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{{Short description|Australian auctioneer}}
{{Userspace draft|source=ArticleWizard|date=March 2024}}
{{Use Australian English|date=March 2024}}


'''Daniel Wilkie Melvin''' ( – 29 July 1916) was an auctioneer in the early days of Adelaide, South Australia.
'''Daniel Wilkie Melvin''' (1838 – 29 July 1916), commonly referred to as '''D. W. Melvin''', was an auctioneer in the early days of [[Adelaide]], South Australia.


==History==
==History==
Melvin was a son of Rev. David Melvin, (died before 1861)<ref name=Lambell/> chaplain of Tolbooth Prison and Edinburgh City Mission.<ref name=Duke/> and Wilhelmina Melvin (c. 1800 – 8 July 1872).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207722163 |title=Family Notices |newspaper=[[The Express And Telegraph]] |volume=IX |issue=2,606 |location=South Australia |date=8 July 1872 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> He was educated in Edinburgh, and emigrated to South Australia in 1852, two and a half years after his mother, brother and three sisters, who left Leith in June 1850<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163082051 |title=Personal |newspaper=[[The Observer (Adelaide)]] |volume=LXIII |issue=3,398 |location=South Australia |date=17 November 1906 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=32 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> aboard the barque ''Young England''.
Melvin was a son of Rev. David Melvin (died before 1861),<ref name=Lambell/> chaplain of [[Old Tolbooth, Edinburgh|Tolbooth Prison]] and Edinburgh City Mission.<ref name=Duke/> and Wilhelmina Melvin (c. 1800 – 8 July 1872).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article207722163 |title=Family Notices |newspaper=[[The Express and Telegraph]] |volume=IX |issue=2,606 |location=South Australia |date=8 July 1872 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> He was educated in Edinburgh, and emigrated to South Australia in 1852, two and a half years after his mother, brother and three sisters, who left [[Leith]] in June 1850<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163082051 |title=Personal |newspaper=[[The Observer (Adelaide)]] |volume=LXIII |issue=3,398 |location=South Australia |date=17 November 1906 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=32 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> aboard the barque ''Young England''.


He found employment with [[Charles Henry Goode|Goode brothers']] drapery business, then joined his sister and brother-in-law James Whiting, in a similar business at Edinburgh House, 43 King William Street.
1850 The barque Young England Isabella and William Melvin?
1853 Cleopatra
1854 The steamer Havilah Mrs Melvin and son from Melbourne


He moved to [[Oakbank, South Australia|Oakbank]], operating a store and wheat-buying business.<ref name=obit/>
Living at Oakbank in 1851<ref name=Lambell/>


In April 1864 he left for [[Moonta, South Australia|Moonta]], where he opened a similar store, also acting as postmaster and registrar of births, deaths, and marriages, and was active in the local literary society.
⚫
He worked as sub-editor of the [[South Australian Register]] for over nine years, then was granted auctioneer's licence in June 1876<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article43010233 |title=Local Courts |newspaper=[[South Australian Register]] |volume=XLI |issue=9235 |location=South Australia |date=20 June 1876 |accessdate=8 March 2024 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> and began operating from Adelaide Central Auction Mart (also known as Adelaide Central Mart), opposite [[White's Rooms]], King William Street, having taken over the business of Emanuel Cohen & Co.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article43007771 |title=Advertising |newspaper=[[South Australian Register]] |volume=XLI |issue=9238 |location=South Australia |date=23 June 1876 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> In 1883 he ceased operation at that location, and in November 1909 sold the lease to the firm of [[Megaw & Hogg]] of [[Broken Hill]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191631287 |title=A Veteran Auctioneer |newspaper=[[The Kangaroo Island Courier]] |volume=II, |issue=110 |location=South Australia |date=4 December 1909 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>

