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Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of John and Mary Murray, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
Irish-born John Murray and his wife Mary (daughter of Thomas Sweeney) married in 1849 and settled in Eltham North. John and Mary were amongst the earliest inhabitants of Eltham. John was a farmer and their block of about 80 acres, called ‘Laurel Hill’, was on the eastern side of the Diamond Creek, extending east to beyond Zig Zag Road. It was later extended southward by the purchase of a further 60 acres. He is recorded as a supporter on the petition for a school in Eltham and he served on the National School Board of the Eltham school. John died in 1867 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with Mary and with two of their grandchildren. Their eldest son Johnnie inherited the property. Then in about 1902 his younger brother James purchased about 50 acres on the western side of the Diamond Creek immediately opposite Laurel Hill, extending west to slightly past Wattletree Road. Eltham North Reserve now lies just beyond the southern boundary. James built a family home on top of the hill on the northern boundary, together with a dairy and milking shed and a food cellar. It is thought that the barn with stables was already there. When Johnnie died in 1912, the two properties (though severed by both the creek and the railway line) effectively merged. The land was worked as an orchard with apples, pears, quinces, and possibly apricots and peaches. Later it became a dairy farm. By 1986, almost all the land had been sold off for residential subdivision and the house had been condemned as unfit for habitation. John's grandson Jim retained a small portion of the land and built a new house. He kept the old one as a storage shed, but it was demolished after he died in 1993. The very old barn is still standing. Located in the Roman Catholic section In Memory of John Murray Who died Dec. 1867 aged 50 years Also his wife Mary Murray Who died 7th Sep. 1909 aged 76 years And of their grandchildren Thomas and Mary Ellen DrainBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, john murray, mary ellen drain, mary murray, thomas drain -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Alfred and Margaret Armstrong, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
Alfred Patrick Armstrong was born in England in 1825 and was employed under the renowned Isambard Kingdom Brunel as a civil engineer during the construction of the Great Western Railway and the South Wales Railway. He came to Melbourne in 1852 and purchased property in Eltham. He became a mining surveyor and was Inspector of Mines and the Mining Registrar for the St Andrews Division of the Castlemaine Mining District. In 1855, he chaired a meeting calling for a bridge to be erected across the Yarra River between Eltham and Temple Stow. He was registered as an innkeeper in 1858, was a recognised collector of the £110 raised for the building of the first building of State School No. 209 (Eltham Primary) and was a Trustee for the Church of England site on the Eltham Cemetery Trust in 1860. He was elected to the Eltham District Road Board (forerunner of Eltham Shire Council) from 1867 to 1871 and then served as an Eltham Shire Councillor from 1871 to 1878 (including Shire President in 1873). Margaret Armstrong to whom he was married in 1854 at St Pauls Church, Melbourne, died on the 27th March 1887. Alfred died in 1893, having been in ill health for some time, and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with his wife Margaret. The monument features a tall pillar capped with a draped urn: a symbol of death. In Loving Memory of Alfred Armstrong Died May 27tth 1893 Aged 68 years Also of his wife Margaret Died March 27th 1887 Aged 63 years This burial site is of special interest as the monument has the tallest pillar-a vase-a draped cloth top (unfulfilled life) and additional panels of names around the sides and the base, which include: Ada Gertrude Armstrong, beloved daughter of Alfred & Margaret Armstrong, died May 30th 1878, aged 21 years Mary Armstrong, beloved mother to Alfred Armstrong, died April 10th, 1886 aged 82 years Arthur Vivian Harrison, died 4th Nov. 1899, aged 8 years Arthur Reynolds Stockwood Armstrong, son of Alfred Armstrong, died 4th Nov. 1908, aged 43 years Laura Augusta Harrison nee Armstrong, died 26th July 1921, aged 64 yearsBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, ada gertrude armstrong, alfred armstrong, arthur reynolds stockwood armstrong, arthur vivian harrison, laura augusta harrison (nee armstrong), margaret armstrong, mary armstrong -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of George and Mary Knapman. Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
George Knapman was born c.1851 in Ashburton, Devon, England, the son of George Knapman and Elizabeth Grant nee Wyatt. George, his mother and three sisters arrived in the Port of Melbourne, 28 Jul 1857 aboard the ship, Mindoro from Plymouth, his father having preceded them some eighteen months earlier. George married Mary Jane Williams in 1877 and they settled in Eltham where they had five children; Percival George (1878), Florence Maud (1880), Laura Blanche (1882), Alfred Edgar (1886) and Gladys Victoria (1897). In 1879 George was elected a vestryman for St Margaret’s Church, a position he would be re-elected to for many years. Both he and Mary were active members of the church and social activities. In 1884 George was also engaged in collecting funds for the renovation of the St Helena church George was also a member of the Eltham Cricket Club. In May 1884 following completion of the cricket season, several players banded together to form a group holding fortnightly meetings for the purpose of giving readings, recitations, etc to relieve the dullness of the long winter evenings. Charles Wingrove was elected President, Rev. J.B. Gason Treasurer and George along with Messrs Evans, Bourke, D. McColl, C. Jarrold, George Hill and William Brown, members of the Committee. In 1885, George advertised two horses had strayed from his premises (reward £2) and in 1891 he had a cultivator for sale (price £7/10/-). In 1902 he was treasurer of the Eltham Rifle Club. His children attended Eltham Primary School. In 1904 he was a member of the school's Board of Advice and addressed children at an Arbor Day planting activity. In 1907 he was elected president of the Eltham Progressive League, calling for public toilets to be erected at a local picnic spot. George along with William John Taylor and Isaac Hill was also appointed a Trustee of the Eltham Rechabite Hall in Henry Street on behalf of the