Tracking Down The Family

April 22, 2024

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Step

This challenge is to write about one ancestor every week in 2024, according to a given prompt. I will be writing about ancestors and other family members.

“When I wrote this theme, I thought about all of the “step” relationships in our family trees and how they are often overlooked. But there are numerous ways to interpret “step” — steps in a house, long walks, steps in a process, etc. Feel free to be creative!” – Amy Johnson Crow

Step-Father

James Tranter was my great grandmother’s step-father. My great grandmother, Ada Louisa LOVE, was born at Heathcote, on 04 February 1875 to parents, Thomas Albert LOVE and Georgina Maria Annette COX. Ada LOVE’S son Thomas Albert MORRISON was my much loved grandfather.

On 09 February 1876, a few days after Ada’s first birthday, her father died. At the time of his death, it was stated that he died of colonial fever. This later came to be recognised as typhoid. Ada’s sister, Alberta Sarah Rachel LOVE, was born four and a half months after the death of her father.

Four years later, on 09 April 1880, Ada’s mother, Georgina, married James TRANTER, a farmer, at Heathcote. James was born in 1851 at Launceston to parents, Dolas Benjamin TRANTER and Elizabeth Anne MANLY. Georgina and James had 10 children, 5 boys and 5 girls.

James and Georgina TRANTER’S children were:

Charles Edwin TRANTER born 21 September 1880 at Heathcote, Victoria
Maria TRANTER born 1882 in Heathcote, Victoria. Died in 1882
Edward TRANTER born 1883 in Heathcote, Victoria. Died in 1883
Ethel May TRANTER born 02 August 1884. Died in 1884
Henry David TRANTER born 1886 in Heathcote, Victoria
Louis Victor Leslie TRANTER born 1887 in Heathcote, Victoria
Arthur Cox TRANTER born 30 December 1890 at Heathcote, Victoria
Ivy TRANTER born 1894 in Heathcote, Victoria. Died 1894
Esme TRANTER born 23 September 1898. Died 1898
Vera TRANTER born 1901. Died 1901

After giving birth to 10 children, only four children survived. The surviving children, all boys, were my great grandmother Ada’s four step brothers.

My great grandmother’s step-father James, died at Heathcote on 25 October 1922. Her mother Georgina died on 31 January 1943.

Ada LOVE (back) with her mother Georgina Maria Annette COX (front)

source:
Various Victorian birth death and marriage certificates on hand
Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/236102312/james-tranter: accessed April 10, 2023), Find a Grave Memorial ID 236102312, citing Australia; Maintained by ST (contributor 50711234).
family researcher, Graham Sleeth

March 31, 2024

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Favourite Recipe

The point of this challenge is to write about one ancestor, every week in 2024, according to a given prompt. I will be writing about ancestors and other family members.

Food has a way of bringing up memories, whether it’s the cooking of a favorite recipe, meals shared with loved ones, or memories of kitchen mishaps! This week, explore a favorite recipe and the person or people who make that recipe special. – Amy Johnson Crow

Favourite Recipe

My 2x great grandparents John TAYLOR and Martha LLOYD came to Australia from Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire in Wales. Some examples of traditional Welsh food are Welsh Rarebit, Laverbread, Welsh Cawl, and Bara Brith. These are just a few of the delicious dishes that we tried when we were on a cycling holiday around Wales. I had never previously eaten any of these foods, but they were all delicious.

There was another traditional food that I fell in love with, and have made many times at home, since that trip, and that was Welsh Cakes. My memories of the day that I tried them, was that it was a tough day of cycling in the hills and extremely heavy rain. We stopped, exhausted, at a tearoom that we came across. We shook off our wet clothes, and sat in a warm, quiet corner, where we could watch the raging weather through the large windows. We ordered the Welsh Cakes and absolutely loved them. In fact, after that day, at almost every afternoon break, we ordered Welsh Cakes. They have since become a family favourite. The fact that they are linked to my heritage, makes them extra special.

Welsh Cakes

Welsh cakes, which are cooked on a hot griddle, are a cross between a scone and a pancake, but their taste and texture is completely different. They can be eaten plain or sprinkled with sugar. They can be spread with butter, jam, cream, or even chocolate spread topped with chopped marshmallows.

Welsh cakes have been popular in Wales since the late 19th century. They are also known as griddle cakes or bakestones, because they are cooked on top of the stove on a griddle.

March 26, 2024

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Worship

The aim of this challenge, which is set by genealogist, Amy Johnson Crow, is to write about one ancestor every week in 2024, according to a given prompt. I will be writing about my direct ancestors, and also about other family members.

The lives of many of our ancestors were shaped by their choices (or lack of a choice) in how and where they could worship. This week, consider an ancestor and how their worship practices influenced their life. – Amy Johnson Crow

In 1881, Captain and Mrs. Thomas Sutherland established The Salvation Army in Australia, officially beginning their mission in Adelaide. Early Salvationists encountered resistance, including violent acts, but by 1890, mob attacks had mostly ceased, and Salvationists were embraced by the community.

Today, the Salvation Army is one of the most charitable organisations in Australia, reaching many who need help, by offering hope, assistance and compassion. I am very proud to see that the Salvation Army features in my family history on different family branches, which otherwise have no connection.

Ernest Welfare Waters

My great grandfather, Ernest Welfare WATERS was born in 1878 and married his first wife, Elizabeth MACROW at Rochester in 1899. Before their marriage Elizabeth had been a Salvation Army Officer. But due to the ruling in the Salvation Army that officers could only marry officers, she had to resign. Unfortunately, Elizabeth died just two years after the marriage.

