can only say that it was performed with a judgment and ability that did ample justice to the composer. The various parts in this mass (which is composed for a treble, tenor, and bass) are most happily blended, and the modulations are extremely beautiful; the "Gloria in excelsis" is altogether a masterpiece of art. The whole of this movement, together with the "Kyrie Eleison," is in B flat, thence it proceeds by a most beautiful change to modulate in the key of E flat major, and thence by a skilful arrangement into C major. The grandest piece in this mass was the "Credo" in B flat, and had it been sung by a large choir, it would no doubt have had a more pleasing effect; however, as it was, allowing for the limited number of voices, it was well sung, and the entire service was concluded in a superb manner . . . There were seventeen clergymen present at the celebration of this festival. In the evening the Very Rev. the Vicar General sung the vespers, assisted as in the morning by the choir, who performed their part most efficiently. We only regret the limited number of singers, and the want of a constant steady practice, and if that were to be attended to Campbelltown would vie with Sydney. As it was, the musical services of the day were excellently performed, considering the many difficulties they had to encounter. The collection amounted to about £20. - Correspondent.

ASSOCIATIONS: Patrick Magennis (priest, vocalist); John Spencer (cleric, vocalist)

MUSIC: Mass for three voices (Mazzinghi)

[Notice], New South Wales Government Gazette (9 August 1844), 1009

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230676970 

Principal Superintendent of Convict's Office, Sydney, 7th August, 1844.
THE undermentioned Prisoners of the Crown have obtained Tickets of Leave since the last day of publication: . . .
COUNTY OF CUMBERLAND. CAMPBELLTOWN. Groberty Edwin, Bengal Merchant 3 . . .

Convict permission of marry, April 1846; State Records Authority of NSW

https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/1504/images/30514_081753-00357 (PAYWALL)

Edwin Groberty / 31 / Beng. Merchant / 14 years / 20 April [1846] / [by] Father Goold Campbelltown
Catherine Brady / 22 / China / Free / . . .

"Campbelltown (From a Correspondent)", Sydney Chronicle (2 September 1846), 2-3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31748774

Our little town, was quite alive on Wednesday last, that being the day appointed for the celebration of high mass, which took place with great solemnity. The church was crowded at an early hour, and numbers of persons, of different persuasions, might be seen wending their way to St. John's Church, which was thronged in every part; and shortly after the hour stated, the solemn service commenced . . . [3] . . . After the sermon high mass was proceeded with, the Rev. Mr. Sumner kindly assisting in the choir. I am happy to add testimony to the efficiency of our band of singers, who, although very young, acquitted themselves with great credit and ability, conducted by Mr. Grobety, who presided at the organ . . . After high mass was concluded, a bazaar was held at the Catholic school-house . . . We must not forget to add that the tones of a splendid pianoforte, which was kindly lent by a Protestant gentleman for the occasion, greatly enhanced the pleasure of the scene . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Joseph Sumner (priest, vocalist)

"AGENTS FOR THIS JOURNAL", Bell's Life in Sydney (24 April 1847), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59768208

EDWIN GROBETY, Campbelltown.

Conditional pardon, Edwin Groberty [sic], 1 February 1849; State Records Authority of NSW

https://www.ancestry.com/imageviewer/collections/1657/images/40796_294193-00065 (PAYWALL)

[Notice], New South Wales Government Gazette (23 March 1849), 468-69

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article230365147 

Colonial Secretary's Office, Sydney, 19th March, 1849.
CONDITIONAL PARDONS. HIS Excellency the Governor directs it to be notified, that Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to authorise the issue . . . of Pardons to the undermentioned persons, on condition that, during the remainder of their respective sentences, they do not return to the Countries or Colonies below particularly specified. By His Excellency's Command, E. DEAS THOMSON.
Pardons available everywhere, save in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Dated 1st February, 1849 . . .
[269] . . . Groberty Edwin, Bengal Merchant 3 . . .

"DEATHS", The Sydney Morning Herald (25 May 1849), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12907750

At his residence, Campbelltown, on the 22nd instant, Mr. Edwin Grobity, aged 33 years, formerly of Berne, Switzerland, and for many years organist at St. John's Church, in this town, after a short and painful illness of three days, much regretted by all who knew him; leaving a wife and two young children to deplore their loss.

"DIED", Freeman's Journal (24 March 1866), 184

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115453652 

On Wednesday, the 14th instant, at Pyrmont, Annie Mary Grobety, only daughter of the late Mr. Edwin Grobety, of Campbell Town, N. S. W., and granddaughter of the late Mr. T. Brady, of Limerick, Ireland, age 17.

"Deaths", The Sydney Morning Herald (5 September 1891), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13837584 

GROBETY. - Of your charity, pray for the soul of C. Grobety, daughter of the late T. Brady, Limerick, Ireland, who died at her residence, 82 Rose-street, South Sydney, on the 4th instant, aged 71. Buried on Sunday at Campbelltown.

Bibliography and resources:

E. J. Lea-Scarlett, "Music, choir and organ", in Patrick O'Farrell (ed.), St. Mary's Cathedral Sydney, 1821-1971 ([Sydney]: Devonshire Press for St. Mary's Cathedral, 1971), 161

https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/10488026

Colin F. Fowler, 150 Years of Pyrmont Peninsula: The Catholic Community of St. Bede 1867-2017 (Adelaide: ATF Theology, 2018), 86-91

https://books.google.com.au/books?id=HvCjDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA87 (PREVIEW)

Edwin Groberty, convict, Bengal Merchant, 1838; Convict records

https://convictrecords.com.au/convicts/groberty/edwin/40569 

Edward Benjamin Groberty, 23 May 1849 (aged 33–34), St John's Catholic Church Cemetery, Campbelltown, NSW

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/182565429 

GROCOTT, Alonzo (Alonzo GROCOTT; A. GROCOTT) see main page Alonzo GROCOTT

GROCOTT, James Turner (James Turner GROCOTT; J. T. GROCOTT) see main page James Turner GROCOTT

GROENEWALD, Jacop (Jacop GROENEWALD)

Upper-trumpeter (ship Batavia)

Active WA, 1629
Died Wallabi Group, Houtman Abrolhos, WA, 5 July 1629

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GROENEWALD-Jacop (shareable link to this entry)

See chronicle entry:

https://www.sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/chronicle1542-1800.php#1629-06-04-Batavia 

Bibliography and resources:

Csilla E. Ariese, Databases of the people aboard the VOC ships Batavia (1629) and Zeewijk (1727) - An analysis of the potential for finding the Dutch castaways' human remains in Australia (Fremantle: Australian National Centre of Excellence for Maritime Archaeology, 2012)

https://openaccess.leidenuniv.nl/handle/1887/23580

https://trove.nla.gov.au/version/187154703

Ralph J. G. Henssen, Trompetters en tamboers in de Zeeuwse zeevaart ten tijde van de Republiek: plichten en Praktijken (thesis, Utrecht University, 2011)

http://dspace.library.uu.nl/handle/1874/204412 

GROOM, James (James GROOM)

Dancer

Active Sydney, NSW, 1837

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GROOM-James (shareable link to this entry)

Documentation:

[News], The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (6 April 1837), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2210294 

We have made it an invariable rule never to criticise upon the dramatic performances on benefit nights, for reasons peculiarly our own; but when we see not only talent, but precocious talent, and when that talent is purely Australian, we take a very different view of the subject. Those observations are called forth by having witnessed, upon the night of Mr. Dyball's benefit, a respectable Australian youth, named James Groom, a pupil we understand of Fitzgerald's, and unquestionably a votary of Terpsichore, perform a Naval Hornpipe in such style as to call forth not only the applause of the house generally, but the dress circle in particular, who encored it.

ASSOCIATIONS: Mr. Dyball (actor); Dennis Fitzgerald (dancer); Theatre Royal (Sydney venue)

GROSE, Francis (Francis GROSE; Major GROSE; Colonel GROSE)

Soldier, commandant NSW Corps, lieutenant governor, founder of the Band of the NSW Corps

Born England, 1756; baptised Hackington, Kent, 2 June 1856; son of Francis GROSE (1731-1791) and Catherine JORDAN
Arrived Sydney, NSW, 6 February 1792 (per Pitt, from Gravesend, 5 June, and Portsmouth, 12 June 1791)
Departed Sydney, NSW, 17 December 1794 (per Daedalus, for England)
Married (2) Elizabeth PATERSON, Bath, England, 28 March 1814
Died Croydon, Surrey, England, 8 May 1814, aged "56"; buried St. John, Croydon, 13 May

http://nla.gov.au/nla.party-1462095 (NLA persistent identifier)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Francis_Grose_(British_Army_officer) (Wikipedia)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GROSE-Francis (shareable link to this entry)

ASSOCIATIONS: Band of the NSW Corps (military band); William Paterson (successor in command in Sydney)

Documentation ( Francis Grose senior):

"CHAPTER IV. Of Military Musick", in Francis Grose, Military antiquities, respecting a history of the English army from the conquest to the present time . . . vol. 2 (London: T. Egerton, 1801), 41-50

https://books.google.com.au/books?id=Sm9oAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA41 (DIGITISED)

https://books.google.com.au/books?id=Sm9oAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA50 (DIGITISED)

[50] . . . Of late years, in addition to the drums and fifes, each regiment of infantry has had its band of musick. The instruments are chiefly hautbois, clarinets, French horns, bassoons, trumpets, cymbals, and in some the tabor and pipe. The band is usually composed of men borne upon the establishment of the regiment as privates, and allowed some additional pay from the non-effective fund of the field officers and captains of companies. These officers also defray the charge for instruments, extra clothing, musick, &c.; though in many corps the money paid for discharges has been applied to the support of the regimental band.

Documentation:

[5 June 1789] "WARRANT FOR RAISING NEW SOUTH WALES CORPS", Historical records of New South Wales, vol. 2 (Sydney: Charles Potter, 1893), 422

https://books.google.com.au/books?id=rb4NAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA422 (DIGITISED)

George R. / Whereas we have thought proper to direct that a corps of foot shall be forthwith raised, which is intended to be stationed in New South Wales, to consist of four companies, with three serjeants, three corporals, two drummers, and sixty-seven private men in each, with the usual commanding officers. These are to authorise you, by beat of drum or otherwise, to raise so many men in any country or part of our Kingdom of Great Britain as shall be wanted to complete the said corps to the above-mentioned numbers. Given, &c., 5th June 1789, in twenty-ninth year of our reign.
By his Majesty's command, Geo. Yonge.
To our trusty and well-beloved Francis Grose, Esq. Major-Commandant of a corps of foot to be herewith raised.

[14 February 1792] David Collins, An account of the English colony in New South Wales . . . (London: Printed for T. Cadall jun. and W. Davies, 1798), 201

https://books.google.com.au/books?id=yOpOAQAAIAAJ&pg=PA201 (DIGITSED)

On Tuesday the 14th [February 1792] the signal was made for a sail, and shortly after the Pitt, Captain Edward Manning, anchored in the cove from England. She sailed the 17th of last July from Yarmouth Roads, and had rather a long passage, touching at St. Iago, Rio de Janeiro, and the Cape of Good Hope. She had on board Francis Grose, Esq. the lieutenant-governor of the settlements, and major-commandant of the New South Wales corps, one company of which, together with the adjutant and surgeon's mate, came out with him.

Copy of letter from David Collins, Sydney, 7 March 1793, to Philip Gidley King, Norfolk Island (complete); State Library of New South Wales, Philip Gidley King papers, letter book, SAFE/C 188 (Safe 1/323) (microfilm CY 891), 141-42

https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/record/9gkdwjk9 

[141] [in margin] From Mr. Collins per Chesterfield

Sydney, New So. Wales 7th Mar. 1793

Sir, I am directed by Lieut't Governor Grose to acquaint you that the Chesterfield, Mr. Mathew Bowles Alt, Master, will carry to you some Salt'd Provisions, Wheat, and other Articles, of which the Commissary will send you the Particulars, and which are sent by this Convenience to guard against the Possibility of your wanting them.

As Mr. Alt is paid for the Run, and it is an Object with him to return immediately to this Port, the Lieut't Governor wishes he may be dispatched without any delay, after having received your Certificate of his having fulfilled that Part of his Agreement which relates to your Settlement.

A Copy of his Engagement is enclosed to show you that he may bring back and Persons you may wish, limiting their Numbers so as not to endanger the safety of his ship. The Lieut't Governor wishes that Kerr, a Convict, (who was formerly Master of a Regimental Band of Musick) may be sent hither in order to his being emancipated, and enlisted to serve in the New South Wales Corps; and that Mr. Alt may not be detained for him, or for any other Person you may wish to send at the same time, he wishes they may be put on board previous to the last Day's loading of the Cargo.

The Lieutenant Governor wishes that Kerr may be given to understand that he need not leave Norfolk Island unless he is willing to enlist in the Corps, where he will be employed in the Regimental Band, and that to prevent any Mistake, or Disappointment, to Kerr, he must take Notice that, one of the [142] Conditions of this Emancipation is his enlisting in the Corps, and in consequence of some Promises that the Lieut't Governor has made, and of some Recommendations he has received, he has no objection to receiving him into the Band if he consent to enter into the Corps.

The Daedalus will be dispatched to you with further Supplies, as soon after her Arrival (which is daily expected) as she can be got ready. -

I am, &c'a - David Collins

[To] Lieut't Governor King

Copy of letter from Philip Gidley King, Norfolk Island, 30 March 1793, to Francis Grose, Sydney (relevant extract only); State Library of New South Wales, Philip Gidley King papers, letter book, SAFE/C 188 (Safe 1/323) (microfilm CY 891), 142 (-44)

https://collection.sl.nsw.gov.au/record/9gkdwjk9 

[142] [in margin] To L't Gov'r Grose per Chesterfield

Norfolk Island, 30th March 1793

Sir, By the Chesterfield which arrived off this Island the 19th Instant, I received a letter from Mr. Collins . . . .

The uniform, and constant good Behaviour of George Kerr, warrants my recommending him to your Protection. He very readily enlisted on the Conditions you were pleased to hold out to him; and altho' I suffer an inconvenience in losing him, yet, I am highly satisfied at the Prospect he has of meriting your Protection and Favor, and I am much mistaken if he forfeits either by improper Behaviour.

. . . [144] . . . I have the honor &c'a - Philip Gidley King -

[To] Lieut't Governor Grose -

ASSOCIATIONS: David Collins (chief legal officer, civil assistant to Grose as lieutenant governor); Philip Gidley King (lieutenant governor, Norfolk Island); Mathew Bowles Alt (arrived as midshipman with the First Fleet, master of the Chesterfield; promoted lieutenant 1795; last served as commanding officer of the Rochester, 1806-09; died 1836); see this correspondence also in John Cobley, Sydney Cove 1793-1795: the spread of settlement [vol. 4] (Sydney: Angus & Robertson, 1983), 17

Vista de la Colonia Ynglesa de Sydney en la Nueva Gales Meridional; Fernando Brambila, fecit. [Sydney, 1793]; Madrid, c. 1795-99

[With the NSW Corps on parade on the westside of the quay, and government house at top right on the east]

ASSOCIATIONS: Fernando Brambila (artist, Malaspina expedition)

"Reception of the [Spanish] officers in Botany Bay [sic]" ["Recibimiento de los oficiales en Bahía Botánica"], watercolour sketch by Juan Ravanet (member of Malaspina expedition), Sydney, March 1793; Museo de América, Madrid

http://ceres.mcu.es/pages/Main?idt=1559&inventary=02354&table=FMUS&museum=MAM (DIGITISED)

Detail from the above, the Band of the New South Wales Corps, playing (from right to left) what appear to be 2 clarinets or oboes, bassoon and horn

[March-April 1793] Pedro de Novo y Colson (ed.), Viaje político-científico alrededor del mundo por las corbetas Descubierta y Atrevida al mando de los capitanes de naví o D. Alejandro Malaspina y Don José de Bustamante y Guerra desde 1789 á 1794 (Madrid: Imprenta de la viuda e hijos de Abienzo, 1885), 255

https://archive.org/stream/cihm_15573#page/n329/mode/2up (DIGITISED)

. . . El tiempo favoreció mucho el primer convite á bordo de la DESCUBIERTA en donde se hicieron al Mayor Grose los honores de Teniente General embarcado y además se acompañaron con salvas los siguientes tres brindis:
1.o El Rey de Inglaterra, el Rey de España y ambas Reales familias.
2.o El Comodoro Philipps, el Mayor Grose y la prosperidad de la colonia.
3.o Las señoras que nos favorecí an con su presencia.
Todos los convidados repitieron el brindis, anteponiendo el Rey de España al Rey de Inglaterra; hicieron eco á estos sentimientos de cariño y de respeto los ¡viva el Rey! de la marinerí a, y la música del regimiento tocando al mismo tiempo el aria God Save the King dio á esta escena agradable y tierna todo el semblante majestuoso que merecí a: el tiempo lluvioso y con viento algo arrafagado no permitió ai dia siguiente que las señoras concurriesen á bordo de la ATREVIDA pero no faltó otro alguno de los convidados; se hicieron al Mayor Grose los mismos honores del dí a anterior y se renovaron los mismos brindis.

See also Malaspina (Novo y Colson) 1885 (second edition), 255

https://archive.org/stream/cihm_15573#page/n325/mode/2up (DIGITISED)

See also The Malaspina expedition, 1789-1794 . . . volume 3, Manila to Cadiz (London: Hakluyt Society, 2004), 78 (English translation, Sylvia Jamieson)

. . . [T]he first to the King of England, the King of Spain and both Royal Families; the second to Commodore Phillip, Major Grose, and the prosperity of the colony; and the third to the ladies who favoured us with their presence. As was to be expected, all our guests repeated the toast naming the King of Spain before the King of England. The crew echoed these sentiments of affection and respect with their "Long live the King" while the regimental band played the anthem "God Save the King", which lent all appropriate dignity to this pleasant and affectionate scene . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Alejandro Malaspina (Spanish navigator, visitor)

GROSSE, Miss (Miss GROSSE; Miss E. GROSSE)

Musician, teacher of the pianoforte

Active Adelaide, SA, 1855

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GROSSE-Miss (shareable link to this entry)

Documentation:

[Advertisement], South Australian Register (1 December 1855), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49296565 

MUSIC - LESSONS - on the PIANO-FORTE by MISS GROSSE. Address - Miss Grosse, at Mr. Bower's, timber merchant, St. Vincent street. Port Adelaide.

[Advertisement], South Australian Register (2 July 1861), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article50083436 

PIANOFORTE TUITION. - MISS E. GROSSE is desirous of attending Pupils in Town or Port.
Terms moderate: Address J. Grosse, Port Adelaide.