Hope of Eltham Tent No. 195 Victoria District Independent Order of Rechabites from December 1901 until its sale to the community in December 1921 for use as a public hall. George ‘Snowy’ Knapman was a blacksmith by trade. He owned and operated a shoeing forge and wheelwright workshop, known as Snowy Knapman’s Forge, in Main Road Eltham, next door to the Eltham Court House. The location was well chosen. Mail coaches from Melbourne passed through Eltham enroute to Christmas Hills and Yarra Glen, with another heading to Kingstown (now Panton Hill). It was common practice for horses to be changed at Eltham. Two photos taken June 4, 1907, captioned ‘Election Day Eltham’, show a large crowd of men assembled in Main Road outside Knapman's premises. They are waiting to vote at the Court House. There are no women in the crowd; they were not empowered to vote. George's brothers William and John were also blacksmiths at Heidelberg, continuing the business established by their father George, who had died in 1900. After William died in 1909, George moved to Heidelberg to take over from him. George died at his residence, ‘Devon’, Yarra Street, Heidelberg on March 16, 1923, and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with his wife Mary who died July 16, 1935, at Kew. Their former house at Eltham was located near where the WW1 Monument was erected in 1919, after they had moved to Heidelberg, at the corner of Bridge Street and Main Road and occupied by Mr. R. Trevena at the time of Mary’s death. Mary was sister to E.J. Williams, W. Williams and Mrs Fawkner, all residents of Eltham. In Loving Memory of George Knapman Died 15th March 1923 Also his wife Mary Jane Died 16th July 1935 Sadly Missed Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, george knapman, mary jane knapman (nee williams) -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Anne Hunniford (nee Hamilton Burgoyne) and Anne Jane Hunniford, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
On February 1, 1854, the first Eltham Post Office was established. At that time, the number of permanent residents would have been fairly small, probably less than 200. In 1855 Thomas Hunniford was appointed as Eltham's postmaster (replacing Frederick Falkiner). He operated the post office from his general store in Maria Street (now Main Road) near Bridge Street (originally facing Bridge Street but later altered to face Main Road). His daughter, Miss Anne Hunniford, was a teacher at Eltham Primary School in her early adult years. Sometime between 1864 and 1868 the management of the post office passed from Thomas Hunniford to his daughter, Anne who managed the Eltham Post Office until illness forced her to retire in 1928. A big improvement in communication was provided for Eltham residents when a telegraph office was established at the post office in 1877. During 1923 a manual telephone exchange was provided at Eltham, the first two subscribers being J.J. O’Connor and Eltham Police Station. Anne was succeeded by her nephew Neville Burgoyne whose family were then running the store, which had been rebuilt and modernised in 1926 to accommodate an expanded post and telegraph office. Anne knew everyone and was respected for her kindly actions in her official and private capacities. In her time there was no official letter delivery to houses; residents were expected to collect their mail at the post office. But if an important letter or telegram arrived, Anne would try to find someone willing to deliver it. Jock Read recalled he started his own private "mail run"; he would charge people 1/- per week to take their letters to the post office for mailing and would return with their mail. Anne died in 1928, aged 73. She is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her mother and with a Burgoyne child born much later. Burgoyne's store was further extended in 1940 and still stands though has undergone several modifications and businesses. In 1954 the post office moved to a shop in the main Eltham shopping centre, then in 1958 a purpose-built post office was opened near the entrance to the railway station. In Loving Memory of Anne Hunniford Nee Hamilton Burgoyne Born Ireland 1813 Died Eltham 1899 Also her daughter Anne Jane Hunniford Born Eltham 1855 Died Eltham 1928 Brenda May Burgoyne Born 16. 8. 1956 Died 18. 6. 1958 Rest In PeaceBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, anne hunniford (nee hamilton burgoyne), anne jane hunniford, brenda mary burgoyne -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Janet and William Morris, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
William Morris was born in Eltham in 1848 or 1849. He was married three times; his second wife had the same surname as his first so they may have been sisters. He was described as "jolly and hearty" and ran a publican's booth at the Eltham Races in 1903, reportedly doing a good trade. He was an Eltham Shire Councillor between 1897 and 1918 and was Shire President in 1911. The Evelyn Hotel was situated in Main Road Eltham, immediately opposite its competitor the Eltham Hotel. It had opened as the Fountain of Friendship Hotel by 1854, when it was described as having "twelve spacious apartments all canvassed and papered", but had changed its name by 1878. The proprietor from about 1889 until 1919 was William Morris; he was also the licensee for most of that time. (The William Morris who was a butcher at Eltham in the early 1900s was no relation.) It advertised that it had "good stables", located behind the hotel in Pitt Street, a necessity for hotels at the time. Mail coaches en route from Heidelberg to Queenstown (now St Andrews), Panton Hill and Kangaroo Ground changed horses there. It was de-licensed as a hotel in 1919 but continued to operate as a boarding house until it was destroyed by fire in 1931. William died in 1922 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with several other family members. Janet The Beloved Wife of William Morris Who died 5th October 1880 Aged 24 years Also Alfred George Morris Died 11th September 1880, aged 1 year Also William Morris Died 8th December 1922 Aged 74 years At RestBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, alfred george morris, evelyn hotel, janet morris, william morris -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Myles Archibald Lyons and children, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
