The Cottons of Kelvedon

Francis and Anna Maria Cotton came from humble beginnings in England. Both were members of the Society of Friends, a fellowship they continued when they came to Van Diemen’s Land in 1828. They settled on the isolated East Coast, at their property of Kelvedon. Five children came with the couple as did their good friend Dr. Story. Another nine children were born over thirteen years. The strain on Anna Maria must have been formidable; not only was she in a state of near constant pregnancy, but Francis’ absences meant that she was responsible for beginning their new life in a temporary hut, supervising the workers and building the house and farm.

Managing the household

Francis Cotton’s commitment to the Society of Friends meant trips to Hobart and occasionally Sydney. Anna Maria was unhappily left to look after the farm, ‘but “Oh! Thou of little faith” may I think be said of me – in truth I feel very sore about this.’ (DX20/9/02:25/7/1868).

It also meant for Anna Maria, that she was confined to the farm and its management until he returned. ‘I have not been off the farm during the last four months…’ (CX20/1127: 12/9/1857). She frequently wished to be near the family in Hobart.

Anna Maria Cotton from Cotton, F. (1986) Kettle on the Hob. Roberts. Orford

Kelvedon’s isolation meant that as much as possible was produced on site. Most of the meat was killed on the farm but supplemented by supplies from Hobart, often unsatisfactorily.

‘A dishonest barrel – the beef on top was excellent but now we have reached the middle and these pieces we have boiled, and though soaked overnight, are so hard and salty, as to be hardly cut or eaten.’ (Cotton 1986, p.27).

The agent responsible for obtaining necessary supplies was their son-in-law, J.B. Mather. Letters frequently complained about the state of supplies destroyed or spoiled on the voyage; the fat for candle making, for example, ‘It arrived in a dreadfully stinking condition, and was full of maggots – the stench of the burning candles is intolerable!’ (DX20 c.1862). The Cottons were responsible for feeding and clothing not only their own large family, but on average 20 servants. Delays in the arrival of food, frequently ordered by the ton, would have tested everyone’s patience.

‘Last night the store was broken into and food was taken. An entrance was effected by breaking the glass of the front door. We now intend to have a dog-kennel in front of the house, and an uncompromising dog chained there. Angus is the one selected.’ (DX20/19: 8/3/62)

Kelvedon house in Harrison, J.N.D. & Bolt, F, (1977) The National Trust of Tasmania. Rigby: Adelaide

Religion

Perhaps the most noticeable thing about the Cottons’ letters was their devotion to religion. Many of Anna Maria’s letters offered a sense of deep trust in God, and His choice of path for them, ‘…thou are always in the presence of, and under the protection of the Heavenly Father who will never permit anything to happen to thee but what is intended for thy good’ (DX20/1182. 1856).

As members of the Society of Friends, the family’s religion influenced many things: their choice of clothing, reading material, music and even company. Two of their sons, Thomas and George, distressed the family by marrying Catholic servants. Thomas made matters worse when his first child was christened in the Catholic church:

‘Thomas does not seem very easy about the Christening I think. I told him today I thought he would have set his face against it… I thought he ought to have been better acquainted with our principles and he said well if I have any boys I will have my own way, they are not going to persuade me into it.’ (DX20/1137: 12/11/58).

Letter from Anna Maria Cotton to her son-in-law, Joseph Benson Mather 1858

During many of their difficulties, it was their religion that provided the most comfort, as shown by an extract from daughter Anna Maria Mather’s poem.

'Father! What ever my future life
In this world of trial be
I would have myself devoted
Entirely to thee…

O thou who knowest all things
And can see my inmost heart
Bid my many fears & doubts
And all my sins depart

And threw me in this weary world
My pathway clear & Bright
And keep me Lord in Wisdom’s way
For ever in thy sight’
(DX20/1177: 8/1855)

The Cotton family papers are used with the cooperation of the University of Tasmania Archives