.post-content img { border: none !important; padding: 0; }#header-inner img {margin: 0 auto !important;} -->

The Buzacotts

Helen Woodyatt, sister of Elizabeth Mary Alder nee Woodyatt, became part of the Buzacott family in 1871, she married George Hitchcock Buzacott, the youngest of four sons of James Buzacott (b1808) and Ann Hitchcock (1811-1847). The Buzacott's were important people in the early years of pioneer Queensland.

The descendant line is best viewed in desktop mode

Buzacott Family Descendant Line
        1....... James Buzacott b1808 Torrington, South Molton, Devonshire, Eng., died after 1851 Torrington, Devonshire, Eng
.......  + Ann Verney Hitchcock b1811 Torrington, Devon, England, d1847 Torrington, Devon, Eng
....... 2... William Hitchcock Buzacott b14 Aug 1831 Torrington, Sth Molton, Devon Eng, d26 July 1880 QLD
............. + Violette Melville b1836 Sydney NSW, d25 Sept 1914 Rockhampton QLD, m1857 Sydney
............. 3....... Charlotte Sewell Buzacott b1858 Sydney NSW, d10 Sept 1864 Rockhampton QLD
............. 3....... Fanny Helen Buzacott b1860 Sydney NSW, d 1934 Rockhampton QLD
............. 3....... Violette Buzacott b1864 Rockhampton QLD, d31 July 1950 Rockhampton QLD
............. 3....... Agnes Verney Buzacott b6 June 1866 Rockhampton QLD, d23 June 1947 Rockhampton QLD
............. 3....... William Buzacott b1868 Rockhampton QLD, d15 Sept 1969 Rockhampton QLD
............. 3....... Walter Sewell Buzacott b14 June 1870 Rockhampton QLD, d1942 Sydney NSW
............. 3....... Gertrude Alice Buzacott b16 Feb 1873 Rockhampton QLD, d1962 Goulbourn NSW
............. 3....... Florence Mary Buzacott b22 Nov 1875 Rockhampton QLD, d4 Dec 1878 QLD
............. 3....... Jessie Melville Buzacott b26 Feb 1880 Rockhampton QLD
............. 3....... Ethel Verney Buzacott b26 Feb 1880 Rockhampton QLD, d16 July 1954 QLD
....... 2... Charles Hardie Buzacott b3 Aug 1835 Torrington, Sth Molton, Devon Eng, d19 July 1918 Stanthorpe QLD
............. + Louisa Whiteford b2 Oct 1839 Bristol England, d6 Sept 1918 Stanthorpe QLD
............. 3....... Sarah Anne Buzacott b1858 Sydney NSW, d30 Nov 1942 Rockhampton QLD
............. 3....... Emily Whiteford Buzacott b8 May 1861 Stanthorpe QLD, d19 April 1912 Stanthorpe QLD
............. 3....... George Alfred Buzacott b7 Oct 1862 Stanthorpe QLD, d30 July 1918 San Francisco, California USA
............. 3....... Annie Buzacott b6 Aug 1864 QLD, d27 Aug 1949 Stanthorpe QLD
............. 3....... William James Buzacott b17 April 1866 Stanthorpe QLD, d21 Nov 1937 Clayfield QLD
............. 3....... Charles Hardie Buzacott b6 March 1869, d1959 QLD
............. 3....... Louisa Maude Buzacott b1 Mar 1871 Stanthorpe QLD, d15 Oct 1874 Stanthorpe QLD
............. 3....... Albert Buzacott b25 Nov 1872 Stanthorpe QLD, d1938 Toowomba QLD
....... 2... Walter Sewell Buzacott b1839 Torrington, Sth Molton, Devon Eng, d1916 Woollahra NSW
............. + Sarah Iredale Armstrong b1842 at sea ‘Posthumous’, d1894 Burwood NSW, m1863 Sydney NSW
............. 3....... Edith Anne Buzacott b1864 Sydney NSW, d29 July 1952 Burwood NSW
............. 3....... Ethel Gertrude Buzacott b1866 Sydney NSW, d2 June 1930 Ryde NSW
............. 3....... Ernest Walter Buzacott b1869 Sydney NSW, d8 July 1948 Burwood NSW
............. 3....... Florence Lillian Buzacott b1872 Sydney NSW, d1875 Sydney NSW
............. 3....... Myra Constance Buzacott b1874 Sydney NSW, d7 Feb 1875 Enoggera QLD
............. 3....... Walter Verney Buzacott b1876 Concord NSW, d12 June 1950 Sydney NSW
....... 2... George Hitchcock Buzacott b1840 Torrington, Sth Molton, Devon Eng, d 1918 Brisbane QLD Australia
............. + Helen Woodyatt b1849 Ludlow, Shropshire, England, d 1928 Brisbane QLD, m1871 QLD

