52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 13 - In the Paper - Mary Gilmore

This year I have decided to take part in Amy Johnson Crow's 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks blogging prompts. 

The theme for Week 13 (March 25-31): In the Paper.

For this week's theme In the Paper, I have chosen an ancestor that I don't know all that much about, my 4 x great grandmother, Mrs Mary Gilmore (1768-1868). I know that Mary was buried in the same grave as her husband William Gilmore (c1772-1838) in the Killaresy Graveyard, County Down in 1868. I don't yet know Mary's maiden name. I have a lot more to learn about her and her family.

I found the following article about Mary's death from the Belfast Morning News, 1 June 1868, copied from the Derry Journal. 

A CENTENARIAN. - On Saturday, the 9th ult., Mrs. Mary Gilmore, relict of the late Mr. Wm. Gilmore, farmer, Tullymore, County Down, died at Tullymore, at the advanced age of 100 years. She retained the perfect use of all her faculties till the last, and was never afflicted with toothache or rheumatism. She was the mother of twelve children, three of whom were born at a birth, and has left 130 living descendants - literally to the "third and fourth generation" - comprising her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Her eldest surviving son is Mr. Charles Gilmore, of Newtownlimavady. Having been born in the year 1768, she has lived under the reign of four monarchs, and during "the few days of her pilgrimage" the following remarkable events,among others, have occurred: - The American War of Independence, War with France, War with Spain,the Irish Rebellion of 1798, the Union, War with Turkey, Catholic Emancipation, French Revolution, Abolition of Slavery, Irish Famine, War with Russia, Indian Mutiny, Civil War in America,and Fenian Outbreak. - Derry Journal.

"A Centenarian," Belfast Morning News, 1 June 1868, p.3, col. 2; image copy, FindMyPast (http://www.findmypast.co.uk : accessed 27 March 2019), British Newspaper Archive.

© 2019. Australian Genealogy Journeys. This post was originally published at https://ausgenjourneys.blogspot.com/2019/03/52-ancestors-in-52-weeks-week-13-in.html

52 Ancestors in 52 weeks is © Amy Johnson Crow. 

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 12 - 12 - Margaret (Randall) Chambers

This year I have decided to take part in Amy Johnson Crow's 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks blogging prompts. 

The theme for Week 12 (March 18-24): 12.

Once again I am running late with last week's theme, a lot happening in my family at the moment. 

For the theme 12, I have chosen to write about my direct maternal great-great-grandmother Margaret (Randall) Chambers (1855-1917). Margaret was born on 12 September, a birthdate also shared by my maternal grandmother (Margaret's granddaughter) and one of my nephews. 

Margaret Randall and her twin sister Ann Randall, daughters of Edward Randall and Mary Ann (Brown) Randall (formerly Bailey), were born 12 September 1855 at Hahndorf, South Australia. The Randall family were then on their way from South Australia to the gold rushes in Victoria. Margaret's twin sister Ann died in infancy and it is believed she is buried somewhere along the road between Hahndorf and Avoca, Victoria. 

Margaret (Randall) Chambers c.1910

The Randall family then settled in Avoca. It was there that Margaret, aged 28, married George Chambers, aged 52, a widower with 7 children, on 1 January 1884. 

Margaret and George went on to have a family of 5 children, 2 sons and 3 daughters:

1. Millicent Mary (Chambers) McCarthy (1884-1967)
2. Matthew Harold Chambers (1886-1949)
3. Hubert Randall 'Bert' Chambers (1888-1977)
4. Elsie Bertha May (Chambers) Bailey (1893-1982)
5. Kathleen Pearl (Chambers) Clifford (1898-1987)

Margaret became quite ill in the latter months of 1916.

A small notice appeared in the Avoca Mail on Tuesday 28 November 1916 as follows:

The friends of Mrs Chambers, of Faraday street, will learn with regret that she is a present an inmate of the Maryborough Hospital, in a serious state of health.

(Source: No title (1916, November 28). Avoca Mail (Vic. : 1863 - 1900; 1915 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved March 26, 2019, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151728684)

The Avoca Free Press gave an update on Margaret's condition on 13 December 1916:

The many friends of Mrs Geo. Chambers, of Avoca, will regret to learn that her condition has not improved. Mrs Chambers, who is seriously ill, is now under the treatment of a specialist in Melbourne. 

(Source: Personal. (1916, December 13). Avoca Free Press and Farmers' and Miners' Journal (Vic. : 1900; 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved March 26, 2019, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151686033)

On 16 February 1917, the Avoca Mail reported:

The many friends of Mrs Geo. Chambers, who has been seriously ill in Melbourne for some time past, will be pleased to learn that there is a marked improvement in her condition, and Mr Chambers is in receipt of a letter from her in which she states that she hopes to be out of bed in a few days.
Mr Geo. Chambers, of Faraday Street, was on Monday last notified by the Defence Department that his son Bert, who was recently reported wounded whilst on service in France, is at present in Hospital in England. He is suffering from a wound to the wrist.

