Category: Avoca

Eliza Henry nee Gay, 1833–1898, the wife of an Avoca bootmaker

Eliza Coomb Gay was born in 1833 in Penryn, Cornwall, the daughter of a shoemaker John Gay and Mary Ann nee Lane (or Laen). On 14 April 1833 she was baptised at St Gluvias.

At the time of the 1851 census she was a tailoress living with her widowed mother and some of her siblings. The household also included a lodger, William Trevena who was a stone mason. 

On 27 May 1852 Eliza married William Trevena.

A few months later William and Eliza emigrated to Australia as bounty emigrants on the Wilson Kennedy. William paid £4 for their passage. The Wilson Kennedy sailed from Plymouth on 9 September 1852, with 481 immigrants. They arrived in Sydney on 27 December. In the list of immigrants inspected by the Immigration Board  William and Eliza were recorded asbelonging to the Church of England. They could both read and write. Neither of them had relatives in the colony.

From Sydney William and Eliza made their way to Avoca in the central highlands of Victoria. In 1855 Eliza gave birth to a daughter, Mary Ann. That year William died at the young age of 26.

In 1856 Eliza (22) married again, to a young widower, Thomas William Henry (26), a bootmaker in Avoca. Over the next twenty years they had twelve children, five of whom died in infancy.

The boot shop of T.W. Henry, Avoca
Eliza Henry

In 1895 Eliza became very ill.

Avoca Mail (Vic.), Friday 1 February 1895, page 2

A serious operation was performed yesterday afternoon on Mrs Henry, a lady upwards of sixty years of age, and wife of Mr T. W. Henry, an old resident of the neighborhood. Dr Grimmer, who has been attending the lady for some time, discovering that she was suffering from a tumour inside the stomach, at once saw that the only chance of effecting a cure was to take out the cause of complaint, and Mrs Henry having consented to the course, Drs Grimmer of Avoca, Featherstonhaugh of Talbot, and Scott, of Maryborough, yesterday performed the operation, with, we are pleased to say, success. The tumour when removed, weighed between two and three pounds, and the quantity of matter in connection therewith that came away made a total weight of 20 lbs. which is sufficient indication of the seriousness of the complaint. The doctors did their work skilfully, and the patient came through remarkably well, especially when her age is considered, though of course it will be a day or two before her medical attendant, Dr Grimmer, can give a decided opinion as to how she is likely to proceed. At present there is every indication of her progressing satisfactorily.

Avoca Mail, Tuesday 10 May 1898, page 2

Mrs Henry, wife of Mr T. W. Henry, of Avoca, was operated on by Dr Tremearne, at Creswick on Sunday, the cause of complaint being a tumor attached to the back bone. It was found impossible to remove it, but the doctor was of opinion that with treatment and care the sufferer might survive for some years.

Avoca Mail, Friday 27 May 1898, page 2

We regret to record the death of Mrs Henry, wife of Mr T. W. Henry, of the Avoca River, at the age of 67 years. The deceased lady passed away this afternoon at Maryborough, whilst on the way to her home from Doctor Tremearne's private hospital at Creswick.

Eliza died on 22 May 1898 at Maryborough. She was buried in the Avoca cemetery.

The Henry family grave Avoca cemetery

[Many thanks to Eliza’s great great grand daughter Jo for sharing her family history with us.]

Wikitree: Eliza Coomb (Gay) Henry (1833-1898)

Mrs Isabella Galbraith A.T.C.L., music teacher

Isabella Tryphena Wilson was born in 1874 in Warrnambool, Victoria, to Edward Henry Wilson a watchmaker and Rosina Ann Wilson nee Larke.

Isabella passed the music exams of Trinity College London, becoming an Associate ATCL [Associate Trinity College London].

In 1895 Isabella, now a music teacher, married William Gibson Galbraith in Melbourne. In 1896 they had a son, Geoff, born in Richmond. 

Not long afterwards the marriage broke down. William went to New Zealand where he enlisted as a rifleman and served in World War 1. He died of wounds in 1917.

Isabella and her son settled at Bacchus Marsh, where she taught music. About 1909 they moved to Avoca.

Mrs Galbraith and her son Geoff, who played the clarinet, performed in many concerts in aid of the Free Library, the Temperance Society, churches, the Red Cross, and other such causes.

Mrs Galbraith became widely known in Avoca as a popular and effective music teacher.

Avoca Free Press and Farmers’ and Miners’ Journal, Saturday 7 November 1914, page 2

We are pleased to chronicle the success of two local children in connection with the London Trinity College of Music examinations. These were Babe Samers and Gwena Deeble, both of whom passed with honors in the pianoforte examinations. This is highly creditable to the two young candidates who will doubtless become highly accomplished musicians. Babe Samers also passed in 1913. Great praise is due to Mrs Galbraith, A.T.C.L., who prepared the children for the examinations, and their success must be very gratifying to this capable teacher of the pianoforte.

