You were previously introduced to my Scottish great-grandmother as mentioned in “The Arrivals – 1889”. She arrived on the Dacca in 1889.
Banffshire.
My name is Jessie Donald. I was born on 10 April 1863 at Tombreck, Inveravon, Banffshire, Scotland. My mother was Annie McCulloch and my father was Alexander Donald.
I do remember that I was born out of wedlock and times were extremely difficult, especially for my mother. I do know she did her best so as to give me a good start in life.
1871.
In April 1871, the census counted me. I was living at Inveravon in Banffshire with granny and pop, mother, my brother John and sister Mary.
Over the next few years, I learned how to sew, cook, and clean. At certain times, I felt, I couldn’t get things perfect. I wanted to be like mother. You will hear from her later about her story.
Winter.
Living in the Scottish Highlands was hard, especially during the winter months. It was very cold and damp. The wind seemed to cut right through you – to the bone.
Toward the end of the decade, the weather was extreme. From severe snowstorms to frosty and foggy conditions as well as terrible stormy events. I thought of the shepherds and their flocks, as well as the other farmworkers in the fields. It wasn’t just in the winter, the summers were terrible too.
Servant.
I was the only female servant working for John Murray at Blairnain which is about 5 miles north-ish from Aberlour and about 6 miles west-ish from Dufftown in 1881. As you may be aware – it’s a whiskey area. And yes, I have connections with the Grant family.
Queensland.
I don’t recall the next few years, other than I remember coming across notices displayed around villages about the new Queensland colony. I made inquiries and applied. I was successful. I sailed on the Dacca and arrived in Townsville in 1889. Upon arrival, I was briefly employed at the Townsville vicarage.
Family.
As my husband, David Nicol, has said we were married in July 1890 at Ingham. Just over a year later, I became a mother. I gave birth to a wee daughter – Elizabeth Ann on 9 September 1891. We had moved to Pleystowe, just west of Mackay.
Over the next few years, we added to our family – our bairns kept me busy. Peter Alexander was born on 3 January 1893. It was a sad year in 1894 when I gave birth to James David but he did not survive. William Barclay arrived on 10 May 1895 followed by Catherine Isabelle on 27 January 1897 then John on 7 August 1898.
Traditions.
We continued with our Scottish traditions by celebrating Hogmanay and Burns Night which was in late January. What was so different? It was in the summer and not in winter.
I was bearing child as 1900 commenced, giving birth to our seventh bairn midyear. Robert Niven was born on 7 June 1900.
It was a busy time for us all. David continued in the sugar industry as I kept hoose with seven bairns to feed and look after. I had little time to myself.
Australia.
In 1901, there were celebrations as the six colonies became one nation – the Commonwealth of Australia. The local celebrations in Mackay were held at Queens Park on the day. It was a huge event for the district and much planning had taken place. The English Queen died towards the end of the month.
Our next bairn, George Thomas arrived on 14 April 1902. I believe we were living at Creighead Farm near the Leap. Andrew was our last bairn born on 21 June 1906.
The weather controlled the farm – fires, floods, horrific cyclones and droughts. All these weather events had an impact. It was difficult at times for us all to make sure the planting cycle was completed on time. Little did I know, that I would be needing to know more very soon? Our neighbours were always on hand in the natural disasters as they occurred. They helped us and we helped them.
Around 1912, we were on a farm in the Hampden area. The farm would have been about 15 to 20 miles from Mackay. There are a number of streams running through the area which flooded causing problems for all of us in the bush.
Events.
World events had an impact on us, especially the War. Times were difficult with supplies. We were lucky to live on the farm so we were able to provide for the family.
Mother died back in Scotland in 1917.
The Mackay district was dealt a devastating blow in January of 1918. A lot of the town was destroyed by a cyclone. Then in October of the same year, my beloved husband David died. He had suffered for about 7 months. Now, everything was going to be so different. I had to step forward to control the farm and keep it running. I thought at least I have my sons to help out. Then, an epidemic descended upon us.
Eventually, the 1920s began. There was hope for a brighter future.
Experience.
I got to experience all that my husband had experienced. At times, I wondered how he was able to do everything. As another decade was coming to a close, there was a huge economic downturn. It affected a lot of people, especially in the cities.
Sadness gripped me in 1931 when my youngest died whilst playing rugby. It appeared to be instant. He was 24.
Memories.
I have many fond memories from my life which started oot in Scotland – my journey across the seas to a different country with a vast and challenging environment. Marrying a fellow Scot – giving birth to my wonderful bairns. There were many happy times but some fill with great sadness. I experienced a lot throughout my life which I am grateful for. Those who see my words are blessed… Go on adventures and explore.
Jesse died in the Mackay Base Hospital on 11 May 1935. She was 72. She is buried with her husband, David, and their son Andrew in the Presbyterian section at the Mackay Cemetery.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Tombreck Cottage: own collection – 1983
Inveravon Church: own collection – 1983
WordPress: All other photos
Jessie Donald: own collection – Unknown date.
Ancestor Family 