Joseph Worland (1824 - 1898) - Convict

Some of the information below about Joseph Worland is derived from the Convict Records site.

Joseph Worland was born around 1824, likely in Cambridgeshire where other Worlands come. According to his death record in 1911, his parents were Joseph and Sarah Worland. See this page on the Cambridgeshire Worlands, including details of another Joseph Worland who migrated to Victoria. Joseph and Sarah Worland cannot at this stage be identified, but the Worland name is mostly found in Cambridgeshire.

Joseph Worland was caught stealing and was subsequently tried for burglary at the Cambridge Assizes on 19 March 1847. He was sentenced to a period of 7 years. His sentenced was changed to to seven years transportation to Australia.

As a young man, Joseph Worland was unlikely to have spent time on board a prison hulk before departing England as, from 1843, both the new Pentonville Prison and the existing Millbank prison were used. The remaining hulks were only used for the old and infirm, and those in poor health. (Source: 'Convict Hulks' on the digital panopticon site.

Wherever he was located, Joseph was transferred to the convict ship Adelaide which departed London on 17 August 1849. The Adelaide was carrying 303 male convicts and travelled via Portland.

Unknown to anyone in England at the time, certain anti-transportation despatches dated late April 1849 from Australia that preventing convicts landing in Victoria and requiring them to be forwarded to Sydney, had not been received by the time the Adelaide departed. (Source: Herald (Melbourne) 15 December 1849).

In August 1849, according to The Melbourne Daily News of 15 December 1849:

'... the Governor acceded to the public importunities, and took the responsibility of ordering Mr La Trobe to forward the first convict arrival to Sydney. The same reasons that were applicable to the transfer of the convicts by the Randolph to Sydney in August last, are equally applicable to the removal of the felons by the Adelaide, and we feel satisfied that Mr La Trobe may safely act upon the example set in the former instance, and despite the Adelaide without delay to Botany Bay, where we have reasons to believe their presence will not be unacceptable. [Since the foregoing was in type, we are informed that the Superintendent has determined to make the Adelaide follow the example of the Randolph and expresses his regret that this communication to Sir W Denison, requesting His Excellency to despatch the Adelaide to Sydney, had not arrived in time to prevent her appearance in this harbour.

The Adelaide arrived in Hobart, Van Dieman’s Land (Tasmania) on 29/30 November 1849 after a journey of 104 days. 40 men were offloaded at that location. The following notice was published in the Launceston Examiner on 1 December 1849:

Hobart Town. The ship Adelaide, arrived yesterday, has brought 299 male convicts, who are to proceed to Port Phillip, except Cuffy, a political offender, who is to receive his ticket of leave and remain here. There will be agitation in Port Phillip when the convicts arrive there ...

The Captain of the Adelaide may not have been fully aware of the requirement regarding the offloading of convicts in Port Phillip. His instructions were to proceed to Port Phillip Bay.

The Courier (Hobart) of 26 December 1849 reported that 'A great anti-transportation meeting had been convened (in Port Phillip) to deliberate on the steps to be taken in anticipation of the arrival of the Adelaide convict ship.' Quoting The Argus (Melbourne), it noted that 'His Honor Superintendent Latrobe has written to Sir William Denison to request they may be sent, at once, to Sydney'.

A letter dated 14 December 1849 by William M Bell, Chairman of the Anti-Transportation committee, published in the Geelong Advertiser on 19 December 1849 provides evidence of the public feeling in Port Phillip. It stated that the 'colonists of this free Province (have a deep rooted repugnance) to the attempt made by the British Government to convert Port Phillip into a receptable for British crime'.

The Port Phillip Gazette and Settler's Journal of 15 December 1849 carried the following note:

The Convict Ship. We are happy to hear that the convict ship, Adelaide, will be sent on to Sydney, and that no attempt will be made to land the convicts at Port Phillip. It is reported that the Superintendent of Port Phillip wrote to His Excellency Sir W Denison, requesting him to send the vessel direct from Hobart Town to Sydney, which that official declined to do. The Adelaide will not remain more than a few days in Hobson's Bay'.

The Argus of 18 December 1849 noted that:

Today the harbour of Port Phillip will be happily freed from the second attempt made to render this province a receptacle for British crime, for the Adelaide proceeds with her cargo of pollution to seek the more genial atmosphere of Sydney.

The Adelaide departed Hobson's Bay and headed for Port Jackson where it arrived on 24 December 1849 and the convicts finally landed. The Adelaide was the last convict ship (after the Havering on 8 November 1849); transportation to the Colony of New South Wales was finally abolished on 1 October 1850.

(Sources: Convict Records site; this site, which has similar information to the first site).

1849 - Joseph Worland receives his ticket of leave

Joseph Worland received a ticket of leave on 30 December 1849, six days after landing in Australia. This apparently allowed him to remain in the district of Broulee. (Source unknown, quoted on one of the sites above)

The New South Wales Government Gazette of 7 June 1850 (Issue No 73, page 884) stated that Joseph Worland (per the Adelaide) had been granted a ticket of leave in the County of Sr Vincent, Broulee.

The New South Wales Government Gazette of 10 January 1851 (Issue No 4, page 43), based on advice from the Principle Superintendent of Convicts' Office, Sydney, dated 10 January 1851, that the 'the undermentioned prisoners of the Crown holding tickets of leave, being absent from their districts, are illegally at large:

Joseph Worland, Adelaide, 26, Cambridge, groom, 5 feet 5 1/4 inches, ruddy comp., light brown hair, grey eyes, white speck on the right eye, mark from scrofula and raised mole under the right jaw, several moles on the right arm, another under left elbow, large broad scar above the outer ankle of leg; from Ticket of Leave Passport, and the service of Messrs. Layton and Co., since October last.

