The Australian Stock Saddle
and the Saddlers that made them
RICHARD E JARMAN 1845 - 1907
Author’s note: Mr Richard Jarman was one of the most extensively researched characters of the saddlers. He was very transient and appeared quite vocal on his accomplishments, which may have led to some torment with his peers, throughout his career. In saying that though, a saddle made by him in Brisbane, has been viewed and inspected by well known Toowoomba saddler, Peter Castles. He commented that his work was exemplary, and that a "true craftsman" had made the side saddle that Mr. Castles had to repair.
However with being so transient, Mr Jarman also had been very influential in taking the design of the “Wagga” saddle with him, once he left the district of its origin. This saddle would have given rise to Jarman’s peers, looking at a more innovative change in the shape of the ensuing stock saddle, and perhaps adapting the design into their own work.
Born in Kent, England in 1845 the date is unknown when he arrived on the Australian shores but we do know that he commenced his apprenticeship with an unknown master in 1860 in Sydney.
In January 1868 the Sydney Morning Herald ran advert wanting a LAD, to travel in the country; one with some knowledge of the Saddlery trade preferred. Apply R. E. Jarman, at Mr. William Collier's, saddler, &c, George-street South.
Seven months later, Jarman again placed an advert WANTED, a BOY. R. E. Jarman, late Myers, saddler, &c, 25, Park-street. So did he do his apprenticeship at Myer’s then went on to work at Collier’s? it is very unlikely that we will ever know.
Ads were continually run in the Protestant Standard (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1895) In 1869:
R.E. Jarman, Saddler, Harness Maker, &c, No. 25, Adjoining the old house in Park-Street, Sydney. Storekeepers Supplied. Repairs of every description.
These ads continued until we find him in the Monaro district in October 1871 announcing a newly formed partnership with a Mr. Hamilton. It read:
“During the week, we were shown, by Messrs. Hamilton and Jarman (the saddlers who have recently commenced business in Cooma), a superior all-over hogskin saddle of their make. It is intended as a gentleman's ordinary saddle; for shape, good workmanship, and evident durability, its equal has seldom, if ever, been seen in this district. There was also on view a stockrider's saddle (made by the same firm), the very appearance of which pronounced it to be comfortable, well-made, and safe. Many other articles in the trade were courteously exhibited; and though these were not particularly showy they were sound, and had a finish that betoken Messrs. Hamilton and Jarman to be workmen of an excellent standing.”
This partnership was obviously doomed as in January 1872 the Monaro Mercury, and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser had this in their newspaper:
We direct attention to Messrs. Carey and Beuke's advertisement, which announces that they have secured the services of Mr. Jarman to conduct the saddlery branch of their establishment. It is scarcely necessary to say that Mr. Jarman is well known in the district, as he was for some time, connected with the saddlery branch of Messrs. Hinton Brothers' business in Cooma. From specimens of Mr. Jarman's workmanship which has come under our own supervision we can confidently assert that he is one of the best workmen in Cooma. His former acquaintance with the particular wants of the district in the way of saddlery; and harness will, no doubt, prove beneficial to those who may favour him with a call; and has unquestionably guided him in the selection of such goods as are peculiarly adapted to Monaro.
So this ad hints at Mr Jarman having been employed by Messrs Hinton Brothers’ Cooma business. Perhaps he was employed previously by Hinton’s prior to the short partnership with Hamilton.
Six months later Carey and Beuke were obviously very happy with the progress the saddlery was making under the directorship of Jarman.
They announced: Notice to the Public. MESSRS. CAREY & BEUKE BEG to inform the Public of Monaro that in consequence of the daily INCREASE of Business since their Saddlery Business HAS BEEN UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF MR. R. E. JARMAN, that find it necessary to increase their Staff of Workmen they have, therefore, secured the services of TWO MORE WORKMEN, in order to meet the enlarged demands for the SADDLERY and HARNESS made at this establishment, which it noted for the EXCELLENCE of its manufactures. They will thus be enabled to turn out all Work not only with dispatch, but also at the Most Reasonable Rates ever offered to the Monaro Public Messrs. C. & B. also solicit all Admirers of GOOD WORK to Inspect the Side-Saddles they are now Making, which they can safely say have NEVER BEEN EQUALLED IN THIS DISTRICT, either for shape, workmanship, or durability the prices being lower than the same kind of Article) can be procured for in Sydney. CAREY & BEUKE, SADDLERS, COOMA.
