Stoney Creek, Croome

Croome was originally a grant of 1200 acres to Isabella Croker (nee Reddall) on 21 March 1839. 

Ebenezer Russell, a Scotsman, purchased the property for five shillings (50c) an acre in 1840. Ebenezer cleared the land and planted wheat and potatoes. He later turned to dairying when the wheat failed due to rust disease.

Eventually, the land was converted into tenant farms and leased out to farmers and the little community became known as Stoney Creek.

Ebenezer kept lot 10 as the family farm, which was eventually inherited by his son John, who became one of the most prosperous men in the district.

The original home, wheat mill and farm buildings still remain to this day.

Many pioneering families lived in the Stoney Creek community including the Russell’s, Hamilton’s, Roarty’s, Badans’, Condon’s and McGill’s.



Ebenezer Russell's original home at Croome



The stables on Russell's original farm, Croome



The dairy on Russell's original farm, Croome