I am writing a biographical database of Hobart licensees to 1880. As there are around 1000 of them, I am interested in hearing from anyone who has publican ancestors and is willing to share information. I have a list of almost all licenses granted in that period, and am happy to confirm dates, and any other information that I might have of interest.

My Great-great grandfather Lewis Prentis held the licence of the Pickwick Tavern Liverpool St in October 1846 and his son Edward the licence of the King Charles Oak Macquarie St. 1843-4,thePrince of Wales Hampden Rd.1852-6 and the Duke of York Hampden Rd.1857-8.I am interested in any more information and dates you might have on these Liciences. Thanks

Hi,
Reading some of the old entries into Rootsweb and see that you have been researching publicans in Tassy.
Could you confirm if Benjamin Giffin, who had applied for a liquor licence for the Maypole Inn around the 1880's , was
granted that licence. The Maypole Inn was in Main Road Newtown and Benjamin was my GG Grandfather and an exconvict. Regards Rex

Benjamin Giffin is one name that I have not explored yet. I'd be delighted to have any information about his life that you may care to send.

I can confirm that he held the license for the Butchers' Arms on the corner of Argyle and Patrick Streets briefly:

December 1874: Transfer from Mary Bryant to Benjamin Griffin
May 1875: Transfer from Benjamin Griffin to Joseph James Cullen.

Then he moved to Wiggin's Hotel on the corner of Murray and Collins Streets briefly.

May 1875: Transfer from John Sturgeon to Benjamin Giffin. Applicant a married man, and formerly kept the Butcher’s Arms. He has been cautioned once for a breach of the Act. The Superintendent explained that in consequence of Giffin keeping his house open very late he instructed his sub-inspector to bring the mater under his notice, and to tell him should it occur again, he would proceed against him by information. This was since he had been selling at Wiggin’s Hotel. The applicant informed the bench that on the night referred to, his daughter came home late, and the door was left open accidentally. Mr Smith wished to know if the Superintendent knew anything more against the applicant. No he did not. The applicant had married a widow, and when he resided in Liverpool Street he always bore a good character. If there had been anything more against him, he would have told the bench. Smith thought the information unsatisfactory. The bench ought to have more before they granted the license. Granted.
August 1875: Transfer from Benjamin Giffin to James Quinn.

(This is from the Mercury account of Licensing Court proceedings)

My research is only to 1880. Andrew Shadwick held the license for the Maypole for many years, folowed by Henry Marriot as far as I can tell.

Hope this helps.

Lou Daniels

Thanks Lou. This information clears up my thinking it was Benjamin the convict. With your info it looks like it was his son who was into pubs.1877 an application was made for the Maypole Inn liquor licence.
Also on my tree I have the Abel family. What searching and christian name have you on your data.? Regards Rex

Hi Lou,
Please note that I have changed my email address if you have anything for me on HOTELS and the ABEL family.
The Benjamin Giffin that you listed for me was born 1838 to Benjamin Giffin and Catherine Hartigan. He died Aug.15th
1884 in Hobart. He was married to Mary Bryant and then Mary Caroline Bovey. His father was a well to do convict that lived in Newtown. He died in 1903.
Regards Rex

Noticed your message for Hobart Publicans-Don't know whether you are including Sorell and Richmond but have info on Thomas Featherstone who had Bluebell Inn, Gordon Highlander and I believe one at Richmond in the early 1800's
Sue Guinan

Hi
My ggg grandfather, James Rawlings is listed as a licensee of the "George and Dragon" in Hobart in 1832 and then the licensee of the "Bull Inn" in 1842 at Prossers Plain - probably at Spring Bay. He died in 1847 aged 37 years. His wife Emma Amelia Ellis is named in his will but was to receive nothing if she remarried r did not take care of the children (?). I have more info about this family.
Thanks
Margaret Jones
Sydney NSW

Dear Margaret
I have just started to reseach my Rawlings line and came across your message (I note the date of your posting was in 2002 and I am hoping that you are still listed). I too am some what related to James Rawlings. He is my ggggrandfather. His son Samuel married Jane Crossland, they had a son Walter he married Isabella Patterson and they had a daughter Helen and she is my grandmother. I would love to make contact with you.

regards Julie

Hi Julie
Glad to hear from you. Yes I am still searching/ researching. my home email is damaj@optusnet.com.au. We can work out who knows what and share information if you like. At the moment I am am trying to untangle the Rawlings in Somerset and Gloucester UK.... and am constantly trying to track down Ellis.
Regards
Margaret