One month later a bar room bet occurred which led to an article in the local paper. “On Saturday evening last, at the Cooma Hotel, a match for £20 a side was entered into by Mr. T. Potter, saddler, of Massie-street, and Mr. R. E. Jarman, saddler (in Mr. Beuke's employ), of Sharp-street. Each competitor is to make a hogskin side-saddle, one gent's best hogskin saddle, and a plain stock saddle, which are to be completed in two months from the date of match (the 29th June last), sent in cases addressed to the care of Messrs. Binnie of Sydney, and judged there, Mr. Potter also backs the worked saddle he made for Mr. T. O'Rourke against the hogskin saddle that Mr. Jarman has made for Mr. Davis, the terms being £5 a side, and the conditions regarding judges and referee the same as those attached to the preceding match. The stakes, thus increased to £25 a side, are deposited in the hands of Messrs. Heney and Spring, of The Monaro Mercury Office, Cooma.”
On the 4th September the results were in: LATEST SPECIAL TELEGRAM The following telegram, addressed to Messrs. Potter and Jarman, care of Messrs. Heney and Spring, Cooma, has been received from Mr. Richard Binnie 292, George-street Sydney. Mr. T. J. Potter, saddler, of Massie-street, Cooma, has been declared the victor :—SYDNEY Tuesday, 2.50 p.m. Mr Potter is the winner of both matches. Particulars per post.
One wonders how Jarman took this resounding defeat but he was definitely persistent as we find he has now financed himself as on Wednesday 28 January 1874, the Monaro Mercury, and Cooma and Bombala Advertiser this advertisement was run:
R. E. JARMAN, SADDLER, HARNESS MAKER, &c Sharpe-Street, COOMA. The Advertiser in returning his sincere thanks to the public of Monaro for their great support over the last two years wishes to intimate that he having Purchased the Business and Stock-in-Trade of MR. T. J. POTTER, as well as leasing his shop &c. R.E.J. will now be in a position to carry on his business with not only greater facility but with more advantage to his patrons. He would also at the same time solicit a trial from those who have hitherto supported my predecessor when the advertiser will do all in his power to secure their patronage. In conclusion, R. E. JARMAN begs to assure the public generally that it is his intention to continue not only as reasonable as hereto fore, but will be found more moderate , and at the same time give greater satisfaction than any other saddler in the district. Note the address R. E. JARMAN, Saddler and Harness Maker, Opposite the Commercial Bank, Sharp Street COOMA . NB: The highest price for Hides, Beeswax or Horsehair in cash or on exchange
In November of the same year, a scribe ran an article reporting on his true craftsmanship and it reads as follows:
Saddlery. — Mr. R. E. Jarman, of Sharp-street, has on view one of the most handsome specimens of saddlery we have seen, a side saddle. It is most elaborately worked with silk, and made of the best hogskin. The design— which, it may be stated, cost Mr. Jarman five guineas — is beautiful and in keeping with the article. On one side may be seen an array of flowers, above a number of centaurs springing from, as it were, a nautilus shell, forming a very handsome piece of work. In a very prominent place on the saddle is worked a Maltese cross in buff and silk, giving additional grace to its appearance. On the other side is to be seen the Australian Coat of Arms nicely worked with silk, immediately underneath which are initials of the fortunate passenger of this handsome article. The horns of the saddle are also nicely worked, and the whole is surrounded by a very neat roll and scroll work.
A new feature, and a very nice one, too, has been introduced by Mr. Jarman in this saddle. It is the emblazonment of the off side of the saddle with white buff, the design of which has to be cut out with a penknife, and then most carefully stitched on, also, the very peculiar, and happy formation of the pocket, which must prove of great advantage over the usual method.
Again, the surcingle is so placed over the safe, it is fixed at the foot, and thence to the girth. On the whole it is replete in work, splendid in appearance, and a great credit to the maker, whom we heartily congratulate in being able to turn out such a piece of workmanship from his establishment.
