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Sharp Brearley

21/4/2023

Sharp, 3rd son of John and Ann (née Dean) Brearley was born on 22 September 1859 at Wangaratta. He was a talented musician and singer, who often sang in public to help raise funds for various organisations. Like his brother Charles, he played football for Breakwater and was also involved in the Geelong Voluntary Artillery Corp.

In 1881 he married Elizabeth Ann Hammond. They had the following children:
Ethel Kate — born 9 April 1882, married Richard Edward Hourigan
Ruby — born 2 June 1883, married Henry Thomas Fletcher, died in 1961 in Malvern
Louisa Fanny — born 11 March 1885, married Harvey Hamilton McNicol, died 1 January 1956 at Surrey Hills
Gertrude Violet — born 1887, died 10 September aged 18 years and 4 months at Barton Holme Yarra Street Geelong, buried at Geelong Eastern Cemetery
Montague Sharp — born 5 September 1888, married Pauline Barbara Herschell in July 1917
Stanley Hammond — born 1890, married Eunice Mottram on 17 March 1916 at Hooper Street, West Perth, died 1947 at Albert Park
Norman Kenneth — born 1892, died 1947 at Albert Park
Keith Glover — born 1896, died 11 August 1906 aged 10 years and 6 months at Barton Holme Yarra Street Geelong
Eric Sharp — born 14 February 1898, died 14 February 1899
Ronald Charles — born 14 February 1898
Dorothy Proctor — born 15 September 1899, died December 1899, buried at Geelong Eastern Cemetery
Sharp — born 1900, died 190l

from Kalgoorlie Western Argus 22 October 1907

A watch won by Sharp Brearley in artillary competitions — contributed by Andi Puls

A secondary education for everyone

27/5/2021

This article was first published in volume 50 of the "Investigator", magazine of the Geelong Historical Society Inc.

During 1954 I had applied to attend Geelong High School the following year. Geelong High School was being swamped by the rapidly increasing population following World War II. We knew that not all hopefuls were going to be lucky and if unsuccessful we would probably be going on to seventh grade at Geelong West or Swanston Street State Schools. These schools were the only ones left in the Geelong area that still had seventh and eighth grades.

On 10th August 1954, the Public Works Minister Mr Merrifield let a contract for £35,652 for the erection of the first section of Belmont High School, Geelong. The school was to contain four general classrooms, rooms for science, art, woodwork, needlework, stores and an administrative section.

Towards the end of 1954 we were told that we would be going to the new Belmont High School which would be finished by the beginning of 1955. We were very disappointed not only as it was further away, but also because the hills made bike riding much more of a grind.

On 28 January 1955 The Argus made the following announcement:
RESHUFFLE FOR HIGH SCHOOLS
First official signs of the 1955 school “classroom squeeze” came last night when the Education Department announced that alternative accommodation had been arranged for pupils enrolled at a number of new high schools. The new high schools are not yet completed so pupils will be accommodated at either existing schools or in public buildings…

Our instructions were to meet at Swanston Street State School at 9 am on Wednesday 1st February. About 200 students and nine staff assembled that morning. All but ten of these students had left the school by the time the final year’s study had commenced. It was impressed upon us that we were the “Foundation Students” of the new school. At our first Speech Day later that year, we were issued with “Foundation Certificates” with our names neatly handwritten and signed by the first President of the Advisory Council, the first president of the Ladies’ Auxiliary and the first headmaster.

I often wondered if the staff had any idea of what to do next or whether they made it up as they went along. They had three classrooms and a staff room at Swanston Street and two portable classrooms at Geelong High available to them. They decided to divide us up into five groups. Form 2 was made up of students who had completed seventh grade the previous year and the form 1 students were divided into four groups. Two form 1 groups were marched over to Geelong High. We would meet during sports times at Eastern Park or during summer at Eastern Beach for swimming. We had no uniform, no facilities and few rules. One of the first rules was that we were not permitted to eat in the street. In winter, we conducted crude science experiments on an open fire in the absence of a Bunsen burner.

On 26 September, which was the first day of third term, we took possession of our new domain at Belmont. The one thing that no student forgot about the first months was the MUD. It stretched around the building area and all the way up Hill Street. The residents living in surrounding streets complained that it was so bad that even the milkman refused to deliver. Anyone who had rubber boots could fill a bottle with tadpoles to take home. We would enter the school by cutting through the gate at Roslyn State School and could dodge most of it.

I remember students who came from Norlane, North Geelong, Lara, Gheringhap, Lethbridge, Lorne, Anglesea, Torquay, Winchelsea, Grovedale, Marshall, Newtown and Geelong West. Buses needed to be arranged, one going over Princes Bridge to Church Street, and another up Vines Road. A uniform was in bottle green was chosen for the girls. The trammies were tickled pink that we were wearing the same colour as them. Tunics were given a miss and the latest style of pinafore dresses was chosen. It was a very poor choice for girls who were growing in all directions. The bottle green soon faded to olive green. A crest was designed using an eagle on a hill and the motto “Strive for the Highest” was very modern as it was not in Latin. This crest is still in use today.

Competitive sport was regularly arranged with Ballarat East, a school which began at the same time as us.

One year later history repeated itself with over a hundred more students moving in to Swanston Street for the first two terms while waiting for the extra classrooms to be finished at Belmont. Once a week each form travelled by chartered bus to Belmont for a full day, so that woodwork, needlework, art and science classes had proper facilities for teaching these subjects, and so that the Belmont students at Swanston Street would feel that they were an important part of Belmont High School. Exactly twelve months later we all came under the one roof for the start of third term when the second section of the building was completed.

At the end of 1956 the first issue of “Summit”, the school magazine was distributed. It was a 32 page booklet containing photos of school teams, student contributions and lists of students and teachers.

The school continued to grow with cookery rooms and music rooms added in 1957.

The following year during education week the Director of Education officially opened the school on 20th August. In his speech he said:
When I went to school there was only one High School, and to get into that one High School, Melbourne High School, you had to win a scholarship. Most young people of your age left school when they reached the sixth class at something like what we would call the eighth grade to-day, and that was the only chance that many people had. To-day, there is a High School or a Technical School or a Girls’ School for everybody, and just to give you an indication, in the last six years the number of our High Schools has grown from 58, until in February next, I believe, there will be just over 130 throughout this State of ours.
Now there is a great opportunity for you young people; I do hope you will seize it.