GROSSI, Enrico (Enrico GROSSI; Signor GROSSI)

Musician, baritone vocalist, composer

Born Mantua, Italy, c. 1828
Arrived Melbourne, VIC, 4/5 November 1857 (per South Carolina, from Liverpool, England, "Henry Grossie, 29") [PROV]
Departed Sydney, NSW, 11 January 1862 (per Iconium, for San Francisco)
Died San Francisco, California, USA, 9 July 1866, aged "38"

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Enrico+Grossi+d1866 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GROSSI-Enrico (shareable link to this entry)

Summary:

Grossi arrived in Melbourne in November 1857, probably with Maggiorotti, both of them appearing in concert that month with Miska Hauser (his farewell benefit) and G. V. Brooke.

having made his local operatic debut in Ernani at the Theatre Royal, Launceston, with Maria Carandini and Lewis Lavenu, Grossi appeared regularly in opera during 1858 and the following years.

He left for San Francisco in company with Eugenio and Giovanna Bianchi and John Gregg in January 1862.

He continued to tour with the Bianchis until his death in 1866.

Documentation:

"MOVIMENTO THEATRALE", L'omnibus pittoresco (19 November 1853), 312

https://books.google.com.au/books?id=mtjPehHCvE4C&pg=PA312 (DIGITISED)

. . . Altro buffo comico, Enrico Grossi . . .

"Mantova", L'Italia musicale (8 November 1854), 355

https://books.google.com.au/books?id=iWV1B8RyxEsC&pg=PA355 (DIGITISED)

. . . dall'artista Enrico Grossi ch'ebbe applausi . . .

"CONCERTS BY THE ITALIAN BAND", York Herald [England] (3 January 1857), 10

On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings last, the celebrated band of the Anglo-Italian Legion, recently stationed in York barracks, gave two grand concerts in the Theatre-Royal, in this city, to respectable audiences. On these occasions the above band fully sustained its former repute, and selections from the most eminent composers were played with such great ability - an ability peculiar to the Italians, as far as music is concerned - as to obtain for them renewed and enthusiastic plaudits from all parts of the house. Signor Carnavelli was again the conductor of the band, but the concerts were not confined to the performances of the latter, excellent though they might be, but the services of some able vocalists were prudently introduced. Those vocalists were Signora Martinetti, Signor Grossi, and Signor Borelli, and the warmth with which their singing was received testified to its excellence. Mr. G. Hopkinson presided at the pianoforte. Not the least interesting part of the performances was the brilliant execution by individual members of the band on the clarionet, oboe, and other instruments. The Lord Mayor, under whose patronage the concerts were given, was present on Wednesday evening.

"CONCERTS AT THE THEATRE", The Yorkshire gazette (3 February 1857), 3

The splendid band of the Anglo-Italian Legion, recently stationed at York Barracks, have given in the Theatre Royal a series of three excellent concerts of vocal and instrumental music during the present week, namely, on the evenings of Tuesday, Wednesday, and yesterday, under the patronage of the Right Hon. the Lord Mayor . . . The instrumental pieces were diversified by vocal music, the singers being Signora Martinetti, a soprano of ability and good voice, and Signors Grossi and Talbo, baritones, both vocalists of much professional skill . . .

"SIGNOR GIUSEPPE OPERTI'S ANNUAL CONCERT", Morning Advertiser [London] (20 July 1857), 3

On Friday night Signor Giuseppe Operti gave his annual grand vocal and instrumental concert, in the Queen's Concert-rooms, Hanover-square, under the patronage of her Grace the Duchess of Hamilton and her Grace the Duchess of Wellington . . . We ought not to forget the names of Madame Bellosio, Russelli, and Martinetti, as well as Signors Grossi, Ista, Aunoni, Kini, and Mercuriali.

Australia (5 November 1857 to 11 January 1862):

[Advertisement], The Argus (20 November 1857), 8

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7142307 

THEATRE ROYAL. MR. G. V. BROOKE . . . MISKA HAUSER . . . TOMORROW EVENING, SATURDAY, 21st . . . Signor MAGGIOROTTI and Signor ENRICO GROSSI, from the Grand Opera La Scala, San Carlo, and Her Majesty's, London, will make their first appearance in these colonies in a GRAND LYRIC ENTERTAINMENT . . .

"THEATRE ROYAL", The Argus (23 November 1857), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7142369

Two candidates for public approbation made their appearance on these boards on Saturday evening, in a lyrical entertainment provided for that purpose. These were Signori Maggiorotti and Grossi; both of them natives, we believe, of the city which gave Madlle. Piccolimini to the English stage. Signor Maggiorotti has been singing with Miss Catherine Hayes, both in Europe and the West Indies . . . Signor Grossi, the baritone, only sang in the duett, and we must await another opportunity of hearing him before pronouncing an opinion upon his pretensions as a vocalist.

"THEATRE ROYAL", Bell's Life in Victoria and Sporting Chronicle (28 November 1857), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201377964 

Mr. Brooke has been playing a round of characters through the week; but the principal event has been the farewell benefit of Miska Hauser, which took place on Wednesday evening, on which occasion South Yarra and the Gardiner's creek road mustered in force, and were really delighted out of their languor by the fantasias of the gifted artist. Two Italian singers, Signors Maggiorotti and Grossi, made their debut on Saturday night. The former gentleman possesses a basso voice of some power, and is really excellent as a buffo siuger. Signor Grossi has a vory handsome person, but an ineffective organ.

"PUBLIC AMUSEMENTS", The Argus (30 November 1857), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7142743 

. . . At the Princess's, Madame Carandini, and MM. Laglaise, Coulon, Maggiorrotti, Grossi, and Lavenu will give a grand concert, embracing selections from Il Trovatore, La Traviata, &c. . . .

"MELBOURNE NEWS (From Tuesday's Papers)", Bendigo Advertiser (2 December 1857), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87977212 

A concert was held at the Mechanics' Institute on Tuesday evening, for the benefit of Mr. J. W. Morgan, which, taking into consideration the attractions elsewhere, was exceedingly well attended. The great novelty in the programme of the evening was the basso duet, from "Marino Faliero," sung by Signor Grossi and Mr. John Gregg . . .

"THEATRE ROYAL", The Cornwall Chronicle (Launceston, TAS) (12 December 1857), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65729504

The Theatre, especially the Dress Circle, was pretty well filled on Wednesday evening, when Madame Carandini, Monsieurs Laglaise, Coulon, Signor Grossi, Mr. Kohler and M. Lavenue made their first appearance there . . . it must also be admitted, that the acknowledged great abilities of Monsieurs Coulon, Laglaise, or Signor Grossi, were not appreciated as they would have been, if they had put more of "Farquharson," and less of "Lablache." "Mario," or "Belletti" in the programme, [than] their Continental style, talented though it be . . .

"OPERA AT THE THEARTE ROYAL", The Cornwall Chronicle (19 December 1857), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65727836 

For the credit of the people of Launceston, who may lay claim to be a community imbued with taste for a higher class of music than has hitherto been obtained here, it is unfortunate that they do not evince that taste, in patronising much more extensively than they do, the highly talented artistes who appeared on Wednesday evening in Verdi's really splendid Opera, of Ernani - splendid at least as far as the music is concerned, which is its life essence, for the plot is not natural or good in any sense. The dress and upper boxes were tolerably well filled on Wednesday evening; but last night the audience was not so numerous to hear and see Donizetti's Comic Opera of Don Pasquale produced, however, those who were present, highly appreciated the abilities of Madame Carandini, Monsieurs Laglaise and Coulon and Signor Grossi, aided so ably by Messrs. Lavenu and Kohler . . . Ernani will be repeated on Monday evening, when it is to be hoped there will be a house crowded from pit to ceiling, with an intelligent audience to witness and appreciate the production of the most charming Opera ever performed in the colony. The Opera season at Sydney was commenced with the same splendid piece, last March, and it was received there with wonder, delight, and applause.

"MUSIC AND DRAMA. THE OPERA", Sydney Mail (14 July 1860), 8

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article166695031 

On Monday evening the performance at the Prince of Wales Theatre comprised the first and third acts of La Traviata, the grand duet from Linda di Chamounix, "Di quel di," a national song, by Signor Grossi, "Viva Italia e Garibaldi," the Irish ballad, "Molly Asthore," by Miss Hamilton, and the third act of the opera of Ernani. On Tuesday the opera was under the patronage of his Excellency the Governor-General, when the three first acts of Macbeth, and the third - or "Miserere" - act of Trovatore, were produced. On Thursday the opera of Attila was announced for the benefit of Monsieur Coulon. A misunderstanding arose between M. Coulon and the lessee, and that gentleman's part was sustained by Signor Grossi.

[News], Empire (7 November 1860), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60501314

Signor Grossi has more than ordinary claims on the musical public, and we hope to see the Temperance Hall crowded to-morrow evening, on the occasion of his first benefit in Sydney. His services in connection with the Bianchi opera troupe must be fresh in the memories of all - the spirited manner in which he always endeavoured to contribute to the success of the scene, whether engaged as a principal actor, or, more subordinately, in the chorus. He always did his best, and that best was always good. The antecedents of this gentleman are such as could not have fallen to the lot of an inferior artist. At Drury Lane he played Oroveso to Grisi's Norma. At Liverpool he played Don Pasquale with Garcia, and, with Formes and Mario, Don Bartolo in the Barber of Seville. He has been connected with all the opera troupes in the four colonies, commencing with Lavenu and Carandini. He was seven months at the Royal Copenhagen Theatre, with Bosio. He can also sing of arms. At the battle of Novara, he was Lieutenant in the Sardinian Lancers, and in the Crimea distinguished himself as Serjeant-Major of the second battalion of the British German Legion, Missori, now the well-known Aid-de-camp of Garibaldi, holding the same position in the third. Grossi was a severe loser by the Prince of Wales fire, almost the whole of his very valuable wardrobe having been destroyed. His good nature in aiding his brother artists at their entertainments is well known; no matter who might refuse, Grossi was always to be depended on, and what he did he did with all his heart. He is singularly free from all petty jealousy; in fact, he never seems to think of himself. Since the close of the opera season he has often appeared in public, but never for his own benefit, so that now when he makes his first appeal it ought to be met with a hearty response. He has an attractive programme which will include the performances of Madame Sara Flower, the Misses Howson, and Messrs. Farquharson, Brooks, Packer, Marmaduke Wilson, and others. These, with himself, who is a host, cannot fail to furnish an entertainment worthy of the most extensive patronage.

"DON PASQUALE", South Australian Weekly Chronicle (6 April 1861), 1 supplement

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article90031345 

Donizetti's grand comic opera Don Pasquale was produced on Tuesday evening at the Victoria Theatre. There was an extremely limited attendance, but the piece was very well played. Signor Grossi, in the character of Don Pasquale, particularly deserved praise; and Miss Harland, as Nerina, sung with great sweetness and acted with good effect. Dr. Malatasta [sic] found an excellent representative in Mr. John Gregg, and the tenor part, Ernesto, was very well sung and acted by Signor Bianchi.

"SIGNORA AND SIGNOR BIANCHI'S FAREWELL CONCERT", Adelaide Observer (15 June 1861), 2 supplement

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158181291 

The Italian vocalists gave a farewell concert at White's Room on Thursday evening. It was well attended, though not so fully as their benefit concert a week before. His Excellency the Governor and Lady MacDonnell were present, and the company was of very high respectability. : Besides the usual performers, Signor Bianchi had on this occasion enlisted the services of Mr. R. B. White, who gratified the audience by several beautiful pieces on the violin. Another novelty was a "Hymn (or "Inno," as the programme has it - rather needlessly blending two languages) of Glory, expressly composed in honour of Lieutenant Sutherland, the successful competitor for the championship of the colonies." This little piece, of which we understand that Signor Grossi claims to be the composer, was sung by that artiste, with the Signora and Signor Bianchi. It pleased the company vastly for its briskness and spirit, and was very warmly encored. The entire concert passed off with perfect success.

"TOWN TALK", The Herald (1 November 1861), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article244180309 

Signor Bianchi left for Sydney on Wednesday, accompanied by Signora Bianchi, Madame Stuttaford, Mr. John Gregg, Signor Grossi, and a chorus, for the purpose of giving an operatic season in Sydney, where, eighteen months ago, Signor Bianchi had a very successful campaign at the Prince of Wales.

"CLEARANCES. JANUARY 11", The Sydney Morning Herald (13 January 1862), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28624938

Iconium, ship, 549 tons, Captain Heustis, for San Francisco. Passengers - Mr. J. O. Gorman, Signor and Signora Bianchi. Signor Grossi, Messrs. Herman, Marriotti, Emmerson, J. Gregg, and 15 in the steerage.

"MUSICAL AND DRAMA", The Sydney Morning Herald (21 January 1862), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13062251

. . . On the 23rd ultimo, Signor Bianchi gave a concert at the Freemasons' Hall, where the accomplished Italian artists who formed part of the late Opera Company delighted the comparatively few persons who had the taste to be present . . . On the 26th, Signor Bianchi gave a promenade concert at the Masonic Hall, at which there was a very large and highly respectable audience. Some exquisite pieces of operatic music were given, and a grand scena from L'Elisir d'Amore, between Signor Bianchi and Signor Grossi was enthusiastically encored. Besides Signora Bianchi and the to above named artists, Mr. J. Gregg, Miss Clelia Howson, Miss Emma Howson, Mr. Frank Howson, and other professionals, took their parts in the programme. The celebrated soliloquy of Figaro was given in an eminently successful manner by Signor Grossi. Signor and Signora Bianchi took their leave of the Sydney public in two opera benefit nights at the Victoria, on the 8th and 9th instant . . .

After Australia (from 1862):

"From the Sandwich Islands", Daily Alta California (5 May 1862), 1

https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=DAC18620505.2.7 

On Saturday and Monday nights, April 5th and 7th, Signora Bianchi, Messrs. Grossi and Gregg gave two more performances at the Hawaiian Theatre, fully attended by a numerous and delighted audience.

"PASSENGERS", Daily Alta California (6 May 1862), 4

https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=DAC18620506.2.18 

SYDNEY - Per Iconium - Signor and Signora Bianchi, Miss Hermann, Mr. John Gregg, Signor E. Grossi, Mr. Saml. C. Bradshaw 3d, and nine others.

"THE BIANCHIS IN CALIFORNIA", The Sydney Morning Herald (28 November 1862), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article13070125

The friends of Signor and Signora Bianchi, will peruse with pleasure, the following notice of these artistes, from the Daily Alta California of September 17 - If ever a musical entertainment partook of the character of an "ovation," the benefit given to Signor Bianchi at the Metropolitan Theatre last evening, can justly be characterised as such . . . The performances consisted, first, of a representation of "Don Pasquale," which was admirably sung, and elicited judicious and oft-repeated applause. A grand vocal and instrumental concert succeeded, which was composed of brilliant musical gems . . . Signora Bianchi never was in better voice, and with her husband sang deliciously. Signor Grossi and Mr. Leach shared in the generous applause.

"INTERCOLONIAL NEWS", The South Australian Advertiser (24 February 1864), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31833499 

By the arrival of the Rangatira we have our usual intercolonial files . . . Signor Grossi, who will no doubt be remembered in this city, was engaged to sing at Macao, at the festivities which were about to commence there, in celebration of the birth of the heir to the throne . . .

"Transatlantische Correspondenz", Die neue Sängerhalle (30 July 1864), 246

https://books.google.com.au/books?id=9tUzybAADVwC&pg=PA246 (DIGITISED)

. . . In Sanghai hat sie über 30 Concerte gegeben. Hierauf begab sie sich mit ihren Begleitern, dem Violinist Signor Robbio, dem Pianist Mr. Adolpho Sipp unde dem Bassist Signor Grossi nach Hongkong, wo selbige drei sehr besuchte Concerte, am 10, 15. und 22 Februar . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Agostino Robbio; Rodolpho Sipp

"THEATRICALS AT CALCUTTA . . . Sept. 22d, 1864", Spirit of the times and the New York sportsman (3 December 1864), 219

https://books.google.com.au/books?id=m5M6AQAAMAAJ&pg=RA2-PA219 (DIGITISED)

. . . Our regular season is November, December, January and February; but Mr. C. R. Theme, with his dramatic troupe, opened on the 15th inst. . . . with songs between by Mrs. Alicia M. Thorne and Signor Enrico Grossi. The theatre was well filled, and were well received, the acting of Mrs. Alicia M. Thorne and Mr. C. R. Thorne, being particularly worthy of note, and the singing of Signor Grossi calling forth an enthusiastic encore . . . The company consists of Mr. C. R. Thorne . . . and are accompanied by Signor Enrico Grossi of the Theatre Royal, Copenhagen.

"DIED", Daily Alta California [San Francisco] (11 July 1866), 4

https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=DAC18660711.2.36.1 

In this city, 9th inst., Enrico Grossi, a native of Mantua, Italy, aged 38 years. Funeral will take place from A. Massey's, Sacramento street, at 3 o'clock P. M. this day.

"DEATH OF AN ARTISTE", Daily Alta California (11 July 1866), 1

https://cdnc.ucr.edu/?a=d&d=DAC18660711.2.3 

Signor Enrico Grossi, the basso comico and stage manager of the Bianchi opera troupe, died in this city on Monday last, aged 38 years. Signor Grossi was a native of Mantua, Italy, and although a young man, had figured extensively in the world of arms as well as music. He was an officer in the army in Italy during 1838 and 1839, and afterwards served in the Crimean war, in the English service. He came from Australia with Signor Bianchi, a member of the Italian opera troupe, and afterwards made a professional visit to India, China and Japan. He was attacked with dropsy, to which disease he succumbed. He will be buried today, from Mr. Atkins Massey's, Sacramento street.

Bibliography and resources:

Alison Gyger, Civilising the colonies: pioneering opera in Australia (Sydney: Opera-Opera/Pellinor, 1999), 103, 110, 112, 114, 117, 118, 122, 250

GROVE, Daniel Parsons (Daniel Parsons GROVE; D. P. GROVE; Mr. GROVE; GROVES)

Actor, comedian, vocalist

Born UK. c. 1811
Active Sydney, NSW, by October 1833
Active Hobart Town, VDL (TAS), by 1836
Married Bridget Dacres McCROW, Hobart Town, VDL (TAS), 27 March 1837
Died Melbourne, NSW (VIC), 24 May 1847, aged "36" [NSW V1379/1847]

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Daniel+Parsons+Grove+d1847 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GROVE-Daniel-Parsons (shareable link to this entry)

GROVE, Bridget Dacres (Bridget Dacres McCROW; Mrs. D. P. GROVE)

Actor

Married Daniel Parsons GROVE, Hobart Town, VDL (TAS), 27 March 1837
Active Sydney, NSW, to 1842

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Bridget+McCrow+Grove+actor (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GROVE-Bridget-McCROW (shareable link to this entry)

Documentation:

? "Shipping Intelligence. Arrivals", The Sydney Monitor (12 January 1833), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article32142880 

On the 6th Inst. . . . the barque Edward Lombe, 347 tons, Captain Freeman, with a general cargo of merchandise from London. Passengers: Mr. H. C. Wilson, Barrack Master . . . Mr. Groves . . .

