The Scholey Upfold Papers

The Scholey and Upfold families are closely connected with the early agricultural and industrial pioneering history of the Hunter Region, especially locally in the suburbs of Waratah and Mayfield.

Charles Upfold (1834-1919) was responsible for the establishment of the Sydney Soap and Candle Company Ltd North Waratah works (once located in what is now Mayfield East), and, along with John Scholey, had various agricultural, smelting, coalmining and mineral interests in the wider Hunter Region.

Donation of Family Papers

During 2001, Mrs Marion Faulkner and her family donated her significant collection of papers, photographs and artefacts of the Scholey and Upfold families to the University of Newcastle's Archives, Rare Books and Special Collections Unit. (Now Special Collections, Auchmuty Library).

The Earliest Item

The earliest item dates from 1827, and the collection spans most of the 19th and early twentieth centuries. It provides an interesting, and intimate look at the business interests of pioneering families of the Hunter Region.

Thanks 

Such a collection is of enormous research interest and we must thank the efforts of the late Mrs Marj Cramp of the Newcastle & Hunter District Historical Society who initiated and arranged meetings with the family representatives, Mrs Margaret Burns, Mrs Margaret Faulkner and Mrs Barbara Sharpe (nee Upfold). Marion Faulkner is the daughter of Clara Scholey, who in turn was a daughter of John and Ann Scholey.

John Scholey (1840-1908) 

John Scholey was born in Leeds, England on the 15th September 1840 and was the only son of Stephen and Ann Scholey.  Stephen Scholey was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, and on 22nd January 1815 married Ann Spink and served as M.L.A. for East Maitland and Warden of the Maitland District Council. He died on the 13th May 1878 aged 63 years.

John arrived in Sydney, New South Wales on 14th March 1854, presumably with his family, and spent his early years in Maitland. After a trip to England in 1860 (see diary below) he returned and began a business in Newcastle in 1862.

He married Anne Greaves (1845 - 1931) on the 16th January 1865 and together they had a family of seven daughters;

• Ann Greaves (1866 - 1869),
• Clara (1868 - 1945),
• Susan (1870 - 1945),
• Ada May (1874 - ?),
• Agnes Eliza (1889 - 1972),
• Dora Spink (1880 - 1962),
• Jessie Greaves (1883 - 1959).

He followed in his father's footsteps as a butcher, but later became a land speculator and successful businessman. He acquired much property in the Newcastle and Maitland districts, and was proprietor of the Richmond Vale Colliery Estate at Kurri Kurri. He was responsible for the syndicate which sunk the Colliery there in 1890. He served as Alderman of Waratah Municipal Council for some years and was thrice elected Mayor beginning in 1883. He was Guarantor of the Waratah School of Arts and was responsible for the establishment of the Newcastle Gas Works in Waratah. He was also a member of the Newcastle Land Board and Director of the Newcastle & County Building Society. 

John Scholey founded the Newcastle suburb of Mayfield, which he had subdivided from his property and named it after his young daughter May. He was active in the Anglican Church being Church Warden of St Andrews, Mayfield, as well as Diocesan Warden of Christ Church Cathedral Newcastle, a member of the Church Property Committee and Diocesan Council and Lay Representative of the Synod. He died in Mayfield on the 14th April 1908 aged 67 years and was buried in the Anglican Cemetery in Sandgate. Present at the funeral was his old friend Charles Upfold. 

Charles Upfold (1834-1919)

Charles Upfold, pioneer manufacturer, was born in Walworth, Surry on the 15th December 1834, and began his apprenticeship at 14 years of age as a soap and candle maker in the employ of John Knight's Factory at Wapping.

He arrived in Australia in July 1860 and worked in the Apollo Soap Company in Victoria before coming to Newcastle in 1863. On the 4th July 1864 he married Sarah Ann Temperance Blundell at St Mary's Church West Maitland, and together they had ten children.

He began a soap making business in Wickham, which soon expanded to three factories trading under the name of the Great Northern Soap and Candle Factory. He eventually built a larger works, utilising the latest technology of the times, in North Waratah (now Mayfield East). This was known as the Sydney Soap and Candle Company Limited.

His other interests included two ships, a copper smelting works and property known as the "Orange Grove" at Raymond Terrace, where he planted vineyards and citrus trees and devised chemical sprays for combating plant diseases and insect pests . He was awarded an Order of Merit award from the Department of Agriculture in 1891. Charles left Raymond Terrace in 1905, leaving his son Robert Upfold to continue the family business, but unfortunately he died in 1910. The company was then sold to Messrs. Kitchen & Sons. Charles Upfold died on the 14th March 1919 aged 84 at Chatswood. [Many thanks to Mrs Barbara Sharp, whose historical research on the Upfold family was used in the preparation of this piece].