Alan Hollick Ramsay (1895-1973) — photo Australian War Memorial 084127

James Francis Tribolet

20/5/2021

Francis Tribolet was born in Bern, Switzerland in 1836. He married Zipporah, daughter of Charles Simmons and Sarah née Carter, on 12 November 1891, after they had several children together. He acknowledged the following "natural children" in his will:
Matilda — born on 15 September 1863, married James Douglas Stewart in 1891, died on 30 April 1936 at Randwick, buried at Rookwood Cemetery
Hortense — born in 1865 at Geelong, married William Henry Clinnick in 1887, died in 1923 at Cheltenham Victoria
Charles Francis — born in 1866 at Mount Moriac
John Rudolph — (sometimes called Rodolph) — born in 1868 at Mount Moriac, died on 18 December 1937 in Queensland
James Thomas — born on 8 June 1870 in Geelong, married Minnie Ethel Long (she was my 1st cousin 3 times removed) — common ancestors William Long and Sarah Street), died on 10 June 1922 at Chilwell
William Henry — born in 1872 in Geelong, married Henrietta (Hetta) Maud Bray in 1903, died on 24 November 1956 aged 84 years at 357 Pakington Street Geelong, buried in the Presbyterian section of the Geelong Eastern Cemetery
Ernest Arthur — born in 1887, married Ellen Nicholls in 1908, died on 12 June 1937 aged 59 years at Geelong, buried in the Methodist section of the Geelong Western Public Cemetery
Laura Ella May — born in 1880 at Geelong, married Kenneth Herbert Strickland in 1911, died on 17 January 1964 aged 86 years, buried in the lawn section of the Geelong Western Public Cemetery
Boswell Harold Lancelot — born on 13 December 1883, married Blanche Amelia Ethel Tanner in 1902, died on 1 August 1955 aged 71 years at Geelong, buried in the Church of England section of the Geelong Western Public Cemetery
Francis — born in 1888 at Geelong, married Irene Ruby Jacks in 1915, died on 19 December 1964 aged 78 years, remains interred in the Melaleuca wall at the Springvale Botanical Cemetery

Zipporah had a previous marriage to Thomas Martin at the age of 15. He had charges brought against him for marrying her without her father's consent. The case was adjourned. After that Martin seemed to disappear.

from The Argus 8 October 1859

from Geelong Advertiser

Francis Tribolet owned this land on the old Colac Road between Luggs and Marendaz Roads with Lemins Road to the south. He also owned a large acreage on the north side of Waurn Ponds Creek with a 5 roomed weatherboard house, stables and outhouses.

Mount Duneed Post Office

13/5/2021

The old post office and phone booth were both situated near the crest of the hill on Torquay Road. The Landale family managed this business until 1871 when Charles Lamond obtained a slaughter licence and conducted a butchers shop, as well as the post office. His daughter Bella was a Registrar of Births and Deaths for over 50 years at the post office. In December 1915 Mrs Lamond, the postmistress, asked the South Barwon Council if there was any objection to closing the post office on Saturdays from 1pm. Eventually the butcher's shop closed and after many owners Mr Lampard took over and opened a saddler store. His wife, Florence carried on the post office and general store until she retired. The post office was then controlled by two brothers, firstly E & A Jackson and then A & J Jackson. In 1956 the Howard family began managing the post office. Eventually the district was able to phone Geelong Telephone Exchange automatically and local calls direct. With the introduction of Roadside Delivery the post office became obsolete. The telephone box was removed because of vandalism.

The post office was not damaged in the 1944 fires although most of the buildings surrounding it were lost.

   Opened as Connewarre 15 February 1860
   Renamed Puebla 9 September 1860
   Renamed Mount Duneed 1 April 1864
   Closed 30 November 1959

from Geelong Advertiser 1 December 1968

When the Landales sold the post office it was on two blocks on the north-east corner of Torquay and Lower Duneed Roads. After Jane Lamond died the post office was on one block.

A horse mill was once used in this building to cut chaff. The concrete section may have been a chimney once. This side of the building has been tuck-pointed. This shed has had the roof replaced after the 1944 fires.

from Geelong Advertiser 22 February 1889

from Geelong Advertiser 6 November 1926

William Wisely

6/5/2021

Samuel Wisely with his Clydesdale stallion Earl of Orkney c 1916 — contributed by Ian Coldwell

