| Abstract/Description |
Papers of the Thomas family, pioneers, comprising a diary, reminiscences and letters by Mary Thomas describing the voyage of the 'Africaine' in 1836 and life in the colony. Includes several letters by Robert Thomas, including a letter to the Colonial Office protesting offical deference to Aboriginal occupation, extracts from the diary of Mary Thomas, daughter, Margaret Robert and correspondence and a scrapbook of Sir Robert Kyffin Thomas, grandson. Also contains Thomas and Harris family wills, marriage certificates and associated papers, memorances, papers and a wax seal related to the Thomas family history, and versions of the Diary of Mary Thomas. Includes minutes and other papers associated with The Register newspaper. See Special Lists for details.
Mary and Robert Thomas were amongst the first group of European settlers to arrive at Holdfast Bay (Glenelg) in 1836 aboard the 'Africaine', coming ashore prior to the official party who were on the 'Buffalo' a few months later. They were accompanied by their children Frances Amelia (Skipper) 1818-1855, Robert George, 1820-1885, William Kyffin 1821-1878, Mary (Skipper), 1823-1881 and Helen (Mantegani), 1825-1921. Another child, Alfred, died in infancy. The Thomas family brought with them equipment to set up a printing business and general store, and 'Thomas & Co.' is recognised as South Australia's first business. They established the 'South Australian Gazette and Colonial Register', which later became 'The Register' newspaper, with the Thomas family controlling 'The Register' through four generations until 1929; two years before it was taken over by 'The Advertiser'. The diary of Mary Thomas was first published by her grandson Evan Kyffin Thomas at The Register office in 1915. It has gone through several editions. In 2007 descendant Beth Duncan wrote a full biography, 'Mary Thomas, founding mother'. |
Resource
Provide feedback on Papers relating to the Thomas family