? "To the Editor of . . .", The Currency Lad (26 January 1833), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article252636586 

. . . With regret, have we to notice that Mr. M. has a favourite caprice of gagging, i. e. introducing his own ideas instead of the author's. I also noticed he delivered an account of a fracas that took place at the P. O. introducing the names of the parties concerned, naming one Mr. Grove, calling "Love" Cupid, the name of Jonas was also mentioned . . .

? "PIGEON MATCH", The Currency Lad (11 May 1833), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article252636849 

Yesterday evening a match came off on the Surrey-hills, by four gentlemen, at five birds each, for a supper, &c. The following are the particulars Mr. Cherry killed 4, Mr. Ward 3, Mr. Meredith 2, and Mr. Groves 2. The birds rose considerably in favour of the winners.

[Advertisement], The Sydney Herald (3 October 1833), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12847848 

Theatre Royal, SYDNEY.
THE Public are respectfully informed, that the SYDNEY THEATRE will commence its Season on SATURDAY, 5th October, 1833, when His Majesty's Servants, at the rise of the Curtain, will sing the National Anthem "GOD SAVE THE KING."
After which, an ORIGINAL ADDRESS, written expressly for the occasion, by Mr. KNOWLES, and to be spoken by him.
The Dramatic Performance will commence with that much admired Melo-drama, in Two Acts, the
Miller and his Men - Count Frederick Friberg - Mr. HARPUR; Karl (his Servant) - Mr. BUCKINGHAM;
Grindoff (the Miller) - Mr. GROVE; Lothair (a young peasant) - Mr. KNOWLES . . .
After which, will be Performed, that laughable Farce, in Two Acts, called the
IRISHMAN IN LONDON - Old Frost - Mr. KNOWLES; Mr. Colloony. Mr. DYBALL;
Murtoch Delany - Mr. HILL; Captain Seymour - Mr. GROVE . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Conrad Knowles; George Buckingham; Arthur Hill; Mr. Dyball (actors); Barnett Levey (proprietor)

PIECES: The miller and his men (Pocock; ? music by Bishop); The Irishman in London (Macready)

"THEATRICALS", The Australian (13 December 1833), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article42008503 

. . . Mr. Grove attempted the song of Draw the Sword for Scotland, and that is all we can say . . .

MUSIC: Draw the sword Scotland (Rodwell)

"THEATRICAL BENEFIT CONCERT", The Sydney Herald (21 April 1834), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12849167 

On Friday evening last, the principal performers of the Sydney Theatre gave their first Concert at the Pulteney Hotel . . . Mr. Grove sung "My Village Fair" better than usual . . . The "Minute Gun at Sea," by Messrs. Knowles and Grove followed, and was above mediocrity . . .

MUSIC: With my village fair no lass can compare (Guylot); The minute gun at sea (M. P. King, from Up all night; or, The smuggler's cave)

"To the Editor of . . .", The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (2 May 1835), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2198029 

. . . I am, Sir, Your obedient Servant, D. P. GROVE, Reporter (Sydney Gazette.)

[Advertisement], The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (8 September 1835), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2200094 

THEATRE ROYAL. SIMMONS'S BENEFIT NIGHT . . . MONDAY EVENING Next, October 11th, 1835 . . .
THE FESTIVAL OF APOLLO In which will be sung the following Songs, Duetts, Chorusses, &c.,
The "Huntsman's Chorus" from Der Freischutz, BY THE ENTIRE VOCAL STRENGTH OF THE COMPANY . . .
A FAVOURIIE SONG BY MR. GROVE . . .

MUSIC: The huntsmen's chorus (Weber, from Der Freischütz)

ASSOCIATIONS: Joseph Simmons (actor, vocalist, beneficiare)

"SYDNEY THEATRICALS", The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (25 February 1836), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2202925 

. . . An Olio of ten songs, after "Catherine and Petruchio," with a farce to come, the mercury in the thermometer mounting above 80^o, and pit and gallery in the clouds - are too many good things all at once - "pray you avoid them." "All's Well," by Mr. Knowles and Mr. Grove; "Now hope, now fear," by Mrs. Chester; and the "Huntsman's Chorus," from Der Freischutz, by the whole company, were much applauded, although we do not think they all deserved to be so . . .

MUSIC: All's well (Braham, from The English fleet in 1342)

Hobart Town, VDL (TAS) (16 November 1836 to 3 March 1838):

"TRADE AND SHIPPING", The Hobart Town Courier (18 November 1836), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4174125 

The brig Siren, 141 tons, Capt. Bell, (about which considerable anxiety prevailed, especially on Wednesday, in consequence of a report in town that the Thomas Lawrie had passed, in a severe gale of wind, the hull of a small vessel about that size bottom upwards) arrived on Wednesday evening all well, from Sydney 2d inst. - passengers . . . Mr. Groves . . .

"THEATRE", The True Colonist Van Diemen's Land Political Despatch (9 December 1836), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article203147362 

During the last week, the opera of the "Slave" has been produced at the Argyle Rooms with the greatest success. From the addition Mr. Meredith has lately had to his company, he was enabled to cast the piece as an opera, and introduce the music. Mrs. Clarke played Belinda, but we think rather lamely. The song of the Mocking Bird was powerfully executed, but it wanted taste. This lady has a powerful voice, but by no means a sweet one. Captain Clifton by Mr. Grove was a gentlemanly performance; in the course of the opera he introduced "Shades of Evening," and "March to the Battle Field," both of which met with the) applause they deserved; the latter was encored unanimously . . . On Wednesday the tragic play of "Pizarro" was performed in a highly creditable manner throughout . . . A song by Mr. Grove in Highland costume was executed by this gentleman with power and effect, and he was unanimously and deservedly encored . . . We understand the Opera of the Slave will be repeated tomorrow evening . . .

PIECE: The slave (Morton, music adapted by Bishop)

MUSIC: Shades of evening; March to the battle-field (Scottish national air, arr. Davy, words O'Meara, in Who'll serve the queen)

"THEATRE", The True Colonist Van Diemen's Land Political Despatch (16 December 1836), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article203145491

[News], Colonial Times (20 December 1836), 6

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8649605 

We notice the play of Hamlet is advertised for Wednesday next . . . There is one very great advantage in the tragedy of Hamlet, over most other pieces that have been performed, viz.- that it is almost impossible for Mr. Grove to introduce a single song, by which means the audience cannot fail of being relieved. If, in addition to this great desideratum, only one hour be lost between each act, so much the better; as it is, people will not spend their money to hear Mr. Grove "murder music," nor to be sent uncomfortably asleep, during, the acts, on the stringy-bark benches . . .

Marriages solemnized in the Parish of St. David's, Hobart Town . . . in the year 1837; Tasmanian names index; NAME_INDEXES:823293; RGD36/1/3 no 3636

https://stors.tas.gov.au/NI/823293

https://stors.tas.gov.au/RGD36-1-3$init=RGD36-1-3P73 (DIGITISED)

No. 146 / 3636 / Daniel Parsons Grove of this Parish Bachelor
Bridget Dacres McCrow of this Parish Spinster / were married in this Church by Banns this [27 March 1837] . . .
[witnesses] H. Dind, Eliza Dind . . .

"Mrs. Grove and Mr. Falchon", Bent's News and Tasmanian Three-Penny Register [Hobart Town, TAS] (1 July 1837), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232486008 

We perceive an advertisement in this week's Paper, that Mrs. Grove and Mr. Falchon take a joint benefit on the "First Friday in July," as the old song goes - Fairlop Fair to wit; and we most heartily wish them every success. Mrs. Grove is a young Actress, but on many occasions has evinced proofs of the first order as to her qualifications for the stage . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Arthur Falchon (actor, comedian, comic vocalist)

Sydney, NSW (14 March 1838 to 30 August 1846):

"Ship News:, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (15 March 1838), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2548362 

The Marian Watson, Shorter, master, returned to port yesterday, from Hobart Town; in consequence of the very strong winds blowing from the north lately, she was eleven days making her passage up, having sailed the 3rd instant . . . The following passengers have arrived in her. Cabin - Mr. and Mrs. Arabin . . . in the steerage, Mr. and Mrs. Grove, Mrs. Murray . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Gustavus and Frances Arabin (actors, vocalist); Dinah Murray (actor, vocalist)

[News], The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (17 March 1838), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2540171 

The New Theatre Royal, Pitt-street, opens on Saturday, the 24th instant. The Company is not yet fully completed, but by an advertisement in another column we perceive that Mr. Wyatt is in attendance daily at the New Theatre for the purpose of entering into engagements with the members of "the dramatic profession." Mr. Gibson, brother-in-law to Mr. Wyatt, has returned from Hobart Town by the Marian Watson, bringing with him a strong re-inforcement from the Hobart Town corps dramatique, consisting of Messrs. Arabin, Falchon, and Hollis, and Mesdames. Murray, (late Miss Rudelhoff,) Grove, (late Miss Smith,) and Hollis, who have never made their debut before a Sydney audience, together with our old acquaintances Mrs. Mackay, (now Arabin,) and Mr. Grove . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Joseph Wyatt (proprietor); Frederick Gibson (business partner)

[Advertisement], Commercial Journal and Advertiser (6 November 1839), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226453423 

Royal Victoria Theatre. MRS. CLARKE'S BENEFIT . . . THURSDAY, 7th November, 1839.
. . . The whole to conclude with (for the first time at this Theatre) the Musical Farce called THE POOR SOLDIER . . .
Captain Fitzroy - Mr. Knowles; Father Luke - Mr. Falchon; PATRICK - MRS. CLARKE
Dermot - Mr. Grove; Darby - Mr. Simmons; Bagatelle - Mr. Arabin
Boy - Miss Jones; Norah - Mrs. Cameron; Kathlane - Mrs. Taylor
In the course of the Piece, the Original Music will be sung as follows: . . .
ACT II . . . Song - Dear Sir this Brown Jug - Mr. Grove
Song - Ballymona Ore - Mr. Falchon
Song - Stay sweet Enchanter of the Grove - Mrs. Taylor
Quartette - Go Fuddle all your Noses - Messrs. Falchon, Grove, Simmons, and Mrs. Taylor.
Finale - By the Characters . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Anne Remens Clarke (actor, vocalist); Maria Taylor (actor, vocalist); Cordelia Cameron (actor, vocalist)

PIECE: The poor soldier (O'Keefe)

MUSIC: Dear Sir this brown jug (William Shield, a favorite song in The poor soldier)

[Advertisement], Commercial Journal and Advertiser (14 October 1840), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226454644 

ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE. LAST NIGHT OF THE SEASON . . . FOR THE BENEFIT OF Mrs. Knowles . . .
THURSDAY OCTOBER 15 . . . The Entertainments will commence with the celebrated Operatic Play, in Three Acts; called THE SLAVE.
With the Original Music, Songs, and Choruses . . .
Clifton (a Captain in the English army) - Mr. Arabin
Malcolm (a Scotch naval officer) - Mr. Grove
Colonel Lindenburg (in the Dutch service) - Mr. Spencer . . .
In the course of the Piece the following Songs will be introduced:
"Oft in the stilly Night" - Mr. Groves [sic] . . .
"Draw the Sword Scotland" - Mr. Grove . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Harriet Knowles (actor, vocalist); Albert Spencer (actor)

MUSIC: Oft in the stilly night (Moore and Stevenson)

[Advertisement], Free Press and Commercial Journal (1 May 1841), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228246720 

Royal Victoria Theatre. MR. KNOWLES . . . BENEFIT . . . MONDAY, MAY 3, 1841 . . .
SHYLOCK; OR, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE . . .
Shylock, the Jew - MR. KNOWLES . . .
Lorenzo, the Lover of Jessica, with songs - Mr. Grove . . .
Jessica, the Jew's daughter - Miss Winstanley . . .
In the course of the play the popular songs -
"Oft in the stilly night," Mr. Grove.
"The Maid of Judah," first time, Miss Winstanley.
"When time hath bereft thee," Mr. Grove . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Eliza Winstanley (actor, vocalist)

MUSIC: When time hath bereft thee (arr. Cooke, from Auber's Gustavus III)

"THEATRICALS", Sydney Free Press (7 September 1841), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226357161 

The tragedy of PIZARRO was produced at the Victoria on Thursday evening last, in which Mrs. G. Thompson made her debut as Elvira, with great success . . . The other characters of the Piece were also very well sustained, although en-passent, we may take the liberty of suggesting to Mr. Grove that dead men do not usually sing so loud as he did on the evening in question, in the character of Pizzaro, while lying on the stage in the last scene . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Martha Thomson (actor)

PIECE: Pizarro (Sheridan)

"THEATRE", Australasian Chronicle (22 January 1842), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31734827 

Mrs. Grove's benefit came off on Thursday evening. There was a very fair attendance, but the house was by no means filled. The drama of Rob Roy with songs went off well, and was received with great approbation. Falchon played the part of Francis Osbaldistone very well; his singing throughout was good. Grove sustained the character of the McGregor very effectively . . .

PIECE: Rob Roy Macgregor (Pocock, music by Bishop and Davy)

"Theatricals", The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (27 January 1842), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2555612 

. . . Mrs. Grove is a pleasing actress, but we understand that this season closes her theatrical career . . .

"NEW INSOLVENTS", Australasian Chronicle (27 September 1843), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31741147 

Daniel Parsons Grove, of Castlereagh-street, Sydney, comedian. Debts, 50l 18s 6d. Assets - peronsal property, 11l; outstanding debts, 20l 7s 4d. Balance, deficiency, 19l 1s 2d.

"ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE", The Sydney Morning Herald (16 January 1845), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12876750 

First night of the celebrated English Opera of LOVE IN A VILLAGE,
With the original Music, Songs, Chorusses, &c. THIS EVENING, JANUARY 16 . . .
In the course of the Opera, the following songs, duets, &c. . . .
Song, "When I courted a lass," Mr. Grove . . . Medley and Chorus, by all the Characters . . .

"THEATRICALS", The Australian (31 May 1845), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37157277 

THE promised romantic opera, THE FAIRY LAKE, had its maiden representation in this colony on Monday evening last, with an overflowing house to witness it . . . an unpretending little piece, extremely well got up . . . The main business of the piece was confided to Mesdames Carandini and O'Flaherty, Mr. J. Howson and Mr. Grove; all of whom, in their respective departments, fulfilled their trust with considerable efficiency . . . Mr. Grove's Count de Cronembourg was, in every respect, a more faithful delineation of character, than any we have seen from that gentleman for some time past; it possessed both accuracy of conception, and skilfulness in the performance . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: John Howson; Maria Carandini; Eliza (Winstanley) O'Falherty

PIECE: Howson's musical adaptation of Auber's Le lac de fées, based on The fairy lake; or, The magic veil (as adapted by Selby and Alexander Lee)

"THEATRICALS", The Australian (7 June 1845), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37158180 

We have this week been presented with another romantic Opera - the best, perhaps, of the kind - Rob Roy . . . but with the musical part of the business we are by no means satisfied. The original music, and songs of the Opera, have not been strictly followed, and above all, the beautiful Tramp chorus, at the end of the second act, has been struck out . . . Mr. Grove played Rob Roy vigorously, and well. His physical appearance is rather inadequate to convey a correct idea of the original; and one or two other critical exceptions might perhaps be taken: but we are not disposed to specify trifling blemishes, where the good points so greatly preponderate. We are glad to see Mr. Grove resume his wonted energy and spirit; he has latterly evinced a signal improvement in this respect. We take him to be an educated man, possessing good capabilities, and, as he is of some years standing in the profession, we think this gentleman unjust to himself, and to the public, in relaxing energies, which might be so successfully applied . . .

"THE THEATRICAL EXAMINER", The Examiner (30 August 1845), 29

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228062778 

When we heard that the management of the Victoria intended to produce Weber's Der Freischutz, with the present inadequate company, we had a gloomy presentiment of the painful disappointment which awaited the lovers of German music; and we sincerely wished that some judicious friend of the proprietors, would urge them to follow the advice we took leave to offer on the occasion of the late violence done to Auber's Fra Diavolo. But murders, are contagious . . . The Incantation scene, was denuded of all its attributes of fearful diablerie; and the evil spirits, from Zamiel downwards, by their grotesque antics and drolleries, brought back boxing-day, and its attendant comic pantomime, rather than the days of the Flagellum Demonum, and the Malleus Maleficarum. Surely Mr. Grove, who on most occasions is a judicious adjunct, ought to be aware that Zamiel should inspire terror, not laughter: yet his burlesque of this difficult character marred the entire effect of the opera . . .

Melbourne, NSW (VIC) (5 September 1846 to 24 May 1847):

"ARRIVED", Port Phillip Gazette and Settler's Journal (9 September 1846), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article225064188 

September 5 - Christina, brig, Saunders, master, from Sydney. Passengers - Mrs. Davis and son, Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Miller, Mr. Groves . . .

"THINGS THEATRICAL", The Melbourne Argus (8 September 1846), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4760007 

By the Christina, Mr. D. P. Grove, one of the earliest of the Sydney performers in the walking gentleman and genteel comedy line, has arrived in the province. In the present state of the company, Mr. Grove will be a great acquisition. Mr. Batters, a former member of the Melbourne corps dramatique, is also about to make his appearance. Mr. Moreton King, the Sydney tragedian, has not arrived, but is expected by the Shamrock.

[Advertisement], The Port Phillip Patriot and Morning Advertiser (18 January 1847), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226353641 

QUEEN'S THEATRE ROYAL. THIS EVENING (Monday), Jan. 18.
TIMOUR THE TARTAR . . .
Song - Mrs. Richards; Dance - Madame Veilburn
Song - Mr. Grove; Song - Mr. Hambleton
To conclude with THE VALET DE SHAM . . .
J. T. SMITH, Proprietor

ASSOCIATIONS: Dorothea Richards (vocalist, actor); Madame Veilburn (dancer); John Hambleton (vocalist, actor); John Thomas Smith (proprietor)

PIECES: Timour the Tartar (Lewis); Valet de Sham (selby)

"DIED", The Melbourne Argus (25 May 1847), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4761598 

Suddenly, yesterday morning, Mr. Daniel Parsons Grove, Stage Manager at the Queen's Theatre Royal - for the last fifteen years a talented and useful member of the colonial corps dramatique.