⚫
He returned to Adelaide in May 1867, when he began working as sub-editor of the [[South Australian Register]], then was granted auctioneer's licence in June 1876<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article43010233 |title=Local Courts |newspaper=[[South Australian Register]] |volume=XLI |issue=9235 |location=South Australia |date=20 June 1876 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> and began operating from Adelaide Central Auction Mart (also known as Adelaide Central Mart), opposite [[White's Rooms]], King William Street, having taken over the business of [[Emanuel Cohen (businessman)|Emanuel Cohen & Co.]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article43007771 |title=Advertising |newspaper=[[South Australian Register]] |volume=XLI |issue=9238 |location=South Australia |date=23 June 1876 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=8 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> In 1883 he ceased operation at that location, and in November 1909 sold the lease to the firm of Megaw & Hogg{{efn|The firm of Megaw and Hogg was founded at Broken Hill in 1901 by Joseph Porter Megaw (c. 1867 – 24 May 1922)<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article45573935 |title=Death of Mr J. P. Megaw |newspaper=[[Barrier Miner]] |volume=XXXV |issue=10,460 |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=24 May 1922 |access-date=9 March 2024 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> and (John) Walker Hogg (died 1 February 1926).<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article132042281 |title=Auctioneer Passes |newspaper=[[The News (Adelaide)]] |volume=VI |issue=788 |location=South Australia |date=2 February 1926 |access-date=9 March 2024 |page=1 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> In 1909 they opened an Adelaide branch, with Megaw as manager, and Joseph Tracey Quigley was introduced as a partner in 1912. In 1921 the partnership was dissolved, and Hogg continued the business on his own account. The company persists into the 21st-century, owned by the Quigley family.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.megawandhogg.com/who-we-are.html |title=Who We Are |publisher=Megaw and Hogg |access-date=9 March 2024}}</ref>}} of [[Broken Hill]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191631287 |title=A Veteran Auctioneer |newspaper=[[The Kangaroo Island Courier]] |volume=II |issue=110 |location=South Australia |date=4 December 1909 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
He built Melvin Chambers on the site of the City Arms Hotel and Noltenius's store, King William Street, in 1880.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article43153181 |title=Melvin Chambers |newspaper=[[South Australian Register]] |volume=XLV, |issue=10,512 |location=South Australia |date=23 July 1880 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
He built Melvin Chambers on the site of the City Arms Hotel and Noltenius's store, corner of Waymouth and King William streets, in 1880.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article43153181 |title=Melvin Chambers |newspaper=[[South Australian Register]] |volume=XLV |issue=10,512 |location=South Australia |date=23 July 1880 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=5 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>


==Other interests==
By 1859 he was an active member of the Young Men's Association, a non-sectarian Christian [[literary society]] led by Rev. [[C. W. Evan]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158128759 |title=Adelaide Young Men's Association |newspaper=[[Adelaide Observer]] |volume=XVII |issue=929 |location=South Australia |date=23 July 1859 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> When he moved to Oakbank he made moves to establish a literary society in that town,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article49829909 |title=Oakbank |newspaper=[[South Australian Register]] |volume=XXIII |issue=4123 |location=South Australia |date=31 December 1859 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> but may have come to nothing. He was a member of the Oakbank Institute, which had similar aims<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article158184195 |title=Oakbank |newspaper=[[Adelaide Observer]] |volume=XIX |issue=1052 |location=South Australia |date=30 November 1861 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> and was vice-president in 1860.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article50015617 |title=Oakbank |newspaper=[[South Australian Register]] |volume=XXV |issue=4566 |location=South Australia |date=5 June 1861 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=3 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>


He was a regular church-goer.
Following the arrival of Rev. [[Silas Mead]] in July 1861, [[Flinders Street Baptist Church]] was founded on 5 August 1861, with two of his sisters, Mrs Whiting and Mrs Beeby, among the 25 foundation members, and Melvin joined in December the same year (the building was opened on 19 May 1863). He was closely involved with church activities and served as lay preacher to various congregations. In April 1864 he left for Moonta, returning May 1867. In 1882 he transferred to the North Adelaide church.
Following the arrival of Rev. [[Silas Mead]] in July 1861, [[Flinders Street Baptist Church]] was founded on 5 August 1861, with two of his sisters, Mrs Whiting and Mrs Beeby, among the 25 foundation members, and Melvin joined in December the same year (the building was opened on 19 May 1863). He was closely involved with church activities and served as lay preacher to various congregations. When in Moonta he was prominent in establishing a Baptist Church.<ref name=obit/>