See an image of the Buzacott Descendant Line

1. William Hitchcock Buzacott 1831-1880
1880 DEATH OF MR. W. H. BUZACOTT
Mr. William Hitchcock Buzacott, the proprietor and editor of the Bulletin, and a brother of the Postmaster General, died at four o'clock on Monday, at his residence in Rockhampton, from a congestion of the lungs, caused by a severe cold which he caught last week. Mr. Buzacott was widely known both in Brisbane, where he passed many years, and in Rockhampton, to which town he proved himself a staunch friend. He established the first newspaper in Rockhampton in 1851 and since that time has been more or less intimately connected with the district. His death has thrown a gloom over the town and particularly so as the deceased gentleman had only been ill a week, and a fatal termination to sickness was unexpected. Those who knew Mr. W. H. Buzacott universally respected him, and were acquainted with the high standard of rectitude which he followed, and with which his long career as a journalist is stamped. Rockhampton, indeed, loses a friend to whom she owes much. On Saturday last Mr. G. H Buzacott left Brisbane in the Victoria for Rockhampton, but would have, probably arrived too late. We believe the deceased gentleman leaves a widow and several children to mourn their loss.
The Week 31 July 1880
William Hitchcock Buzacott 1831-1880
William Hitchcock Buzacott 1831-1880, c1855

