Harold John Ulph

Harold John Ulph

After a good grounding in ironmongery in his father's shop at Crown Street, St Ives, Harold took his sales skills to the other side of the world. He became the ultimate travelling salesman. Harold sailed the dangerous 2,500 mile trip between Australia and New Zealand regularly. He also returned to England on business trips. Shipwrecked once, Harold's last resting place was appropriate for such a seasoned traveller. Read on to learn about Harold's life and view photos.

Early life

Born 3 December 1859 at St Ives, Harold's father was the junior partner in an ironmonger's business with his father. Harold's mother, Laura Loisa Daniell, had ten children, Harold the eldest. He spent his early years in Crown Street, St Ives. By 1871, the family lived at 6 Cromwell Terrace, with a domestic servant/cook and a nursery maid. A few doors along lived Harold's grandparents.

In 1881, Harold lodged with Ephraim Levitt and family, whitesmith and local preacher, at New Street, Halstead. His occupation was an ironmonger's shopman. Harold worked as a salesman for Filmer and Mason, ironmongers of Guildford. They made and sold all things iron, from tools to bicycle parts.

Emigration
Harold was in Australia by 1889, giving his residence as Sydney, New South Wales. He listed his occupation as 'merchant'.

Harold travelled back and forth to New Zealand on business over thirty times. The distance is 2,500 miles, and the voyage took a week. In 1892, he met William Minson and his family, who had recently emigrated from St Ives. Christchurch was home to several St Ivians. William set up in business as Minson & Co, selling imported household goods. He advertised as Minson's Cheap Depot and was one of Harold's customers.

Minson's Cheap Depot, many of the goods supplied by Harold Ulph. 

Shipwrecked
In July 1897, Harold was travelling on the SS Tasmania, heading for Dunedin. The ship carried fifty passengers, cargo and horses. After a stop at Gisborne, a storm overtook them. Rounding the Mahia Peninsula, the sea was 'terribly angry and most dangerous ... all human sounds were deadened by the howling gale, and the rushing of the mountains of water which hurled against and over the doomed vessel'. All passengers were below deck and very anxious. Lookouts couldn't see a thing.

Near midnight, the ship struck a rock. Damage was irreparable. From the influx of water, the captain knew the ship would sink within an hour. The calm demeanor of the crew reassured terrified passengers. They transferred all to boats and steered for Gisborne. In the inky blackness, they soon separated. One boat, occupied by eight crew members, capsized in the breakers off Mahanga beach. Six of the occupants drowned. One other crew member and a passenger also drowned. All others reached shore, including Harold.

Artist's impression of the SS Tasmania sinking, 1897.

Harold travelled back to England several times on business. He continued to act as salesman and agent, dealing in anything metal.

Last trip 
In May 1922, he left Melbourne aboard the SS Omar, due to arrive in Southampton in June. The publication Table Talk announced Harold's voyage to the 'Old Country'. Although the trip was for business, Harold was optimistic he could find a little time for pleasure and sightseeing. 

Harold never arrived in England. He died 30 May 1922 of a heart attack, aged 62 years, aboard the SS Omar as it passed through the Red Sea. They buried him at sea. Harold left £3,132 (today £124,000) in his will, shared among his siblings. He is commemorated on one of the Ulph family headstones in Broad Leas Cemetery, St Ives.

To read more about St Ivians who settled worldwide, click Emigrants.