Avoca Mail, Tuesday 14 November 1916, page 2

TRINITY COLLEGE, LONDON.
The following candidates from Avoca were successful at the examination in practical music held at Ballarat on Friday by Prof. Chas. Schilsky First Steps — : Leila Agnes Snell, Junior— Veronica Gladys Chambers and Gwena Audin Deeble. Intermediate — Leonie Mary Samers. The whole of the above are pupils of Mrs Galbraith, A.L.C M., of High St., and pupils and teacher alike are to be congratulated on their success.

In 1918 Mrs Galbraith moved from Avoca to Heidelberg in Melbourne.

Ballarat Star, Tuesday 23 July 1918, page 6

AVOCA.
PRESENTATION.
At the close of the services at the Presbyterian Church on Sunday evening. Mrs Galbraith, A.T.C.L., was presented with a handsome silver chain bag as a token of esteem. Mrs Galbraith, who has acted as organist for the church for some years, is leaving Avoca. She is an accomplished musician, and her departure will be much regretted.

Isabella Galbraith died in 1956 at Mordialloc at the age of 81.

Woman showing right profile, back to camera, seated at a piano.
A woman at the piano, about 1900
State Library of Victoria Accession No : H2013.186/26
(I have not found a portrait of Mrs Galbraith)

Wikitree: Isabella Tryphena (Wilson) Galbraith (1874-1956)

Ellen Knight nee Reilly, 1838–1907, nurse

Ellen Riely, daughter of Thomas Riely and Eliza Duning, was born in 1837 in Ballingarry, County Tipperary, Ireland. She was baptised on 13 September 1837.

On 19 August 1856 Ellen married a miner named Charles Knight at Saint Alipius Roman Catholic church, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia.

They lived at Beaufort for five years and Avoca for forty-six years.

Ellen and Charles Knight had thirteen children:

  1. William (1857)
  2. Elizabeth (1861)
  3. Emily (1862)
  4. Thomas (1863)
  5. Ellen (1865)
  6. Emily Mary (1867) 
  7. Susannah (1869)
  8. Ada (1870)
  9. Minnie (1872)
  10. Florence (1875) 
  11. Harriet (1876)
  12. Charles (1879)
  13. Mary Kate (1881)

Ellen was employed in Avoca as a nurse.

In 1886 she sued for unpaid fees owed to her by Mrs Tregonning.

Avoca Mail, Tuesday 4 May 1886, page 2

AVOCA POLICE COURT
Monday, May 3rd, 1886. (Before C. W. Carr, Esq., P.M.)
E. Knight v. J Tregonning— Claim for £1 10s amount due for nursing. No appearance of defendant. Complainant deposed that Mrs Tregonning came to her and engaged her to nurse her during her confinement, which she did for about a fortnight. The arrangements as to payment were made with Mrs Tregonning. The bill was sent to defendant but he returned it with a letter stating that he had advertised the fact that he would not be responsible for any debts contracted by his wife. [The letter was handed into court.] Mrs Tregonning called deposed that she was married to defendant in April 1884, by the Rev. D. S. Lindsay, and lived with her husband at Clunes until September 1885, about that time her father became very ill, and she wished to come home to him, but her husband refused to allow her to come. She then came without his permission, and returned after being absent six or seven days, when she was treated very cruelly. She came back to Avoca and has been residing with her father. She had engaged Mrs Knight to attend her and the charges, were reasonable. The Bench made an order for the amount and 5s costs to be covered by distress.

In August 1889 Mrs Knight was paid by the Avoca Ladies’ Benevolent Society for looking after a destitute woman. Later that month she cared for a neglected infant.

In 1905 Ellen Knight was registered to vote in Avoca, in the Federal electorate of Laanecoorie. Her occupation was “nurse”.

In 1906 Ellen and Charles Knight celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Age (Melbourne, Vic), Monday 20 August 1906, page 1

KNIGHT - REILLY.— (Golden Wedding).— On the 19th August, 1856, at St. Alphius's Church, Bakery Hill, Ballarat. by the Rev. Francis Finley, Charles, second son of William and Susannah Knight, of Adelaide, South Australia, to Ellen. eldest daughter of Thomas and Bessie Reilly, Tipperary, Ireland. Present address, Barnett-street, Avoca

On 2 January 1907 Ellen Knight of Avoca was admitted to Maryborough Hospital. She was Roman Catholic, married. She had arrived in the Colony on the ship Morris which had departed from Liverpool.

Ellen died from cancer on 6 April and was buried at Avoca.