⚫
He was a member of the councils of the [[Caledonian Society of South Australia]] and the [[National Defence League (Australia)|Australasian National League]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article87311328 |title=Obituary |newspaper=[[The Chronicle (Adelaide)]] |volume=LIX |issue=3,024 |location=South Australia |date=5 August 1916 |access-date=9 March 2024 |page=18 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>


He was a strong chess player, a member of the [[Adelaide Chess Club]] from 1873{{efn|From 1873 to 1884 he was referred to as "W. Melvin", so was perhaps known to friends and colleagues as "Wilkie".}} to 1905, and was closely associated with [[Henry Charlick]],<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164669330 |title=Personal |newspaper=[[The Observer (Adelaide)]] |volume=LXXIII |issue=5,605 |location=South Australia |date=5 August 1916 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=27 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> coincidentally dying within a few days of each other.


He was a lover of books, and a great reader until prevented by failing eyesight, and died at his residence, Unley Park.<ref name=obit>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164669336 |title=Mr D. W. Melvin. |newspaper=[[The Observer (Adelaide)]] |volume=LXXIII |issue=5,605 |location=South Australia |date=5 August 1916 |access-date=7 March 2024 |page=32 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
He was the doyen of the general auctioneers, of Adelaide, if not of the State. He wielded the hammer in King William street for about 34 years prior to 1909, when he sold the balance of his lease of the Adelaide Central Mart to Messrs. Megaw & Hogg, and transferred his business to Victoria square. He began his work on the site of the present United Service Hotel, where he purchased the tenancy of the late Mr. Emanuel Cohen, upon resigning the position of sub-editor of The Register, which he had held for more than nine years. Shortly afterwards he built Melvin Chambers, where he traded until seven years ago. He paid £680 at auction for the lease, and spent nearly £5,000 in building; the ground rent alone in 30 years amounted to £16,000, the rates and taxes to several thousands, and the owners of the fee simple were in 1909 the proprietors of the structure. Mr. Melvin was a keen student. He was an enthusiastic chess player, and in that respect was closely associated with the late Mr. A. Charlick, who also died last week. Mr. Melvin was born in Edinburgh in 1838, and arrived in Adelaide when 14 years of age. After having been in the drapery business for some years he launched out in partnership with a brother and sister in that line at Oakbank, and later at Moonta. At the last named place he was a prominent worker in establishing the Baptist Church, and in Adelaide he was on various commit-tees in connection with that denomination. He was also a member of the council of the Caledonian Society.


⚫
==Family==
⚫
Melvin was three times married: Sarah Grace Lambell on 26 November 1861;<ref name=Lambell>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article50079547 |title=Family Notices |newspaper=[[South Australian Register]] |volume=XXV |issue=4716 |location=South Australia |date=27 November 1861 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> Caroline Adams (1849–1896) in 1879;<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209055173 |title=The Late Mrs D. W. Melvin |newspaper=[[The Express and Telegraph]] |volume=XXXIII |issue=9,652 |location=South Australia |date=10 January 1896 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> and Mary Ann Eliza in 1905.


He had five sons and two daughters.<ref name=obit/>
⚫
Melvin died at his residence, Unley Park, on Saturday, July 29<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164669336 |title=Mr D. W. Melvin. |newspaper=[[The Observer (Adelaide)]] |volume=LXXIII |issue=5,605 |location=South Australia |date=5 August 1916 |accessdate=7 March 2024 |page=32 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
⚫
<!--*Wilkie Melvin (1863–1863)-->

