The children of Sebastian HODGE (1833-1889)

This post is akin to the posts I've written on the children of the two Yass families of William HALL and George BLISS. But this time it's different - it's a family on my maternal line, and it's a true Sydney family (though the births are scattered around).

Sebastian was born in 1833 'off the Isle of Zante in the Meditteranean' according to his death certificate, the son of William HODGE of the 11th (North Devonshire) Regiment of Foot, and Mary Ann GUTRIDGE. When the 11th arrived in Australia (mainly in 1845), so too did Sebastian, and as a young boy of 16 he joined the 11th himself, stationed in Sydney and a member of the regimental band. He married Harriet SMITH in 1855 at Scots Church in Sydney. Harriet's father was also a member of the regiment, and her mother was the daughter of a member of the regiment.

Sebastian and Harriet had nine children, first in Australia, then after sailing in 1857 in England and Ireland while still with the 11th. Sebastian then left the 11th in 1861 and the family returned to Australia on the 'Tiptree' (arriving 3 Jan 1863).

With this background accomplished, this article is not about Sebastian and Harriet or their accomplishments in Sydney. Instead in focuses on their nine children. As with the HALL and BLISS projects, I'd like to identify the burial place of each child with a view to identifying headstones.

Part of the reason for undertaking this project is that, despite the many offspring produced, I'm not in contact with any descendants of Sebastian and Harriet, and would like to unearth some. As such, the short bio based on what I've found includes information on their children. Please contact me to add info on any of the following.

1. William Sebastian 'Bass' HODGE (1855-1942). Born in NSW (Sydney). Sailed to England with his parents and appears in the 1861 England census with his family, in Portsmouth in the list of the 11th Regiment. Returned to Australia with his family in 1863 (one of 'three children'), and married Isabel Carrisa ROGERS, 'Isabel Carrisa, only child of the late Captain William Rogers, of H.M. 47th Regiment' (SMH 13 Mar 1882) at St James', Sydney, on 27 Feb 1882. They had only one child, Richard Hamilton HODGE (1883-1899) who died 'suddenly, at Colombo Plains, Urana, N.S.Wales' (SMH 5 Apr 1899). Numerous articles in Sydney papers point to his career as a musician ('Professor of Music), including bankruptcy proceedings in 1887. In 1887, Isabella and William were in court for divorce. Several articles relating to the divorce proceedings indicate that the legal process bankrupted Bass - "The action was for judicial separation from the husband on the grounds of cruelty, the respondent being an hotelkeeper at Hurstville" (SMH 2 Mar 1887) - he sold the license to the Hurstville Hotel that same year. Isabella died in 1934, buried at the Church of England Cemetery, Botany (location ADD - Anglican FM DD - Grave 102). Her death index and burial entry and given as HODGE - it is not clear whether the divorce was not proceeded with, or if Isabella chose to retain her married name after divorce.

During World War 1 Bass wrote a patriotic song entitled 'She Who Gives Her Son' that was widely reported in Australian newspapers - the cover of the published sheet music (held by the National Library of Australia, shown below) indicates it was 'sung with immense success throughout Australia by Tilly Dunbar'. The Australian National Archives holds two references for Copyright for W Bass Hodge for musical works. The first, titled “Daughter of the Empire”, was registered 17/3/1922 and the second, “Musical Letter Card ” was registered 28/1/1924. The Sydney Morning Herald of 4 Feb 1926 notes that 'Mr. W. Bass Hodge, the well-known Sydney musician, has received a certificate and medal from the British Empire Exhibition authorities for his exhibit at the exhibition of his song, "Daughter of the Empire," and a music educational letter card.' Like his father, Bass was a Mason. Electoral rolls show he lived in various places in 'West Sydney' and Darlinghurst. William died in 1941 according to the NSW Probate Index, but his registration appears in the 1942 NSW BDM index. I have not found a death announcement for Bass, and he does not appear to have been buried at Botany with his wife.

2. Mary A LITTLE nee HODGE (1858-1906). Born/baptised in Hougham, Kent (England)  in March 1958 and appears in the 1861 England census with her family, in Portsmouth in the list of the 11th Regiment. Returned to Australia with her family in 1863 (one of 'three children'), and married Henry Walter LITTLE (b. Tyrone, Ireland, died 1920 registered Redfern NSW) at St James' church on 6 Mar 1878 (SMH 16 Mar 1878). They had three children all born in Sydney, though the family appears to have lived in Redfern later:
a. Florence Maude (1879-1964), married Julius AGRATI in 1932.
b. Harriet May (1881-1929), married Albert G EDWARDS in 1907 at St. Barnabas' Church.
c. Henry S (1884-1927), married Mabel TOWNSEND in 1918.
Mary died at the Prince Alfred Hospital (now Royal) on 4 Jan 1906 (SMH 6 Jan 1906) and was buried at the C of E section of Rookwood cemetery (Area : AN, Section : 05, Number : 0000342). It is assumed she converted to Catholicism at some point, as her daughter Harriet also marred in the Catholic church the following year. Her death announcement indicated she would  be buried at the Necropolis (Catholic) but her burial was actually in the C of E section. Mary's husband Henry died in 1920, and he was buried in the same plot as his wife.

3. Sebastian HODGE (1861-1866). Born Curragh Camp, Ireland (according to regimental birth index), and did not appear on the 1861 census with his family as he was born later in the year when the 11th Regiment was stationed there. Returned to Australia with the family in 1863 (one of 'three children'). Died on 2 Jul 1866 (NSW BDM 805/1866). According to the death certificate, Sebastian died at a residence on Stanley St where his father worked for the Grammar School. The cause of death is not clear, but had been apparent for 18 months suggesting a chronic illness. According to the death certificate, Sebastian was buried at Camperdown Cemetery (now much reduced in size). Burial records are held by the Australian Society of Genealogists.