William, son of Richard and Elizabeth (née Bates) Wisley, was born on 17 January 1840 at Killygordon in County Donegal Ireland. He married Mary Jane, daughter of Samuel and Catherine (née Temple) Bates on 16 December 1864 at the Strandar Presbyterian Church in Donegal. The couple emigrated on the Duke of Newcastle, arriving at Hobsons Bay in October 1865. They brought very little with them. They came to Geelong by hitching rides on any horse drawn wagon that came their way. Three weeks later their first child was born. Their children were:
John — born on 8 November 1865 at Barrabool, married Catherine Evangeline Thompson on 23 September 1896 at Shepparton, died on 8 May 1925 aged 59 years at Malvern, buried in the Methodist section of the Shepparton Cemetery
Richard — born on 8 January 1867 at Batesford, married Martha Ann Dick on 16 July 1902, died on 13 August 1942 aged 75 years at Geelong, buried in the Presbyterian section of the Geelong Western Public Cemetery
Joseph — born on 1 September 1868 at Batesford, died on 8 October 1868 aged 37 days at Geelong
William James — born in 1868, died of asphixiation on 25 October 1868 at his parents house in O'Connell Street in Ashby (Geelong West) aged 1 month
Mary Jane — born on 11 January 1870 at Geelong West, married Thomas Alexander Proudfoot on 8 November 1894 at Tallygaroopna, died on 5 July 1958 aged 88 years at Alphington
Thomas — born in 1871 at Geelong, died the same year, buried on 18 Jun 1871 in the Old Presbyterian section of the Geelong Western Public Cemetery
Samuel — born in 1872 at Barrabool, married Mary Ann Crozier on 18 August 1902 at Shepparton, died on 2 February 1948 at Barellan in New South Wales
Elizabeth — born in 1874 at Mount Moriac, married Thomas Pinchbeck in 1896, died in 1949 aged 75 years at Geelong West, buried at Wunghnu Cemetery
Letitia — born in 1875 at Mount Moriac, married David Ashton in 1904, died in 1964 aged 88 years at Numukah
Catherine — born on 8 July 1878 at Tallygaroopna, married Thomas Henry Graham in 1910, died on 28 June 1967 aged 88 years at Geelong, buried in the Presbyterian section of the Geelong Western Public Cemetery
Robert James — born on 7 May 1880 at Tallygaroopna, married Margaret Victoria Brown in 1912, died on 13 August 1923 aged 44 years at Mooroopna
Martha — born on 22 January 1882 at Tallygaroopna, married Thomas Hunt on 25 March 1908 at the Presbyterian Church at Auburn, died on 9 July 1919 aged 37 years at Wunghnu
William Charles — born on 17 May 1883 at Tallygaroopna, died on 21 May 1953 aged 69 years at Mooroopna, buried in the Presbyterian section of the Shepparton Cemetery
Susan — born in 1885 at Tallygaroopna, married Robert James Vallance in 1907, died on 19 June 1976 at Cobram
Ellen — born on 14 September 1887 at Tallygaroopna, died on 18 February 1913 at Tallygaroopna

The Wisely family lived in the Geelong district shifting around where work for William could be found until 1876 or 77 when they moved to Tallygaroopna when the land was opened up for selection. From 1868 until 1872 the family lived at Ashby (Geelong West). In 1872 William leased 40 acres with a stone cottage from Thomas Melican at Clifford near Mount Moriac (Allotment B Section 2). The map below shows the names of many others that William would have known who also made the move to Tallygaroopna at the same time. The family probably attended the Bible Christian Chapel at Mount Moriac and got to know the Argus and Trewin families.

Mary Jane died on 8 January 1888 at Tallygaroopna and was buried in the Presbyterian section of the Sheparton Cemetery. William married Rebecca Pinkerton on 18 July 1894 at the manse in Shepparton. Their four children were:
Alexander — born in 1896 at Shepparton, married Joan Winifred Armstrong in 1952, died in 1980 at Tallygaroopna West aged 84 years, buried on 10 October 1980 in the Presbyterian section of the Shepparton Cemetery
Elsie — born in 1897 at Shepparton, died the same year aged 7 months
Albert — born in 1898 at Shepparton, married Olive Mary Young in 1938, died in 1981 aged 82 years, buried on 8 July 1981 in the Church of England section of the Shepparton Cemetery
Doris — born on 29 December 1901 at Shepparton, married Albert Frederick Larsen in 1926, died in 1999, buried on 12 October 1999 in the Presbyterian section of the Shepparton Cemetery

William died on 23 March 1904 at Tallygaroopna aged 63 years and was buried in the Presbyterian section of the Shepparton Cemetery. Rebecca died in 1951 aged 83 years and was buried with William on 24 October 1951.

The map below shows other settlers at Tallygaroopna who came from Mount Moriac:
John Argus
James Coldwell
Matilda Trewin

Johan Gotlieb Seiffert

29/4/2021

Johan Gotlieb Sieffert, son of Johan Friedrich and Hannah Eliza (née Redlich) Seiffert, was born on 4 May 1839 in Pommerzig, Prussia.

He married Joahann Louise, daughter of Johann and Johanna Louise (née Kuhn) Walter, on 11 August 1870. The couple had two children:
John Frederick (Fred) — born on 10 June 1871 at Paraparap, married Anna Maria Elizabeth Mary Petzke on 1 February 1899 at Christ Church Church of England in Echuca, married Mary Simmons, died on 27 July 1968 at Geelong aged 97 years, buried at Freshwater Creek Cemetery
Johann Gottlieb — born in 1872 at Mount Moriac

Louise died on 15 April 1873 at Pettavel and was buried at Freshwater Creek Cemetery.

Johan Gottlieb then married Augusta Elbelena Baensch. They had the following children:
Charles Heinrich — born on 11 December 1875 at Mount Moriac, married Anna Maria Louisa Baensch, died in 1954 at Ballarat
Ferdinand — born on 29 April 1877 at Mount Duneed, married Lily Simmons in 1903, died on 12 November 1953 at Balwyn aged 76 years
Emma — born on 16 December 1878 at Mount Moriac, died on 16 Jun 1879 aged 6 months at Paraparap

He also owned 35 acres in the Parish of Barrabool containing 35 acres with a four roomed house built of wattle and daub with a thatched roof which was let for £22 per year.

Allotment h of section 35 Parish of Duneed 70 acres used for grazing. This land was fenced.

Johan Gotlieb died on 7 April 1879 and was buried at the Freshwater Creek Lutheran Cemetery.

His will was in German. An affidavit signed by Robert Renzow, head teacher and teacher of the English language at Germantown State School, testified that the translation of the will was correct.

Corner of Willowite and Blackgate Roads contained a slab hut with four rooms

William Coldwell

22/4/2021

William and his twin brother James, sons of Thomas and Isabella (née Taylor) Coldwell, were born in 1836 in County Tyrone Ireland. This is a calculated date taken from their death records. They married sisters, Annie and Mary Murray.

William, sailed aboard Great Victoria on 12 October 1863 arriving at Hobsons Bay on 26 November. William went to the Geelong area to find work and lodgings for the family, who were travelling on another ship, and to find his uncle Joseph, discovering that Joseph was in gaol.