In 1872 Senior Constable Myles Lyons replaced Peter Lawlor at Eltham Police Station. Earlier in his career, he had taken part in a search (one of many) for missing explorers Burke and Wills. At Eltham, his arrests ranged from minor instances of theft, vandalism and larrikinism to serious cases of manslaughter, murder and attempted suicide. He even tracked down and arrested two Norwegian seamen charged with desertion from their vessel. While conveying a prisoner from Eltham to Melbourne in 1886, he was attacked by the prisoner en route. It seems that much of the local news in the Evelyn Observer was provided by Eltham Shire Secretary C.S. Wingrove. In 1878, Eltham residents held an “Indignation Meeting” at the Evelyn Hotel, complaining that the reporting had denigrated Lyons’ conduct and had stigmatised the character of Eltham’s inhabitants. They passed a resolution castigating Wingrove and supporting Lyons. Wingrove claimed to have been misconstrued. But in 1887 the Evelyn Observer carried a long ranting vitriolic editorial. It complained about inadequate policing generally, then attacked Lyons personally, saying that (although efficient in the past) he had now become incompetent and needed to be replaced by a younger more energetic man. Myles Lyons retired due to ill health in 1889 but remained in Eltham until his death in 1899. He is buried in Eltham Cemetery with his wife Flora and five of their children. Four sons moved to Western Australia where two were killed in unconnected railway accidents. In Loving Memory of Myles Archibald Beloved Husband of Flora Lyons Who Departed This Life 19th August 1899 Also their beloved Children Archibald Myles Who died 28th June 1865, aged 18 months Edith May Died 9th November, 1884, aged 1 year Hester May Died 17th July, 1887, Aged 14 months Flora Louisa Died 19th August, 1889, aged 14 years Joseph William Died 1st August, 1904, aged 27 yearsBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, archibald myles lyons, edith may lyons, flora louisa lyons, flora lyons, hester may lyons, joseph william lyons, myles archibald lyons -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of William Hill and Agnes Somerville Irvine and family, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
William Hill Irvine was born 6 July, 1858 in Newry, County Down, Ireland. He arrived in Melbourne December 1879 and taught at Geelong College. He was admitted to the Supreme Court in 1884 having qualified from Melbourne University and practiced in Melbourne. In 1891 he married Agnes Somerville Wanliss and they had one son, William Mitchell (1901 Armadale) and two daughters, Beatrice Wanliss (1899 Armadale) and Agnes Somerville Wanliss (1903 Armadale). Sir William Irvine sat in the Victorian Parliament (as Liberal Member for Lowan) from 1894 to 1906 and was Premier of Victoria from 1902 to 1904. He then switched to Federal politics and sat in the Commonwealth Parliament (as Liberal Member for Flinders) from 1906 to 1918. He was considered a potential Prime Minister, but his abrupt manner and hard-line conservatism (particularly his attitude to a railway strike) made him unacceptable even to many Liberals: he was known in Parliament as "Iceberg Irvine". He lived at Richmond, but in 1908 purchased land in Laughing Waters Road at Eltham, where he built the house ‘Killeavey’, initially as a weekend retreat. The site, a peninsula surrounded on three sides by the Yarra River, is of geological importance and has considerable cultural significance to the Wurundjeri. In 1912 Sir William moved to Killeavey and in 1913 purchased more land, extending his property to Reynolds Road. In 1923 he shifted to Toorak, donating Killeavey to his daughter Beatrice as a wedding gift. Sir William was a founding member of the RACV and was Acting Governor of Victoria from 1931 to 1934. He was also a notable public figure involved in several local events including the: 1919 Unveiling of Eltham War Obelisk 1921 Eltham Primary School Extensions 1921 Eltham Primary School Roll of Honour of prior students 1928 Opening of Eltham Higher Elementary School 1926 Unveiling the Shire of Eltham War Memorial in Memorial Park at Kangaroo Ground He died in 1943 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with his wife Agnes along with son William Mitchell Irvine and his wife, Dora Haswell Sacred to the memory of William Hill Irvine G.C.M.G. Lieutenant Governor And Chief Justice of Victoria Born 6th July 1858 At Newry, Northern Ireland Died 20th August 1943 Also his wife Agnes Somerville Born at Ballarat 16th Nov 1867 Died at Eltham 16th Aug 1954 W. M. W. Irvine 1901-1975 And Dora Haswell Wife of W. M. W. Irvine 1900-1979Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, agnes sommerville irvine (nee wanliss), dora haswell irvine, william hill irvine, william mitchell irvine -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of James Hans Morrison and Beatrice Wanliis Morrison, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
Beatrice Irvine was the daughter of former Victorian Premier Sir William Irvine. From age 13 she lived at ‘Killeavey’ off Laughing Waters Road (later accessed from Reynolds Road). In 1923 she married James Morrison and the couple received Killeavey as a wedding gift. The property supported fruit and vegetable growing as well as an impressive botanical garden. But James died in 1936 after a period of ill health, leaving Beatrice to support their six children. To make matters worse, the house was totally destroyed in the Black Friday bushfires in 1939 but was rebuilt. Beatrice became involved in community issues. In particular, she was an active member of the Eltham Women's Auxiliary, which was formed in 1945 to raise funds for the establishment of an Eltham War Memorial. From the outset, it was decided that this would take the form of a Baby Health Centre, a Pre-School and a Children’s Library, set in a garden of remembrance. Thanks to tireless fund-raising, the project came to fruition in the 1950s when, one by one, the three children's welfare buildings opened in Main Road (having previously been in temporary premises): they are collectively known as the Eltham War Memorial site. Beatrice continued to live at Killeavey and became well regarded as a botanist and naturalist. She died in 1989 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with her husband and one of their sons. The (rebuilt) house has since been demolished. All that remains is a fragment of the garden. In Fond Memory Of James Hans Morrison Croix de Guerre Born St Peters Pass Oatlands Tasmania 6th June 1880 Died Killeavey Eltham 16th November 1936 And his beloved wife Beatrice Wanliss Morrison (nee) Irvine Born St Kilda Victoria 22nd January 1899 Died 5th November 1989 Who rest here James Hans Irvine Morrison Born Melbourne 11th October 1927 Died Gorora New Guinea 1st October 1971Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, beatrice wanliss morrison (nee irvine), james hans irvine morrison, james hans morrison, croix de guerre (france) -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Stephen Dattner, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