1880 THE LATE MR. W. H. BUZACOTT
“Man proposes, God disposes.” On the 9th July, the nineteenth anniversary of the Bulletin, it was notified that that journal had again passed into the hands of its founder, Mr. W. H. Buzocott. The hand which penned that announcement and the explanatory article which followed is now cold in death. A few days since its author anticipated a lengthened career of usefulness; and with the solid satisfaction which accompanies successful toil — with the advantages of long experience as a journalist and an intimate acquaintance with its highest requirements as well as the most petty details of newspaper work — and with a mind well matured in its judgment of public questions, Mr. Buzacott reasonably hoped to place his journals in the front rank, and to win substantial proofs of public appreciation. In the ripeness of his intellectual prime he retained much of his youthful enthusiasm and an undiminished anxiety to promote the well-being of the community in which his lot had been cast. But dead has remorselessly interposed, and Mr Buzacott's work, if done at all, most be undertaken by others. It is fortunate for society that a public journal is to a great extent impersonal, and that although, as in this case, its conductor is removed, his spirit may continue to pervade the institution which it has cost almost the labour of a lifetime to establish. For many years Mr. Buzacott was one of the most active leaders of every movement designed to benefit the town and district, whose interests he unceasingly laboured to promote. He never sought popularity, but aimed amply to do what was right. That in his earlier years he was ever sanguine is as true as that he shared that error with all old residents, and with most of them paid the heavy penalty of the miscalculation. In 1874 circumstances induced him to undertake the representation of this journal in Brisbane, which he for nearly four years performed most conscientiously and effectively. In July, 1878, however, he returned to Rockhampton, said since then had conducted the business with so much success that a month ago his brother had the satisfaction of restoring him to full possession of the property, and he was all appearance about to reap some of the fruits of nineteen years unremitting toil, at times accompanied by painful anxiety. Of the personal character of the deceased little need be said ; its purity and unselfishness can only be appreciated by those whose hearts affections were bound to him by natural ties or almost equally strong bonds of enduring and intimate friendship. That in his public capacity be sometimes incurred resentments is more than probable, but he was wholly free from vindictiveness ; and while keenly sensitive to censure or misrepresentation, he could never be induced to retaliate. This feature of his character may be deemed weakness : but if so, it was the result of deep conviction. His writing might have been not less effective had it been occasionally tinctured with bitterness ; but his arguments were always cogent, and his maxim was “never so beyond your facts.” No man can index a single passage of his writings which does not bear the impress of truth and sincerity.  The late Mr. Buzacott was the eldest surviving son of James and Ann Buzacott, and was born at South Molton, Devonshire, England, on the 14th August, 1831. At the age twenty-one years, after seven years' training in the printing business he, accompanied by his brother, Mr. Charles Hardi Buzacott, sailed from London for Australia in the barque Sir Bevois, landing at Sydney on the 3rd of September. The brothers remained there together for eight years. In 1861 Mr. Buzacott followed his brother to Queensland, but here let the narrative be repeated as written a few days ago by the deceased's own hand. On the 9th of July, Mr. Buzacott in announcing his succession to the proprietorship of the newspaper property, wrote these words:- “On the 30th June, 1861, Mr. W. H. Buzacott arrived in Rockhampton by the Jenny Lind, schooner, Captain Curran, from Sydney, with printing plant and staff; and on the 9th July following, the first number of the Rockhampton Bulletin issued from his office in Quay-street. The first census of Queensland had just been completed, showing the population of the colony to be 30,059, and of Brisbane, the capital, 6051. Rockhampton numbered 698 souls all told, Gladstone 215, and Yamba 81. Pastoral settlement had not extended on the coast beyond the Port Curtis district, nor had it advanced far westward. It had, however, crossed the Dawson, the great rush after new country having set in which led to the rapid occupation of the Comet, Peak Downs, and other parts of the Leichhardt district. Beyond the limits we have roughly indicated, the whole of the country northward and westward was still in the undisputed possession of the aboriginal inhabitants. Recalling these facts to mind and comparing the state of this colony then and now, some idea may be formed of the remarkable advances it has made. But this growth has not been steady and uninterrupted. Much of the early settlement in the Central Districts, which nineteen years ago were the advanced outposts of civilisation and were included in the general term “the North,'' had been hasty and ill-advised, and reverses came bringing in their train wide-spread ruin, from which few of the earlier settlers escaped. But the pioneers had in one sense fulfilled their mission by preparing the way for others. Station properties changed hands at low values and became remunerative to the purchasers. A few years later the fine pastures of the Barcoo, Thomson, and other western country were discovered, giving a fresh impetus to pastoral enterprise; and settlement has now extended westerly and northerly to the utmost limits of the colony. Mining, farming, and other