Tuesday 1 September 2020

Eric Daniels and Brenda Adams wedding anniversary

My paternal grandmother Brenda Mary Adams and her first husband Eric Daniels were married at St. Michael's Church, North Melbourne, Victoria on the 1st of September, 1928.

Information on the marriage certificate states that Eric was born at Buncle Street, North Melbourne and Nana was born nearby in Kensington.

Eric gave his parents names as William McDonald Daniels and Florence Mary Powell, yet his mother was named on his death certificate as Ethel Rose Stowell. (the informant was my Nana)

I had found Ethel and William divorced in 1912 and William married Florence Powell in 1913.

Witnesses were Nana's eldest sister, Alice Crowl nee Adams and L. Powell.

I haven't been able to find if  L. Powell was a relative of Eric's stepmother.



A couple of years ago I recorded in a post what I found about  Eric's parents in Trove.

The post is DANIELS family North Melbourne - Trove Tuesday

Brenda Mary Adams age 21 in 1926, two years before she married Eric.
A postcard she sent to her maternal Uncle, Alexander Morgan in New Zealand.

Eric and Brenda went on to have their little boy Ronald Francis Daniels in February 1930.  
They were living at 10 Molesworth Street, North Melbourne at that time.
Tragically Ronald died of Meningitis in December 1931 and Eric died of Hodgkin's disease in January 1932.  An earlier post in Eric's memory HERE


Friday 21 August 2020

Morgan properties in Rowan Road, Derrynoose, Armagh, Northern Ireland

In my recent post Alexander Morgan and Ann Lennon of Rowan, Derrynoose, Armagh, Northern Ireland about working out through Griffith's valuations which house my 3rd great-grandparents, Alexander Morgan and Anne Lennon lived in I thought I'd hit the jackpot with my calculations. 

I was a little bit out.

Thanks to a Facebook post about my findings Caitriona McGinnity referred me to her brother Ronan McAdam who was very knowledgable about the Rowan Road properties.  I'm extremely grateful for their help.

Their Granny, Bridget Morgan had actually lived in the house I had pictured. (below)

Ronan wrote -

"The picture you have of the house along the road with the pink eaves was where my granny was reared no. 40 rowan Road. Plot 32. The lands differ today slightly with some of plot 33 in it. The long narrow field along the road on plot 33 is known as (Fayley's meadow) think it belonged to a Felix Morgan from plot 30. The house in plot 33 is no longer there no one remembers it being there. 

You're right there were quite a few Morgans about. My granny's family were (Art Morgans) there was also (Buck Morgans) and (Miles Morgan) whose family are still around too. 

You have a picture of their house as well, it has been knocked down since though. There was also another Morgan not sure their nickname will try and find out. Old House is still there but long out of Morgan name. Am sure they were all related one way or another down the line. You may be closer related to Felix Morgan. 

My granny's name was Bridget Morgan, she died 15th July 2001. Aged 86. Her brother John died 30th March 1997 aged 86. Another brother Francis (Frank) and a sister Mary (Minnie). Their parents were Thomas (Tommy) Morgan and Catherine (Cate) nee Murphy who came from Rowan as well."

Ronan pinpoints what is now 40 Rowan Road on the Griffiths map.

I'd love to know "Buck Morgans" real name.

Caroline Hughes, a descendant of Miles Morgan agreed with Ronan's calculation that Alexander Morgans plot was this one pictured from Google Maps, right on the bend, just a little further down the road from the above house.


The picture of what was likely Miles Morgan's house from Google Maps which Caroline says was further up at plot 27 on the Griffiths map.


I had also received this helpful information a few years back from the "Ireland reaching out" website.

"The property that Alexander Morgan had in 1864 was plot 33, in Griffiths Valuation, which was a farmhouse, outbuildings and 12 acres of land. (IT would be easy enough to locate today, should you wish to do so. Plot 33 is on the modern Rowan Road, a mile or two west of Keady. Just on the border with Co Monaghan.) Immediately beside him were 6 other Morgan households which are likely to be relatives of his. The revaluation records show the property changing to Francis Morgan junior in 1874 which normally indicates Alexander had died by that year. Francis acquired the adjacent plot 33 in 1887 increasing his property to just over 15 acres. The property changed to Bridget Morgan in 1901 and then again to Thomas in 1907. Thomas purchased the property in 1914 under the Land Act (prior to that it had been rented) and he remained the occupant when that set of records end in 1929."




Saturday 18 July 2020

Ann Jane Thompson nee Fleming

Ann Jane Fleming was the firstborn daughter of William Finlay Fleming and his wife, Ann Jane Knight.
She was born on the 7th of March 1853 at River Plenty, Victoria, Australia.

