The Timber-Getting Contract

In the 1860s, the lush and untamed forests of the Tweed Valley in northern New South Wales were a beacon for those seeking opportunity and fortune. Among the first to answer this call was Henry Skinner, an Englishman skilled in the art of sawing and timber-getting. Henry’s journey to the Tweed was not just a physical one; it marked the beginning of a generational legacy, as he and his family would become some of the valley’s most prominent settlers. This story of arrival, hardship, and resilience is a testament to the pioneering spirit of Australia’s early settlers.

Arrival on the Tweed: The Call of Opportunity

Henry Skinner first arrived in the Tweed region in 1863. His journey was spurred by a contract with Samuel William Gray, a prominent landowner and Member of the Legislative Assembly, and Gray's business partner, Joshua Bray. Under the terms of the contract, Henry, along with his partner William Davis, was tasked with harvesting 20,000 super feet of timber to be used for shipbuilding and house construction. This was no small endeavor; the dense cedar forests were both a blessing and a challenge. The cedar, known as “red gold” for its value in construction and furniture, was sought after across the colonies. Timber-getters like Henry saw the potential for profit but understood that extracting this resource would require hard work, skill, and a measure of bravery.

The exact date of Henry's arrival on the Tweed isn’t definitively recorded, but documents from the time suggest he arrived shortly after signing the contract in September 1863. In these early days, he and Davis set to work immediately, clearing plots on the North Arm near what was known as Mr. Isaacs’ farm. This location, close to the river, was essential for transporting the massive logs that Henry would later fell. Unlike today’s bustling settlements, the Tweed in 1863 was sparsely populated, with only a handful of settlers scattered across its rugged terrain. Cedar-getters were often isolated, enduring long periods without contact or communication with the outside world. It was a life that required resilience and a willingness to face nature’s challenges head-on.

The Arrival of Family: A Journey Fraught with Hardship

One of the most remarkable aspects of Henry’s story is the family that joined him on this pioneering endeavor. In 1864, Henry’s wife and children made the arduous journey from Sydney to the Tweed, joining him at his camp near Kynnumboon. Their voyage took two weeks on the sailing vessel Francis George, battling rough seas and the uncertainty of the weather. Once they arrived at the river’s mouth, the journey was not over; they had to travel by rowboat for two more days to reach their new home. This long, challenging journey reflected the family’s commitment to building a life on the frontier, an unwavering loyalty that would become central to the Skinner legacy.

Henry’s wife and children brought a sense of stability to the isolated timber camp. Though life was difficult and amenities were sparse, the presence of his family motivated Henry to persevere. Living conditions were rough, with makeshift shelters often serving as protection against the elements. Supplies were limited, and the family had to rely on provisions brought up the river by boat or obtained from the occasional passing traveler. This lifestyle required both practical skills and a determination to make the best of the harsh conditions they faced daily.

Cedar-Getting: A Grueling Trade in the Heart of the Wilderness

Cedar-getting in the Tweed Valley was a grueling and hazardous occupation. Henry and his partner Davis, along with a small team of hired hands, ventured deep into the thick forests, where the prized cedar trees grew in abundance. These trees, towering over 100 feet, had to be carefully felled, a task that required skill and precision. Using basic hand tools like axes and saws, the cedar-getters would spend days, sometimes weeks, working on a single tree. Once felled, the logs were stripped of branches, and the wood was cut into manageable sections. The rough terrain made it difficult to haul these logs to the river, where they could be floated downstream.

The process of transporting cedar was no less challenging than the felling itself. The dense undergrowth, uneven ground, and unpredictable river conditions made moving the logs an arduous task. Often, the cedar-getters would rely on bullock teams to drag the logs to the riverbanks. This method was labor-intensive and dangerous; a runaway bullock or a slip on the muddy riverbanks could lead to serious injury or worse. Once at the river, the logs were tied into rafts and floated downstream, taking advantage of the tides to carry them closer to markets.

In 1865, local accounts mention that Henry and his team had to work tirelessly to gather enough timber to meet the demands of the contract. The unpredictability of the environment, from seasonal floods to dense vegetation, made their work more difficult. Despite the dangers, cedar-getting offered high rewards. The booming construction industry in Sydney and other coastal towns fueled demand, making cedar-getting one of the more profitable occupations in the region. For Henry, this business provided the means to support his growing family and lay the foundation for future ventures.

Expanding Operations: Establishing a Sawmill and Building a Community

By the early 1870s, Henry’s efforts in timber-getting allowed him to expand his operations. Recognizing the potential for growth, he purchased a plot of land near North Tumbulgum, which he named "Inglewood." It was here that he set up a small sawmill, allowing him to process timber locally. This sawmill was a significant advancement, as it eliminated the need to transport raw logs long distances for processing. With the mill in operation, Henry could produce lumber for local construction projects, helping to supply the growing number of settlers and buildings emerging in the Tweed Valley.

The sawmill was instrumental in expanding Henry’s influence in the area. It enabled him to employ local labor, creating job opportunities for other settlers and fostering a sense of community. Over time, the mill became a gathering point for workers, settlers, and travelers passing through the valley. Henry's sawmill also supplied timber for some of the first homes and public buildings in the area, including Captain McGregor’s house in Tweed Heads, built in 1870. This expansion marked a turning point in Henry’s life; no longer was he just a timber-getter—he was now a key figure in the region’s development.

Challenges and Relationships: Life Among the Early Settlers

Life for Henry and his family was not without its challenges. The dense forests and isolated conditions meant that the early settlers had to rely on each other for support and survival. Relationships with neighbors were vital, and Henry formed strong bonds with other cedar-getters and settlers in the area. Among his contemporaries was Pat Smith, an Irish cedar-getter with whom Henry frequently worked. Together, they ventured into the forests and shared the risks and rewards of timber-getting. They also collaborated on transport efforts, ensuring that their logs reached markets efficiently despite the difficult conditions.

In addition to other settlers, Henry and his family encountered the local Indigenous communities, who had long inhabited the region and possessed a deep understanding of the land. While early records indicate that interactions were limited and often focused on trade, the presence of Indigenous communities shaped the experiences of settlers like Henry. These relationships, though complex, were part of the broader tapestry of life in the Tweed Valley.

A Lasting Legacy: From Timber to Future Ventures

Henry’s timber-getting business laid the foundation for the Skinner family’s long-lasting legacy in the Tweed Valley. As his children grew, they became involved in the family business, helping to expand and diversify their operations. By the mid-1870s, Henry was not only a respected cedar-getter but also a successful sawmill operator and a prominent figure in the local community. His sawmill and timber supply were instrumental in the construction of homes, businesses, and public buildings, helping the Tweed Valley transition from a frontier outpost to a growing settlement.

In time, Henry’s sons, particularly Charles ("Chad") and George, took on more responsibilities in the business. Recognizing the potential of the region's fertile land, they expanded the family’s interests into sugar cane farming and later into the production of cordials. This diversification helped the family adapt as the demand for timber began to decline, allowing them to thrive even as the economic landscape changed.

By the time of Henry’s passing in 1895, the Skinner family had established itself as a cornerstone of the Tweed Valley community. His initial venture into timber-getting was more than a business—it was the beginning of a legacy that spanned generations. The family’s contributions to the development of the region, from sawmills and sugar cane fields to cordial factories and riverboat services, left an indelible mark on the Tweed Valley. Today, places like Skinners Reserve stand as a reminder of the pioneering spirit and hard work that defined Henry Skinner and his family’s contributions to the region’s growth.

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