Another Australian image of the 19th century, this one is particularly well-taken. Featuring Mrs. J. H. S. Barnes riding on what looks like a lovely summer day in 1898.
Why We Like It
From the State Library of Queensland, the image is super high quality for how old it is and it’s clear enough you can almost feel the afternoon heat. Her horse looks as if it’s been spooked by something behind it, with an ear flicked backwards. The photographer did a great job capturing the moment.
This is an image of my Great-Grandmother, Sara Barnes. Her husband was JHS Barnes who owned Lyndhurst Station. Sara was the daughter of Edward Mytton of Oak Park and many other properties. Sarah’s mother was a Watson from Townsville. An indomitable woman, she rode with great spirit. She loved horses and bread many famous racehorses including, Maytown and Chez Dior. She had two children – CEB Barnes and Keiser Bell of Aroo, Boonah.
At one stage she and her husband controlled 2000 sq miles of country and 40,000 Hereford cattle. Sara and John Barnes moved to Canning Downs, Warwick in 1917.