DAYBORO DISTRICT HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC Est. 2004
PLACE NAMES: Have you seen the new signs that have gone up on four of the bridges around town in the last couple of months? Do you know why they have been given those names?
John McKenzie Bridge is over the North Pine River on the Mt. Samson Road. In 1866, John McKenzie was the first non indigenous settler in our district, settling on the banks of the North Pine River in an area then known as Fishery Pocket and now known as Armstrong Creek, with his wife Janet, and young family. He operated a pit-saw mill. When land became available for selection in 1868, on 19th November that year John McKenzie selected Portion 12 Parish of Samsonvale, which was at the junction of Terrors Creek and the North Pine River. This was in close proximity to where today‟s bridge spans the river, but a little further downstream. John McKenzie was born in Inverness, Scotland on 9th May 1828 and died on 2nd June 1908. He is buried in Dayboro Cemetery. There are many of his descendants still living in the area.
Sugar Mill Creek – the small creek in the middle of town which previously had no official name has been named Sugar Mill Creek. In 1867 William Henry Day leased Portion 1 Parish of Samsonvale on which most of today‟s township now stands, and established a sugar plantation. In 1870 a sugar mill was built. John McKenzie actually supplied timber to Mr. Day for the sugar mill and overseer‟s house. The sugar mill was situated close to this creek near today‟s Tullamore Park. It is believed the sugar mill was in operation until approximately 1883.
James Kinkead Berry Bridge is over Terrors Creek at Hay Road/Williams Street. William Henry Day sold his sugar crop to Thomas Berry in 1876 and Berry‟s “sons were superintending the crushing”. By 1877, James Kinkead Berry, known as “Ironbark Jim”, had taken over the whole operation. His Horse and Cattle Brand VU1 was registered on 13th January 1877 giving his address as Terrors Creek, Hamilton, North Pine.
In 1882, James Berry, Sugar Planter of Samsonvale was elected to the Caboolture Divisional Board and was a member of that Board from 1882 to 1884. He was again a member in 1889-90. A new Certificate of Title for Portion 1 was issued in the name of James Kinkead Berry on 5th July 1887. A newspaper article dated 25th June 1887 stated that Mr. Berry would give an allotment rent free to any person who wished to start a saddlery or blacksmith and wheelwright. As early as 1888, James Berry and his wife, Mary Ann (nee Lacey) were running a store and unofficial post office in the Orange Hall near the corner of Laceys Creek and Mt. Pleasant Roads.
He obtained a Provisional Liquor Licence on 6th July 1892 and the premises became the “Crown Hotel”. In 1894, he built a new hotel and store in the township using bricks from the chimney of the old sugar mill in the fireplace. The Terrors Creek (Upper North Pine) Rifle Club was formed on 2nd February 1894, the President being Lieut. James Berry. In 1897, Portion 1 was subdivided into 9 blocks of varying sizes. When the Boer War broke out, Lieut. James Berry went with the 4th Contingent of the Imperial Bushmen, Queensland, embarking on 18th May 1900 and returning on 5th August 1901.
Whilst there, he received the commission of Captain. Unfortunately, his wife, Mary Ann, died in childbirth during his absence. He again returned to the Boer War with the First Australian Commonwealth Horse, Queensland Unit. Captain J.K. Berry was mentioned in Despatches, London Gazette dated 29th July 1902 and received the Queen‟s Medal with four clasps. The township area was often unofficially referred to as “Berry‟s Flat”.
Carl Ihm Bridge is over Terrors Creek on the Mt. Mee Road (near the Showgrounds). Carl Ihm arrived in Moreton Bay on the “Helene” on 28th July 1865 from Holstein. Unfortunately his brother August died on the voyage. Other passengers on the “Helene” were Hans Rohlf and his wife Elsabe, and Christoph Thiele. It is known that the Rohlfs were in this district by 1868 as their son William Henry Rohlf was born at Pine River, Brisbane on 26th June 1868. It is believed that Carl Ihm and Christoph Thiele possibly remained with, or in close contact with the Rohlfs as there remained a close relationship between the Rohlf and Ihm families over time. On 2nd February 1871 Carl Ihm selected Portion 40 Parish of Whiteside on the left bank of Terrors Creek. Christoph Thiele selected adjoining Portion 44.
Carl Ihm brought his bride, Christina Lindenberg, to this property on 17th July 1874. When the first property inspection was carried out on 10th March 1876, it was noted the selector had erected a slab house with a shingle roof and a verandah in front, with 3 rooms. There was also a slab stable with shingle roof and piggeries. 30 acres had been cleared and fenced with a 2 rail fence and 12 acres cultivated with sugar cane and maize. He also had a few cows. This was quite a prosperous establishment for its time. Approval for the issue of a Deed of Grant for this property was given on 13th October 1877. Carl Ihm actually purchased Christoph Thiele‟s property at a later date. When the Mt. Mee Road was constructed in 1930, it completely bisected Carl Ihm‟s property where the bridge is situated. Descendants of Carl Ihm still own much of this property.
SHOW DISPLAY: Our Society will again be having a display at the Dayboro Show to be held on 11th to 13th July 2008 so make sure you come along and have a look at the 2008 Anniversaries.
Carmel Bond, President
Phone: 3425 1717 (home) or 3425 2032 ( Dayboro Cottage)