4. Philip Ernest HODGE (1863-1937). Born in Sydney after the family returned there (1847/1863), at their residence on Stanley Street. By 1891 he was in Queensland, where he married Mary Ellen MCKENNEY (abt 1867-1916), where he had moved as an employee of the Bank of New South Wales, becoming a bank manager. They had five children, all born in that State:
a. June Ellenor HODGE (1892-?), fate unknown
b. Lucy HODGE (1892-1969), married Louis Wilson John HOEY in 1921 in Qld.
c. Clarice HODGE (1897-?), fate unknown.
d. Phyllis Mary HODGE (1905-1924), buried Bowen Qld cemetery.
e. Mildred Ernestine HODGE (1907-?), fate unknown.
Mary died in 1916, and has a headstone at Bowen cemetery. Philip died in 1937 at Bowen Qld, and is probably buried at that cemetery also. An obituary published in the Townsville Daily Bulletin (21 Jul 1937) summarizes his career: "One of Bowen'e oldest and most respected citizens, Mr. Philip E Hodge, passed away on Tuesday morning. Deceased had been confined to his bed for over two years and his end, though deeply regretted, was a happy release. The late Mr. Hodge was for 24 years manager of tho local Bank ot New South Wales, and until the time of his retirement, he was President of the Chamber of Commerce for 17 years, of the School of Arts till the time of his death, of the Kennedy Hospital for several years and the Bowen Turf Club for some years and many other Institutions. He took an active part In the opening of the Bowen coalfields, the formation of the Bowen Harbor Board, etc. Before going to Bowen he was tor many years in Charters' Towers and then in Cooktown and Georgetown as manager of the Bank of New South Wales and In each town he filled many honorable positions."

5. John Albert HODGE (1865-1892). Born in Sydney, and died in 1892. His tragic death at 27 was described in the Sydney Morning Herald (28 Jun 1892): "ACCIDENTALLY KILLED. The circumstances of the death of a carter named Hodge, who died in the Sydney Hospital on Saturday night, formed the subject of an inquest held yesterday afternoon by the City Coroner in his court at Chancerry Square. It appears that on Thursday evening last deceased, who was in the employ of a butcher named Thomas Josslyn, was driving a cart along Bourke-street, Surry Hills, when the horse, becoming frightened, bolted, and Hodge was thrown from his seat from the jerk caused by passing over a drain. The cart-wheel passed over one of his legs and he received severe injuries to his head. He was picked up unconscious, and remained so till his death.  The jury returned a verdict of accidental death." His funeral announcement stated that he was buried at Waverley cemetery, but no details of the burial have yet been uncovered.

6. Harriet Emma M HODGE (1869-1941). Born in Sydney in 1869, she married Robert William LENEHAN (of Cook's River) at St Ignatius' Chapel, Riverview (SMH 16 Mar 1889) the month before her father died. Lenehan was a solicitor and military man (probably much to Harriet's father's satisfaction and was commanding officer of the Bushveldt Carbineers at the time of the incident that led to the court martial of `Breaker' Morant and others in 1902). They had at least seven children, registered in the Ryde and Hunter's Hill areas of Sydney:
a. Robert Eric LENEHAN (1890-1916), died in Sydney after serving in Gallipoli with the AIF.
b. Marie Gladys LENEHAN (1892-1972), married John L MARONEY in 1917 in Sydney.
c. Maurice J LENEHAN (1895-?), fate not known.
d. Marcia Elizabeth LENEHAN (1897-1970), did not marry.
e. Pretoria Sarah LENEHAN (? - 1967). Probably named for being conceived in South Africa during the Boer War - suggests the family was based there.
f. Jospeh L LENEHAN (1902-?), fate not known.
g. Roger I LENEHAN (1905-?), fate not known.
Robert died in 1922. Harriet died in 1941, 'of Badham Avenue Mosman widow of the late Colonel R W Lenehan'. She is buried at Field of Mars Catholic Cemetery, Ryde (Section E, Grave 1) with her son Eric.  Her husband is adjacent (Grave 3).

7. Thomas Reid HODGE (1869-1930). Born in Sydney 1869, and lived in the Edgecliff area in the 1920s according to electoral rolls, and newspapers indicate he was an Alderman on Paddington(?) Council. In 1930 he is registered as marrying Ada Victoria WEINERT (7289/1930), however in December that year he died at the Coast Hospital (primarily dealing with infectious diseases). The NSW Coroner's Inquest entries (available on ancestry.com) indicate that Thomas died of "heart failure, whilst under an anesthetic, open ether, for a surgical operation - ether was properly administered". He is buried at the Eastern Suburbs Cemetery (GA - General FM A - Grave 205). Ada PEDLER had been previously married to Jno WEINERT in Victoria in 1906, however while living in in 1923 WA she abandoned her husband and twin sons, and divorce was granted in 1928. After Thomas' death she returned to WA, married George GLENDENNING in 1935 and died in Perth in 1958, interred at Karrakatta Cemetery.

8. Walter Herbert HODGE (1871-1956). My ancestor, and last of the siblings to survive. Born in Sydney in 1871. He was a valuer and auctioneer by trade, and married Grace SMITH (1870-1934) in 1897 at St John's Church, Darlinghurst. They had two children:
a. Eileen Helen HODGE (1900-1947), married Samuel Litson BORDER at St John's Church, Darlinghurst in 1922 (see picture).
b. Annie Victoria HODGE (1902-1904). Born at 383 Liverpool St Darlinghurst (SMH 20 Aug 1902), died at the same residence aged 2 years 4 months (17 Dec 1904). Buried at Waverley cemetery, no headstone identified yet.
Walter lived in the Paddington and Eastern Suburbs area till the 1940s, then moved to Cremorne, then Clovelly for the last few years of his life. Grace died in 1934 'at a private hospital, Vaucluse' (SMH 5 Mar 1934), buried at Waverley cemetery. After her death, Walter married Edith Bessie WEBBER the same year, and Edith died in 1944. She was cremated at the Eastern Suburbs Crematorium, listed as 'buried in accordance' - I am not sure what this means.
Walter died 7 Apr 1956, aged 84 (SMH 9 Apr 1956), with no surviving children, but with four grandchildren and a number of great grandchildren. This is the only photo I am aware of, on the wedding day of his daughter Eileen. It is assumed that he is buried at Waverley, but no burial/headstone has been identified.

