Edith Sarah Pickford was born and raised in Clunes, Victoria. She is the only daughter of John Pickford and Betsey (Robbins) Pickford and sister of Henry Pickford, John Pickford, William Harold Pickford, Horace Pickford DCM, Arthur Pickford and Charles Alexander Pickford. [ Research by Edith;s granduaghter Jane Dyer (nee Chatham)] Edith's maternal grandmother was a descendent of Donald Cameron, the first recorded European settler in the Clunes area.The Pickford family's pioneer settler legacy in the Clunes- Glendaruel district is commemorated with a Pickford Road and displays in the Clunes Museum. A collection of Edith's song music was donated to the Clunes Museum by her great grand-daughter in 2023. Edith married a local farmer, Henry Smerdon Holmes from "Sauchieburn" Ascot, Victoria. Henry was a descendant of the family who had inherited their maternal ancestor's, Catherine Coghill (nee Holmes), Ascot - Coghills Creek property. This branch of the Coghill Family descended from the district's pioneer settler, Captain Coghill. Edith and Henry spent all their married life, and raised 4 children Jack [John], Bill [William], [Mary] Elizabeth and David, at Ascot. She was buried in the Coghills Creek Cemetery with her husband, Henry Smerdon Holmes, and their son, David, in 1967. Her children, Bill Holmes and Elizabeth Chatham, and their spouses are buried nearby.Social and historicalMounted black and white photo of a young girl wearing a white dress and ribbon.chatham holmes collection, holmes, pickford

Collection of photographs, many show Edith Pickford-Holmes before her marriage to Harry Holmes. Some show a Box Brownie Camera chatham-holmes collection, edith pickford, edith pickford-holmes, camera

Three images of Edith Holmes (Pickford) .1 Edith .2 Early photo of Edith .3 Elizabeth Holmes with her mother Edith Holmes (Pickford) in the Ballarat Gardens.chatham-holmes collection, edith holmes (nee pickford), elizabeth holmes (later chatham), ballarat gardens

This photo taken in 1917 was 5 years before Edith Sarah Pickford (1909 - 1967) of ''Yeoville" Clunes married Henry Smerdon [Harry] Holmes of "Sauchieburn" Ascot in 1922. At the time it was fun, fashionable and symbolic to have photo portraits taken in a clown outfit: Pierrot (Boy) with black skull caps and Columbine (Girl) with pointed hats. Pierrot, the famous character from the Italian commedia dell'arte, was portrayed by the composer A. Schoenberg as the moonstruck and fantastical clown, who is a symbol for putting on a mask to hide one's true feelings or opinions. Edith was the second youngest child, and only daughter, of John and Bessie (Robbins) Pickford, Clunes farmers. Edith’s brother, Arthur Pickford rode in the Charge of the Battle of Beersheba, a precursor to capturing Gaza in WW1. The matter of who rode in the charge at Beersheba on 31 October 1917 continues to exercise the minds of many. The charge is embedded in the Australian ethos along with Gallipoli and the Kokoda Track. [ Source: Edith's granddaughter, Jane Dyer 2024]Black and white photograph in rectangular frame with stand. Back of frame padded velvet"Sincerely yours - Edith"edith pickford, edith holmes, chatham-holmes collection, pickford collection, pierrot and columbine, portrait photograph, ww1

Bessie Pickford was the mother of Edith Holmes.A woman wearing a black dress poses in a photographers studio. She is Bessie Pickford (formerly Robbins). chatham, chatham family collection, pickford, bessie pickford, edith holmes, holmes

Letters and maps and information relating to the Holmes family of Ascot, Victoria. Documents include: Sarah Holmes inquest Ancestors of Elizabeth Mary Holmes Holmes Family Reunion at Arawata Hallelizabeth mary holmes, ascot residence tender notice, family tree, map of poowong township, family history, genealogy, samuel pickford, william pickford, elizabeth cross, charles robbins, harry holmes, edith pickford, ian coghill holmes, elizabeth fry

Photograph of members of the Holmes family in the garden at "Launchley" Ascot 3364. Left to Right: David Holmes, Edith Holmes (Pickford), Bill Holmes Front: Jack Holmes, Mary Elizabeth Holmeschatham-holmes collection, launchley, david holmes, edith holmes (nee pickford), bill holmes, jack holmes, elizabeth holmes, ascot