William married Mary Murray in 1866 in Australia. They had the following children:
John William — born in 1868 at Duneed, died in 1869 aged 1 year, buried in the Church of England section of the Mount Moriac Cemetery
Thomas Murray — born in 1870 at Mount Moriac, died on 23 February 1918 aged 47 years, buried in the Methodist section of the Mount Moriac Cemetery
Maria Isabella Jane — born in 1871 at Mount Moriac, died on 18 March 1889 aged 17 years at Kilgour Street, Geelong, buried in the Methodist section of the Mount Moriac Cemetery
Eliza Annie — born in 1873, married Frake Richard Matthews in 1910, died in 1928 at Geelong aged 61 years, buried in an unknown location at the Mount Moriac Cemetery

In 1870, when William and James were 22 years of age, they travelled to Bendigo with their brothers John (26) and Hamilton (16). The brothers wanted to see land around Tallygaroopna which was about to be opened up for selection.

Subsequently, William stayed at Moriac when his brothers shifted to Tallygaroopna. Part of his farm was taken over to build the Moriac railway station (once named Mount Moriac) and the rail line to Colac. This probably made his land difficult to farm as he shifted to the Colac district after this.

William died on 13 July 1919 aged 83 years at Colac and was buried in the Methodist section of the Mount Moriac Cemetery with Mary who had died on 16 April 1911

IRREWARRA
Mr. William Coldwell, a very old and highly respected of the district, died at the residence of his son-in-law Mr. F. R. Matthews, Turkeith, Irrewarra, on Sunday evening last, at the advanced age of 86 years. His wife predeceased him, and his son Thomas died about two years ago. Mrs. F. W. Matthews is the only surviving daughter and sincere sympathy is extended to her and her family in their sad bereavement. Deceased was a colonist of over 60 years, and a resident of Colac and district over 30 years. The body was conveyed by motor to Mount Moriac, where it was laid to rest in the family allotment in the Church of England portion of the cemetery; The bearers were Messrs, F. R. Matthews (son-in-law of deceased), Wm. Vagg, senr., W. Kettle and H. Matthews, the pall being supported by Messrs. T. Rogers, R. Rogers. E. Browne, J. Johnstone, R. Lane, A. Breen. W. Vagg, Junr., and Mr Powell. The Rev. Canon Davison held a service at the home prior to the funeral leaving, and also officiated at the grave.
from Camperdown Chronicle 19 July 1919

Grave of William and Mary Coldwell buried with their children, Thomas Murray, and Maria Isabella Jane

from Geelong Advertiser 19 March 1889

from Colac Herald 25 February 1918

from The Argus 15 July 1919

from Weekly Times 13 September 1919

Land belonging to William Coldwell to be acquired for the Moriac Station (originally named Mount Moriac)

Thomas and Isabella Coldwell

15/4/2021

Thomas, son of James and Elizabeth (née Pierce) Coldwell was born in 1812 in Tyrone County, Northern Ireland. He married Isabella Taylor, daughter of William Taylor on 25 February 1834 in County Monaghan in Ireland. The couple arrived at Hobsons Bay aboard the Eurynome on 31 December 1863 with their children Thomas, John, Hamilton and Eliza. Their eldest son, William, sailed aboard Great Victoria on 12 October 1863 arriving before them at Hobsons Bay on 26 November. William went ahead to the Geelong area to find work and lodgings for the family and to find his uncle Joseph, discovering that Joseph was in gaol.

Thomas and Isabella had six children:
William — born in 1836, married Mary Murray in 1866 in Australia, died on 13 July 1919 aged 83 years at Colac, buried in the Church of England section of the Mount Moriac Cemetery
James — twin of William was born in 1836 in Tyrone, Ireland, married William's sister Ann in March 1861 in Fermaraugh Northern Ireland, arrived in the colony at Hobsons Bay on 2 December 1865 on the clipper ship Donald McKay. with Ann and their two children, Annabella and Thomas, died on gastroenteritis on 9 April 1900 aged 63 years at Shepparton, buried in the Church of England section of the Shepparton Cemetery
Elizabeth "Eliza" — born in 1838, died of dysentery on 13 January 1866 aged 19 years
Thomas — born in 1840 in Tyrone Ireland, married Mary Wilson in 1866, died on October 1867 aged 27 years at Mount Moriac, buried in the Methodist section of the Mount Coriac Cemetery
John — born in 1845 in Tyrone Ireland, married Elizabeth Ann Argus on 2 April 1872 at Mount Moriac, died on 26 October 1926 at Shepparton, buried at Shepparton Cemetery
Hamilton — born in 1854 in Tyrone Ireland, married Louisa Maria Roscoe, died in 1939 aged 85 years at Caulfield

The family settled at Paraparap. In 1870, when William and James were 22 years of age, they travelled to Bendigo with their brothers John (26) and Hamilton (16). The brothers wanted to see land around Tallygaroopna which was about to be opened up for selection.

By 1874 James, John, Thomas and Hamilton each owned 40 acres at Shepparton.

On 25 October 1867 Thomas died from injuries sustained when the limb of a tree fell on his head, falling from a tree which he was helping to fell.

On 29 January 1874 at the age of 61 years Isabella died of heart disease at Paraparap and was buried in an unknown location of the Mount Moriac Cemetery.

On 5 October 1874 Thomas married Sabina (née Wickett), widow of William Gliddon, in a Wesleyan service at the home of Sabina's son-in-law Thomas Job, at Freshwater Creek.

Thomas died on 31 October 1896 at Belmont and was buried in the Methodist section of the Mount Coriac Cemetery.

Sabina died in 1907 aged 81 years and was buried on 2 September 1907 in the Methodist section of the Geelong Eastern Cemetery.

Grave of Thomas and Isabella

Thomas Coldwell — contributed by Ian Coldwell

from Geelong Advertiser 17 April 1863

from the Leader 26 October 1867

from Geelong Advertiser 31 January 1874

from Geelong Advertiser 9 Oct 1874

from Geelong Advertiser 13 April 1893

The opportunity to own larger farms appealed to many farmers in the Mount Moriac district. Many selected land at Tallygaroopna in the 1870s when the land there was opened up for selection. The map below shows a group who were related or knew each other. Pine Lodge Creek provided a permanent water supply to John and Mary Argus, and their widowed daughter, Matilda Trewin. John and Elizabeth Coldwell, with their daughters Mary Ann (born 1873) and Matilda Adelaide (born 1874) also moved to the same district. William Wisely also came from Mount Moriac.