Treasured husband, precious father Stephen Dattner An esceptional man Born 19th May, 1918, Harrowgate, U.K. Died 11th November, 1986, Melbourne, Remembrance DayBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, stephen dattner -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of William MacMahon Ball and Katrine S. Ball, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
William MacMahon Ball (‘Mac’ Ball) was Professor of Political Science at Melbourne University from 1949 to 1968, having lectured there since 1923. He became known as an ABC commentator on international affairs from the early 1930s to the early 1960s. Between 1940 and 1944 he was Controller of Overseas Broadcasting (which later became Radio Australia). In 1945, he was political consultant to the Australian Delegation at the conference leading to the establishment of the United Nations, and in 1946 was the British Commonwealth Representative on the Allied Council during the post-war occupation of Japan. Mac and his wife Katrine (plus daughter Jenny) came to Eltham in 1942, and in 1945 moved into an old timber cottage at the eastern end of York Street. With help from Alistair Knox, Sonia Skipper, Gordon Ford and John Harcourt, the house was totally renovated to become an early example of Eltham mud-brick. Mac died in 1986 and is buried in Eltham Cemetery with Katrine. Part of their land backing onto Bridge Street was donated to Eltham Shire Council and is now a reserve called MacMahon Ball Paddock. In Loving Memory W. MacMahon Ball A.C. 29. 8. 1901 – 26. 12. 1986 Also Katrine S. Ball 1st Nov. 1899 to 29th Oct. 1991 Loved wife of Mac. Ball Mother of Jenny Grandmother of Bronwyn, David and Michael Much belovedBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, katrine s. ball, william mcmahon ball -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Richard George, Emily Ann (nee Davis) and Edith Jane Kaylock, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
In his early adult life, Richard Kaylock worked as a whaler (visiting California and New Zealand) and later as a drover on a large cattle station in New South Wales. In 1848 he came to Melbourne, working as a slaughterman, then settled in Eltham in 1854, his occupation thereafter being variously recorded as butcher or orchardist. He also had some experiences at Ballarat during the Eureka Rebellion. He died in 1910 at the age of 84. His obituary described him as a "striking personality" who was "brusque to a fault" and "strictly upright, expecting others to be the same". It seems from his will that he was illiterate. He is buried in Eltham Cemetery with his wife Emily. His property was in Wellington Street (now Brougham Street) and apparently extended across the Diamond Creek. The land on the western side of the creek was farmed, the house being on the eastern side. For many years the Brougham Street bridge was generally known as "Kaylock's Bridge". It formed part of the original coach road to Eltham and in 1922 was described as an "old rustic bridge". Its low level and insubstantial construction made it susceptible to flood damage, necessitating frequent closures until repairs could be carried out. The original bridge was demolished in 1923 and replaced by a "new up-to-date" one. When a lack of finances delayed repairs to the Bridge Street bridge in 1931, traffic had to detour via Brougham Street for some time. Local residents feared that the Bridge Street bridge might never reopen. In Loving Memory Of Our Dear Father & Mother R.G. and E.A. Kaylock Also E.J. Kaylock Died 21st Jan. 1927 The Eternal God Is My PledgeBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, brougham street bridge, edith jane kaylock, emily ann kaylock (nee davis), kaylocks bridge, richard george kaylock -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Ian John Dingwall Hassall and Joan Eleanor Maud Hassall, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
Remember Ian John Dingwall Hassall A great artist Born 1899 Died 1970 Also Joan Eleanor Maud Hassall 24.4.1910 - 26.2.2003 Beloved wife of Ian Mother of John and Colin Rest in PeaceBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, joan eleanor maud hassall, ian john dingwall hassall -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Mary and Joseph Shallard also Jack Vincent and Blanche Emily Shallard, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
In Memory of Mary Beloved wife of Joseph & mother of Jack, Will & Jocelyn Died 8th Sept. 1953 and In loving memory of Joseph Died 27th July 1965 Aged 88 years Also their son Jack Vincent died 3rd June 1991 Aged 85 years And his wife Blanche Emily Died 10th September 2002 Aged 97 yearsBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, blanche emily shallard, jack vincent shallard, joseph shallard, mary shallard -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of (Captain) Gordon Watts-Phillips and Mary Hilda Watts-Phillips, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
Charles Gordon Watts-Phillips was born in 1849 at Forest Hill, Surrey, England, the son of Dramatic Author, Watts Phillips, and Lily Mariner. He departed England for Australia around 1874. His sister Roland was a favourite Australian actress of the early 1900s. Gordon as he was known, whilst residing in Goolwa, South Australia and working as a clerk met and married a widow, Jane Luxon (nee Miller) on the 7th August, 1876 at the Wesleyan Church in Strathalbyn, South Australia. Jane, Gordon’s elder by some 11 years was born in Ireland in 1838, the daughter of Robert Joseph Miller, a carpenter and Jane Miller. She had previously married Captain William Luxon in 1861 at Encounter Bay, South Australia at age 22 and they had four children: William (1864), George Robert (1865), Miriam Louisa (1867) and Harriet Jane (1869), all born at Encounter Bay. Gordon and Jane had two further children together: Caroline Roland Watts-Phillips (1877 Islington S.A.) and Charles Gordon Watts-Phillips (1879 Yatala, S.A.). At some stage, Jane then deserted her husband. Gordon obtained a master's certificate and was a part owner of a small trader. He had also been captain of one of the passenger boats on the Darling River. He was reputedly a popular coastal skipper. By 1891 Gordon was the Captain of the S.S Omeo operating around Sale, Victoria. In August of that year some of the heaviest flooding of the Thomson River ever experienced in twenty years occurred over the 3rd and 4th of August. Gordon, and others, rescued the lives of many families over that period for which he was awarded a Bronze Medal by the Royal Humane Society. By 