James Gumm

James Gumm was a member of John Batman's party that was involved in the foundation of the city that became Melbourne [John Batman's Journalhttp://www.slv.vic.gov.au/portphillip/inter/3565.shtml] . While travelling up Salt Water River as part of Batman's party Gumm obtained fresh water by making "a hole with a stick which He did about 2 feet deep and in less then One hour we had a plentifull supply ofgood soft water". The place was named Gumm's Well in his honour. [from Batman's Journalhttp://www.slv.vic.gov.au/portphillip/0/0/1/tdoc/pp0016-055-0.shtml] . A bend of the Maribyrnong River near Keilor was also named after him, but this name is no longer in use [from Batman's Journalhttp://www.slv.vic.gov.au/portphillip/0/0/1/tdoc/pp0016-058-0.shtml] .

Gumm was left at Indented Head while John Batman returned to Launceston to prepare a larger expedition. He was left with three months worth supplies with five other men namedDodd; Thompson; and three Sydney Aboriginals Bullet, Bungett, and OldBull [a description of the party left at Port Phillip in Batman's journalhttp://www.slv.vic.gov.au/portphillip/0/0/1/tdoc/pp0016-073-0.shtml] . Batman put Gumm in charge of setting up the small settlement and gardens [from Batman's Journal http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/portphillip/0/0/1/tdoc/pp0016-075-0.shtml] . While waiting for Batman to return on 6 July 1835 William Buckley appeared at the camp site of John Batman's Port Phillip Association with a party of aboriginals wearing kangaroo skins and carrying Aboriginal weapons [Reminiscenses of James Buckley http://www.slv.vic.gov.au/portphillip/inter/7335.shtml ] .

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