A couple of years later the family were at Creswick, Victoria where Ann's brother William James Fleming was born in 1855

They remained in the general area and Ann Jane met Arthur Thomson who was a musician born in Birkenhead, England.
Ann and Arthur Married at the Manse in Creswick on the 11th of November 1870.
Witnesses were her parents.

Arthur's parents on his marriage were listed as John Abraham Thompson and Martha Williams.

Marriage record 4224 / 1870 Ann Jane Fleming and Arthur Thompson

Ann gave birth to twelve children in the following years.

Their first son, Arthur Fleming Thomson was born at Creswick in 1871. Birth reg # 8456 / 1871


They had moved to Inglewood where Ann's parents were living at the time and their daughter Louisa was born there in 1874, birth reg # 9495 / 1874


Jane was born next back in Creswick in 1875. Birth reg # 8307 / 1875
 followed by Blanche in 1877, birth reg # 1398 / 1877
 and Florence in 1880, birth reg # 14322 / 1880
  both at Castlemaine.

1883 saw them in the Nathalia area where Ann's parents had settled to farming at Kotupna and it was there that Thomas was born in 1883, birth reg # 6952 / 1883
 Selina in1884, birth reg # 15286 / 1885
 Laura about 1886 but no birth registration found and Emily Augustine in 1887. birth reg # 25982 / 1887
(I wonder if Emily was known as Laura?)


There were ten children listed on Ann Jane's death certificate in 1925.  Ethel and Emily weren't listed.  
perhaps either Emily died either at birth or as an infant but I can't find a death registration so maybe she is Laura?

Death record 13936 / 1925, Thompson, Ann Jane Hotham East Victoria


After Emily, it seems that Oliver was born at Elmore, then Ethel in 1889 at Kerang but I can't find their birth registrations. 
Bertha Elsie Adeline was the last born in 1891 at Minyip and her birth was registered but father's name not given.

I haven't been able to find a death for Arthur Thomson but according to some records found for their later children, he was deceased before 1893.

Perhaps this was what set Ann on her difficult times. 
Unless there are family stories out there we may never know.

Bertha's granddaughter, Joy Parker, who was a DNA match to me in Ancestry contacted me to ask if I knew anything about her grandmother being a State Ward.

I knew where to look for the records at the Public Records Office Victoria website and lo and behold 6 of the youngest children,  Thomas, Selina, Laura, Oliver, Ethel and Bertha were all made Wards of the State in 1893.

A Mrs Faulkner in Bendigo was Foster carer to most of the children.

Following are transcriptions of those records as far as I could read them.

Thomas Thompson No. 19164
Date of Birth:   29 - 3 - 83
Native Place:   Kotupna 
Religion:  C of E
Date of Committment:   1 -9 - 93
Committing Bench:   Nhill
Cause of Committment:  Neglected
Expiration of Term:  29 - 3 - 1901

Previous History Of Child -
Father-  Arthur Thompson, Deceased
Mother- Ann Jane Thompson, character bad of drunken habits.  at present doing 3 months in gaol for vagrancy.

Relations- Brother 19170  Sisters 19168, 19169, 19171 & 19172

Subsequent history of relations:  
Cut off all communication between Mother & Children says secretary 4 - 9 - 93
Grandfather & Grandmother Wm Findlay and Jane Knight Fleming also Uncles James, Donald & Findlay Fleming are farmers in good circumstances at Kotupna Victoria & good repute.  In P office Kotupna G94/3646 of 28 - 5 -94  still there on 13-1-95 G 95/320 In Post office Koyuga.  G95/4838 of 30-7-95 In still there on 14-10-95 G95/6774 In Post Office.  ? ? on 7-2-96 G96/1057.  Sister J Thompson ? St,  ? on 13-7-96 G96/5076, M Mrs A J Thompson, Womboo Hotel, Womboo, N S Wales G97/1504, ? Womboo NSW G97/6227 17-8-97 Sister Mrs Frauenfelder Black Range PO ? Albury

PRO Victoria SERIES:Ward Registers (known as Children's Registers 1864 - 1887)
CITATION:VPRS 4527/ P2  item Vol. 15, record page 137


Selina Thompson No. 19168
Date of Birth:   11 - 3 - 84
Native Place:  (Nathalia) Katupna (sic)
Religion:  C of E
Date of Commitment:   1 -9 - 93
Committing Bench:   Nhill
Cause of Commitment:  Neglected
Expiration of Term:  11 - 3 - 1902
 ? not to be extended for ? mandate ?

