Historical information

The Bostock, Manifold and Aitkin families were all pioneering families in the Western District of Victoria almost from the time of settlement. They leased and owned vast tracts of land and operated businesses around the district, often associated with the farming industry. This document is dated 5th July 1865 and is an assignment of stock by way of mortgage. Augustus Bostock is the mortgagor with James William Manifold Aitkin and Ernest Bostock as mortgagees. At various times they were involved in running businesses together, in particular the Aitkin and Bostock store and flour mill. Three of the Bostock men were married to three of the Aitkin sisters. The amount in question is £2157/3/2 and surety is 8000 sheep and their increase, presently running at Coomete. The penciled in details on the document refer to Robert Brand Paterson who was later in business with Aitkin

Significance

This is one of a number of documents which relate to the Bostock family who were one of the most important pioneering families of the Western District. They owned and leased various properties around Warrnambool and were involved in many aspects of social and business life. The document itself is indicative of its time and provides an insight into the details and terms of such documents at the time.

Physical description

Large grey coloured, lined hand written document over four pages. Folded in four with date and details on one section. Red wax seal on page 3. There are extra entries written in black lead pencil in areas relating to the money and surety of the agreement.

Inscriptions & markings

Signed by the following George Barber Warrnambool, Thomas Sunderland Deputy Registrar General, and Augustus Bostock.
Hingston & Co, Chancery Lane Melbourne hand written in top left hand corner.