Age, Thursday 11 April 1907, page 1

KNIGHT.—On the 6th April, at her residence, Barnett-street, Avoca, after a long and painful illness, Ellen, the beloved wife of Charles Knight, and mother of Thomas, William, Mary, Mrs. Burnett, Kew; Mrs. Johnston, West Melbourne; Mrs. McKenzie, Christchurch; Mrs. Pellett, Auburn; Mrs. McCarthy, Footscray; Mrs. Morris, Moonambel, and Mrs. Arrowsmith, Fitzroy, aged 69 years

In memory of Ellen and Charles Knight her descendants have added a plaque to the Avoca cemetery memorial wall honoring early settlers.

In Commemoration of our Pioneer Ancestors
CHARLES and ELLEN (nee REILLY) KNIGHT
Natives of Shalbourne, England, and Ballingarry (South), Tipperary, Ireland; Married at Saint Alipius church, Ballaarat, on August 19, 1856; Resided Beaufort 5 yrs, Avoca 46 yrs; Charles employed in the goldmines
They raised a fine family of Australian born children -William (1857), Elizabeth (1861), Emily (1862), Thomas (1863), Ellen (1865), Emily Mary (1867), Susannah (1869), Ada (1870), Minnie (1872), Florence (1875), Harriet (1876), Charles (1879), and Mary Kate (1881)
Died – ELLEN 1907, CHARLES 1908; Interred in plot A169 Avoca Cemetery
Placed on behalf of all their descendants by grandchildren of Mary Kate

Wikitree: Ellen (Riely) Knight (1837-1907)

Ethel Redpath nee Hellings, 1871–1914

Ethel Hellings was born in Avoca in 1871. She was the youngest daughter of Thomas Hellings a bricklayer, and Elizabeth Hellings nee Gay.

In 1880 Ethel Hellings in second class at Avoca State School received a prize. The next year she received a prize in third class.

Ethel Hellings was a member of the choir at the Avoca Wesleyan Church.

On 16 March 1898 Ethel married John Redpath.

Ballarat Star, Saturday 26 March 1898, page 6

WEDDINGS.
The marriage of Mr John Redpath, second son of Mr George Redpath, and Miss Ethel Hellings, youngest daughter of Mr Thomas Hellings, of Avoca, took place at the Wesleyan Church on the 16th inst., the ceremony being performed by the Rev. J. A. Osborne. The church was very tastefully decorated with flowers and evergreens by friends and members of the choir, a beautiful wedding bell, suspended from the centre of an artistically arranged arch above the altar, being much admired. The bride, who was given away by her father, carried a handsome bridal bouquet, and looked charming in a dress of rich peacook green plush, the bodice being exquisitely trimmed with white chiffon and ribbon; a veil and wreath of orange blossom being also worn. The bridesmaids, who were attired in cream nun's veiling, were Miss Jenkins (of St. Arnaud) and the Misses C. and L. Morish (cousins of the bride). Mr Leon Hellings officiated as best man and Messrs P. Morish and A. Redpath as groomsmen. Prior to and at the conclusion of the service the choir, with which the bride had for a number of years been connected, rendered excellent selections, and as the party left the church the Wedding March was most effectively played by the organist, Miss Trevens. The happy couple left by the afternoon train on their holiday tour, the bride's travelling dress being of electric blue lustre, trimmed with corded silk and white beaver. The presents received were both numerous and costly.

John and Ethel Redpath had seven children.

In 1914 Ethel Redpath died age 42 at Maryborough Hospital. Her youngest child was just six months old.

Avoca Free Press and Farmers’ and Miners’ Journal, Wednesday 25 March 1914, page 3

Obituary.
Very deep regret was felt here when it became known that Mrs J Redpath had passed away. The sad event occurred yesterday at the Maryborough Hospital after a somewhat lengthy illness. The deceased was a daughter of the late Mr Thos Hellings, who for many years was the leading bricklayer in this town. In her girlhood Mrs Redpath was a prominent member of the local Methodist choir, and her services were highly valued. The sympathy of a wide circle of friends will go out to the sorrowing husband (Mr John Redpath) and the family in their very sad bereavement. Seven children (the youngest being only a few months old) are left to mourn their loss. The deceased lady was a sister of Mr E. J. Hellings and Mrs G. W. Redpath (Avoca). and Mr T. L. Hellings, bandmaster, of Bairnsdale. Mrs Thos. Hellings senr., mother of deceased, resides in Avoca, and she also has the deepest sympathy of everyone, Deceased was 42 years old. The funeral will take place at Avoca cemetery this afternoon.
Members of the Avoca branch of the A.N.A. are requested to meet at Member J Redpath's residence at 3 o'clock this afternoon for the purpose of marching in a body to the place of interment.

