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“Greenbank”, Young, NSW [Bullock Team With Merino Wool Bales At Homestead]

c1896. Printout paper photograph, captioned in ink with photographer’s stamp verso, 11.2 x 15.5cm. Slight developing flaws to upper left, minor handing crinkles.

Photographer’s stamp reads “Photo by T. McNeilly, Ballynahinch [County Down, Northern Ireland].”

Born in Ireland, John Carlton Watson (1844–1906) arrived in Australia about 1873 to work in a family business, Watson Brothers, in Young, NSW. In 1877, he married Agnes Caldwell, daughter of a grazier, and was given about 20,000 acres in Young, which became Greenbank station. Greenbank, a.k.a. South Greenbank, was a well-respected and successful merino stud and remained as a family business for several generations and was later renamed Portadown Pastoral Company, referencing Watson’s birthplace in County Armagh in Ireland. The photographer, [T.] McNeilly, was from Ballynahinch, a town situated 30 miles from Portadown in County Armagh, which suggests he may have had an association with Watson when he was living in Ireland.

This photograph may have been taken to record a special load of wool to be hauled. It is believed the bowler-hatted man, handing documentation to the driver of the bullock team, is the station owner John Watson. The loaded bales are clearly marked 'J.C.W., Greenbank.' Appearing on horseback, are three riders, who are most likely are his two sons Edwin and John and one of his three daughters. In the background, workers are moving bales. Ref: Powerhouse [Greenbank wool sample, 1896]; The Burrangong Argus, 26.5.1906; The Grenfell Record, 31.8. 1939; ABN Historical Details (business); Aust. Assoc. of Stud Merino Breeders.

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Item #CL208-13

Price (AUD): $1,100.00  other currencies