This fact was reported in The Sydney Morning Herald of 11 January 1851, noting that William Hill, Joseph Worland and Daniel McKay, all from the Adelaide and under the control of the Eden Bench, were absent from their allocated district.

Several months later in February 1851, Joseph’s absence was explained and his ticket reissued. (Source TBA)

For the rest of 1860 and 1860, Joseph Worland does not appear in any newspapers. He was likely establishing his new life in Cooma and the south coast of NSW (Bega area), as noted below from other sources.

1840s - Free settlers arrive in the Bega area

According to an article in The Propeller (Hurstville, NSW) dated 1 October 1941, the Imlay brothers, Doctors George, Alexander and Peter, established a whaling station on the north shore of Twofold Bay by 1832; they travelled to the Bega 'squattages' and by 1836 had established a station at Tarraganda on the Bega River. Free settlers began to arrive in the Bega area in the 1840s (as described below. Dr George Imlay died in 1846. His brother Dr Alexander Imlay died in 1847. Dr Peter Imlay moved to New Zealand. The names of the brothers were perpetuated in Mount Dr George (or Dr George Mountain), near Bega, and Mount Imlay (near Eden). By 1851 the town of Bega was laid out on the Bega River.

From 1848 - Crawford siblings arrive in New South Wales

Several siblings, the children of John Crawford and Ann Elder (no marriage record yet found) from Scotland, migrated to Australia on board the Bermondsey. The Bermondsey left Plymouth on 31 August 1848 'with emigrants direct for Twofold Bay'. The New South Wales Government Gazette of 15 November 1848 stated that 'the settlers of the Monaroo District (are invited to) make arrangements for hiring them at that place, and for removing them to their stations'. The ship, with 182 emigrants, arrived at Twofold Bay, New South Wales on 7 December 1848.

The Crawford siblings who arrived that day were:

All the passengers could both read and write. They had no relatives living in Australia.

1852 - Joseph Worland marries Ann Crawford

Joseph Worland (reported as Warland in the BDM) married Anne Brabner Crawford on 22 Feb 1852 at Bombala, District of Maneroo, New South Wales (NSW BDM Ref 810).

They had the following children, all born at Cooma, NSW:

1852 - Arrival of William Worland

Joseph’s brother William Worland aged 23 years and his wife Mary Ann (nee Canham) also aged 23 years and their infant son William Worland arrived in Australia on board the ship Kate in 1852, three of 314 or 258 emigrants on board the ship who travelled in steerage.

1853 - Joseph Worland at work

Joseph found work on the sheep property of Bibbenluke owned by Benjamin Boyd in 1853. His occupation is listed as shepherd, shearer and shearer’s Cook. On two of his children’s birth certificates, Ann (b. 1858/9) and Arthur (b. 1860), his occupation is listed as 'Shearer'. His address was shown as Myalla district of Cooma.

1854 - William Worland marries

After the apparent death of his first wife Mary Ann (details of which have yet to be found), Joseph's brother William Worland married Julia Robinson in Sydney in 1854 (NSW BDM Ref 1407).

1863 - Death of William Worland

Joseph's brother William Worland died as a result of an industrial accident in August 1863. (NSW BDM Ref 3401). His second wife Julia re-married, this time to Anthony Stevens in 1866 (NSW BDM Ref 1810). Anthony Stevens appears to have been a cattle breeder and is recorded several times in the NSW Government Gazette in relation to cattle breeds. He was noted in Dandelong in The Sydney Morning Herald of 26 August 1867. He may be the Anthony Stevens who died at Cooma in 1892 (NSW BDM Ref 4467). The Manaro Mercury and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser of 25 March 1893 carried a notice under 'Land Matters' in which a Julia Stevens was noted as a widow.

1872 - Joseph Worland granted land

The New South Wales Government Gazette of 12 January 1872 reported that Joseph Worland had been granted an 'undefined pre-emptive' lease of 300 acres of land at Cooma, of which 100 acres were 'of freehold in virtue of which lease is granted'.

1875 - Members of the Worland family granted land in Cooma

The Manaro Mercury and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser of 30 January 1875 reported that the following had been granted land:

1876 - Joseph Worland acquires more land

The Manaro Mercury and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser of 26 February 1876 reported that the following had been granted land:

Joseph Worland, senior, Green Hills, Cooma, 141 acres, section 13, county of Beresford, parish of Bunyan, being measured portions Q and R and gazetted for sale on Friday the 10th march 1876 at the Cooma Land Office £35 5s.

June 1876 - The Worlands illegally rescue sheep

The Manaro Mercury and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser of 17 June 1876 reported that Joseph Worland (senior), Joseph Worland (junior) and David Worland were charged with having, on 5 June, unlawfully rescued a number of sheep that were about to be impounded by James Collins. The defendants pleaded not guilty. The newspaper report reported the basic evidence as follows:

Charles Collins, a boy about 13 years, of age, son of complainant, deposed; I live at Bush station, and am shepherding; was shepherding last week, on Monday, when mine got boxed with Worland's sheep on Mr. Harnett's land; it was about half-a-mile on Coarse Flat; took the sheep home; Worland's boy, who was standing on a hill, said he had no dog, and he could not help the sheep being mixed; I was at the tail of the sheep, and the lead were going over a hill; none of my sheep were on Mr Worland's land; it was about 340 yards from Mr. Worland's land. ...