Previous History Of Child -
Father- & Mother } See folio 137

Relations- Brother 19164 & 19170  Sisters 19169, 19171 & 19172

Subsequent history of relations:  see folio 137

Subsequent history of child
Where Stationed
Date:  2 - 9 - 93  Girls depot, 20 - 9 - 93  Girls Depot, 14 - 1 - 95   Girls Depot, 31 - 12 - 98   Girls Depot
        20 - 12 - 99   Training Institute,  31 - 7 - 99  Training Institute,  22 - 2 - 01 Training Institute
             Training Institute, Training Institute (see ? orders?)
          
Date: 14 - 9 - 93    
Foster Parent:  Mrs Faulkner, Bendigo
1 - 2 - 95 Rel? Mrs Faulkner

With whom & where licensed:  
1 - 10 - 97  Mrs Galbraith Forest St Bendigo, 14 - 5  - 98 Mrs Noonan ? street Benalla.
             30 - 5 - 99 Mrs Gray Vale st East Melbourne. 5  - 8 - 99    Mrs Smaile, ?
  4 - 3 - 01 ?,   18 - 11 - 01 ?,   26 - 11 - 01 Mrs Shindrow? Balwyn Rd, Canterbury

Date of Discharge:   22 - 12 - 93
Manner of Discharge: ? page 137

PRO Victoria SERIES:Ward Registers (known as Children's Registers 1864 - 1887)
CITATION:VPRS 4527/ P2  item Vol. 15, record page 141

Laura Thompson  No. 19169
Date of Birth:   14 - 9 - 86
Native Place:   Nathalia
Religion:  C of E
Date of Committment:   1 -9 - 93
Committing Bench:   Nhill
Cause of Committment:  Neglected
Expiration of Term:  14 - 9 - 1904

Previous History Of Child -
Father- Mother - } See folio 137

Relations- Brother 19164 & 19170  Sisters 19168, 19171 & 19172

Subsequent history of relations:  see folio 137

Subsequent history of child
Where Stationed
Date:  2 - 9 - 93     Girls depot, 20 - 12 - 93  Girls Depot, 14 - 1 - 95    Girls Depot.
     more writing but too faint to read
          
Date: 14 - 9 - 93    Foster Parent:  Mrs Faulkner, Bendigo, 1 - 2 - 95 Rel? Mrs Faulkner

Date of Discharge:   22 - 12 - 93
Manner of Discharge: on probation sec 30
SS ? Act ?
Mrs Fleming of Kotupna

State of Health when Discharged
30 - 5 - 02  ???
Has gone to sister Mrs W Frauenfelder   
Black Range N S Wales No 5282

PRO Victoria SERIES:Ward Registers (known as Children's Registers 1864 - 1887)
CITATION:VPRS 4527/ P2  item Vol. 15, record page 142


Next is the interesting record.  

It appears that Oliver had a different father.

Morris, August, Oliver Thompson
No. 19170
Date of Birth:   14 - 8 - 89
Native Place:   Elmore
Date of Committment:   1 -9 - 93
Committing Bench:   Nhill
Cause of Committment:  Neglected
Expiration of Term:  14 - 8 - 1907

Previous History Of Child -
Father-  August, Henry, Sherlock, Zimmerman, Oyster Saloon ? Benalla
Mother- Ann Jane Thompson

Relations- Brother 19164  Sisters 19168, 19169, 19171 & 19172
The mother states Zimmerman is in good circumstances.  She states he has a house at Warracknabeal for which he accrues? 16/6 per week rent she also believes he has property in Portland and Kerang.  The justices refused to make order against him on the statement of the woman only

Subsequent history of relations:  
see folio 137  Mother's address P. Office Kotupna G94/1804 of 13-3-94 ? page 137

Subsequent history of child
Where Stationed
Date:  2 - 9 - 93     Girls depot
          
Date: 14 - 9 - 93    
Foster Parent:  Mrs Faulkner, Bendigo

With whom and where Licensed        
11 - 9 - 02    Mr Geo J Butcher Campaspe

PRO Victoria SERIES:Ward Registers (known as Children's Registers 1864 - 1887)
CITATION:VPRS 4527/ P2  item Vol. 15, record page 143

Transcription of Record for 

Ethel Thompson No. 19171
Date of Birth:   3 - 12 - 89 (3 - 12 - 90 crossed out) Notation under date of birth that I can't decipher
Native Place:   Kerang
Date of Committment:   1 -9 - 93
Committing Bench:   Nhill
Cause of Committment:  Neglected
Expiration of Term:  3  - 12 - 1909 (3 - 12 - 1908 crossed out)