1892 the S.S. Omeo had passed to another Captain and Gordon subsequently retired from the sea and moved to Melbourne. Whilst residing in Coburg, Victoria, Gordon met Mary Hilda Harvey Huxley who was living in Brunswick. Mary was born in Horsham, the daughter of George Harry Huxley, a miner, and Emma Deane. Having not heard from Jane for some years and believing her dead, Gordon and Mary marry at Carlton on Christmas Eve, 1900. Interestingly, an announcement of the marriage was not placed in The Age newspaper until September 1903, nearly three years after the event by which time Gordon and Mary had a son, Victor Gordon Watts-Phillips, born 8 February 1903 in Carlton. Within months of the placement of this marriage announcement, his former wife, Jane, makes a reappearance but apparently does not interfere and Mary and Gordon continue to live together as husband and wife. Around the same time in late 1903, Gordon’s brother, Basil Watts Phillip wrote from London to the Victoria Police seeking assistance to locate his brother. He had last heard from him in a letter dated Cunninghame, Gippsland, 1891. He indicated that about 1893 Gordon and Jane and their two children were living at Beaconsfield Parade, Albert Park but the whereabouts of all was now unknown. He mentioned Gordon had also been awarded 21 guineas by Judge Boucaut on the 26th February 1884, also a silver medal, for arresting two ruffians who had brutally assaulted a jockey (in South Australia) and that he had been awarded the Royal Humane Society's medal, London, and in 1891, was presented with the Royal Humane Society's certificate of merit (Victoria). Basil also stated his brother had lost the sight of one eye through a stab he received in New York and had a scar on his temple, one on the wrist, two under the shoulder blade, and one on the thigh, and two bullet wounds in the leg. Basil’s quest was published in the Melbourne Herald and assistance was soon forthcoming to the Police. In June 1906 Gordon made his Will, leaving all his estate to his youngest son Victor. Mary was appointed Executrix and it was witnessed by Olive Huxley, married woman, and James Huxley, a pottery maker. James was subsequently killed in France in May 1918. Gordon and Mary have a second son, Basil Douglas born in Carlton in 1911 but he dies as toddler in 1913. At some point Gordon and Mary made their home at Eltham though official electoral roll records record them at Little Flinders Street Melbourne, employed as a caretaker and from 1906 in Brunswick as a decorator then painter. Eltham may have been a ‘holiday’ home but it seems Mary was actively engaged in the community as a newspaper report in the Advertiser in 1922 not long after Gordon’s death indicates Mary was one of the best known and best liked ladies of the Eltham district. She was actively engaged in all matters, tending towards the welfare of the district. At the time of Gordon’s death Mary was president of the Ladies' Public Hall Committee, responsible for the conduct of numerous, and successful entertainments. Gordon’s first and only legal wife, Jane Luxon Watts-Phillips nee Miller, died 6 November 1921 and was buried 8 November 1921 at Springvale Cemetery. Jane had lived 34 years in South Australia and 30 years in Victoria. With Jane now dead, Gordon was now officially a widower and just three weeks later, the retired master mariner of Eltham at age 55 remarried Mary, 42, of 174 Hickford Street, East Brunswick on the 29th November 1921 in the Parish of St Cuthbert, East Brunswick. Gordon died at their home, ‘The Rest’, at 174 Hickford Street, East Brunswick on February 9, 1922 and was buried at Eltham Cemetery on February 11. An interesting link is established with the heavy floods of August 1891 by the erection of a tombstone in the Eltham cemetery. The stone bears the inscription: - “In loving memory of (Captain) Gordon, dearly beloved husband of Mary Watts Phillips. Died 9th February 1922, aged 62 years." Beside the stone is a replica, carved in a marble scroll, of the Royal Humane Society of Australia's Certificate of merit. Part of the wording of this certificate is as follows:- “At a general court of directors holder at the offices of the society at Melbourne on the 6th day of September 1891, it was resolved that the courage and humanity displayed by Gordon Watts Phillips aged 30-years captain of S.S. Omeo, Sale, in rescuing many families from drowning during the heavy floods on Thomson River on 3rd and 4th of August 1891 call for the admiration of the court, and justly entitles him to the certificate of merit of this society, which is hereby awarded." Unbeknownst to Gordon, his second and subsequent legal marriage to Mary initiated a revocation of his Will of 1906, which had solely benefited his son Victor. Consequently, Mary had to apply for Letters of Administration and the only legal beneficiaries would be Mary and his two children by Jane. On June 18, 1940, at age 61, Mary married 70-year-old Arthur Ernest Fenn in Melbourne. Unfortunately for her, Arthur died a year later in July 1941 and was buried in the Cohuna Cemetery near Echuca. Mary lived a further 8 years, passing away suddenly July 4, 1948 in Carlton, and was buried July 7 with her beloved husband Gordon, at Eltham Cemetery. In Loving Memory of (Captain) Gordon Dearly beloved husbandof Mary Watts-Phillips Died 9th Feb. 1922, aged 62 years Also Mary Hilda Loved wife of above Died 4th July 1948 "At rest"Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, (captain) gordon watts-phillips, mary hilda harvey watts-phillips (nee huxley) -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Beulah Alice Rutter and children, June and Samuel, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