Avoca Free Press and Farmers’ and Miners’ Journal, Saturday 28 March 1914, page 2

The funeral of the late Mrs Ethel Redpath, wife of our esteemed townsman, Mr John Redpath, took place on Wednesday afternoon, and was largely attended by friends and relatives. Members of the Avoca Branch of the A.N.A. marched in front of the hearse to the cemetery. Rev. Chas. Angwin, Methodist minister, conducted services at the house and grave. In the course of an impressive address the rev. gentleman referred to the sterling character of the deceased lady, whose chief concern throughout her illness, and indeed, during her last moments of life, was not for herself, but for the welfare of her husband and children. Her life was one of noble self-sacrifice, as was exemplified by the manner in which she cared for her little ones and trained them for taking part in meetings in connection with the Methodist Sunday School, of which they are regular attendants. She desired that they should lead Christian lives, and did all she possibly could to direct them in the path of righteousness. Such was an example of a mother's love, the value of which is inestimable. The coffin-bearers were-Messrs O. F. Thomas, S. D. Mitchell, Jas. Hempseed, L. Yates, Chas. Harvey, and H. C. Classen. The mortuary arrangements were carried out by Mr H. F. Classen.

Agnes Snell nee Grewar, 1836–1920

Agnes Grewar was born in 1836 in Kirkton of Glenisla, Forfarshire, Scotland, the daughter of Archibald Grewar (1799–1883) and Margaret McLaren (1809–1881).

About 1850 Agnes and her parents and siblings emigrated to Victoria where they settled in Avoca.

There, in 1858, Agnes married Edmund Snell, a storekeeper. They had nine children.

Agnes Snell served for many years as treasurer of the Avoca Ladies’ Benevolent Society and on occasion as its president. She was also an active member of the local Methodist Church. 

In 1890 the Snell family left Avoca and moved to Melbourne. Edmund Snell sold his business, which was renamed Snell and Co. Mrs Snell was farewelled by the Ladies’ Benevolent Society with a picnic held in her honour.

Avoca Mail, Friday 19 December 1890, page 2

FAREWELL PICNIC TO MRS SNELL.
On Wednesday last the Committee of the Avoca Ladies' Benevolent Society held a picnic, in honour of Mrs E. Snell, who has been a member and collector for the Society since its inception, and last year occupied the position of President. The members of the Committee considered Mrs Snell's services to the Society deserving of recognition, and very sensibly adopted the idea of a trip amongst the beautiful scenery or the Pyrenees, as one of the practical methods of showing their esteem, ere she took her departure-from the Sweet Vale. The party, which numbered about thirty, composed of the members of the Committee and their families, drove out to Elmhurst, and selecting a very pretty spot near Mr Easterbrook's, camped for the day. After partaking of a most recherche, luncheon, the picnickers divided themselves in fishing, shooting and exploring parties, and a most enjoyable time was spent. Gathering again for tea about five o'clock, a very pleasing ceremony took place. The Rev. J. A. Ball opened the proceedings by remarking that he had been requested by the Ladies' Committee to express to their guest, Mrs Snell, the great regret they felt at her approaching departure from Avoca. They had always found her anxious to further the work of the Society in every way, since she became a member of the Committee on its inauguration, and they would greatly miss her in the future. He would not detain them with a lengthy address, as he knew the President of the Society, Mrs Gilbert, had a pleasing duty to perform in presenting Mrs Snell with a parting souvenir from her fellow members on the Committee. Mrs W. P. Gilbert then handed a very handsome mother-of-pearl card case to Mrs Snell, bearing the inscription. "To A. G. S. from the A. B. C., 1890," and in doing so she said that it was with much pleasure she presented the small memento from the Committee of the Ladies' Benevolent Society, as a token of the esteem and regard in which they all hold her. They regretted very deeply her leaving them, as she had always been such a practical, sympathetic and harmonious worker amongst them. Her absence would cause a blank that would not readily be filled. On behalf of the Ladies of the Committee and herself, Mrs Gilbert wished Mrs Snell and family every happiness in their new home. Mrs Snell thanked the Committee sincerely for their kind gift, which she would value highly as a remembrance of her co-workers, and of the kindly feelings they had expressed for herself and her family. She wished them and the Society every prosperity in the future. Mr Bacon briefly expressed the regret that he knew their fellow townspeople felt at parting with Mr and Mrs Snell and their family, and he trusted it would not be long before they would come back to live in Avoca once more. Tea was then partaken of after which the horses were harnessed up, and the party were soon bowling along on the return journey, Avoca being reached shortly after eight o'clock. Those who took part in the day's proceedings were the Rev. J. A. and Mrs Ball, the Rev. W. and Mrs Presley, Cr Paten and Mrs Paten, Cr. Wiltshire and Mrs Wiltshire, Mr and Mrs Ebeling, Mr and Mrs Chellew, Jun., Mr and Miss Bacon, Mrs Gilbert, Mrs Poynter, Mrs and Miss Sproston, Miss Mockett, the guest Mrs Snell, and the younger members of the respective families.

