Margaret Hartley’s ancestors had a long and varied history in the Murchison district of Western Australia. She has very kindly sent me the following photographs and details of the Schumann family.
The Schumann family outside their house at Day Dawn about 1907 – Image Margaret Hartley
GULLEWA GOLDFIELDS – The W A Record 27th Feb 189
Gullewa Goldfield is situated N.E. from Mingenew 80 miles, and east of Wurarga on the Mullewa-Cue line, which is the nearest railway station, about 18 miles, and is only one day’s journey by rail from the Port of Geraldton. This new field is only yet in its infancy, as it was only about 18 months ago that our pioneer prospectors, Messrs. O’Neill, Hickey, Ben Day and Bob Thompson discovered the precious metal here. The discovery of gold, I believe, makes a wonderful alteration. Such, it appears, has been the case at Gullewa, as is accounted for in the growing township which has sprung up in such a short space of time.
The Schumann family – Image Margaret Hartley
We have here three stores, the most important being that of Messrs. Schumann, Kruger, and Co. Mr Schumann (the manager) deserves every success for his energy and pluck in erecting such commodious premises. Through his civility and general courteous disposition towards his customers and the public in general, Mr Schumann is rapidly making his mark in Gullewa.
The next store is that of Thomas Angel, who is here only since Christmas last, and who seems to do fairly well, and the third is kept by a Mr Dean, who is a recent arrival from Mingenew. Of hotels we can boast two very handsome ones in Gullewa. The Gullewa Hotel, the property of Mr Thomas Jones, is indeed an attractive-looking house, being got up in quite a modern style.
Besides these business places just enumerated, we have two butchers’ and one baker’s shop, so that we are not so badly off in Gullewa. Civilisation has also dawned upon us, since there are two guardians of the peace, viz., Messrs. Simpson and Duffy, permanently residing amongst us. Our total population up to the present would number about 150 and, I am happy to say, the health of the place is all that could be desired, as there has been no sickness so far.
GULLEWA GOLDFIELD – WA Record Sat 27th Mar 1897
Business matters at the stores and hotels seem to be improving, notwithstanding the dull times. I am happy to learn that our ever-energetic storekeeper, Mr. Harry Schumann, means to maintain his reputation as a man of enterprise. Mr Schumann has informed me that he is about to build a large hall, which he intends, when completed, to be let as a Miners’ Institute and reading room. This will be a great boon to the people of Gullewa, as the room will be of decent dimensions, and may be used for the accommodation of lovers of the light fantastic, theatrical parties, etc. The site secured by Mr Schumann is on Tooreea Hill, adjoining the Government Reserve, and has an elevated and commanding position.
NOTE: The hall which was built by Mt Schumann was used as a place of worship and also as a school.
A Reunion of Old Murchison Identities 15 Dec 1913 at the AWA Hall at Cue – Image SLWA
Paul Hermann Schumann – Image Ancestry.com
Change of Name – This notice appeared in the West Australian newspaper and the Daily News 5th August 1915.
Notice is hereby given that by Deed Poll dated 26 July 1915, of which a memorial has been duly registered in the Registry of Deeds, Perth, Paul Schumann has changed his name to Henry Attwood.
Note: Margaret’s grandmother told her that her father changed the family name because of strong anti-German feelings during the First World War.
Paul Herman Schumann (Attwood) was born in 1862 in Osckaty, Dresden, Saxony and died on 12th August 1916, aged 54 years. His address at the time of his death was Hickey Street, Day Dawn and his occupation was storekeeper, labourer and cartage contractor. The cause of death was given as Cerebral Haemorrhage. He is buried in the Cue Cemetery.
Paul Schumann Grave – Cue Cemetery – Image Find a Grave
His wife Mary Ann Margaret Schumann (nee Attwood) remarried a John Simpton. He died aged 82 years on 24 April 1929, and Mary Ann died aged 70 years on 1 September 1941. She was living at 14 Kate Street, Victoria Park at the time. (Mary Ann Attwood was born in Tylden, Victoria, on 28 April 1871).
Moya Sharp
Thank you Moya for your wow research and stories. The history is not only interesting but very informative.
The lives and tenacity of our pioneers is inspiring.