Hubert and Beulah Alice (Simpson) Rutter had five children: Hubert Jnr. (Joe) in 1913, David in 1915, June in 1917, Donald in 1922 and Samuel in 1926. Samuel died as an infant aged 17 days. Hubert was a notable figure in Eltham and beyond, with a career as a mining manager in Australia and Malaya. He served in the AIF in the First World War. While the children were growing up at ‘Yarra Braes’, Eltham, their father was an Eltham Shire Councillor in the 1920s, shire president in 1928 and a leading figure in establishing the Shire of Eltham War Memorial League, which was responsible for building the Shire of Eltham War Memorial tower at Kangaroo Ground, near where the Shire Offices were located until the 1930s. The Rutter name was commemorated after the war at Eltham High School with one of the schoolhouses named ‘Rutter House’ and at Geelong Grammar School until the 1960s where a ‘Rutter Badge’ was awarded to junior boys for leadership. The family home, ‘Yarra Braes’ was destroyed in the devasting Black Friday bushfire, 13 January 1939 and Beulah relocated to Toorak, Hubert working in Western Australia. Tragedy struck the family again December 19, 1940 when daughter June was killed after falling from the Heidelberg train on to an adjacent track into the path of a Reservoir train at Victoria Park station. Sons David and Donald both served in the R.A.A.F. during the Second World War and were killed in action, David in Libya in 1941 and Donald in Germany in 1945. The wreck of his plane and his body were not recovered at the time and Hubert never ceased to chase down leads as to his whereabouts. Beulah never gave up hope that Donald was still alive. Hubert had received several reports shortly after the war that his son was still alive but these were ultimately accepted as misidentification. Such was the anguish of the grieving parents, their son’s plane not found to confirm the fact for certain. Hubert wrote to the Air Force in frustration, failing to understand how the plane could disappear when it crashed in a relatively populated area. Unfortunately the answers came too late for Beulah who died in 1946 and was buried in Eltham Cemetery along with her daughter June and baby Samuel. Donald’s plane was eventually located and his body recovered in 1949. He is buried in the Hanover War Cemetery, Germany. David is commemorated on Column 245, Alamein Memorial, Egypt. Both David and Donald are commemorated on Eltham’s Roll of Honour Board, commissioned by the Eltham War Memorial Trust to be hung in the Baby Health Centre, part of the Eltham War Memorial building precinct. Hubert Senior and Hubert Junior both continued to work in the mining industry in Western Australia. Hubert senior died 1957 at Plantagenet Western Australia and Hubert junior in 1979 at Gascoyne, Western Australia. Sacred to the memory of Beulah AliceBeloved wife of Hubert Rutter Died August 21st 1946 also June Beloved daughter of Beulah and Hubert Rutter Died 19th December 1940 aged 23 years Also her baby brother Samuel Died 7th October 1926, aged 17 daysBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, beulah alice rutter, hubert rutter, june rutter, samuel rutter -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of John Arthur and Grace Mitchell, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
Grace Mitchell, a talented artist in later life and baker, managed a pastry shop business near the corner of Mount Pleasant and Main roads, Eltham in the 1950s. Shortly after her marriage to Arthur Mitchell in 1948, Arthur incurred a head injury from an accident and was unable to work. Grace realised she needed to be home to care for her husband as well as earn an income. She managed the bureaucracy of council permits, and made modifications to her home with savings to get the business off the ground without having to borrow money. Grace and Arthur were avid gardeners and would grow, wash and mince vegetables for pasties while Grace handmade and rolled the pastry. They cooked and minced their own meat for the pies and the fruit for the sweet pies came from their orchard at the rear of the property. She also baked scones and cakes. With weekend visitors travelling to Eltham on the train for days trips, her reputation grew as the spot for afternoon tea. Grace’s daughter Jenni mentions the visit of dancer, Robert Helpmann and U.S. actress Katherine Hepburn in her Grace Mitchell: a short history [2012]. Reminiscences in We did open a school in Little Eltham: Eltham Primary School 209, 1856-2006 a history [2006] include a mention of Grace’s famous pastry shop and the Sunday afternoon visit by Helpmann and Hepburn. Grace operated her pastry shop for over 16 years. She supported the Shillinglaw Cottage Preservation Campaign to preserve the cottage through its Flavour of Eltham community cookbook published in 1964 and hosted cooking classes in the new Living and Learning Centre. Grace Mitchell passed away aged 95 years in 2011. In memory of John Arthur Mitchell 1905 – 1975 And Grace Mitchell 1916 – 2011 Loving parents of Jennifer MitchellBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, grace mitchell, john arthur mitchell -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Reynolds family grave, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
Ernest Richard Reynolds was born June 1877, the son of Richard Reynolds and Sophia Allen. He married Elsie Mary Prior in 1913, the daughter of Thomas John Prior and Keziah Nutt. Ernest and Elsie had three children: Margaret Winifred (1914), Richard John (1915) and Ivy Beatrice (1917). The Reynolds family home was located at what is now 106 Thompson Crescent near the corner of Reynolds Road and Main Road. Reynolds Road was named after the family. Many historic photos of the district which now form part of the Reynolds/Prior and Shire of Eltham Pioneers Photograph collections were taken by Elsie’s brother, Henry Thomas (Tom) Edmond Prior and give a fine overview of many of the landmarks of Research and Eltham over 100 years ago. He was very innovative and made his own camera, using the black cloth hood to exclude the light. In Loving Memory Of Ernest Richard Reynolds Died 11th Oct 1960 Aged 83 yrs Elsie Mary Reynolds Died 2. 6. 89 Aged 98 years and In Loving Memory Of Margaret Winifred Reynolds Died 29. 12. 95 Aged 80 years Ivy Beatrice Reynolds Died 7 October 2011 Aged 94 years In His Loving CareBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, elsie mary reynolds, ernest richard reynolds, ivy beatrice reynolds, margaret winifred reynolds -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Honor Birch, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
Honor Birch (nee Young) was married to Edwin Samuel Birch. Their children were Honor Mary Birch, known as Nora, born 1900, Margaret Martin, Bert Birch and Brigidene Brinkotter. In 1903 a Miner’s Right of one acre in area beside the Watsons Creek just outside the then Shire of Eltham was granted to Edwin Samuel Birch. In 1907 Birch applied to purchase this land but was unable to because it was part of the creek reserve. Documents show that the cottage existed at that time. Upon Birch’s death in 1932, his daughter, Honor Mary Birch was granted a permit to occupy the residence. Honor died in 1950 and was buried in Eltham Cemetery. Her memorial states: In Memory Of Our dear mother Honor Birch Who passed away 16th August 1950 Aged 86 years R.I.P.Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, honor birch -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Guido Quarto Fabbro, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