9. Sydney Sebastian HODGE (1874-1928). Born in Sydney, 1874. I've found little about him - he is shown as a Groom in the 1903 Electoral Roll, living at 68 Hunter St Sydney. His death was registered in 1928 in Orange, NSW (21411/1928). An advert placed in the Sydney Morning Herald the following year states 'HODGE -In memory of my brother Sid who departed this life December 16 1928. After life's fitful fever he sleeps well -Macbeth. Inserted by his loving brother Thomas Reid Hodge' (SMH 16 Dec 1929).

It occurs to me now that there were no male descendants of Sebastian and Harriet, though surely there are many descendants with the surnames listed above, such as EDWARDS, AGRATI, LENEHAN, BORDER (my line), MARONEY, etc.

The next step is to try and get insight into hedastones that may exist at the Eastern Suburbs Cemetery.

The obituaries of Patrick Joseph and Julia (nee HURLEY) QUINANE

It is remarkable how much information can be condensed into one small article, such as an obituary, that can flesh out the life of an ancestor. It is also remarkable that the word 'obituaries' contains all five vowels? I've just noticed that - there are probably lots of words like that. Anyway.

As the NLA Newspapers site has recently digitized the Catholic newspaper, articles on my Irish-Catholic ancestors who lived in New South Wales are appearing. The Catholic paper ran obituaries on members of the Catholic community in Sydney and facilitated detailed obituaries, not encountered in the usual newspapers such as the Sydney Morning Herald, except for people of highly significant social standing.

And so, it was extremely pleasing to find obituaries of Patrick Joseph (1854-1937) and Julia (nee HURLEY, 1863-1935) QUINANE. Originally from Victoria, they settled in New South Wales some time after World War 1, perhaps following their son Patrick Joseph (1894-1967) who had moved to Sydney prior to enlisting in that war.

This photo captures Patrick and Julia surrounded mainly by grandchildren (I've posted it before).

Back:  Phillip Quinane, Joan Quinane, William Hill, Gracie Donnelly, Frederick Quinane

Middle: Patrick Joseph Quinane (1854-1937) and

Julia Ann Quinane nee Hurley (1863-1935)

Front: Dennis Byrne, Yvonne Quinane, Ronald Weidner, Edward Weidner

Their obituaries shed a great deal of light on their lives. One point worth noting is that the connection between Patrick Joseph's birth and the Eureka stockade is well known in the family.

 The Catholic Press
Thursday 11 April 1935

THE LATE MRS. JULIA QUINANE.

The death occurred recently at Ashfield of Mrs. Julia Quinane, a meritorious worker for charity. Born at Malmesbury, Victoria, her parents took up land at Burramine, where she remained until her marriage, which brought her to Melbourne. For many years deceased lived in the Clifton Hill parish, and her charity and kindness for those in distress endeared her to all. The latter part of her life was spent in Sydney, and for three or four years her health had caused her family some anxiety. She is survived by her husband and eight children — seven girls and one boy, among whom are Sister Mary Cosmos (Corrimal) and Sister Mary Louis (Penshurst). During deceased's illness she was attended by the Vincentian Fathers, and was also visited by the Sisters of Charity. The Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Vincent's, Ashfield. The pupils of the De La Salle Brothers and the Sisters of Charity were present. After Mass the remains were interred at Woronora Cemetery. Rev. Father Gerald Power, CM., officiated at the graveside. — R.I.P.

The Catholic Press
Thursday 14 July 1937

MR. PATRICK JOSEPH QUINANE.

The death of the late Mr. Patrick Joseph Quinane, aged 83 years, occurred recently at Kogarah. Born at Ballarat (Vic), in 1854, he was six weeks old when the historical fight in the Eureka Stockade took place. The tent in which he was lying was riddled with shot from the rifle fire of the combatants during the rioting. His father, then a miner, was one in conflict with the authorities on the question of the restricted mining licence. He spent his boyhood in the Geelong district, on the land, later taking up a selection at Tungamah, where he took an active part in the Hibernian Society, and held various executive positions in the Victorian district. He was a prominent member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society during his lifetime. He joinod the Sacred Heart Sodality in 1887, and completed 40 years membership. He joined the Holy Name Society at Kogarah. The bank smash in the nineties sent him from Tungamah, to commence his career afresh. He then entered the Victorian Railway Service, where he served for 30 years, taking a prominent part in the formation of the Railway Workers' Union, in: which he held various executive positions. Living at Clifton Hill (Vic.), he look a leading part in parochial affairs. In recognition of his work he was presented with a gold cross inscribed, 'For 25 years' services rendered.' Upon his retirement from the Victorian Railways, he settled in Sydney, living at Darlinghurst, Ashfield, and, finally, at Sans Souci. His wife died three years ago, at the age of 72 years. He was attended in his last illness by Rev. Father A. J. Sobb, who administered the Last Sacraments. A Requiem Mass was celebrated at St. Patrick's Church, Kogarah, by the Rev. Father M. McCarthy. Appropriate hymns were rendered by the school children. The funeral left the church for the Woronora Cemetery. Father Sobb officiated at the graveside. He is survived by seven daughters and one son — Nurse Theresa Quinane, Mrs. Agnes Alexander, Mrs. Esther Weidner, Mrs. Gertrude Byrne, Mrs. Dora Hill (Kathleen), Sister Mary Cosmos and Millie, Sister Louis Maria, of the St. Joseph Congregation, and Patrick J. Quinane, an original Anzac. — R.I.P.

A minor incident

As the National Library of Australia rolls out more rural and regional newspapers, I'm finally snatching glimpses of life for those families who didn't often make a splash in the national press. For example, Samuel BORDER (senior, 1857-1931) was born in the Cowra region (Mulyn), lived in the Cowra region at the Bangaroo area as a farm laborer, then lived in Moorbel, Canowindra.