The article describes what happened after that. Annie Worland tried to take them, and Pat Worland and Mrs Worland came. Joe, Pat, Annie and Mrs Worland took them out, defendants helped to take the sheep out of the yard; they said they would defy anyone to stop them. Joseph Worland (senior) gave evidence that where the sheep were mixed was positively his land. He did not see the mixing, but his wife saw the sheep being taken off the land. He claimed that the other sheep were continually trespassing on his land.

The court discussed issues with who possessed the land and why there was no markers; it was suggested that people 'seem to leave it open purposely to catch each other'. The case was postponed for a week. When it resumed, the court decided that the Worlands were not justified in taking the sheep and were fined 6s 8d each, with professional costs and costs of the Court and witness expenses.

These events probably didn't help the relationship between the Collins and Worland families and the matter was obviously not resolved. The Manaro Mercury and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser of 7 October 1876 reported a new case involving the neighbours. John James Collins, aged around 10, was chaged with assaulting Joseph Worland on 24 September. The newspaper noted that statement from the Bench that 'this was the second time these parties had been here with paltry cases. They should give or take a little where there is no fence. Both were very trivial cases, and they would decide both alike'.

This was not to be the end of the feuds between the Collins and Worlands.

1876 - David Worland marries Elizabeth Nichols

David Worland (1853 - 1931) married Elizabeth Nichols in Cooma in 1876. They appear to have had only one child:

1877 - Joseph Worland and James Collins back in court

The Burrowa News of 13 October 1877 reported on a 'strange libel action' at the Goulburn Assize civil sittings involving an action for libel. The paper noted that 'The circumstances of the case were to the effect that the defendant (Worland) caused an advertisement to be published in the Monaro Mercury as follows: 'I should like to know if it is the 80 acres on the Coarse Flat which James Collins holds under a false declaration that he referred to'. He sought £500 in compensation.

Both sides gave evidence. James Collins noted he had selected 80 acres of land and lived on them and made a declaration as to residence and improvements. Worland called him a liar, saying that improvements had been made. The issue of the sheep trespassing came up again. Worland alleged that he was a free-selector, adjoining Collins' land, and there had been difficulties between them, but 'did not state anything in extenuation of the libel'. The jury took twelve minutes to consider the case and returned with a verdict for 40s.

1878 - John Worland marries Emily Walter, Cooma

John Worland (probably the one born in 1851 - 1941) married Emily Walter in Cooma in 1878. They had the following children:

1878 - Joseph Worland location

The Manaro Mercury and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser of 17 April 1878 reported on the land enquiry. It noted that Joseph Worland was residing at Woodend, near the Green Hills.

1879 - Death of Elizabeth Worland, Cooma

Elizabeth Worland, the daughter of William (Nichols, mother not named), and wife of David Worland, died suddenly at Cooma or Jindabyne in 1879 (NSW BDM Ref 5043).

The Manaro Mercury and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser of 30 April 1879 carried an article titled 'Sudden Death of Mrs David Worland'. It stated that she died suddenly while going to the well for a bucket of water. David Worland gave evidence that 'I last saw my wife alive on Monday morning last, when she left home to stay with her sister, Mrs Sheehy [Catherine Sheehy, wife of Patrick Sheehy], for a week; she sometimes use to complain of a pain in her left-side; I never heard of her being ill.' Catherine Sheehy stated that her sister appeared to be in poor health. 'On Thursday, the 24th, the deceased and myself went for some water; the deceased took suddenly ill and asked for water, saying she thought she was dying; she sat upon the ground, and I attempted to lift her up, but did not succeed; she died in a very few minutes; when dying she seemed as if she was smothering'. According o the doctor, Elizabeth died of 'disease of the heart'.

1880 - Worland forfeits a pre-emptive lease

The New South Wales Government Gazette of 12 August 1880 reported that several members of the Worland family (among 100s of others) had forfeited a pre-emptive lease for non-payment of rent.

1881 - Joseph Worland marries Caroline Worland, Cooma

Joseph John Worland (1855 - possibly 1913) married Caroline Kaufline, the daughter of Vincent and Eva Kaufline, in Cooma in 1881 (NSW BDM Ref 4744). Caroline had a brother, George Kaufline, who was born at Bombala but went to Cooma with his parents when he was 9. He later became a butcher and grazier and was an alderman on the Cooma Council.

Joseph and Caroline Worland had the following children:

Note, an Edwin J Worland was born to an Edward J Worland and Caroline in Cooma in 1897 (NSW BDM Ref 27186). It is possible that the BDM record is incorrect and the father is Joseph, and the boy's name was Edward John Worland (who may be the one born in Cooma who enlisted for WW1, see below).

Caroline Worland (nee Kaufline) was one of several subjects who attended the Cooma Landa Inquiry Court on 24 March 1884, as reported in The Manaro Mercury and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser of 26 March 1884. Caroline was asked about 100 acres, granted on 2 May 1878. It was noted that there was a new cottage - no more than six months old and an old hut. The selector had lived with her married sister, Mrs Francis Smith, and in town. Caroline gave the following evidence:

My name formerly was Kaufline; I took up the selection before I was married; I commenced to reside in a small wooden hut six weeks or two months after I selected; the hut was built of palings; I resided there for three years; I was married two or three days before; my sister Annie was living with me in the hut the whole of the time; my father and mother lived a few hundred yars away, within call; the selection was the real home of myself and my sister Annie during the three years; I gave evidence before the late Commissioner King on 14 August 1882; the evidence I gave then differs little from what I have given now.

Annie Kaufline also gave evidence supporting her sister. She confirmed that the hut was very small with a bed just wide enough for two. Their brother (George) was living with the parents where all the beds were in the one room. Annie noted that 'the accommodation was so small at my father's that I was glad to sleep in the hut, with my sister of course'.

Caroline Worland died in Cooma in 1902 (NSW BDM Ref 13455).