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

By the death of Mr. D. W. Melvin, which occurred at his residence, Unley Park on July 29, South Australia, has lost a widely known and highly esteemed citizen. For half a century he was a familiar figure in the main business thoroughfares of Adelaide, and he was always greatly respected in city circles as a man of unswerving rectitude. Although during recent years he lived a life of comparative retirement, he is still well remembered as a man of remarkable activity and one who deeply interested himself in religious and philanthropic work.
For a time he was employed in the drapery business by Messrs. Goode Brothers. Subsequently he was with the late Mr. James Whiting, Mrs. Whiting being his sister. Later on he was a partner in a store keepers' and wheat-buying business at Oak-bank. After a time spent in Adelaide, Moonta attracted his energies, and for a while he was engaged in storekeeping in the prosperous mining town, where he took a deep interest in public matters and in the general prosperity of the district. He was postmaster and registrar of births, deaths, and marriages, and wag largely instrumental in establishing the Baptist Church there and did much to promote the interests of the literary society. A period of several years ensued in which he devoted himself to journalism in Adelaide.
As an auctioneer in which capacity he is best re-membered, he gained a wide reputation, and the buildings known by his name in King William-street were erected in 1876. During the land boom in the mid eighties Mr. Melvin lost heavily, but he honorably met all his liabilities. He was at one time a member of the council and executive com-mittee of the National League, and also a member of the council of the Caledonian Society. He was a student, and even when engaged in strenuous business pursuits, he found time to spend with his books, a lover of which he remained until failing sight made reading practically impossible to him. He was also an enthusiastic chess player in his younger days. Mr. Melvin was three times married, and leaves a widow, four sons and three daughters.

==The first Mrs Melvin==
We regret to have to record the death of Mrs. D. W. Melvin, of Lower Mitcham, after a short but very severe illness, on January 1. Mrs. Melvin, who will he missed by hundreds of friends, was born at Noarlunga in 1853, her parents having arrived in the colony in 1839. Nearly all her life she had lived in or in the vicinity of Adelaide, and her unostentatious kindliness had endeared her to many. She was for a long time a member of the Flinders Street and afterwards of the North Adelaide Baptist churches, and_ was on the' committee of the missionary and Zenana societies. Mr. Melvin has in his bereavement received many expressions of sincere condolence, both verbally and by letter, and amongst others from the Y.W.C.A. and the Zenana committee. Mrs. Melvin's remains were interred at the West Terrace cemetery, when the service was conducted by the .Hevs. J. G. Raws and C. Bright. Besides relatives there were a large numbers of friends assembled, including the Revs. H. T. Burgess, R. Woolcoclt, S. Fairey, G. Hogben, R. McCullough, and R. iL Finlayson, the Hon. J. G. Jenkins, M.P., Lady Colton, Messrs. A. Macdonald, A. W. Sandford, and _ J. Wyles, representing the Caledonian Society, Messrs. A. S. Neill, M. Burgess, C. H. Goode, W. H. Wadey, G. Wilcox, J. C. Phillips, H. J. Pudney, T. Evans, C. Rogers, J. M. Dowie, J. S. Scott, J. "A. Sando, J. Crocker, M. H. Madge, W. J. Coote, G. A. Wyld, R. Dempster, W. Page, W. Hall, F. W. Pilley, F. J. Cropper, G. Conquest, and A. Baker.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209055173 |title=The Late Mrs D. W. Melvin |newspaper=[[The Express And Telegraph]] |volume=XXXIII |issue=9,652 |location=South Australia |date=10 January 1896 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=4 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>


⚫
==Family==
⚫
Melvin was three times married: Sarah Grace Lambell on 26 November 1861<ref name=Lambell>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article50079547 |title=Family Notices |newspaper=[[South Australian Register]] |volume=XXV |issue=4716 |location=South Australia |date=27 November 1861 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>; Caroline Adams (1849–1896) in 1879; and Mary Ann Eliza in 1905. He had five sons (Messrs. R. C., Harry, C., Herbert, and M. Melvin) and two daughters.
⚫
*Wilkie Melvin (1863– )
*Richard Lambell Melvin (9 April 1865 – 1944), born in Moonta
*Richard Lambell Melvin (9 April 1865 – 1944), born in Moonta
*John Beely Melvin (1866– )
<!--*John Beely Melvin (1866–1867)-->
*Henry Edward Melvin (1868– )
*Henry Edward "Harry" Melvin (1868–1942)
*Charles Melvin (1870– )
*Charles Melvin (1870–1952)
*Frank Melvin (1871– )
<!--*Frank Melvin (1871–1872)-->
*Herbert Melvin (1872–1946) of [[Mypolonga]]
*Wilhelmina Carswell Melvin (9 December 1880 – 29 June 1920) daughter of Caroline
*Wilhelmina Carswell Melvin (9 December 1880 – 29 June 1920) daughter of Caroline
⚫
*Malcolm "Mick" Melvin (1882– ), known as a cricketer, later of [[Dunedin, New Zealand]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164099440 |title=Players and their Games |newspaper=[[The Observer (Adelaide)]] |volume=LXV |issue=3,458 |location=South Australia |date=11 January 1908 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=21 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
*Malcolm Melvin (1882– )
*Kate Muriel Melvin (1884– )
*Kate Muriel Melvin (1884–1942) never married