Less than a year later the Snell family returned to Avoca, and Agnes’s husband Edmund repurchased the business.

Avoca Mail, Friday 5 October 1894, page 2

The Avoca District Butter, Cheese and Freezing Company's Factory was opened on Wednesday last, in the presence of a large number of people. Mrs E. Snell, wife of the Chairman of directors, started the machinery, and christened the engine " Excelsior," at the same time breaking a bottle of champagne over it, amid cheers.

When Edmund Snell died in 1896, Agnes, with her children, operated the business.

Agnes took a leading part in the local branch of the Australian Women’s National League (AWNL), an Australian political lobby group first established in 1904.

Ballarat Star, Wednesday 31 March 1920, page 6

AVOCA.
OBITUARY.
The death of Mrs Agnes Snell, which occurred at an early hour on Tuesday morning, has caused profound regret. Mrs Snell came to Avoca in the early digging days, and it was at this town that she married the late Edmund Snell, who conducted a business as general merchant, until his death. Since that time Mrs Snell and the members of the family have carried on the business, which is a large one. Mrs Snell was a prominent figure in public life; she was kindly disposed, and her work for the local Benevolent Society was marked by liberality. A friend to the poor and needy, Mrs Snell will be greatly missed. She took a leading part in the local branch of the Women’s National League, and the day before she was taken ill Mrs Snell attended a meeting at the Shire Hall, where Mrs Berry, the well-known organiser, addressed the members. In church circles she was also an ardent worker; every Sunday she attended the local Methodist Church, and although bordering on 80 years of age; she had a bright intellect, and took much interest in the services. Her death has removed one of the most highly esteemed residents of the town, and as she was only ill a few days her friends received a great shock at the sad event.

Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic), Saturday 3 April 1920, page 30

Obituary
Mrs Agnes Snell, head of the firm of Snell and Co., general merchants, Avoca, died on Tuesday, aged 80 years Mrs Snell, who left a family, had lived in the district for 60 years. She was a prominent member of the Women's National League.

The Snell store at 172 High Street later became a supermarket. An Avoca Shire Heritage Study of 1993/94 remarked that the then 

"Welcome Mart is a typical and largely intact example of a nineteenth century shop dating from a period when Avoca's main street was lined with similar buildings. Its design is expressive of its continuous use as a general store/supermarket since the 1860s."
Edmund Snell’s store before 1890
Snell and co store
Looking down the main street (after 1890).
Photograph 363 of the Avoca and District Historical Society
Google street view February 2010

Wikitree: Agnes (Grewar) Snell (1836-1920)

Six children of Eliza Kilpatrick died from diphtheria in 1864

Eliza Cranwill was born on 8 October 1819 in Dublin, Ireland. She was the daughter of Thomas Smith Cranwill and Frances nee Johnston.

On 28 December 1845 at St Peter’s, City of Dublin, Eliza (26) married James Kilpatrick (25), a linen draper, “in accordance with the rites of the Church of Ireland” [Protestant].

They had five daughters in Ireland. The family emigrated to Victoria in 1854. They lived first in Melbourne, where a son was born at Richmond. In 1856 they moved to Avoca where they had three more children. James Kilpatrick ran a store. The family were active in the Wesleyan Church.

In 1864, in just over three weeks, six of their nine children from died from diphtheria.

  1. George Frederick William Kilpatrick 6 years died 23 Mar 
  2. Evangeline Jessie Kilpatrick 11 years died 25 Mar 
  3. James John Thomas Kilpatrick 8 years died 31 Mar 
  4. Alfred Hayes Kilpatrick 6 months died 8 Apr 
  5. Charles Edward Cranwill Kilpatrick 3 years died 11 April
  6. Caroline Mary Kilpatrick 14 years died 17 April 

One of Eliza’s granddaughters recalled  that

“The undertaker apparently refused to attend the Kilpatrick’s home, scared that he would contract the disease and the Reverend and James Kilpatrick had to take the children, one by one to the cemetery to bury. It must have been a terrible ordeal. The Reverend came back each time over the space of five weeks to help James and Eliza bury their children, and to offer prayers. On the last occasion he turned up with a bottle of sulphur dust, and each of the surviving daughters were administered by the Reverend who poured the sulphur mixture down their throats to hopefully stop them from catching the disease. He apparently turned to the parents and told them he didn’t have the heart to keep coming back to their door, and he had heard that this was a remedy of sorts. It probably burnt the girls’ throats, but that was better than dying. It did the trick, and Elizabeth and Agnes survived.”

Fifteen more deaths from diphtheria are recorded in the Avoca cemetery burial register for 1864, most of them in March, April, and May.

