Sarah Rose and Alfred Jackson Dentith

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In January of 1864, Sarah, the daughter of George and Mary Ann Rose, married Alfred Jackson Dentith, son of John Dentith and Mary Jackson, at #8 Patrick street, Hobart; where here mother Mary and Charles were living. The witnesses were Charles John Young, Sarah's step-father; Mary Anne Ware and Joseph Rogers. 1
Joseph having also arrived in Hobart on the same ship as the Dentith family.

MARRIAGES. On the 26th instant, by the Rev. J. W. Simmons, at the residence of the bride's father, Mr. A. J. Dentith, to Sarah Rose, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Young. 2

Alfred had arrived from Liverpool in the UK, at the age of twenty-two, with his parents John and Mary and his siblings Henry and Henrietta (Harriett) on board the ship "Templeman" on 24 Sept 1854. 3

September 24 — Barque Templeman, Murphy, from Liverpool 19th May, with general cargo. Cabin : Mr., Mrs., Miss, and Master Sharp, Mr., Mrs., Miss, and Messrs. Dentith (2), Mrs. Rogers and 3 children. 4

Alfred and Sarah would have a large family of sixteen children.

  1. Mary (1864-1950) married Alfred Henry Edward BOWDEN (1862-1932) in 1886

    DENTITH.—On the 19th inst., the wife of Mr. A. J. Dentith, of a daughter. 5

    BOWDEN—DENTITH.—On September 11, at 124, Macquarie-street, by the Rev. J. W. Simmons, Alfred H. E. Bowden, to Mary Dentith. 6

  2. Alfred Charles Edward (1866-1942) married Jane (Janie) Josephine PROUSE (c1869-1946) in 1890

    DENTITH-PROUSE. - On September 10, at the residence of the bride's parents, by the Rev. J. M. Simmons, Alfred Charles Edward, oldest son of A. J. Dentith, musician, to Janie Josephine, eldest daughter of W. H. Prouse, Sandy Bay. 7

  3. Sarah Lydia (1867-1868)
  4. Mabel Emily (1868-1869) twin to Florence

    DENTITH. - On the 1st September, the wife of A. J. Dentith, Esq., Collins-street, of twins (girls). 8

    DENTITH. — On the 22nd inst, Mabel Emily, aged five months, twin daughter of Mr. A. J. Dentith, Collins-street, Hobart Town. 9

  5. Florence Anne (1868-1947) twin to Mabel, married Marcus Shelley TRAPPES (c1861-1936) in 1891
  6. Mabel Emily (1870-1891) married Carl William Albert VOGEL (c1867-1946) in 1891
  7. Ethel Edith (1871 -1913)
  8. Harold Jackson Spencer (1873-1952) married Melva BURN (1883-1969) in 1916
  9. Thomas Duke (1875-1877)

    DENTITH. — At his parents' residence, 60, Macquarie Street, Thomas Duke Dentith. Aged 2 years and 1 month. 10

  10. Amy Gertrude Arnott (1877-1944) married Arthur Howard SUMMERFIELD (?-1937)
  11. Percy Young Simmons (1880-1915) married Ida Eveline McGINNISS (1880-1935) in 1908
  12. Godfrey Duke Simmons (1880-1910) married Ellen ARNOLD (1879-?) in 1903
  13. Mildred Rogers (1882-1965) married (-) in Herbert Henry Cecil STUDLEY (1887-1959) in 1916
  14. Victor George (1885-c1952)
  15. Myrtle Bowden (1887-1973) married William Charles McGINNISS (1887-1965) in 1912
  16. Dorothy (1902-?)

Only four years after their marriage, Alfred's father John passes into history of senilis and was interred in the Queenborough Cemetery in Sandy Bay.

DENTITH. On Thursday 6th August, at the house of his son-in-law, Mr. John Dentith, in his 80th year. 11

Alfred's mother Mary passed away from the effects of diahorrea on 29 March 1874. 12
and was interred alongside her husband John.

DENTITH; — On Sunday, 29th March, at her son's residence, 60 Macquarie-street, Mary, relict of the late John Dentith, formerly of Liverpool, England, aged 86. 13

Alfred's sister Harriett, was the victim of a burglary at the Macquarie street pastry shop.

BURGLARY. - Frederick Bradford, Thomas Vergo, and Edgar Smith were brought up on remand, charged with feloniously breaking and entering the shop in Macquarie.street occupied by Miss Dentith, and stealing therefrom a custard, value 2d.