Melvin's siblings include:
Melvin had a sister, Mrs Isabella Melvin Whiting (12 November 1826<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201888458 |title=Her Eightieth Birthday |newspaper=[[The Evening Journal (Adelaide)]] |volume=XL |issue=11151 |location=South Australia |date=13 November 1906 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=1 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> – ), which occurred at the Queen Mary Hospital at Hyde Park on Friday, April 9, has removed one of the most notable old colonists in the State. She came to South Australia from Scotland 65 years ago at the age of 21, with her mother, two brothers, and two sisters, and soon after arrival married Mr. James Whiting. All her life she has been an enthusiast in philanthropic and temperance work in South Australia. On the formation of the Women's Christian Temperance Union by Mrs. Leavitt, a world's missioner, who visited South Australia in 1889, Mrs. Whiting became one of the first members. For many years afterwards she held various positions on the executive, including that of President and Treasurer. She was also State Superintendent of Mothers' Unions for some years. In 1881, she, with 24 of their original members, formed the Baptist Church in Flinders street, and, until illness supervened, she was a. constant attendant at all services, and a teacher at the Sunday, school.. For nearly half a century she was a deaconess, of the church. She enjoyed excellent health until recently, when she was attacked by a severe illness, but made a remarkable recovery. Mrs. Whiting had a family of nine children, including Mrs. E. S. Hughes, of Adelaide, Mr. C. M. Whiting, of Victoria, Mr J. B. Whiting (Secretary to the Agent General in London), and Mr C. D. Whiting, of Adelaide. Mrs Whiting was widely known in religious circles, and was beloved by all with whom she came in contact. The funeral, which was of a private character, took place on Saturday afternoon.
*Isabella Melvin (12 November 1826<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article201888458 |title=Her Eightieth Birthday |newspaper=[[The Evening Journal (Adelaide)]] |volume=XL |issue=11151 |location=South Australia |date=13 November 1906 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=1 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> – 9 April 1915) married James Whiting shortly after arrival in South Australia. She was noted for her philanthropic and temperance work. She was one of the first members of the South Australian chapter of the [[Women's Christian Temperance Union]], founded during [[Abby Fisher Leavitt|Mrs Leavitt]]'s visit in 1889. She held various positions on the executive, including President and Treasurer. She was also State Superintendent of the Mothers' Union, and was one of the original 25 members of the Flinders Street Baptist Church. She taught at Sunday School and served as deaconess of the church for nearly 50 years. They had nine children, including J. B. Whiting, secretary to South Australia's Agent General in London.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article163153875 |title=Obituaries |newspaper=[[The Observer (Adelaide)]] |volume=LXXII |issue=5,537 |location=South Australia |date=17 April 1915 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=44 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> She died at the Queen Mary Hospital, Westall Street, Hyde Park, and her remains were interred at the [[West Terrace Cemetery]].

⚫
*Margaret Melvin (c. 1823 – 8 December 1906) married John Beeby in 1852.