(Source: No title (1917, February 16). Avoca Mail (Vic. : 1863 - 1900; 1915 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved March 26, 2019, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article152147086)

Margaret did not make a full recovery, and did not live to see her son Bert return from Europe. She died on 28 March 1917 at the residence of her sister, Rebecca (Randall) Wasley, 26 Yarra Street, Hawthorn, Victoria. 

On Friday 30 March 1917 the Avoca Mail reported: 

We learn with regret of the death of Mrs Chambers, wife of Mr George Chambers, of Avoca, which occurred in Melbourne on Wednesday last, after a lengthy and painful illness.

(Source: No title (1917, March 30). Avoca Mail (Vic. : 1863 - 1900; 1915 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved March 26, 2019, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article152147636)

The following death notice appeared in the Avoca Free Press on 31 March 1917: 

Death.

CHAMBERS—At the residence of her
sister, Mrs Wasley, Hawthorn, on 28th March, Margaret, beloved wife of Mr George Chambers, of Avoca, and youngest sister of Mr Edward Randall. Aged 61. Fix this texDeeply mourned.

(Source: Family Notices (1917, March 31). Avoca Free Press and Farmers' and Miners' Journal (Vic. : 1900; 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved March 26, 2019, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151685854)

The Avoca Free Press published an obituary for Margaret that same day (Saturday 31 March 1917):

Obituary. 

MRS GEO. CHAMBERS. 

Sincere and widespread regret was felt when it became known that Mrs Chambers, wife of our esteemed townsman, Mr George Chambers, had passed away in Melbourne on Wednesday. The deceased lady had been ailing for some time, and was taken to the metropolis for treatment. Despite the most skilful care and attention, however, the patient gradually sank, and died at the residence of her sister, Mrs Wasley, of Hawthorn. Throughout her illness Mrs Chambers bore up with Christian fortitude, and now that this good lady has gone she will be deeply mourned. Kind-hearted and generous, Mrs Chambers was ever ready to help others in cases of sickness and distress, and she performed many kindly acts which the world knew nothing about. She did good in an unostentatious manner, and her demise is greatly deplored. She leaves a grown-up family, including Sapper Bert Chambers, who was recently wounded whilst fighting for King and country. The sorrowing husband, children, and other relatives have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends in their bereavement. Mrs Chambers was 61 years of age. The deceased lady was a sister of Mrs Edward Randall, of Avoca. The interment took place at Hawthorn on Thursday.

(Source: Obituary. (1917, March 31). Avoca Free Press and Farmers' and Miners' Journal (Vic. : 1900; 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved March 26, 2019, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article151685864)

Margaret was buried at the Burwood Cemetery in the same grave as her nieces May Wasley and Blanche (Wasley) Lidgey. 

Source: Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 26 March 2019), memorial page for Margaret Chambers (unknown–unknown), Find A Grave Memorial no. 112908150, citing Burwood Cemetery, Burwood, Whitehorse City, Victoria, Australia ; Maintained by SueM (contributor 47776904)

© 2019. Australian Genealogy Journeys. This post was originally published at https://ausgenjourneys.blogspot.com/2019/03/52-ancestors-in-52-weeks-week-12-12.html

52 Ancestors in 52 weeks is © Amy Johnson Crow. 

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 11 - Large Family - Edmund and Mary (Mulhall) Joyce Family

This year I have decided to take part in Amy Johnson Crow's 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks blogging prompts. 

The theme for Week 11 (March 11-17): Large Family.

I am late again with week 11, my NBN Internet connection has been very poor for the last week, unfortunately. 

For this week's theme, Large Family, I have chosen the family of my great-great grandparents Edmund Joyce and Mary (Mulhall) Joyce. 

Edmund Joyce was born in about 1833 near Whitegate, Galway, Ireland (now located in County Clare), in the Catholic parish of Clonrush, the son of Edmund Joyce and Catherine (Goonane) Joyce. Edmund's father is supposed to have died during the Famine in about 1846. Edmund's widowed mother, Catherine, immigrated to Victoria, Australia with five of her children, including Edmund, in 1855. They followed daughter Mary Joyce who had immigrated to Victoria in 1853. 

Mary Mulhall was born in about 1844 in the Catholic parish of Tubberclaire, Westmeath, Ireland, the daughter of Matthew Mulhall and Margaret (Coghlan) Mulhall. Mary immigrated to Victoria, Australia in 1863. 

Edmund Joyce and Mary Mulhall were married on 2 March 1867 at St Mary of the Angels Catholic Church, Geelong, Victoria. Edmund and Mary lived at Napoleons near Ballarat until 1873 when they selected land at Pannoobamawm in Northern Victoria. 

Edmund and Mary had a family of 15 children - 7 sons and 8 daughters. 

