A bullocky and his team at Rosewood Gate c.1882
Rosewood History. Qld.
Rosewood Pioneers
William YARROW and Fanny BATES
© Jane Schy 2026
Name: William YARROW
Occupation: Bullock Driver; Dairy and Poultry Farmer
Birth: 22nd June 1860, Ipswich, Queensland
Death: 6th November 1941, Rosewood, Queensland aged 81 years
Burial: 7th November 1941, Tallegalla Cemetery
Religion: Congregational
Father: Charles YARROW (1828-1892) Bullock Driver; Farmer
Mother: Jane TITMARSH (1832-1915)
Marriage: 10th June 1879, Redbank Plains, Queensland
Spouse: Fanny BATES
Birth: 11th May 1861, Bundamba Creek, Queensland
Death: 13th February 1920, Rosewood, Queensland aged 58 years
Burial: 14th February 1920, Tallegalla Cemetery
Father: Thomas BATES (1817-1900) Farmer
Mother: Martha ELLIOT (1825-1900)
Children: 10
William YARROW (1880-1913) = Susannah WHEELER (1886-1961)
Thomas “Towser” YARROW (1881-1956) = Hester FREEMAN (1884-1964)
Martha YARROW (1883-1957) = 1. Albert Edward HEY (1881-1919) 2. Thomas Henry HOWELL (1875-1943)
John YARROW (1885-1904)
Henry James YARROW (1887-1952) = Margaret McNair COOK (1889-1983)
Frank YARROW (1889-1954) = Margaret PAROZ (1892-1959)
Emily YARROW (1891-1939)
Charles Edward YARROW (1893-1978) = Rosie Auguta ARNDT (1894-1974)
Matthew YARROW (1895-1959) = Emily Eva SCHLOSS (1897-1984)
Joseph Herbert YARROW (1899-1949) = Susan RAHN (1891-1959)
William Yarrow’s parents settled at Redbank Plains in 1862. William, his father Charles, and brothers Charles jnr. and Thomas, all had bullock teams and worked in the timber industry carting logs (pine and hardwood) to the Rosewood Gate sawmills.
Fanny’s parents were from Omagh, Co.Tyrone, Ireland. They arrived in the Colony in 1857 with four children, per the ship Mary Pleasants. The family made their home in Ipswich for a few years before buying a farm at Redbank Plains, which Tom Bates cultivated until a few months of his death. It was adjacent to the Yarrow farm, and that is how William Yarrow and Fanny Bates met and then married in 1879.
A meeting of bullock drivers was held at the school-house at Rosewood Gate, at 6 o’clock in the evening of 20th August 1880. It was called to protest about the wheel tax which was being proposed by the Walloon Divisonal Board. The bullockies felt that it was unjust and oppressive. About 50 people attended. The township’s third Show was on at the same time, and before the meeting, the bullock drivers, draymen, and farmers who objected to the Act and the way in which it was administered, marched past the entrance gate of the show ground like a funeral procession. The band led the way, playing the “Dead March in Saul.” They carried nine effigies of the members of the Walloon Road Board on a bullock dray. When they reached the place of execution, the figures were hanged on a temporary scaffold erected on the dray, and then taken down and burned amid the jeers and execrations of the mob. The framework of the scaffold bore the words “Rosewood Ministry” on one side, and “Down with Taxation” on the other side. One of the members of the road board who was there, pulled off his coat and challenged the mob to fight him, but no one accepted the challenge.
It was resolved: That this meeting will oppose the wheel tax on drays or other vehicles carrying timber to any market; and we will also oppose a laying of tolls on any of the roads in our division. A committee of defence to resist any action taken by the Divisional Board was formed:- Messrs. R. Seymour, B. Tompkins, William Collett, Joseph Wyles, J. Davis, W. Perry, R. Brown, William Yarrow, Thomas Yarrow, Charles Yarrow, H. Ludlow, Denis Dwyer, and James Ryan. Ultimately they were unsuccessful, and the by-law came into force in May 1881. The tax varied from £2 to £8 per annum according to the width of the tyre. Many of the farmers, however, approved of the tax. More protest meetings were to come and it was finally discontinued in June 1887 under the Mutdapilly Divisional Board.
The Yarrow brothers settled in the Rosewood district and were added to electoral roll for Rosewood Gate in January 1881. A man named Fred Scott from Lowood (later a bridge builder) felled timber for the well-known bullock drivers, Messrs. Yarrow Bros.of Rosewood Gate.
William and Fanny settled at Ashwell. Thomas settled at Lanefield, and Charles, who passed away in 1885, settled at Rosewood Gate.