*Jessie Melvin (c. 1821 – 21 August 1908) married George Duke in 1866. Duke was manager of the bookbinding department of the Government Printing Office. She was a foundation member of the Flinders Street Baptist Church, but later joined the Parkside Baptist Church, otherwise led a quiet life.<ref name=Duke>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164114685 |title=Mrs George Duke |newspaper=[[The Observer (Adelaide)]] |volume=LXV |issue=3,491 |location=South Australia |date=29 August 1908 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=40 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
⚫
Margaret Melvin (c. 1823 – 8 December 1906) married John Beeby in 1852
*William Melvin (c. 1836 – 8 October 1910)<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5272815 |title=Family Notices |newspaper=[[The Advertiser (Adelaide)]] |volume=LIII |issue=16,222 |location=South Australia |date=13 October 1910 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> married Martha Ann Threadgold in 1864, then left for Western Australia, in 1908 living at [[Collie, Western Australia]].<ref name=Duke/>

*Eldest brother David Melvin,{{efn|Not the David Melvin of Ballarat and Melbourne, whose family came from [[Alloa]], Scotland.}} arrived in Australia independently of the other family members, and nothing was heard of him for over 50 years.<ref name=Duke/>

Another sister, Jessie Melvin (c. 1821 – 21 August 1908) was eldest child, married George Duke in 1866
There died on August 21, at the age of 87, the relict of the late Mr. George Duke, who was manager of the bookbinding department of the Government Printing Office. Deceased was the eldest child of the late Rev. David Melvin, Prison Chaplain and City Missionary in Edinburgh. She arrived in Adelaide in 1850 by the barque Young England, from Leith, with her mother and her then single sisters, the late Mrs. John Beeby and Mrs. James Whiting, mother of the Acting Agent General. The deceased was also accompanied by one brother, Mr. W. Melvin, now of Collie (W.A.). Deceased was a foundation member of the Flinders Street Baptist Church. She has, however, been latterly connected with the Parkside Baptist Church, of which she was a member from its establishment. Though not so prominent in religious and philanthropic institutions as her sisters, she was widely known. Lately, with the weight of years, she has lived a rather retired life. A second brother survives Mrs Duke, Mr D. W. Melvin, a well-known auctioneer and valuator, while a third, named after his father, has not been heard of or from for over 50 years,<ref name=Duke>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article164114685 |title=Mrs George Duke |newspaper=[[The Observer (Adelaide)]] |volume=LXV |issue=3,491 |location=South Australia |date=29 August 1908 |access-date=8 March 2024 |page=40 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>

⚫
*A brother William Melvin (c. 1836 – 8 October 1910)<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5272815 |title=Family Notices |newspaper=[[The Advertiser (Adelaide)]] |volume=LIII |issue=16,222 |location=South Australia |date=13 October 1910 |accessdate=8 March 2024 |page=6 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref> married Martha in 1864, then left for Western Australia, in 1908 living at [[Collie, Western Australia]].<ref name=Duke/>
*Eldest brother David, who may have arrived separately,<ref name=Duke/> and of whom nothing was heard for over 50 years,<ref name=Duke/> not the David Melvin of Ballarat and Melbourne, whose family came from [[Alloa]], Scotland.


== Notes ==
{{notelist}}
== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Melvin, Daniel}}

[[Category:1838 births]]
== External links ==
[[Category:1916 deaths]]
* [http://www.example.com www.example.com]
[[Category:Australian auctioneers]]

[[Category:History of Adelaide]]
<!-- Categories -->
[[Category:Australian Baptists]]

Latest revision as of 08:47, 12 November 2024

Daniel Wilkie Melvin (1838 – 29 July 1916), commonly referred to as D. W. Melvin, was an auctioneer in the early days of Adelaide, South Australia.

History

[edit]

Melvin was a son of Rev. David Melvin (died before 1861),[1] chaplain of Tolbooth Prison and Edinburgh City Mission.[2] and Wilhelmina Melvin (c. 1800 – 8 July 1872).[3] He was educated in Edinburgh, and emigrated to South Australia in 1852, two and a half years after his mother, brother and three sisters, who left Leith in June 1850[4] aboard the barque Young England.

He found employment with Goode brothers' drapery business, then joined his sister and brother-in-law James Whiting, in a similar business at Edinburgh House, 43 King William Street.

He moved to Oakbank, operating a store and wheat-buying business.[5]

In April 1864 he left for Moonta, where he opened a similar store, also acting as postmaster and registrar of births, deaths, and marriages, and was active in the local literary society.