Ernest’s second marriage was to Hilda Mary Beatrice GILMOUR in 1902. They lived a long life together, with each of them reaching their late 90s. Both Ernest and Hilda were life-long members of the Salvation Army. I remember them both wearing their uniforms. Ernest was known as an Envoy. This was explained to me as being as close as you can get to being an officer, without actually being an officer. When I was a child I went to Sunday School at the Salvation Army. I was always aware, of the great esteem that my great grandparents were held.
The photo, above, shows Ernest Welfare WATERS and Hilda Mary Beatrice GILMOUR on their wedding day.

An article about Ernest and Hilda’s wedding appeared in the Salvation Army’s publication “The War Cry”

from Salvation Army ‘War Cry’, February 22, 1902
SALVATION BRIDES AND BRIDEGROOMS
Brother Ernest Waters and Sister Beatrice Gilmour, Fitzroy 11. (Vic).
A wedding at Fitzroy 11, is a rarity, therefore a good deal of interest was manifested in the wedding which took place at the barracks on Thursday night. Brother Waters and Sister Gilmour were the parties most nearly concerned. The esteem in which they are held by comrades and friends of both Fitzroy 1 and 11 corps was evidenced by the number present. Major Albiston, our genial D.O. securely tied the ‘knot’. The platform was nicely decorated, and the ceremony took place under a draped canopy, the work of the comrades.
The ‘I wills’, were said distinctly and determinedly, the ring was brought forth and adjusted, and the major GODS BLESSING on the union. The speakers for the evening were Ensign Blake, Captain Anstice, Brother Williams (best man) and Sister Considine (bridesmaid) and the bride and bridegroom, who both assured us the step was taken only after much prayer and for God’s glory. A company of junior girls sang very prettily a song appropriate to the occasion, and each presented the bride with a bouquet. The major did not forget the main object of all our gatherings, and earnestly exhorted the unsaved to come and seek God. No one responded, but we trust eternal good has been done to some soul.- CAPTAIN ANSTICE.

My great great grandfather, Ernest Waters, proudly wearing his Salvation Army uniform

The Salvation Army Hall in Shepparton that my great grandparents attended. The officer’s residence is on the left. I do remember them attending the new citadel in their later years. Even as a child, it was obvious to me that they were very highly respected in the Salvation Army community

Ernest and Hilda’s third child was BERNARD WATERS. Bernard was a Salvation Army Officer, who also resigned in order to marry. The photo, below, shows Ernest and Bernard together, in their Salvation Army uniforms.

TAYLOR

William TAYLOR is my great grandfather. He was a Salvationist, this time from my paternal family line. He passed away in 1905, and his obituary in the Salvation Army Publication “The War Cry” indicates that he was a highly esteemed member of the Salvation Army in Yarrawonga. I have been told that William’s daughter, my grandmother, was also involved in the Salvation Army.

from Salvation Army publication ‘War Cry, February 8, 1896:
Brother Taylor, our colour sergeant lives about five miles out, but he is at the meetings as often as possible, and is always ready to give his testimony and warn the people to prepare for death, judgment, and eternity. About ten miles from Yarrawonga, at Bundalong, the corps – Mulwala, New South Wales. The people there help well and are supplied with War Crys etc. weekly. At present the spiritual conditon of the corps is very good.

from Yarrawonga Mercury, November 23, 1905
Another old and respected resident of the district, Mr. William Taylor, died at the residence of his two sisters, in Telford Street, Yarrawonga, early on Monday last, 20th inst. About 25 years ago Mr. Taylor took up a selection of land at Bundalong, where he brought up a rather large family. He was aged 64 years at the time of his death, and for the past 17 years had been an active member of the Salvation Army at Yarrawonga, taking a leading part in the open air services of that body. He was a kindly dispositioned man, well liked by his neighbours and those who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. The funeral took place on Tuesday last, when the body of the deceased was placed at rest in the Yarrawonga Cemetery, the funeral service being read by Ensign Watkins of Benalla, Mr. S. T. Bowles, attending to the mortuary arrangements.

War Cry, Salvation Army, February 22, 1902
Golden Anniversary (1952, January 11). Shepparton Advertiser (Vic. : 1914 – 1953), p. 5. Retrieved August 25, 2021, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article172848793
Sixty Years Wed, Shepparton News, February 1962

March 16, 2024

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Achievement

There are many forms of achievement, whether it’s winning an award, winning a race, or accomplishing what it was you set out to do. This week, celebrate an achievement (great or small) that one of your ancestor’s made.

Langham Dale 1826-1898

Langham Dale isn’t related to me by blood but he is by marriage. It’s quite a long distance connection, but I’m prepared to take it, as his life story is very interesting. Langham Dale is the brother in law of my third great aunt. I told you it was a tenuous connection, but I hope you agree that his life story is worth reading.

Family

Langham Dale was born on 22 May, 1826, in Kingsclere, Hampshire England, to parish registrar, Henry Dale and Mary Ann Stroud. His early education was at Christ’s Hospital public school, after which he attended Queen’s College, Oxford, graduating in 1847. He was able to attend Oxford, after receiving a bursary for his education there.

Langham Dale married Emma Ross in Cape Town, in 1849, and they had six children. Emma died on 31 October 1876, at Cape Town, South Africa.

South Africa

Shortly after graduating, in 1848, he was appointed as a professor of classics at the South African College, a position he held until 1858. His commitment to education was further recognised, when he received an honorary doctorate, from the University of Glasgow, during a visit to England in that year.

in 1859, on his return to Cape Town, Langham Dale was appointed to the position of superintendent general of education, for the Cape Colony. He chaired the board of public examiners from 1859 to 1872, and played a major role in proposing the establishment of a university to succeed the Examining Board. His vision came about in 1873, when he became the first Vice Chancellor of the University of the Cape of Good Hope.