"AWFULLY SUDDEN DEATH", The Port Phillip Patriot and Morning Advertiser (25 May 1847), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226515494 

An inquest will be held today, upon the body of Mr. Daniel Parsons Grove, the comedian, who expired suddenly yesterday morning at the Rose, Thistle, and Shamrock Tavern, in Elizabeth-street. Mr. Grove attended to his business as usual on Saturday, and appeared in perfect health a very short period prior to his demise. It is to be feared that death in this case adds another to the many instances of the fatal effects resulting from habits of intemperance.

"CORONER'S INQUEST", The Melbourne Argus (25 May 1847), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4761599 

An inquest was holden at the Rose, Shamrock, and Thistle Inn, Elizabeth-street, yesterday, before W. B. Wilmott, Esq., coroner, on view of the body of Daniel Parsons Grove, late stage manager of the Queen's theatre.
Mr. James Woodlock, landlord of the Rose, Shamrock, and Thistle, deposed that deceased had lodged in his house ever since witness had held a license, that he had usually slept during the day and been out at night, that he had ate but little, and continually drank small quantities of spirituous liquors; that during Sunday night he sat up with deceased who had strong convulsive fits at intervals and died on the following morning.
Mr. Thomas Toole deposed to having known deceased for 16 years, during the whole of which time he had been a hard drinker; witness stated that deceased came home late on Saturday night in a state of intoxication, that deceased went to bed, and witness did not see him again until six o'clock on Sunday evening, when witness found him lying on the floor of the room in which he slept in a state of insensibility; that Dr. Black was sent for, but deceased expired next morning.

ASSOCIATIONS: Thomas Toole (carpenter, theatrical mechanist)

"MELANCHOLY DEATH", The Sydney Morning Herald (5 June 1847), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12896768 

Mr. D. P. Grove, late Stage Manager of the Queen's Theatre, died very suddenly on the morning of Monday last. An inquest was held on his remains the same afternoon at the Rose, Thistle, and Shamrock, when the Jury returned a verdict of "died from the effects of the intemperate use of ardent spirits." Yesterday afternoon his remains were interred in the Melbourne burying ground, and were followed to their last resting place by a numerous and respectable assemblage of his friends. He was laid by the side of the lamented Knowles, who also fell, a victim to the demon of alcohol - Port Phillip Gazette.

GUENETT, Thomas Harbottle (Thomas Harbottle GUENETT; T. H. GUENETT; Mr. GUENETT)

Professor of Music, teacher, music critic/reviewer (Argus), composer (pupil of Ebenezer Prout and Charles Halle, teacher of Melba, and Henry Handel Richardson)

Born Fleetwood, Lancashire, England, 22 June 1850
Arrived Melbourne, VIC, December 1872
Died East St. Kilda, Melbourne, VIC, 10 September 1902, in his 53rd year

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GUENETT-Thomas-Harbottle (shareable link to this entry)

THIS ENTRY IS A STUB ON PERSONNEL FIRST ACTIVE IN AUSTRALIA AFTER 1860

Documentation:

[Advertisement], The Argus (11 January 1873), 8

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5846137

"MR. GUENETT'S CONCERT", The Argus (17 February 1873), 7

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5848339

"Marriages", The Argus (22 July 1874), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5874856

[Advertisement], Launceston Examiner (25 March 1878), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article47784464

"AN ASSAULT CASE. A BLOW FOR AN INSULT. A SMALL FINE INFLICTED", The Argus (2 June 1894), 11

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8673219

"ADVERSE MUSICAL CRITICISM LEADS TO AN ASSAULT", The Advertiser (2 June 1894), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article25726754

"J. L. F.", "A DISTINGUISHED CRITIC AND MUSICIAN. SOME PERSONAL REMINISCENCES", The Mercury (10 April 1901), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12837321

"COLONIAL TELEGRAMS", South Australian Register (14 May 1883), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article41998346

"DEATHS", The Argus (11 September 1902), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9074469

"PERSONAL", The Argus (11 September 1902), 6

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9074565

It is with very deep regret that we have to announce the death of Mr. T. H. Guenett, for many years musical critic of The Argus and The Australasian, which took place at his residence, Fulton-street, East St. Kilda, yesterday after a brief illness. Mr. Guenett was the only son of the late Rev J. Farnham Guenett, and was born in Devonshire in 1850. He completed his musical education under Sir Charles Halle, and came to Melbourne 28 years ago. Since then he has been a prominent figure in the local music world. He originated and carried on for some years the Melbourne Popular Concerts which did much to educate the musical taste of the city. His most famous pupil was the lady now known to the world as Madame Melba, and it adds to the pathos of Mr. Guenett's somewhat sudden death that up to the past few days he was looking forward with eagerness to renewing his acquaintance with his illustrious pupil. In 1888 Mr. Guenett became musical critic of The Argus and The Australasian, and in the following year he made a tour of England and the Continent. Mr. Guenett retained his position on The Argus until about two years ago, when he retired. He formerly held the position of organist at the Toorak Presbyterian Church, and at the time of his death was organist at the West Melbourne Presbyterian Church . . .

Bibliography and resources:

"Guenett, Thomas Harbottle", The dictionary of Australasian biography (1892), 204-05

https://archive.org/stream/TheDictionaryOfAustralasianBiography/The_dictionary_of_Australasian_biography_002#page/n219/mode/2up 

GUERIN FAMILY

GUERIN, James (James GUERIN; GUERINE)

Professor of music, violinist, actor, theatre orchestra player

Born Limerick, Ireland, 21 October 1814; baptised, St. Michael's, Limerick, 24 October 1814; son of James GUERIN and Margaret SMYTH
Arrived Sydney, NSW, by May 1843
Died Sydney, NSW, 9 March 1856, aged 41

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=James+Guerin+1814-1856 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GUERIN-James (shareable link to this entry)

GUERIN, Theodosia (Theodosia YATES; Mrs. Alexander MACINTOSH; "Mrs. STIRLING"; Mrs. James GUERIN; Mrs. Richard STEWART)

Soprano vocalist, pianist, actor, teacher of music and singing

Born England, 12 April 1815; baptised Rye, Sussex, 20 April 1815; daughter of Thomas Irvine YATES and Mary CROSHAW
Married (1) Alexander MACINTOSH (d. 1841), St. Mary's Lambeth, London, England, 23 December 1838
Arrived Hobart Town, VDL (TAS), 28 January 1842 (passenger per Sydney, from London, and the Downs 3 October 1841)
Active professionally as "Mrs. STIRLING", 1842-46
Arrived Sydney, NSW, 24 July 1845 (per Urgent, from Hobart Town, 17 July)
Married (2) James GUERIN, Sydney, NSW, August 1846
Active professionally as Mrs. GUERIN, from August 1846
Married (3) Richard STEWART (TOWZEY) (1827-1902), NSW, 1857
Continued to be active professionally as Mrs. GUERIN, to 1861
Died Melbourne, VIC, 19 July 1904, in her 90th year

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Theodosia+Yates+Macintosh+Stirling+Guerin+Stewart+1814-1904 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Theodosia+Stirling [1842-46] (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Theodosia+Guerin [1846-57] (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodosia_Stirling (Wikipedia)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GUERIN-Theodosia (shareable link to this entry)

MACINTOSH, Maria (Maria MACINTOSH)

Born London, England, 1839; baptised St. Mary's, Lambeth, 15 December 1839; daughter of Alexander MACINTOSH and Theodosia YATES
Arrived Hobart Town, VDL (TAS), 28 January 1842 (passenger per Sydney, from London, and the Downs 3 October 1841)
Arrived Sydney, NSW, 24 July 1845 (per Urgent, from Hobart Town, 17 July)

GUERIN, Mary Emma (Mary Emma GUERIN)

Born Sydney, NSW, 25 September 1847; baptised St. James, Sydney, 14 October 1847; daughter of James GUERIN and Theodosia YATES

GUERIN, Theodosia (junior) (Theodosia GUERIN; Miss Docy STEWART; Docie STEWART; Mrs. COLLINS; Mrs. HARWOOD; Madame CHAMBOSSIER)

Actor, vocalist

Born Sydney, NSW, 10 July 1849; baptised St. James, Sydney, 19 August 1849; daughter of James GUERIN and Theodosia YATES
Married (1) James COLLINS (1846-1884), Melbourne, VIC, 31 May 1870
Married (2) Henry Richard HARWOOD (1830-1898), Melbourne, VIC, 22 November 1887
Married (3) Pierre Joseph CHAMBOSSIER (1854-1913), Sydney, NSW, 1909 Died Richmond, VIC, 6 December 1936

http://nla.gov.au/nla.party-1645047 (NLA persistent identifier)

http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/contributor/441399 (AusStage)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GUERIN-Docy-STEWART (shareable link to this entry)

GUERIN, Margaret (Margaret Eliza GUERIN; Miss Maggie STEWART)

Actor, vocalist

Born Sydney, NSW, 11 October 1851; baptised St. James, Sydney, 4 January 1852; daughter of James GUERIN and Theodosia YATES
Died Melbourne, VIC, 1903

http://www.ausstage.edu.au/pages/contributor/408361 (AusStage)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GUERIN-Maggie-STEWART (shareable link to this entry)

See also Richard Stewart and Nellie Stewart

"Miss Yates, as Lady Macbeth", ? London, c. 1840

Summary:

James Guerin had arrived in Sydney by May 1843, when he appeared in an onstage role at the Royal City Theatre. In Isaac Nathan's Australian Philharmonic Concert in June 1844 he played second violin with Henry O'Flaherty, and at Stephen Marsh's concert at the Royal Victoria Theatre in November 1845 with O'Flaherty and George Strong. He also played in the band at the concert of John Deane junior's Australian Harmonic Club in June 1846. He married Theodosia Yates in August 1846.

Theodosia Yates was born into a London theatrical family, and at the time of her first marriage, to Alexander Macintosh in December 1838, had been or still was a member of the company at Drury Lane theatre, by her own later report as a chorus leader.

Recently widowed, and with an infant daughter, Maria, she was recruited by Anne Remens Clarke in London for her Hobart theatre company, and at the end of October 1841 she sailed for Van Diemen's Land with Clarke and her husband Michael, Frank Howson, his wife Emma and brothers John and Henry, Gerome Carandini, and Emma Young.

Listed on arrival in Hobart in January 1842 as Mrs. Macintosh, from her first concert appearance there, in February, singing Alexander Lee's The hunter's signal horn, she coined the stage name "Mrs. Stirling", perhaps to suggest some connection with a rising close contemporary at Drury Lane, Mary Anne Kehl (Mrs. Edward Stirling).

She continued to appear as a concert singer, and as an actor and vocalist with Clarke's theatre company in Hobart and Launceston, and was reportedly also in demand as a music teacher.

Following the Howsons to Sydney, she made her first appearance there in August 1846 at the Royal Victoria Theatre as Zerlina in Rophino Lacy's English adaptation of Auber's Fra Diavolo, and was subjected to a disappointed critique in The Australian. Over the coming months, however, the paper's reviewer warmed to her capacities as a singer, as well as an actor.

She appeared as Mrs. Stirling in Balfe's The Bohemian girl in July 1846, but was being billed as "Mrs. Guerin (late Mrs. Stirling)" in August. She appeared in Nathan's Don John of Austria in 1847, and in the first complete Sydney performance of Wallace's Maritana in April 1849, followed by his Matilda of Hungary in March 1850.

In January 1855, Theodosia was unable to appear at the theatre "in consequence of Mr. Guerin being suddenly and seriously indisposed". He died in March 1856.

In Sydney in 1857, Theodosia married fellow actor-singer, Richard Towzey, who used the stage name Richard Stewart. She herself, however, continued for the last few years of her career to appear as Mrs. Guerin. Having meanwhile moved with her family to Melbourne, she finally retired permanently from the stage, after appearing with her husband and Rosa Dunn in The Colleen Bawn at the Princess's Theatre in January 1861.

Documentation:

James Guerin to 1844:

Register of baptisms, St. Michael's church, Limerick city, 1814-19; National Library of Ireland

https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/61039/images/02415_05_0020 (PAYWALL)

[October] 24 / Baptised by the Rev. Patrick Hogan / James son of James Guerin and Mary Smyth, sponsors Honora Murphy & Stephen McSweeny

[Unclaimed letters], Australasian Chronicle [Sydney, NSW], (7 March 1843), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31739059 

. . . James F. Guerine, Esq. . . .

"ROYAL CITY THEATRE", The Sydney Morning Herald (29 May 1843), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12427124

. . . Proprietors, Messrs. SIMMONS and BELMORE . . . THIS EVENING, MONDAY, the 29th May, 1843 . . . for the first time here, a Drama, of deep interest, in two Acts, founded on an American tale, entitled THE EMIGRANT'S DAUGHTER; or, THE NEUTRAL GROUND . . . Lieutenant Lowton, Mr. Guerin . . .

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (25 June 1844), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12425271

AUSTRALIAN PHILHARMONIC CONCERTS . . .
THE Fourth Weekly PHILHARMONIC CONCERT in this Colony . . . at the Royal Hotel, on WEDNESDAY next, the 26th June, 1844 . . .
The whole under the management and direction of Mr. Nathan . . .
PART I. OVERTURE - Paer . . . PART II. OVERTURE - Cimarosa . . .
LEADER - Mr. Edwards. First violin, Mr. Wilson; second violins, Mr. O'Flaherty, Mr. Guerin . . .

Theodosia Yates - England, to 1841:

1838, marriage solemnized at the Parish Church in the Parish of St. Mary Lambeth; London Metropolitan Archives

https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/1623/images/31280_195093-00532 (PAYWALL)

[No.] 477 / 23rd Dec'r 1838 / Alexander Macintosh / Of full age / Bachelor / Book binder / Herbert Square / [father] James Macintosh / Boot maker
Theodosia Yates / Of full age / Spinster / Herbert Square / Thomas Irvine Yates / Comedian dec's'd

Baptisms solemnized in the Parish of St. Mary Lambeth . . . in the year 1839; register, 1834-41, page 26; London Metropolitan Archives

https://www.ancestry.com.au/imageviewer/collections/1558/images/31280_195074-00572 (PAYWALL)

No. 208 / Dec'r 15 / Maria daughter of / Alexander & Theodosia / Macintosh / Pleasant Place / Book binder . . .

Hobart Town - Theodosia Stirling (28 January 1842 to 17 July 1845):

"SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. PORT OF HOBART TOWN. Arrivals", The Courier (28 January 1842), 2.

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2954943 

28 - the Sydney, from London, last from the Downs on the 3rd October - passengers . . . Mr. and Mrs. Clark and child . . . J. Carandini, F. Howser, wife, and child, Henry and John Howser, S. Macintosh and child, Emma Young.

[Advertisement], Colonial Times (8 February 1842), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8752417

GRAND CONCERT OF VOCAL AND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC, AT THE ARGYLE ROOMS, On FRIDAY NEXT, February 11, 1842.
MRS. CLARKE BEGS to inform her friends and the public that she intends to give a Concert of Vocal and Instrumental Music, at the Argyle Rooms, Liverpool-street, on Friday the 11th instant; in which she purposes to introduce some of the most popular music, as now performed at the London Concerts; and aided as she now is by performers of acknowledged talent, she hopes to produce an entertainment worthy of that patronage which she has ever been proud to acknowledge, and by the kind permission of COLONEL ELLIOT, she will be assisted by the valuable services of the excellent Band of the 51st Regiment.
PROGRAMME.
PART I.
Overture to Guillaume Tell - Military Band. - ROSSINI.
Song - Mrs. Clarke, "The Land of the West." - LOVER.
Concertante - Mrs. Curtis, harp; and Mr. Duly, flute. - BOCHSA.
Song - Mr. Francis Howson, "Woodman, spare that tree." - RUSSELL.
Quartetto - Mrs. Clarke, Signior Carandini, Mr. J. Howson, and Mr. Francis Howson, "A te o cara - Il Puritani." - BELLINI.
Song - Mr. J. Howson, "The blighted flower." - BALFE.
Duetto - Mrs. Clarke and Mr. F. Howson, "La ci darem la mano - Don Juan." - MOZART.
Solo, Trombone - Mr. J. Howson, "The light of other days, and finale." - BALFE.
Song - Mrs. Stirling, "The Hunter's Signal Horn." - ALEXANDER LEE.
Quartetto - Mrs. Clarke, Mrs. Stirling, Mr. J. Howson, and Mr. F. Howson, "Mild as the Moonbeams." - BRAHAM.
Divertimento - Military Band. - A. HAENSEL.
PART II.
Overture to Fra Diavolo - Military Band. - AUBER.
Song - Mrs. Clarke, "The Mocking Bird;" flute obligato Mr. Duly. - BISHOP.
Duetto - Signior Carandini and Mr. F. Howson, "Chi mi Frena - Lucia di Lammermoor." - DONIZETTI.
Quartetto - Mrs. Curtis, harp; Mr. Duly, flute; Mr. Curtis, violoncello; and Mr. John Howson, pianoforte. - BOCHSA.
Song - Mr. F. Howson, "The Flying Dutchman"
Scena - Mr. F. Howson, "As I view these scenes so charming (Somnambula). - BELLINI.
Song - Mrs. Clarke, "Here's a health bonnie Scotland to thee". - ALEX. LEE.
Duetto - Mr. J. Howson and Mr. F. Howson, "Mighty Jove. - ROSSINI.
Finale - "God Save the Queen," by the Military Band; Solo parts by Mrs. Clarke, Mrs. Stirling, Mr. J. Howson, Sigr. Carandini and Mr. F. Howson.
The whole under the direction of Messrs. Leffler and Russell . . .

"MRS. CLARKE'S MUSICAL SOIREES", The Courier (25 February 1842), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2954777 

. . . Amongst the performances of Friday last, we think we may mention as having afforded much pleasure and elicited unbounded applause, the laughing trio sung by Mrs. Stirling and Messrs. Howson, of which the adaptation of the music to the meaning of the words was eccentrically happy . . .