He returned to Adelaide in May 1867, when he began working as sub-editor of the South Australian Register, then was granted auctioneer's licence in June 1876[6] and began operating from Adelaide Central Auction Mart (also known as Adelaide Central Mart), opposite White's Rooms, King William Street, having taken over the business of Emanuel Cohen & Co.[7] In 1883 he ceased operation at that location, and in November 1909 sold the lease to the firm of Megaw & Hogg[a] of Broken Hill.[11]

He built Melvin Chambers on the site of the City Arms Hotel and Noltenius's store, corner of Waymouth and King William streets, in 1880.[12]

Other interests

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By 1859 he was an active member of the Young Men's Association, a non-sectarian Christian literary society led by Rev. C. W. Evan.[13] When he moved to Oakbank he made moves to establish a literary society in that town,[14] but may have come to nothing. He was a member of the Oakbank Institute, which had similar aims[15] and was vice-president in 1860.[16]

He was a regular church-goer. Following the arrival of Rev. Silas Mead in July 1861, Flinders Street Baptist Church was founded on 5 August 1861, with two of his sisters, Mrs Whiting and Mrs Beeby, among the 25 foundation members, and Melvin joined in December the same year (the building was opened on 19 May 1863). He was closely involved with church activities and served as lay preacher to various congregations. When in Moonta he was prominent in establishing a Baptist Church.[5]

He was a member of the councils of the Caledonian Society of South Australia and the Australasian National League.[17]

He was a strong chess player, a member of the Adelaide Chess Club from 1873[b] to 1905, and was closely associated with Henry Charlick,[18] coincidentally dying within a few days of each other.

He was a lover of books, and a great reader until prevented by failing eyesight, and died at his residence, Unley Park.[5]

Family

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Melvin was three times married: Sarah Grace Lambell on 26 November 1861;[1] Caroline Adams (1849–1896) in 1879;[19] and Mary Ann Eliza in 1905.

He had five sons and two daughters.[5]

  • Richard Lambell Melvin (9 April 1865 – 1944), born in Moonta
  • Henry Edward "Harry" Melvin (1868–1942)
  • Charles Melvin (1870–1952)
  • Herbert Melvin (1872–1946) of Mypolonga
  • Wilhelmina Carswell Melvin (9 December 1880 – 29 June 1920) daughter of Caroline
  • Malcolm "Mick" Melvin (1882– ), known as a cricketer, later of Dunedin, New Zealand[20]
  • Kate Muriel Melvin (1884–1942) never married

Melvin's siblings include:

  • Isabella Melvin (12 November 1826[21] – 9 April 1915) married James Whiting shortly after arrival in South Australia. She was noted for her philanthropic and temperance work. She was one of the first members of the South Australian chapter of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, founded during Mrs Leavitt's visit in 1889. She held various positions on the executive, including President and Treasurer. She was also State Superintendent of the Mothers' Union, and was one of the original 25 members of the Flinders Street Baptist Church. She taught at Sunday School and served as deaconess of the church for nearly 50 years. They had nine children, including J. B. Whiting, secretary to South Australia's Agent General in London.[22] She died at the Queen Mary Hospital, Westall Street, Hyde Park, and her remains were interred at the West Terrace Cemetery.
  • Margaret Melvin (c. 1823 – 8 December 1906) married John Beeby in 1852.
  • Jessie Melvin (c. 1821 – 21 August 1908) married George Duke in 1866. Duke was manager of the bookbinding department of the Government Printing Office. She was a foundation member of the Flinders Street Baptist Church, but later joined the Parkside Baptist Church, otherwise led a quiet life.[2]
  • William Melvin (c. 1836 – 8 October 1910)[23] married Martha Ann Threadgold in 1864, then left for Western Australia, in 1908 living at Collie, Western Australia.[2]
  • Eldest brother David Melvin,[c] arrived in Australia independently of the other family members, and nothing was heard of him for over 50 years.[2]

Notes

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  1. ^ The firm of Megaw and Hogg was founded at Broken Hill in 1901 by Joseph Porter Megaw (c. 1867 – 24 May 1922)[8] and (John) Walker Hogg (died 1 February 1926).[9] In 1909 they opened an Adelaide branch, with Megaw as manager, and Joseph Tracey Quigley was introduced as a partner in 1912. In 1921 the partnership was dissolved, and Hogg continued the business on his own account. The company persists into the 21st-century, owned by the Quigley family.[10]
  2. ^ From 1873 to 1884 he was referred to as "W. Melvin", so was perhaps known to friends and colleagues as "Wilkie".
  3. ^ Not the David Melvin of Ballarat and Melbourne, whose family came from Alloa, Scotland.