James was said to have founded the township of Tallygaroopna, a name with the meaning of "two blackfellows quarrelling". In the 1880s, as a tribute to him, there was a proposal to name the town Coldwellton. The thoughts of selecting land at Tallygaroopna came from meeting Sherbourne Sheppard, the man after whom Shepparton was named. At the time Sheppard was working in his father-in-law's firm, JB Were.

John Frederick Seiffert

8/4/2021

John Frederick (known as Fred), son of Johan Gottlieb and Joahann Louise (née Walter) Seiffert was born on 10 June 1871 at Paraparap. He was brought up by his grandparents, Johann Friedrich and Annie Elizabeth (née Ridlich) Seiffert after his parents died when he was young. Friedrich and Elizabeth were both born in Pommerzig in Prussia and had emigrated to the colony on the Peter Godeffroy, landing at Hobson's Bay, on Saturday, 19 September 1857.

At the age of eight years, Fred started his formal education at Pettavel School. He left school at the age of twelve because of family circumstances.

Fred married Annie Maria Petzke on 1 February 1899 at Christ Church Church of England in Echuca. They had the following children:
Ernest Frederick George — born on 21 February 1900, died on 19 May 1984, buried at Freshwater Creek Cemetery
Claude Emil — born in 1901 at Paraparap, married Nancy Jean Trigg in 1943, married Dorothy Gordon Cameron in 1946, died on 5 October 1968 aged 67 at Geelong, buried at Freshwater Creek Cemetery
Dorothy May — born on 1 June 1904, married Rupert Leslie Lehmann, died on 24 October 2004 aged 100 years, buried in the lawn section of the Geelong Eastern Cemetery
Stella Sabine Caroline — born on 28 October 1905, married Emil Victor Menzel on 26 February 1930, died on 23 July 1993 aged 87 years, buried at Freshwater Creek Cemetery
Gertrude Evelyn Augusta — born in 1911, married James Frederick Field in 1940, died on 15 October 2010 aged 98 years, buried in the lawn section of the Geelong Eastern Cemetery
Myrtle Annie Lilian — born in 1914 at Geelong, married Eric Barkla Bufton in 1941, died on 9 August 1997 aged 83 years, buried at Bellbrae Cemetery

In March 1902 Fred sold 76 acres in the parish of Duneed (section 35 allotment K) to Edward Lugg who owned allotment G. In March 1903 he sold 122 acres section 1 in the parish of Paraparap to his brother. He used the money from both blocks to buy the 327 acres being allotment 88 in the parish of Puebla which was situated just outside the township of Jan Juc (now Bellbrae). This farm was sold to John Calvert Bell about 1913 and occupied by J R Wilson. It was bought back a few years later after Fred sold Bongongo. It then became known as Wharparilla after the place where Annie grew up.

Fred became involved in community affairs becoming a member of both the school and the hall committees and playing his fiddle for local dances. He was a Barrabool Shire councillor serving from 1928 until 1940.

Annie died on 30 May 1965 at the age of 86 years and was buried at the Freshwater Creek Cemetery. Fred died on 17 July 1968 aged 97 and was buried with her.

Fred bought 604 acres on the corner of Anglesea and Hendy Main Roads known as Bongongo (meaning good pastures) about 1909. It was said to be full of furze at this time, but carried more cows later when Earlier owners of this land were John Fallon and Charles White.

Grave of Johan Gottlieb and Joahann Louise Seiffert, parents of Fred, at Freshwater Creek Cemetery

John Simmons

1/4/2021

John, son of Charles and Sarah (née Carter) Simmons, was born on 8 December 1852 at Waurn Ponds. He married Jessie Ann, daughter of James and Eliza (née Herd) Hunter in 1873. They had the following children:
Ellen Rebecca — born on 19 June 1876, married Henry Plier in 1896, died in 1940 at Prahran aged 63 years, buried in the Church of England section of the Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery
James Thomas — born in 1877 at Mount Duneed, died in 1895 aged 18 years at Geelong Hospital, buried in the Church of England section of the Geelong Eastern Cemetery
Charles William — born in 1879 at Mount Duneed, married Agnes Emma Hutchinson in 1902, died in 1937 aged 51 years at Colac, buried in the Monumental section of the Colac Cemetery on 27 November 1937
Rachel Ann — born on 2 March 1881 at Mount Duneed, married Alfred George Floyd in 1903, died on 24 October 1964 aged 83 years at Brighhton
Jessie Mary — born on 11 November 1882 at Mount Duneed, married William John Hunter in 1904, died on 29 November 1951 aged 69 years at East Malvern, buried at the Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery
Alberta — born on 27 June 1885 at Mount Duneed, married Thomas Leslie Newall in 1909, died on 23 March 1964 aged 78 years at Brighton
Sarah — born on 31 March 1887 at Mount Duneed, died on 24 October 1975 aged 88 years at Cheltenham
Sydney Carter — born on 8 February 1889 at Mount Duneed, died in April 1962 aged 73 years at Bundoora
Myrtle Stella — born in 1893 at Mount Duneed, died in 1979 aged 86 years at Coburg

John died in 1911 aged 59 years at Warragul.

Johann August Forster

25/3/2021

Johann August Forster, son of Johann Gottlieb and Anna Louise Foerster, was born in 1867. He married Rachel Panter in 1894. They had two children:
Albert James (Bert) — born about 1894 at Mount Duneed, married Blanche Ada Thomson in 1920, died 1948 aged 53 at Freshwater Creek, buried in the Methodist section of the Mount Duneed on 23 May 1948 Cemetery
Francis — born 1897 at Mount Duneed, married Alma May, died 7 December 1972 aged 75, buried in the lawn section of the Geelong Eastern Cemetery

August was a member of the Committee of Management of the Mount Duneed Recreation Reserve, serving from 1909 until 1934.

August died at the age of 70 on 16 June 1937 at a private hospital in Geelong and was buried the following day in the Methodist section of the Mount Duneed Cemetery.