His influence extended beyond academia. Following are a just a few of the other positions that he held during his lifetime:

Chair of the Public Service Commission 1886-1887
Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society where he contributed to various scientific, classical and literary articles.
Trustee of the South African Public Library
Committee member for the Fine Arts Association
Committee member for the Botanical Garden in
Foundation member and first vice president of the South African Philosophical Society

He was knighted in the Order of St. Michael and St. George and became Sir Langham Dale.

At his retirement in 1892, the Cape Parliament granted him a pension equal to his full salary, as a tribute to his great contribution to education in the Cape Colony.

The bust of Langham Dale can be seen at the Oppenheimer Library, Cape Town Library

Legacy

The legacy of Langham Dale in education is honored by Dale College, an iconic school in King William’s Town, South Africa, which was named in tribute to him.

Death

Langham Dale passed away on 12 January 1898 in Mowbray, Cape Town, after a life that was heavily involved in education and public service.

University of South Africa Remembrance

The following information appears on the website for the University of South Africa:

Sir Langham Dale led the commission that established the University of the Cape of Good Hope (UCGH), which later became Unisa, and served as Vice-Chancellor, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chancellor over a 25-year period.

The son of a Hampshire parish registrar, Dale attended Oxford on a bursary. At age 22, a recommendation from the famous astronomer Sir John Herschel secured Dale a professorship at the South African College, Cape Town. Dale argued with the College’s incumbent administrator, forced his resignation and took over. Dale was said to be “in charge of everything related to higher education in the Cape” – next he became Superintendent General of Education and then President of the Board of Public Examiners (which would become UCGH). He served as the Cape government’s most strong-willed education adviser for much of the rest of his career. Determined to establish a bona fide, degree-conferring university for the Colony, he performed the difficult political groundwork that resulted in the Cape Parliament’s Act 16 of 1873, which established UCGH.

Image: Langham Dale, unisa.ac.za

Highclere Cottage

Highclere Cottage

Highclere Cottage was the home of Sir Langham Dale. It is one of the few remaining 19th century buildings that are mostly unaltered. Highclere was build on part of a farm that was related to the Battle of Bloubers. The cottage still stands despites many requests by developers for demolition.

sources:
http://www.unisa.ac.za
Wikipedia
Biographical database of South Africa, Langham Dale, https://www.s2a3.org.za/bio/Biograph_final.php?serial=634
High Clere Cottage, Bloubergstrand https://www.theheritageportal.co.za/thread/highclere-cottage-bloubergstrand
Collaboration with family researcher, Graham Sleeth

March 8, 2024

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Changing Names – Thomas Webb/Love

The aim of this challenge which is set by genealogist, Amy Johnson Crow, is to write about one ancestor every week in 2024, according to a given prompt. I will be writing about my direct ancestors, and also about other family members.

“Our ancestors’ names were more fluid that we often think. Whether it’s using a middle name as a first name, using a nickname, or Americanizing a name to “fit in,” our ancestors usually went by more than one name during their lifetime. (And let’s not forget the women who changed their surname each time they got married!) This week, write about an ancestor with a changing name”. – Amy Johnson Crow

Thomas Webb and Sarah Francis Bush PEARCE

Thomas WEBB and Sarah Francis Bush PEARCE were my 3x great grandparents. Thomas was born in 1822 at Bradford on Avon, Wiltshire, England. His parents were named on his birth record as Charles WEBB and Amelia GIBSON.

Name Change

Many years ago, it quickly became obvious, when researching the Webb family line, that there had been a name change from WEBB to LOVE. It seems that the name change occurred with the fresh start in Australia, for some reason.

Two mysteries surround the life of Thomas Webb

Another family researcher and myself have tried many times over the years to solve the name change mystery, along with the disappearance. Following is the information that Graham Sleeth, researcher has been able to find, published with his permission.

1851
In the Census of 1851 Thomas [29] was living in Bradford with wife Sarah [30] and children Martha [6], Charles [3] and Catherine [1]. In 1851 Thomas was then known as Thomas WEBB.

1854
Thomas was still using the surname WEBB in 1854 when Thomas Albert was baptised on 6 November. The family at that time was living in Middle Rank, Bradford.

Disappearance

Census Data:

In the Census of 1861, Thomas wasn’t present with the family. Sarah and the children were living with, and supporting, Sarah’s widowed mother in Bradford. In the house next door was the Usher family. Hannah Usher was the daughter of John and Mary Cox, who were the parents of Richard Cox who was to become one of my great, great grandparents.

It is reasonable to assume from this that the Cox and Webb/Love family was known to each other before they came to Australia and then settled in the Heathcote region,

Hannah Cox [often known as Anna] was one of Richard Cox’s sisters.
In 1840 Hannah married George Usher in Steeple Ashton. George was born in West Ashton in 1821 and he was the son of James and Mary Usher.
The Census of 1861 has the Usher family living in Middle Rank, Bradford where they are living next door to the home occupied by Sarah Webb and family. Sarah was the wife of Thomas Webb [Love] and they were the parents of Thomas Albert Webb who was later to marry the daughter of Richard Cox.
Sarah Webb was living with and supporting her widowed mother Rachael Pearse.
Sarah’s husband, Thomas Webb [Love] does not appear in the Census.

Attempts to trace Thomas Webb [Love] through Census data for England in 1861 has so far been unsuccessful.

Arrival in Australia

Sarah Webb brought the family to Australia in 1862 aboard the ship James Booth. Again, Thomas was not with the family and the reason for that remains a mystery. Those travelling on the James Booth were:

Sarah [aged 38]
Martha [12]
Charles [10]
Rachel [8]
Albert [5] – actually Thomas Albert.