Joseph Worland may have remarried, but died in 1913 - see below.

1882 - Arthur Worland marries Mary Matilda Smith, Cooma

Arthur Worland (1860 - 1922) married Mary Matilda Smith in Cooma in 1882 (NSW BDM Ref 5354). Mary may have been the Mary M Smith born in 1865 to John and Sarah J Smith (NSW BDM Ref 7965). John and Sarah S Smith appear to have had other children: Isaac B Smith (born 1856, Cooma), Amos Smith (born 1857, Bombala), Henry A Smith (born 1858, Bombala), John Smith (born 1860, Bathurst - seems unlikely given the other birth locations)), Martha Smith (born 1861, Cooma), Emily Smith (born 1863, Cooma).

Arthur and Mary Matilda Worland had the following children:

The Manaro Mercury and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser of 17 November 1883 ran a short notice titled 'PRE-LEASES' that stated 'Arthur Worland, 300 acres, county of Beresford, parish of Bulgundramine, on the north of his c.p. of previous date. Rent, 10s'.

The Manaro Mercury and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser of 17 November 1883 included the following details of Arthur Worland's property:

435. Arthur Worland, Nimitybelle [sic, now Nimmitabel], 100 acres, section 14, to start at a peg marked AW on the west or left bank of Winifred Creek, opposite portion 19, and run west, thence north, thence east, thence south to starting point, fronting said creek, on Tom Groggan Run. £25.

The New South Wales Government Gazette of 28 July 1884 noted a land transaction for Arthur Worland at Beresford, Bulgundramine. This appears to be connected with a notice that appeared in the Goulburn Herald (NSW) of 31 July 1884 under the heading PRE-EMPTIVE LEASES, noting that 14 pre-emptive leases, including one for Arthur Worland for 300 acres at Bulgundramine (for 10s), had been granted.

It appears that Arthur was unable to pay for the property he had leased or acquired. His insolvency was reported in the Manaro Mercury & Cooma & Bombala Advertiser on 7 November 1885 which noted he was a free selector and that 'a first meeting was held in Sydney on Friday last and a second meeting of creditors will be held at the same place on Tuesday next.'

The New South Wales Government Gazette of 24 November 1885 including the following notice under the title 'In the Insolvent Estate of Arthur Worland, of Punchbowl, near Nimitybelle':

HOWELL & NEWTON have received instructions from the Official Assignee in the above estate to sell by public auction at the Cooma Stock Exchange, Cooma, on Thursday, the 3rd of December, at 2 o'clock - The Official Assignee's right, title, and interest (if any) in and to 100 acres of conditionally purchased land situated near Nimitybelle, in the county of Beresford and parish of Bulgundramine, taken up at Cooma by the above Insolvent on the 15th of November, 1883, and upon which the sum of 5s per acre has been paid to the Government, as well as improvements since erected, at least to the value of £1 (one pound) per acre. Terms, Cash. No Reserve

Likely related to the above, it appears that Arthur decided to leave the Nimmitabel area and move to the far north of New South Wales. The NSW Government Gazette recorded that Arthur Worland acquired land at 'Mooball, Murwillumbah, Rous', New South Wales, on 7 October 1886. Mooball is south east of Murwillumbah, closer to the coast, while 'Rous' may refers to the river that runs near Murwillumbah, but nowhere near Mooball. (The Pacific Motorway from Sydney to Brisbane runs through Mooball)

Arthur Worland is noted as a witness at an article in the Manaro Mercury & Cooma & Bombala Advertiser on 1 June 1887 that reported on a coronial inquiry into a fire on the railway line at Billylingra. Arthur stated that he was a labourer living at Billylingra and at the time lived 'about 30 or 40 yars from the premises recently burnt down'. He was woken by a noise at around 1 AM on the morning on 20 May 1887 and saw the store owned by Messrs Coghlan and Cornish was on fire. He investigated and heard Cornish from inside the burning building. Cornish managed to escape. The jury was unable to reach a verdict on whether the fire had been started from the outside or inside.

See below from 1916 for details of Arthur and family then living at Coff's Harbour.

Worland's Road, New South Wales, Australia

1883 - David Worland re-marries - Cooma/Bega

After the death in Cooma of his wife Elizabeth (nee Nichols) 1879 (NSW BDM Ref 5043), David Worland (1853 - 1931) married again, this time to Emily Smith in 1883 (NSW BDM Ref 5677). They had the following children:

1886 - Patrick Alexander Worland marries Ellen Cridge, Cooma

Patrick Alexander Worland (1862 - 1889) married Ellen M Cridge in Cooma in 1886 (NSW BDM Ref 6052). Ellen's sister Louisa married Patrick's brother Robert in 1892, see below.

Patrick and Ellen Worland had one child:

The family was living in Caringbah in 1918. Harold Richard Worland was a policeman who enlisted for World War 1 in mid 1918 but it appears he was too late and the enlistment was cancelled. See below.

1890 - Thomas Francis Worland marries Edith Phillips, Cooma

Thomas Francis Worland (1869 - 1952), the son of Joseph and Anne Warland, married Edith Phillips in Bega in 1890 (NSW BDM Ref 2392). They had the following children, and appear to have moved to Sydney by - or for - the birth of Douglas:

1892 - Robert William Worland marries Louisa Cridge, Cooma

Robert William Worland (1867 - 1954) married Louisa Cridge (likely the sister of Ellen Cridge who married Robert's brother Patrick in 1886) in 1892 (NSW BDM Ref 3208). They had the following children:

1893 - Isaac and Mary A Worland, Blayney

An Edward M Worland, the son of Isaac and Mary A Worland, died in Blayney in 1893 (NSW BDM Ref 3401).