Two years later, Jarman has once again relocated, this time to the Riverina. The Riverine Grazier on Wednesday 22 November 1876 reported on the following:
Notice of Partnership. I beg to intimate to my patrons and the public generally that I have entered into partnership with Mr R. E. JARMAN, so long and favourably known in the Monaro district, who has now taken charge of the Hay Branch of our business, and from the fact of Mr R. E. J. being the great prize taker of N.S.W. for saddles, &c., I can confidently promise that in future the requirements of purchasers of saddlery and harness, will not only receive the most prompt attention, but the goods will be of such a description that for workmanship and material they cannot be excelled in the colony. Trusting that the public of the Hay district will give the new firm a fair share of their valued support, I beg to return my sincere thanks for past favours. Signed Robert Cassin
Mr Jarman must have been a very good teacher as the Wagga Wagga Advertiser on Saturday 14 July 1877, had a story was run on one of the hands at the Cassin and Jarman saddlery.
“It is satisfactory to learn that one of our best workmen in Wagga Wagga has received deserved consideration at the hands of the Commissioners of the Sydney Exhibition. Mr. John Dunton, an employee of Messrs. Cassin and Jarman, saddlers of this town, took the prize of a bronze medal for a seamless saddle he made during the hours of his recreation. It is described as a piece of very fine workmanship, beautifully finished, and suggestive of the use Mr. Dunton has made of his time in the study of his trade.”
So once again another partnership had come to an end only eighteen months after its inception. A report in the New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW), on Friday 31 May 1878 read:
NOTICE is hereby given, that the partnership lately subsisting between us, the undersigned Robert Cassin and Richard Edward Jarman, as saddle and harness makers, at Wagga Wagga, Hay, and Narrandera, under the style or firm of "Cassin and Jarman," was on this twenty-third day of May, 1878, dissolved by mutual consent; and that all debts due and owing to or by the late firm will be received and paid by the said Robert Cassin, to whom the share of the said Richard Edward Jarman in the said partnership, assets, and business, has been duly assigned.—Dated this 23rd day of May, 1878. ROBERT CASSIN. R. E. JARMAN
And then comes the big move interstate to Queensland.
An advertisement in the Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld.), on Saturday 29 June 1878 ran the announcement of Mr Jarman’s arrival in Brisbane.
BUSINESS CHANGE. R. E. JARMAN, Prize Saddler late of New South Wales. Successor to the late T. A. COSTIN, QUEEN-STREET, BRISBANE, (Late of the Celebrated Firm of Cassin & Jarman, of Wagga Wagga, Hay, and Narrandera, and formerly of Cooma, Monaro)
BEGS to announce to the Public of Queensland that he has PURCHASED the whole of the BUSINESS in the Estate of the late T. A. Costin, and trusts to meet with a fair share of public rapport. Having had over fifteen years' practical experience in the manufacture of every description of SADDLERY and HARNESS in the two most celebrated districts in Australia for Saddle and Harness — namely, Wagga Wagga and Monaro—and having proved himself the most successful Prize-taker in the Colonies—he having been awarded a Separate Prize for every article yet exhibited at the Sydney and other Exhibitions, for his own personal workmanship; he can with confidence solicit a trial from the public, and guarantees to make a better article at a lower rate of charges than has hitherto been offered in the trade. R. E. JARMAN would also call the attention of every lover of a good saddle to his WAGGA-SHAPE SADDLES, which have earned for themselves an especial reputation, each one of which is guaranteed for perfect Safety to the Horse's Back, Ease to the Rider, and Undeniable Durability. In conclusion, he would state that, having the most efficient Staff of Workmen in the Colony, he is prepared to execute the largest Orders, either wholesale or retail, at a very short notice. Orders by Post forwarded to any part of the Colony— Carriage Free. Price Lists on application. R. E. JARMAN (late T. A. Costin), Wholesale and Retail Saddle and Harness Manufacturer, Queen-street, Brisbane.
And so enters the “Wagga” design of saddle, being announced to all and sundry in the State of Queensland only thirteen years after its inception.
