PART TWO
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Even though Robert Jenkins conveyed only 2000 acres to his brother William Warren Jenkins in 1843 after their mother’s death in 1842, it seems that by the time W.W.Jenkins died he had acquired another 1000 acres as well as some smaller holdings, bringing his estate to about 3500 acres at the time of his death in 1884.
In February 1888, a long-time farmer made the decision to cease farming on one of his leases. John Jolliffe put up for sale half of his livestock including half of his dairy herd. Proceedings started in the Supreme Court in early 1888. It was disclosed that W.W.Jenkins had written to his solicitor outlining his intentions for changes to his will. An engrossment was accordingly drawn up by his solicitor. Mr Jenkins died before he could sign the document and it appears that probate was issued on the engrossed copy of the original instructions. As Mr Jenkins had nine children living, he instructed that the income from his tenants’ leases be distributed in shares. William would inherit nine shares, Robert eight, Frederick six, the next three, five, four and three, and the three youngest children two each, totalling 41 shares in the estate.
Chief Justice Windeyer carefully examined the relevant court proceedings and the outcome published. ‘‘…the testator, Mr William Warren Jenkins, prepared certain instructions for his will, and, as was frequently the case, the gentleman perhaps not being in very sound state of health at the time…’’. The matter was before the courts for almost two years.
A notice appeared in the Illawarra Mercury in May 1890 advertising that Berkeley Estate was going to be auctioned. The auction was finally held on August 9, 1890, at Wollongong Town Hall for the whole of Berkeley Estate with the exception of a section surrounding Berkeley House and Nudjia homestead. In all, 19 farms were sold totalling 1498acres, raising £31,823. Those who purchased farm lots could take possession between January and March 1891. In January 1891, a further five lots totalling 380 acres were sold. Only four of the original long-term tenant farmers were able to purchase their land.
From February 1891, notices began to appear in newspapers of clearing out many of the old farmers’ dairy stock and equipment. The first family to sell out was the Algers who had been leaseholders since the 1840s. John Alger jnr advertised livestock, all farm tools and factory cans. He was shortly followed by John Jolliffe, then John O’Neill and both farms of William Hegherty. The farmers must have held on to the last minute in the hope that they could lease their farms back from the new owners.
A special picnic was set down for late August 1891 and was held near Unanderra Railway Station for both Misses Matilda and Eleanor Jenkins. About 250 of their friends and former staff as well as farm hands attended. A letter signed by both sisters was read by the Reverend Stack of Dapto. Mentioning the heartache of the sisters whose whole life had been spent at Berkeley House he quoted: ‘‘We feel very deeply touched at this kindly and substantial proof of your sympathy, which you are showing us to-day by giving us this picnic, and presenting us with a farewell address upon our approaching severance from our dear native district and old associates. So unanimous a movement and expression of feeling towards us will greatly tend to alleviate the pain of parting…’’
John Jolliffe managed to hang onto his remaining lease until 1900 even though James Gorrell had purchased the farm from the estate sale in 1890.
Information courtesy of Carol Herben OAM. Call 0409 832 854 or email sycado6@bigpond.net.au