James Ruse facts for kids

James Ruse (born August 9, 1759 – died September 5, 1837) was an important farmer from Cornwall, England. He was one of the first people to arrive in Australia with the First Fleet. James Ruse played a key role in helping the early colony of New South Wales learn how to grow its own food.

When he arrived in Sydney Cove, James Ruse asked Governor Arthur Phillip for land to farm. He explained that he had experience in farming. Governor Phillip wanted the colony to be able to feed itself, so he gave Ruse a piece of land at Rose Hill (now Rosehill, near Parramatta). Here, Ruse worked hard and showed everyone that it was possible for families to grow enough food to live in New South Wales.

James Ruse was given the very first land grant in New South Wales. He successfully grew and sold a large amount of wheat. Later in his life, he traded his Rose Hill land for better farming land near the Hawkesbury River. He faced challenges like floods, which sometimes made farming difficult. He also worked as a seaman and a farm overseer.

James Ruse's Early Years

James Ruse was born in Launceston, Cornwall, England, on August 9, 1759. He was baptized a few weeks later.

In 1782, James Ruse faced legal challenges in England. As a result, he was sent to Australia for seven years. He traveled on a ship called the Scarborough, which was part of the First Fleet. He arrived in Australia on January 22, 1788.

Becoming a Pioneer Farmer

In 1789, James Ruse achieved a major success: he grew the first successful corn harvest in New South Wales! This harvest didn't produce enough corn for everyone in the colony to make flour, but it provided enough seeds for the next year's crop, which was much bigger.

The colony desperately needed food. Because of Ruse's success, Governor Phillip rewarded him with the very first land grant in New South Wales. He also received gifts of pigs and chickens. By February 1791, Ruse proudly told the authorities that he could support himself and his family with his farm. Two months later, he was given an additional 30 acres of land.

Ruse expected to harvest about eight bushels of crops from each acre. In 1792, after his seven-year period ended, he officially received the title to his land. This was a historic moment as it was the first land grant in the colony. In 1793, he sold his land to Dr. John Harris for 40 pounds. Today, this property is known as the Experiment Farm Cottage Museum.

Challenges and Later Life

In 1794, James Ruse moved to a new farm near the Hawkesbury River and South Creek. Farming here was often difficult because of frequent floods, which could destroy crops and income.

James Ruse faced financial difficulties during this time. His wife, Elizabeth, worked very hard to help the family. She sold crops to the stores, which helped them through tough times.

From 1828, James Ruse worked as an overseer at a place called Denham Court. He passed away in Campbelltown on September 5, 1837. He is buried with his wife Elizabeth and daughter Mary.

His gravestone, which he partly carved himself, has a special message:

"Gloria in Axcelsis

SACRED TO THE MEMEREY OF JAMES RUSE WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE SEPT. 5TH IN THE YEAR OF HOURE LORD 1837 NATEF OF CORNWELL AND ARIVED IN THIS COLENEY BY THE FIRST FLEET AGED 78

MY MOTHER REREAD ME TENDERELY WITH ME SHE TOCK MUCH PAINES AND WHEN I ARIVED IN THIS COELNEY I SOWD THE FORST GRAIN AND NOW WITH MY HEVENLY FATHER I HOPE

FOR EVER TO REMAIN"

James Ruse's Family

James Ruse first married Susannah Norcott in Cornwall, England, in 1779. They had a daughter named Elizabeth, who sadly passed away as a baby, and a son named Richard.

After arriving in Australia, James Ruse married Elizabeth Parry (born 1769 – died May 27, 1836) on September 5, 1790. Elizabeth was also an early settler. Together, they had five children: Rebecah, James, Elizabeth, Susannah, and Mary.

James Ruse's Lasting Legacy

James Ruse's contributions are remembered in several places in Sydney today. These include the James Ruse Agricultural High School in Carlingford, and James Ruse Drive, a major road. There is also a suburb in southwest Sydney named Ruse.

A copy of his unique tombstone stands at James Ruse Agricultural High School. The original headstone, carved by Ruse himself, is now kept safe by the Campbelltown and Airds Historical Society.

In 1980, a famous Cornish folk singer named Brenda Wootton wrote a song called "James Ruse." The song uses the last four lines from his gravestone inscription as its chorus.

See Also

• List of convicts transported to Australia