industries have been added, and have contributed materially to the progress of the country in population and wealth, which is being further accelerated by the Central Railway, having Rockhampton for its terminal port and penetrating into the choicest and most favoured portion of the great western interior.” Mr. Buzacott then described the successive steps taken which eventuated in the establishment of the Bulletin as a daily paper on the 2nd January, 1873; and in winding up the article it is evident that he looked forward to a long career of usefulness. “We have now,” he wrote, “said all we intend to say in the matter, and close this article by assuring our subscribers that the Morning Bulletin and Capricornian, which have both been under the entire control of the present proprietor during the last two years, will persevere in the same course as hitherto, being fully assured that by so doing we shall not fail to retain the public connfidence, and to make such advances as the progress of this district and colony may in the future warrant.'' But a brief fortnight has destroyed all the hopes that Mr. Buzacott bad formed, and he himself is no more. On Friday morning week (16th July) as was his custom, Mr. Bazacott was at the office at an early hour, but he had not been long at his desk before be sustained a severe attack of biliousness, succeeded by cold shivers, and it was considered prudent that he should immediately return home, which le did. It was thought that on the following day his condition was slightly better; he visited the office for a few minutes, but be was still very weak, and unfit tor duty. It was not, however, considered that his illness was at all of a serious nature until Friday last, and even then Dr. Callaghan, who had been in constant attendance upon him, did not apprehend a fatal termination. But on Saturday the congestion from which Mr Bozacott was suffering was found to have extended to both lungs, and a consultation was held by Drs. Callaghan, Thos and Paterson, the result being to confirm the worst fears of the dangerous nature of his complaint. On Saturday night and throughout Sunday Mr. Buzaoott appeared to suffer considerably, but as Monday morning advanced be became quieter and at the last his spirit pasted calmly away to its eternal rest. Mr. Buzacott leaves a widow and family of eight children to mourn their irreparable loss ; and be also leaves one sister and three brothers in the colonies. We are sure Mr. Buzacott's lamented death will be generally esteemed a public loss, and that deep and widespread sympathy will be felt for his bereaved family. When the intelligence of his demise became known all the business places were partially closed, and the shipping in the harbour hoisted their nags at half-mast.  The funeral of the late Mr. Bazacott, which took place on Tuesday morning, was very largely attended, all the leading residents of the town being present. The principal mourners comprised Mr. George Buzacott, (who had arrived from Brisbane on Monday morning just before his brother's death); Master Buzacott, a little son of the deceased; and Mr. Stewart Hartley. At the residence of the deceased the service was conducted by the Rev. T. W. I'Erson, of the Baptist Church, to which Mr. Buzacott had belonged, and the opportunity was taken by the rev. gentleman to refer to the Christian virtues of the deceased, who through all his life had been actuated by the desire to promote all that was pure and good and elevating. The coffin was subsequently borne to the hearse by his Worship the Mayor, Mr. W. Pattison, Mr. Murray, Mr. Macpherson, Mr. Burton, and Mr. Bird, aNd as the sad cortege moved slowly on towards the Cemetery, on every side the look of sympathy and sorrow was noticeable, and it will doubtless in time - when the great cloud of their bereavement has in a measure passed over - some consolation to his family and friends to know that if Mr. Buzacott died not full of years he certainly died in the full and honoured regard of all who had known him. The cemetery was reached shortly after 11 o'clock, and in a grave close beside that of the late Mr. John Macfarlane, M.LA. for Leichhardt, whose useful life was also somewhat prematurely and suddenly cut short, the remains of Mr. Buzacott were interred. The Rev. A. Hay read the burial service in a very impressive manner, the coffin was lowered, and in a little while the eye had ceased to behold that which enclosed the mortal remains of one who less than a fortnight ago appeared as likely as most men in Rockhampton to continue among us for many years to come. But Providence, whose ways are inscrutable, had otherwise decreed, and we must bow to the great circumstance, difficult as we know it must be to realise the sad void which it has left in our ranks. The suddenness of the event, which has deprived both this journal and the Morning Bulletin of Mr. Buzacott’s directing influence and clear and ripened judgment, came like a thunderclap on his relations — they had not imagined until the last day or two that the illness would end fatally — and as a consequence they have not as yet had tune to give due consideration to the question of the future conduct of the two papers. By those of our readers acquainted with the circumstances we believe this will be readily understood. We may mention, however, that the management of the estate rests in the hands of the two brothers of the deceased now resident in the colony, who are long known to tine general public, and in whom every confidence may be felt that they will see the best arrangements made to provide for the carrying on of the business on the same principles which have hitherto ruled the conduct of both the Bulletin and Capricornian.
The Capricornian 31 July 1880
William Hitchcock Buzacott 1831-1880
William Hitchcock Buzacott 1831-1880, c1870

