The original Barnedown Run consisted of 51,280 acres and was first taken up in 1839 by Henry Grey Bennett and was held under "Pre-emptive right" until it was subdivided in 1856 into Muskerry and Mt. Pleasant. In 1853 John Harney arrived in Australia and took up storekeeping at White Hills. In 1855 he took up land which was originally part of Barnedown Run and erected part of the present homestead. In 1860 Harney entertained Bourke and Wills exploration party at Adelaide Vale on the Campaspe River. Mr Harney owned a Hotel which was burnt down in 1861. Henry Grey Bennett a generous man died in1871 and the citizens of Bendigo erected a 20ft monument over his grave.John Harneyperson, individual, john harney, barnedown run, john harney, henry grey bennett, pre-emptive rights, white hills, adelaide vale, bourke and wills, edward o'keefe, cecil hyatt, mr frank k. hill.