Conclusion:

A reason for Thomas not being with the family at the time of the Census in 1861 and his not having travelled to Australia with the family has not been found. Travel arrangements to Australia have not been found either. It’s possible that he made his way to Australia before 1860, but I haven’t as yet, found him in the passenger records.

The family name changed from WEBB to LOVE on arrival in Australia. Why that happened is a mystery. They became known as LOVE, but Thomas and Sarah’s son Thomas Albert was later married as Thomas Albert WEBB.

Will of Thomas Webb/Love

In the will of Thomas WEBB/LOVE, Thomas is referred to as “Thomas Webb Love (commonly called Thomas Love)”

The following statement referrring to the confusion with Thomas’ name, was on the first page of the administration papers:

“That the said Thomas WEBB LOVE was erroneously called Thomas LOVE, in the Letters of Administration referred to in the third paragraph of the aforesaid affadavit.
That the right and proper name of the said deceased was Thomas WEBB LOVE, but he was designated Thomas Love in the aforesaid Letters of Administration, that being the name by which he was generally known and commonly called.

Public Record Office Victoria; North Melbourne, Victoria; Victorian Wills, Probate and Administration Records 1841-1925; Series: VPRS 7591
Public Records Office, Victoria, Unassisted Passenger Lists, VPRS 947/P0000, May-Aug 1862
Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre; Chippenham, Wiltshire, England; Wiltshire Church of England Parish Registers; Reference Number: 883/9. Ancestry.com. Wiltshire, England, Church of England Births and Baptisms, 1813-1922 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2017.

February 26, 2024

Life of a Genie – January and February 2024

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks

I have decided this year, to participate in the 52 Ancestors Challenge, as it’s a few years since I’ve done it. The aim of this challenge, which is set by genealogist, Amy Johnson Crow, is to write about one ancestor every week in 2024, according to a given prompt. I will be writing about my direct ancestors, and also about other family members.

A few of the prompts look quite tricky, and seem to have no relevance at all to my family history, so I may skip a few weeks along the way.

Rootstech 2024

Rootstech 2024, the largest genealogical conference in the world, begins on 29 February and runs until 02 March, and once again, I will be attending the conference virtually, I attended Rootstech in person in 2016, and am looking forward to going to Salt lake City again in the future, but that’s not this year.

I have checked out the sessions and made my list of those that interest me. I’ve kept the days free, so I can devote the entire time to Rootstech. Also, I’m very interested to see all the latest trends in genealogy and technology in the the Expo Hall.

One of the fun aspects of Rootstech is their Relatives at Rootstech, an optional activity. If you wish to, you can see others who are registered, and researching people that are on your family tree. This does cause quite a bit of excitement, as attendees check how many Relatives at Rootstech they have. There are people who have thousands, but so far this year, I only have seven. This will possibly increase during the conference but, I suspect, only by a few.

Transcribing

Last year, the Australian War Memorial called for volunteers to transcribe war diaries and documents,from their National Collection, as part of their transcribe project. So far I’ve transcribed parts of a war diary and five letters. This will be an ongoing project, that I’m planning to continue. For a few years, I’ve been transcribing 18th century Scottish prison records, but from here on, will prioritise the War Memorial documents.

A to Z Challenge

Once again, I am planning to participate in the Blogging April AtoZ Challenge. This year, I have decided that I will be blogging April A to Z on my new One Place Study Haverfordwest History

Connections 2025

This is the Australasian Genealogy Conference that is being held in March 2025 at Brisbane. Writing this post has reminded me that I haven’t as yet registered, so I will do that this week and arrange our accommodation. We are hoping to combine this visit to the conference at Brisbane with a visit to Noosa to spend time with my son and grandchildren.

Research
Finally, I’ve been able to find time to get back to fam8ily history research. I’ve done more research in the past two months than I’ve done in the previous two years. This has opened up avenues that I hadn’t expected, so my research task list is now much longer. As you know, it’s never over. Research leads to more research to be done, but that’s the fun of it.

Link to posts in January and February
52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – Immigration
52Ancestors in 52 Weeks – Earning a Living
52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks -Influencer
52 Ancestors in 52Weeks – Witness To History
52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – Favourite Photo
52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – Origins
52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks -Family Lore
Australia Day Geneameme
Genealogy Blogging Plans for 2024

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February 21, 2024

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Immigration. The Lady Kennaway

For many people, genealogy starts with a desire to know where our family came from. This week, consider an immigrant ancestor: where they came from, why they came, or how different their life was between their “old country” and their new one.” – Amy Johnson Crow

My great great grandmother, Ellen BOYLE from Donegal, Ireland was almost16 years old, when she boarded the Lady Kennaway, bound for Australia,. The Lady Kennaway was the first ship to carry Earl Grey Famine girls to Australia. Ellen was listed as being a nursemaid, and a Roman Catholic, and could neither read nor write. On arrival Ellen was immediately employed as a maid by Charles RYAN, Doogalook, Goulburn River, Victoria. Charles RYAN and his family were very prominent in the early years of Victoria’s settlement.