Previous History Of Child -

Father- Morther -  See folio 143
Relations- Brothers 19164 & 19170  Sisters 19168, 19169 & 19172
Subsequent history of relations:  see folio 137

Subsequent history of child
Where stationed:
Date:  2 - 9 - 93,  5 - 10 - 07, 10 - 4 - 07, 29 - 7 - 08 
Depot: Girls Depot
          
With whom and where boarded out
Date: 14 - 9 - 9 Foster Parent:  Mrs Faulkner, Bendigo

With whom & where licensed:  
11 - 12  - 03 Mrs Butcher?, Colbinabbin
8 - 4 - 04 Mrs Jno Cail? Kamarooka
            1 - 12 - 04 Mrs Reeves, ? King St.  Bendigo
                   23 -10 - 06         Mrs Moloney, 28 Denmark Hill? Road, ? Hawthorn
6 - 2 - 07 Mrs Jenkins, 76 Highbury Grove, Kew?
                      1 - 5 - 07 Mrs Westwood, St Helens, Cochrane St, Elsternwick

State of Education when Discharged
1 - 8 - 08  (I can't decipher it)

PRO Victoria SERIES:Ward Registers (known as Children's Registers 1864 - 1887)
CITATION:VPRS 4527/ P2  item Vol. 15, record page 144

Transcription of Record for 
Bertha Elsie Adaline Thompson No. 19172
Date of Birth:   17 - 9 - 91
Native Place:   Minyip
Date of Committment:   1 -9 - 93
Committing Bench:   Nhill
Cause of Committment:  Neglected
Expiration of Term:  17 -9 - 1909
Extension of term unnecessary
If Vaccinated:  (there is a notation that I don't understand)

Previous History Of Child -

Father- Mother - See folio 143
Relations- Brothers 19164 & 19170  Sisters 19168, 19169 & 19172
Subsequent history of relations:  see folio 137

Subsequent history of child
Date:  9 - 93 Girls Depot

Date: 14 - 9 - 93 Foster Parent:  Mrs Faulkner, Bendigo
With whom & where licensed:  
17 - 9 - 04 Mrs Faulkner, Kangaroo Flat
  2 - 2 - 05 Mrs Reeves, Bagshot 
17 - 2 - 06 Mrs Morris, Kamarooka
18 - 4 - 06 Mrs M J Watts, Kamarooka
 1 -10 - 06 Mrs ?, Kangaroo Flat


PRO Victoria SERIES: Ward Registers (known as Children's Registers 1864 - 1887)
CITATION: VPRS 4527/ P2  item Vol. 15, record page 145


About these records

"What is in these records?
Language warning

The language used in these records can be distressing or offensive. It reflects the attitudes of the time and PROV does not endorse these attitudes.

The ward registers might record:       
name
sex 
date of birth
birthplace 
religion 
ability to read or write
cause of admission to State care 
dates of admission to State care
the court which ordered the child to State care 
term (length of time to be in State care)
details of parents and other family members (if known)
vaccination details (if known)
where stationed  (location and date of placements in government or government-approved private institutions)
if ‘licensed’ or ‘boarded out’ (dates and location of placements of children made with named, approved individuals within the community)
From late 1880 children in State care for their protection were mostly placed with approved private individuals within the community through ‘licensing’ / apprenticeship or ‘boarding out’  arrangements. Formal State organised adoptions of wards of the state commenced when the Adoption of Children Act 1928 became law in July 1929."

Ann Jane Thompson died of apoplexy and cardiac failure on the 26th of December, 1925 at 15 Vale Street, North Melbourne.

I've been trying to see if I can find out anything further about her later life.

Thanks to Lenore Frost for pointing me to this Melbourne Metropolitan Board of Works Map from 1897, held by the State Library of Victoria http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/120816
which shows 15 Vale Street where Lenore says would have stood a row of narrow-fronted terraces right on the street which around Melbourne were often widow's rentals.

I had to chuckle at the name of the lane the little red arrow is pointing at.  Hit or Miss Lane!

Again thanks to Lenore looking in the Sands & Mc online at the State Library for the year 1925, living at 15 Vale Street was a John M Gallagher.  
In the electoral roll, I found a John Michael Gallagher living for some years with his wife Susan at 2 Vale Street.  It appears Susan died in 1924.
Perhaps John owned 15 Vale Street.


I looked in the 1924 electoral roll for Ann Jane Thompson and found her living at 13 Vale Street.