Rachel died at the age of 84 on 8 May 1951 at the residence of Blanche, her daughter-in-law, 94 Ormond Road in East Geelong. She was buried the following day with her late husband at the Mount Duneed Cemetery.

from Geelong Advertiser 9 March 1912

When he died on 4 November 1905, Johann Gottlieb Foerster owned 53 acres 2 roods of land with frontages to Anglesea and Dickins Roads which he left to his wife Louisa.

Emanuel Read

18/3/2021

Emanuel, son of James and Hannah (née Packwood) Read was born in Shearsby, Leicestershire in 1823. In 1925 his mother was hung for the murder of his father, leaving six children to fend for themselves. James had gone away to find work and while away Hannah had shacked up with another man. James proceeded to take her back home, when along the way she lured him to the side of the canal. Hannah pushed James into the water and kept hitting him until he was exhausted and drowned.

Emanuel had first drawn attention to himself in 1839 after erecting a small hut for himself in a street in Shearsby.

On 4 January 1842 Emanuel came up before the court for stealing rabbits. He received a lenient sentence of one month's imprisonment, probably because the jury were made aware of his circumstances.

On 3 January 1844 that he received a 7 year sentence of transportation again for stealing rabbits. He had to wait until the middle of the following year before leaving England.

He set sail on the Marion 2 from Woolwich on the 94 day journey to Van Dieman’s Land (now Tasmania) arriving on 16 September 1845. He measured 5 feet 2¼ inches tall. He said that he could read and write, was single and a protestant and had skills as a fellmonger. His family relationships included brothers Uriah and Bennett and sisters Ann and Mary.

He received a Conditional Pardon in November 1847. He married Bridget McMahon on 1 November 1852 in Hobart and travelled to Victoria, to the Geelong area. The couple had nine children at Mount Moriac, John (1853), Thomas (1855, Mary (1857), Uriah (1859), Martin (1862), Emanuel (1864), Emanuel (1866), Emanuel (1869) and on 9 March 1874 an unnamed child who lived for 15 minutes. Bridget died nine days later aged 40 years and was buried in an unknown location at the Mount Moriac Cemetery.

Emanuel married Adele Frasse in 1877. Adele was born in 1855 at Berramongo Vineyard, to vigneron, Eugene and Mary (née Lynch) Frasse. Eugene arrived in Victoria on the ill fated Earl of Charlemont which struck a reef near Barwon Heads in 1853.

Emanuel and Adele had twelve children, Hannah (1878), Elizabeth Adele (1881), Martin (1884), Eugene, (1888), Adele (1891), Arthur (1891), John Anthony (1892), Priscilla Margaret (1895), Thomas (1897), Alice Mary (1898), Adele (1898) and Catherine Annes (1900).

Many of Emanuel's children died at an early age.

In 1879 Emanuel was called upon to help one of his neighbours whose wife had attempted to commit suicide, and despite Emanuel’s efforts to save her, she eventually died of her wounds.

Emanuel Read died aged 85 in Geelong Hospital on 17 August 1902 of heart failure and pneumonia. He is buried in an unknown location at the Mount Moriac Cemetery. Adele died in 1928 aged 73 years and is also buried in an unknown location at Mount Moriac Cemetery.

Emanuel's 51 acre farm at Gnarwarre was auctioned on Thursday 17 January 1929. It was bought by John Read for £10/10/- per acre.

Emanuel Read — retrieved from Ancestry

from Geelong Advertiser 15 January 1929

from Geelong Advertiser 19 January 1929

Arthur Ernest Graham

11/3/2021

Arthur Ernest, son of John George and Caroline Matilda (née Vagg) Graham was born in 1889.
He married Charlotte Matilda Middleton, daughter of William Henry and Louisa Harding (née Vagg) Middleton, who was born in 1885.

Arthur bought the property "Green Hills", in Barwon Heads Road, Connewarre which was auctioned on 11 September 1947 and had been previously owned by John James Cameron, which he farmed for many years.

Charlotte died on 18 August 1964 and was buried in the Methodist section of the Mount Duneed Cemetery. Arthur died on 6 October 1971 and was buried with her.

John George and Caroline Graham

4/3/2021

Monument by Wilcox Bros — Methodist section 4th row from back in the middle

Lone Pine

John George Graham was born in 1864. In 1888 he married Caroline Matilda Vagg, daughter of George Tilley and Ann (née Harding) Vagg. He farmed land at Connewarre for many years.

Caroline died on 28 December 1912 at the age of 56 and is buried in the Methodist section of the Mount Duneed Cemetery. John who died on 5 April 1935 at the age of 70 is buried with her. Their son, Percy George, who died on 2 May 1915 at Gallipoli is remembered on the headstone. He is also remembered at the Lone Pine Memorial, Gallipoli Peninsula, Canakkale Province, Turkey.

Their other children were:
Arthur Ernest — born in 1889 at Mount Duneed, married Charlotte Matilda Middleton in 1917, died on 6 October 1971, buried in the Methodist section of the Mount Duneed Cemetery
Ella May — born in 1891 at Barwon Heads, died in 1951 at Connewarre, buried in the Methodist section of the Mount Duneed Cemetery

John Henry Winkler

25/2/2021

Johann Heinrich, son of Eduard Ernst and Henrietta (née Bachmann, was born on 4 April 1856 at Grovedale. He later became known as John Henry.

In 1884 Henry married Sarah Jane Gibbs. Jane was born in 1860 at Belmont, the daughter of Samuel and Fanny (née Schlamacher) Gibbs. Jane died on 3 November 1887 aged 27 years at Winchelsea and was buried in an unknown location at the Winchelsea Cemetery.