Provenance

Mrs Anne Scholey, widow of John Scholey died on the 24th March 1931 aged 85. A major part of her estate went to her surviving daughters, Agnes Eliza Scholey, Clara Upfold, May Ellis, Susie Ritchie and Dora Bragg. Other beneficiaries included the Trustees of the St Andrew's Church of England Mayfield, The Church of England Hostel for Girls Darby Street Newcastle, St Nicholas' Church of England Mayfield, St Michael's Church of England Mayfield and her former employee Mrs Southon of Mayfield East. 

The papers arrived in May 2001 and completely accessioned in June 2001. The shelf listing below contains shelf numbers and descriptions of the items in the collection. Where the item has been scanned or digitised, a clickable link is provided to allow access to the larger image.

We sincerely thank the family representatives who have given their permission to digitally reproduce selected items from the collection for our researchers. 

Gionni Di Gravio
Archivist, University of Newcastle
June 2001

Listing of the Scholey-Upfold Family Papers
Donors: Marion Faulkner, Mrs Barbara Sharp

A7766(i) News clipping book including clippings relating to Waratah Municipal Council, original Mayfield land sale, Death of Stephen Scholey, St Alphonsus, Maitland District Council, Maitland Hospital and E.C. Close, Waratah Flower Show, Lord Carrington’s Visit, Jesse Ireland, Four Mayors of New South Wales including J. Scholey and G.W. Webb. June 1867 – February 1888

A7766(ii) News clipping book (given to Marion Scholey Faulkner by Agnes Scholey) including clippings, plans and documents relating to land sales, company balance sheets and reports, Victoria Theatre, Waratah, coal mining interests, Maitland, William Arnott, Cathedral cemetery, Bishops. June 1898 – March 1908.

A7767(i) Wages book containing articles and memoranda relating to Sydney Soap and Candle Works Newcastle and Sydney, soap plants and the manufacture of soap and lubricant products. June 1886 – November 1895.

A7767(ii) [Handwritten bound manuscript] Report on the Western Mineral Estate of Mr John Scholey Esq. Parishes of Cessnock and Ellalong County of Northumberland N.S.W. by Rich Thomas M.E. 2^nd February 1904 .

A7767(iii) [Handwritten bound manuscript] Report on the Eastern Mineral Estate of Mr John Scholey Esq. Parishes of Stanford, Cessnock and Mulbring County of Northumberland N.S.W. by Rich Thomas M.E. 2^nd February 1904 .

A7767(iv) R.W. Upfold’s copy of The Geology of the Hunter River Coal Measures, New South Wales with Maps, Plates and Sections by T.W. Edgeworth David. Part 1. General Geology, and the Development of the Greta Coal Measures. Sydney: W.A. Gullick, Government Printer, 1907.

A7767(v) J.Scholey’s copy of The Geology of the Hunter River Coal Measures, New South Wales with Maps, Plates and Sections by T.W. Edgeworth David. Part 1. General Geology, and the Development of the Greta Coal Measures. Sydney: W.A. Gullick, Government Printer, 1907.

A7768(i) Scrap album containing news clippings and notes c.1878 – 1967 relating to St Andrew's Church Mayfield, Christchurch Cathedral, Mayfield Fire Station, John Scholey’s Funeral, Proposed Steelworks site, heraldry; photographs of St Andrews Church Waratah (Mayfield) c.1895, house in North Waratah (now Mayfield), Anne Spink who married Stephen Scholey, Anne and John Scholey; Invitation cards for functions and banquets for J. Scholey ca.1888.

A7768(ii) Copy of “Richmond Vale. Its Surroundings, and Resources” Walter Benns & Co. Lith., Newcastle [c.1890].

A7768(iii) Various newspapers articles relating to Newcastle and Mayfield history; BHP,  [c.1890] – 1987.

A7768(iv) Photographs and news clippings relating to Walter Drowley Filmer and pioneering work in X-rays, [c.1900] – 1985.

A7768(v) Copy of : “The Story of 50 yrs’ Successful Business W.Winn & Co. Est. 1876.”  Newcastle, [1927].

A7768(vi) Documents relating to the opening of the Hawkesbury Bridge including copy of “Souvenir of the Opening of the Hawkesbury Bridge 1^st May 1889. Sydney: Charles Potter, Government Printer, Phillip Street, 1889”, programme and menu.