Report of the Immigration Board of Inspection – Lady Kennaway

On 11 September 1848 the ‘Lady Kennaway’ departed Plymouth with 191 young girls on board, and arrived in Australia, almost three months later, on 6 December 1848. The Captain was Captain Santray and the Surgeon Superintendant was Dr. Brock. On 7th December 1848 in Melbourne, the Immigration Board of Inspection inspected The Lady Kennaway and spoke to the 191 orphan girls who had just made the voyage, about their treatment and experience of the journey. Following is their report:

Sir,
We have the honor to inform you, that according to your instructions, we, on the 7th instant, proceeded, on board the Lady Kennaway, which arrived at Port Phillip on the day previous with female orphans, immigrants, after a voyage of 85 days. The females in question, have been selected out of several of the Poor House Unions, in Ireland, and consist of girls of the age from 14 to 19 years. Their general condition aspect indicates good health, and gives the impression that they belong to the humbler ranks of life. They are generally of the stout make, rather low in stature and are endowed with strongly marked Irish physiognomies. They are almost exclusively of the Roman Catholic Religion, and it would appear that most of these have been in service of some kind or other, either in town or country, previous to leaving their native homes.
We do then, consider these to be, on the whole, a most seasonable supply and acquisition, to this city and it’s environs, and hope that we may in future have many importations of a similar kind, and as they came originally from small country towns and adjoining districts, they have never seen or been accustomed to witness those demoralizing scenes too frequent in the large towns in many parts of the Empire, and we do not but that they will continue to conduct themselves as hitherto, and keep in the paths of virtue.
Every person that was fortunate enough to get on of them, that we have spoken with express themselves well pleased with them. They are most anxious to please their employers, and as they have much to learn, in the line of their callings, we doubt not, that they will be teachable and make good and useful servants. Very few of them can read, and scarcely any of them can both read and write, altho each of them was given a prayer book and testament from their respective unions.
They are represented as having been generally well conducted during the voyage, and amenable to the rules and regulations established for their observance. Some few of them were inclined to be rather noisy and boisterous occasionally, and would not hesitate at times to let out a bit of an oath.
The importation by this vessel consists of seven families, comprising 19 souls, Orphan girls 191. One girl aged 11 years, sent out to join her parents in Melbourne to whom she was delivered up. Chief Matron 1, sub matrons 4, making a total of 216 souls. Only one death, that of a child occurred on the passage. The people all arrived here in excellent health, none being on the sick list, and they certainly exhibited the appearance of having been on full allowance on the voyage.
Not a single complaint of any kind was made by any of them. All expressed themselves satisfied with the treatment they experienced during the passage.
The surgeon superintendant, being an old navy surgeon, and besides having had experience in this particular line of employment, seems, with the cordial co-operation of the master and other officers of the ship, to have maintained strict order and to have preserved that moral restraint so necessary under the peculiar circumstances of this case.
We beg leave in this place, to represent to your Honor to be brought under the consideration of the proper authorities at home, should such be declared expedient, that in cases likely to happen in future where a large number of immigrants have been selected either in Ireland or Scotland, a great benefit would be conferred on them, by substituting a quantity of oatmeal for a portion of the articles of diet, as supplied at present by the dietary scale, together with a proper proportion of molasses to be used with the porridge, in lieu of milk, the article generally used ashore, such substitution would be most grateful and better suited to their tastes and habits, but we consider would be conducive to their well being and health.
There is a milk made with maize meal in the same manner that oatmeal is treated, equally palatable, nutritious and wholesome, which during the voyage, might be alternated with the porridge, with much benefit. It may not be out of place here to remark, that the applicants for the service of these females, were numerous, and at the present time they are all hired in respectable places, but three not yet engaged.
(signed) John Patterson, Chairman
(signed) Henry Green
(signed) P. Sutton

Public Records Office of Victoria: VPRS 14/P0000/4
(PROV) VPRS 14/P/0000 Book No. 4 https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/E29F590B-F1B1-11E9-AE98-E747FB87C89B?image=166

February 11, 2024

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Earning a living

“Knowing how our ancestors earned a living can give us insight into their lives. What occupations have you seen in your family? Is there an ancestor whose occupation wouldn’t exist today or one whose job really resonates with you?” -Amy Johnson Crow

Thomas Waters

My 3x great grandfather, Thomas WATERS, was born on 05 October 1829, at the family farm, Newton Bury, Dunton, Bedfordshire, England. He arrived in Melbourne, Australia in 1852, and soon found his way to South Australia where he married and started a family. These letters show the difficulty of trying to start a new life and support a family in the early days of Australia.

Earning a living in England

Thomas worked on the family farm in the early years of his working life. I’m not exactly sure why, but in 1851, when he was 22 years old, hel left the family farm, and took over the hotel license of The Castle, in Kent Street, St. George the Martyr, London. He gave up that license in 1852, shortly before leaving England for Australia.

Earning a living in Australia

Thomas wrote letters home to Bedfordshire, where he told the family about life in the new country,and the type of work he was doing. In his letters he described in detail, his efforts to try to make a living for his family, and the challenges he was facing in doing so. Following are excerpts from those letters:

1860 in Melbourne
“I had great difficulty in getting employment here at first, the country is so thronged with the labouring class, my principal employment here has been working amongst stone, using a hammer, 20 pounds weight, all day. It requires a great deal of practise to break the stones, not only to use the hammer. I am by this time well accustomed to it now, and I like it very well, if I can get plenty to do. I sometimes take a few chains of road to pitch, in fact, I have three chains on hand now. I started to work this morning, but it came on to rain. I was obliged to come home. I only get 15/- per chain for doing it, 66 feet in length and 14 feet wide and the engineer is very particular with the work, so that I can only make about 4s/- 6d a day.

Those that are doing well here, are in good situations or have a horse and dray. They take those contracts, and do well by them. In the first place they get about 10 pounds per chain. They do what little carting there is to do, and get the labour done for £3 and pocket the balance. There are several good gold fields discovered within the last 12 months, not a very great distance from here, and all those that have the means of going, try their luck. Several from this neighbourhood tried their luck, and most of them returned with a nice little sum, sufficient to give them a good start.

