The Camperdown Chronicle , Tuesday 23 July 1929
(Victoria, Australia)
 

THE PASSING OF A PIONEER
June of this year brought to a close the life of one of Victoria’s early pioneers. Born at Penzance in 1836, the late Mr. Martin Harvey, together with his parents, brothers and sisters, landed at Geelong at the age of 15. In those days Geelong, although an important town, was little more than a seaside hamlet.
Those associated with Mr. Harvey in the latter part of his life were much impressed with his interesting stories of actual happenings way back in the ‘fifties and the doings of both pastoralists and gold diggers of that day, together with the many hardships endured by them were well worth listening to. At an early age he went to work and filled several positions round and about Geelong, but the spirit of adventure and a thirst for further knowledge inspired him and his brothers to set off with teamsters engaged in carting food, etc., to the inland settlements and on the return journey loaded wool for Geelong. Later he acquired a bullock team of his own and penetrated as far as Nine Creeks (Dimboola), the settlement deriving its name owing to the fact that nine distinct creeks passed through the place. He spent several seasons in and around these parts shearing sheep and together with the late Harry Thwaites carried his swag through Kewell, Minyip, and Sailors’ Home, the latter place being so named on account of the owner of the “run,” Mr. Wilson’s hospitality to deserting sailors. Sailors’ Home possesses one of the finest dancing halls in Victoria. Another interesting place was “Hangman’s Hut,” midway between Horsham and Dimboola. As early as 1856 Mr. Harvey made three trips between Dimboola and Ballarat by bullock team, Ballarat being then under canvas. He had most vivid recollections of the Ballarat Riot, and the famous Peter Lalor leader of the miners. It may be recollected by some how when Peter Lalor was wounded he lay hidden in a house occupied by David Swan, who later became Mr. Harvey’s father-in-law. At the time a large reward was offered for his head, dead or alive. After this and other exciting adventures the late Mr. Harvey married Miss Swan and together with his brothers engaged in farming pursuits in the Ballarat district. Later he moved to Cudgee, near Warrnambool, where he finally established himself and lived to the time of his death, aged 93. He filled with pride whenever the late Queen Victoria’s name was mentioned for the reason that on the eve of his embarkation from England he had the privilege of being spoken to by her and who wished him God speed to Australia. The late Mr. Harvey had seven sons and four daughters, eight of whom are still living and who have been successful in their various walks of life.—“Warrnambool Standard.”
Transcriber's Note: Martin HARVEY was baptised on 13 Dec 1837 at St Buryan, son of Martin HARVEY and Ann POLKINHORNE.

Contributed by Bob Bolitho