Portions 433 (78acres 1rood 30perches) and 433A (20 acres), in the county of Churchill, parish of Walloon, were originally selected by Joseph Brittain Wyles. Joseph left the district for the Maranoa region after his farm house and out buildings burned down on 4th June 1881, the same day that his property was to be sold at auction. Joseph first put his farm up for private sale in March. When it didn’t sell he engaged Scott and MacGregor to sell it at auction at the Caledonian Hotel in Ipswich on 4th June. The reserve price was £600. There was a buyer that day, but, understandably they did not finalise the sale. Joseph put the farm up for private sale again in July, and eventually sold it for around £460. Fifty acres of land was cultivated and the farming implements and tools were included.
William Yarrow bought the farm.
After a few more years of drawing timber and setting up his home, William decided to concentrate on dairy farming.
In March 1896, Professor Edward Mason Shelton, from the Department of Agriculture, was invited to give a lecture to about 50 farmers at the Rosewood Farmers’ Hall. Before his lecture, he was driven to the Lanefield Dairy and several farms by Herb Dutney. That evening, after speaking for an hour and a half and answering various questions, he offered to meet the farmers the next morning at a farm where corn was growing, so he could show them how to cut corn for fodder and make stooks. They met at David Elder’s farm, but the maize crop there was too advanced for his purpose, so they went to William Yarrow’s farm.
The Professor opened several cobs of corn, and explained in what state the corn required to be before cutting. The grain should be just beginning to harden and the stalk remains green. He then began to cut the corn to make a patch about 25ft. square, and cut two rows on each side, making the stook in the centre row, the tuft of corn round which the stook was built being left standing. Mr. Shelton then packed the cut corn closely round this in an upright manner, slightly spreading the stalk at the bottom, until he had a good-sized heap. Then he took two stalks of corn and tied the top of the stook to make it quite secure. He said that, as the corn was brittle, it would be better to tie it with coarse twine. After the stook was made, it required from four to six weeks to mature, according to the weather. Then the stook could be opened to ascertain the state of the cobs. If quite ripe; they could be pulled up and husked in the ordinary way. Mr. Shelton said that he had known corn packed in that way to remain good for six months. After the cobs were pulled, the stalks were again piled in stooks and left until required for fodder. These stooks need not remain in the field, but could be built wherever required.
Mr. Shelton showed two ways of cutting the corn:- One was to make a knife out of a scythe. Cut a piece of the scythe about 18in. long, punch four holes in the end, and put it in a handle of the same length, and rivet it firmly at an angle similar to a scythe. Another and better way was to make a sort of slide, the same width as the rows of corn, and fix two steel knives, one on each side, at a proper angle, these knives to work as a hinge in order to be turned back on the slide when not in use. This slide was to be drawn by a horse, two men to walk behind, and catch the corn as cut, and stook it as described. About six acres of corn could thus be cut and stooked in one day. Mr. Shelton next explained how to cook the corn as a vegetable:- Take the cobs when in the state described, just beginning to set, put them in boiling water for twenty minutes and serve with melted butter. The method of popping corn was also described, but for this the proper pop corn must be used. (1)
William was elected as a Director in the Lanefield Farmers’ Co-operative Dairy Company in May 1897, a position he held until 1904.
A notice in the Queensland Government Gazette, 7th April 1899, named the members of school committees appointed for three years ending 31st December 1901. ASHWELL: William Bassett, Frederick Domrow, Martin Gerhardt, George E. Loveday, John Merritt, William Yarrow and Daniel O’Donnell. The same committee was appointed in 1902 until 31st December 1904, except William Basset and Martin Gerhardt were replaced by John Müller and Thomas Yarrow.
William applied to the Rosewood Divisional Board to have his rates reduced in October 1899. William Yarrow, portion 433, parish of Walloon, valued at £4/10s; reduced to £4/5s per acre.
Fanny’s mother, Martha Bates, came to live with them in May 1900 after her husband Tom died. Martha had been an invalid for 18 years. She was unable to walk, but she carried out several household duties while sitting in her chair. Martha fell from her chair and broke her leg in October that year, and died six weeks later.
William and Fanny left the farm in 1902 and moved into a home in Albert Street in the Belmont Estate, Rosewood. William then turned his attention to poultry farming.
On 10th March 1904, William and Fanny lost their 18 year old son John, who died at the Ipswich Hospital from Typhoid fever. John had been working for Mrs. Jane McGeary at Hillgrove, near Rosewood and was a great favourite with everyone who knew him.
Mr. John Mahon, Principal of the Queensland Agricultural College, mentioned William Yarrow in an article in 1905. (2)
The dairying industry at Rosewood, by a statement of fact, after a progress of nine years, fodder is grown more largely than ever; little or none is sold; it is all fed to stock. Milking, without exception, is done twice a day, and calves are separated from their mothers from the hour of being dropped. The methods now being followed are the opposite to those which obtained only a few years ago, and the result is Rosewood is a centre of vigorous dairying activity; in fact, the industry has wiped out all other forms of employment. The herds are not large, but they are carefully selected, and number among them specimens of the best milking strains. Those of Alexander Rogers, Thomas and William Yarrow, Charles Lane, and George Dutney are equal to anything in the State.
