WILLIAM WIMMERA, CHILD OF THE WOTJOBALUK
The ruins of Ebenezer Aboriginal Mission are located near the tiny, West Wimmera settlement of Antwerp, 22 kilometres north of Dimboola, in western Victoria.
Strangely enough, the history of the mission is entwined with that of a young Aboriginal boy, who died on the opposite side of the world.
In 1846, following reports of sheep stealing, white settlers by the Wimmera River launched an attack on the campsite of the local Wotjobaluk people. During the conflict a woman was shot dead and her child, a boy of about six , was later found huddled by her body. Leading the attack was Horatio Ellerman, who owned a large station in the area. He had named the property Antwerp, in memory of his Belgian birthplace. Rumour had it that Ellerman himself had fired the fatal shot. Instead of returning the child to his people, Ellerman took the little boy home and named him William Wimmera. William later referred to the squatter as ‘my master’ so presumably his position at Antwerp was that of a servant.
UPDATE – According to his descendants Ellerman, pictured below, was haunted by the shooting of the woman. My thanks to Terrie Ellerman Warner, for responding to this article (see comments section below).
SO FAR FROM HOME
Several years later the little boy managed to escape, possibly with the assistance of passing wood cutters or wool carters. He made his way to Melbourne where he was befriended by a group of children who found him wandering the city lost and in tears. The children took William along to St James Anglican school, where he came to the attention of the Rev. Septimus Lloyd Chase. The Rev. Chase was about to return to England, and saw an opportunity to extend God’s work. He felt that if William were to be completely separated from his people and given a religious education he could eventually be returned to his Aboriginal community with the aim of converting others. In 1851 the minister left Australia with young William in tow. Prophetically, their ship, Sacramento, left Melbourne on April 1st – All Fools Day.
William, now aged about ten, had the run of the ship. He thoroughly enjoyed chattering to the sailors and clambering up and down the Sacramento’s masts. Unfortunately, by the time they arrived in England it was September, and the days were already closing in. There was little time for the boy to acclimatize before facing his first northern winter.
The Rev. Chase took William back to his hometown of Reading, in Berkshire. According to a pious Victorian tract published anonymously some years later, his sister assumed the role of the boy’s teacher. Initially Miss Chase was delighted with her pupil, who showed a natural talent for art. He was keenly observant and could produce drawings of fully rigged sailing ships as well as detailed pictures of Australian native birds and animals. However, when William rebelled against the discipline of the schoolroom Miss Chase became less glowing in her reports;
‘There was but little evidence of a work of grace in his heart, and it was painful to see his want of gratitude, and frequent sullenness of temper.’
Two months later William was removed to the home of one of Septimus Chase’s relatives, a schoolmaster who lived further down the Thames. Lessons continued and the boy was also given instruction in various vocational skills such as shoe making and basket weaving. He returned to Reading in time for Christmas, though not to the Chase family. Septimus’ sister had lost interest, and Chase himself was pre-occupied by matters of the heart; he married Eleanor Purvis on January 8 1851 at St Giles Church, Reading. William was fostered out to a worthy couple who lived nearby.
When a marked change in the boy’s behaviour took place, the Rev. Chase’s missionary zeal was revived. Apparently the child’s defiant attitude had completely disappeared;
‘He was willing to give up his will to the will of others; was grateful for any kindness shewn to him; in a word, he became a new creature.’
The transformation was attributed to the power of God, though in retrospect it was due to a broken spirit, and serious ill-health. The English winter had a devastating effect on William’s lungs and soon doctors were urging Chase to return his small charge to the drier climate of Australia. Travel plans were made but by now the boy was fading fast and in March a baptism was hastily arranged . To the Rev. Chase, the most important issue was that William did not die ‘a heathen’. Sadly, the stimulation of visitors attending the ceremony worsened his condition;
‘Several of Mr Chase’s family were present; they described it as a solemn and interesting occasion…as it was, the excitement was too great for him [William], and his pain returned with fearful violence.’