Still searching, to be continued...........

Sunday 28 June 2020

Alexander Morgan and Ann Lennon of Rowan, Derrynoose, Armagh, Northern Ireland

Alexander and Ann Morgan, lived in Rowan Road, Derrynoose, Armagh in 1864 and I'm pretty sure the house is still there and pictured below. (from Google maps)

​A message board reply to my query quite a while ago is as follows.

"The property that Alexander Morgan had in 1864 was plot 33, in Griffiths Valuation, which was a farmhouse, outbuildings and 12 acres of land" which fits with Griffith's valuation taken in 1864. 

Google Maps street view




The old buildings are even shown in the old map

  
Google Maps satellite view



Children of Alexander Morgan and Ann/Nancy Lennon:

Born - 1827 Derrynoose, Armagh, Northern Ireland
Married - Annie Bloomer (to be confirmed)
Died - Unknown, United States of America

*
Born - 1829 Derrynoose, Armagh, Northern Ireland
Married - Margaret "Alice" Kelly
Died - 24 Feb 1880 Essendon, Victoria, Australia
Cause of death - Chronic Alcoholism
Buried - Melbourne General Cemetery

*
Born - 1833, Derrynoose, Armagh, Northern Ireland
Married - Bernard Clark
Died - 8 August 1863 Inglewood, Victoria, Australia
Cause of death - Inflammation of Lung
Buried - 10 Aug 1863 Inglewood Cemetery

*
Born - 1838 Probably Derrynoose, Armagh, Northern Ireland
Married - Thomas Gaffney
Died - 31 March 1912, Collingwood, Victoria, Australia
Cause of death - Bronchitis and Mitral regurgitation
Buried - 2 April 1912 Melbourne General Cemetery

*
Born - 1831 Probably Derrynoose, Armagh, Northern Ireland
Married - Catherine McAdam
Died - 17 April 1937 at Pennsylvania, USA
Cause of death - Septicemia from an infected hand
Buried - St. Michael's Cemetery, Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, USA

*
Born - 1846 Derrynoose, Armagh, Northern Ireland
Married - John Courtney
Died - 4 August 1935 Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, USA
Buried - St. Michael's Cemetery, Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, USA
*

Born - 1847 Derrynoose, Armagh, Northern Ireland
Married - James Fitzgerald
Died - 28 December 1920 Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, USA
Cause of death - Endocarditis
Buried - St. Michael's Cemetery, Bethlehem, Northampton County, Pennsylvania, In USA

​*

In John, Bridget and Margaret's Victorian certificates Alexander Morgan's occupation is
farmer.
Bridget, 21 years and Margaret 19 years both Farm Servants, were sponsored by a Mrs. Morgan, sister in law of Flinders Lane Melbourne.
I haven't yet found this Mrs Morgan.
Do they have a brother named Felix?

*

In searching for any further record of Alexander and Agnes/Ann Morgan I found one Alexander Morgan at Rowan, Derrynoose in the Griffiths Valuation for Ireland and a death record for 1870 in the Parish of Keady. 

Derrynoose RC church is included in Parish of Keady. 

© Copyright Dean Molyneaux and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Derrynoose Roman Catholic Church, Armagh, Ireland


Also in that Parish was the death of an Agness Morgan in 1869.

I purchased the Alexander Morgan death certificate (below) but cannot yet confirm with certainty that these are my ancestors.

If this is our Alexander Morgan then the death of Agness above isn't ours as she was listed as a widow.

Catherine Murphy who was the informant was a close-by neighbour.

Perhaps, once all Alexander's children had emigrated, Catherine kept an eye on Alexander's welfare.




Monday 11 May 2020

Photo wish list

I have been extremely lucky over my years of research in having found or been given some fantastic photos of ancestors and family members.

To those many people who have shared photos with me over the years, I can't thank you enough.

Today I happened to notice in the pedigree view of my family tree that in my first four generations I am missing photos of only three of my ancestors.


So I made up a wish list image in the hope that one day the universe may smile on me and fill in these blanks on my paternal side.

John Adams parents were George Adams and Catherine Barry



John Morgan's parents were Alexander Morgan and Ann Lennon


Wednesday 6 May 2020

Stanley Raymond Tuckett


Stanley Raymond Tuckett was born on the 8th of March 1919 in Kensington, Victoria, Australia.

 He was the second eldest son of Ambrose Percival Tuckett and Violet Maude Gibb.

Stanley married Hazel Stephens on the 14th of August 1939 at Collingwood, Victoria.

He was a painter and decorator. 
Hazel and Stanley.
Photo courtesy of their daughter Lynne Evans.