Apart from his obituary published in the Cowra Free Press in 1931, the only other reference in papers (including Sydney papers) was to a diptheria outbreak in 1893 that killed two of his children in a week (Minnie and Arthur).

So it was to find an article this week on Samuel that did not involve death, but only a close shave for the 62 year-old.

Canowindra Star
27 June 1919
SULKY SMASHED. - Mr Sam.. Border, senr., got into trouble with a horse and sulky near the show-ground on Monday last. The animal played up and finally smashed both shafts of the vehicle. Mr. Border was dragged some distance, but we understand that his injuries are not serious.

Is this the best blog you've ever read?

If it isn't, it doesn't matter. There's a competition called the 'Best Australian Blogs' competition, and I've entered. While my blog focuses on my ancestors, and therefore ancestors common to many people, the focus of the blog is to really reveal HOW I (with the help of many other people) solve problems and unearth solutions. If you've like anything I've posted, please consider clicking on the link and supporting my blog.



Usual programing will resume shortly!

As always, if you have any questions

cheers!
mat

The HALL General Store in Koorawatha NSW

After my HALL ancestors (William and Eliza nee BLISS) moved off their farm in Yass to the town of Koorawatha, it is said in the family history written by Frank Hall that the family set up a general store, which Eliza ran. While looking through the book on the centenary of the school in Koorawatha in my possession, I noticed a photo of a 'general store' with 'E. HALL' emblazoned across the front. I'll try and scan that photo soon - but I really need to identify where the original resides. One challenge is whether it was really Eliza who ran the business - they also had a son named Edward who lived in Koorawatha.

Frank Hall also mentions that the business burnt down at one point. As newspapers come on-line I've been looking for a reference to the general store, and the fire. Finally I've found a short article.

Sydney Morning Herald
Fri 27 August 1909
KOORAWATHA, Thursday.
A fire occurred on Monday evening at about 8 o'clock, when two stores were totally destroyed, together with an adjoining dwelling. The Railway Hotel was saved by persistent efforts. The buildings were close to each other, and were constructed of wood and iron. E. Hall and Co. lost the whole of their stock of drapery, grocery and general hardware, together with some case and part of the books. On account of the inflammable material, nothing was saved. Mr. Flemming carried on a fruit store. A little was saved from it. The places were insured.

The marriage of Mary Ann HALL to Frederick COSTELLO

William HALL and Eliza BLISS had fifteen children in Yass, NSW. Two of their children married WATKINS' after most of the HALL clan moved off the land to Koorawatha (and a grandchild also married a WATKINS). Lately I've been corresponding with Graeme WATKINS - who links in to the HALL family through that grandchild.

Eldest daughter Mary Ann HALL (1868-1909) married Frederick COSTELLO in 1895 (this was preceded by the birth of a daughter, Eileen, in 1894). Graeme kindly provided me with a copy of the marriage certificate:

 Transcript:
 Marriage registered in New South Wales
Number 58
Date and place of marriage: 24 June 1895 Goulburn
Groom
Name and surname: Frederick Costello
Conjugal status: Bachelor
Birthplace: Bowning NSW
Usual occupation: Traveller
Age: 18
Usual residence: Chatsbury street, Goulburn

Father's name and mother's name and maiden name: William Costello and Elizabeth Wells
Fathers occupation: Labourer

Bride
Name and surname: Mary Ann Hall
Conjugal status: Spinster
Birthplace: Yass NSW
Usual occupation: Domestic duties
Age:26
Usual residence: Chatsbury street, Goulburn
Father's name and mother's name and maiden name: William Hall and Eliza Bliss
Fathers occupation: Farmer
Married in the Parsonage, Lagoon Street,  Goulburn, according to the Rites of the Primitive Methodist Church
The consent of William Costello, father, was given for Frederick Costello to marry, as he was under 21
Marriage was solemnized between us: Frederick Costello and Mary Ann Hall (both signed)
Witnessed by Sarah Holden and Amelia Burgess (both signed)
By me James W Holden, officiating Minister



They had at least seven children, at seemed to move around as they registered the births of their children in Goulburn, Yass and Narromine. In 1908 they were in Warren, a few hundred miles north of Yass. Tragically, their daughter Amelia (1903-1908) died of burns, and the next year Mary Ann appears to have drowned herself. Family stories state that she never forgave herself for the death of her young daughter. The very bare bones of these stories are heartbreakingly confirmed in the register of Coroners Inquests for New South Wales:

New South Wales, Australia, Registers of Coroners' Inquests, 1796-1942
Amelia Alice Costello
Inquest July 6 1908
Held: Warren Court House NSW
Coroner: N.W. Lovett, JP
Date when received: July 8 1909
Age: 4 years 10 months
Where born: Bowning NSW
Locality of death: Egelabra, Warren
Verdict: Effect of burns accidentally received
Cash or property owned by decesased: Nil
Doctor: P.D. Dray
Post Morten held: No
Remarks: -

New South Wales, Australia, Registers of Coroners' Inquests, 1796-1942
Mary Ann Costello
Inquest April 30 1909
Held: Warren NSW
Coroner: N.W. Lovett, JP
Date when received: 1 May 1909
Age: 40
Where born: Yass
Locality of death: Egelabra, Warren
Verdict: Suffocation by drowning her own act while temporarily insane
Cash or property owned by decesased: 3 or 4 pounds
Doctor: P.D. Dray
Post Morten held: No
Remarks: -

Egelabra was and still is a sheep station in the Warren district. While the Warren cemetery is transcribed at the Australian Cemeteries Index (http://austcemindex.com), no headstone for mother or daughter is entered for that cemetery. It is possible they were buried elsewhere (I don't have their death certificates, which would list the location of burial). Perhaps Egelabra had a cemetery. Surprisingly, the transcribed newspapers to date do not report either death.