Diphtheria is a bacterial infection, usually affecting the mucous membranes of the nose and throat. With widespread vaccination against the disease from the 1920s, diphtheria is now rare in developed countries.

The Avoca Mail of 21 May 1864 offered the following possible remedy for the disease:

Smarting, as many on Avoca are, under the late bereavements from diptherea, we think it not out of place to reprint the following recipe for its cure, from an English paper, and give it for what it is worth. The introductory part of the paragraph would lead one to the conclusion that some reliance ought to be placed in it, or that, at any rate, it is worth the trial. The paragraph reads thus :— 
"Diphtheria.— The following is a recipe for the cure of diphtheria, from a physician, who says that in 1000 cases in which it has been used not a single patient has been lost. The treatment consists in thoroughly swabbing the back of the mouth and throat with a wash made thus :— Table salt, two drachms ; black pepper, golden seal, nitrate of potash, alumn, one drachm each. Mix and pulverise, put into a teacup, which half fill with boiling water, stir well, and then fill up with good vinegar. Use every half-hour, one, two, and four hours, as recovery progresses. The patient may swallow a little each time. Apply one ounce each of spirits of turpentine, sweet oil, and aqua ammonia, mixed, every four hours, to the whole of the throat, and to the breastbone, keeping flannel to the part.

A gravestone at Avoca cemetery gives the names of the six children of the Kilpatrick family who died of diphtheria, and their parents, Eliza and James.