Stanley served in the Citizens Military Forces from the 26th of March until the 20th of October 1942.

Stanley in uniform
Photo courtesy of his daughter Lynne Evans.

Stanley enlisted and served with the Australian Army Ordnance Corps.
He served in the Army from the 21st of October, 1942 until the 1st of February, 1946.

At the time of enlistment Stanley and Hazel were living at 2 Kiewa St, Clifton Hill, Victoria.
Sadly, in 1943, their firstborn son Raymond Lyle Tuckett passed away aged only 9 months.


  • 17-03-45 Transferred in from 3rd Australian Base Ordnance Depot
  • 10-03-45 Embarked Townsville per Katoomba
  • 17-03-45 Disembarked Jacquinot Bay (New Guinea)
  • 14-04-45 Evacuated to 2/8 Aus General Hospital* (Tonsilitis) and ? x list
  • 28-04-45 ? 2/8 AGH to unit
  • 28- 04-45 Rejoined Unit from 2/8 AGH
  • 07-07-45 Promoted Corporal (clerk)
  • 20-12-45 Appointed Lieutenant Sergeant
  • 04-01-46 Transferred to Leave and Transit Depot Vic* for discharge
                     
Photo from
https://www.navy.gov.au/hmas-katoomba
   
        
* Part of the 2/8 Australian General Hospital at Jacquinot Bay, New Guinea
At some stage during his war service, Stanley contracted Malaria and suffered relapses throughout the rest of his life.

Stanley and Hazel went on to have a daughter and another son during the war. 

In early 1946 Stanley was transferred to the Camp Pell leave and transit depot at Royal Park, Parkville for discharge.



Camp Pell leave and transit depot
After the war, Hazel and Stanley had two more daughters.

Stanley passed away on the 24th of April 1972  and Hazel on the 20th of June 2015.




Saturday 4 April 2020

Herbert Hulme Obituaries

On a long-planned trip to the State Library of Victoria with my friend Jenny back in early March this year, before all this coronavirus craziness began, we did some searching of the newspaper archives.
This was my first experience accessing the newspaper archives at the SLV. 
Thanks for your very helpful tuition, Jenny.

I found obituaries related to my Nana's (Daisy Fleming nee Morgan) maternal Uncle Herbert Hulme.


Photo from Daisy Fleming's photo album

Chronicle Despatch Wednesday, October 8,1969 Page 12


Chronicle Despatch Thursday October  9, 1969 Page 10

Chronicle Despatch Friday October 10, 1969 Page 10

Chronicle Despatch Oct 20 1969






Tuesday 3 March 2020

Edward "King" Hulme, (1818 - 1904) "A settlers 35 Years Experience in Victoria, Australia 1856-1891"

My 3rd great grand uncle, Edward "King" Hulme, (1818 - 1904) wrote a small book called  "A settlers 35 Years Experience in Victoria, Australia 1856-1891"

I am lucky to have a copy that my Mum found online some years ago.

Below are a couple of excerpts from the book.

Introduction
In giving this little “Life Sketch,” I am actuated by a desire to assist many, not only hard-handed men in the “Old Country,” but many soft-handed ones also, as I was, and especially those who have large families, as I had, and who are struggling for a living, and see but little hope for the future in the already over-crowded hive in the “Old Land,” and a still poorer prospect for the new swarms; I, therefore, think a little advice and encouragement to those desirous to “cast off,” from one who has been through it all, will be welcomed by many, ------ E.H.