2. Charles Hardie Buzacott 1835 – 1918
Buzacott was born in Torrington, Devonshire, England, son of James Buzacott and his wife Ann, née Hitchcock. He migrated with his elder brother William to Sydney in 1852 where Charles joined the Empire newspaper and learnt to be a compositor. In 1860 he went to Maryborough, Queensland, and established the Maryborough Chronicle, selling it four years later. Buzacott then went to theClermont goldfield, and started the Peak Downs Telegram, which he edited. In 1869 Buzacott sold his interest in the Telegram and moved to Gladstone where he took over the Observer. In 1870 Charles joined his brother William on the Rockhampton Bulletin, which the latter had established in 1861.

In 1873 Charles Buzacott was elected to the Queensland Legislative Assembly for Rockhampton. In 1874, and again in 1876, he brought in bills in an attempt to establish an eight-hour work day in Queensland, but he was in advance of his times and did not succeed in steering them past the committee stage. He resigned from the assembly in 1877, in the following year moved to Brisbane, and became a leader writer on the Courier. Having been returned to the assembly again, in January 1879 he became postmaster-general in McIlwraith's first ministry, and was responsible for the drafting of the divisional boards measure which was the foundation of later Queensland local government acts. He was an active minister, and during his two years of office he united the previously separate post and telegraph departments, and succeeded in having tenders called for a Torres Straits service between Brisbane and London. The telephone was also introduced during his period.

During November 1880 he purchased Gresley Lukin's shares in the Brisbane Newspaper Company, the proprietor of the Brisbane Courier and its weekly the Queenslander, after which he retired from politics to take on Lukin's former position as the company's managing editor and director. He was to remain in this position until 1894, occasionally taking and active role in the editing and occasionally contributing articles and editorials for the journals. He later bought the Rockhampton Argus and converted it into an evening paper, the Daily Record. He was a member of the Queensland Legislative Council 1894–1901 but did not hold office again. He founded the Daily Mail, Brisbane, in 1904, and in spite of his advancing years carried it through its early difficulties as editor and managing director. With his health failing, he retired to Stanthorpe in 1906 but continued to make occasional contributions to the press until not long before his death on 19 July 1918.

Buzacott had married Louisa Whiteford in 1857 who survived him with three sons and two daughters. - Wikepedia

Charles Hardie Buzacott 1835-1918
Charles Hardie Buzacott 1835-1918

1918 PIONEER JOURNALIST GONE; LATE MR. C. H. BUZACOTT
The death of Mr. Charles Hardie Buzacott, which occurred yesterday afternoon at Stanthorpe, removes one of Queensland's pioneer journalists and at one time one of its best known politicians. The late Mr. Buzacott was born at Torrington, in Devonshire, England, in 1835, arriving in Sydney in 1852, being then 17 years of age. He took a position on the 'Empire' newspaper (now the "Evening News,") then owned by Sir Henry Parkes, where he learned the trade of compositor. He came to Queensland in 1860, and started the "Maryborough Chronicle." Some years later he established the "Peak Downs Telegram," and continued to conduct that publication until 1870, when he joined his brother, the late W. H. Buzacott, in the "Morning Bulletin," at Rockhampton. When his brother joined the editorial staff of the "Courier," the deceased took over the "Bulletin," which he owned until 1878, in which year he exchanged places with his brother, and went to the 'Courier' as leader writer. Subsequently, he became managing director, and held that position until 1894. Some time later he purchased the Rockhampton "Argus," which he converted into an evening paper under the name of the "Daily Record." in 1904 he was instrumental in floating the Brisbane "Daily Mail," being Its first editor and managing director. The late Mr. Buzacott took a prominent part in politics, and for several years represented Rockhampton in the Legislative Assembly. In 1879 he joined Sir Thomas McIlwraith's Ministry as Postmaster-General, with a seat in the Upper House. There was no recognised draughtsman in those days, and Mr. Buzacott's ability stood the Assembly in good stead. One of his achievements was the drafting of the Divisional Boards Bill. He continued to hold his seat in the Council until a few years ago. The deceased gentleman was married in 1857 to a daughter of the late George Whiteford, of Liverpool (New South Wales). He leaves a widow and family of five children, three other children having predeceased him. Those surving are Mrs. Stewart W. Hartley (Rockhampton). Miss A. Buzacott (Stanthorpe), Messrs. W. J. Buzacott (Brisbane), C. H. Buzacott, junr, (Townsville), and A. Buzacott (Devon Grange).
Daily Standard 20 July 1918