Henry married Isabella Mary Ann Mawson on 11 May 1892 at her parent's home at Wensleydale. Mary, the daughter of Benjamin and Isabella (née Parish) Mawson was born in 1870 at Wensleydale. Henry and Mary had the following children:
Arthur Herbert — born on 18 April 1893 at Winchelsea, married Emma Amelia Schneider in 1929, died on 20 February 1971 aged 77 years at Geelong, buried at the Grovedale Cemetery
Albert Edwin — born on 24 December 1894 at Connewarre, married Hanorah Eileen Bogan on 5 August 1950 at St Bernard's Church in Belmont, died on 30 September 1973 aged 78 years at Yeovil Nursing Home at Western Beach Geelong, buried in the lawn section of the Highton Cemetery
Violet Mary — born on 11 November 1896 at Geelong, married Frederick Horatio Price in 1922, died in 1986
Myrtle Martha — born on 15 February 1899 at Connewarre, died on 2 July 1972 aged 73 years at Geelong, buried in the lawn section of the Highton Cemetery
Elizabeth May — born on 17 May 1906 at Geelong, married Percy Gilbert Clark in 1932, died on 28 August 1980 at Grovedale, buried at the Winchelsea Cemetery

Henry died on 13 September 1922 aged 68 years at Connewarre. He was buried in the Church of England section of the Mount Duneed Cemetery. Mary died in 1949 aged 89 years and was buried with him.

Isabella Mary Ann Winkler

Headstone at Mount Duneed Cemetery

85 acres 3 roods 7 perches owned by John Henry Winkler when he died which had a frontage to Lower Duneed Road, Winklers Lane and Dans Road. He left his entire estate to his wife, Mary.

Maxmillian Herbert Gerlach

18/2/2021

Maxmillian Herbert "Max" Gerlach was born on 28 January 1908. He was the son of Johannes Benjamin "Ben" and Margaretha Henriette "Maggie" (née Hohlhan) Gerlach. His brother Alfred "Alf) Heinrich was born on 19 December 1904. The boys grew up in Birchip. In 1942 he married Dorothy Hilda Stoffers. Dorothy was born on 5 July 1915 at Box Hill. They lived at Birchip for a few years before retiring to Anglesea in the early 1950s.

The family lived on a large bushy block of about one acre in Walker Street, opposite the Anglesea Hotel. Their daughter Kay Maxine, born on 5 August 1943, died on 25 June 1967 at Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Cr Gerlach

Although Max was baptised at St John's Lutheran Church in Horsham, he actively supported the Anglican church at Anglesea, donating the land for the new church.

In 1960 Max became a Barrabool Shire councillor, serving until 1967. In 1968 he became an inaugural member of the Anglesea Sewerage Authority and served for many years. He died on 18 July 1986 at Geelong. Dorothy died in 1990 at Melbourne.

The Gerlach home on the corner of Camp Road and Walker Street, opposite the Anglesea Hotel — photo by Charles Pratt

Racecourse Hotel, Marshalltown

11/2/2021

The Racecourse Hotel being demolished. The hotel had verandahs on these facades which were high enough to shelter under when on horseback.

Built in 1867, the Racecourse Hotel, on the corner of Barwon Heads and Marshalltown Roads was the second hotel in Marshall. Nathaniel Jones was the licensee. In 1877 Wilfred Smith became the next owner. He sold it to Patrick Rice in 1883. During 1883, while Richard Dalton was licensee, it was destroyed by fire. Soon after the fire it was rebuilt by Patrick Rice who took over the lisence himself. The hotel was then run by his daughters, Hannah and Kathleen, until it closed in 1960. They lived at the hotel until they died in 1970. In their will, the sisters donated all their money, the hotel and ten acres to the Roman Catholic Trusts Corporation, to help establish a rest home for ladies in need. Rice Village, the final outcome, was named after the Rice family as a mark of gratitude.

from Geelong Advertiser 16 June 1883

Hannah and Kathleen Rice at work at the bar of the Racecourse Hotel — retrieved from Sisters of Mercy website

Waurn Ponds Hotel

9/2/2021

The remains of the Waurn Ponds Hotel — possibly the stables.

In the mid 1850s the land around the Waurn Ponds Creek was sold in small lots of varying sizes. William Murray established the Waurn Ponds Inn in 1856 on the south-west corner of Marendaz and Colac Roads. The population in the area had increased rapidly with quarries, orchards and vineyards providing plenty of work.

By 1859 Charles Simmons, who migrated from Norfolk, England to join his parents, took over the hotel. He retired from the hotel in 1876 and farmed land at Waurn Ponds until his death on 22 January 1894 at the age of eighty years. He was buried at the Geelong Eastern Cemetery.

Born in 1814 in England, Charles was the son of Thomas and Mary (née Smith) Simmons. He married Sarah Carter on 12 January 1840 at Downham, Norfolk, England. They had the following clildren:
Charles Carter — born in 1832 at Norfolk, married Elizabeth Gaunt on 14 July 1856, died on 25 January 1921, buried at Maddingley General Cemetery
Robert Carter — born in 1833 at Titchwell in Norfolk, died on 2 July 1900 at Lubeck in Victoria
Zipporah — born about 1834 in Norfolk, died in Norfolk
Amelia — born about 1836
Zipporah — born in 1842 at Downham Market in Norfolk, married James Francis Tribolet on 12 November 1891 in Melbourne, died on 4 January 1898 at Waurn Ponds, buried in the Baptist section of the Geelong Eastern Cemetery
Thomas — born on 10 January 1845 at Downham Market in Norfolk, married Eliza Field on 25 August 1870, married Margaret Dwyer in 1883, died on 13 March 1922 aged 77 years at the home of his son-in-law at Rowsley, buried at the Coburg Cemetery
Eliza Catherine — born in 1848, married Samuel Harbour in 1870 at Geelong, died on 19 June 1923
Emily — born on 15 February 1850, married John Faulkner, married James John Loone in 1875, married John Dalrymple Ross in 1886, died on 8 January 1894 aged 45 at Geelong, buried in the Church of England section of the Geelong Eastern Cemetery
John — born on 8 December 1852 at Waurn Ponds, married Jessie Ann Hunter in 1873, died in 1911 aged 59 years at Warragul
Ann — born on 9 December 1852 at Geelong, married John Fitzpatrick on 25 August 1870 at High Church in Geelong
William — born on 20 September 1855 at Mount Duneed, married Rebecca Hunter in 1877, died on 14 August 1932 aged 76 at Geelong, buried in the Church of England section of the Highton Cemetery

George F Belcher was an estate and commission agent. He was a former Mayor of Geelong and is remembered by his gift to the city of a drinking fountain in 1874 on the occasion of his retirement from this position.