Mr. A. Dobson, instructed by Messrs. Dobson and Mitchell, appeared for the prisoner Smith.

Thomas Broughton deposed that he resided the next door but one to Miss Dentith's pastrycook-shop in Macquarie-street. On the 20th ult. he was at home between 11 and 12 o'clock at night, and hearing the dog bark he went out the back way and stood on the top of the gate leading into the street. He then saw two boys standing by Miss Dentith's shop. They were standing at the shutters. Witness got over the gate into the street, whereupon the boys ran down a passage on the side of the shop. Witness walked down the street, when the boys rushed out. Having observed that there was a shutter down at Miss Dentith's, witness followed one of the boys and caught him. He believed it was Smith, though he was not positive about it. A man named Davis came up, and asked Smith what he was doing there. Smith said Bradford had brought him up there. Davis wanted to know where the shutter was, and after some demur, Smith showed where it was. The shutter was then put in its place again, and Smith was released. Before that witness felt to see if there was a pane of the window broken, but was not successful. The other boy he believed to be Bradford. He only saw two boys there. At the time witness caught him, Smith was eating something. Saw nothing of the prisoner Vergo.

Joseph Duckworth, a lad, deposed that he resided with his parents in Argyle-street. He knew the prisoners. On the night of the 29th ult., about 8 o'clock,' he met Smith at the corner of Argyle and Brisbane streets, and subsequently Bradford and Verge. Brad- ford said to witness " Where are you going ? " and witness replied that he was going home. 'Bradford said, " Come on down the street." Witness asked him, " What for ? " and Bradford replied, " Only to have a lark." Witness went with them. They walked about the streets, until Bradford suggested that he knew where they could make a good "collar." Smith said "Where ?"and Bradford said "Up at Miss Dentith's, where I used to work." They then all went up into Macquarie-street to Miss Dentith's shop. Bradford and Smith stood at the window, and Bradford told witness and Vergo to walk up and down the street, so as to make the neighbours think it was people walking up and down, They did so, and witness afterwards saw that Bradford and Smith had managed to get the bar of the shutters out a little. They called out to witness and Vergo to come and help them. Vergo did so, and witness was just going to put his hand on the bar, when it came out. They all then ran away, and stood at the corner of Harrington and Macquarie streets. After a while, Bradford and Smith went back to Miss Dentith's, and witness and Vergo were told to walk up and down the street again. Then Bradford and Smith took down a shutter, and Bradford told witness and Smith to make a noise on the path, while Vergo ran up to the corner to see if there was anybody about. Brad ford got a stick and broke the window, after which they all ran away. There was a constable passing just then, and Vergo ran up to see if he would take any notice of the shutter being down, but the constable had passed before he got there. They then all went down and stood in a passage, and after being there some time, the constable passed by again, One of them said, " Come on, now ; we know where the constable is." Bradford and Smith went first and witness and Vergo followed. The two former went up to the window, and after they had been there two or three minutes, witness heard them running away. Smith was caught by Broughton. When Broughton felt to see if the window was broken the shutter was over the broken part, Smith told thom that Bradford got a custard out of the window, and gave him half of it, To Mr. Dobson: Witness had been about two minutes with Smith before Bradford came up to them. He did not remember what Bradford said to Smith, or what Smith said in reply. He could not say who first began to get the bar out, or who took the shutter down.

Miss Dentith deposed that when she closed her shop at 9 o'clock on the night of the 29th June there was pastry in the window. On opening the shop next morning at half-past 7 she found that the bar had been wrenched and a pane of glass broken, but she could not say whether any of the pastry had been taken.

Detective Connor deposed to having arrested the three prisoners. Bradford denied having been there, and the other two admitted having the pastry, but said that Bradford broke the window. Henry Dentith, residing with his sister, Harriet Dentith, gave evidence as to the state of the shutters and window that night and tho following morning.

Mr. Dobson briefly addressed the court on behalf of Smith. He referred to the respectable position of the lad's father, and to the boy's previously unblemished character. There was nothing, he said, premeditated about the affair. Bradford seemed to have been the moving spirit, and when he asked the others to go out on a frolic, they had no idea of doing anything that would lead to their being committed for trial, on a charge of burglary. It would be much better to whip all the lads than send them on to the higher Court; but under the present state of the law that could not be. He urged that Smith did not intend to steal, and reminded the court that no one seemed to know whether any pastry had been stolon or not.