1898 - Death of Joseph Worland, Numeralla

Joseph Worland, the (convict) son of Joseph and Sarah Worland died at Woodend, near Cooma on 18 August 1898 (NSW BDM Ref 9146). He was 74. He was buried at Cooma, New South Wales, Australia. His death was also noted in the Sydney Morning Herald of 20 August 1898, reported as another old Manaroite (from the Manaro later Monaro area of NSW).

1899 - Mrs Worland noted in the newspapers

Mrs Joseph Worland (likely junior) was noted in the Manaro Mercury and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser of 14 April 1899 in relation to the display of fruit and vegetables at the local show.

1902 - Death of Caroline Worland

As noted above, Caroline Worland, the first wife of Joseph Worland (born 1858), died in 1902.

1904 - Marriage of Joseph Worland, Cooma

After the death of Caroline, Joseph Worland (then aged 46) then married Annie Crapp of Moruya at Bemboka (near Cooma) on 16 February 1904 (NSW BDM Ref 980). The marriage was reported in the Manaro Mercury and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser of 19 February 1904, which noted that the bride was given away by Mr Charles Goodwin (junior) of Black Rock, while the bridesmaid was Lizzie Roach from Mittagong. After the wedding, the reception was held at the residence of Mr and Mrs Edward Agnew.

In 1905, Joseph Worland was reported as a (horse) driver for Mr Rawson of Bemboka. (Southern Star, Bega, 12 July 1905).

In 1909, he was reported suffering from a slight attack of blood poisoning, but was on the mend. (The Twofold Bay Magnet and South Coast and Southern Monaro Advertiser 13 December 1909).

Joseph Worland died in 1913. The Southern Record and Advertiser of 28 June 1913 reported that: 'Mr Joseph Worland, formerly fruiterer at Bemboka, died this week in the Taree Hospital after an operation for a kidney trouble of long standing. He was 55 years of age and left Bemboka a couple of months ago'.

His son Vincent Hubert Worland was named as 'a son of the deceased' and was granted his estate.

1906 - Death of Ann Worland

Ann Worland (probably the wife of Joseph) died on 4 November 1906 at her son’s residence Yowrie and is buried at Cobargo, New South Wales, Australia.

1908 - The Worland family

The photograph below, provided by descendants of the Worland family in 2023, is described as 'a group photo of the Worland family probably taken in front of a house'. The photograph shows Arthur Worland (born 1860), his wife Mary Matilda Worland, and their ten children. Seven members of this family served in the First World War' - see below for details of WW1.

Back row (standing): Martha Matilda Worland (born 1893); Robert ('Amos') Alfreddine Warland (born ?); Patrick ('Alex' or 'Alick') Worland (born 1890); Hector Harold Worland (born 1891); Pearl A Worland (born 1895)
Middle row (sitting): David Arthur Worland (born 1883); Arthur Worland (father, born 1860); Arthur Henry Worland (born 1897); (in front of Arthur) Gladys SA Worland (born 1904); Mary Matilda Worland (nee Smith, mother); John Joseph Harold Worland (born 1885); Eric Leslie Worland (born 1900).

1910 - Robert Amos Alfredine Worland marries (Queensland)

Robert Worland married Dehlia Solway at Bellingen in 1910 (NSW BDM Ref 4299) and later lived in Dalby. Dehlia was the daughter of John Solway (1861 - 1946) who was born at Nowra and lived on the Tweed for 32 before his death, and Mary King from County Cork, Ireland. Dehlia's siblings were W 'Lily' Solway (later married Johnson), John Solway, Walter Solway, Ernest Solway, Bartholomew Solway and P 'Daisy' Solway. (Source: The Tweed Daily, 5 December 1946).

Robert and Dehlia Worland had the following children (names partially taken from the obituary and BDM records):

1910 - Robert HA Worland marries Delia Solway

Robert HA Worland married Delia Solway . They had children.

1911 - Harold R Worland marries Agnes Hardie

Harold R Worland married Agnes M Hardie in Sydney in 1911. (NSW BDM Ref 647).

1911 - Hector Harold Worland marries

Hector Harold Worland (born 1891, the son of Arthur and Mary Matilda Worland, married Emily W De Fraine in 1911 in Sydney (NSW BDM Ref 11735). They had at least one child.

Hector appears to have re-married in Bellingen in 1920, to Margaret Mona Boles (NSW BDM Ref 13425). They had one child:

1912 - Marriage of Walter F Worland, Bega

Walter F Worland married Harriet E Rofe in Bega in 1912 (NSW BDM Ref 1031).

1912 - John Joseph Harold Worland marries in Queensland

John Joseph ('Joe') Harold Worland (born 1885 in Cooma) was the second son of Arthur Worland (1860 - 1922) and Mary Matilda Smith. His older brother was David Arthur Worland. Joe Worland had moved to Queensland before 1912 where he met and then married Sarah Ann Deem on 21 August 1912. (QLD BDM Ref 1912/C/319, indicating a country marriage). Sarah Deem was the daughter of William Deem and Georgina Gallacher. Sarah's siblings included Clara Wilhelmina Deem (died 28 July 1891), James Livingstone Deem (died 14 April 1948), William Stanley Deem (died 23 January 1962).

Joe and Mary had three children (and Sarah was clearly already pregnant):

Sarah Ann Worland (nee Deem) died in Queensland on 7 September 1915 (QLD BDM Ref 1915/C/2640), leaving Joe a widower and single father.

1916 - Arthur Worland and famiy in Coff's Harbour

Arthur Worland and family had moved to Coff's Harbour by 1916.