The Bluestone Cottage at Marshall

5/2/2021

The bluestone cottage the McAteer family lived in at allotment 18 section 1 parish of connewarre

Francis, son of Michael and Margaret (née Tranier) McAteer was born in 1828 in Newrey, Northern Ireland. He emigrated on the Goldfinder arriving in Melbourne on 1 Feb 1855. He married Catherine Mulroney in 1859. The couple had the following children:
Margaret Mary — born in 1861 at Geelong, married Thomas Fowler in 1890, died on 5 December 1942 aged 79 years at Kew, buried in the Roman Catholic section of the Geelong Eastern Cemetery
Michael — born in 1861, died on 9 June 1892 aged 31 years at Marshalltown, buried in the Roman Catholic section of the Geelong Eastern Cemetery
Alice — born in 1869 at Geelong, died on 14 April 1870 at Geelong, buried in the Roman Catholic section of the Geelong Eastern Cemetery
Edward — born in 1871, died on 28 May 1934 at Geelong, buried in the Roman Catholic section of the Geelong Eastern Cemetery
Rose — born in 1877, died on 30 October 1896 aged 19 years at Geelong, buried in the Roman Catholic section of the Geelong Eastern Cemetery

The family lived in a two roomed cottage at Breakwater in 1865 and 1866. On 28 September 1866 Frank bought a crown allotment on the corner of Barwon Heads and Tannery Roads on which he built a bluestone cottage of four rooms. This block was sold later than other crown allotments in the district as it had been retained to be used as a cemetery prior to the gazetting of Mount Duneed Cemetery.

Margaret was postmistress at Marshalltown Post Office from 1886 until she married in 1890. Catherine took over the position after this and continued until 1896.

He also bought two other allotments in Horseshoe Bend Road and allotments 1 and 2 on the north side of Tannery Road. After his death on 15 November 1901 he left a lifetime interest in his property to his wife and then his assets would be divided between his surviving children, Margaret and Edward.

Catherine died on 28 March 1915 aged 73 years at her daughter's residence, "Barwon" in Brighton Street, Richmond and was buried with her husband and other members of her family in the Roman Catholic section of the Geelong Eastern Cemetery.

As the cottage was kept in the family until at least 1937 much of it was in original condition at this time. There is also a bluestone outbuilding which has a nineteenth appearance. By 1957 the property was owned by market gardener Reno Saccardo. After this it was under threat from vandalism.

The cottage was built on allotment 18. The Barwon Heads Road was re aligned to the eastern side of the church and later when the congregation moved to a new church in Grovedale the church building was moved to Cobbin Farm.

Assets owned by Frank McAteer at the time of his death on 15 November 1901

The McAteer family plot at Geelong Eastern Cemetery

The cottage is now certain to be demolished because of the widening of Barwon Heads Road unless strong community involvement prevents it. Do You care?

In response to a letter drop in the Marshall area a new group, "Marshall Bluestone Cottage Community Group" has been formed, in an endeavour to save the cottage.

Frederich Baensch

4/2/2021

Johann Frederich Heinrich, son of Gottlieb and Anna Elisabeth (née Hirt) Baensch, was born in 1851. In 1880 he married Johanna Mary Agnes (Mary) Leibhardt. Their children were:
Robert Benjamin "Ben" — born on 25 February 1881 at Donald, married Agnes Mary Walsh in 1907, died on 2 August 1946 aged 65 at South Melbourne, buried in the Roman Catholic section of the Melbourne General Cemetery
Mary Esther Ada — born in 1882 at Mount Moriac, married Henry Wallace Palmer in 1906, died on 17 May 1927 at Malvern, buried at Cheltenham Pioneer Cemetery
Frederick Reynold — born in 1884 at Mount Moriac, married Irene Catherine Harding in 1917, died in 1946 at South Melbourne, buried at Box Hill Cemetery
Matilda Amelia — born in 1887 at Geelong
John Albert — born in 1889 at Geelong, married Lillian May Green in 1921, died on 7 July 1928 at Box Hill, cremated at Springvale Botanical Cemetery
John Oscar — born in 1890 at Geelong, married Myrtle Pascoe Gordon in 1919, died on 27 November 1949 at Ararat
Mary Teresa Agnes — born on 2 September 1891 at Grovedale, married Alexander Tweeddale in 1921, died on 7 August 1963 at Ballarat, buried at Ballarat New Cemetery
Lewis Alwin — born (Louis) in 1895 at Geelong, died on 17 July 1945 aged 50 years at Richmond, buried at Cheltenham Memorial Cemetery
Rosina Ethel — born in 1897 at Geelong, married Alfred John Green in 1926, died 22 July 1949, buried at the Cheltenham Memorial Cemetery

Frederick was a South Barwon councillor from 1888 to 1895. He bought the Germantown Hotel with an attached store on 17 August 1886 for £825 at an auction conducted to sell the property of the estate of Albert Benari, the first licensee. In November 1886 the first of a series of monthly sales of livestock were held at the hotel. He ran the hotel until his death on 14 June 1903. The hotel stock after his death consisted of 2 18 gallon casks of ale, 1 gallon of wine, 2 bottles of whiskey, 1 bottle of brandy, 1 bottle of gin, 1 bottle of schnapps and 2 dozen bottles of lemonade. It was valued at £3/12/-. He owned the hotel and land on allotment 25 of section 2 and also four allotments further north totalling 46 acres 3 roods and 39 perches. His total liabilities exceeded his assets. The 46 acres had been unsuccessfully auctioned in 4 lots on 11 May 1898. Mary retained ownership of the hotel until it was auctioned by the mortgagee. On 25 April 1907 the land and hotel were once again auctioned. The following July the license was transferred to Nora Rilon who held it until about 1913.

from Geelong Advertiser 15 November 1886

from Geelong Advertiser 2 May 1898

When Frederich Baensch died he still owned allotments 33, 34, 39 and 40 in section 2 in the Parish of Connewarre. This land stretches from Torquay Road to Bailey Street and is south of Marshalltown Road. He also owned one acre on the north west corner of allotment 25 on which the Germantown Hotel was built.

from Geelong Advertiser 3 July 1907