Gravestone from FindAGrave photographed by Sue McC . Used with permission.
In affectionate Remembrance
of
the beloved children of
JAMES and ELIZA KILPATRICK
~~~
GEORGE FREDERICK WILLIAM
died 23rd March 1864, aged 6 years
EVANGELINE JESSIE
died 25th March 1864, aged 11 years
JAMES JOHN THOMAS
died 1st March 1864, aged 8 years
ALFRED HAYES
died 8th April 1864, aged 6 months
CHARLES EDWARD CRANWILL
died 11th April 1864, aged 3 years
CAROLINE MARY
died 17th April 1864, aged 14 years
also ELIZA KILPATRICK
died November 18th 1907, aged 88 years
THE LORD GAVE AND THE LORD HAS TAKEN
AWAY, BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD
also their dear father
JAMES KILPATRICK
born Armah(sic), Ireland
died at Adelaide 19th May 1894
LOVED BY ALL WHO KNEW HIM.

Three daughters survived, married, and had children. Two married brothers, Henry and George Wise, sons of William McOboy Wise, an Avoca businessman.

In 1879 Eliza and James moved to Adelaide, where they settled at Mile End. There they kept a store and post office.

James died in 1894. Two years afterwards his body was exhumed and reburied with his children in Avoca.

Eliza returned to Victoria to live with her daughter Elizabeth Grewar at Cope Cope near Donald.

Avoca Mail Tuesday October 22nd 1907

Death of Mrs E. Kilpatrick
Yesterday (October 21st) the remains of Mrs Eliza Kilpatrick were brought from "Avondale", Cope Cope, the residence of her daughter, Mrs Grewar, to be interred at Avoca where her late husband and children were buried. Mrs Kilpatrick had resided with her daughter since the demise of her husband, and she passed away on Friday last at the advanced age of 88 years. She was a native of Dublin, Ireland, and was born in 1819. She came to Victoria with her husband in September 1854, residing in Melbourne until 1856, when they removed to Avoca, and remained here until 1880. Mr Kilpatrick had a general merchant's business in High Street where the Mechanics' Institute now stands, and later was joined in partnership by his son-in-law, Mr Geo Wise, removing to the old Wesleyan chapel - being portion of the premises now occupied by the "Avoca Mail".
Old residents of the district will remember the sad bereavement sustained by Mr and Mrs Kilpatrick during their residence here when in 1864 they lost six children (four sons and two daughters) within four weeks from that dread scourge, diphtheria. They had three daughters left who afterwards married and removed from the district, viz., Mrs Grewar, of Cope Cope, who married a brother of Mrs E.Snell, of Avoca; the late Mrs H. Wise, of Percydale, who was the second daughter; and Mrs G. Wise, of Sydney, the third. In 1880 Mr and Mrs Kilpatrick removed to South Australia and resided in Adelaide where the former died in 1894. Two years later Mrs Kilpatrick returned to Victoria and resided till her death on October 18th, 1907, with her daughter and son-in-law, Mrs and Mr John Grewar, who accompanied her remains to Avoca. Messrs James, Archie and Gordon Grewar, and Arnold Cummings (four grandsons), and Messrs B.D. Snell, and W. M. Chellew carried the remains from the hearse to the grave. The deceased was greatly esteemed and was a good true woman, and died as she lived in Christian faith and hope. She was of a retiring disposition but was loved and respected by all who had the privilege of her friendship.
The burial service was impressively conducted by the Rev. C.R. Godbehear, of Avoca, and a number of choice wreaths were placed on her last resting place by sorrowing friends as a tribute to her memory.

Further reading

For a more detailed account of this family see : Virginia Rundle (2015, November 30). The Kilpatrick family of Dublin city and the Cranwill family of Ballycanew, Wexford, Ireland. Relatives Matter https://www.relativesmatter.com/2015/11/30/the-kilpatrick-and-cranwill-families-from-dublin-and-ballycanew-ireland/

Wikitree :

Olive Moodie, found not guilty of poisoning her family

Olive Amelia Moodie was born in 1882 in Omeo, Victoria, fourth of the eleven children of Stephen Robert Moodie and Elizabeth nee Jones.

Stephen Moodie was first a storekeeper, and later an inspector of gold dredges.

About 1905 Moodie became manager of the No 2 Creek Sluicing Company’s claim and the family moved to Avoca. Olive Moodie taught sewing there and conducted classes in the Avoca Presbyterian Sunday School.

On 1 May 1906 Stephen Moodie died of enteric fever and was buried at Avoca Cemetery.

The Elizabeth Moodie and her daughters moved to Melbourne.

In 1907 Olive’s sister Ada married Peter Leyden and returned to Avoca.

On 17 November 1910 Annie Moodie died from what was suspected to have been food poisoning. Two days later her sister Alma died with similar symptoms.

A week later on 23 November 1910 Elizabeth Moodie died. An inquest found that she had died of arsenic poisoning. The bodies of Elizabeth’s daughters were exhumed. They also had died from arsenic poisoning. The body of Olive’s father, who had died suddenly five years before at Avoca, was also exhumed on 27 January 1911. He was found not to have died from poison. 

Olive was charged with the murder of her mother and two sisters.

Bendigo Advertiser (Vic.), Wednesday 30 November 1910, page 7

FAMILY AT AVOCA.
ACCUSED A SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHER.
Avoca. 29 November.
Stephen Moodie, with his wife and family of five daughters and two boys, arrived at Avoca some five years ago. The father was manager of the No 2 Creek Sluicing Company's claim for a South Australian Company. He left the position of Government sludge inspector to take up the position. He was of a very active and energetic disposition, and was very popular in sporting circles, being a good cricketer. After residing here for upwards of 12 months he was seized with illness, and died somewhat suddenly. Much sympathy was felt for the family, who after a brief sojourn left to take up their residence in Melbourne. The oldest daughter, Mrs. P. Leyden, was married here, and resides in the district. Olive Moodie, who has been arrested, taught sewing here and conducted classes in the local Presbyterian Sunday School.
Portrait of Olive Moodie from THREE PERSONS POISONED. (1910, December 21). The Herald (Melbourne, Vic.), p. 8. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article241982179

The jury could not agree on a verdict in the first trial, so a second trial was held. This time, Olive was found Not Guilty and was acquitted. The evidence against her had been entirely circumstantial.

Australasian (Melbourne, Vic.), Saturday 1 April 1911, page 40

THE MATRICIDE CASE,
OLIVE MOODIE ACQUITTED.
The second trial of Olive Amelia Moodie 24 years of age, who was charged with having at Prahran, on November 23 last, wilfully murdered her mother, Elizabeth Moodie, by administering to her the poison arsenic, was concluded in the Criminal Court on Thursday evening before the Chief Justice and a jury of 12. The prisoner was found not guilty, and was discharged. After the first trial, held in February, the jury had failed to agree.