[Advertisement], Colonial Times (22 March 1842), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8752517 

Grand selection of Sacred Music, from the Oratorios of Handel, Haydn, Pergolesi, &c., &c.
MRS. CLARKE, BY the advice of lier friends, and with the kind permission of the Committee of the Mechanics' Institute, begs to inform the ladies and gentlemen of Hobart Town and its environs that she intends giving a selection of Sacred Music from the works of the above eminent composers, in the Hall of the MECHANICS' INSTITUTE, THIS EVENING, the 22nd Instant. PROGRAMME: PART I . . . AIR - With verdure clad - Mrs. Stirling . . .
PART II . . . AIR - What though I trace - Mrs. Stirling . . .
SOLO AND CHORUS - Marvellous Works - Mrs. Stirling . . .
DUET - O lovely peace - Mrs. Young & Mrs. Stirling . . .

"MRS. LOGAN'S CONCERT", The Courier (10 June 1842), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2954227

. . . Mrs. Stirling, whose classic style has always pleased us in her vocal performances, exhibited an additional talent, for which we had uot till then given her credit, in the piano accompaniment, which she disposed of with apparent ease, though containing operatic passages requiring a certain degree of fingering . . .

"The Theatre", The Austral-Asiatic Review, Tasmanian and Australian Advertiser (10 June 1842), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232480388 

"The Beggar's Opera" has been twice performed to crowded and respectable houses. Mrs. Clarke's "Mackheath" is an admirable performance; we need not say that she lings all the songs capitally. So also the charming music in that favorite opera, which whatever may be said of its immorality, is one of the highest pieces of theatrical satire ever written; it is so entirely a "stock piece" at all the theatres in London that it is performed every season for several nights with untiring gratification. It is as well got up at Mrs. Clarke's little theatre, that few, if any, provincial theatres in England could produce singers at all comparable with Mrs. Stirling, Miss Young, and the Howsons, by whom the chief characters in the opera are represented . . . Upon the whole, Mrs. Clarke's Corps de Theatre is infinitely superior in every way to any which the public ever possessed the advantage of availing itself of for a rational evening's entertainment.

"THEATRE", The Courier (16 September 1842), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2953785 

. . . Mrs. Stirling sang very prettily and with a modest grace, which also distinguishes her acting. To a handsome face she joins a most prepossessing demeanour, and if we might venture to "hint a fault," where there is so much excellence, it would be that she sometimes indulges in a too great rapidity of utterance. She can play the termagant, but cannot look it . . .

"THE THEATRE", The True Colonist Van Diemen's Land Political Despatch (7 October 1842), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article202419837 

. . . The Messrs. Howson and Mrs. Stirling are a very great acquisition to the colony as teachers of music, in which capacity we are glad to hear that they have considerable employment . . .

"THE THEATRE", Colonial Times (11 October 1842), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8752961 

Mr. John Howson's benefit took place yesterday evening, and was, as expected, a bumper. The performance of Bellini's beautiful opera of "La Somnambula" was a rich musical treat . . . The singing of Mr. Howson and Mrs. Stirling threw a feeling of delight over the whole house, and even a few noisy persons in the pit sat perfectly entranced as the rich and mellow tones fell from those accomplished singers. We feel at a loss to do justice to Mrs. Stirling in this difficult part; she must be seen to be appreciated. The clear and beautiful enunciation of some of the passages yet lingers and thrills in our imagination. We hope to have many opportunities of again hearing her in characters suited to her abilities. She gives a charm to all she touches, and has a honeyed sweetness in her tone - a richness that seems to spring from her heart to her lips, which we have never heard before here. Her acting was of a most superior order. The other characters in the opera were also very well sustained and the scenic effect properly preserved; at the end Mr. Howson and Mrs. Stirling were loudly called for from all parts of the house and were received with the most rapturous applause . . .

"THE VICTORIA THEATRE", The Courier (28 October 1842), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2953608 

. . . The musical melange, embracing several favourite pieces, exhibited the vocal powers of Mrs. Stirling in a manner truly pleasing. "Do not mingle" is decidedly her master-piece, as showing her possessed of that execution, combined with precision, which constitutes the attractive features of her art; it obtained an encore - its legitimate due . . .

"MR. BUSHELLE'S CONCERT", The Courier (24 February 1843), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2953122

. . . The trio from Rossini's "Maid and Magpie," certainly introduced Mr. and Mrs. Bushelle to the public in an advantageous light. The lady, in addition to a rich and scopeful tenor [sic] voice, possesses a tact which seems rather intuitive than attributable to that practice, without which the powers even of a Malibran would lose a great portion of their merit, when applied to a diversity of compositions . . . As Signor Carandini's powers of vocalism are, if ever they existed, now decidedly bygone, we think he should not again expose himself to the suffering which he evidently underwent whilst singing "Che Veggio," with Mrs. Stirling, nor the public to the painful task of hearing such ineffectual attempts. Mrs. Stirling did not appear to less advantage for being placed in contrast with an imposing rival [Mrs. Bushelle], for whilst her greater precision in some instances held out an apology for a voice less powerful, we think that no one could have helped noticing the unpretending and good-humoured manner in which she laid herself open to the parallel . . .

"ACCIDENT", Colonial Times (28 February 1843), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8753359 

We exceedingly regret to announce that that favourite of the public, Miss Young of the Victoria Theatre, met with a serious accident, on Tuesday evening last, while taking a drive in a four-wheeled photon, on the Now Town Road, in company with Mrs. Clarke, Mrs. Stirling, and Mrs. S.'s little girl . . . We hear Miss Young is doing well . . .

"THE THEATRE", The Courier (5 January 1844), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2951625 

. . . In the Musical Melange appeared first, Mrs. Stirling, that established favourite with the Hobart Town audience, and she is not likely to lose ground by appearing again in her vocal character. Next came Madame Gautrot, whom we then heard for the first time . . .

"THE THEATRE", Colonial Times (24 September 1844), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8755318 

To those persons who are fond of a good opera, well performed, our Theatre last night presented a high treat, Bellini's Somnambula being represented in a style which would have done infinite credit to even the English Opera House. The admirable capabilities of our corps dramatique as a musical company were never more fully elicited than they were last evening, and as we said before, the audience very fair in point of numbers and respectability, received a rich treat. Mr. J. Howson made his second appearance this season in Elvino, and we never heard him in better voice, nor indeed have we seen him act with more spirit. He gave the beautiful music allotted to the part with much taste and feeling, more particularly the duets "Take now this Ring," and "I cannot give expression;" in these he was ably assisted by Mrs. Sterling as Amina, a character she performs with great ability, warbling its splendid music with much feeling, skill, and power . . .

"VICTORIA THEATRE", Colonial Times (28 January 1845), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8756034 

Last night Mrs. Clarke's benefit was, we are happy to say, a bumper . . . We were disappointed rather in a curtailment of some of the music in the Marriage of Figaro; but considering the length of the performances, this was perhaps excusable . . . Mrs. Clarke's Susanna was excellent, as was also Mrs. Stirling's Countess, while F. Howson's Figaro was full of fun and melody . . .

"VICTORIA THEATRE", Colonial Times (18 February 1845), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8756181 

Last night Mrs. Stirling took her benefit, to a very fair house: the entertainments were tastily selected, and the first piece, The Fairy Lake, displayed very sweet music, and some beautiful scenery. It was preceded by Auber's rather fantastic overture to Masaniello, which was well performed by an augmented orchestra; M. Gautrot's violin, and the bass horns of the bandsmen, adding much to the attraction of the music. Mrs. Stirling was in excellent voice, as was also Mrs. Rogers, and both warbled their songs very charmingly . . .

"THE CONCERT", The Courier (8 March 1845), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2949349 

Mr. John Howson's musical melange of Thursday evening will linger, long after his departure, in the pleasant recollections of the lovers of " sweet sounds." It was a " farewell" that, coming in the melting power of melody, touched the chords of generous feeling in many a heart. The taste and judgment exhibited in the selection of the pieces were well sustained by the skill and brilliancy of the performance . . . Mrs. Stirling's style is characterised rather by power and energy, than the gentler attributes of tenderness and pathos. The song "I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls," she gave, however, with considerable sweetness; and in "There's a Secret," and the comic duet, "Anticipations of Switzerland," she won well-deserved applause . . .

"CONCERT", Launceston Advertiser (14 March 1845), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article84773123 

Mr. Stirling and the Messrs. F. and J. Howson are now in Launceston, on their way to Sydney; and we hear intend, prior to their departure to give a concert in the town . . .

"THE THEATRE", Colonial Times (25 March 1845), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8756413 

This popular place of amusement opened last night to a tolerably fair house, - a good Pit, with but indifferent Boxes. We miss several of the "old familiar faces;" but others are left to Us still. In the expectation of a strong reinforcement from Sydney and Port Phillip, the Lessee is, at present, contented with the representation of light, agreeable Vaudevilles, which, generally speaking, are so well suited to our audiences. Falchon is engaged, and, with Mesdames Clarke and Stirling, and Arabin and Jordan, a very pleasant evening's entertainment is provided . . .

"GAUTROT'S CONCERT", The Courier (29 June 1845), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2948123

This musical entertainment will positively take place on Tuesday next . . . It will also be the last appearance of Mrs. Stirling (previous to her departure for Sydney,) a performer who, from her "sterling" merit has never failed to please.

"THE THEATRE", Launceston Advertiser (19 July 1845), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article84767930 

The Benefits at this place continue, we are pleased to observe to be well supported, and we must say that the exertions of the performers fully merit the favour of the public. The Opera of "Gustavus" was produced last evening, for the benefit of that industrious and talented actress and vocalist, Mrs. Stirling . . .

Theodosia and James - Sydney (from 24 July 1845):

"SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. ARRIVALS", The Sydney Morning Herald (25 July 1845), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12881091 

JULY 24 - Urgent, ship, 408 tons, Captain Thompson, from Manila via Hobart Town, having left the latter the 17th instant. Passengers - Mrs. Stirling and daughter, Mrs. Thompson and daughter . . .

"ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE", The Sydney Morning Herald (28 July 1845), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12881155 

The public is respectfully informed, that Mrs. Stirling, from the Hobart Town Theatre, and Mrs. Knowles, from the Port Phillip Theatre, are engaged at this Establishment, and will shortly make their appearance in a succession of pieces now in preparation . . .

"ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE", The Sydney Morning Herald (2 August 1845), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12881268 

MRS. STIRLING, from the Hobart Town Theatre, will make her first appearance here, in the character of ZERLINA, in the Opera of Fra Diavolo . . .

[Richard Thompson], "THEATRICAL REGISTER", The Weekly Register of Politics, Facts and General Literature (9 August 1845), 70-71

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228134247 

It is no trifling evidence of the improved state of the Sydney Stage, that it should have succeeded in producing two such Operas as the Cenerentola and Fra Diavolo, the success of which (the former especially) must we should imagine, have opened the Manager's eyes to the fact that there is no want of musical taste in Sydney, and that the Theatre instead of being, which it notoriously is, avoided by those only who could confer both favour and respectability upon it, might obtain under more favourable circumstances patronage and protection. On Monday evening last, we witnessed the debut of Mrs. Stirling, [71] in the part of Zerlina in the last of the above-mentioned Operas, but with every wish to be indulgent both to a lady and a stranger, we regret that we cannot speak in very favourable terms of her powers as a vocalist; her voice indeed is deficient in nearly all the requisites of a good singer; her notes especially the upper ones being wanting in both volume and sweetness, in the latter especially. This was not so apparent in her first song "On yonder rock reclining," which was sung with much spirit, - this song was vehemently encored, but the aria "Oh, hour of joy," seemed to us to set the question at rest. Mrs. Stirling cannot aspire to a more than mediocre reputation as a vocalist, in which capacity however her talents may be rendered very useful to the Stage, but as an actress we are inclined to think much more highly of her; she played with an earnestness and abandon which are only to be acquired by the possession of talent and self confidence. Thus while we are very far from despising Mrs. Stirling as a singer, we are glad to welcome her as an actress, and rejoice therefore that she has come amongst us. Of the hero Fra Diavolo in the person of Mr. F. Howson, we are inclined on the whole to speak favourably . . .

"THEATRICALS", The Australian (9 August 1845), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37155483

Managers, like the rest of mankind, must cut their coat according to their cloth. When, therefore, they present us with a suit, well-conditioned, and of choice texture, it would be signally ungracious to grumble at the absence of fine work and embroidery! But, thank Heaven, our minds are not so illiberally constituted. We accept the said tolerably well-made garment of good materials, and are thankful - albeit we duly prefer sumptuous appointments, and exquisite workmanship, if we can get them! In this comfortable frame of mind, we repaired to witness the representation of Auber's delightful comic opera, Fra Diavolo, under the double adaptation of M. Rophino Lacy, and Messrs. Howson and Gibbs, and with a debutante to play Zerlina. The musical talent, and general dramatic ability of the first-named gentleman is too well established at home to require our humble eulogium. As respects the secondary adaptation, there was abundant room for improvement. The character of the music was not there; and the substitute was like Joseph's coat "of many colours." The music, and accompaniments, presented no reflex of what was said and sung - consequently, no agreeable, lasting impression, was left on the minds of those who heard this opera for the first time on Monday night . . . However, the piece was badly cast. Without a singing Lord Allcash, the vitality of the piece is destroyed, or at all events paralysed, and that, perhaps, is worse . . . In its present condition, it is a drama, and not an opera. Again, as we had a non singing Lord Allcash, it would have been better to leave out her ladyship's half of the duet, "I don't object." However, taking it as offered to us, we now turn to the actual representation.

As a vocalist, Mrs. Stirling has not realized our expectations. It is usual, for obvious reasons, to qualify an expressed opinion on the merits of a debutant; but, from this lady's familiarity with stage business, and her perfect freedom from embarrassment, her dramatic qualifications may be unreservedly discussed. "Caparisons are oderous," no doubt. In this particular case, however, they will best briefly convey our own views of the matter. We shall, therefore, decide that Madame Carandini still retains her position as prima donna at the Victoria. As a cantatrice, she is very much superior to Mrs. Stirling - better quality of voice, more musical intonation, and more agreeable style. Mrs. Stirling's voice is peculiarly shrill, with an asperity in the upper notes, and a feebleness of tone, without any sustaining power, in the lower ones. The middle notes are good. It is, in fact, what is understood by an "ungrateful voice." But her enunciation (so vital an ingredient in a singer) is particularly distinct - more so than that of any singer, male or female, at the Theatre - her emphases are marked, and appropriate; her expression of feeling is good, while her vivacity, and con-amore mode of going through the business, materially compensate for the more radical defects. We must also bring into the account, the good judgment displayed by this lady, in refraining from all attempt at meretricious embellishment. Her powers of execution were not over-taxed - and that we rank amongst the dramatic virtues, whatever they may be. In the song, "On yonder rock reclining," Mrs. Stirling made a very great mistake: she shrieked in the wrong place. It should have been at the close of the second stanza, where Fra Diavolo suddenly appears, and gives the concluding verse, - and not at the end of the third, when there was nothing to induce her alarm. The accompaniment to this air is very beautiful, has a thrilling effect, and was extremely well played on Monday, which, by the by, is much more than we can say of the accompaniment to "Oh, hour of joy!" It was wretchedly played. The orchestra and Zerlina's song seemed to be at bitter variance with each other. As an actress, Mrs. Stirling has very favorably impressed us. Her appeal to Lorenzo was a bit of really good acting, and may be taken as an indication of her capabilities as an actress. It was intense grief and anxiety, delicately and pathetically expressed. Her performance in the chamber scene was also very good. To sum up the whole, Mrs. Stirling is a valuable addition to the company. Her appearance is extremely prepossessing, her manner animated and easy, with abundance of confidence and stage tact. We therefore persuade ourselves that this lady will very soon establish herself in public favour . . .

"THEATRICALS", The Australian (23 August 1845), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37154000 

. . . Guy Mannering and Fra Diavolo have been repeated, during the week, to approving audiences. In both these pieces, more especially in the latter, there has been a signal improvement. The various airs have been incomparably better sung, the music better played, and the ensemble, in every respect, more effective. On Thursday evening Mr. J. Howson sang extremely well, and his brother infused more spirit into the business. Mrs. Stirling in "Oh, hour of Joy," greatly surpassed any of her previous efforts. Her voice, as we have said, is not of the first quality, but she manages it with considerable judgment, and evinces skill governed by good taste. Our good opinion of her capabilities as an actress, increases. In all that she does, we discern certain little touches of nature that disclose an accurate conception of the characters allotted to her, with the power to carry out such conception; and, it is this which constitutes scenic excellence . . .

"THEATRICALS", The Australian (30 August 1845), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37157906 

The event, not only of the week, but of the season, has been the production of the popular, and beautifully dramatic Opera, Der Freischutz . . . The Duet "Now the close," between Mesdames Stirling and Carandini, was very prettily sung. "Some love one day, and some another," was not by any means effectively managed. A peculiar playful archness should be brought into operation, with a distinctive emphasis, both of which were absent. We now arrive at the gem of the performance, Mrs. Stirling's recitative and air, "How gentle my slumber." The recitative, and the upper notes of the air, were perhaps, rather weak, but the ensemble was decidedly the best executed piece of the evening, and deserves great praise. The more we see of this lady, the higher we think of her capabilities. Of her merit as an actress, we have never had but one opinion (a good one), but her successful execution of this Scena, obliges us to modify our previously-expressed opinion, of her powers as a singer . . .

"THE ORATORIO", The Sydney Morning Herald (25 December 1845), 2-3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12884314 

THE first and second parts, together with a portion of the third part, of Handel's Messiah, were given at the Victoria Theatre on Tuesday, for the benefit of the Commercial Reading Rooms and Library. The music had been got up under the direction of Messrs. Johnson, and the performers comprised nearly the whole of the available musical skill of the city . . . The Pastoral Symphony was beautifully played, and Mrs. Stirling did tolerable justice to the four succeeding recitatives . . . [3] . . ."How beautiful are the feet", [was] sung with feeling by Mrs. Stirling . . .

"THE ORATORIO", The Australian (27 December 1845), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37154649 

Mrs. Stirling sang "How beautiful are the feet", with purity, and expression, but her recitatives were inferior, defective in style, vigour, and enunciation. Her tournure is also susceptible of improvement.

"ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE", The Sydney Morning Herald (1 January 1846), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article28649795 

THIS EVENING, JANUARY 1, 1836 . . . Bellini's opera, in 3 Acts, entitled LA SONNANMBULA . . . Amina - Mrs. Stirling . . .

"ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE", The Sydney Morning Herald (19 January 1846), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12884775 

THIS EVENING . . . Rossini's Opera, in three acts, (originally performed here in two), entitled CINDERELLA; OR, THE FAIRY AND THE GLASS SLIPPER. Prince Floridyr, Mr. J. Howson. Dandini, Mr. F. Howson. Baron Pomposo II Magnifico, Mr. Lazar (his first appearance these three seasons), Pietro, Mr. Simes. Cinderella, Mrs. Stirling. Clorinde and Thisbe, Madame Carandini and Madame Torning . . .