Frederick proves tricky to follow, but after these two deaths Frederick re-married in 1911 to Jessie McBride BROWN, registered at Granville in Sydney. In 1917 he enlisted to serve in the AIF and went to France. Upon his return he was in Sydney for some time before re-locating to Queensland. The first sign they family were there was the marriage of daughter Annie in 1928. In Qld, Jessie died in 1942 and in 1949 he apparently married Frances DRINNER. Frederick died in 1956. I haven't been able to track down a single newspaper reference to Frederick - except possibly to one relating to a charge of having his horse run loose in Goulburn in the 1890s.

Most confusing is Frederick's origins. In his marriage certificate he stated he was born in Bowning NSW about 1877. His birth date is stated as 28 Jun 1876, born in Yass, in his AIF enlistment record. Yet no entry can be found for him in the NSW BDM records. His parents can be seen marrying in 1863 in Yass, however, and five children were registered in the district. It is possible this entry in the NSW BDM was mis-transcribed:

23426/1877

COOPER

FREDERICK C

WILLIAM

ELIZA

YASS

Norman HALL, coal shale mining, and ghost towns

I appreciate my blog the most when people stumble across one of my ancestors, and reach out to make contact with me. I received an e-mail this week from Robert Curran regarding my great-grandfather Norman HALL (1796-1972). Perhaps I'll let part of Robert's e-mail explain:

"I was just scanning some old letters on the subject of kerosene shale mining sent to me by Norman Hall c. 1969/70. Wondering what ever became of Norman I googled his name and arrived at his death certificate on your blog. I have fond memories of Norman, with whom I corresponded for a while, and visited in Melbourne. I assume you are related to him. If the letters are of interest to you I can send you copies."

Golden. Robert was researching shale mining. A letter posted to the Sydney Morning Herald in 1968/9 on the topic (of which I know/knew next to nothing). Despite living in Melbourne, Norman became aware of the letter and wrote to Robert. This resulted in about 2 years of written correspondence and exchange of articles on the topic of shale mining, the boom towns that sprung around the mines, and the consequent ghost mines.

Norman was by profession a chemist (I was always told a coal chemist). While I have posted several letters on my blog written by Norman on the HALL family history, he wrote little of himself. This letter reveals his employment history (though it's not amazingly specific). For example, he refers at one point to working in the 'power houses' in Sydney, possibly now the Powerhouse museum in Sydney (this is speculation). Norman describes his evolving career, and his interest in shale mining.

Overall Robert had received eighteen letters, all which he scanned and provided to me before lodging the originals with Lithgow Library's local history collection.

I have chosen to transcribe the second letter here, as it is the one in which Norman describes himself and his interests in shale. It contains Norman's typical energy, name-dropping and word-craft evident in his genealogy letters. The letters also provide information on people Norman knew and worked with during his career in the energy industry.

Should anyone like to read all the letters, I have combined them into a single pdf - just send me an e-mail!

I can't believe these wonderful letters fell into my lap. Thanks Robert!!!



Norman Hall
Victoria
July 28th, 1969

Mr. Robert Curran
New South Wales

Dear Mr. Curran,

Many thanks for your kind letter of the 26th, inst. It was indeed good of you, seeing the writing is a complete stranger. There seems to be a very close bond between we who love these old places and it boosts one's confidence in our fellow men when such co-operation is so readily given.
So you may know with what manner of chap you are dealing, I will give a few points in my long (I am 75) career and the features which lead to my historical interest in Newnes & other 'ghost' towns.
The write was born in N.S.W. (it was then a 'colony') and for this first early years lived in the Gold Mining areas round Braidwood, Araluen & district where the precious metal was 'king'.
It was there that the mining 'bug' badly bit me. Later I moved to Sydney, became an industrial chemist & spent 32 years in the Power Stations in that City. This was, long before the advent of the Electricity Commission. My main work concerned the testing of fuels, coal, gas, oil etc. It was thus I acquired a fair knowledge of Coal Mining. At the same time I operated a 'private practice' & was Consulting Chemist to Babcock & Wilcox (the big boiler people). When the opening of Glen Davis was mooted many firms were anxious to 'get on the band waggon' so to speak - the retorts especially were the 'hot potato'. Babcock & Wilcox were an interested party and I carried out small scale laboratory & practical tests on shale samples from EVERYWHERE!
It is interesting to record that the richest came from the Beraemi distrct near Muswellbrook, some samples even showing as high as 163 gallons crude oil per ton! Newnes, Glen Davis & most others hovered around 100 gallons per ton!
At the same time, and by arrangement with B & W, I was engaged by the well known Consulting Engineers Sir George Julius, Pool & Gibson - for the same purpose.
Other - and independent tests - were conducted also by the Mines Dept. (whose chemists I knew well) - fortunately we all agreed on our findings.
I never knew WHO actually made the decision on what type of retorts were installed - but they were later subject to much alteration, mostly along the lines that John Fell had found necessary at the defunct Newnes. Sometime during the hey day of Glen Davis, I entered to Coal Industry as Chief Chemist to a non-profit research organisation set up by the Colliery Proprietors. This work took me far afield and included work at Glen Davis, both in the Coal Mine and the Shale Mine. Naturally, I became acquainted with a few of the technicians in the industry.

Here I must digress to point out that, while I was with the Power Stations I operated closely with an Engineer by the name of J.W. Lambert. He & I worked together for over 30 years!!!!!
Originally a Marine Engineer, he sought a job ashore, found one with the Commonwealth Oil Corporation at Newnes on design etc. His work took him to Newnes, Hartley Vale, Torbane etc. I must admit my interest at that time was lukewarm - what a lot I missed - Lambert has long since passed on.
The same Lambert met and married at Hartley Vale - a local girl.