Horace Pickford was born at Clunes. His mother was Bessie and his wife was Ida. Horace enlisted on 22 June 1915. He was killed in action on 27 September 1917. He was buried in the vicinity of Polygon Wood. Horace was the brother of Edith Pickford ( m Holmes) and the maternal uncle of Elizabeth Mary Holmes ( m Chatham)Images relating to Australian World War One Soldiers from Ascot. . 2 Black and white carte postale of 17 Australian soldiers in uniform. Many hold a bugle and 5 drums are placed in the foreground. The Battalion colonel sits in the centre. The card was written by Horace Pickford (2282) of 'C' Company, 58th battalion. .3 Certificate of Marriage for Henry Robbins Pickford Family Tree .7 John Pickford Written in ink verso "France 14 July 17 Dear Edie I received your ever welcome letter a few days ago, this is but a card, but you will hear from other letters Ed. This is our batt bugle band, one of my friends belongs to it. I will march him out. Our colonel is in the center. Keep this little photo, it will be a little momento of the old battalion. We have a brass-band also. I have just received a letter from Ethel Pickford from England. Ta Ta now old kid with love. Horace (2882)chatham family collection, chatham, world war one, world war 1, france, horace pickford, ethel pickford, polygone wood, band, music, edith pickford, clunes, brass band, bugle band, henry robbins, family history, william pickford, charles pickford, elizabeth millard, sarah pickford, john pickford, alexander pickford

David Coghill Holmes (1929- 1950) of Ascot was the youngest brother of Henry John (Jack), William Smerdon (Bill) and Mary Elizabeth Holmes (m M. E. Chatham 1932 - 2006) and son of Henry (Harry} Smerdon and Edith Holmes (nee Pickford)Black and white photograph of a man in coat, collar and tie. He is David Coghill Holmes as a young man. The Holmes family lived at Ascot, Victoria.harry holmes, ascot, holmes family collection, chatham-holmes collection

Sophie Thomas assisted Elizabeth Chatham (nee Holmes) and her mother, Edith Holmes (nee Pickford) with household chores and child care at "Launchley" Ascot and at 15 Wendouree Parade, Ballarat during the 1950s - 1970s. Sophie was an important, loved member of the family.Small black and white photograph in oval frame with standsophie thomas, mary elizabeth chatham, family helper, launchley, chatham - holmes family archive

This Holmes Family photograph was taken in Elizabeth's parent's front garden at "Launchley" Ascot before her marriage to Philip, second son of Jack [John] and Jessie Imogene [Gene] Chatham (nee Furniss), on the 20 Feb 1957 at St Augustines Catholic Church's Creswick L- R Eldest brother, Jack [John] Holmes, [Mary] Elizabeth Holmes, mother Edith Holmes, brother Bill [William Smerdon] Holmes. Her father, Henry, and brother David were deceased. Jack Holmes "gave her away". Jessie Imogene [Gene] Chatham ( nee Furniss 1901 - 1980) was the grand-daughter of Rosanna McFadden and Alexander Poynton, the 13th child of their eldest daughter Mary Jane Poynton. Philip Chatham was Gene's second eldest child. Rosanna married Liverpool-born Alexander Poynton in the Free Church of Victoria in 1852. Alexander is reported to have been involved in the Eureka Rebellion, placing Rosanna at Ballarat in late 1854. The family moved about the Victorian Goldfields during the 1850s and early 1860s, before selecting a 240 acre property at Illabarook which they named Rosanna’s first child Alexander, was a State and Federal Politican, holding the role of Treasurer in Billy Hughes government. He was awarded an OBE in 1920 for his work on WW1 repatriation issues. Fifth child Rosanna, married the Mayor of Brunswick and their son Sir Alexander George Wales was Lord Mayor of Melbourne between 1934 – 37. Finally, eleventh son John Joseph was Lord Mayor of Perth. [Jane Dyer (nee Chatham) 2025] Black and white photograph mounted on beige card. Wedding photograph of M. Elizabeth Holmes with her mother Edith Holmes (nee Pickford) and brothers Jack (on left) and Bill on the occasion of her marriage to Philip Chatham. Taken in the front garden of the Holmes family home “Launchley” Ascot, Vic. Victoria"John Smith Ballarat" signed at bottom on cardchatham-holmes collection, elizabeth holmes, philip chatham, edith holmes (nee pickford), bill holmes, wedding

This book is part of a collection of books, photos and memorabilia donated from the Chatham-Holmes family collection. This little prayer book was owned by Edith Holmes ( nee Pickford) and was presented to her as an enrolled member of the Jesuit Seminary Association. Edith converted from Methodism to Catholicism prior to marrying Henry Holmes.This small blue, leather bound book has the title and a cross printed in gold on the front cover and the title on the spine. There is a picture of Jesus on the title page and the printing in the book is black and some headings are printed in red. It is 125 pages but page 33/34 is missing (The attached red marker ribbon is at this spot). A small card has been taped into the front of the book showing that Mrs Edith Holmes had been enrolled as a member of the Jesuit Seminary Association on 4 January 1967. In the back of the book are taped two pieces of paper, one written in pen with the 23rd Psalm and the other with a typed copy of the Invalids Prayer.In pencil on flyleaf - 18/6 On card written in pen - Douglas Boyd chatham-holmes family collection, edith holmes, treasury of the sacred heart, jesuit seminary association

