Historical information

This document provides a detailed family history of Samuel Dobson and Frances Alice Bassford, tracing their origins, migration, and descendants from 19th-century England to Australia. The Dobson family traces back to Samuel Dobson, born around 1780 in Stepney, London, a scalemaker. William Dobson (b. 1809), son of Samuel, married Mary Ann Kitchen in 1833. They had twelve children, including Samuel Dobson (b. 1844), the main subject.

The family lived in Stepney, London, during a period of significant social and industrial change. Samuel Dobson was born in 1844 in London, the sixth child of William and Mary Ann Dobson. He married Frances Alice Bassford in 1867. Frances was born in Tamworth, Staffordshire, in 1849, the daughter of Thomas and Sarah Bassford.

Samuel and Frances, with their infant son, Samuel William, emigrated to Australia in 1868 aboard the clipper ship "Highflyer. "The voyage took 83 days, arriving in Melbourne in December 1868. They settled first in Melbourne, then moved to Bendigo during the gold mining boom. The Dobsons lived in Bendigo for about 15 years, where Samuel worked as a draughtsman and later in mining-related roles. Seven children were born in Bendigo, with three infants delivered stillborn.

The family experienced both the excitement and challenges of the gold rush era. The family later moved to South Melbourne and then to Moonee Ponds, Melbourne, where more children were born. Frances’s sister, Edith Bassford, married George Lansell, a prominent mining magnate in Bendigo.

Samuel Dobson was active in local cricket, playing against notable teams and figures. The Dobson family became well-established in Melbourne, with several members working for Buchanan and Brock Pty. Ltd., and participating in community and sporting activities. Samuel Dobson died in 1933 at age 89.

Frances lived to 101, passing away in 1950, and was celebrated for her longevity and family contributions. The document includes family trees, photographs, and letters, illustrating the family’s growth and connections across generations. By Frances’s 100th birthday, the family included numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, highlighting a lasting legacy.

Physical description

Lansell Articles - A History of the Dobson Family - High Flyer to Port Phillip by William T Dobson, donated by Mrs H Smith of Ferny Creek Victoria

This item contains the following documents which are photocopies of the originals:

11217.69a1 The journal contains 46 A4 pages of text, and several pages of photos along with the family tree and detailed family history of Samuel Dobson and Frances Alice Bassford

11217.69a2 A large family tree approx 3 x A3 sheets wide by W T Dobson in 1978 - Contact the BHS for details

11217.69b Black and white diamond wedding anniversay photo of Franes Alice aged 77 and Samuel aged 82. They were married on Feb 28th in 1927

Publication type

non-fiction