Success, and perhaps for the first time some stability, had arrived for Mr Jarman. Many advertisements of purchases of the businesses of retiring saddlers even required an article in the Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser (Qld.), on Thursday 19 October 1882:
“We learn that yesterday Mr. G. W. Gaynor transferred his saddlery business in Cent-street to Mr. R. E. Jarman, of Brisbane, who is well known in several other parts of the colony, having branches now at Roma, Townsville, Mackay and Maryborough. Mr. Jarman has undoubtedly attained a successful position in his trade, and his enterprising spirit will be welcomed here in so important an industry, Mr. Gaynor, however, will continue to manage the business for, Mr. Jarman until the end of the year, at which time he will transfer his genial presence to the Post Office Hotel as proprietor, on Mr. J, O'Brien retiring from that business.”
Some people were not happy of Mr Jarman’s entrepreneurial skills as reported in the Queensland Figaro (Brisbane, Qld. : 1883 - 1885), Saturday 29 November 1884:
R. E. Jarman, well-known in Brisbane as a saddler, has opened a branch shop in Bundaberg. Boreham swears that they don't want any more Jarman’s up in that district. The Rosewood scrub is their proper place. A saddler should curb his imagination, Boreham, bridle his wit, take a bit easily, and not want to snaffle all the trade.
Left: Mr. Jarman's trade mark for his saddlery
Jarman's Beaudesert Branch of Saddlery with Mr Hemsworth as Manager c1880s
Pic Credit: Beaudesert Genealogy / Beaudesert Museum
The Colonial and Indian Exhibition of 1886 was a very substantial exhibition held in South Kensington in London, and intended (in the words of the then Prince of Wales) "to stimulate commerce and strengthen the bonds of union now existing in every portion of her Majesty's Empire".The exhibition was opened by Queen Victoria, and when it closed had received 5.5 million visitors. Richard Jarman had sent saddlery over to the exhibition and a letter came back stating as follows: “One for Jarman: Mr Hemmant, in London, writes to his friend Mr Stewart in Brisbane, saying, you may tell Mr Jarman that his saddlery is much admired, and it is one of the best exhibits in the Queensland Court.”
Jarman was a very keen exhibitor, however he decried that he was robbed of prizes at the Bowen Park Exhibition (now Brisbane Royal) in 1865 so he ran an advert in the Brisbane Courier stating he was not competing
“Exhibition Bowen Park 1886. - In consequence of the very unsatisfactory manner in which awards were made by unpractical jury-man at the last year's show, I am not this year exhibiting at Bowen Park, but will be prepared to back my case of saddlery and harness, now being exhibited in London at the Indian and Colonial exhibition, on its return to the colony, against any of the goods shown this year in Bowen Park. The following extract from the London Morning Post of 30th June, l886 speaks for itself touching the merits of those goods. "A compliment is due to Mr. R. E. Jarman, of Brisbane, for his admirable exhibits of saddlery, equal to the best European manufacture, both in design and finish." R. E. Jarman, Saddler, Queen-Street.”
In 1887 he decided to go one step further with this announcement in the Queensland Figaro and Punch:
R. E. JARMAN, the well-known saddler of Brisbane, at the close of the Indian and Colonial Exhibition, presented the Prince of Wales with a buckjumping saddle.
"Buckjumping saddle!" Phew! What wonder here falls dump ? By gum! Whoever knew a saddle could buck jump?
I inspected this saddle before it was taken from Queensland to the exhibition. It was richly embossed in chaste and artistic style. It bore the Australian coat of arms on the seat, which is destined perhaps to kiss the seat of Royalty; an illustration of a buck-jumper (Jarman's trade-mark) on the flaps and of a bunch of grapes on each skirt. Jarman has not yet heard what sort of a seat the Prince of Wales has on a buckjumping horse.
The seat of jockey on a course?
Or stockman from the Darr, man ? I'll bet with Wales a bucking horse
Would give him proper jar, man ! Such Reciprocity must faddle
The greatest Free Trade barman ;
Here's Jarman gives to Wales a saddle, Which brings Wales back ajar, man Such Reciprocity must get you
Such facts are hard as nails;
And as to Wales ? When done, I'll bet you
His seat will fee all weals.