William survived the harshest months of winter, but died on March 101852. He was interred in Reading Cemetery. I have visited his grave on several occasion. The vast 19th century burial ground is now completely marooned by traffic and is largely overgrown by ivy, blackberry and nettles. Reading is located close to the Thames and in winter the gravestones are wreathed by the same damp river mists that must surely have contributed to William’s death from tuberculosis. His headstone is badly weathered but it is still possible to make out the inscription;
Sacred
To the memory of
WILLIAM WIMMERA,
An Australian Boy,
Who died in Christ,
March 10th 1852
Aged 11 years.
Following the funeral, Septimus Chase and his new bride returned to Melbourne, where Chase resumed his ministry at St James church.
THE MISSION; AND MORE INSENSITIVITY
In 1859 a group of German based missionaries known as Moravians arrived in West Wimmera. They were intent on bringing Christianity to Australia’s indigenous people by establishing a Mission, and chose an area well insulated from areas of ‘ungodly’ European influence. The availability of fresh water from the Wimmera River must also have influenced their choice of site. Strangely enough it was William’s old master, Horatio Ellerman, who donated land at Antwerp to the Moravians.. Ellerman was now a prominent member of the Presbyterian church and strongly supported the idea of a mission. Initially a simple hut was built. Perhaps by chance, though more likely by design, it was located in the middle of the Wotjobaluk tribe’s corroboree ground. Not surprisingly, this caused a great deal of cultural conflict.
Early in 1860 the missionaries were given a pamphlet telling the story of William Wimmera; of his mother’s death by a white man, his time with Horatio Ellerman, and his eventual ‘conversion’ by the Rev. Chase at Reading. When it was read to a group of Wotjabaluk people there was an immediate reaction. At least one man had been present when William’s mother was shot, and he took the Moravian priests to visit her burial site nearby.
Later that year The Melbourne Argus printed a letter from the mission leader Fr. Aug. Hagenauer to the Reverend Chase. Clearly the missionaries were still attempting to replace the Aborigines cultural heritage with Christianity; Fr. Hagenauer wrote;
Late at night, when I was in bed, I heard in the distance the blacks singing a song of the corroberee, so I prayed and went to it. They made a corroberee. I went into the midst of them, and said I was very sorry for this and so on. One of them said, “Oh Sir, it is no harm in it, and the whites do just the same when they have a dance.” My heart was moved in compassion. We sat down and I spoke to them of the great love of Jesus Christ..
The missionary’s letter also proved that following the attack on the Wotjabaluk people in 1846, Horatio Ellerman had removed William Wimmera from close relatives;
‘His [William’s] old grandmother is here and very sick. The poor woman is very much afraid for ganta-galla (hell) and cried one time fearfully. I spoke to her of Jesus Christ . Corny his brother goes on well. ‘
It seems that, as in his own case, William’s grandmother was denied a peaceful passing into spirit world of her people.
To the Moravians, the Christian conversion of a Wotjabaluk child had been a sign they had miraculously chosen the perfect site for their mission. Full of confidence in the future they erected a complex of buildings, and replaced their rough hut with a church. Present at its consecration was Squatter Ellerman, who had been responsible for the death of William’s mother. The service was led by the Rev. Chase, the man indirectly responsible for the death of William. And in final ironic twist, the boy’s father was said to have been among the congregation.
In 1863 Septimus Chase presented a paper to the annual meeting of the Society for Promoting Moravian Missions to the Aborigines of Victoria. He spoke of the difficulties being encountered in the Lord’s work at Ebenezer. It seems that, despite his own powerful testimony regarding ‘little Wimmera’s’ conversion at Reading, there had been difficulties in turning others to God,
Certain young men had been candidates for baptism during the past year, but they did not give sufficient evidence of faith to justify the administration of that ordinance.