SKETCH OF MY ARTIST LIFE
When living in the, Old Land," over 35 years since, I belonged to a class of which there are many thousands ‑ a struggling professor and of the class I have designated as “ soft‑handed." I was an artist by profession; studied from a child; never did anything else; and in I850 and I85I had so far advanced in my profession to have the honour of having my works hung in a creditable position on the walls of the Royal Academy of Arts, of which I was also a student.
I married rather young (at 25), and soon had little ones running round. I started fairly well in the neighbourhood of London, at Clapham, adding teaching. Just about this time (I8I7) artists were invited by the Government to send in specimens of their works for exhibition in Westminster Hall, for competition for the decoration of the new Houses of Parliament, then just finished. I was rather too young and inexperienced an artist for so great and honoured an undertaking; however, I thought I would venture. I got my large picture finished, but from over‑study, excitement, and anxiety, my health gave way. I contracted nervous typhus fever, and consequently could not finish the other one, which was required by the Commissioners to enable me to Compete. But Sir Chas. Eastlake, the President, whose letter I still have, said my painting ‑ under the section of “Scriptural Allegory," subject, “The King of Kings and Lord of Lords "‑ though not entitled to compete, could, if I liked, be hung in the vestibule of the hall; which was an honour I gladly consented to.
On getting up from my long and dangerous illness, my medical advisors persuaded me to go to a milder climate for perfect restoration, and to give up my profession for a time, at least to do very little painting. South Devonshire was recommended. We therefore left our home at Clapham, and took up our residence about four miles from that lovely spot, Torquay. To our residence was attached a small farm and splendid orchard. In this beautiful climate I soon regained my strength. I did all sorts of labour on the farm, so that I got a general insight into all sorts of farming work. This I found exceedingly useful since taking to farming in Australia.
I found many kind friends in Devonshire. (I cannot help naming the Savile family. God bless them for their kind patronage and introduction in my profession!) We resided in Devonshire about four years. We then came again to London, but found a difficulty in looking up a connection again, had to fill up my time in decorating in the various courts of the Crystal Palace, at Sydenham, just then being erected. I however, saw but little prospect of advancing in my profession, or even making a living, and less prospect for a large and increasing family, we having by this time seven children, six boys and one baby girl, besides I had contracted a great taste for rural life while in Devonshire. We were determined therefore to depart for Australia, the land of gold.
The goldfields being at that time in full swing. A wide field indeed for enterprise, and anticipated prosperity, with God's blessing, for, I am happy to say, I had long sought His grace and guidance, and committed my ways unto him, and was sure He would guide our steps.
In the first place, I applied to the Commissioners of Emigration for a situation as schoolmaster for the voyage, on a Government emigration ship, my wife to act as matron. I presented letters of recommendation, one from the Bishop of London (Blomfield). I was well known to him, as Fulham, near London, where he resided, was my native place. The commissioners said my letters were more than enough, but desired to know the number of children I had. On hearing the number they informed me that they regretted to say that, according to to their regulations, this would be a bar to my appointment. Three I think was the number allowed.
This was a great blow to us, as we should have saved our passage money, and had a salary besides. I think about I50 pound as schoolmaster, and wife as matron. Parties told me I could have managed it if I had liked, by getting some of the passengers to take the other four children, but this I could not do from principle. To pay our passage in a general passage ship, therefore, exhausted all our little means.
FAREWELL TO DEAR OLD ENGLAND
We did intend taking our passage in the new ship "Schomberg" just launched, owned by the "White Star Company". On enquiring at the London office, they informed me that I could send our goods on at Liverpool, but they would not be put on any ship until our passage money was paid, and that I could find them in the company warehouse at Liverpool, consequently, I sent the goods on. We could not however get ready to go by the "Schomberg". On arrival at Liverpool, and enquiring for our luggage, I found it had been sent on in that vessel.
Now the fate of that fine new ship, I presume is generally known. The captain had a bet with the captain of the ship "Kent", a well known clipper, and declared "if he did not beat the "Kent" he would knock the "Schombergs" bows in". On hearing that the "Kent" had made the passage before him, the "Schomberg" was wilfully run on shore just a little way from Cape Otway. Luckily it was fair weather and the passengers and crew were taken off, but with only the luggage they could carry in their hands, there being only just standing room on board the rescuing steamboat. The "Schomberg" became a total wreck.
This I suppose, is one of the most wicked and shameful incidents that ever happened on the shores of Australia. We took our passage in the next ship, the good ship "SULTANA" from Liverpool, on the 2Ist October, I855.
MELBOURNE AT LAST
We were thankful to arrive safely, after a fine passage of 8I days. We arrived off Cape Otway in the night, and stood 'on and off' until daylight when the pilot came on board, and the first thing he told us was the loss of the 'Schomberg'.
Well of course, we then knew also that all our goods were at the bottom of the sea. We were thankful though, that we did not ship on board that ill fated vessel, but ought we to attribute her loss to fate? No! It was wilful wickedness. I regretted our loss the more as my Westminster Hall picture was among the things lost, as it was the highest class work I ever attempted.
