Curiosity got the better of me when I read Captain Holman's letter of 11 January 1859 where he wrote...
I have been abroad six times viz. - to the Philippine Islands, the Brazils, twice to the Canadas and the Native Copper Mines of Lake Superior - to South Africa and lastly to Malacca .
But these were only a few of the countries this Cornish miner explored for mineral wealth.
This is an imaginative reconstruction of historical chronology, pieced together to create a story of incredible adventurism, courage and survival.
From Two Lines is a memoir of my Great Great Grandfather Josiah Holman's life, reconstructed using letters, diaries, family records, newspapers and journals.
While the information in this book is, in the main historically correct, in many instances
I have triangulated dates, events and places in an effort to ensure accuracy. Sections in italics, as above, are taken directly from Captain Holman's letters, journals and numerous reports he wrote to expand the story in his own words. I have also sometimes made assumptions, which may or may not be correct, but have been deduced from the various information provided and gathered through research as an adjunct to create the narrative.
But it is also a family story, a story of the harsh realities of the times, the perilous choices taken that demand sacrifice, daring and endurance to ensure survival of the family.
The hope of making money and again meeting my family in better circumstances sooths the sorrow of being parted and bidding good bye. June 1853
This is an engaging account of history, of exploration and discovery and of people, one in particular Captain Josiah Holman a leading figure prominent during the heady mining boom in Australia in the mid, latter 1800s.
The directors have secured the services of a first-class mining captain-Mr. Josiah
Holman-acknowledged to be one of the most experienced men of his class in Australia.
- Australian Town and Country Journal, 27 Feb 1875
The research has been extensive, from Sherbrooke Quebec to Namaqualand South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, Emeritus Professor Geoffrey Blainey commenting "... carried out a lot of research. My strong impression is that it has been carried out carefully."