1918 LATE MR. BUZACOTT

(By H.M.C. in Daily Mail.) - Mr. Buzacott certainly was one of the very best of Queensland's pioneer statesmen. Sir Thomas Mcllwraith - was a shrewd judge of men and in the selection of his colleagues, he sedom failed to secure the best. The last time I talked with Mr. Buzacott was some four or five years ago, coming from Stanthorpe to Brisbane on the mail train. We chatted all the way on subjects of mutual interest. He then told me that when McIlwraith came to Cabinet with a sheaf of Bills to draft for Parliament, that the Minister for Justice, John Malbon Thompson, of Ipswich, said he would not undertake the duty. There was then 110 Parliamentary draftsman as there is now, so Mr. Buzacott drafted the bills. Amongst them was the Divisional Boards Act, the forerunner of our great system of local Government Mr. Buzacott, with some amusement, told me that questions were asked in the House to ascertain whether he was drawing extra fees for drafting beyond his salary as Postmaster-General. He apparently did not and was able to assure the Opposition of the fact. When Mr. Buzacott retired from office he became a managing director of the 'Courier.' I think this was after the 'Courier’, removed from what is now a boarding house, opposite the Executive Buildings in George-street, where it was in Gresley Lukin's time. I remember so well the initiation of the Divisional Boards Act. Sir Arthur Palmer was then Colonial Secretary, Robert Gray, his Under-Secretary, AV. H. Ryder his chief clerk, P. A. Kob accountant, Montague Sollieux first derk and minute J writer George D’Arcy record clerk. This was in the later seventies,' or early 'eighties. I was assistant. The office was then situated just about where the' William-street entrance to the Executive Building is now. The Cabinet meetings were held in a long room off the Minister's room and every afternoon and evening for about a fortnight 'all hands and the cook’ after office duties were done, set to work to carry planks, i.e to 'get the machinery of the Act into force. The colony had been divided into divisions and the ratepayers were to be called on to nominate their members; where they, failed to do so the police magistrate made the nominations, and then the whole of the boards were appointed in due course. From the Under-Secretary to the junior clerk all. sat round the long table and filled in the printed forms and passed them along till they reached the man who enclosed them, stamped the envelopes and handed them to the messenger for posting. It was a great work and taxed our best energies. The passing of this Act; of course, removed the principal 'raison d'etre' of the works department, under Mr. Deighton as Under-Secretary; any necessary remnant of work being left to the Colonial Secretary's Department. Most of the officers were retired, or places were found for them elsewhere. Mr. W. A Brown, now chief accountant to the railways, taking Sollieux’s place with us. I was then 'odd man out' Sir Arthur wanted retrenchment, and was sent back to the Police Department as pay clerk to Mr. Seymour, the office I first entered just 44-years ago on the 24th of this month. John Malbon Thompson, though he could not draft bills, was a sound lawyer, and from his office in Ipswich came Sir Horace Tozer, Justice 'Foxton, Heilicar, Havard, Cardew, Curnow and others. He was another of the dear old pioneers, long since gone over the Great Divide. Un doubtedly Sir Thomas McIlwraith was the greatest statesman up to the present that Autsralasia has had, not forgetting Wentworth, Prks, Seddon, Bent, Ballance, Service, 'Billie' Hughes, etc. He left his mark on the Statute Book, and besides this his sagacity prompted him to send H.M. Chester from Somerset to New Guinea just in time to save what the Germans had left of it, and which action was tardily acknowledged by the British Government. I have a picture by me of the hoisting of the Union Jack by Chester and party. Then when the financial crisis of 1893 the banks came crashing down one after another, it was McIlwraith's genius that saved the position by the immediate issue of Treasury notes. Then again who will now question his brilliant statesmanshop in his proposal to build with private capital the three great trunk lines of railway— 'that from Rockhampton to the far ' north, the one from Ltongreach to Point Parker, in the Gulf of Carpenaria, and that from Charleville to Birdsville. Imagine what the settlement would have been by now. The contractors and the Government were to take alternate blocks of land along both sides of the lines. We should have doubled our population by this, and in the seven years drought that the Philp Government had to struggle against stock could have been removed to the coast for fodder, taken out to them. The map I have a copy of it was called 'The Gridiron,' the blocks of land being shown alternately in black and white. I remember Major General Fielding and party of engineers (Mr. 'Joe' Baynes among them), and surveyors, being sent out along the Longreach Point Parker line. It was on this trip 'that the Major General ‘discovered’ the son of an old friend in the present Commissioner of Police (Mr. F. C. Urquhart), who was at once given the opportunity of using his splendid ability and personality which has so benefited his department and placed him at the ''top of the tree'. Talking of railways, I remember the turning of the first sod at Ipswich, and the pretty little toy navvy barrow and spade made of silver-mounted walnut wood, which were afterwards given as a souvenir to the Governor. My father, who was then member for Ipswich, held possession of it pending the presentation. I also remember the opening of the first line from Ipswich to Crantham. I think on that occasion a satin programme was printed, and my father’s copy of this I gave not long ago to Mr Evans, the present Commissioner, and if it is likely to be mislaid or lightly valued I would suggest to Mr. Evans to hand it over to the Historical Society. These old souvenirs will be invaluable in years to come. Our splendid railway system was initiated by another great pioneer — the Hon. Arthur MaCalister, whose name, will go down to posterity. Associated with this work. When the war is over, and things are quieting down— when our boys return wanting work, and when capital /begins to flow our way, as surely will, it is to be hoped that McIlwraith's great railway scheme will be accomplished, not forgetting what has already been done in railway extension. And then it will be time to consider a statue to this great statesman— this Empire builder, who was the equal at least of Cecil Rhodes and others. We have a statue to. T. J. Byrnes in Brisbane, another great statesman cut off on the threshold of his fame by the 'Great Reaper'; another statue in Ipswich to Governor Blackall, one at Warwick to St George Gore, one at Dalby to 'Joey' Bell, and one, the best of them all, Captain Cook's monolith, at Cooktown, a miniature of the Corinthian column, to Nelson in Trafalgar square. Such a monument erected at the intersection of Queen and George streets would be most appropriate. In writing of our statesmen, it would not be right to leave unmentioned McIlwraith’s great rival, and later on his colleague in the Coalition Government. As McIlwraith was the most astute and sagacious of our statesmen, so Sir Samuel Griffith is unquestionably the brainiest and absolute best lawyer and upright Judge in the whole of Australasia. His monumental work lies in the 1884 10 million loan for railway extension, etc., and our splendid Criminal Code, Justices Act, Non-alienation of Land Acts (C B. Dutton was Lands Minister), etc., and the leading part he took in establishing the great Commonwealth. His firmness and keen intellect on occasions have assisted in critical cases to 'save the position,' notably, in a horrible murder case, famous in our criminal history, and in the £10,000 claim by certain conspirators to defraud the railway by barefaced but very clever perjury. Yes, Queensland may well feel proud of her pioneer statesmen, and the late Mr. Charles Hardie Buzacott was not the least worthy amongst them and his name will find its place in our history when it comes to be written. I hope, Mr. Editor, you won't think I have been too long-winded in this-screed, but I know 'old hands' will read these memories with pleasure, and they should be an incentive to the rising generation to emulate the work and win the fame of such men as I have mentioned, remembering, that every soldier in the battle of life under our glorious Constitution carries a possible marshal's baton in his knapsack; remembering, too, Richelieu’s famous phrase, “in the lexicon of youth there is to be no such word as fail” but even to those whose worthy endeavors may fail of fall fruition, it should it should be remembered that “it is not in mortals to command success, but we'll do more Sempronius, we will deserve it.” If they attain to the eminence of the late Charles Hardie Buzacott their ambition should be' satisfied. 
The Northern Herald 15 August 1918

3. Walter Sewell Buzacott 1839-1916
1916 LATE MR. W. S. BUZACOTT
Mr Walter S Buzacott, who died at Woollahra on Sunday, at the age of 78, was a resident of Sydney since 1858. He was closely identified with the beginning of many philanthrope and religious movements, such as the City Mission and the Y M C A. For many years he was identified with the National Shipwreck Relief Society and for a considerable time held the position of chairman. He was secretary of the education League, and was also an active member of the committee which secured the 1st election to Parliament of Mr G H Reid, now Sir George Reid. Mr Buzacott was a prominent Congregationalist. In the Jubilee movement of 1883 he took an active part, and was one of the treasurers of the fund. His work as Sunday School superintendent was maintained for 25 years at Bourke-street Congregational Church, and he held the same position for several years at Homebush. Though for some years his health prevented him from taking an active part his interest in the denominational work was sustained to the last. In recognition of his long service, he was made a life member of the executive committee of the Congregational Union, of the Congregational Home Mission Board, and of the I.M.S Committee. In commercial circles he was well known. He joined Mr A B Armstrong in business as ship chandler, forming the firm of Buzacott and Armstrong, of Market-street. Out of this has grown the present business of Buzacott and Co. Ltd, of which Mr W S Buzacott was chairman of directors. The deceased left a widow two sons and two daughters. His elder brother is Mr. C. Hardie Buzacott. In consequence of Mr Buzacott's death, the monthly meeting of the London Missionary Society has been postponed till Wednesday.
The Week 16 June 1916

