Captain Samuel Horton (1796-1867)
Having been a Captain in the Merchant Navy and trading in the China Seas for some years, Horton arrived in Van Diemens Land from Calcutta in 1823 aboard the brig Governor Phillip.

He was persuaded to come to Tasmania by his cousin Rev William Horton, the first resident Wesleyan minister in Hobart Town. Lieutenant Governor Sorell granted Horton 1000 acres of land 'near the Ross Bridge' in consideration of the £1640 in goods and cash that he brought with him to the colony.

He lived alone for 10 years in what is now part of Rose Cottage. Emphasis was placed on buildings such as stables, barns etc, fencing and quarters for those who worked here. It was not until all the other dwellings and outbuildings had been finished that Somercotes Homestead was completed and the property was named after the Lincolnshire area where Horton had spent much of his early life.

By 1828 an additional 800 acres were granted. Livestock figures at this time comprised 60 head of cattle, 1000 sheep and 1 horse. Permanent improvements were valued at £827. He was afterwards to considerably increase this holding property by purchase.

A Somercotes turkey checks out the farm

The 1842 census shows that the present Somercotes had been completed. It is described in the return as being built of stone and complete. Twenty-two people were living there, but five were free.

Captain Horton was a recognised philanthropist and benefactor who became actively involved in both church and community affairs. He was a devout Methodist and in the years before a chapel was erected in Ross, made rooms available at Somercotes for church services.

On 9th June 1858, Horton was appointed a Justice of Peace and was later a member of the first Ross Municipal Council. He died in 1867 and was buried in the family vault on College Hill, overlooking Somercotes.

HISTORY LINKS
Captain Horton • Ticket of Leave
Bushrangers • Horton College • The Grounds