Mr. Tarleton said it might or might not be true that Bradford was the leading spirit, but even if he was, that would not free the others from the legal charge. The principle of law was clear that when several persons set out for one common object they were all to be regarded as principals and as present when the action was committed; and as these lads were shown to have gone with a common design to steal pastry out of this shop, there was a prima facie case against them all. It was a matter of regret to see such young lads sent to the Supreme Court, but there was no help for it, and he was in duty bound to order them to be committed for trial. On the application of Mr. Dobson bail was granted to Smith, in two sureties of £50 each. 14

Alfred celebrated his eightieth birthday -

Mr. A. J. Dentith, who has been associated with the musical profession in Hobart for the last 50 years, celebrated his 80th birthday on Monday last at his residence, in Paternoster-street near Trinity Church. At the suggestion of a mutual acquaintance I called upon him, and wished him many happy returns of the day. He received me very courteously, and in the course of a friendly chat he recalled several reminiscences of his past career. He told me he was trained under H. F. Aldridge, the leader of the Philharmonic Society in Liverpool, to which Mr. Dentith was attached as a violinist. In 1854, at the age of 25, he left Liverpool and came to Hobart with his parents. His first engagement here was with Mrs. Seal, as a pianist, after which he played the violin at the theatre, which was then controlled by Mr. Watson. It was in the same place as now, although since then, of course, it has been considerably improved. Mr. Dentith remembers that in those days the scenery used to come from the sides instead of from above. Besides playing in the orchestra, Mr. Dentith devoted a good deal of time to teaching, but when asked to draw on his reminiscences about the most noteworthy of his pupils he shook his head, and said he would, rather not.

He has many pleasant recollections or Tapfield and Schott, leading conductors of local orchestral societies in the years gone by. The former was a pianist, and the latter a master of the oboe. Of the two, Tapfield was first in point of time, but Schott was first in point of merit. After a long life devoted to the most fascinating of the arts, Mr. Dentith is spending the evening of his days in quiet, cheered by the affection of his family. The little sitting-room where he received me spoke eloquently of the past. Over the mantelpiece was a fine engraving of the well-known picture depicting the stupendous scene at the opening of the sixth seal . . . In the corner was a Broadwood piano, which had seen its best days. The fingers of a former generation had word deep ruts in the ivory of the keys, the color had faded, and it was not in the best of tune, but the notes were still fairly true . . . I asked the veteran If he would favor me with an air, but he shook his head, and said he rarely played now ... 15

Sarah Dentith nee Rose passed into history at her residence ... 16

DENTITH. - On August 20, 1911, at her residence, Paternoster-row, Sarah, beloved wife of A. J. Dentith, in her 69th year. Funeral will arrive it Mortuary Chapel, Queenborough Cemetery, on Tuesday (This Day) at 10.15 a.m. 17

On 19 May 1913, Alfred and Sarah's daughter Ethel Edith died at the young age of only 43 years. 18

DENTITH. - On May 19, 1913, at her father's residence, No. 13 Paternoster row, Ethel Edith, the dearly beloved fifth daughter of Arthur Jackson and the late Sarah Dentith, aged 43 years. (Funeral private.) 19

Only two months later, Alfred Jackson Dentith also passed into history having survived his wife Sarah by almost two years ... 20

DENTITH. - On Sunday, July 13, 1913, at Hobart, Alfred J. Dentith, in the 85th year of his age. Funeral will arrive at Mortuary Chapel, Queenborough Cemetery, at 10.30 p.m. TO-MORROW (TUESDAY), 15th inst. 21

At Hobart last Sunday there passed away Mr. Alfred Jackson Dentith, who was Tasmania's oldest musician, and had reached the ripe age of 85 years. He was highly respected, both by the profession and a large circle of past pupils, many of whom have distinguished themselves in amateur and professional circles throughout the Commonwealth. He was born at Edge Hill, Liverpool, being the youngest son of John Dentith, a prominent bookseller of that city. His mother was the daughter of the famous Liverpool surgeon, Dr. Jackson. From early life his parents intended him for a musical career. He studied violin, pianoforte, harmony, and counterpoint with a prominent Liverpool musician, Mr. Aldridge, and later with Mr. Costa, afterwards Sir Michael Costa. The deceased also went to Hamburg, Germany, where he continued his studies for some years, with the eminent composers-pianist, Herr Jacob Schmidt, uncle of the late Carl Schmidt [Schmitt], who was a resident of Tasmania for some years, and a partner of Mr. Dentith's for a considerable period. With some friends, he came to Tasmania in the year 1852, the sailing vessel taking six months to accomplish the voyage. The deceased soon acquired a large practice at Hobart, and for many years his name was a household word in the South. He frequently gave violin recitals with the late Mr. F. A. Packer, whose songs and compositions have gained world-wide fame. He was organist of the Union Congregational Church for many years, and officiated in the same capacity for a lengthy period at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Hobart. He also led the orchestra for the late Martin Simonsen on his visits to Tasmania with his fine opera company. His wife pre-deceased him some two years ago. He leaves several sons and daughters, all of whom are grown up, amongst whom is Mrs. A. H. Bowden, of this city, who was trained as a teacher of music by her father quite early in life. His remains were laid to rest in Queensborough cemetery last Tuesday. 22