Ebenezer Mission closed in 1904. Over time its buildings fell into ruin and a wall of the pale pink limestone church had to be supported by a large tree limb. In the year 2000, emergency repair work was completed, to preserve what are now Victoria’s oldest remaining Mission buildings. At the official opening following this work, the Federal Minister for Aboriginal Affairs spoke of Antwerp’s dark history, making specific reference to the 1846 raid on the Wotjabaluk people.
A more comprehensive restoration project was completed in 2005, but the tree limb was left in place against the church for posterity.
Surrounding buildings include a detached kitchen, dormitory, and toilet block. Beside the church are the graves of early missionaries and of Philip Pepper, brother of Nathaniel, the Moravians’ first convert. However, as far as I am aware there is no memorial to William Wimmera. The restored buildings are open to the public daily and are administered by the Goolum-Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative.
UPDATE – APRIL 2023. A delightful man from the UK by the name of Rob Fleming has just written a song about William. The song reduced me to tears and is such a special tribute. You can listen to it HERE.
Here is a broader history of the Wotjabaluk people.
IF YOU ENJOYED THE ARTICLE, YOU MIGHT LIKE TO READ A POIGNANT AUSTRALIAN STORY FROM A LATER ERA. CLICK HERE.
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I really enjoyed this post, Pauline. When I was in school and had to study history, I did not like it at all. But over the many years since, I have learned to love history now I don’t have to write an exam about it. 🙂 I especially like to read about things like this that I have never heard about before.
Thanks Diane. It has always been the ‘human’ side of history that engages me. Started with my mother telling me the story of King Alfred burning the cakes, whenever she popped a tray of scones in the oven. On a more serious note, William’s story illustrates so much tragic ignorance and injustice.
Pauline,
thanks for the article above. I visited the grave of William Wimmera in 1986. I was intending at that stage to write a novel entitled An Australian Boy which never eventuated. Recently I have been downsizing and getting rid of boxes of notes and files when I came across my William Wimmera file. Amongst various bits of research I read Chase’s biography and photocopied the Sacramento log book. Since then my writing has been more or less straight history with an emphasis on Gippsland some of which you can access as pdfs on the publications page of my website
Ellerman was partly responsible for the murder of Jim Crow who had saved the lives of my ggGrandfather Charles and gGrandfather Samuel who had taken Ellerman to the Wimmera.
They should have left him in Port Phillip! Bloodthirsty Christianity!
Thanks for your message Ian. I’ve never heard that story. Could you tell me a bit more? My email address is [email protected]
Hi I am a descendent of horito ellermen growing up we where told of the story of billy, we where also told that the reason why Rev. Septimus Lloyd Chase took him back to England was because he was so well spoken in the queens language. Horitio taught him to read and to write and encouraged him to draw which he had a natural talent for. He didn’t run away as far as we knew he wanted to go with the other men to take stock to Melbourne, not sure if this was true or not. Also I was told that Horitio use to have nightmare of what he done and felt the mother around him, some say she is buried under the Moravians church and that’s why he gave that part of the land to the Moravians thinking she would then be buried on holy ground and leave him alone..These are most likely tales or yarns that where past down over the years.. very interesting if they where not it would actually make sense why billys was taken to england and why the church was built in the place where his mother was supposed to be buried or died.
Thanks so much for this information, Terrie. How interesting. I suspect that is it true about your ancestor teaching Billy to read and write. It was such a different world in those days, so I hope Horatio found the peace of mind he was searching for. Do you have a photo of him?
Hi Ian,
I’ve quite a bit of information on pastoral families of nw Victoria including the Caters and would be interested in comparing notes at some stage.
Ted Ryan
Thanks for the great article. I visited the Mission around 1985 when it was still in ruins. Let’s make a movie.
Would make such a great movie, Mark. Tragic, but so interesting.
Hi, Thank you so much for this account. When I first heard this story I was instantly absorbed. A Reading folk tale that nobody I knew had heard about. I have just finished composing and recording a song based of the tale of Willie Wimmera’s plight. I would be happy to share it, if it would interest anyone to hear. Such a sad story and one that I felt should be remembered or brought to light for those who are unaware of the history of the the area they live.