William Yarrow won many prizes exhibiting various breeds of poultry at all the district shows. Examples are:
At the Rosewood Show:
1904 – Black Spanish cock or cockerel – W. Yarrow, Rosewood, 1; James Ponting, 2- 1905 – Orpington, buff, pullet – W. M’Lean, 1; W. Yarrow, 2
Orpington, buff cockerel – W. M’Lean, 1; W. Yarrow, 2 - 1908 – Wyandotte, silver laced, cock: W. Yarrow 1; J. Oliver 2.
Cockerel and pullet -W. Yarrow 1; J. E. Collett 2.
Andalusian, cockerel and pullet – W. Yarrow
Six pullets – W. Yarrow - 1910 – Champion bird of the show. Black Orpington hen – W. Yarrow.
- 1919 – White Leghorn cockerel – first prize at the Lowood show; second at Marburg
and first in the breeding pen at the Gatton show. - 1926 – William, his son Frank and grandsons Mervyn and Gordon were all exhibiting poultry.
- 1927 – At the Jubilee Show – Wyandotte, silver laced cock – W. Yarrow
Wyandotte cl – Miss May Klupfel 1. W. Yarrow 2
Champion – P: J. Harding 1 and 2, W. Yarrow 3
At the newly formed Rosewood Poultry and Kennel Club: (William was president.)
- 1928 – First show. Messrs. W. Yarrow and Sons’ cockerel won the championship. Mr. J. M. Bruce’s trophy for aggregate points in the poultry section was won by Mr. Frank Yarrow.
- 1932 – The outstanding feature was W. Yarrow and Sons’ breeding pen of white Indian runners, which the judge stated would “hold their own anywhere.”
At the Marburg show:
- 1936 – The grand champion female bird, a Black Orpington pullet shown by W. Yarrow. She had type, colour, carriage, and was shown in perfect condition, said the judge, adding that Mr. Yarrow had reason to be proud of so beautiful a bird. The judge made special reference to the champion utility hen shown by him, and spoke highly of the quality of a pair of white Indian Runner ducks, also exhibited by William.
In 1907, a Gympie company, who were working the Bedworth Colliery (later Excelsior), obtained the rights to mine on three properties from William Freeman, William Perrem, and William Yarrow. The properties each consisted of 80 acres. Shafts were sunk on each, and a five foot seam was found. The coal was intended for use in the Gympie mines and it was hoped that there would be a surplus for the open market. In one of the shafts Lignite was found. Lignite is a soft brownish coal showing traces of plant structure, and is half way between bituminous coal and peat. It can indicate the possible presence of natural gas and oil. The royalties from these agreements would have made life a little easier for the owners of the land.
On Friday afternoon, 22nd November 1912, Fanny had a severe paralytic stroke while she was at the Rosewood railway station. She was unconscious for six weeks. Fanny partially recovered, however she was left incapacitated for the rest of her life. (3)
Sadly, in 1913, William and Fanny had to endure the loss of another son, William jnr, aged 33 years. He died in an accident while loading timber at Upper Yarraman. He had loaded two logs and was putting the third on the bed of the wagon. After undoing the chains, he noticed that the logs were not in the right position, and just as he was about to wrench them over with a pinch-bar, one of the logs rolled off onto his head, killing him instantly. William had a wife and five children.
Their youngest son Joseph, enlisted in the A.I.F. in 1917. He attested that he was 21 years and 6 months old, when he was in fact only 18. The required age to fight was 18 with parental consent or 21 without it. He was detained and discharged when his actual age was discovered.
William Yarrow was a life deacon of the Rosewood Congregational Church, and acted as a lay preacher in the district on occasion. When he resigned as Superintendent of the Sunday School in June 1914, he had been in the position for about seventeen years. Mrs Mary Evans presented William with the gift of an armchair on behalf of the teachers, parents and scholars. It was given in appreciation of his steadfast commitment in carrying out the duties of his role, and also as a memento of the many pleasant afternoons he spent at the Sunday School. (4)
In February 1920, Fanny died. She was devotedly nursed by her youngest daughter Emily in her final days. Coincidentally, her sister Matilda Bennett died just a few days before her. Fanny’s funeral left from her residence, Belmont, for the Tallegalla Cemetery. The members of the local branch of the P.A.F.S.O.A., marched in front of the hearse, and the service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. Cummings Air Capern of the Congregational Church.