1. Edmond Thomas Joyce (1867-1950), married
2. Margaret Mary (Joyce) O'Brien (1869-1925) my great grandmother
3. Patrick Joyce (1870-1934), married
4. John Matthew 'Jack' Joyce (1871-1954), married
5. Annie (Joyce) Turner (1873-1933), married
6. Catherine 'Sister Monica Mary' Joyce (1875-1948), a twin, a Sister of St Joseph
7. Mary (Joyce) Brennan (1875-1960), a twin, married
8. Elizabeth (Joyce) Brennan (1876-1956), married
9. Julia 'Sister Marie Bernardine' Joyce (1877-?), a Sister of St Joseph
10. Jane Ellen (Joyce) Kearney (1879-1951), married
11. Rev. Fr. Matthew Joyce (1880-1950), a Redemptorist Priest
12. Rose Alice 'Sister M. Edwin' Joyce (1884-1961), a Sister of St Joseph
13. Rev. Fr. William James Joyce (1885-1966), a Redemptorist Priest
14. Walter Henry Joyce (1887-1968), married
15. James Joyce (1888-1971), married

Edmund and Mary lived at Pannoobamawm until they retired to Rochester in 1913. 

Edmund died at Rochester on 1 September 1916. Mary continued to live at Rochester, cared for by her daughters Mary and Rose, and she died there on 3 November 1923. 

Sources: Joyce, Patricia and Margaret Thomas, Joyce - Descendants of Edmund and Catherine Joyce in Australia 1885 to 1975 (Australia: Joyce Descendants, 1975). Please see Joyce Wikitree profiles for further sources. 

© 2019. Australian Genealogy Journeys. This post was originally published at https://ausgenjourneys.blogspot.com/2019/03/52-ancestors-in-52-weeks-week-11-large.html

52 Ancestors in 52 weeks is © Amy Johnson Crow. 

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 10 - Bachelor Uncles - Tom and Charlie Smith

This year I have decided to take part in Amy Johnson Crow's 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks blogging prompts. 

The theme for Week 10 (March 4-10): Bachelor Uncle.

I am running a little bit late with my blog for Week 10. I have a few Bachelor Uncles in my family tree but I have decided to chose my great grandfather's brothers, Tom and Charlie, as I have some recollections of my grandmother's to make their story more than just dates and places. 

My great grandfather James William Smith had five brothers: 

• Thomas George Smith (1870-1950)
• Albert Smith (1871-1872)
• John Hutton Smith (1875-1956)
• Robert Smith (1879-1881)
• Charles Walter Smith (1885-1959)

Albert Smith and Robert Smith died young. John Hutton Smith married Lillian Carter Ogleby in 1899. Thomas George Smith (Tom) and Charles Walter Smith (Charlie) were both lifelong bachelors. 

My mother interviewed my grandmother, Doss (Smith) O'Brien (1912-2001), in the 1990s. From that interview, we learn the following about Doss' uncles Tom and Charlie:

In 1923, Dad (James William Smith) bought a property at Thule, New South Wales, and he and the older boys, Jim, Syd and Ivo, and Uncle Charlie Smith, went there to work the place. They took a big covered type of horse-drawn hut (these were known as travelling houses). There was a family photo that showed their departure. Several trips were made back and forth and, on one occasion, Dad took Bill, who drove a cart in which they were transporting some chooks. When they were going over the bridge at Echuca, the cart hit a bump and the coop came unlatched. Chooks escaped and scattered all over the place! They had quite an episode on the bridge. The Cobb Highway was just a little old road then, and kept close by the river.

Doss' Uncle Charlie, her Uncle Tom and her Auntie Suze, lived with Grandmother Sophia Smith in their old family home on the banks of the Campaspe River, just east of Childers Street, Elmore. Doss remembered Grandmother Sophia as having been unwell most of the time, and Auntie Suze took care of her. Grandmother Sophia was a big woman and, simply, “sat and sat.” Looking back, it seemed very likely that she suffered from severe depression. Her life had not been an easy one. In 1922, when she was 74 years old, she died and, according to her Death Certificate, she suffered from ‘fatty degeneration of the heart.’ Doss believed that the block on which the Smith home stood was a leasehold and, when it terminated, Auntie Suze, Uncle Tom and Uncle Charlie bought a house in Elmore. In later years, the three lived together there until they died, in about the 1960s; first the uncles and then, Auntie Suze.

Uncle Tom and Uncle Charlie Smith had always been familiar faces to the young Smith children, as they worked with Dad quite a lot over the years. Uncle Charlie was with Dad and the older boys at Thule, through 1923 and partway into 1924, and he had been working for the Stewarts at Tennyson for a while before Doss’ family moved there. At the time, he had a motorbike on which he rode home to Elmore at weekends. He was one of the first people around there to own a motorbike, and he also broke new ground in being one of the first to own a gramophone and records. When the Smiths were at ‘Errington’, Uncle Charlie resumed working for Dad, and lived there with them. Doss remembered one occasion when he had the horse in the spring cart, ready to take the younger children to school, and to take her to work at Buckleys’. Unfortunately something hooked the clothesline and tipped Charlie off the cart, and upended Doss in the back of it.

(Source: O'Brien, D., Lockington, Victoria. Interview by M. O'Brien, 1990s, tape recording and transcript. Privately held by interviewer [address for private use] Victoria, Australia. 2019.)

© 2019. Australian Genealogy Journeys. This post was originally published at https://ausgenjourneys.blogspot.com/2019/03/52-ancestors-in-52-weeks-week-10.html

52 Ancestors in 52 weeks is © Amy Johnson Crow.