1914 - 1918: World War One - Arthur Worland and sons

Many of the Worland men enlisted for World War 1 as noted on this listing of Worlands (and Warlands) who enlisted. The following list refers to Arthur Worland his six sons who served in WW1. For reference, the Gallipoli campaign ran from 19 February 1915 to 9 January 1916. See also the Sydney Morning Herald article details after this list.

21st Field Artillery Brigade, 1st Division

As noted above, initially three then four of the Worland brothers served with the Field Artillery Brigades. The following is an extract of the details contained in the Virtual War Memorial page 21st Field (Howitzer) Artillery Brigade, accessed 19 March 2023.

Five Field Artillery Howitzer Brigades, numbered 21 to 25 (the second number corresponded to the Division to which it was attached) were raised for each Division in WW1.

Before March 1916, each Infantry Division was supported by three Field Artillery Brigades. In 1914 and 1915, the 1st and 2nd Divisions each had three Field Artillery Brigades. Each Field Artillery Brigade in the 1st Division had four Field Artillery Batteries. In February 1916, just before the Worland brothers arrived in France, a fourth Field Artillery (Howitzer) Brigade was added to each Division; the number of each of these Brigade started with '2' and then the Division number - the 21st Field (Howitzer) Artillery Brigade was attached to the 1st Division and contained three batteries and a column. *As a result of supply constraints, in January 1917, the Howitzer Brigades were broken up and the batteries distributed among the three Field Artillery Brigades of each Division.

History of the 1st Division history from March 1916

The following is a short summary of the 1st Division's movements after arrival in France in March 1916. (Source: Wikipedia article on the 1st Division

The 1st Division was moved by train from Marseilles to northern France where it was initially sent to a quiet sector south of Armentières to acclimatise to the Western Front conditions. The Division was initially held back from fighting on the Somme in early July 1916 as it was considered to be not yet ready to fight, but was then sent with other Australian Divisions to take the village of Pozières on 23 July 1916. The Division saw action at Pozières ridge in mid August 1916 then the Somme, Gueudecourt (Battle of Le Transloy), the Hindenberg Line*, Bapaume (February 1917), Arras (April 1817), the first battle of Bullecourt, the Battle of Lagnicourt (where the 1st Division's artillery batteries in front of Lagnicourt were overun and the Division suffered 1,010 casualties), the second battle of Bullecourt (May 1917, the Division suffered a further 2,341 casualties and was withdrawn for rest), Ypres (July 1917), the Battle of Menin Road (September 1917, where the Division gained a foothold in Polygon Wood but lost a further 2,754 men), the Battle of Broodseinde (October 1917) after which the Division was withdrawn. The Division then re-joined the fighting on the Somme (March 1918), Amiens, Hazenbrouck (April 1918). The Division remained active in Flanders from May to July 1918. The division returned to fighting in August 1918 at the Battle of Amiens, moving towards Lihons but slowed because the infantry were moving faster than their supporting guns and tanks. The Division fought south of the river Somme ans suffered more casualties. By 18 September 1917 the Division was around 25% strength of its nominal strength of 12,204 men. The Division was then withdrawn.

Article on the Worland family in WW1

The article below appeared in the Sydney Morning Herald of 18 July 1916.

Members of the Worland family who enlisted for WW1, with their mother

There can be no alloy in the make up of the Worland family, who hail from the Coffs Harbour district. Their response to the call of their country has proved their golden worth and a shining golden example. A lonely mother is waiting at Coffs Harbour for the return of her husband and five sons, each of who donned the khaki and went where he was sent. The head of the family, Arthur Worland, was a teamster working in the Coffs Harbour district. Although 56 years of age he lost little time in getting into the ranks, joining the 2nd Remounts as Trooper and is now located at in Heliopolls. But his sons were away before him. Harold, the fifth boy, who is 24 years of age, got away in the first contingent, and went through the Gallipoli campaign without getting a scratch. Instead, he received his three stripes, and went back to Egypt, at the evacuation, as a sergeant. There, however, he met three other brothers. David, aged 23, Arthur (19), and Alick (26) - all of whom had joined the artillery. The three were all on one gun [sic, unsure what this means], of which David, become a corporal, was gunner. The brothers secured the transfer of Harold from the infantry, and he, too, joined the artlllery, and so the four brothers manned the one gun, and left for France, where they have been having a hot time. Two months ago, Alick received the first wound that has come the way of the adventurous family so far. A bomb burst near the gun, and a splinter entered one of his legs, proving serious enough to necessitate his being taken to a hospital in France. In his last letter he intimated that he was expecting shortly to return to the firing line, and he was looking forward to an early furlough In England with his brother Harold. Both of them were due for a respite.

There were two married brothers in the family, Joe and Amos. Each of these was always yearning to be up and away with the others, but their responsibilities pulled greater in the other direction. However, 12 months ago, Joe's young wife suddenly, and in pathetic circumstances, died, and he was left alone with three, little children. The blow struck him hard. Sending the little ones to his wife's mother, he made arrangements concerning his farm at Coff's Harbour and joined the Pioneer Corps in Queensland. So sudden was the order given to his company to sail that he finally went without an opportunity to say good-bye to his motherless children. So far no word has come from him. The other brother, Amos, has had perforce to fret his heart out at home. The best part of the story, however, has yet to come.

