Adam Lawrence Clarke - gold miner and owner of "Clarke, Adam & Co Outfitters"

Adam Lawrence Clarke was born on 9 May 1844 in Tasmania to Maria Coleman / Curry / Delany, age 34, and Adam Clarke / Clark, age 61. Birth date from baptism record. Baptised Adam Clark. Later known as Adam Lawrence Clark/e. This birth date is in his gaol record in Wyalong - so we know this is the same man. #AdamLawrenceClarke

Adam Lawrence Clarke.

Birth of sister

His sister Eve was born on 9 May 1844 in Tasmania when Adam Lawrence was less than a year old.

Death of sister

His sister unknown female died in 1845 when Adam Lawrence was 1 year old.

Birth of brother

His brother William Joseph was born on 5 August 1845 in Tasmania when Adam Lawrence was 1 year old.

Death of father

His father Adam passed away on 14 December 1845 in Hobart, Tasmania, at the age of 62.

Baptism

Adam was baptised with John, Daniel, Eve by Father JJ Therry. The godparent was Mary Jane Clarke.

Death of mother

His mother Maria passed away on 14 November 1848 in Hobart, Tasmania, at the age of 38.

Entry into orphanage

Adam entered orphanage with twin sister Eve on the 29th of June, 1851. They were discharged September 1859 [CSO 24/280/6187 Return of Children at the Queen's Orphan Schools, whose Maintenance is chargeable to Colonial Funds 9th July 1851]

Immigration 2

Possibly "Anna and Eva" Clarke on the "Tasmania" 7 Oct 1859 ([from passenger list website - to check original].

Immigration

Orphanage records show that Eve and Adam were discharged to their sister (probably Sarah Sophie) on 30th and 31st September 1859. [CSO 24/280/6187] Adam travelled from Tasmania to Sydney on steamship 'Tasmania' in 1859 [source: Wyalong Gaol admission book.

Occupation

In 1871, at the age of 27, Adam's occupation is a Storekeeper. Clarke Bros drapery store with brother William. "Adam and Bill Clarke opened a General Store at Gilberts Corner. Purchased land from late Thos. Wilson." [Burrawang Public School Centenary 1878-1978 p 28].

Insolvency from NSW AO index

INX-10-5437 CLARKE Adam Laurence Occupation Storekeeper & Hawker Street Address Liverpool St Place Sydney Date Certificate Issued 01/05/1875 File No 11969 Sequestration 10/06/1874 Remarks Late of Burrawang Index Number 10

Marriage

Adam Lawrence Clarke married Margaret "Maggie" Collins on 6 November 1880 when he was 36 years old. Adam is a tradesman, Margaret a draper. Witnesses Belle Collins (Margaret's sister) and W. Ricket. Margaret had been born in London and her parents were John Collins, tailor and Mary Egan.

Birth of daughter

His daughter Eveleen Mary was born on 1 April 1882 in Sydney, New South Wales. Eveleen was born at 154 George Street, Sydney in the clothing store her parents operated.

Occupation in 1882

Clothing store

Occupation in 1884

Outfitter store. This shop is still in George street at the Rocks.

Leaving his family

At some stage Adam Clarke left his family. The only other time that he is listed in the Sands directory is in 1894, when a Clarke, Adam was living at 7a Yurong Street. He may have at one stage worked on the harbour (he was described as a 'boat pilot' on his daughter's death certificate.)

Death of sister

His sister Sarah Sophia 'Sophia' died on 25 June 1899 in Sydney, New South Wales, when Adam Lawrence was 55 years old.

Residence in 1901

Adam Lawrence Clarke lived in West Wyalong, New South Wales, in 1901.

Occupation in 1903

Adam Lawrence Clarke was a gold miner.

Residence in 1904

Adam Lawrence Clarke lived in Wyalong, New South Wales, on 4 October 1904.

Police record: malicious damage to property, one week in gaol, record gives his description. Nature of the offence is not reported in local newspaper.

Death of brother

His brother William Joseph died on 22 April 1912 in Brooklet, New South Wales, when Adam Lawrence was 67 years old.

What happened to Adam Clarke's family?

It is not known how Margaret and Eveleen coped after he left them. Eveleen trained as a school teacher. Margaret became paralysed after a horse riding accident and Eveleen had to look after her while she was teaching. Her mother Margaret died 9 March 1913 at the Hospice, Darlinghurst, age 60. Eveleen died 25 September 1921 age 38. It appears that at the time of their deaths the family had not known that Adam Clarke had died.

Death

Adam Lawrence Clarke died on 25 November 1912 in Wyalong, New South Wales, when he was 68 years old at the District Hospital Wyalong, informant matron H. Howard: old age pensioner and miner age 77, born in Tasmania, parents unknown. The cause of death senile debility and cerebral apoplexy (stroke). [CLARK ADAM 18887/1912 77 YRS WYALONGWEST WYALONG].

Burial

RC Cemetery

Comment

Baptised Adam Clark. Later known as Adam Lawrence Clarke.