All this time I was living at Burwood - you might say barely a stone's throw from Ashfield. However, for a short while I went to Wollongong to be near the Coal fields - there I became Alderman of the Greater City of Wollongong.
Meantime my wife had died, my children had grown up & married & I lived alone. Then, some 15 years ago, at the age of 60 odd I married a young widow living in Melbourne - and went there to live. Spent 5 years with I.C.I., then, joined the Fire Protection industry (as Chief Chemist) - and am still working. Perhaps I had better say 'employed' there!
Meantime, the Ghost Town 'Bug' had been biting so badly that I had to do something about it. I concentrated on a few Ghost Towns which I had a great love for. These were :-
Newnes, Glen Davis, Joadja Valley, Hartley Vale, Eucla and Araluen. (Eucla is the old overland cable station on the WA-SA border, Araluen an old gold mining town. I also included one Victorian Ghost Town - Walhalla.

In the least two or three years a tremendous amount of data has come my way - I have done literally HUNDREDS of photos - worn out 5 typewriters (that explains why this letter is so badly typed) and collected enough stuff to fill a museum - but, as you probably know ONE CAN NEVER GET ENOUGH! It reminds one of a 'Dope Fiend'!!!!!
Last Easter I made a tour of Hartley Vale, Araluen and Newnes. At Newnes I stayed with Jim Gale at the local pub & made many contacts etc. I also made a most valuable contact in a Mr. Eric Breedon who once lived at Newnes. He was a photographer and was kind enough to loan me his old negatives - they are really superb. I have historical documents relating to the building of the Newnes Railway, the early History of the Wolgan Valley and etc, as well as the Postal History.
Of Harley Vale I have far too little information. I visited it about 1930, and again last Easter. You may be surprised to know it was called by the locals ;THE DESERTED VILLAGE OF HARTLEY' as far back as 1930 - and the 'COMET' INN had then lost its license. Seeing it last Easter the old 'COMET' is as good as the day it was built & the sign 'COMET INN' still legible.
The mine workings were not accessible - better luck next time.
Of Joadja - unfortunately I have not yet got there - its on my next itenary. Most of my information has been gleaned from a book published by the Berrima Council entitled 'The History of the Berrima DIst,' Unfortunately it is out of print but I have the relevant pages copied out. Of later years (as you probably know) it has been taken over by an American lady (Pat. Lee) - she has published articles in the Womans Weekly (of all papers) with beautiful colour pictures - which I acquired of course - and very recently again she was 'on T.V.! giving a talk on Joadja. Perhaps you were lucky enough to hear that - I missed out. WHAT BAD LUCK.

You mention BUSHWALKING. -Well, when I was at the Power Houses mentioned previously I had a bosom 'mate' who was an ardent bushwalker. He and a friend (R. Else Mitchell - now Mr. Justice R. Else Mitchell of the N.S.W. Supreme Court) - and a noted historian frequently did walks through 'Ruined Castle' and right back through Joadja. I have some of his photos - he loans me the negatives whenever I need them. The name of my friend was JACK BARNARD - as he was a most enthusiastic bushwalker you may have known him!!!!

Among some of the short lived shale operations you have probably heard of that conducted by 'Bob' Fullagar at Mangararoo (I am not sure whether I have spelled that name correctly) - anyhow it's just outside Lithgow. Bob Fullagar was noted in the Coal Industry, being Manager of the State Mine at Lithgow - also Mayor of that Town. 'Bob' was indeed a rough diamond & ran his shale enterprise during World War II. Unfortunately for Bob, the shale 'cut out'. Bob, of course has long since passed on.

Regarding Glen Davis, - when the Federal Government decided to suspend operations, a nephew of mine (Bob Hall) who was on the staff of the Commonwealth Employment Agency was sent to the Glen to try and place the displaced workers. He was given considerable assistance by the then Manager (Mr. Clem Norcross) - he was formerly 'Carbonisation Supt'. At the final sale of all gear at Glen Davis I made it my business to be present & purchased several items of Laboratory Equipment. It was a sad sight - were I a women I am sure I would have WEPT!!!!!!
Among my friends at Glen Davis was the Chief Chemist - a chap named George Mapstone - most capable chap & a really good fellow. He is now in South Africa.
You must have realised by now Mr. Curran, that the writer is an exceedingly voluble person &, once started, is like the old motor car - difficult to stop. However, if this letter gets on your nerves you may have my full permission to consign it to the waste paper basket. Meantime, if there is anything I can do to help your interest do not hesitate to ask - I will do anything I possibly can to further our 'Historical Interests'.
For my part I must admit I do not know exactly what I want - if it is ANYTHING to do with the shale industry I am always agog!
If you can refer me to any publications or historical papers relative to Joadja, American Creek, Hartley Vale etc I will be eternally grateful & will reciprocate to the utmost of my ability.

Kindest Regards
(signed)
Norman Hall

Register of arms in New South Wales, 1802

This was posted at my randomfh.blogspot.com post, but as it contains the name of my ancestor Rowland Edwards, I'm cross-posting here also:


Below I have transcribed a list of all people in the colony of New South Wales in possession of 'arms' in the year 1802. I cannot find any correspondence or information relating to how the information was collected - for example as part of a general muster conducted that year. As the Sydney Gazette was not published until the following year, I also do not have the option of looking for information in the newspaper.

The first mention of 'firearms' in the Sydney Gazette appeared on Sunday, August 21, 1803 (Vol 1, Number 25), forbidding the discharge of firearms in the town:

General Orders.

FIRE-ARMS are on no account to be discharged by any Inhabitant of the Towns of Sydney or Parramatta between Sun-set and Sun-Rise, on pain of being punished for a Breach of Public Orders, and making False Alarms.

By Command of His EXCELLENCY W. N. CHAPMAN, Sec  

Government-House, Sydney,   August 19, 1803.   

I came across the list of those owning firearmsin the NSW Colonial Secretary's Correspondence, as my ancestor Rowland Edwards appears among that number. There are actually two lists - one for 'Officers' in the colony, and one for 'individuals'. While several soldiers appear among those on the list, it is assumed that the firearms possessed by the New South Wales Corps (and other arms such as small cannon, etc.) were not counted. This also makes sense if the information on firearms was collected as part of a general muster, as members of regiments were not included in general musters.

