Tortola House, Gawler

Built c1872 for William Faulkner Wincey, Mayor of Gawler, and named for his mother’s birthplace, Tortola, an island in the West Indies. Purchased 1895 by Alfred May, became Methodist (later Uniting) church manse 1911-1983, now private.

 

“WINCEY.— [Birth] On the 30th August, at Tortola House, Gawler, the wife of Mr. W. F. Wincey, of a daughter.” [Register 1 Sep 1874]

 

“Wanted, an Experienced Nursemaid, about 16 years old. Apply to Mrs. Wincey, Tortola House, Gawler.” [Bunyip, Gawler 11 Dec 1874]

 

“On Sunday, December 9, two sermons were preached at the Wesleyan Church, Gawler, by the Rev. S. Knight, and collections were made in aid of the Foreign Mission Fund. On the Monday following . . . Mr. W. F. Wincey, J.P., occupied the chair and gave an account of the work of his mother on the island of Tortola, who once labored amongst the blacks very successfully.” [Christian Colonist 21 Dec 1883]

 

“Death of Mrs. F. E. Wincey. On Friday, January 7, an old pioneer of South Australia, died. Mrs. Frances E. Wincey, mother of Mr. W. F. Wincey, of Tortola House, Gawler, passed quietly away after an illness of some duration. Mrs. Wincey was born on Tortola Island, West Indies, in the month of May, 1800, and was over 86 years of age when she died. Her father was a cotton planter, and her grandfather a sugar grower. . . She joined the Wesleyan Methodist Church in 1822, and under the direction of the missionary, the Rev. T. Truscott, conducted all the services on the island, founded and taught in a Sabbath School, and instructed the negroes in reading and writing. Subsequently she came to England with her husband. The most noticeable feature of her life in that country was her connection with Mr. Wilberforce and Miss Buxton in work for the abolition of slavery.” [Bunyip, Gawler 14 Jan 1887]

 

“Mr. William F. Wincey . . .was born in Cornwall in 1837. He arrived in the colony at the age of 2 years, was educated at St. Peter's College, and was articled to Mr. Atkinson, solicitor, of Adelaide. Afterwards he was an accountant. . . He filled the position of councillor, and was twice elected mayor. He was also chairman of the board of advice for a number of years, and was a great advocate of the Barossa water scheme. He was also an energetic member of the Wesleyan Church. . . The deceased leaves a wife, three sons, and seven daughters, the eldest son being Lieutenant Wincey, of the Gawler Mounted Infantry. Miss Wincey is matron of the Burra Hospital, and the fourth daughter is married to Mr. F. N. Leak, who is master of the Basket Range public school.” [Advertiser 3 Nov 1894]

 

“'Tortola House', Tod-Street, Gawler. . . instructions from Mrs. Wincey, who is leaving Gawler, to sell by auction — Portion of her Household Furniture, comprising Handsome Secretaire (in Walnut), Massive Cedar Sideboard, Bookcase (in cedar). . . Copying Press and Stand, Bagatelle Board and Balls, 2 Couches (cedar), 2 Loo Tables (cedar), Walnut Whatnot, 2 Cornices for Bow-Window, and 6 other Cornices. Glass Chandelier. . . Bedroom Suite in Huon Pine. . . Dinner Service 75 pieces. . . Ice Chest, Large Earthen Pickling Bath, Cooking Range 'Victoress’. . . Washing Machine, Wringer and Stand, Bradford Mangle. . . Milk Cow, big milker and quiet. Varnished Dog Cart, Buggy (sliding seats), Lady's and Gents' Saddles, Set Double Buggy Harness, Set Yankee Harness, Tandem Reins and Traces. Horseworks with shafting and intermediate gear. Chaffcutter. . . Carpenter's Bench, Grindstone, Garden Roller, Lawn Mower. . . Garden Seats, 2 Wheelbarrows, Tools, Sundries.” [Bunyip, Gawler 7 Dec 1894]

 

“Wanted. . . Good General; also, young Girl, train housemaid; sisters preferred.— Mrs. Alfred May, ‘Tortola’, Gawler.” [Express & Telegraph 12 Oct 1899]

 

“Wanted. . . Respectable Middle-aged Man, for driving and flower gardening; references. Mr. Alfred May, ‘Tortola’, Gawler.” [Advertiser 15 Oct 1902]

 

“Wanted. . . An elderly Man, garden, drive, useful. Apply Mr. Alfred May, ‘Tortola’, Gawler.” [Express & Telegraph 13 May 1907]

 

“For Sale. The Substantially-Built Residence, known as ‘Tortola,' Tod-street, Gawler. Particulars from Mr Alfred May.” [Bunyip, Gawler 17 Dec 1909]

 

“Auction. . . At the Residence, ‘Tortola’, Gawler. . . Superior Household Furniture, Motor Car, etc. . . as instructed by A. May, Esq., who has disposed of ‘Tortola’ to sell. . . Furniture, including Valuable Suites, Overmantels, Walnut and Chippendale Tables, Chairs, Clocks Pictures, Cutlery, Ornaments, Upright Grand Piano (Lipp), Silver and Plated Ware, Bedsteads, Duchess Chests. . . Bagatelle Table, Kitchen Requisites, etc. Also 15-20 Humber Motor Touring Car.” [Advertiser 28 Oct 1911]

 

“The Methodists of the Gawler circuit were invited to an 'At Home' recently by the Rev. E. J. and Mrs. Piper. The object of the gathering was to inspect the new home for Gawler ministers. . . For a long while the condition of the old manse had been considered unsatisfactory, and about fifteen months ago the necessary steps were taken to secure permission to sell the old building. An offer of £5l0 was accepted, and then it became imperative to provide a new home for the minister. . . an offer by Mr. Alfred May of his handsome and commodious house adjoining the old premises. . . the cost was £1,000. In addition the trustees voted £100 for much-needed furnishings. . . There are ten rooms and a well-finished and ventilated underground room; besides kitchens and other conveniences. It is a stately and comfortable manse. The balcony on the western side is an enclosed one. There are bathrooms upstairs and downstairs. A roomy lookout on the roof. . . Lawns, stables, conservatory, and gardens are enclosed by a substantial stone fence surmounted by massive ornamental ironwork, ensuring convenience and privacy.” [Bunyip, Gawler 23 Feb 1912]

 

“ARTHUR. — [Birth] On the 13th May, at Tortola, Gawler, the wife of the Rev. G. T. Arthur— a son. (Hugh Thomas).” [Register 15 May 1915]

 

Done