Guido Quarto Fabbro was born 21 August 1891 at Treppo Grande in the far northeast of Italy, the son of Giacomo Fabbro and Anna Geruzzi. Regina Moretti was born 6 March 1893 at Treppo Grande, Italy, the daughter of Giovanni Battista Moretti and Maria Teresa Coletti. Guido and Regina married about 1917 and they had two sons, Giacomo (John c.1918) and Maurie (c.1920). In 1925 Guido Fabbro departed his homeland from Genoa, arriving in Fremantle, Western Australia in June, travelling 3rd class aboard the ship, Caprera. Regina and their two boys followed a year later along with other family members arriving in Fremantle from Genoa 4 July 1926 aboard the Moncalieri. The Fabbro arrived in Eltham in 1933 and purchased a block of land from William West on the western side of Falkiner Street, extending to Ely and Porter Streets which had formerly been part of the West family orchard and dairy farm. As there was no fencing dividing the two properties, West served notice on Guido in December 1934 to bear half of the cost of £6. When payment was not forthcoming, West sued Guido in the Eltham Court in January 1935. Guido failed to appear and was not represented, and costs were ordered in West’s favour. Guido and Regina built a large Italianesque house on their property. The original 1860s cottage was relocated to the back of the block and was rented out (once to Alistair and Margot Knox). Guido also purchased land extending to the Diamond Creek on the eastern side of Falkiner Street and on the eastern side of Bell Street (opposite Eltham High School). The riparian soil was suitable for market gardening: Guido grew mainly tomatoes, but also pumpkins, cauliflowers, cabbages, peas, beans, lettuce, beetroot and zucchinis. Even the land surrounding the house was used. The produce was carted to Melbourne overnight for sale at the market. Guido died in 1970 and is buried in Eltham cemetery. Regina died 1986. She and their son John Patrick (Giacomo) Fabbro who died in 1984 are also buried at Eltham Cemetery. Guido’s son Maurie continued in his father’s footsteps until 2007, principally growing artichokes in later years. He died in 2009. The land on the eastern side of Falkiner Street now forms part of a Council reserve called “Barak Bushland”, the land on the western side having been sold off for residential subdivision. The Bell Street land is now public open space managed by Nillumbik Shire Council and called “Fabbro Fields”. There have been recent proposals to develop the site for sporting purposes or as a dog park or community garden. In Memory of Guido Quarto Fabbro Beloved husband of Regina Died 15-3-1970 aged 79 R.I.PBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, guido quarto fabbro, regina fabbro -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of David George and Elizabeth Clark, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
David George Clark was the first and longest-serving headmaster at Eltham State School No. 209 (Eltham Primary) in Dalton Street, Eltham. David (then aged 26) and his sister Catherine first established their ‘private’ school which began in 1855 and was held in the Wesleyan Chapel in Henry Street, a slab built, shed-like building on land acquired by the Church in January 1855. Parents lobbied the Government to establish an official school, and a School Inspector came out to investigate. He found that the Clarks were of good moral and religious character (David taught Sunday School at St. Margaret's later on) and gave them his endorsement despite some perceived technical shortcomings. In 1856 a small stone building of 40 feet by 16 feet was erected on the school's present site at the corner of Main Road and Dalton Street. Half of the building was the school, the other half was the residence of David and Catherine and their mother, also Catherine. It appears that they were well respected by the local community: David constantly battled with the authorities to have facilities (such as toilets) at the school improved. As enrolment gradually increased, over-crowding became an issue. As well, David married Elizabeth in 1863. Needing to move out of the schoolhouse, in 1866 the Clarks bought a block of land in Metery Road next to the school and built the house "Shoestring" (which still exists albeit with significant modifications). Catherine retired in 1887 followed by David in 1889 after a period of ill health and was succeeded as Head Teacher by John Brown. David died in 1911 and is buried with his wife Elizabeth in Eltham Cemetery. In Loving Memory Of D. G. & E. ClarkBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, david george clark, elizabeth clark, eltham primary school, eltham wesleyan chapel, state school no. 209 -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of George Charles Alfred Procter, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
In Loving Memory of George Charles Alfred Procter Born 11th Aug. 1865 Died 26th Oct. 1934Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, george charles alfred procter, procter, sarah jane procter -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Sarah and Phillip Shillinglaw, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
Philip Shillinglaw and his wife Sarah came to Eltham in 1882. Their property "Wattle Brae" originally encompassed present-day Eltham Central Park and part of Eltham Library, extending north to include Andrew Park and the site of the railway station. An early photo shows that much of it was planted for crops. They also had cows; in 1913 Philip wrote to the local paper complaining about an earlier report that one of them had been killed on the railway line. "I give an emphatic denial to the report. It is not true." Their house Shillinglaw Cottage (built by George Stebbings) still exists, though it was moved with funding from local residents in 1963-64 when faced with demolition to make room for new Council Offices. Philip was actively involved with the Methodist Church as preacher, Church Steward and Sunday School teacher. A Sunday School picnic and a sports carnival were held on his paddock. Eight of his children attended Eltham Primary School. In 1908 he ploughed part of the schoolyard (possibly for use as a garden) free of charge. When Philip died in 1914, his funeral was described as one of the largest ever seen in Eltham. He and Sarah are buried in Eltham Cemetery. In Loving Memory of Sarah Ann Shillinglaw Died 10th Dec. 1891 Also Phillip Loved husband of above Died 18th Aug. 1914 Sweet BestBorn Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, phillip shillinglaw, sara ann shillinglaw -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Alistair Samuel Knox, Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
