Thomas Archer, born in Norway in 1823, became an emigrant to Australia as his parents believed he was a fellow that would 'educate himself' [pp. 7]. He benefited from his ability for hard labour and developed as a stockman in Wallerowang, New South Wales. His talents recognised and rewarded, he increases the amount of his sheep to a substantial amount, where he advances to Darling Downs where they eventually begin squatting at Durandur, which is near Woodford.
After many years of working hard they move the property to Cooyar where the land is drier and less flooding. The sheep thus become healthier and bringing the Archer family to great success. Thomas then travels to U.S.A to try his luck at gold mining, where he runs into problem after problem.
He then returns to Australia to marry, but soon travels to England where he gets involved with immigrants heading to Australia. With his knowledge and experience of Australia he is quite successful. He then retires and moves to Norway, where he lives the remaining days with his family.
Thomas Archer's Recollections of a Rambling Life (8) [pp. 44-163].
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The journey from the Castlereagh to the Darling Downs occupies four to five months. Arrival at the Severn River and finally the Downs. Meetings with James Canning Pearce, Fitzsimmons, Mrs Godwin, the Camerons, the Bigge brothers, and Bidwill the botanist. Prospects for taking up land on the Downs appear bad. Encounter with aborigines. The expedition crosses the Condamine River and has a narrow escape from bushfires in the region near present-day Allora.
The death of "Yarrow". The Archers' supply problem - provisions sent from Sydney by the Walkers per the John. Wagon journey to Brisbane via Limestone (Ipswich) and description of Brisbane itself. Visit to the Bigges at Mount Brisbane on the way back and an altercation with Paddy Hogan, the Archers' bullock driver. Tom diverted to pick up rams at Mocatta's station and returns to "Durandur". After various journeys he once again meets up with Ned Hawkins.
Two of the Archers' aborigines decide to leave their employment and depart from Brisbane on their way back to the Castlereagh. Paddy Hogan also leaves. New buildings are erected at "Durandur" with the help of local aborigines while there is a confrontation with others. The Archers, with the aid of the Mackenzies of Kilcoy construct a new road to North Brisbane via the German settlement at Mount Zion, Eagle Farm and Breakfast Creek. Trouble with mosquitos on the way and other joys of travelling. Newcomers to "Durandur" include long-stayer, Edward Kelly.
Tom is sent to an outstation "Nurum Nurum" and fills in his time writing. He is joined by a bird-collector, Napper. A case of snake-bite. Floods cut off the Archers and other from Brisbane and there is a near loss of a load of wool. John Archer, their sailor-brother, builds a bridge over the Stanley River with Tom's assistance.
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