1916 FUNERAL OF MR. W. S. BUZACOTT
The funeral of tho late Mr Walter S Buzacott took place yesterday In the Independent portion of Rookwood Cemetery Prior to this a service was held in Pitt-street, Congregational Church, conducted by the Rev N. J Cocks, M A , who was assisted by the Reva. Dr Roseby, R A Thompson, W L Patison, and F V Dowling. In a brief address, Dr Roseby said '"We think of our departed friend as a citizen, and as one of the founders of the Education League. He was also a public spirited man. We think of him as oneof the founders of the Sydney City Mission and of the Y M C A. A striking feature of Mr Buzacott was his mental alertness and buoyancy of spirit - full of energy up to the last. And with reverence we recognise his religious feeling. He feared God, loved his fellow man, and loved the Church of God. We older men remember the splendid service he rendered in connection with Bourke-street Church. His interest in the Sunday-school was a feature in his Church career, and his mastery of finance was a feature of his work on behalf of the Ministers Retiring Fund". The service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev N J Cocks, assisted by the Revs R A Thompson and I Dempsey A large number of mourners attended each service, among whom were representatives of the Sydney City Mission YMCA, Congregational Union of New South Wales, the London Missionary Society, Iron Traders Employers' Association, Sydney Steel Co, and about 70 employees of Buzacott and Co. Ltd. The chief mourners were Messrs Ernest and Walter Buzacott (sons), and W Cuthbertson (son-in-law).
The Sydney Morning Herald 7 June 1916

1916 WILLS AND BEQUESTS
The will of the late Mr. Walter S. Buzacott, a Sydney merchant, who died on June 4, leaving an estate valued at f18,218, has been passed for probate. Testator bequeathed the dividends of 2500 shares in Buzacott and Co., Ltd., to his brother, Mr. Charles Hardie Bnzacott and his wife. The residue of his estate he bequeathed to his widow and four children, Ernest Walter, Walter Verney, Edith Annie Cuthbertson. and Ethel Gertrude Thompson. The income from certain shares in Buzacott, Ltd., are to be paid to the daughters for life, and after their death to their husbands, the shares to then pass to their children. 
The Sun 29 June 1916

4. George Hitchcock Buzacott 1840-1918
George was the first born son of Charles and Louisa Buzacott. Born in South Molton, Devon, England, he married Helen Woodyatt (1849-1928) in Brisbane Australia in 1871