"Theatricals", The Spectator (24 January 1846), 7

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250085049 

. . . It was a piece of sheer cruelty to place Mrs. Stirling in a position where she must, of necessity, suffer from the comparison that is immediately drawn between herself and her accomplished predecessor in the part, Mrs. Bushelle. When we say that the running divisions, les roulemens, the cadences, and other ornaments and graces with which the role abounds, were altogether omitted, we need scarcely observe that the criticisms as to execution, of which we have adumbrated above, were confined to mere regrets at the inexplicable change in the cast; and we must, perforce, express our surprise at so reckless an attack having been made on the ears of a good-natured audience, obviously predisposed to be pleased. In the brilliant volati which occur in the passages "Let me sing my own old Song," and, "Comings coming," (in the pieces "Once a King," and " Whence this soft and pleasing Flame") we were powerfully reminded, that, without flexibility and good intonation, there can be no execution; and, inasmuch as in running divisions there must be an equality of distinct articulation, free from cracks, breaks, limpings, or the slurring over of two or three notes in order to arrive at the conclusion, we are constrained to say that, with all her meritorious pains-taking, the assumption by Mrs. Stirling of the arduous character of Cinderella, was, by reason of physical defects, a complete failure . . .

[Advertisement], The Spectator (24 January 1846), 9

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250085041 

ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE . . . THIS EVENING, SATURDAY JANUARY 24, 1846,
when will be presented, for the first time this season, The Musical Drama of The SLAVE . . .
Zelinda (a Quadroon Slave) - Mrs. STIRLING
(With the original songs of "The Mocking Bird," and "Sons of Freedom") . . .

"Theatricals", The Spectator (16 May 1846), 199

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250084847 

After having been shelved for some time, and compelled to give way to the melodramatic mania which is so disagreeable a feature in the management of the Victoria, the Messrs. Howson have at last had some fair scope allowed to their talent by being permuted to produce Barnett's romantic opera of The mountain Sylph, which caused so favorable a sensation on its first production at the English Opera House in 1832 . . . Eolia, the Mountain Sylph (so exquisitely represented by Miss Romer) was assigned to Mrs. Stirling, who, by her praiseworthy pains-taking, and evident exertions to overcome many serious physical defects, renders the duty of once more alluding to them one of regret. Still we cannot conceal the fact, that far higher qualities are required for a prima donna than this lady possesses; and we are compelled to inquire why, when Mrs. Bushelle's valuable services are available, the public should be invited to listen to operas curtailed, of necessity, of much of their fair proportions? . . .

[Advertisement], The Sydney Morning Herald (20 June 1846), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12887963

AUSTRALIAN HARMONIC CLUB CONCERT . . . WEDNESDAY EVENING NEXT, 24TH INST . . . INSTRUMENTAL - Mr. John Deane, (leader to the Club), Messrs. J. P., E., and W. Deane, Mr. Friedlander, Mr. Strong, and Mr. Guerin . . .

"Theatricals", Bell's Life in Sydney (25 July 1846), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59767262

. . . with peculiar pleasure we refer to the brilliant success of "The Bohemian Girl" . . . Mrs. Stirling in Arline equalled any of her former assumptions. As a piece of combined acting and singing, we should look in vain for so efficient a representation in these colonies. Her descriptive dream, has nightly produced a vehement encore, while her finale was full of an executive brilliancy which agreeably surprised us. Altogether, it was a most admirable and successful personation, fully justifying the enthusiasm it has evoked . . .

"Music", The Spectator (1 August 1846), 333

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article250085167 

The Farewell Concert of Mons. and Mdme. Gautrot took place on Wednesday last in the Saloon of the Royal Hotel . . . . The Messrs. Deane, Friedlander, Gearin [sic], and other instrumentalists lent their efficient aid, and the overtures to "L'Irato" and "Fra Diavolo" were performed with admirable effect.

"ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE", The Sydney Morning Herald (15 August 1846), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12895871 

THIS EVENING . . . THE BOHEMIAN GIRL . . . Arline, Mrs. Stirling . . .

"ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE", The Sydney Morning Herald (17 August 1846), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12900507 

THIS EVENING . . . Effie, Mrs. Guerin, late Mrs. Stirling . . .

"DRAMA", Bell's Life in Sydney (28 April 1849), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article59768800

Premising that in our humble estimation, it cannot stand comparison with any of our sterling favourites, La Sonnambula, The Mountain Sylph, and The Night Dancers, we still feel justified in passing a qualified eulogium upon the merits of MARITANA, and the evident musical talent which has been employed on its production here. Passing over the "Plot," which is about as tame and uninteresting a "creation of the author's brain," as any we ever remember having waded through, and which is rendered more glaringly insipid, by the culpable imperfections of the principal characters, and their strange inattention to the minor details and telling points of their respective parts, we shall confine ourselves to the orchestral and vocal beauties, which alone redeem Wallace's Opera from insignificance. And first, we must speak in the most unmeasured terms of admiration of the ability which is exhibited by the orchestra throughout, and particularly of the skill and taste of its talented leader, whose performance of the arduous task assigned to him, is in the highest style of art. The vocal parts were also so judiciously filled, that we experience some difficulty in assigning the pas to any individual - but, to speak of their concentrated talent, will, at all events, free us from the charge of being invidious, which, in this case, would be, to say the least of it, highly unjust. Never in our recollection did the Victoria vocalists exert themselves so much or so successfully. The airs which principally struck us by their beauty or force, are, "The Harp in the Air," "There is a Flower that Bloometh," "In happy Moments," "Alas, those chimes so sweetly pealing," and "Hear me, gentle Maritana;" these were respectively allotted to Mrs. Guerin, Mr. John Howson, Mr. Frank Howson, Mrs. Rogers, and Mr. Rogers, who delivered them with admirable effect. The gem of the concerted pieces is decidedly, "What mystery," which concludes the second act. It is most original, melodious, and effective, and was given in a style for which we scarcely believed the resources of the theatre were adequate. In fact, nothing but the most careful training and powerful exertion could have achieved it. The dresses in the opera are magnificent, and in the best taste, and the materials of which they are formed, of the most expensive order . . .

"ROYAL VICTORIA THEATRE", The Sydney Morning Herald (15 June 1853), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12946681 

Last evening, an audience crowded to the ceiling welcomed Mr. and Mrs. Stark, whose success, throughout the States of the Union, has been frequently adverted to in the columns of this journal. Shakspere's tragedy of Hamlet was the play selected for the debut of our visitors . . . Mr. S talk is an actor of no ordinary pretensions, but we regret to say that certain obstacles were opposed to him last evening, to which he ought not, on any account, to have been subject. In the first place, the orchestra, (with the exception of Messrs. Gibbs, Gautrot, and Guerin) was attacked with a chorus of yells and groans, in consequence of a most unjustifiable strike on the part of the band on the previous evening . . .

"THE STAGE", The Sydney Morning Herald (24 January 1855), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12964767

The lessee of the Victoria was obliged to postpone the exhibition of the spectacle entitled "The Horrors of War" being tableaux pourtraying the various and interesting incidents in a soldier's life, on Monday night, owing to the unavoidable absence of Mrs. Guerin, who was unable to appear on the boards in consequence of Mr. Guerin being suddenly and seriously indisposed.

"PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE", Empire (6 September 1855), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60169125 

THIS EVENING, Thursday, September 6, 1855, the Evening's entertainment will commence with the Grand Opera of the BOHEMIAN GIRL. Thaddeus (a proscribed Pole), Mr. J. Howson; Florestein (Nephew of the Count), Mrs. Guerin; Devilshoof (Chief of the Gypsy Tribe), Mr. F. Howson; Arline. Miss Catherine Hayes; Queen of the Gipsies, Madame Sara Flower; Buda, Mrs. Rogers . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Catherine Hayes

"PRINCE OF WALES THEATRE", Empire (21 February 1856), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60174116 

THIS EVENING. Thursday, February 21st, will be produced Flotow's romantic and comic Opera, in 4 Acts, called MARTHA; or, the RICHMOND MARKET. Characters by Madame ANNA BISHOP, Mrs. Guerin, Mrs. Gibbs, Miss Warde, Mrs. Hart; Messrs. J. Howson, F. Howson, Stewart, Turner. Bruton, Kitts, Churchill.

ASSOCIATIONS: Anna Bishop

"THE NEWS OF THE DAY", The Age (28 January 1861), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154890347 

The "Colleen Bawn" still continues to draw good house for the Princess' . . . Mr. Stewart's Miles was a rare combination of the pathetic and the humorous . . . occasionally overdone . . . Father Tom, Harddress Cregan, and, Mrs. Cregan were fairly represented. We think Mrs. Guerin might make a littl'e more of her character at the denouement . . .

Obituaries:

"DEATHS", The Sydney Morning Herald (10 March 1856), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article12974780

On the 9th instant, Mr. James Guerin, late of the city of Limerick, at his residence, 41, Woolloomooloo-street, aged forty-one years.

[Notice], New South Wales Government Gazette (18 March 1856), 957

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article228682115 

In the Supreme Court of New South Wales. ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION. In the Goods of James Gnerin, late of Woolloomooloo-street, in the City of Sydney, in the colony of New South Wales, professor of music, deceased, intestate; NOTICE, is hereby given, that Theodocia [sic] Guerin, of Wooloomooloo-street, in the City of Sydney, in the Colony of New South Wales, widow, intends to apply . . . that Letters of Administration of all and singular the goods, chattels, credits, and effects of the abovenamed James Guerin, deceased, may be granted to her, as the widow of the said deceased . . .

"DEATHS", The Argus (20 July 1904), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10330574

STEWART. - On the 19th July, at her late residence, 251 Victoria-parade, East Melbourne, Theodosia Stewart, widow of the late Richard Stewart, and dearly loved and devoted mother of Docie, Nellie, and Richard, in her 90th year.

"The Late Mrs. Stewart", The Herald (20 July 1904), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article241921136 

The death is announced today of Mrs. Theodosia Stewart, widow of the late Mr. Richard Stewart, and the mother of several well-known professionals. Mrs. Stewart's career is connected with the very early history of the Australian stage. She made her first appearance nt the Victoria Theatre, Sydney, on August 14th, 1845, when she sang the role of Zerlina in the opera of Fra Diavolo. Among her associates in the company of this period were the Howsons and the Carandinis, all of whom appeared in a succession of dramatic as well as operatic productions, Mrs. Stewart undertaking leading characters in tragedy and high comedy, as well as singing leading soprano roles. In 1849 she took the title role in what must have been about the earliest production of Maritana, being supported by Mr. J. Howson as Don Caesar, Mr. F. Howson as Don Jose, Mr. G. H. Rogers as the King, and Mrs. Rogers as Lazarilllo. Mrs. Stewart retired from the stage comparatively early, and afterwards led a quiet domestic life. Some years ago it was her principal pleasure to sit in a box in the old Royal and see her husband and children on the boards. Previous to her marriage with Mr. Stewart she was a Mrs. Guerin, and originally she took the stage name of "Mrs. Stirling." Miss Docy Stewart (Mrs. Harwood) and Miss Maggie Stewart were children by the first marriage, and Miss Nellie Stewart and Mr. Richard Stewart, jun., by the second marriage.

"THE INTERVIEWER. THE LATE MRS. STEWART. EARLY STAGE REMINISCENCES", The Australasian (30 July 1904), 46

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article139116427 

The death of Mrs. Stewart, whose portrait appears in our pictorial pages, breaks the last link of a chain which connects the Stewart family, so well known on the Australian stage, with the very early history of the theatre amongst us . . . Mrs. Stewart, who was the widow of the late Richard Stewart, had been, up to the time of her death, taken care of by her eldest daughter, Mrs. Harwood, whose name, as "Docie Stewart," has become a household word . . . Mrs. Yates, in black velvet and point lace, is portrayed in an old, very engraving in the part of Lady Macbeth . . . "That's how they dressed Lady Macbeth in those days," said Mrs. Harwood, with a smile. "My grandfather, Mr. Yates, was one of a well-known theatrical family. In 1837 my mother, then over 20, was chorus mistress at Drury-lane. Her salary was 16/ a week. Her Australian life began in 1840 [sic, 1842] in Hobart Town (as it was then called), the Howsons, Frank and John, Signor Carandini, and my mother, under the stage name of 'Mrs. Stirling,' all came out to Mrs. Clarke, of the Hobart theatre. She made concert appearances. In 1845 she made her first appearance in opera in the old Victoria Theatre, Pitt street, Sydney, as Zerlina, in 'Fra Diavolo.' Wyatt was the manager's name. The Carandinis were in Sydney at that time, and were in the company with my mother. Signor Carandini was an exile from Italy. He came out as a dancer. Mme. Carandini and mother were both extremely tall and very much alike. Once when they were to sing a duet, Wyatt, by way of a joke, got them exactly similar dresses, much to the mystification of the audience, who could hardly tell one from the other. John Howson was the tenor. Frank was the bass. The music of "La Sonnambula" was written down by Wyatt's conductor (whose name I don't know) from John Howson's voice and mother's. They sang the whole opera through. Here is an old manuscript score of an interpolated song which mother, as Amina, used to sing . . .

What kind of voice had Mrs. Stewart?

"A full dramatic soprano. My mother was the original Maritana. Vincent Wallace wrote most of the opera in Sydney, and produced it there, with Mrs. Guerin in the title role (Mrs. Stewart's first husband was Mr. Guerin), J. Howson as Don Caesar, F. Howson as Don Jose, G. H. Rogers as the King, and his wife as Lazarillo. "Maritana" was produced 1849. Her first Melbourne appearance was in 1857, in the old Royal, with Mme. Bishop. She took Adelgisa in "Norma." In 1861, some years after her marriage with Mr. Stewart, my own and my sister Maggie's stepfather, she quitted the stage altogether, because, although she was then in her prime as an actress, she preferred a quiet, domestic life, a taste which most of us inherit. However, my mother did not give up her love for music. At that very piano" - Mrs. Harwood indicated the instrument in the room - "she was sitting not so long ag, and her voice retained much of its tone and vigour until late in life" . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Joseph Wyatt (proprietor); Wyatt's conductor = leader John Gibbs

Related musical prints:

I dreamt that I dwelt in marble halls, as sung by Mrs. Stirling in the opera of The Bohemian girl, composed by M. W. Balfe (Sydney: F. Ellard, [1845])

https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/6507591 (DIGITISED)

Canst thou bid the hand its cunning forget, sung by Mrs. Guerin, at the Royal Victoria Theatre, Sydney, in the opera of Don John of Austria . . . composed by I. Nathan (Sydney: W. and F. Ford, [1847])

https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/16497678/version/19363710 (DIGITISED)

In that devotion, ballad, sung by Mrs. Guerin in the opera of Matilda, performed at the Victoria Theatre, Sydney, written by Alfred Bunn, composed by W. Vincent Wallace [Wallace] (Sydney: Grocott, [1850])

https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/13895556 (DIGITISED)

Bibliography and resources:

F. C. Brewer, The drama and music in New South Wales (Sydney: Charles Potter, Govt. Printer, Sydney, for the New South Wales Commission for the World's Columbian Exposition (1893: Chicago, Ill.), 1892), 15, 16, 41, 57, 58, 63

https://archive.org/details/dramamusicinnews00brew/page/15/mode/2up (DIGITISED)

[15] . . . Very slight changes occurred in the company at the Victoria after the conclusion of the Coppin performances until 1845, when Messrs. John and Frank Howson, Signor and Signora Carandini, and Mrs. Stirling (afterwards Mrs. Guerin, and finally Mrs. Stewart) arrived in Sydney, and were engaged for the Victoria. Their accession to the stage of the day led to regular productions of opera, but they were also important additions to the dramatic company. Mrs. Stirling frequently sustained leading characters in tragedy and high comedy, while for some years she was the prima donna of the operatic representations . . .

[57] . . . One or two musical dramas were all the operatic performances that followed, until the Messrs. Frank and John Howson, Mrs. Stirling (afterwards Mrs. Guerin and now Mrs. Stewart), and Madame Carandini joined the company . . . "Fra Diavolo" introduced Mrs. Stirling to the Australian stage on August 14, 1845, that lady playing Zerlina; though not performed as an opera, much of Auber's music was given. [58] Weber's Opera of "Der Freischutz" was produced at the Victoria on August 25, 1815, with the Howsons, Mrs. Stirling, and Madame Carandini in the principal characters . . . Mrs. Stirling was a fair actress in drama, but her forte was opera; she had a pleasing soprano voice, which she used with the skill of a well-cultivated artiste . . . That popular lyric work, "The Bohemian Girl," was first performed in Sydney on the 15th July, 1846, with J. Howson as Thaddeus, F. Howson, as Devilshoof, Mrs. Stirling as Arline, Mrs. Gibbes as the Gipsy Queen, and Mr. J. Lazar as Count Arnheim. It was a creditable effort, but Lazar was unequal to sentimental opera, and his rendering of "The Heart bowed down" elicited from the audience anything but sympathy. The "Bohemian Girl" was very successful, however, and ran on the opera nights for some weeks. The musical dramas of "Guy Mannering," "Rob Roy," the English operetta "The Waterman," with J. Howson as Tom Tug, who was supported by Mr. Saville, a recent addition, were given with the operas already named, until November, 1847, when "The Night Dancers" was performed and took well. On August 3, 1848, "The Siege of Rochelle" was produced. Successful as many of the operas had been, they were eclipsed by the performance of "Maritana" on April 19, 1849. The "distribution" of characters gave to Mr. J. Howson, the part of Don Caesar; F. Howson, Don Jose; G. H. Rogers, the King; Mrs. Guerin (Mrs. Stirling), Maritana ; and Mrs. Rogers, Lazarello. This most popular of all English operas "went from the jump." There were no stars in the cast, but on the whole, the resources considered, it was very fairly given, and pleased all . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Francis Campbell Brewer

Nellie Stewart, My life's story (Sydney: J. Sands, [1923])

https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/20928635 

"Women in the World", The Australian women's mirror (27 April 1926), 22

https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-395729335/view?sectionId=nla.obj-417850325&partId=nla.obj-395988192#page/n21/mode/1up 

. . . If Nellie was the only daughter of Richard Stewart, then Docy and Maggie were her half-sisters, they being the children of James Guerin. The mother of the girls was Theodosia Yates, who left Drury Lane Theatre in 1840 with Mrs. Clarke s operatic company for Hobart Town, where she sang as Miss Yates Sterling. Several years later, as Madame Guerin, she was at the "Old Vic," in Pitt-street, Sydney, where she was the original Maritana in Wallace's opera (which, it is understood, was written and composed in Sydney). The soprano had then married the leader of the orchestra, James Guerin. On his death she married, in 1857, Richard Towzey, who legally assumed the name "Stewart." He died in 1902 . . .