The “in memoriams” below were published in the Queensland Times on Saturday, 12th February 1921 on page 6.
YARROW.— In loving memory of our dear mother and grandmother, Fanny Yarrow, who died February 13th, 1920. Her weary days and hours of pain, Her troubled nights are passed; Her ever patient, worn out frame, Has found sweet rest at last. (Inserted by her loving son and daughter-in-law, T. and H. Yarrow and family.)
In loving memory of my dear sisters, Mrs. W. J. Bennett, who went to rest, February 10th, 1920, and Mrs. W. Yarrow, who passed away February 13th, 1920; also my dear brother, Constable Thomas Bates, who died in Western Queensland. Sleep on beloved, sleep and take thy rest. (Inserted by their loving sister, Mrs. W. B. Turner).
YARROW.—In loving memory of our dear wife and mother, who departed this life, February 13th, 1920. Gentle in mind, patient in pain, Our dear mother left us, heaven to gain, With actions so noble, generous and kind, Few in this world her equal could find. Not gone from memory, not gone from love, But gone to her Father’s home above. (Inserted by her loving husband and family).
William attended the Jubilee of the Redbank State School in 1924. He was among the first 174 scholars enrolled in the first week when Mr. and Mrs. John Carroll opened the school in 1874. At the celebratory tea, William was one of ten people who responded to the toast, “The Old Pupils.” The responders spoke of the changes to the Plains, and how the farms all used to grow corn, and how there was then “not enough corn to feed a hen.” They spoke of their gratitude for the influence Mr. and Mrs. Carroll had on their lives. “Our old teacher,” one man said, “taught us morals and good manners, even if he did use a wattle stick.” Mrs. Mary Carroll was present that day, her husband John having died in 1910. Mary was given the gift of a volume of Shakespeare’s plays. Thirty-nine of the founding students signed their names on the fly-leaf and William was one of them. (The historic 1906 Carroll home was relocated from Queen Street, Goodna to Dellvene Crescent, Rosewood, in early May 2025.)
On 20th March 1933, the Success of Rosewood Lodge No. 22, P.A.F.S.O.A., celebrated its Golden Jubilee. William was one of the 13 foundation members in 1883. He was a a past Worshipful Master and a life member, and he was present at the celebration. His son Frank, an officer in the Lodge at that time, was also there.
William died at his home in Albert Street, North Rosewood, on Thursday morning, November 6th, 1941. Dr. Harry Bennett Little from Lowood, Mrs Louisa Holohan, Charles Dixon and George Harding, were foremost in assisting during his illness. Fittingly William’s funeral left from the Rosewood Congregational Church for the Tallegalla Cemetery. The members of the P.A.F.S.O.A., in full regalia, attended. Rev. Caleb Beharell conducted the graveside service and Mr. Arthur Capern read the lodge service.
William’s was a good life, albeit one touched by quiet heartbreak.
The executors for his estate were Thomas Yarrow (Rosewood) and Harry Victor Gibbs (Ipswich solicitor). He left land: Resubdivisions 105 to 140 of subdivision 1 of portion 357B county of Churchill, parish of Walloon. There was also a seven roomed house, a large shed and other buildings. The whole lot was put up for sale by auction, per by William Norman Ruhno, on 18th April 1942.
William’s family at the time were: Six sons – Thomas, Frank, Henry, and Matthew (Rosewood), Charles (Baralba) and Joseph (Fernvale). Also a daughter, Mrs. Martha Howell (Grandchester) and two brothers, James Yarrow (Kent’s Lagoon) and Richard Yarrow (Redbank Plains). He also had 39 grandchildren and 12 great-grand children.
The personal attributes and values that were inherent in William Yarrow i.e. versatility, reliability, religious faith, a strong work ethic and community-mindedness, have been passed down through the generations of his family, and are reflected in the historical records of the various institutions of this town.
The family of Charles and Jane Yarrow – Courtesy of Spencer Yarrow
Parents: Charles (1828-1892), Jane (1832-1915)
Children: Jane (1849-1929), Elizabeth (1851-1923), Charles (1854-1885), John (1856-1929), Thomas (1858-1917), William (1860-1941), Richard (1862-1944), Mary (1866-1931), James (1868-1956), Joseph (1874-1899). Another child Susan was born in 1870 and died in 1873.
References:
(1) Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser (Qld.), Saturday, 28 March 1896, page 5
(2) Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld.), Saturday 11 February 1905, page 34
(3) Queenslander News Budget (Brisbane, Qld), Saturday. 7 December 1912, page 8
(4) Queensland Times (Ipswich, Qld.), Thursday 25 June 1914, page 4
Queensland Electoral Rolls
Queensland Government Gazettes
Queensland Registrar Births, Deaths, Marriages
Trove – National Library Australia