Alistair Knox was an architect and builder who came to Eltham in 1948. Influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright and Walter Burley Griffin, he sought to create buildings that would blend into the landscape, enhanced by the planting of indigenous flora. The post-war shortage of building materials made traditional construction expensive. Adobe (mudbrick) provided a cheap and plentiful alternative, and one which would be aesthetically pleasing. Mud-brick manufacture was a problem at first. Sonia Skipper had been experimenting with Eltham clays for years to find the best mix for making bricks and render. Alistair employed her as building foreman on several of his sites. By the 1980s, he had brought mud-brick and earth building into the Australian mainstream, and a Knox-designed house had become highly desirable. Sonia said that he would craft a bespoke earthen house to fit with his client's lifestyle. He was drawn to the environmental movement, publishing three books on housing and the environment, and speaking on radio. He also served on the Eltham Shire Council 1971-1975, was Shire President 1974 and was instrumental in re-establishing the Eltham Community Festival in 1975. Alistair died in 1986 and is buried in a small garden setting at Eltham Cemetery.Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, heritage excursion, alistair samuel knox -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Harriet Agrita Falkiner (1849-1923) , Eltham Cemetery, Victoria, 5 April 2021
Harriet Falkiner was the daughter of Frederick Edward and Fanny Falkiner. Frederick was Eltham's first postmaster and settled in the district on the Diamond Creek and Yarra River around 1848 where he established an orchard and grazed cattle. The original family home was a pioneer settler's cottage built by Frederick Falkiner in Ely street.Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, heritage excursion, alexander richard falkiner, evelyn falkiner, frederick edward falkiner, harriet agrita falkiner -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Peter Pidgeon, Grave of Charlotte Amelia Taylor, Lillian Jane Taylor and Robert David Taylor, Eltham Cemetery, 5 April 2021
Robert David Taylor was a farmer who lived in Eltham all his life and died in 1934 at the age of 76. Mr and Mrs Bowman lived in York Street; Taylor was their neighbour. In 1933 he subdivided his land, the plan showing a proposed Grey Street flanked by residential blocks for sale. Mrs Bowman bought one: her family would be able to walk through it and along Grey Street to Henry Street, thus providing quicker access to the railway station. But Taylor retained ownership of Grey Street itself. He fenced it off at each end and charged the Bowmans with trespass when they used it. The matter went to Court. The ruling was that Mrs Bowman could use Grey Street, as she owned land in it, but her husband could not. (Taylor also accused the Bowmans of having broken the fences, but could not prove it.) Taylor had wanted to subdivide his land in 1914. Plans were submitted to Council and were approved, but the subdivision did not proceed. In 1919, Taylor doctored the plans to make it appear that a totally different subdivisional arrangement had been approved. The Titles Office immediately detected fraud, and the Crown charged Taylor with forgery and counterfeiting. But charges were later dropped (reason not recorded). He was an Eltham Shire Councillor between 1911 and 1920. In 1920, Council charged him with illegally felling 91 eucalyptus trees in Eltham Park (60% of them in a healthy condition), presumably to be sold as firewood. He was imprisoned pending trial. Taylor claimed that he had acquired from another man the right to remove timber and sued the Council for wrongful prosecution. The case eventually went to the State Full Court, with judgement given in favour of Council, on the grounds that any right acquired by Taylor covered only the removal of logs and refuse, not sound green timber. And his position as Councillor precluded him from acquiring the right anyway. Robert David Taylor was also a Trustee of the Wesleyan Church owned land at Lot 20 Henry Street, originally purchased in January 1855 for a chapel and from which David and Catherine Clark first ran their private school, the forerunner of the Eltham Primary School. The land was sold in November 1901 to the Hope of Eltham Tent No. 195 Victoria District Independent Order of Rechabites, for which his brother William John Taylor was a Trustee and became the home of the Eltham Rechabite Hall. In December 1921 it was again sold, this time to the community for use as the Eltham Public Hall, Robert David Taylor being a member of the Committee.Born Digitaleltham cemetery, gravestones, charlotte amelia taylor, eltham district historical society, heritage excursion, lillian jane taylor, richard pinn, robert david taylor -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Newsletter, Queenstown Cemetery: Grave Concerns, 2010
The Queenstown Cemetery (1861-1981) is a pioneer and miner’s cemetery, established during the gold rush of the 1850’s at the site of the first mining village of the Caledonia Diggings. A Cemetery Trust administers the cemetery with the support of The Friends and Relations of Queenstown Cemetery and endeavours to maintain and preserve it for future generations. The Friends Group publish a newsletter. Newsletter includes feature on memorial cairn and burial register unveiled 22 August 2010Issue No 3. November 2010harry gilham collection, queenstown cemetery, memorial cairn -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Grave of David Band, John Cork Knell, Eliza Smith and William Band, Eltham Cemetery, Shire of Eltham, 1985
Shire of Eltham Archives Series 13, Photograph Album, 1985. Originally contained in a 2-ring PVC binder and document sleevesColour photographseries 13, shire of eltham archives, shire of eltham, david band, eliza smith, eltham cemetery, john cork knell, william band -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Grave of William and Catherine Plunkett and Patrick Plunkett, Eltham Cemetery, Shire of Eltham, 1985
Shire of Eltham Archives Series 13, Photograph Album, 1985. Originally contained in a 2-ring PVC binder and document sleevesColour photographseries 13, shire of eltham archives, shire of eltham, eltham cemetery, catherine plunkett, patrick plunkett, william plunkett -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Thomas Sweeney and family grave, Eltham Cemetery
Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 2 stripsKodak CP 100 5094eltham cemetery, thomas sweeney -
Eltham District Historical Society Inc
Photograph, Thomas Sweeney and family grave, Eltham Cemetery
Roll of 35mm colour negative film, 2 stripsKodak CP 100 5094eltham cemetery, thomas sweeney