A7768(vii) Legal documents 1881 - 1908:

• Abstract of The Title of John Scholey of Newcastle, To Land at Mayfield, Near Newcastle. James Dart Newcastle. 1881. [Original]

• Miner’s Right Issued to John Scholey 31^st December 1888. [Original]

• Conveyance 4^th January 1889 between John Scholey of Waratah and Felix Kabat of Melbourne and John Richard Rigg of Newcastle to land situate in the parishes of Stockrington and Mulbring. No. 645 Book 405 Signed 17^th January 1889. [Typed copy]

• Agreement re Managership Dated 18^th November 1891. The Sydney Soap and Candle Company Ltd with Robert Upfold. [Original]

• Agreement. Dated 15^th July 1903 between The Sydney Soap and Candle Company Limited and Robert Wallace Upfold. [Original]

• The Sydney Soap and Candle Company Ltd Directors’ Report and Balance Sheet for half year ending 31^st March 1905. [Original]

• The Sydney Soap and Candle Company Ltd Directors’ Report and Balance Sheet for 30^th September 1908. [Original]

• Will of John Scholey. [n.d.] [Typescript copy]

A7768(viii) Photograph “Mayfield Waratah NSW 1895”

A7768(ix) Photograph and Programme relating to J.Rupert’s Pupils’ Recital King’s Hall Newcastle Monday 18^th June 1923.

A7768(x) Programmes, Field State and Order of Parade relating to the Visit of the Fleet of the United States of America to New South Wales Centennial Park Sydney 24^th August 1908.

A7768(xi) Photographs, news clippings and papers relating to the Sydney Soap and Candle Company Limited works at Waratah, Newcastle N.S.W., 1880 – 1984.

A7768(xii) Photograph of Susie Ritchie (Scholey) and two children, Florence and [?] with family home in background. [c.1890s]

A7769(i) Excerpts from The Illustrated Sydney News and Town and Country Journal February 1868 – March 1868; Engraving of Ceremony of Turning of the First Turf of the First Railway in Australia 3^rd July 1850 from Supplement to Sydney Mail October 1877. Jubilee Souvenir entitled “The Royal Circle at Windsor (Four Generations)”.

A7769(iii) Folder containing memorial, greeting, menu, merit, prize and birthday cards 1847 - 1907; photograph of painting that hung in drawing room of house in Woodstock Street Mayfield n.d.; Braille material; Presentation of Colours 1^st Battalion 2^nd Australian Infantry Regiment 23^rd August 1908; news clippings 1931 – 1963.

A7769(iv) Correspondence 1827 – 1908, including:

• Dying man’s advice to family dated Monday 19^th March 1827.

• Stephen Scholey, Wolbeck to John Scholey, Holbeck, Leeds, dated 20^th June 1828.

• [Wm?] Spink, Chapel Town, Leeds to cousin Stephen Scholey, East Maitland NSW dated 10^th March 1838.

• Letter from John Spink, Leeds to his brother and sister, dated 15^th February 1855.

• Letter from [?], Holbeck  to brother and sister [Mathew, Mary  Mols?] Church Street Dobson Yard Holbeck, dated 9^th November 1856.

• Letter from Henry Child, Leeds to brother, sister, nephew and niece, dated 18^th January 1860.

• Letter from [? Wallace] East Maitland to John [?] dated January 13^th 1860.

• Letter from Henry Child, No. 8 Darby Street North Street Leeds, to Brother dated 22^nd January 1860.

• Note recording the purchase of 600 head of cattle at Northumberland Hotel Maitland by James N. Brunker and Stephen Scholey 13^th December 1861.

• Letter from Henry Child, Leeds to Brother dated 18^th April 1862.

• Letter from John Spink to his sister Ann, dated July [11^th _5?] and envelop addressed to “Mr Stephen Scholey Cattle Dealer East Maitland New South Wales Australia”, post marked “Leeds 17 Dec 66” and  “Sydney Feb 15 1867”.

• Plan of Allotments of Land Known as the Market Square in the City of Newcastle N.S.W. D.T. Bishop Auchioneer. Day of Sale 26^th July 1869.

• Letter from John Spink to his sister Mrs Ann Scholey, East Maitland, New South Wales, dated [24^th] April 1882.

• Letter from A. Maude [Soulsby] to John Scholey dated 31^st July 1895.

• [Sydney Soap and Candle Company Limited.] Receipt of Mr J.R. Bennie “Bought of Townson & Mercer, Manufacturers of Chemical & Scientific Apparatus”, dated 15^th August 1895.

• [Sydney Soap and Candle Company Limited] Chemical recipe for production of Match Heads dated May 21^st 1897.

• Letter from Wm Spink to cousin dated 1^st November 1899.

• Calling card of Mr W.E. North Smith to  John Scholey Esq. Mayfield, Waratah New South Wales, Australia, postmarked December 7^th 1899.

• Letter card from Tasmania from Sara E. Wertheimer to R. Upfold Esq. Soap Works Waratah N.S. Wales.

• [Sydney Soap and Candle Company Limited.] Letter [draft?] from [R.W.U.], Waratah, to father, dated 25^th November 1908.

• Letter from John Spink to sister [Ann Scholey] [undated].

