Historical information

This document is a personal letter from Lanse Grimmett to a Colonel, expressing gratitude for a recent visit to Fortuna and highlighting several key points: The writer and his wife thank the Colonel for the warm reception during their visit to Fortuna, noting their pleasure at finally seeing the building and the positive impression made by the staff.

The letter provides the names and addresses of two individuals (Stewart Hall and Mrs. Jenkins) who can clarify or provide more information about family history, particularly relating to the Lansell family.

Mrs. Jenkins is noted as a daughter of Tom Lansell and an executor for family estates, potentially holding more information about George Lansell's branch. A photostat of Wootton's marriage certificate is included to confirm the correct spelling of his name. Reference is made to Wootton's maritime certificate of service, with the original held by the John Oxley Library due to its fragility. The writer suggests a better copy might now be obtainable.

George Lansell's brother Wootton Lansell's was Born in Margate, Kent, England, son of a grocer and tallow chandler.Worked as a seaman, with a mariner's certificate issued in 1844, he Arrived in Australia in 1850, initially working as a mounted trooper in Adelaide before moving to Bendigo in 1852 during the gold rush.

After some success in gold prospecting, Lansell became a carpenter and then opened a butcher's store in View Point, Bendigo. He Invited his brothers George and William to join him; together they expanded into soap, candle, and tallow businesses. The partnership dissolved after three years, with Wootton turning to farming on 500 acres at Leichardt, while George became known as Bendigo's 'Gold King.

Wotton Married Helen Hall in 1854 in Adelaide; they had one son (Thomas George William) and three daughters. Wootton invested in mining and was involved in several mining directorates. Around 1879, Wootton built a substantial brick and stone house (Myrtle Villa) with eight main rooms, which remains in the family.

Physical description

Fortuna - Marriage Certificate of Wotton Lansell and Ellen Hall

This item contains the following documents:

Fortuna - Marriage Certificate of Wotton Lansell and Ellen Hall

11217.856a Marriage Certificate of Wotton Lansell and Ellen Hall. They were married by James Lansell - Colonial Chaplain and Minister of Trinity Church, Adelaide, South Australia. The Certificate was enclosed with a letter to the Colonel, Army Survey Regiment from Lanse Grimmat.

Publication type

non-fiction