Beanland & King’s Sawmill
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Beanland & King’s Sawmill
A pioneering partnership
In the early 20th century, Edward Thomas Beanland and his brother-in-law John Adolphus King—descendants of two of Woodford’s pioneering families—joined forces to build a sawmill beside the railway line. Their enterprise marked a significant chapter in Woodford’s growing timber industry. By 1913, a railway siding was constructed to support their operations, and their mill became one of the more efficient timber outlets of its time. Their story reflects the entrepreneurial spirit of the early Woodford community.
Edward Thomas (Ned) Beanland (1880-1952)
Family Ties and Timberwork
A pioneering partnership shapes early Woodford industry
By 1912, Edward Beanland—who had arrived in Woodford as a toddler in 1882—and John King—born at nearby Neurum—erected a sawmill beside the railway line north of Woodford Station. With King’s prior sawmilling experience and Beanland’s teamster knowledge, the pair quickly established a productive operation. Newspaper records from 1912 highlight the community’s support and the technical skill brought to the enterprise.
Efficiency on the Line
Railway siding constructed to support timber transport
In 1913, J. Higgins built a dedicated railway siding to assist in timber transport from the site, located on today’s Webb Lane. This investment allowed Beanland and King’s mill to operate with increased efficiency and connect more directly to Brisbane markets.
1936: Survey Map of Woodford
John Adolphus King (1879-1959)
King Takes the Reins
From Joint Venture to Solo Operation
Not long after establishing the mill, Edward Beanland went into partnership with his brother-in-law, John Aldolphus King, who had some prior sawmilling experience. By 1914, Beanland appears to have stepped away from the venture, with records from the Queensland Post Office Directory showing the business continuing under the name King & Co Sawmill in 1915. While the mill only operated for a few short years before it was sold to Peter Neilsen Lovf, opening Lovf’s Sawmill
Efficiency on the Line
Railway siding constructed to support timber transport
In 1913, J. Higgins built a dedicated railway siding to assist in timber transport from the site, located on today’s Webb Lane. This investment allowed Beanland and King’s mill to operate with increased efficiency and connect more directly to Brisbane markets.
1936: Survey Map of Woodford
Photo courtesy of City of Moreton Bay
Ref No: CLPC – P1698
An Early Lease and a Lasting Legacy
In 1894, John King leased out his small four-horse-power mill behind his store to George Seeney and James Green for 4 shillings a week — a move that helped launch two notable timber careers.
Read more about their later ventures Green’s Sawmill » | Seeney’s Sawmill »
Ron Trim
Local Historian Recalls
King established a sawmill in partnership with Tom Beanland. The new mill was situated on the present site of the Woodford Bowls Club, on Webb Lane. In order to enable more efficient transport of the timber, in 1913 a railway siding was built by J. Higgins. The Beanland and King mill was bought by the Lovf family sometime during 1914 to 1916. Lovf built his home, 7 Webb Lane, opposite the mill that still stands today. The mill operated until it burnt down in 1928.
from “Reflection”
by Charles John Eaton 1988
‘The King family was well known in the Woodford area in its early days. The boys got an old steam engine and started to cut some timber on top of the hill where the Woodford gaol now stands. It was the police paddock at that time.’
Early Timber Days in Print
Explore historic news clippings, a detailed survey map, and a rare photo of King’s Store that bring the Beanland & King sawmill era to life. These visual artefacts capture the pioneering spirit of early Woodford industry, offering insights into the people, places, and timber trade that shaped the town’s development.
Extracts from newspaper clippings indicate that King started the sawmill himself and later having the partnership with Beanland.
Extracts from newspaper clippings indicate that King started the sawmill himself and later having the partnership with Beanland.
The mill operated until it burnt down in 1928
Map Showing location today
King's Store
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