Any person to come out here, and have about 150 pounds clear when they arrived here, they would be able to make an excellent fortune, with care, in a few years. Not a great distance from here, you can purchase 1200 acres of land for £50. I live in hopes of doing better myself shortly, but there is no prospect at present. It is a long lane that has not turning. We are at present living in a tent 12 feet long by 10 wide – rather an uncomfortable residence you would fancy. My wife gets a little washing which is a great help.

1862
“Some people here are very fortunate, and others on the contrary, and I happen to be one of those individuals who are unlucky in all their attempts to better themselves. I held a Government situation, four years, as Bailiff in a local court. The first year I was doing well and by degrees the business became very slack.

I was paid only for the number of summonses issued from the court serving the summons, and mileage, going with the same amounted to one shilling per mile. Sometimes I would earn two or three pounds a day. Then again, I might be a week without anything. I was obliged to be at the office every morning at 10 o’clock and wait a few hours to see if any persons should come and take out any summonses. By that means, you see, it hindered me from getting other work to fill up my leisure time. It was rather an unpleasant billet. Occasionally, I was obliged to walk into a neighbour’s house and seize all their goods and chattels. I dare say you would laugh at the idea of my being an auctioneer, but I have sold hundreds of pounds worth. I was bound to sell within five days after they were seized, if the debt was not paid, but the people about there, began to get too honest, paid all their debts, and the poor bailiff was obliged to give up his billet.

1862 Kyneton
“Myself and two others took a contract to make a road, but the weather being so bad, we have not been able to get the stone carted on the road. We should have made about 6 shillings per day each but as it is, I am afraid it will not be one half, but as the weather will, I have no doubt, soon set in, I shall I hope to be able to do better.

1863 Labourer (letter sent to Bedfordshire, May 17 1863)
“Contract to sink two water holes 50 feet long, 20 feel wide and 6 feet deep for 11d per cubic yard. We completed the contract as far as we were allowed, and now it appears we may whistle for the money. We placed too much confidence in our employers, and did not get a copy of the agreement.”

1863
“There was a time when I was in Adelaide, I thought I should get on, but unfortunately my master took ill and died. I lost my situation I then held as the office as Bailiff in a local court.

1863
The principle employment here is road work, and I am now pretty well initiated in that branch. I could do very well if it was not for the draw back of paying house, rent and horse hire. Sixteen shillings per day for horse and dray, which I have often paid, when I had a contract on hand, and that is the thing that prevents me from buying one for myself.

1863
In this colony we are often time obliged to wait a few months for money. For instance, I take a contract to make a piece of road, say for forty or fifty pounds. I get a subsist perhaps at the end of a month so, as the work progresses, to pay the hire of horse and dray, and by the time the work is completed, there is but little left to my share, but for all, I am in hopes of conquering all such difficulties.

1864, Kyneton
“When I last wrote, I was working with a farmer. I was ploughing with two young colts. The horses are not worked here the same as at home. No boy to drive for you, but for all that I managed exceedingly well. I wish I had been put to such work before I left home. I think I told you the farm did not keep any hands, after the seed was in until such time, it requires cutting. I finished there a fortnight back and the Master managed to get me a job at the cemetery, that is to trench the borders of the carriage roads and plant shrubs, and this is like all other work, hurried over. But I think another fortnight will finish it.”

1865, Kyneton
Thomas found difficulty working after an accident which left him with no sight in his right eye and a weakened left hand.
“I hope I shall be fortunate enough to get some light work such as attending in a store or writing. I have lately been writing for a solicitor copying deeds, leases etc. and have engrossed some for them. I might say, what I have done has given great satisfaction. I not only found it awkward writing with the sight of only one eye, but to sit any time, it caused a pain in the eye effected. I am obliged to wear a shade over it although, I cannot see with it, the light effects it very much. ……….I have been out of the hospital three months, and not been able to earn anything myself, until very lately. I am now in great hopes of doing better, if I get the work I am expecting. Light work pays better than heavy, and they have promised to give me as much as possible.

…..She has stuck to the wash tub like a brick, and making the matter worse, she has a young child at the breast. But with all our trouble we have scraped up a comfortable living.”

“….as for myself, should I be spared to receive the amount allotted for me, I cannot say, but I might go to Adelaide. My wife’s friends are there, and I am pretty well known and I am inclined to think I should be more comfortable there than here, but there will be time for me to consider those things. If I can get a good living here, I will do so for the present, and watch an opportunity of bettering myself.”

1865
“I am still in the office of Mr. George Booker, solicitor, and my pay is not very much, but at the same time, I am very fortunate in getting what I have. I would not be able to work on the roads at present.”

1865
“I was thankful to receive the money that was sent to me. With my illness and not being able to do anything for such a length of time, I got greatly in debt.”

1871
“I had until the last 12 months been employed in a lawyers office, not constantly but early, so, for upward of 5 years, and out of my salary I only received a few shillings per week or occasionally, being led to believe I should get my money in a lump sum. And it would then be of service to me, so that I might be able to purchase a piece of land and make my family comfortable, but to my great disappointment, my employer became insolvent. The office was broken up, and I did not get half as much as paid my debts, for in debt I was bound to run, when I was not receiving my wages.

I tried a plan (after everything else failed) to start an office myself, but unfortunately, but the times being so bad, there was no business to be done. I put an advertisement in two of the papers for 6 months. The enclosed is one I cut out for you to see, but I did not earn as much with the office, as would pay for the advertisement.

It may appear strange to you, my offering money to lend, and buying minish shares. Through my being in a lawyer’s office, I became acquainted with some of the money lenders, and they offered me a percentage, to lend their money on freehold security, but I stood no chance, as there are so many poverty struck lawyers in the place. They look too sharp after these people, as they are aware that a mortgage must be prepared by a legal man, and if per chance I get a deed to engross, I may hunt them about a long time for the many – in fact I am quite tired of striving to get a living in the town. I am in hopes that I shortly be able to get my eldest boy apprenticed to some trade or other, as I find that a good tradesman, no matter what is seldom or ever idle.”

