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Remembering Alexander Matheson

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“If you want to move forward, often look back, otherwise you’ll forget where you came from and where you need to go.”

An important part of being Australian is understanding our past and that is not forgotten in Trafalgar. Our hardworking Historical Society has information on almost everything, including when Trafalgar and surrounds were first established, as well as the important figures from our town’s history. 

There were many pioneering families in Trafalgar who made this town what it is today; one outstanding man was Alexander Matheson. Matheson was one of the first residents of Trafalgar and contributed to the farming industry, while also being a significant figure in the town. He played a part in the building of the area and led a full and hardworking life.

Matheson was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1845, and immigrated to Warrnambool in the early 1870s, with his two friends Charles Mitchell and James Falconer. They were Christadelphians, which is a branch of Christianity. They differ from other Christians due to their practices and specific interpretations of the Bible.

In 1877, the trio decided to purchase land in Gippsland and built the railway line from Sale to Melbourne. Matheson bought land west of Loch’s Creek and opened a farm there. At the time, Trafalgar was unsuitable for farming because it was a wetland, but with lots of hard work and modern farming practices, Matheson soon had a very successful farm. 

His farm was so successful that it won awards. In 1900, and 1901, Matheson won two 2nd prizes for the best managed farm in Victoria, from the journal, Leader, before winning another two 2nd prizes for the best dairy farm in 1899, and 1901. It was known as ‘Model Farm’, and many farmers would come to see his successful practices to try to better their own farms. 

As a Christadelphian, Matheson regularly attended meetings in Trafalgar, with other members, to practice their faith. These meetings were usually hosted by Charles Mitchell in his home, but when he died in 1888, Matheson became the leader of the church group due to his good reputation.

In terms of family, Matheson had a large family and was married to Sophia Matheson. He and his wife moved to Hawthorn just before World War 1 and lived there until their deaths in 1931 and 1934, respectively. With Sophia, he had ten children, Jane, Sophia, Elizabeth, Sarah, Margaret May, Alex, Alice, Flor, Annie and Charles. Before leaving Scotland, he had a son, James, who was born out of wedlock to Mary Kelly, who died thirteen days later. He took James with him when he moved to Australia. 

On 5 November, 1891, Isaac Evans opened a butter factory on his property and Matheson, along with Evans, Sam Giblett, H. E. Webb and Charles Murray, was a pioneering director of the factory. Charles Murray raised the idea in a meeting in May, and many farmers showed their interest. Due to the Great Depression, it was a slow start to get the factory on its feet, but in the first year, they were able to export 155 cases of butter to England.

Matheson commented on Trafalgar’s transformation into a successful farming area due to the tireless work of the community.

“To note now the cosy little homesteads and well kept farms dotted here and there, jets of steam issuing from factory and creamery roofs, smiling, waving areas of maize and other fodder crops, herds of cattle grazing on all sides, the former sheets of water now controlled and flowing within, the luxurious but profitless growth of bullrushes and ti-tree replaced by well-kept artificial pastures, all combine to give undeniable evidence of the hard work, well directed, that has brought about so marvellous a revolution.”

His pride to be a resident of Trafalgar is evident. The town is full of hardworking and passionate people and this continues to be true to this day. Matheson truly was an outstanding character in our town’s history and remains a role model for dedication and excellence in our community.

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