Henry Gomm
Five-year-old Henry Gomm arrived with his parents aboard the ship “Wallace”, in 1843.
Henry Gomm, photo from:
Standard – Post, 11 August, 1971, p.16
The family went to the gold diggings at Bendigo to try their luck, but with not much success, proceeded to Collingwood, where Henry’s father built houses.
They later moved to Cheltenham from where Henry, at the age of 15, became engaged in fishing at Schnapper Point.
He and his father purchased a craft and fished off Mud Island, but after several successful trips the boat was wrecked off Davey’s Bay and craft and all belongings were lost.
The Gomm Family Home "Glenhoya" *
Henry left for the Port Curtis diggings in Queensland, but after a time returned to the area and married Margaret Monk in 1859.
He built a home, "Glenhoya", in Somerville where all but two of his nine children were born.
He was involved in all aspects of community affairs in Somerville, especially the Mechanics Institute, for which he and his family worked tirelessly.
He was considered the "father" of the Mechanics Institute as he had generously donated the land on which it was built.
An astute businessman, Henry opened the Railway Store and refreshment rooms on the advent of the railway coming to Somerville.
He also built a small shop in Station Street, which was used by Mr. Frank Dyer as a Hairdressing establishment.
He also, at the turn of the century, built a Hotel in Somerville.
Much respected in the area, Henry passed away at his home in April 1917, and is buried in the Mornington Cemetery.
* Photo courtesy of Somerville & Tyabb District Heritage Society