1871
“The harvest will be on in about 3 months from this time, and if we are blessed with good crops, I do not fear but there will be plenty employment during that time. I always live in hopes of something better turning up.”

1874
I am quite well as I believe the family are also. I have not seen them but once, for nearly three months, as at present working about 18 miles from them at a saw mill. I came here to work in the harvest and as soon as that was completed, I continued on at any work that might be required. The work is very hard, or rather it appears so to me having been sitting in an office for such a length of time, doing nothing but writing.”

My thanks to Graham Revill, Surrey, England, for transcribing these letters and lodging them with the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

Please note: Punctuation and paragraphs have been added to the above transcription for ease and speed of reading.

Sources;
Graham Revill, family researcher, England
Letters from Thomas WATERS sent to family in Bedfordshire 1862-1874

February 4, 2024

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Influencer

The aim of this challenge which is set by genealogist, Amy Johnson Crow, is to write about one ancestor every week in 2024, according to a given prompt. I will be writing about my ancestors and also about other family members.

“Although the word “influencer” has been watered down because of social media, all of us have had people who have influenced our lives. This week, write about that person or perhaps someone you know who influenced someone else in your family. Maybe you have a relative who would have been described as an influencer in their community.” – Amy Johnson Crow

At first I was stumped by the prompt ‘influencer’. However, after giving some thought to it, I think it’s quite obvious that my 3x great grandparents Andrew LOUDEN and Elizabeth ANDERSON were influencers. They left Scotland for Australia, shortly after their wedding. It was not long at all, until Andrew’s parents arrived in Australia.

I like to think that they decided to make a new life in Australia after hearing about the successful life that their son was living, and could see similar for themselves. I will never know exactly why they came to Australia, but I think it’s quite conceivable that they were influenced by their son and daughter in law.

Andrew Louden and Elizabeth Anderson

Andrew LOUDEN and Elizabeth ANDERSON are my 3x great grandparents. They were both born in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire. Andrew in 1829 and Elizabeth in 1831. Andrew and Elizabeth married on 17 July 1852, at Old Monkland, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Andrew was aged 23 and Elizabeth was 21 years old.

Shortly after their marriage, the couple left Scotland. Departing from Glasgow, they were bound for Australia on the ship Aberfoyle. They arrived at Port Phillip, on 12 December 1852.

After their arrival in Australia, Andrew and Elizabeth started out their new life around the Geelong area, in Victoria. But it wasn’t long before they moved to Ballarat, where Andrew worked as a carter. They raised a family of twelve children, eight boys and four girls who were born over a period of twenty years, between 1854 and 1874. Their third child, a daughter, Jane, was my great great grandmother.

Andrew Louden died in Ballarat in 1908, at age 79.

https://prov.vic.gov.au/search_journey/select?keywords=andrew%20louden&iud=true

The remains of Mr.Andrew Louden, of Queen Street, Sebastapol, were interred in the Ballarat Old Cemetery, on Friday. Cr. Madden, Messrs J.Josephs, W. Matthews, F. Prosser E. Hon, R. Thomson: R. Lewis, and R. Hewitt acted as pallbearers and the coffin bearers were six sons, George, John, Henry, James, Frederick and Robert Louden. The Rev. Wilson and Mr. R. Thomson conducted the service at the house, and the Rev. Geo (?) at the grave. Messrs Jordan and Tippett carried out funeral arrangements.

Andrew and Elizabeth Louden with their large family. My great great grandmother, Jane is in the back row, wearing the striped blouse

George Louden and Isabel Alexander

Andrew LOUDEN’s father George LOUDEN was born in about 1800 at Lanarkshire, Scotland. In 1824, George married Isabella ALEXANDER at Lanarkshire. Isabella was born at Glasgow in 1799.

George and Isabella arrived in Australia in 1854/55. As yet, I have not found a passenger record for them. Their children Andrew, James, Isabella and Janet also came to Australia.

George’s wife Elizabeth died on 12 January 1881 at Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.

George died on 12 August 1886 at Howard Street, Ballarat. His son Andrew was the informant and gave George’s occupation as farmer. Cause of death was given as old age. George and his wife Elizabeth were both buried at the Old Ballarat Cemetery

I have done very little research on George and Elizabeth LOUDEN, but it’s on my list to be done in 2024.

Please note: I have come across the Louden name written variously in Ireland, as Lowden, Lauden, Lawden and London. As far as I have found so far, in Australia, the family was always known as LOUDEN.

Sources:

The Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia Reg. No: 7595
Marriage: Scotland, Marriages, 1561-1910. Salt Lake City, Utah – FHL: 1066603, FamilySearch 1066603 Ancestry.com.au Scotland, Select Marriages, 1561-1910 [database on-line]
Ship Aberfoyle: http://www.eurekapedia.org/
Immigration List: Series: VPRS 7666; Series Title: Inward Overseas Passenger Lists (British Ports) [Microfiche Copy of VPRS 947] Ancestry.com.au Victoria, Australia, Assisted and
Unassisted Passenger Lists, 1839-1923
The Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Victoria, Australia, Death Records. Registration No. 7595 LOUDEN ANDREW
The Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths, and Marriages; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Victoria Australia, Death Records. Registration No. 3383 LOUDEN Elizabeth
OBITUARY. (1908, April 13). The Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 – 1924), p. 1. Retrieved January 28, 2021, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article205461652
DEATH Louden George 1886 Vic BDM 1886/19644
1841 Census: Parish: Shotts; ED: 4; Page: 17; Line: 1444; Year: 1841Ancestry.com. 1841 Scotland Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006.
1851 Census: Parish: Old Monkland; ED: 46; Page: 9; Line: 10; Roll: CSSCT1851_171; Year: 1851 Ancestry.com. 1851 Scotland Census [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2006.
Findagrave: Memorial ID 227931008 ·

January 25, 2024

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks: Witness to History

What historical events did your ancestor witness or live through? Don’t forget that local history is just as important as world history!