• Sydney Soap and Candle Company Limited. Two recipes for soap scents “Australian Bouquet” and “Pears” [undated].

A7769(v) Scholey Family Photographs 1878 - 1964:

• May Scholey [n.d.] C. Leibinger Photographic Artist Newcastle N.S.W.

• Mrs [Frances Spink Searby] Beckett & Willis Photos. Scarboro

• Woman [unidentified] Albert Lomer Artist Photographer Queen Street Brisbane.

• [Sir F. Raulis] Sydney & Melbourne Photographic Company (Late Freeman Bros.) Sydney.

• William Spink. Inskip Photo Scarboro & Sheffield.

• Woman [unidentified]. A Smithers Photographic Artist Hunter Street Newcastle.

• Richard Spink, Searbrough. Braithwaite Photographer Leeds.

• Margaret Child (maiden name Scholey) Leeds. Luscumbe, Hunslet Road Leeds.

• Man [unidentified], photograph bears date August 31^st 1878.

• Two photographs of unidentified “Welcome ceremony” c.1900.

• Two photographs of unidentified gathering. c.1900.

• St Andrew’s Church Mayfield c.1910.

• Two women at Wedding “Margaret & Margaret, Alloreh 1964.”

• Alf Glasson “To Robert With Compliments Bro. A St G. Glassins 28/12/08”. Capt. Glasson was friend of fathers - M. Faulkner.

• Alf Glasson and wife Kate with pen notation “Yours Very Sincerely Alf & Kate Glasson 20/4/14.”

• Two photographs of “Coffee Pot” Train that ran between Toronto and Fassifern.

• Newcastle Bowling Club 31^st October 1895.

• Waratah Municipal Council Chambers

• Grandmother Scholey’s grave East Maitland.

• Shipwreck at cliffs under King Edward Park, Newcastle.

A7770(i) Photographs of Sydney Soap and Candle Company Works Waratah, Newcastle New South Wales. (8 images)

A7770(ii) Exercise book (owned by Anne Scholey?) containing diary entries; new clippings relating to legal matters including mining applications and  “claim jumping” issues; handwritten copies of legal documents. April 1914 – January 1925.

A7770(iii) [Manuscript] Chemical recipe book for use in the manufacture of various soaps, scents and compounds. [c.1890] 

A7770(iv) [Manuscript] Small Travel Diary of Mr John Scholey, with entries covering the period 1856 – 1861.

A7770(v) [Manuscript] [Cover Title: John Scholey’s Book 1860.] Diary of John Scholey begun on the 18^th January 1860 to April 23^rd 1860, with sundry entries to 1866.

A7770(vi) [Manuscript] Diary of Mary Spink, 1830.

A7770(vii) [Artefact] Two prints on parchment:  Sydney Total Abstinence Benefit Society Established Jan 4^th 1841 and Australian Total Abstinence Society Established September 1^st 1838, which reads: “I agree to abstain from all intoxicating Drinks Except taken as Medicine or at the Sacrament.”

Located in Rare Book Serials Cabinet (Special Collections Map Room)

• Three journals owned by “Clara Upfold, Mayfield” and relating to Federation:

• Sydney Mail Jan 1st 1901 Commonwealth Number

• Souvenir of the Inauguration of the Australian Commonwealth

• The Town and Country Journal January 5^th 1901 Commonwealth Number.

Supplementary Upfold Family papers
Donor: Mrs Barbara Sharp
Date: 1 June 2001

A7770(viii) Papers relating to Upfold Family history research including information on Crebert and Blundell families with original copy of “How Soap is Made” Published by Sydney Soap and Candle Co. Ltd Works: Waratah, Newcastle [n.d.] and original “Torondale” Ladies’ School report card of Miss Linda Upfold for Quarter ending 31^st December 1915.

A7770(ix) File containing recipes for making soaps, face creams and floor polish (ca.1932); photocopies relating to Sydney Soap and Candle Company Ltd and Mr Chas. Upfold; Original Specification of Charles Upfold, of Newcastle, in the Colony of New South Wales, Soap Manufacturer, for his invention intituled: “An improved Composition to be used for the Destruction of Noxious Insects and the prevention and cure of Blight and such like Diseases that attack Fruit and other Trees”. Dated 21^st August 1889; Memo from Walter C. Green of Allandale Vineyards, Allandale, Hunter River. Dated 21^st April 1894.

Addenda (June 2001)

A7770 (x) Photograph of Waterloo Brickyards, Thornton, New South Wales.

Two items 

[Thankyou to Margaret Burns for allowing us to scan and digitally reproduce these two related items from her collection.]

• Item 1. Rare image of Ada May Ellis (nee Scholey) [ca. 1910]

• Item 2. Image of house believed to be that of Stephen Scholey. [ca. 1880s]