For individuals, the owners of firearms are listed by geographical region. Four types of arms are generally counted: guns, pistols, swords and bayonets. Guns are presumed to comprise muskets (fired from the shoulder), as opposed to pistols (held in the hand). Bayonets can be fixed to guns for military charges, but most people in possession of a gun were not in possession of a bayonet. There was also one 'blunderbus' - a short musket with a flared barrel, that operates similarly to a shogun.

The breakdown of arms in the colony is as follows.
Total: 663
Guns: 457
Pistols: 116
Swords: 75
Bayonets: 14
Blunderbuss: 1

The district with the most arms was the Hawkesbury (147, perhaps unsurprising given the nature of relationships with the local indigenous population who were in the process of being dispossessed of their land). Arms held by officers (190) were not listed by district. The individual in possession of the greatest number of firearms was John Palmer (10 guns, 6 pistols, 2 swords), the commissary for NSW and responsible for supplies - as such it is possible these were in his possession as supplies, rather than personal arms.

The population of general inhabitants in New South Wales in 1802 was 5,866 (ref: General report on the eleventh census of New South Wales, T.A. Coghlan, 1894). As such, the rate of ownership of arms in NSW in 1802 was 11.3 per 100. It is interesting to compare this to recent numbers (http://www.gunpolicy.org/firearms/region/australia) - today there are approximately 15 firearms per 100. This is at first surprising given the relatively violent environment of colonial NSW in 1802. However, a significant portion of population were convicts, and as such not in a legal position to own or be in possession of firearms.

In transcribing the original document, I have retained spelling of surnames as written, even when I was aware that a spelling error had probably occurred.

Please email me if you find any errors or have further information, and I'll update this post.

Register of Arms belonging to Officers of the Establishment taken 1802

 

Name	Guns left	Pistols left	Swords left	Guns taken	Pistols taken	Swords taken	Blunderbus	Bayonets
Philip Gidley King	4	2	1
William Paterson	2	4	3
Richard Atkins	4	3	1
John Palmer	10	6	2
Samuel Marsden	2
? Thomson	2	2	1
Thomas Rowley	4	2	1
John Piper	2		1
John Harris	8	6	4
William Minchin	1	2	3
Francis Barrallier	2		2
Thomas Laycock	9	2	3
William Moore	4	4	2
Nicholas Divine	2
McArthur	3	2					1
Nicholas Bayly	1		1
William Cox	2	4	2					1
Martin Mason	1
Thomas Hobby	4	2	2					2
? Campbell	2	1
John Brabyn		2	1
William Neate Chapman	2	4						1
Thomas Davis		2	1
George Bridges Bellasis	2	2
Sutton
Charles Grimes	2		1
Thomas Arndell	3	4	1
Baker	1	1	2
William Wentworth	2	1	1
Thomas Smyth	4	2	4

 
 Register of Arms taken April 1802 belonging to Individuals in His Majesty's Colony of NSW

FARM COVE DISTRICT  

Name	Guns	Pistols	Swords	Bayonets
Mr Llewin	2		1
Jno Archer		1	1
Thos Alford	1

PETERSHAM DISTRICT

Name	Guns	Pistols	Swords	Bayonets
Mr Palmer	1
Mr Cox	2	1
Mr Alt		2	1
Mr Bloodsworth	1
Jno Leadbetter	1
Heny Kable	1
Major Johnstone	7	1
Thos Biggers	2	1	1	1
Joshua Palmer	1

BRICKFIELD DISTRICT

Name	Guns	Pistols	Swords	Bayonets
Jno Davis S	1
Jno Smith	1
Saml Hockley	1
Jno Williams	1
Jno Cooper	1
Patk McDonald	1
Wm Boggis	1
Wm Jones	1
Jno King	1
Robt Fennell	1
? Kelly S	1
Thos Dikens	1
Jno Guyott	1
Edw Palmer	1
Jno Mullins	1
Rd Fry S	1
Jno Hazard S	1

BULLANAMING DISTRICT

Name	Guns	Pistols	Swords	Bayonets
Mr Moor	1
Mr Smith	2
Cropper	1
Palmer	1
Simn Lord	1

MASKELINE AND BANKS DISTRICT
Name	Guns	Pistols	Swords	Bayonets
Capt Prentice	1
Rieby	2
Morris S		1
Connor S		1
Iken	1		1
Dukes	1
Eaton	1
Geo Legg	1
Patk Shannon	1	1
Jno Waldron		1	1
Lancashire			1
Owen Connor	1
Brookes	3
Sergt Palmer			1
Fielder	2
Batty	2
Ruby	2		2
Tunks		1
Thos Prior	1	1
James Underwood	2
Geo Crossley	3	2
Jno Miller	2
McKoy	1
Jno Wills	2
Jno Thomson		1	1
Jno Jones	2
Ward	1
Heny Kable	1	1
Morris	1

SYDNEY EAST SIDE DISTRICT

Name	Guns	Pistols	Swords	Bayonets
James Hill	2
Charles Williams	1
Jno Burk		1
Shoeby	1
Mary Ellis				1
Robt Poplin	1
Hugh Foley		1
Thos Massey	1
James Gibbons	1
Geo Wilson	1
Jno Wilshire	1
Isaac Nichols	1

PARRAMATTA DISTRICT

Name	Guns	Pistols	Swords	Bayonets
Joseph Ward	1		1
William Hobart	1
Richard Mortimer	1
William Sherwin	3
Robert Wells				1
James Larra	1	2	1
Richard Rice	1		1
Benjamin Cowen			1
Jno Hillis	1
James Flemming	1
Thomas Eccles	1
George Caley	2
Francis Duriveaux	1
James Wright	1
William Abbott	1
Daniel McCullum	1		1
Jno Groves			1
Thomas Jackson	1	2		1
Thomas Cozier	3
Mrs Smith	1
Richard Dowling	2
William Evans	1
Mr Sutton		2		1
Anthony Landren	1
Mr Barrington			1
William Telfour		1
William Bateman	1	1
Edward Piper	1
William Cole		1
William Harvey	1
Samuel Phillips	1
Jno Thorogood	1
James Becket	1

