Thomas Hudspeth Diaries, Van Diemen's Land, 1839-1849

Abstract

Diaries of Thomas Hudspeth 1839-1849. Thomas was born in 1791 and was a surveyor and school master at Bowsden, Northumberland, England. In 1791 he married Alice Fox-Maule and some time after 1822 he, together with four of his eight children, Elizabeth, Catherine, James and Alexander, joined his eldest son John Maule at 'Bowsden', Jericho, Van Diemen's Land. The diaries, entitled 'Hemerologium' (Greek for daily account) were written at 'Bowsden', Jericho. Entries from 9 Jan 1848 are in different hands. A pencil note added to the last page of the last volume reads 'Grandfather Hudspeth's Journal dictated to Elizabeth and Catherine, A.C.P.' Entries are fairly detailed accounts of the daily life of the family and include references to visits of neighbours such as the Harrisson and Pike families. The last entry (17 Aug 1849) notes: 'This being the 88th anniversary of my birth ...' RS 2/1(1-8)