Author’s note: This saddle is still on display at the Royal Mews, behind Buckingham Palace
To display further his art of making all things in saddlery, Mr Jarman tried his hand at miniatures, (a fad that was across Australia as in Melbourne Mr Kinnear finally put a stop to the miniature production, when he produced his saddle and placed it under glass in the front window of his shop. The local saddlers all conceded that Kinnear's was the best.)
The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld.), printed the article on Thursday 25 July 1889:
Jarman's Triumph
Some interesting model work has been done by Mr. R. E. Jarman, of Queen street, consisting of two miniature saddles. One is a model of a Wagga saddle, complete in every detail, and executed with a high standard of finish. It weighs only 9 ounces, and which the maker avers would be found to fit accurately any horse sufficiently small, and suit any rider diminutive enough to use it. The other is a side saddle, executed with the same finish and correctness, and which weighs only 13½ ounces. Every part of the saddles is made in exact proportion to the full-sized class, and there is not even a line of stitching in the large saddles, but is represented on a smaller scale in the models. The difficulty of finishing these saddles in a thoroughly workmanlike manner may be gauged from the fact that the horns of the side saddle, an article barely one inch long, is covered with the same number of pieces as a large one, all of which have to be sewn on the inside and then turned inside out. The closest inspection cannot, however, discover the slightest fault in the work, and the maker may well be proud of his achievement in having constructed two of the smallest and most complete saddlery models in Australia. The models are to be mounted and will be exhibited at the approaching exhibition, where they should attract considerable attention and admiration.
The first hiccup in Jarman’s success showed itself in an article in the Darling Downs Gazette (Qld. : 1881 - 1922), Wednesday 15 October 1890, stating that a petition was filed to-day for the liquidation of the estate of R. E. Jarman, saddler; liabilities, £13,622; first meeting of creditors on 30th instant.
He must have successfully traded out of that dilemma as we have him talked about in the North Queensland Register (Townsville, Qld) where he had been interviewed and gave the public a glimpse into his past.
“Mr. R. E. Jarman is undoubtedly the premier manufacturing saddler of Queensland. He not only manufactures for the trade, but has Extensive Retail Establishments in Brisbane and Townsville. His Factory is situated in Adelaide-street, Brisbane, almost at the rear of his shop in Queen street. In the Manufacturing Room some novel labour-saving machinery is in use, the motive power being worked by electricity which is found by Mr. Jarman to be most suitable for his purposes. When but 18 years of age Mr. Jarman was elected to manage-a Saddlery Business in Cooma, N.S.W. There his career as a successful saddler may be said to have commenced. He exhibited saddlery in Sydney in 1875, beating all competitors.
Since that time he has made Exhibition Goods a special feature of his trade, and has pride in showing 15 medals, a silver cup, and a large number of diplomas, amounting in all to over 100 prizes. The saddle shown at the London Exhibition, 1886, (made by Mr. Jarman personally), was presented to and accepted by H.R.H. the Prince of Wales. This saddle is spoken of as a remarkable piece of workmanship, and it stamped the maker as a master of his art. To use his own words he was "driven out of the Murrumbidgee country by the great drought of 1878." He then settled in Queensland, and notwithstanding his great energy and perseverance he has suffered considerably by the wave of commercial depression which has swept over this colony for some time past. Nevertheless he is a man of great industrial resource, the very man for a young country. Mr Jarman caters largely for country and station and his goods are admitted for style and durability to be unequalled in the colonies. Mr. Jarman makes a speciality of Side Saddles, from the ordinary Solid Safe with bag leather seat, to the best Doe-skin Seat. Mr. F. J. Walker, who is Manager of his Townsville Branch, will be pleased to supply photos of all styles and qualities on application.
The Brisbane Courier on 10 August 1893, Mr. R.E. Jarman had, as usual, a captivating display of saddles, twelve in all, the work in some of them being chaste and exquisite. Mr. Jarman’s work is too well known to need commendation; he has had for many years been before the public, and is now willing to match his saddles against any which can be manufactured in any part of the world. The display this year adds another feather to his already crowded cap, and he has good reason to be gratified with the many commendations bestowed upon him so liberally by qualified judges. He also shows some elaborate ladies’ belts (Swiss patterns), the handiwork of his son and one of Professor Gillivray’s celebrated horse turning tackles."