Alfred's daughter Mary, widow of Alfred Henry Edward Bowden, died at Scottsdale -

BOWDEN.-On December 17. 1950 at Scottsdale, Mary, widow of the late Alfred Bowden. Private interment, Carr Villa Cemetery, Tuesday.- C.T. Finney & Sons, A.F.D.A., 16 Brisbane St. 23

MRS. MARY BOWDEN, who died at Scottsdale on Sunday, was for 45 years a successful teacher of music in Launceston and a noted composer. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mr. Alfred Jackson Dentith, a well-known Hobart musician. For some time she was organist at the Union Chapel (now the Hobart Repertory Theatre). For 14 years she was organist at St. Andrew's Church, Launceston. Up to the time of her death, Mrs. Bowden received royalties for her compositions. Mrs. Bowden was the proud possessor of a letter written personally by the late Dame Nellie Melba, congratulating her on one of her songs, "The Laughing Cavalier." Mrs. Bowden was the first professional accompanist at the Launceston competitions in 1902, and she retained this position for five years. She was also pianist for the Musical Union conducted by the late Mr. J. H. Fray, F.N.I.C., a former organist of St. John's Church, Launceston. Since her husband's death in 1932, she had lived with her son-in-law, Mr. P. H. Fry, Scottsdale, and her sister, Miss Dentith. She had a family of one son (deceased) and four daughters - Mesdames David Gibson (deceased), P. H. Fry (deceased), J. C Macmichael (Hobart), and A. E. Pepper (Launceston). Private interment took place at Carr Villa Cemetery on Tuesday. 24

  • 1TAHO: Marriage Registration - RGD 37/1/23 #192 - Hobart
  • 2Family Notices - The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) 28 January 1864: page 1
  • 3TAHO: Marine Board Arrivals - MB2/39/1/18 P289 - Image #161
  • 4Shipping Intelligence - The Tasmanian Colonist (Hobart Town, Tas. : 1851 - 1855) 25 September 1854: page 3
  • 5Family Notices - The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) 22 October 1864: page 1
  • 6Family Notices - The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) 18 September 1886: page 1
  • 7Family Notices - The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) 27 September 1890: page 1
  • 8Family Notices - The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) 2 September 1868: page 1
  • 9Family Notices - The Tasmanian Times (Hobart Town, Tas. : 1867 - 1870) 23 January 1869: page 2
  • 10Family Notices The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) 29 August 1877: page 1
  • 11Family Notices - The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) 7 August 1868: page 1
  • 12TAHO: Death Registration - RGD35/1/8 #1964 - Hobart
  • 13Family Notices - The Tasmanian Tribune (Hobart Town, Tas. : 1872 - 1876) 30 March 1874: page 2
  • 14CITY POLICE COURT - The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) 8 July 1876: page 3
  • 15MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC - Daily Post (Hobart, Tas. : 1908 - 1918) 8 January 1909: page 3
  • 16TAHO: Death Registration - RGD 35/1 - #1143 - Hobart
  • 17Family Notices - The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) 22 August 1911: page 1
  • 18TAHO: Death Registration - RGD 35/1 - #1381 - Hobart
  • 19Family Notices - The Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954) 20 May 1913: page 1
  • 20TAHO: Death Registration - RGD 35/1 - #1468 - Hobart
  • 21Family Notices - Daily Post (Hobart, Tas. : 1908 - 1918) 14 July 1913: page 1
  • 22PERSONAL - Daily Telegraph (Launceston, Tas. : 1883 - 1928) 18 July 1913: page 5
  • 23Family Notices - Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954) 18 December 1950: page 11
  • 24OBITUARIES, FUNERALS - Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954) 22 December 1950: page 4
Locations
Hobart
Launceston
Scottsdale