James Gumm

James Gumm was a member of John Batman's party that was involved in the foundation of the city that became Melbourne.[1] 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 [sic] One hour we had a plentiful supply of good soft water". The place was named Gumm's Well in his honour. [2] A bend of the Maribyrnong River near Keilor was also named after him, but this name is no longer in use.[3]

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 named Dodd; Thompson; and three Sydney Aboriginals Bullet, Bungett, and Old Bull.[4] Batman put Gumm in charge of setting up the small settlement and gardens.[5] 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.[6]