There is also another brother - Leslie, a boy of 16. From the very start of the war he had the idea that he ought to be the one to go first. While all the others were at home he was promptly sat on. When, practically, only mother was left, he saw his chance, and jumped at it. He is a big strapping fellow, and, the same fine fire burns in him as in his brothers. He wheedled around his mother, and then told them at the barracks that he was, 'Oh, well over 18.' He looked it, and for four months was in his element at Liverpool Camp. But the word had gone over to his father that his youngest - his baby - was also now on the way to join in the picnic. But the father cabled back that the lad's place was by the side of his mother, until at least one or more of the others had had a chance to return and take up that responsibility. He did not want to run the risk of having the whole male side of the family wiped out, and the mother and three girls left without help. The father's mandate was obeyed, and it was a very unhappy boy who took off his uniform at the barracks one day and was taken home again by his mother. At the present time he is anything but sociable company - so a sister and a girl friend confessed yesterday. He cannot understand why he has been left at home.

Another branch of the Worland family has contributed its available male members. From Bega, Stan and Norman Worland went, the latter joining the H.M.A.S. Australia, and from Sydney Ted Worland enlisted. Mrs. Worland has been staying, till latterly, at 607 Bourke-street, Surry Hills, where her daughters are at present; but she has now returned to tho old home at Coffs Harbour, where she will live with her memories for company until her men-folk come home from the war.

See also below in 1930 for a further refence the war service and Harold Worland.

1914 - 1918: World War One - Other related Worlands

The following Worland men were the cousins of the men listed above.

1921 - David Arthur Worland marries

David Arthur Worland (born 1883), the son of Arthur and Mary Matilda Worland, married Esther B Bunce in 1921 (NSW BDM Ref 596). They had at least three children:

1922 - Death of Arthur Worland in Sydney

Arthur Worland (born 1860) died in Sydney in 1922. The Coffs Harbour Advocate of 6 May 1922 carried his obituary, noted that he had been living in Surry Hills, Sydney and was 62 when he died. The article noted that he had enlisted in the AIF from Coffs Harbour and was the father of five sons who had served in World War One, one of them receiving the Military Medal with bar. It noted that Arthur had served with the Egyptian remounts when he was stationed at Heliopolis. His cortege included a gun carriage with full crew and equipment. He was buried at Rookwood cemetery, Sydney.

1923 - Eric Leslie Worland marries

Eric Leslie Worland (born 1900), the son of Arthur and Mary Matilda Worland, married Fenella H Williams in Burwood in 1923 (NSW BDM Ref 10538).

1926 - Arthur Henry Worland marries

Arthur Henry Worland (born 1897), the son of Arthur and Mary Matilda Worland, married Ida B Hammond in Randwick in 1926 (NSW BDM Ref 6464).

1926 -Gladys SA Worland marries

Gladys SA Worland (born 1904, the daughter of Arthur and Mary Matilda Worland, married George FN Hoddinott in Sydney in 1926 (NSW BDM Ref 549).

1930 - Mrs Worland's unique war service medal

The Northern Star, Lismore (NSW) of 9 January 1930 ran an article under the title 'A Unique Medal', in which the correspondent noted that he had visited Mrs Worland to see the unique war medal with eight clasps. The article states that 'This medal is the property of Mrs Worland, of Sydney, at present on a visit to her son, Harold, of Condong. This lady's husband and all her seven sons enlisted for the Great War, Harold being at the landing at Gallipoli, going away with the first contingent of Anzacs. Following are the names: Arthur Worland, father, died after his return to Australia; Dave, Dorrigo; Joe, killed in action; Amos, Queensland; Alex, Sydney; Harold, Condong; Arthur, Dorrigo; and Les, Sydney. There are but few such mesals in existence in the Empire, and Mrs Worland wears hers with pride and sorrow. A pension of 12s 6d a week is all that a grateful country gives her and none of her children received any pensions whatsoever'.

David Arthur Worland of Dr George Mountain. (Photo provided by descendant and published with permission)

1931 - Death of David Worland

David Worland (born 1853), died in 1931. The Braidwood Dispatch and Mining Journal of 30 October 1931 carried the following notice: 'The death occurred at Moroya hospital last week of David Worland, aged 79 years, from blood poisoning. Many years ago the deceased came from Monaro on the coast, finally settling in Moruya. He was twice married and two daughters and three sons survive him. One son, Mr B Worland, resides at Araluen.'

The probate notice carried in The Sydney Morning Herald of 27 October 1931 states that administration of the estate would be granted to Walter Francis Woarland and Martha Beatrice Donnelly, 'a son and daughter of the deceased'.

Coincidentally, a different David Worland from the Warrnambool Worland family and 'a pioneer resident who carried on business in Warrnambool for many years as a gas fitter and plumber' who enlisted for WW1 and joined his son Stanley Worland in farming pursuits at Illowa, also died in August 1931. (Source: The Age (Melbourne) 26 August 1931.)

1935 - Mary Matilda Worland location

Mary Mathilda Worland wrote to the Army Base Records office on 23 March 1935 from her address at 2 Marshall Street, 'More Parke, Surry Hills' regarding the replacement of what she referred to as a Mothers Badge consisting of seven bars and badge. She asked if she might receive the medal before Anzac Day. Her letter stated the following:

... I should like to have it as I have never visited Anzac Day I lost my dear husband and after he came home and I buried our dear son in France the other sons all came back. They are all Anzac and all a way in the country on the land. They will all be home for Anzac Day please God I have not seen them for years as they have big familities. I feel certain you will do your best for me as I am very proud of my badge also otherrs that I wear with honour. I lost it in removing to Sydney. I am willing to pay for it if I am not entitled to another ...'.

The Army Base Records office replied to MM Worland's letter on 27 March 1935.