Black and white photograph in an oval frame with stand.harry holmes, edith holmes (nee pickford)

HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born in 1897 at the family property, ’Sauchieburn’, 17 km north of Ballarat, in the Ascot district. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the Holmes family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918. Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51448 He was a Driver with the 4th D.A.C.https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51219 According to his Soldier's Pay Books (Cat. No. 20112) Holmes Registration number was 7983. He was Catholic and enlisted in the Third Military District on 17 September 1915, and embarked on 8 November 1915. Holmes was in the 18th AASC Unit with the rank of Driver at that time. On 15 November 1918 Holmes was promoted to Lance Corporal. He received leave on: * 3 August 1917 - London (10 days) * 19 February 1918 - Paris (10 days) * 27 August 1918 - London (14 days) In 1922 Harry married Edith Pickford of 'Yeovil', Clunes, and they lived at 'Sauchieburn' with Henry's brother Willie. In 1933 Harry and Edith built a new timber home 'Launchley' (Ascot) on the rise east of 'Sauchieburn' on the Ballarat - Maryborough Road. The home was built by Con Zilles to the designs of Clegg and Morrow. In 1938 Harry and Edith purchased a property at Derrinallum, Victoria and called it 'Launchley Park' on their first son's return from World War 2. In 1953 Harry purchased William and Charlotte's portion of 'Sauchieburn' for his son, Bill, and daughter-in-law Margaret. [Source: Unpublished notes by Jane Dyer ( nee Chatham)]Sepia photographic postcard of a World War 1 Australian soldier in uniform, Henry Smerdon Holmes from Ascot Victoria.Verso in pen "The boys say this isn't to (sic) bad so it will show you any changes. Heaps of love to all. Harrychatham, chatham family collection, holmes, harry holmes, henry holmes, smerdon, world war, world war 1, world war i, uniform

Two hand written recipe books. Articles and recipes from magazines and the newspaper are also includedTwo eecipe books with clippings of recipes from magazines and newspapers. recipe book, edith pickford

William Smerdon Holmes married Violet Mary Macfie (1859 – 1942) on 9 April 1890 at Geelong. William and Violet lived at "Sauchieburn", Ascot on the 291 ha (720 acre) property that William inherited from his aunt Catherine Coghill (nee Holmes). William and Violet Holmes had four children: • Violet Catherine (1891- 1949) married Samuel Gordon Spittle 11 August 1920; Mary Coghill (1892 - 1979); • William Edward (1894 - 1964) married Charlotte Anne Alexander 20 June 1933; • Henry Smerdon (1897 - 1954) married Edith Sarah Pickford 28/2/1922. William Smerdon Holmes was the grandfather of Henry John (Jack) Holmes (1922-1972) William Smerdon Holmes (1927-1993), David Coghill Holmes (1929-1950) and Mary Elizabeth Chatham (Elizabeth) (nee Holmes) (1932 - 2006). William Smerdon Holmes died in June 1914 and is buried at the Ballarat New Cemetery. A black and white photograph glued into card. It shows a moustached man in coat, collar, tie and tie-pin. It is William Smerdon Holmeschatham family archive, chatham, holmes, william holmes, william smerdon holmes, ascot, sauchieburn

Two young women pose in military uniform. One on the left is Edith Pickford of Clunes. Edith married Henry Smerdon Holmesworld war one, world war 1, world war i, chatham, chatham family collection, pickford, soldier, edith pickford, unform, music, women, clunes

HENRY SMERDON (Harry) HOLMES was born 9 May 1897 at 'Sauchieburn’, Ascot, 17 km north of Ballarat, to William Smerdon and Violet Mary (nee MacFie) Holmes. He was the youngest of four children. After finishing his education at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat, Henry joined the family farming interests. At the age of 18 he enlisted and served with AIF in Egypt, France and Belgium 1915-1918 as a Driver with the 4th D.A.C.https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51219 . Henry served at the famous battlegrounds of Ypes and Somme in the Australian Army 8th Battalion https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51448 In 1922 Harry married Edith Sarah Pickford of 'Yeovil', Clunes, and they lived at 'Sauchieburn' with Henry's brother Willie (William Smerdon). In 1933 Harry and Edith built a home 'Launchley’ at Ascot, located east of 'Sauchieburn' on the Ballarat - Maryborough Road. The home was built by Con Zilles to the design of Clegg and Morrow. In 1938 Harry and Edith purchased a property at Derrinallum, Victoria and called it 'Launchley Park’ and farmed by their eldest son Jack (Henry John). In 1953 Harry purchased William and Charlotte Holmes's portion of ‘Sauchieburn,’ Ascot for his second son, Bill (William Smerdon). (Source: Mary Holmes, author of A Suitable Immigrant: Edward Carter Holmes.) Photograph of Henry Smerdon (Harry) Holmeschatham-holmes collection, henry smerdon holmes