References

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  1. ^ a b "Family Notices". South Australian Register. Vol. XXV, no. 4716. South Australia. 27 November 1861. p. 2. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  2. ^ a b c d "Mrs George Duke". The Observer (Adelaide). Vol. LXV, no. 3, 491. South Australia. 29 August 1908. p. 40. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  3. ^ "Family Notices". The Express and Telegraph. Vol. IX, no. 2, 606. South Australia. 8 July 1872. p. 2. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  4. ^ "Personal". The Observer (Adelaide). Vol. LXIII, no. 3, 398. South Australia. 17 November 1906. p. 32. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  5. ^ a b c d "Mr D. W. Melvin". The Observer (Adelaide). Vol. LXXIII, no. 5, 605. South Australia. 5 August 1916. p. 32. Retrieved 7 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  6. ^ "Local Courts". South Australian Register. Vol. XLI, no. 9235. South Australia. 20 June 1876. p. 3. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  7. ^ "Advertising". South Australian Register. Vol. XLI, no. 9238. South Australia. 23 June 1876. p. 8. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  8. ^ "Death of Mr J. P. Megaw". Barrier Miner. Vol. XXXV, no. 10, 460. New South Wales, Australia. 24 May 1922. p. 4. Retrieved 9 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  9. ^ "Auctioneer Passes". The News (Adelaide). Vol. VI, no. 788. South Australia. 2 February 1926. p. 1. Retrieved 9 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  10. ^ "Who We Are". Megaw and Hogg. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  11. ^ "A Veteran Auctioneer". The Kangaroo Island Courier. Vol. II, no. 110. South Australia. 4 December 1909. p. 4. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  12. ^ "Melvin Chambers". South Australian Register. Vol. XLV, no. 10, 512. South Australia. 23 July 1880. p. 5. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  13. ^ "Adelaide Young Men's Association". Adelaide Observer. Vol. XVII, no. 929. South Australia. 23 July 1859. p. 4. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  14. ^ "Oakbank". South Australian Register. Vol. XXIII, no. 4123. South Australia. 31 December 1859. p. 3. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  15. ^ "Oakbank". Adelaide Observer. Vol. XIX, no. 1052. South Australia. 30 November 1861. p. 4. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  16. ^ "Oakbank". South Australian Register. Vol. XXV, no. 4566. South Australia. 5 June 1861. p. 3. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  17. ^ "Obituary". The Chronicle (Adelaide). Vol. LIX, no. 3, 024. South Australia. 5 August 1916. p. 18. Retrieved 9 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  18. ^ "Personal". The Observer (Adelaide). Vol. LXXIII, no. 5, 605. South Australia. 5 August 1916. p. 27. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  19. ^ "The Late Mrs D. W. Melvin". The Express and Telegraph. Vol. XXXIII, no. 9, 652. South Australia. 10 January 1896. p. 4. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  20. ^ "Players and their Games". The Observer (Adelaide). Vol. LXV, no. 3, 458. South Australia. 11 January 1908. p. 21. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  21. ^ "Her Eightieth Birthday". The Evening Journal (Adelaide). Vol. XL, no. 11151. South Australia. 13 November 1906. p. 1. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  22. ^ "Obituaries". The Observer (Adelaide). Vol. LXXII, no. 5, 537. South Australia. 17 April 1915. p. 44. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
  23. ^ "Family Notices". The Advertiser (Adelaide). Vol. LIII, no. 16, 222. South Australia. 13 October 1910. p. 6. Retrieved 8 March 2024 – via National Library of Australia.
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