Hi Rob,there is much more about this story. Would make an amazing movie.happy to put you in touch with a lady who has been researching a lot more.
Hi Terrie, the lady who I got to play the Accordion on the track I recorded was the one who first told me of the story. She has another friend who wrote a book on it and is sending me a copy. But every account has new details and uncovers more parts to the ever growing web of events that conspired against poor William. I would love to hear more, thanks for the offer.
Wow, I would love to hear the song Rob. Like all such stories there will be some people in Reading who would rather not hear it, but it needs to be told.
Hi Pauline,
Thanks so much for getting back to me.
Once I have published to song I will post a link (if that is allowed?)
At the moment I have only have in mp3 format.
It would most likely be on YouTube or I could email you the mp3.
You will find that this post was very inspirational to the lyrics as it you have made a concise yet very detailed account. Trying to tell the story in 24 lines was a real challenge 😊.
By all means post the link here. Otherwise, my email address is [email protected]
sending Ellerman murderer story now
To my email address?
Good Morning, Pauline & Ian, I would also be very interested in any updates also. Unfortunately I lost my father Roger Ellerman recently & I I have a new gained interest in wanting to find out more on the history of his and our ancestors.
Once I get back to Bathurst I have a few things to pick up regarding history and personal letters. I agree with Mark I think it would be an amazing aussie story. tragic yes however as an Ellerman and stories I grew up with and told by my father and grandfather obviously it was something they had been told. Horitio devoted his life to church work ‘as an act of thanksgiving’ for the recovery of his neighbour McPherson, whom Ellerman had accidentally wounded while out on a punitive expedition in the late 1840s.And shooting the mother of William ( Billy) Horitio took the young boy back to his place. However recently I found out that billy still had family uncles and grandparent still alive.
My sympathy on the loss of your father, Terrie. Yes, it’s certainly a fascinating story. I’ve often thought it would be good to have William’s body returned to Australia, but it’s unlikely that would ever happen.
Hi Terrie,
sorry to hear about your father. I’ve not been in touch for a while as I’ve not been doing a huge amount of research. That said I’m trying to finish off one article based at Ebenezer before starting another on earlier times in the Wimmera. As to possible reburying of Willie, his family have not shown an interest in that. They did maintain the name though, down through the generations.
Hello Terrie,
sorry to hear of your loss. I’ve not been in touch for a while as haven’t been able to do the usual research – though am finishing an article looking at Ebenezer before starting another on earlier times in the Wimmera.
As to reburying William – his family have neve expressed an interest in that, though they maintained the name within the family.
Lovely that they retained his name. Someone was writing a book about William, but I can’t remember her name.
Dear Ted
I am researching William, as he is buried at the end of my road in Reading Cemetery.
I am thinking of making a short artist’s film about his story, with my children. Please could you advise me if any of his family is known to you, as I hope to seek permission to continue with the project and be aware of any mourning principles they would prefer to be used?
Any help gratefully received.
Hi Beatty
I’m not sure that Ted will see your question. The best avenue for you would be via the Goolum-Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative, who administer the site. Just google them for contact details. Thanks for your sensitivity.
Yes, William’s younger brother Albert called one of his sons by his first marriage ‘William Wimmera’ and that son died young, as did his mother. Then Albert married again and I think they lost a ‘William’ as well. Anyway a third ‘William’ survived WW1 and is buried at Mildura. I must re-read his war record as he may have at times been near Reading.
The story becomes ever more amazing.
So what was Albert’s surname, Ted?
Coombs (various spellings)
OK, thanks.
Hi Pauline,
Thank yo for listening to my song, I am so glad you liked it.
Below is a link to the song if anyone would like to listen.
https://on.soundcloud.com/BAmRX
That’s great Rob, thanks so much.
Thank you so much Pauline, I will try them and see.
I really appreciate your help.
The excellent book about this story is by Anne Brown and is called Wimmera Journeys.
Thanks Beatty Hallas. I will check out Anne’s Book.