Whether he downsized from his Queen Street position or removed to more spacious shop area we will probably not know but Jarman advertised his relocation in the Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld.), in December 1893:
“Mr. R. E. Jarman his lately removed to fresh quarters at the corner of Edward and Adelaide streets, where he will continue the manufacture and sale of his prize saddlery. Mr. Jarman looks after his own business and supervises the manufacture of all his saddles, harness, portmanteaus, and the like.”
Photo Credit:
So after eighteen years as a resident of Brisbane, Mr. Jarman had obviously decided the pastures were greener in the west, and in February, 1896 we find him in Perth. Jarman had also retained his business in Brisbane. He announced himself with a full page advertisement in the The Inquirer and Commercial News (Perth, WA).
Top first quarter of the full page advertisement in the Inquirer and Commercial
Jarman listed his awards, letters of satisfaction from happy clients and a word or two of the Prince of Wales.
Four months later the distraught Mr. Jarman placed an advertisement stating that he had to return home to Queensland as a result of a “domestic affliction”. Unfortunately his son had died as a result of a ferry accident on the Brisbane River.
The advertisement ran:
R.E. JARMAN, Premier Saddler, &c Hay-street, Perth being compelled to return home in consequence of the above, has determined to relinquish business in Perth and return to his home in Queensland as quickly as possible, for which purpose he is now holding a forced SALE of the whole of his STOCK of first class SADDLERY and HARNESS, Collars, Whips, Bits, Spurs, &c, at Actual Cost Prices for Cab, and, as he has only a limited time to effect a clearance of the whole of his stock, fixtures, &c, no reasonable offer will be refused for anything, regardless of cost.
Come and see. Examine the goods and compare the prices with those of other establishments, and you will be convinced that this is an unprecedented opportunity that may never occur again to purchase a first-class saddle of any description, harness of all kinds, or any other goods in the trade at less than cost and of such a quality as is not to be beaten in Australia, all goods being hand-made; no machine-sewn harness in the whole of the stock; everything first class both in material and workmanship. Come and see for yourselves and make your own offers, as they must be sold. This is a genuine sale, as I must return home as soon as possible.
Remember the Address: R. E. JARMAN, Premier Saddler, Äc, Hay-Street, Perth (opposite Messrs, Shenton & Co.), and at Brisbane.
Three months after his return to Queensland a scribe had interviewed him on the life and conditions in the far west. It read:
A QUEENSLANDER'S IMPRESSIONS.
Mr. R. E. Jarman, saddler, of Edward street, has just returned from an extended business visit to West Australia, and gives some Interesting Information as to the prospects of the colony which has attracted so much attention of late. Mr. Jarman left Brisbane last February with the object of establishing a branch of his business in Perth, and having succeeded in doing so, remained in the colony some ten months. He states that the people there are very hopeful as to prospects of progress, and are showing their faith in the future by investing their earnings in property. The stream of arrivals is as steady as ever, a thousand a week often finding their way to Perth. One week 1300 people arrived in three steamers. Though during last month large numbers left for the East, it was to take advantage of the exemptions granted, and the partial suspension of business, to visit their friends, and not with any idea of abandoning the colony. Mr. Jarman would not advise anyone to go over till next month, when the period of exemption expires, and business will be resumed, and points out that in any case some little store of money is necessary for new arrivals until they can get a footing. He found a number of Queenslanders over there, all well satisfied with their lot, yet retaining pleasing recollections of this colony.
An announcement in the Brisbane Courier (Qld), in November 1897, stated:
IN consequence of the EARLY EXPIRATION of my LEASE, I have determined to CLEAR the WHOLE of my FIRST-CLASS STOCK of SADDLERY and HARNESS. Etc. Including EXHIBITION PRIZE GOODS, at IMMENSE REDUCTIONS to clear, and during the sale of Orders will be Executed Retail AT WHOLESALE PRICED and all Repairing done at a Reduction of 25 per cent.
