Historical information

Augustus Bostock was the 9th child of Robert & Rachael Bostock of Vaucluse Epping Forest, Van Diemen’s Land. He was only 4 years old when his mother died. He was inspired by his father to seek his fortune in the Western District of Victoria. He arrived around 1850. He married Margaret Aitkin in July 1865. Augustus owned several properties in the district and leased others. He sat on the court of Warrnambool, Mortlake or Hexham as required. He resided at Marramook in Hawkesdale and later moved to Vaucluse in Hopetoun Road Warrnambool, where he died in 1920 at the age of 87. This letter relates to crossing sheep and answers three questions posed by Mr. E Plumridge in relation to the breeding of comeback sheep. E Plumridge is mentioned on Trove as holding classes in wool classing at Gordon technical College at Geelong.

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. This letter reflects the knowledge and experience of Augustus Bostock in the breeding of sheep and also his willingness to share this knowledge. It therefore has social and historical significance.

Physical description

Cream lined paper with wide margin on left hand side. One page written in black ink.

Inscriptions & markings

Addressed from Marramook 16th Jan 1905 to Mr. E Plumridge of Marshalltown. Signed Augustus Bostock.