OFF TO THE DIGGINGS.
I started alone with swag, blankets, billy, pannikin, etc., in orthodox style, for a 200 miles' tramp through the bush. (See frontispiece.) This, however, was not much of an undertaking for me, as I was a great pedestrian, could do my six miles an hour easy, and often over 50 miles per day on my sketching tours in the “Old Country;" being tall (fully six feet), I had a good stride. At that time the Sydney Road was only formed a few miles out of Melbourne, and from the Rockey Waterholes to the foot of the Big Hill (commonly then called Pretty Sally's Hill) was swamp ground. I found a difficulty in getting over this; I had to tread the thistles down for miles to prevent bogging, and it was raining fast. The contractors were just forming the road, and on the first rise on the other side of the swamp the camp was formed. The men had knocked off on account of the rain. Just as I was level with the camp, I beard my name called out in true Irish accent, and out ran one of our shipmates to greet me. He occupied the next berth to us on board ship, and was ill a great part of the way. He had been a tradesman in Dublin. He was lively enough now, as he grasped my hand and cut a real, Irish caper, with “Hurrah! for Australia and I4s. a day, and wood and water”! He was driving one of the contractor's drays. He wanted me to stay, as it was far into the afternoon, but no ‑ my alloted mileage was not done, so I marched on.
My first night's ”bushing” was a strange experience. Rolled up in blankets, at the foot of a gum tree, I had not turned down long (I cannot say turned in) when I was conscious of something being upon my shoulder, and, cautiously turning roundsaw an animal perched quite innocently there. It was an opossum. I presume he did not recognise me from a log.
He appeared quite content to sit there until I gave him a cant and sent him some distance off.
This " camping out" is not at all an unpleasant experience, as many might think, and this was a splendid moonlight night. At that time it was far more safe to keep clear of restaurants and shanties as they were the resort of the vilest characters. Neither was it safe to camp out alone with a fire at night, as this was an attraction, and you were pretty sure to get objectionable company. The plan, therefore, generally adopted, was to boil the billy for tea, then, after tea, leave, and go on a little distance in the dark, and turn off the road or track into the silent bush, and roll up in your blankets; thus you avoided unpleasant company. I got through in about seven days. I passed through the famous “Woolshed Diggings," where the rich claims were, and where the men had to wash the gold off their boots when they left work. There was a “ strike'' on just then. The claim‑holders wanted to reduce the wages to £I per day.  I was interviewed, and offered work at that price, but of course, I refused, as I was on my way to join my wife's brothers. I then went on through Beechworth – Spring Creek diggings. The scenes on the diggings were strange and novel to me. Beechworth was the chief centre of the mining district, and the other diggings around were named by the distance from Beechworth, thus – “ The One Mile,"  “ The Three Mile," and “The Nine Mile." This last was my destination. It was also called "Snake Valley," from the  winding course of the creek. It was late in the evening when I arrived, quite dark and pouring rain, and there had been a long rain before, so that the roads in the township were wretched. At the crossings of the creek it was impassable, and was only indicated by side logs, on which I had to crawl. The worst of it was, I had to wander up and down the creek to find my brothers' hut. The storekeepers knew them by sight, but could not say where they lived. I was directed to a large restaurant, about a mile down the creek. There were about 40 diggers, just at tea. I walked up and down between the tables, and I think they were the finest, strongest, and roughest set of men I ever saw. I did not see my brothers, though. Came back, enquired at the police camp, also to no purpose. Over the creek again, when at last I found a butcher who pointed out on the bank, on the other side of the creek, the light shining through the calico top of their hut. He lent me a piece of candle to cross the creek with, and I managed to work my way among the holes and sludge, etc., to the other side. And glad I was to get there, and I was as “wet as a rat," and pretty well tired out. I soon got  “a shift " however, and such a fire as they had never saw before; enough to roast a bullock; at which also I got a good roasting; and after a good supper of beef, damper and tea, soon felt all right. This for my first tramp in Australia.


I'm happy to know that the book is now available to read online through the State Library of Victoria.

Friday 17 January 2020

In memoriam - Eric Ebor John Daniels


Today is the anniversary of the death of Eric Ebor John Daniels, the first husband of my paternal grandmother Brenda Mary Forsyth nee Adams.

Their story is heartbreaking.

About nine months after their marriage on the 1st of September 1928 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in North Melbourne Eric was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Disease.


Eric died 88 years ago on the 17th of January 1932 at The Melbourne hospital in North Melbourne, and so very sadly, just short of 5 weeks after the death of their infant son Ronald Francis Daniels of Influenzal meningitis on the 15th of December 1931.


Eric Daniels left with his brother-in-law Bertie Crowl (1891-1967) and their mother-in-law Mary Adams nee Morgan (1864-1933) seated.  (Unfortunately not a very clear photo being a photocopy)









Family Notices (1932, January 18). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 1. Retrieved January 12, 2020, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article203187394

Little Ronald Francis Daniels

Family Notices (1932, January 19). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 1, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article203177568


Original photo of Eric and Ronald's grave from my grandmother's photo album


Photo taken by me in 2018

Resting Together In Peace