MY LARGE STOOK MUST BE CLEARED FOR CASH, AT NO MATTER WHAT SACRIFICE
Which the following few quotations will prove:-SADDLE, BRIDLE, and CLOTH complete from £2; BUGGY HARNESS, all Hand Sewn, Best Material, from £1 10s. All other lines equally low. Now is the chance to secure Best Goods at Lowest Rates And Compare with other Makers. R. E. JARMAN, Premier Saddler, EDWARD AND ADELAIDE STREETS, BRISBANE.
Nothing could be found on Jarman until the next advertisement showed up in Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld.), on Wednesday 27 February 1901:
THE AUCTION SALE of the STOCK IN-TRADE of the Jarman Saddler; Company will be CONTINUED on SATURDAY MORNING, at 10 o'clock.
G. B. SHAW, Auctioneer. SALE DAY, MONDAY NEXT, 4th MARCH.
Whether this auction was successful or not Mr. Jarman was announcing to Queenslanders in the Brisbane Courier in June, 1901 stating:
JARMAN, Premier Saddler, &c., has returned to Brisbane, and resumed business at 363 George-street.
Two years later we are back at Perth, and reading between the lines he was not as successful with his business in this state.
West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954), Monday 30 March 1903
DISSOLUTION of PARTNERSHIP. The Firm of Jarman and McLerie, Saddlers, etc., Murray-street, Perth, have this day DISSOLVED by mutual consent. R. E. JARMAN. J.A. McLERIE. Michael Cohen. March 28, 1903
Fremantle Mail (WA : 1903 - 1904), Saturday 5 December 1903
PUBLIC NOTICE. R. E. JARMAN, Saddler, &c (LATE OF QUEENSLAND) BEGS to announce that he has relinquished the position of Manager of the Queensland Saddlery Co., and has arranged to carry on his business in conjunction with Messrs Stephenson and Thomas, at Saddler's Corner, South-ter., Fremantle. Notice Our Windows, See Our Medals, Inspect Our Models. Compare our Prices with others, and you will admit that we give the best value in the State. NOTE OUR ADDRESS
Fremantle Mail (WA : 1903 - 1904), Tuesday 8 December 1903
The New Combine.-~Enterprise is displayed by. that firm of saddlers and harness-makers, Messrs Stevenson and Thomas, of Saddler's Corner, South-terrace, in securing an advantageous combine arrangement with Mr R. E Jarman, the well known Queensland squatters' saddler, who is now working in conjunction with the abovementioned firm. As Mr Jarman and his saddles are known, from one end of Australia to the other, the combination ought to be of mutual-advantage, and certainly a gain to the public. Mr Jarman tells us that he holds more medals and trophies for his work than any other saddler in Australia, and as these may be seen in his window, at Saddlers' Corner, we leave them to speak for themselves. Mr Jarman was, for nearly a quarter of a century previous to the disastrous crisis of a few years ago, the largest manufacturer of saddler's goods in Queensland, when he, like many others, suffered ruinous reverses. However, we hope Mr Jarman will succeed in his new venture.
A Collection of Photo Albums of the Jarman family sold in Perth at an auction house
Photo Credit: McKenzies Auctioneers
The last heard of Richard Jarman is the following from the Inverell Times (NSW), Tuesday 27 August 1907:
Mr. R. E, Jarman (aged 61) passed away at the residence of Mrs. J. Coggan on Saturday last (24 Aug). Deceased had been ailing for about six months, and the actual cause of death was, we understand, an internal cancer. His remains were interred in the local cemetery on Sunday last. The late Mr. Jarman was at one time a prominent business man in Queen-street, Brisbane.
The Queensland Figaro (Brisbane, Qld.), ran a small obituary in the September 1907:
Few of those who knew Brisbane back of five or six years ago, did not know R. E. Jarman, who for many years carried on here the business of saddler. Energetic and straight, a man of decided opinions on many matters of public concern, and fearless in the expression of them, he was highly respected. To those who knew him intimately he was ever regarded with esteem. Mr. Jarman was an active member of the Liedertafel Society, an ardent protectionist, and a good tradesman. He died at the residence of his sister, at Inverell, N.S.W. Mrs. Jarman is living in East Fremantle, W.A.
So ended the career of a brilliant, (if not controversial) saddler, who throughout his lifetime, held onto the fact that he was a master in the art of saddlery.