[Marjorie Barnard and Flora Eldershaw], A house is built by M. Barnard Eldershaw (New York: Harcourt, Brace, 1929), 155; serialised as "The quartermaster" in The bulletin

. . . the quartermaster and William escorted them to the Royal Victoria Theatre, where, seated ina box, clad in flounced gowns and lace kerchiefs, they thrilled and pulsed to the warbling of Theodosia Yates, or clapped the admirable Mr. Geoghegan in The Hibernian Father . . .

Norman Campbell, "Nellie Stewart", The bulletin (1 July 1931), 18

https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-600835261/view?sectionId=nla.obj-608150092&partId=nla.obj-600848955#page/n17/mode/1up 

. . . "There seems to have been no registration of my birth, but I was christened in St. James's Church, in King-street, Sydney, and my name, of course, was not Stewart - my father's nom de theatre - but Towzey." So she told me. When I was helping her in the preparation of her book, "My Life's Story," in 1922, I looked up the record of her baptism. She was born in 41 Woolloomooloo-street, M'loo, a two-storey house. Her father, who had arrived in Sydney in 1853, and had been up to the diggings at the Turon, married Nellie's mother, Mrs. Guerin, in 1857. Her mother's maiden name was Theodosia Yates, and she taught the choruses at Drury Lane; she married James Guerin, a leader of the orchestra in Mrs. Clarke's opera co., who became father of Nellie Stewart's half-sisters, Docy and Maggie. Docy survives to-day as Madame Chambossier, in Melbourne. Her age is 82. Maggie died years ago. Richard ("Dick") Stewart, Nellie's only brother, resides in Sydney, and was lately manager of the Criterion Theatre . . .

Frances A. Yates, "Autobiographical fragments", in Ideas and ideals in the north European renaissance (London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1984), 304, 347-48 (notes 1 and 3)

. . . My father was descended from Shakespearean actors . . . [Nellie Stewart]'s mother was Theodosia Yates, my grandfather's sister.

[348, note 3] From notes left by Frances and Ruby Yates it appears that their great-grandfather, Thomas Yates, and actor, married (in 1802) Mary Ann Croshaw and that Mrs. Yates had a fairly successful career on the stage. The couple had three children, two daughters and one son, James, Frances Yates's grandfather . . . His sisters went on the stage. Theodosia was successful in Australia. Her singing is mentioned in a novel about early life in Sydney, A house is built, by M. Barnard Eldershaw, 1929 [Australian and UK editions, 155; American edition, 167] . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Frances Yates; my thanks to Allister Hardiman (2017) from bringing Frances Yates's family memoir to my attention

"YATES, Richard . . . ", in Philip H. Highfill et al (eds), A biographical dictionary of actors, actresses . . . in London, 1660-1800 . . . volume 16 (Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 1993), 312 ff.

https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015026964307&view=1up&seq=324 (DIGITISED)

Ross Cooper, "Stewart, Eleanor Towzey (Nellie) (1858-1931)", Australian dictionary of biography 12 (1990)

http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/stewart-eleanor-towzey-nellie-8663

Nicole Anae, "A crowned and selected band of women": Tasmanian actress/celebrities of the nineteenth century and "home-grown" identity (Ph.D thesis, University of Tasmania, 2005), passim

http://eprints.utas.edu.au/19207 (DIGITISED)

"Theodosia Stirling", Wikipedia

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodosia_Stirling

James Guerin, Find a grave

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/188071007 

GUESDON, William Algernon (William Algernon GUESDON; W. A. GUESDON)

Amateur musician, pianist, bandsman, sportsman

Born Hobart, VDL (TAS), 8 September 1848; son of William Andrew GUESDON (d. 1891) and Rebecca DOWLING
Married (1) Elizabeth WEBB (1850-1894), TAS, 1871
Married (2) Grace Lilian EADY, TAS, 1895
Died Hobart, TAS, 21 December 1926, aged 78

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=William+Algernon+Guesdon+1848-1926 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GUESDON-William-Algernon (shareable link to this entry)

Documentation:

"UNITED YOUNG MEN'S ASSOCIATION", The Mercury (21 September 1874), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8932345 

This evening a concert in connection with this association takes place at the Oddfellow's Hall. The Misses Beaumont and several gentlemen will assist, and Dentith's band will play selections. The programme is an exceedingly attractive one. The concert will be under the conductorship of Mr. W. A. Guesdon. The proceeds of the concert are to go towards providing prizes for the association's annual sports on 9th November next.

"Citizen's Band", The Tasmanian Tribune (24 November 1875), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article200369907 

A meeting of gentlemen interested in the formation of a brass band was held in the Mayor's Court Room, Town Hall, last night. Among those present were the Hons. P. O. Fysh and J. A. Jackson, Dr. Agnew, L. R. Castray, B. Shaw, H. Hunter, W. Tarleton, Mons. Del Sarte, His Worship the Mayor, G. Crisp. Esq., and Aldermen Perkins, Walch, and Belbin. The requisition convening the meeting having been read, His Worship the Mayor was voted to the chair. His WORSHIP having spoken of the advisability of forming a brass band, called upon Mr. Castray to read the report of the provisional committee.

REPORT

The Provisional Committee consider it due to this meeting to explain their reasons for convening it. A local organised band has long been felt a public want, and it has frequently been a matter of surprise, especially to our visitors, that the capital of the colony should he deficient in such an attraction. The present time appears to be favourable for the establishment of such a band. As Monsieur Del Sarte, so well known as a first class musician, has agreed to undertake the leadership, and a number of other efficient musicians have already signed articles of agreement to serve under him.

The following is an approximate estimate of expenses likely to be incurred:
Band master, 18 hand parades, 21s each, £18 18s; 6 Practice meetings, 10s 6d each, £3 3s. Bandsmen, 9 men, 16 hand parades, 6s each, £48 12s; 1 man, 7s. £6 6s; 2 boys, 2s 6d each, £4 10. Uniform, 12 suits, 70s each, £42. Cost of music. £5. Band instruments (Bombardone), £7; repair of drum, &c., £10. £l38 9s Say £150.

It may be observed that the cost of the uniform forms a large item of expenditure in this estimate, but it must he remembered this will not he an annual outlay, as the uniform will not require frequent renewal.

The Provisional Committee cannot too strongly urge upon this meeting the necessity for taking immediate action, as they shall soon have a great influx of visitors; and as many practice meetings must be held before such efficiency can be attained to enable the band to perform in public, it is recommended that this meeting should at once sanction such preliminary expenditure, as will enable the band to commence practice forthwith.

It will also be necessary for the meeting to appoint a committee for the year ending 30th September, 1876. The following is a list of names of the Provisional Committee, viz: - Messrs. Geo. Crisp, B. Travers Solly, J. H. B. Walch, P. O. Fysh, W. Tarleton. D. Lewis, H. Weld-Blundell. J. W. Graves, J. A. Jackson, H. Hunter, and L. R. Castrey, who now retire, but are eligible for re-election.

Mr. FYSH spoke at some length upon the necessity of the citizens having a band that would be an attraction to visitors from the neighbouring colonies. He moved that "Having heard the report now read, this meeting is of opinion that it should be adopted, and that steps be at once taken to raise subscriptions for the establishment of the band referred to in the report."

Mr. JACKSON seconded the resolution, as he believed that a hand was a necessity He did not think that the band would cost £150, but if it did, surely 300 gentlemen could be found in the community who would subscribe 10s, 6d. annually. Mr. GRAVES supported the resolution, which was put and carried.

Mr. HUNTER moved that the following gentlemen form the Band Committee for the year ending 30 September 1876. Messrs L. R. Castray, Hon. P. O. Fysh, B. Travers Solly, H. Weld-Blundell, J. W. Graves, J. H. B. Walch, J. A. Jackson, H. Hunter, Geo. Salier, W. A. Guesdon, J. Watchorn, W. G. Weaver, Charles Crosby, W. Ferguson, E. Whitesides, W. J. J. Reynolds, F. A. Packer, power to add to their number.

Dr. AGNEW seconded, and the resolution was put and passed. The meeting then separated after the usual vote of thanks to His Worship the Mayor for his conduct in the chair.

ASSOCIATIONS: Camille Del Sarte (musician); James Walch (councillor, music seller); John Woodcock Graves (amateur musician);

"MONSIEUR DEL SARTE'S CONCERT", The Mercury (1 March 1877), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8951552 

In consequence of Monsieur Del Sarte having been suddenly taken ill, the concert at the Oddfellows' Hall last evening was shorn of some of its attractions. Mr. W. A. Guesdon apologised for Monsieur Del Sarte's absence, and expressed a hope that the audience would pardon any defects. The programme was then proceeded with, and the various songs and duets gave great satisfaction. The vocalists were Mr. and Mrs. Langley, Messrs. H. C. Pratt, A. Watchorn, C. Heathorn, R. Young, Jolly, and Benson; and some lady amateurs . . .

"AN APPEAL", The Mercury (11 April 1883), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article9012671 

We have been requested to bring under the notice of the charitable, and all friends and pupils of the late Mons. Del Sarte, the case of Mrs. Del Sarte, who is sadly in need of pecuniary assistance. In a letter just received by a lady residing at Hobart, a mutual friend states that Mrs. Del Sarte is in a very weak and almost helpless state, slowly recovering from gastric fever. Mr. W. A. Guesdon has kindly consented to act as treasurer of a fund being raised on behalf of Mrs. Del Sarte, and donations will also be thankfully received and acknowledged by Herr Schott.

ASSOCIATIONS: James Arthur Schott (musician)

"BANDS AND BANDSMEN. By "Trombone", Critic (9 February 1917), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article169026958 

One of the best promoters of music from time to time in our midst is Mr. W. A. Guesdon. This gentleman has always been to the fore in supporting musical combinations, high-class concerts in particular. He was the founder of the Filibuster Band, which organisation contributed largely to charities. This band, taken on the whole, was a great success, and its members were mostly leading citizens, and some good talent was brought out by its means. It derived its name from a vessel supposed to have left Europe for a secret destination, the incident causing at the time a bit of a scare in Australia and other places. The bandsmen were commonly known as the "busters," most of whom were what was called the buster crop (the hair cut exceedingly short). Sometimes the band was designated the Silver Band, on account of its instruments (which were of superior manufacture), being silver plated. There are many persons who remember the nice musical outings arranged by Mr. Guesdon, particularly the trips in Mr. Dan Jones' fishing smack, Rachel Thompson, which was always kept in a yacht-like condition, also several nice steamer moonlight excursions which the writer and others thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated. Mr. W. A. G. is a good pianist, and has had a good all-round reputation as a musician; he is a good referee, and a splendid critic, ever ready to give praise to any performer when merited. He has taken a great interest in horse racing, and I believe that he is the only resident in Hobart to secure a Melbourne Cup, when it was won in 1870 by his horse Darriwell. He represented Hobart on several occasions in the House of Assembly, and was the first member to introduce manhood suffrage, and when a division was called for the same, he was the only one supporting it.

"MUSICAL DAY. HISTORY OF THE HOBART BANDS. SOME INTERESTING NOTES", The Mercury (30 August 1917), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article1085868 

. . . The Filibuster Band was brought together mainly through the exertions of Mr. W. A. Guesdon, and it was composed of some of the lending citizens, and a great amount of talent was developed during its existence of over 20 odd years . . .

GURNER, Orpah (Orpah HERBERT; Mrs. F. W. GURNER)

Amateur vocalist, choir singer

Born Chipping Norton, England, 10 August 1836; daughter of Thomas and Orpah HERBERT (d. 1863)
Arrived Adelaide, SA, 19 December 1849 (per Minerva, from London via Plymouth, with mother)
Married Frederick William GURNER (1834-1906), North Adelaide, SA, 16 July 1857
Died Kadina, SA, 11 July 1910

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Orpah+Herbert+Gurner+1836-1910 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GURNER-Orpah-HERBERT (shareable link to this entry)

Documentation:

"SHIPPING", South Australian Gazette and Mining Journal (22 December 1849), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article195939068 

Passengers per Minerva, arrival reported in our last . . . John Gurner wife and five children . . . O. Herbert and nine children . . .

"MARRIED", South Australian Register (18 July 1857), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49212132 

On the 16th instant, by licence, at the residence of the bride's father, by the Rev. W. Ingram, Mr. F. William Gurner, second son of Mr. Gurner, of Melbourne-street, to Orpah, eldest daughter of Mr. T. Herbert, of Kermode-street.

"MISS PETTMAN'S CONCERT", South Australian Register (16 September 1858), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49780973 

We regret to say that the stormy state of the weather rendered abortive the effort of Miss Pettman's musical friends to give to her a benefit concert on Wednesday evening. The concert was, indeed, performed as announced, but from the thin attendance it is feared that a considerable loss must have been sustained . . . Miss Pettman sang two or three airs during the evening, the moat successful of which was Handel's "He shall feed His flock." The duett from Judas Maccabaeus, "O, lovely peace," was rendered with considerable taste and expression by Miss Pettman and Mrs. Gurner, and was, as it deserved to be, warmly encored . . .

"MISS PETTMAN'S CONCERT . . .", The South Australian Advertiser (21 September 1858), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article783546 

MISS PETTMAN'S concert was not so well attended as the character of the performance deserved. It was rather unfortunate that it should have been appointed to take place on an evening so replete with amusements as that of Monday . . . Mrs. Gurner sang "Bright Blissful State," with great feeling, and the concert closed with Handel's Hallelujah chorus, to which the powerful choir and orchestra gave great effect.

ASSOCIATIONS: Mary Ann Pettman

MUSIC: O lovely peace (Handel, from Judas Maccabaeus); Bright blissful state (Haydn, from The creation)

"WALLAROO", South Australian Register (24 June 1867), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article39175946 

A concert of sacred music was given on Thursday evening, 20th inst., at the Independent Church, Wallaroo, in aid of the funds. Several very fine anthems, new to a Wallaroo audience, were sung for the most part with good effect . . . We must not forget to mention the very effective assistance rendered by Mrs. Gurner and her sisters, who kindly came from Kadina to lend her aid . . .

"EVENTS OF THE MONTH", The Wallaroo Times and Mining Journal (26 October 1857), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article110359566 

The concert of sacred music given in the Presbyterian Church in this township last week was repeated in the Oddfellows' Hall, Kadina, on Thursday, October 17. The large hall was very well filled. The programme was slightly altered by the addition of two solos. The overtures were faultlessly performed by the instrumentalists of the Kadina choir, and the anthems were rendered by the different choirs in a correct and efficient manner, the audience testifying their appreciation by hearty applause. The "Coronation Anthem" and Mozart's " Gloria" by the Kadina choir were especially admired . . . Mrs. Gurner sang Handel's beautiful air - "Angels ever bright and fair" in such a manner as to elicit the warm commendations of the audience. Cherubini's trio, "Like as a Father," was very nicely executed by Mrs. Gurner and Messrs. Gurner and Orchard, and received an unanimous encore . . .

"WESLEYAN CHURCH, KADINA", Wallaroo Times (24 November 1886), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article124531458 

. . . At the last meeting of Trustees they had received the resignation of Mr. F. W. Gurner, who had been organist and leader of the choir for the past twenty three years. The Trustees felt that they could not allow the opportunity to pass without manifesting their appreciation of the services rendered to the church by both Mr. and Mrs. Garner . . .

"KADINA", Chronicle (6 January 1906), 14

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88109107 

"DEATHS", The Kadina and Wallaroo Times (13 July 1910), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article109117460 

GURNER - On July 11th, at Brown Street, Kadina, Orpah, wife of the late F. W. Gurner, aged 74 years. Resident of Kadina for 48 years. At Rest.

"OBITUARY", The Kadina and Wallaroo Times (13 July 1910), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article109117477 

Mrs. Orpah Gurner, widow of the late Mr. F. W. Gurner, passed away. The deceased who was a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Herbert, of Moonta, was born at Chipping Norton on Aug. 10, 1836, and arrived in the colony in the year 1849, in the same ship as that in which her late husband arrived. She was married to the late Mr. Gurner at North Adelaide, in the year 1857, and in 1862 came to Kadina and resided there until her death on Monday. She manifested a very keen and practical interest in the Taylor-street Methodist church, and for 30 years was a member of the church choir . . .

GUNN, John Henry (John Henry GUNN) alias Mr. SAVILLE

Actor

Died Sydney, NSW, 23 August 1869, aged "28"

GURR FAMILY OF LAUNCESTON

GURR, Henry (senior) (Henry GURR; H. GURR)

? Amateur vocalist, choir leader

Born England, c. 1797
Married Mary Ann TAYLOR (c. 1797-1885), Tenterden, Kent, England, 9 August 1818
Arrived VDL (TAS), by c. 1839
Died Launceston, TAS, 1 August 1865

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Henry+Gurr+d1865 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GURR-Henry (shareable link to this entry)

GURR, Henry (senior) (Henry GURR; H. GURR)

Amateur vocalist, ? choir leader

Born Kent, England, c. 1821
Arrived VDL (TAS), by c. 1839
Married Eliza LEE, Launceston, VDL (TAS), 20 June 1843
Arrived Portland, VIC, 29 March 1846 (per Minerva, from George Town)
Died Longford, TAS, 7 July 1879

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=Henry+Gurr+c1821-1879 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GURR-Henry-jun (shareable link to this entry)

GURR, William (William GURR; W. GURR)

Amateur vocalist, ship's chandler

Born Kent, England, c. 1825; son of Henry GURR and Mary Ann TAYLOR
Arrived VDL (TAS), by c. 1839
Married Mary Elizabeth BELLION (1826-1908), Launceston, VDL (TAS), 17 October 1845
Died Launceston, TAS, 15 April 1906

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=William+Gurr+c1825-1906 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GURR-William (shareable link to this entry)

GURR, John (John GURR; J. GURR)

Amateur musician, conductor, cabinet-maker and undertaker, schoolmaster

Born Launceston, TAS, 13 February 1839; baptised Wesleyan church, Launceston, 29 October 1829; son of Henry GURR and Mary Ann TAYLOR
Married Maria THOMSON (1843-1898), Launceston, 12 March 1861
Died Auckland, NZ, 6 October 1886

https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?l-publictag=John+Gurr+1839-1886 (TROVE tagged by Australharmony)

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GURR-John (shareable link to this entry)

Documentation:

Baptisms, Wesleyan Church, Launceston, 1839; Tasmanian names index; NAME_INDEXES:1087331; RGD32/1/3/ no 504

https://stors.tas.gov.au/NI/1087331 

https://stors.tas.gov.au/RGD32-1-3$init=RGD32-1-3-P482 (DIGITISED)

[No.] 923 / [baptised] 29th October 1839 / [born] 13th February 1839 / John / [son of] Henry & Mary Ann / Gurr / Wheelwright / Launceston . . .