KISSING POINT DISTRICT

Name	Guns	Pistols	Swords	Bayonets
Jno Reeds	1
Mrs Hughes			1
Jno Currants	1
Joseph Francis	1

TOONGABBEE DISTRICT

Name	Guns	Pistols	Swords	Bayonets
Michael Smith	1
Jno Leadbeater	1
Bryan Spalding		1
Samuel Smith	1
Thomas Williams	1
Dairy	3
Mrs Deveney	1
Thomas Needham	1
William Hill	1
William Dawson	2
Matthew Gibbons	1
Mr Kennedy	1
Richard Nichols	1	1
Mr Cummings	2
Samuel Griffiths	1
Jno Herbert	1		1
Joseph Morley	1
Jno Teace	1
Jno Warby	1
James Cleaver	1
Michael Donovan	1
James Dunlap	1
Jno Tarlington	1
Cornelius Teague	1

BAUKHAM HILLS DISTRICT

Name	Guns	Pistols	Swords	Bayonets
Samuel Allen	1
James Benson	1
Abraham Kemp	1
Jno Page	1
George Best	1
Israel Rayner	1
Mr Smith	4			1
Mr McDougal	2			2
Mr Bain	3		1
Mr Anson	1
Mr Beadley	1		1

KISSING POINT DISTRICT

Name	Guns	Pistols	Swords	Bayonets
Edward Pooding	1
Jno Shepherd	1
James Stewart	1
James Weavers	1
James Squires	1
Joseph Hatton	1
James Louther	1
David Brown	1			1
Ambrose Payne	1
Charles Berwick	1
Richard Hawkes	1
James Wood	1
Pheeber	1
Richard Porter	1
George Patfield	2
Michael Connor	1
Jno Tyrol	1

TOONGABBEE DISTRICT

Name	Guns	Pistols	Swords	Bayonets
William Kentwell	1	1
Jno Jones	1	3
Jno Davis	1
The Watch	5	1	4
Thomas Moxham	1
William Yarley	1
William Joyce	1
Mr Pierce	2	1	2
George Griffiths	1		1
William Goodhall	1
Bartholomew Riely		1
Thomas Jones	2
Owen Martin		1
Jno OHarra	1
Jas Lowry	1
Wm Browning	1
Captn McArthur farm at Seven Hills	5	1

 FIELD OF MARS AND NORTHERN BOUNDARY DISTRICT

Name	Guns	Pistols	Swords	Bayonets
Mr Arndell	1
Eckford	1
Elliot	1
Holt	1		1
Martin	1
Whiting	1
Larra	1
Allister	1
Mr Sutton	1
Captn McArthur	3
Mr Oakes	1
Mr Hassal	1
Summers	1
Higgins	1	1
Freed	1
Leverett	1
Bishop	1
Mr Cox	2
Everingham	1	1
Butterly	1
Ramsay	1	1
Shaffy	1
Bennet	1
Torr	1
Alexander McDonald	1
Eggleton	1			1
Isaac Archer	1	1
The Limeburners	1
Ward	1
Mr Balmain	1
Day	1
Captain Kent	1	1

HAWKESBURY DISTRICT

Name	Guns	Pistols	Swords	Bayonets
Jno Benn	1
James Wilbro	1
Henry Kable	1
Thomas Lewis	1
Samuel May	1
Thomas Gilberthorp	1
Jno Brennan	1
Thomas Abbot	1
Chapman Morris	1
Thomas Saunders	1
Daniel Smallwood	1
Joseph Smith	1
Thomas Buck	1
Benjamin Jones	1
Cavanagh	3
Jno Wilkinson	1
James Fletcher	1
Wheeler & Pulpit	2
Samuel Pickett	1
David Horton	1
James Mollee	1
William McDonald	1
William Masson	1
Matthew Lock	1	1
John Rose	1
Jno Cobcroft	1
Jno Howarth	1
Job More	1
William Burgess	1
Anthony Richardson	3
Henry Hale	1
William Skinner	1
Samuel Patehouse	1
James McGlade	1
Jno Anderson	1
Grono	1
Thomas Bates	1
Thomas Phillips	1
GW Moore	1
Alexander Seaton	1
David Brown	1
Widow Whitter		1
Edward Robinson	2
James Sherrard	2
Thomas Leason	1
Edward Reynolds	1
Henry Baldwin	1
Patrick Hynes	1
William Gregory	1
Jno Ruslen	1
Jno McIntosh	1
James Cunningham	1
Richard Burman	1
Richard Ridge	1
Joseph Jenks	1
Jno Lewis	1
Jno Austin	1
Richard Tuckwell	1
Andrew Thompson	3
James McCarty	1
William Bladay	1		1
Jane Pool	1
Roger Twifield	1
William Easey	1
Thomas Heather	1
Robert Forrester	1
Captain McKellar	2
C W Place	3	2	1
William Baker	3
William Roberts	1
Jno Prosser		1
Jonas Archer	1
Rowland Edwards		1
Charles Thomas	1
Henry Lamb	2
William Beadle	1
Henry Rochester	1
Thomas Rickaby	2	3
Edward Field	1
Jno Emby	1
Wm Chapman	1
Jno Butcher	1
David Phillips	1
Thomas Pitt	2
Elias Bishop	1
Thomas Spencer	1
James Thomas	1
Jno Wood			1
Robert Weathers	1
Robert Smith	2
William Noel	1
William Bowman	2		1
James Nugen
Thomas Neal	2
Jno Stephenson	1
Benjamin South	1
Thomas Coolen	1
William Giles	2
Jno Griffiths	1
Edward Powell	1	1	1
Jno Bowman	2	3
George Crossley	2
Thomas Wood	1
James Merchant	1
William Alsop	1
Edward Merrick	2
Patrick Murphy	1
Jno Dight	2
Henry York	1