The White Hat Guide to John Pascoe Fawkner

John Pascoe Fawkner
Pioneer
'Little Johnny Fawkner'
20 October 1792 — 4 September 1869

John Pascoe Fawkner was the leader of one of two rival parties involved in the settlement of Melbourne. Although a small man (5 feet 2 inches) he was a larger than life character.

Garryowen tells us:

"Fawkner was sort of a spoiled child with the old colonists, and even those who thoroughly disliked him, and often repelled his illbred arrogance, were ever ready to concede a large latitude to the man who, by common repute, shared with Batman the honours surrounding the foundation of 'the settlement'. Batman was dead, and 'Johnny' was not only alive but poking his nose into every public movement, from anti-transportation to separation. The prestige that would have to be divided between him and Batman, had he lived, was not unnaturally claimed by Fawkner, and as he had a finger in every pie, and was jumping about like a squirrel wherever there was anything astir, either at a fire or a public meeting, an election or a street row, a public dinner or a charity sermon, he was accorded a certain toleration which clothed him in a privilege that fell to the lot of no other man.

He died in Melbourne on the 4th September, 1869, an honourable member of the Legislative Council, and so much esteemed that over 200 carriages were present at his funeral, and 15,000 persons lined the streets on his burial day."

A wood engraving of the funeral procession, still one one of the largest in Melbourne's history, can be found in the picture collection of the State Library of Victoria.

It is maybe ironic had such a grandiose funeral and burial given the revulsion Fawkner expressed to burial in his journal entry regarding the first European burial in Melbourne.

Fawkner's printing press is held by the Melbourne Museum. An original handwritten edition of Fawkner's first Melbourne newspaper is on display in the Parliamentary Library at Parliament House, and others are held in the manuscripts section of the State Library.

The suburbs of Fawkner and Pascoe Vale are named after him as is Fawkner Park.

You can find a short profile of his activities as a journalist at The White Hat Guide to 7 Journalists of Melbourne.

Fawkner's tombstone is inside an impressive bluestone structure. 

"A LIFE OF LABOR" HERE LIES THE MORTAL REMAINS OF JOHN PASCOE FAWKNER WHO FOUNDED THE CITY OF MELBOURNE AUGUST 29TH 1835 BORN OCTOBER 20TH 1792, AT LONDON DIED SEPTEMBER 4TH 1869, AT SMITH ST. COLLINGWOOD AGED 77 YEARS. ALSO OF JOHN FAWKNER SENIOR WHO DIED SEPTEMBER 24TH 1854 AGED 84 YEARS. AND OF HIS WIDOW ELIZA WHO DIED MAY 18TH 1858 AGED 66 YEARS. ALSO OF ELIZA WIDOW OF THE ABOVE JOHN. P. FAWKNER WHO DIED JULY 8TH 1879.

This grave can be visited on White Hat Tours' highly entertaining and informative Tour of Melbourne Cemetery. Just be sure to tell your guide at the start of the tour that this is one of the graves you wish to see.

Recommended books:

The Life and Times of John Pascoe Fawkner by C.J.Billot

This biography covers the whole remarkable story of little Johhny Fawkner's life from his childhood in England, transportation to Australia with his convict father, the first Victorian settlement at Sullivan's Cove, life and subsequent arrest in Tasmania, the Launceston publican and newspaper proprietor, founding of Melbourne and his subsequent influence on that city.

Highly recommended!

 

Tall Ship Enterprize Experience sailing on a replica of the ship that brought the first European Settlers to Melbourne. One hour sails, overnight adventure sails and many others. Fun for family and adventure seekers. More information about The Enterprize.   Gem Pier Williamstown, Melbourne and others including Docklands - Enquiries: (03) 9397 3477

The Sorrento Museum and Heritage Gallery This museum in the 1877 Mechanic Institute building records the history of the surrounding area. One of the prized possessions is the remains of a water cask from the ill-fated settlement attempt by Captain Collins in 1803 which included a young Johhny Fawkner and the convict William Buckley. It also contains a wet suit belonging to Harold Holt who drowned nearby. $3 entry fee applies. 1.30-4.30 pm, weekends, public & school holidays   827 Melbourne Road, - Sorrento Enquiries: (03) 5984 0255