"THE REPORT OF THE TASMANIAN TEETOTAL SOCIETY", Launceston Courier (30 January 1843), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article84673729 

Read at the Annual Meeting of the members, held in the Infant School Room, on Wednesday Evening, January 11th, 1843 . . . That the following be elected as the officers and Committee for the ensuing year - . . .
Rev. C. Price, Vice-President. Mr. John Tevelein, Treasurer . . . Mr. H. Gurr, Leader of the Choir . . .

ASSOCIATIONS: Charles Price (clergyman)

Marriage in the district of Launceston, 1843; Tasmanian names index; NAME_INDEXES:830029; RGD37/1/3 no 602

https://stors.tas.gov.au/NI/830029 

https://stors.tas.gov.au/RGD37-1-3$init=RGD37-1-3P151 (DIGITISED)

[no.] 602 / June 20th 1843 / Longford Church / Henry Gurr / 22 / Free / . . . Bachelor
[and] Eliza Lee / 15 / free / . . . Spinster . . .

"PORTLAND BAY . . . MUSICAL", The Cornwall Chronicle (23 December 1846), 991

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article65943479 

The Episcopal congregation in this town, are laid under very great obligation to Mr. Henry Gurr, for the valuable improvement which he has effected in conducting the orchestra, and scarcely less so Mr. Barrett for the effective aid afforded by his accompaniment on the violoncello.

ASSOCIATIONS: Abraham Field Barrett (amateur musician, cellist)

"PORTLAND BAY", Launceston Examiner (19 September 1849), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36258448 

. . . The teetotalers having completed the first year of their society, have chosen Mr. Henry Gurr as their president, Mr. Heazlewood, treasurer, and Mr. A. F. Barrett, secretary, for the second year of their associated existence.

"TOTAL ABSTINENCE SOCIETY", Portland Guardian and Normanby General Advertiser [VIC] (3 April 1854), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article71569953 

On Wednesday last the members and friends of the above society assembled in the old Wesleyan Chapel Percy street . . . The intervals between the speeches were filled up by songs, recitations and instrumental music . . . The secretary here took occasion to remark that as Mr. Gurr the chairman was about to leave this place to rejoin his relatives in Launceston, he could not let the present opportunity pass without calling to mind they many services which Mr. Gurr had rendered the cause . . .

"LAUNCESTON SACRED HARMONIC SOCIETY", Launceston Examiner (4 July 1857), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36301752

The half-yearly meeting of the above Society was held on Thursday evening, 2nd July, 1857 . . .
special thanks were due to Mr. Pullen, the conductor . . .
Special thanks were also due to Mr. Thomas Sharp, who had rendered professional assistance, and also to Mr. Kenworthy, who had labored hard since the formation of the society . . .
The following officers were then chosen: Mr. Thomas Sharp, President. Mr. George Pullen, Conductor. Mr. Wm. Gurr, Treasurer. Mr. R. Cowl, Secretary.
Commitee: Mr. Kenworthy, Mr. Stokes, Mr. Stephens, Mr. Caseley, Mr. A. Hart.
The meeting closed by practising compositions from Handel, Mozart, and others.

ASSOCIATIONS: George Pullen (conductor); Thomas Sharp (musician, member); Robert Kenworthy (member); William Stokes (member); Anthony Hart (member); Launceston Sacred Harmonic Society (organisation)

"SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION", Portland Guardian and Normanby General Advertiser [VIC] (21 October 1857), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article64569611 

A meeting was held in the Wesleyan Chapel, Portland, last evening, pursuant to announcement, for the purpose of forming a Sunday School Union in this town . . . 2nd . . . seconded by Mr. Gurr . . . 4th. That Curwen's hymns and music be adopted by the union . . .

MUSIC: ? The child's own hymn book remodelled and/or Singing for schools and congregations (edited by John Curwen)

[Advertisement], Launceston Examiner (10 November 1864), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article38656233 

WESTBURY. The members of the Hagley Musical Union having kindly consented to give a CONCERT, the proceeds of which are to be devoted to the Public Library Building Fund, the same will be held at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Westbury, on Friday, the 18th November. To commence at 8 o'clock prompt. Admission, 2s.; Children, 1s. Tickets may be had of Mr. Gurr, the Conductor, of any member of the Library Committee, or of the undersigned. F. BELSTEAD, Hon. Secretary Westbury Public Library. Nov. 11.

"COUNTRY INTELLIGENCE. WESTBURY (From a Correspondent)", Launceston Examiner (22 November 1864), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article38656472 

The members of the Hagley Musical Union, under the conductorship of Mr. J. Gurr, gave another of their interesting entertainments at the Prince of Wales Theatre last Friday evening, 18th instant. The room was full. The proceeds of the concert were devoted to the Westbury Public Library Building Fund. The programme consisted of songs, duets (vocal and instrumental), anthems, glees, and choruses. The ladies presiding at the piano displayed considerable talent, and the singing in most instances was excellent. The songs, "Oh, had I Jubal's lyre" (Handel's Joshua"), "The Queen's Letter," and "Ah che la morte" (from "Il Trovatore); the glees "Canadian Boat Song," and "See our oars with feathered spray;" the songs and choruses "Where is home?" and "Gone are the days;" the chorus "Hark the lark;" and the choral "Sun of my soul," were tastefully rendered, and in some instances there were loud demands for an encore, but Mr. Gurr declined repeating any piece, as the programme was sufficiently long (numbering 23 pieces), and could not be gone through until a late hour. The progress made by the Society reflects the greatest credit on their conductor and themselves, and ought to be an inducement to others to join them in the elevating and agreeable study of music.

"INSOLVENCIES", The Cornwall Chronicle (23 November 1864), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66456119 

John Gurr, of Westbury, cabinet maker. Discharge granted.

"WESTBURY [From a Correspondent]", Launceston Examiner (29 December 1864), 4-5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article38657186 

The members of the Hagley Musical Union gave their third quarterly concert at Quamby, on Thursday evening, the 22nd instant, under the conductorship of Mr. J. Gurr. The attendance was large, and the performances gave very great satisfaction. The programme consisted of the following pieces -
Part 1. - Instrumental duet; chorus, "Who can tell;" trio, "When the evening sun is shining;" chorus glee, "Hark the lark;" song and chorus, "Where is home;" song, "Ellen Bayne;" chorale, "Christians awake;" solo, "Oh, had I Jubal's lyre;" glee, "Let's live and let's love;" pianoforte solo.
Part 2 - Solo pianoforte; chorus glee, "Lightly tread;" duet, "Juanita;" round, "Care thou canker;" song and chorus, "Gone are the days;" chorus glee, "See our oars with feathered spray;" duet, "List to the convent bells;" chorus, "Love and music;" song, "Fading away ;" chorale, "Son of my [5] soul;" pianoforte duet and National Anthem.
At the close of the concert Sir R. Dry (President) addressed the meeting, expressing the pleasure he felt in watching the progress of the Society. Comparing the present entertainment with the first, he was sure very great improvement had been made; and he exhorted the members to carry on the work in the same spirit in which they had taken it up, and much greater improvement would be the result. After partaking of some refreshments liberally provided by Sir R. Dry, the company separated.

ASSOCIATIONS: Richard Dry (president)

"HAGLEY MUSICAL UNION", Launceston Examiner (20 May 1865), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article38659944 

A correspondent sends the following: - The members of the Hagley Musical Union gave their fifth quarterly concert at Quamby, on Tuesday evening last. The attendance was large, and the singing on the whole good, but not so spirited as on former occasions, owing no doubt to the constant disturbance made by several persons sitting on the back forms, whose conversation, some of which was of a low and personal nature, was at times heard above the singing. It would be well for such persons to remember that although their conduct might be tolerated in the pit of a low theatre, at these entertainments it can only meet with the censure of the respectable and virtuous. The programme contained four instrumental pieces, eight songs, three duets, one trio, and nine choruses; the songs "Emigrant Mother," "Midst these Silent Groves," "Cameron Clan," "Molly Asthore," "Floating Away;" the duets, "The Wind and the Harp," "Forest Cell;" and the trio "The Red Cross Knight," were very well rendered, and received with great applause. It is expected that this will be the last concert of this Society, as circumstances have occurred which will prevent their future practice. Mr. John Gurr as usual officiated as conductor.

"DEATHS", The Mercury (22 August 1865), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8834594 

GURR. - On 1st August, at his residence, Lower Charles-street, Launceston, Mr. Henry Gurr, aged 70 years.

"PRESENTATION", Launceston Examiner (31 October 1867), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article36646967 

On Tuesday evening last, after the children's treat in connection with the Tamar-street and New Town Sunday Schools, about 30 teachers and friends took tea together. Tea being concluded, the Rev. C. Price took the chair, and a little business of a very pleasant character was transacted, viz, the presentation of an address engrossed on parchment, accompanied by some volumes of books, to Mr. Wm. Gurr. Mr. Gurr is the Superintendent, of New Town Sunday School, and the document, which was read, by an old scholar, (Mr. S. J. Sutton), recognised his services in connection with Tamar-street Church and School during the past twenty years - and especially his ser- vices to the choir of the church. - The books were a handsome family Bible, and an organ score copy of - "Allon and Gauntlett's Church Music." Each volume bore the following inscription, very neatly printed in blue and gold: - "Presented to Mr. William Gurr by the Teachers and Friends of the Schools connected with Tamar-street Independent Church. Launceston, 29th October, 1867."

MUSIC: The congregational psalmist (London: Ward, 1861), edited by Henry Allon (words) and Henry John Gauntlett (music)

"COURT OF REQUESTS. £30 JURISDICTION. TUESDAY, 2ND AUGUST . . . JOHN GURR v. J. J. POLLARD", The Cornwall Chronicle (3 August 1870), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67272782 

. . .This was an action for £18 4s 4d, by Mr. John Gurr, schoolmaster, for work and labor done, in educating three of Mr. J. J. Pollard's sons. The following witnesses were examined: - For plaintiff - John Gurr, Eliza Quenstrill, and Mary Ann Gurr. For defendant - J. J. Pollard, Mary Pollard, Mary Eliza Pollard, Henry Pollard, and James Pollard.
The case occupied the Court for nearly three hours. It appeared that plaintiff had increased the charge for tuition from £1 19s, to £3 13s 6d per quarter, charges being made for books and extras, such as drawing, &c., and furnished accounts for the higher amount. Defendant had supplied a piano to plaintiff; the latter said he had agreed to take it on trial for a month, and if he approved of it to retain it, the price to be &20, and he had given credit to that amount on the account for tuition, leaving a balance of &18 4s 4d. Defendant denied the sale, and charged &1 a month for the hire of the piano for nineteen months, for repairing harmonium, &c., and also denied that plaintiff had ever furnished him with an account at the increased charge for tuition, until after he received the summons.
There was, of course, great discrepancy in the evidence, and the Commissioner said there must be false swearing on the one side or the other.
The jury retired at 1.15. and at 2.5 p.m. returned a verdict for plaintiff for full amount claimed.
Mr. Rocher applied to the Commissioner, in order to further the ends of justice, to ask the jury on what grounds they delivered their verdict. The Commissioner declined, and said he was quite satisfied with the verdict.

ASSOCIATIONS: James Joseph Pollard (pianoforte maker and tuner)

"POLICE COURT . . . MONDAY, AUGUST 8. PERJURY', Launceston Examiner (9 August 1870), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article39676599 

John Gurr appeared to answer a charge preferred against him by James Joseph Pollard of having committed wilful and corrupt perjury on the 2nd August during the hearing of a case at the Court of Requests, in which he gave evidence as a witness. Mr. Rocher appeared on behalf of Mr. Pollard, and Mr. Campion for the defence. Mr. Rocher opened the case by stating that on the 22nd July lost, Mr. Gurr filed a plaint against Mr. Pollard for £18 4s 4d, the case being heard at the Court of Requests on Tuesday last, when a verdict was given against Mr. Pollard. During the hearing of the case one of the principal questions which arose was whether a certain pianoforte was sold or merely let on hire to Mr. Gurr. He (Gurr) swore it was sold to him by Pollard, who on the other hand swore it was only let on hire. During his cross-examination he (Mr. Rocher) asked Gurr if a document produced in Court was signed by him. Gurr said the writing was very like his signature, but distinctly denied having written it. Pollard and others swore that it was Gurr's signature . . .

The case was then adjourned to Wednesday . . . Mr. Gurr's recognizance for £100 for his appearance on Wednesday next, to further answer the charge.

"POLICE COURT . . . WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17 . . . PERJURY", Launceston Examiner (18 August 1870), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article39676754 

The charge of perjury perferred against John Gurr by James Joseph Pollard, and which was partly heard on the 8th inst., was resumed . . .
James Joseph Pollard, sworn, said, - I am a pianoforte maker and tuner, residing at Launceston, and I am in the habit of hiring out pianos. There was an action tried in the last Court of Requests, when Mr. Gurr sued me and I defended the action. A piano was one of the questions in dispute at that action. I hired a piano to Mr. Gurr on the 7th December, 1868 . . . All parties consenting, the case was further adjourned till Saturday next, 20th inst., at 10 a.m. . . .

"PERJURY", The Mercury (24 August 1870), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8872763 

We perceive by the Launceston Examiner that at the Police Court on the 20th instant, Mr. John Gurr, a schoolmaster, was committed for trial on a charge of perjury before Mr. Whitefoord, the Court of Requests Commissioner, on the prosecution of Mr. Pollard, pianoforte tuner, formerly of Hobart Town. Mr. Gurr was allowed bail, himself in £100, and two sureties in £50 each. Messrs. E. L. Ditcham and Henry Dowling joined Mr. Gurr in the required recognizances.

ASSOCIATIONS: Henry Dowling (merchant)

"THE CHARGE OF PERJURY", Cornwall Advertiser (14 October 1870), 2

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article232998391 

The Attorney-General has not deemed it necessary to file a bill against Mr. John Gurr, who was committed for trial on the charge of committing perjury in the case "Gurr v Pollard," at a recent sitting of the Court of Requests. We are informed that had the case come on for trial, several witnesses would have been forthcoming for the defence who did not give evidence at the Police Court, and whose testimony would have matarially affected the issue.

"POLICE COURT . . . MONDAY, September 4 . . . Maintenance", Launceston Examiner (5 September 1871), 3

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article39683532

Esther Selwyn charged John Gurr, a schoolmaster residing in Launceston, with leaving his female illegitimate child by her without means of support since the first day of August last . . .

"MR. JOHN GURR", Launceston Examiner (21 February 1874), 5

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article52891537 

The following telegram was published in Thursday's Argus, from its Portland [VIC] correspondent:
Mr. John Gurr, head master of St. Stephen's Grammar School, whose supposed death by drowning was recently reported, has just turned up. He says that he was washed off the rocks by a wave, and injured his head. He had been wandering about in the bush ever since, and could not give any more rational account of himself.

"SUICIDE OF A SCHOOL MASTER. AUCKLAND, OCTOBER 6", Evening Star [Otago, NZ] (6 October 1886), 2

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD18861006.2.16 

Mr John Gurr, head-master of the Onehunga State School, was found drowned this morning at Mangare Bridge over an arm of the Manukau harbor. It is evidently a case of determined suicide, as a rope was tied round the body and fastened to a pile of the bridge, the body thus being dragged under by the rush of the tide. There were charges were pending against Gurr of misconduct with a female pupil at the school, and this, it is supposed, led him to commit the act. He was an elderly man [sic] with five children, had high musical as well as educational ability, and was chairman of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand Teachers' Institute.

"LOCAL AND GENERAL . . . Obituary", Daily Telegraph (16 April 1906), 4

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151821432 

Mr. William Gurr, an old and respected resident of Launceston, died at his residence, 41 Brisbane-street, yesterday, at the advanced age of 81 years. The deceased, who arrived in Tasmania when a mere child, was educated in the city, and on leaving school learned the trade of a shipsmith. Subsequently he entered into business on his own account as a ship's chandler in premises on the Lower Charles-street esplanade, a business which at present is being conducted by one of his sons. The deceased, who was of a retiring disposition, did not take an active part in public affairs, but greatly interested himself in the mining industry, and was on the directorate of some companies . . . The deceased was one of the founders of the Tamar-street Congregational Church, and was closely associated with the late Rev. Chas. Price. He remained a member of the church until his death, and was perhaps the most regular attendant at the services. The deceased leaves a large family, among the sons being Mr. William Gurr, an ex-M.L.A. for Geelong, and who some years ago was Post-master-General of Victoria . . .

GUSTAV, Mr. (Mr. GUSTAV)

Vocalist, ? instrumentalist

Active Sydney, NSW, 1854

https://sydney.edu.au/paradisec/australharmony/register-G-3.php#GUSTAV-Mr (shareable link to this entry)

Documentation:

[Advertisement], Empire (23 March 1854), 1

http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60150421 

THIS EVENING. HARMONIC SOIREE. (MASONIC HALL, late Entwistle's.)
PROGRAMME. Solo: Cornet-a-Piston; "The Storm March." Glee: "Hail! Smiling Morn."
"The Hungarian Exile," Mr. Gustav. Solo: Flutina, "The Last Rose of Summer."
"I'm Leaving Thee, Annie!" Chairman. Solo: Cornet-a-Piston, "Fra Poco."
Duetto, "I Know a Bank." Solo: Violincello, "Bellini." Comic Song: "The Lushington," Mr. Gustav. "Still so Gently," "Sonnambula," Chairman.
Solo: Flutina, "Fia Diavolo." Glee : "Spring's Delights," from the German.
Solo: Cornet-A-Piston, "Norma." "The Maniac," Mr. Gustav.
Comic Duet, "Mr. and Mrs. Johnson." "The Post Quadrilles," Cornet, Violincello, and Piano.
"Let Me Like a Soldier Fall," with Cornet obligato, Mr. Gustav. Glee: "Dame Durden." Solo, Flutina, "Norma," &c., &c..
NB.- To ensure a select company, Refreshment Tickets are issued at the door of the Concert Hall.

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