1938 - Death of Hector Harold Worland

Hector Harold Worland (born 1891), the son of Arthur and Mary Matilda Worland, died on 17 October 1938 in Condong, NSW. According to the report of his death in the Tweed Daily on 18 October 1938, Hector Worland was a winchman employed at the Condong sugar mill who collapsed and died while operating a hoist about an hour after starting work at 4 PM. The article noted that Hector Worland was 46 and a returned soldier. At the time of his death he was a member of the GUOOF. The paper reported that left a widow (Emily) and children named as Dulcie, Joseph, Kenneth, Florence and Nancy. Married Emily W De Fraine

1943 - Death of Mary Matilda Worland

Mary Matilda Worland (possibly born in Cooma in 1865) died in early February 1943 (NSW BDM record not yet found, which might mean her surname was misspelt). Her funeral details were carried in The Sydney Morning Herald of 9 February 1943. The notice referred to the following: Mr and Mrs DR Worland, Mr and Mrs RA Worland, Mr and Mrs PA Worland, Mr and Mrs MA Worland, Mr and Mrs EL Worland, Mr and Mrs N Harvie, Mr and Mrs W Brown, and Mr and Mrs G Hoddinott. Tilly Worland was buried at Rookwood cemetery.

1945 - Death of Robert Amos Alfredine Worland

Robert Worland, the son of Arthur Worland (1860 - 1922) and Mary Smith, died in Queenland on 20 September 1945 (QLD BDM Ref 1945/C/2955). The Dalby Herald (QLD) of 21 September 1945 carried the following obituary:

OBITUARY Mr. R. A. Worland - Remaining in a critical condition since taken with a seizure fifteen days ago, Robert Amos Alfredine Worland died in the Dalby Hospital early yesterday morning. Mr. Worland's death, removed a very well-known figure from the community life of Dalby as he had given much voluntary service in assisting a number of bodies at their functions, and was actually attending a dance in aid of the Dalby Town Band, of which he was honorary secretary, at the time he was struck down with the fatal sickness. Mr. Worland took a keen interest in the Band affairs and willingly undertook the many duties of the secretaryship in a spirit of enthusiasm, and displayed much energy in all Band matters, both the senior and Boys' Band movements. It is a sad coincidence that he and the president with whom he was closely associated as secretary, the late Aldermnn A. E. O'Toole, should have died within a few days of each other. Mr. Worland was also interested in the Ambulance and worked for its welfare at numerous functions. Mr. Worland in recent years has been caretaker at the national broadcasting station 4QS at Dalby. He is survived by his widow, whom he married at Raleigh before coming to Dalby, and a grown up family of six sons, Arthur, Francis, Walter, Mervyn, Gerald and Noel, and three daughters, Irene, Bartie, and Mary. Three of the sons and one daughter are in the Services. The funeral took place this morning, being attended by a large number of friends and representatives of the Dalby Town Band. Rev. C. Leeke, St. John's Church of England, conducted the last rites.

1950 - Death of Bertie Robert Worland (born 1900)

Bertie Worland, the son of David Worland and Emily Smith (who married in 1883, his second marriage) died in 1950. His obituary was published in the Braidwood Dispatch and Mining Journal on 4 August 1950.

Obituary - Mr Bert Worland

The death occured at Captains Flat on the --th July last of Mr Bert Worland after a rather protracted and distressing illness. Although not possessing a very robust constitution, his health during the time he resided in the Braidwood district was quite satisfactory, and it seems that it was not until he became engaged in the mining industry at the Flat that the trouble developed seriously, and although receiving the best medical attention, his condition gradually declined and he passed away to the other bourne whence no traveller returns at the comparatively early age of 50 years.

The deceased was a native of the South Coast and came to this district in the twenties, when the dairying industry was being revived and being a professional cheese maker, was appointed manager of the short lived Belle Vue factory. When that factory ceased operations the position of manager of the Araluen Cheese factory became vacant and he had no difficulty, in view of the Belle Vue reputation, in getting the position. For almost twenty years he presided there and established a reputation as one of the best cheesemakers in the State; indeed, it was well known that one of the largest distributing businesses in Sussex Street thought so highly of his product that it was marketed at top price as a special brand. When the so-called stabilisation scheme was introduced in the thirties and many of these smaller factories were forced to close down because of the heavy export quotas placed on them, the Araluen factory amongst the number, the manager decided to engage in electrical work at the mines and left the valley.

Deceased was a man of many parts and as well as being expert in cheese-making, possessed a fine mechanical mind. With him motors were a hobby, and although largely self taught, there was no problem about a car he was incapable of solving. Many a tourist passing through the Valley during that period will have grateful recollections of his skills and resources when stranded far from a service station, and it was noted that no matter what personal inconvenience it involved, Burt never failed to lend assistance to the distressed. It was due to his technical knowledge that he obtained the Captains Flat appointment which was both attractive and lucrative.

Soon after taking up residence in Araluen the late Mr wall and married Millient Amelia Griffin (the daughter of Robert Griffin/Griffith and Louisa Warrane)(rest of family details not correct ...). To them and to his bereaved widow we express our deepest sympathy in their sad and irreparable loss.

1954 - Death of Robert William Worland

Robert William Worland (1867 - 1954) was the son of Joseph Worland and Ann Crawford.

According to his obituary in the Cairns Post on 30 August 1954, Robert William Worland was 'for many years engaged in pastoral and farming pursuits on the Monaro Tablelands and the Tweed River Districts of New South Wales. He came to the Millaa Millaa district 23 years ago [1931] and was well known on the Atherton Tableland. He later came to Mareebra where he had resided for the past five years. The late Mr Worland's wife died 22 years ago [1932]'.

His obituary noted that his wife Louisa had pre-deceased him 22 years earlier, and reported his surviving children as:

Page created 7 April 2013, updated 22 March 2023 (various changes). Copyright © Andrew Warland. (andrewwarland(at)gmail.com)