My 2x great grandmother, Ellen Boyle was a witness to history, both in Ireland at the time that the potato famine decimated the potato crops, and left much of the population destitute. After the death of her father, Ellen found herself in the workhouse, when her mother was no longer able to care for her. She was eventually selected, from the workhouse girls, to go to Australia under the Orphan Emigration Scheme. It was in Australia that she witnessed the birth and growth of the new country.

Each year in November, there is a commemoration of the Irish famine girls on the foreshore at Williamstown, Victoria. This is where many of the orphan girls first stepped onto Australian soil. Last year, I was invited to be a guest at the commemoration, where I presented the story of my 2x great grandmother’s experience of arriving in Australia, and her life after arrival.

Following is a transcript of the presentation that I gave on the day that commemorated the arrival of the Irish famine girls in Australia. There were many descendants of other orphans there on the day, with many stories to tell. Following is the story of Ellen Boyle, as she possibly would have told it herself.

SPECIAL PRESENTATION 2023 – IS MISE ELLEN BOYLE

Is Mise Ellen Boyle – I am Ellen Boyle.

I was born in Inver, Co Donegal, in the north-west corner of Ireland. It’s a wild and beautiful place. We were poor tenant farmers. Life was hard, but our family and our community were strong. We grew potatoes; a good crop in the lazy beds of our small plot, that gave enough for us to eat and pay our rent.

And then the hunger came. The potatoes rotted in the ground. People were evicted from their homes. My Da, Daniel, died. Left alone, and with the Famine raging, my mother Ann struggled to look after us all. So I went to the poorhouse. It was a feared place, but I would have food and shelter, and I could work for my keep.

There, families were separated, some never to see each other again. We were called inmates, wore rough uniforms, and slept on pallets on the floor in crowded dormitories. We women did household chores, sewing, carding, knitting and spinning. Punishments were harsh, so we obeyed all the rules. I sometimes feared I might live my life in the workhouse, and be buried in the graveyard at the back, like so many others.

But in 1848 we were told of a new scheme. Girls aged 14 to 19, if healthy and of good morals, could go to Australia to work and live. It was a fearful thought, it was so far away. But it was exciting too; we would be free in the New World. We could make our own lives, and our own luck. And when I did well, I would bring my family to Australia too! I was chosen and, in my 16th year, set out with my new clothes, shoes, Bible and travel box.

We sailed from Plymouth on a big ship called the Lady Kennaway. There were 191 Irish orphan girls on board. The trip took three whole months. We shared bunks in steerage and ate in a small mess area. We were kept apart from other passengers, overseen by a doctor and matrons. The creak of the ship became a comfort as it rode the waves. The sea was so big, we could scarce imagine it! And the smell of the salt air sometimes reminded me of home in dear Donegal.

On 6 December we sailed into Port Phillip, where we anchored off a settlement called Williamstown. We gathered on deck looking at the busy docks and workers, dusty streets, and mix of wooden and stone buildings. Strangest of all, the day was hot – in December – I never knew such a thing!

We were helped down the side of the ship and into small boats that bounced over the waves as we were rowed to the shore. Spray from the water was fresh on our faces, and there was nary a cloud in the big, blue sky. Usually, we would chatter in excitement, but most of us just sat in silence and looked on our new land with wide eyes and beating hearts.

The city of Melbourne was only a few miles away. It was big and bustling. We stayed in dormitories at the Immigration Depot, tidying ourselves to make a good show for employers. I couldn’t read or write, but I was a good worker. I was there for six days, when I got work with Mr Charles Ryan. He was from Co Kilkenny, and I was happy to be chosen by someone from home. I was a housemaid, engaged for three months at £12 a year with rations. Mr Ryan had a farm – they called it a station. It was a very long way from Melbourne, on a river called the Goulburn. The station had a funny name, Dungallack. Did ye ever hear of such a name?!

It was the start of a good life for me. I met a wonderful man, William Calnan. He was a Kilkenny man and, one year on, we were married in St Francis Catholic Church in Melbourne. We moved to the country, finally settling at Violet Town where we built our own farm, and were blessed with 12 children – six boys and six girls.

Then, in 1857, I was given a true miracle, when my dear mother, my brother Patrick and his daughters were able to migrate to Australia. They settled near us, at Violet Town. After 33 years together, I lost my William. I ran the farm for a few more years, then moved into the township.

It was 13 years later, in 1896, when my life’s great journey would come to an end. I was 63 years on this earth. I had lost people I loved, endured the Great Hunger, survived the dreaded workhouse, and fled to the other end of the world. But it was also my luck to marry a good man, raise fine children, and reunite with my mother and brother. Many poor souls were not so lucky.

I was an Irish Famine orphan girl, and I was blessed with a grand life. Is mise, Ellen Boyle.

Written by: Siobhan O’Neill, Irish Famine Orphan Girls Committee, 14 Nov 2023.
Presented by Jennifer Jones, 2x great granddaughter

Ellen Boyle arrived travelled to Australia, with the Earl Grey Orphan Scheme on the SS Lady Kennaway

Below is another post that I wrote about Ellen Boyle and the Earl Grey Orphan Girl Scheme:
Ellen Boyle, Earl Grey Famine Girl