1905 RETIREMENT OF MR. G. H. BUZACOTT
A FAREWELL MEETING - The officers of the G.P.O. in Brisbane assembled in the room of the Deputy Postmaster-General (Mr. G. H. Buzacott.) on Saturday to say farewell to him on his retiring from the public service. Mr. C. E. Bright, Chief Clerk, presided, and among those present were : Messrs. W. Woolcock (acting accountant.), G. R. Bradford (acting electrical engineer), A. C. Bowden (correspondence clerk), J. M'Conachie (senior clerk). S. Smith (mechanician), R O. Bourne (Commonwealth Public Service Inspector), J J M'Donald (president Commonwealth Public Service Association), G. A. Justelius (representing the Post and Telegraph Association), J Power (Electrical Engineer's Branch), W. Woodyatt (acting superintendent of mails), W. Sewell (controller of stores), A. Walters (supervisor, mails branch), H. D. ¡Miller, I. Little, P. E. Walcott, E. A. M'Cullaugh, J. L. Shattock. H. F. Wilkons, T. Stewart. H Wilde. S. If. Smith, F. Currie, and H. E. B. Ward. Mr. C. E. Bright said they had met together under circumstances that were somewhat painful they were assembled to say good-bye to their esteemed Deputy Post Mastcr-Gcneral (Mr. Buzacott), who had been granted six months' leave of absence with a view to his retirement from the service owing to the age limit. The circumstances they all regretted, and he believed the authorities also regretted that such action had to be taken. Mr. Buzacott was one of the oldest officer in the department, and had been in the service since 1869. By his kindly disposition he had endeared himself to all his brother officers, and they all regretted the fact that he was leaving them. (Hear, hear.) Under Mr Buzacott's administration the best of good feeling had existed amongst the men of the service. Mr. Buzacott had taken a great interest in the Pacific cable scheme, which he had very much at heart. So far as the officers of the department were concerned, he believed they had given Mr. Buzacott loyal support, and had done their best to perform their duties. He asked them to drink the health of Mr. Buzacott, and to wish him a long life and every happiness. The toast was drunk with musical honour, and cheers were given for Mr. Buzacott, and one for Mrs. Buzacott. Mr. Buzacott who spoke with very much feeling, said he scarcely knew how to reply to the kind expressions that came from Mr. Bright. He had always fill that he had the conscientious support of his officers, and that feeling encouraged and stimulated him in his efforts on the behalf, he had given the best portion of his life to the service, and had tried his utmost to make it efficient so far as the public were concerned. He knew he had always had the cordial co-operation of his staff, and he took that opportunity to sincerely thank them for the way they had helped him throughout his career. Their kindness had been exceedingly great towards him and he would always look back upon the many happy days he had spent in connection with his work in the department. What the future had for him he did not know, but at the same time he had no doubt that the same Hand that had led him through his whole life would continue to lead him. He did not think he could say more, except to express his heartfelt gratitude towards them, and to trust that they would continue to do their utmost in the interests of the department, and to make it a success as far as Queensland was concerned. (Applause.) At a later stage, Messrs. Woodyatt, Woolcock. Wilkins. Berkman (senior inspector), Boden. M'Donald. and Sewell, on behalf of their various departments and associations, expressed regret at Mr. Buzacott's retirement, and paid testimony to his uniform courtesy to the staff.
The Brisbane Courier 3 April 1905
Back row Helen Buzacott nee Woodyatt, fourth from the left with husband George Buzacott, Mary (Polly) L'Estrange on the far right. The elderly couple seated center are William and Mary Maria Woodyatt, with Elizabeth Mary Alder nee Woodyatt sitting next to the right of William c1898

1918 Death of Mr G. H. Buzacott
By the death of Mr. George Buzacott, which took place at his residence at Redcliffe to-day, the last and youngest of a family of four brothers, who emigrated to Australia in the fifties, and three of whom were closely identified with the development of Queensland has passed away. His only surviving brother, C. H. Buzacott, died in July last. George Buzacott, in 1881 accompanied his eldest brother, William, to Rockhampton to start the first newspaper there, the "Bulletin." Eight years later he joined the post office in Brisbane. The administration was taken over by the Commonwealth Government in 1890, and Buzacott became first Deputy Postmaster-General of Queensland, and continued to hold the appointment until he retired under the age limit regulations in March 1906. He had not been in good health for some time, so the end was not unexpected. The late Mr. Buzacott regarded the completion of the Pacific cable as the crowning achievement of his busy official career.
The Northern Miner 29 October 1918
1918 MR. G. H. BUZACOTT. Mr. George Hitchcock Buzacott, Queensland's first deputy postmaster, and a leader in religious activities in the State, died on Oct. 27 at his home in Redcliffe at the age of 78. The deceased gentleman had had 36 years in the public service, when he retired under the age limit in 1905, having risen from a junior position in the post office to acting under-secretary when the department was transferred to the Commonwealth in 1900. The Federal Government placed him in charge in Queensland and he successfully administered the office for five years. Mr. Buzacott was the youngest of four brothers, who came from Devonshire and left their stamp upon the life of Queensland. They have now all passed away. When he first came out in 1859, he helped his brother William to start the first newspaper in Rockhampton, "The Bulletin," and it was not till eight years later that he left the Press for the civil service. He deeply concerned him-self with the welfare of young people, and helped to found both the Christian Endeavour movement and the Young Men's Christian Association. He married Miss Helen Woodyatt, daughter of the late Mr. J. Woodyatt, of Red Hill, and she survives him. There were no children of the marriage. The funeral took place on Oct. 28, interment at Toowong being preceded by a service at Wharf street Congregational Church. This was attended by many old friends; and a wealth of floral tributes was further evidence of the widespread regard in which the deceased gentleman was held.
The Week 1 November 1918 

The Rockhampton Bulletin
The Morning Bulletin was established in July 1861. It is the second oldest business in the city, the oldest being the Criterion Hotel which was established in October 1860. The original owner, William Hitchcock Buzacott, brought the press and equipment from Sydney in 1861 where he operated a small weekly paper. At the time the paper was called the Rockhampton Bulletin and was eagerly read by the town's 698 residents. The Bulletin's original home was in Quay Street near the old Customs House, in a low wooden building. On August 14 1862, this was burnt down and the presses destroyed. Buzacott quickly obtained new equipment from Sydney.


Source
Buzacott Family QLD Newspaper Pioneers