Mr. Woinarski prosecuted for the Crown and the prisoner was defended by Mr. Maxwell and Mr. Detbridge (instructed by Mr. H. Duigan).
After counsel had addressed the jury, The Chief Justice summed up. He said that so far as the girls Annie and Alma were concerned there was no suggestion of suicide, and except for a remark attributed to the mother, that she would do for all of them, there was nothing to account for Mrs. Moodie taking her own life or that of her daughters. It was clear that the administration of arsenic must be looked for inside the circle of the Moodie family. In getting the second parcel of arsenic the prisoner had been perfectly frank and open. The day after the prisoner got the second lot of arsenic her sister Annie died; and Alma became so ill the next day that she had to be removed to the hospital. The circumstances surrounding the finding of within .05 of a whole grain of arsenic in the bottle of medicine taken from the shop to the mother's room by Mrs. Staggot's were impressive. It was brought to the shop, and from the shop had found its way to where the mother lived. It was for the jury to say what was the importance of the prisoner having said to the detectives that she had not any arsenic, when in fact she had. It was asked why did not the prisoner if she had murdered her mother, hasten to make away with what remained of the arsenic, but it was to be remembered that by that, after the death of the mother, the danger was over, the doctors were satisfied that the death was due to ptomaine poisoning, the magistrate at the inquiry had found that death was due to ptomaine poisoning, and thus the reason for fear was gone. As for motive, none could be suggested, except that the prisoner wanted to get rid of the £1/17/6 which she had to pay for her mother's board. It was almost inconceivable that any person could murder another for £1/17/6; but associated with that was the fact that the prisoner was heavily in debt-her liabilities amounted to £168/15/6. The importance of these financial embarrassments was that they showed the prisoner to be a woman not to be trusted; a woman of no credit, who would resort to all sorts of dodges to play off one creditor against another. It had been said that the prisoner was of a kindly and generous disposition, and in such cases character was always of the highest importance.
The Chief Justice concluded:- "If you gentlemen of the jury, can say you are satisfied that this thing, which most assuredly has been done, was brought about by the hand of the prisoner, it is your duty to find her guilty; but if, on the other hand, you are unable to so satisfy yourselves, it will be your duty to acquit her."
The jury retired to consider their verdict at 25 minutes to 6 o'clock, the Chief Justice having announced that he would return to court at 8 o'clock. Before that hour, the body of the court was filled with persons, a large proportion of those present being women. At 20 minutes to 9 the jury announced that they had agreed upon their verdict. Upon the Chief Justice resuming his seat on the bench, in answer to the usual question the foreman of the jury announced the verdict "Not guilty."
Mr. Woinarski.- I have to announce that there were two other charges against the prisoner, but in view of the verdict of the jury the Crown does not now intend to file any further presentment.
The Chief Justice.-The prisoner is discharged.
Olive Moodie, who had listened to the verdict with composure, stepped slowly from the dock, and, after receiving the embrace of her relatives and friends, was escorted from the building.

After the trial Olive Moodie moved to New South Wales where she married Michael William Sullivan, a miner, in Cobar. They had two children, whose births were registered at Nyngan, and then moved to Queensland. There they had four more children.

Olive Sullivan died on 27 January 1935 at Brisbane.

Wikitree: Olive Amelia (Moodie) Sullivan (1882-1935)]

Margaret (Kinsley) Howell (1843-1914): an Irish emigrant

In Australia from early European settlement to the time of the gold rushes there were many more men than women. After the English, the Irish were the second largest group of settlers to colonise Australia. Half of the immigrants from Ireland were women; the immigrants from other countries were largely composed of men. In 1871 it was estimated that one in four Victorians was born in Ireland; with women being half the Irish-born population.

In these circumstances, an Irish woman had little trouble in finding a husband. Free immigrants often married soon after their arrival. From the mid 1850s to the early 1870s half of Irish women immigrants married non-Irish husbands. Often Catholic women married Protestants.

One of these Irish women was Margaret Kinsley (1843-1914). She married an Englishman from Devon. Although her religion was probably Roman Catholic she was married in the Church of England and was buried in the Church of England section of the Avoca cemetery.

Margaret Kinsley was born in 1843 in County Limerick, Ireland. She was the daughter of Sylvester Kinsley and Elizabeth nee Pally.

Margaret Kinsley emigrated to Australia on the Shackamaxon, which departed Liverpool on 7 November 1860 arriving Melbourne 29 January 1861. The voyage took 140 days. Margaret, 21, unmarried, a servant, was one of 346 government immigrants.

The clipper ship “Shackamaxon“

Age (Melbourne, Vic.) of Thursday 31 January 1861, Page 4

The classification of the 344 Government immigrants who arrived on Tuesday evening by the Shackamaxon, is : 28 married couples, 255 single women, 3 single men, 19 children. There have been two deaths, one of a child and the other a man named Ross, who was killed by the stud-sail halyards carrying away, and the yard striking him, in its descent, on the head. Deceased bore an excellent character, and leaves a widow and two children to lament his loss. The ship is as clean both inwardly and outwardly as it is possible for a ship to be. There has been no sickness beyond that of the child, who was consumptive. The immigrants are under the charge of Dr Jolly, who has now completed his tenth voyage in the service of the Emigration Commission, and who, on the present voyage, has originated a new system to keep the single women from wearying through the monotony of a long sea voyage, by starting a kind of bazaar, to be held on board at the termination of the passage, the articles all to be worked on board, and to consist of clothes and fancy work. Yesterday, all these articles were ranged with great taste in the 'tween deck, and presented a very pretty and novel appearance.

Within two years Margaret had made her way to the Avoca district where she married Thomas Howell, overseer of Woodstock Station near Lillicur, east of Lamplough. They were married on 20 June 1863 at St John’s Church of England in Avoca.

Tom and Margaret had fourteen children including twins who died at birth in 1865 and two other children who died young.

In 1880 when Woodstock estate, 7,500 acres with 12,300 sheep, was sold. Thomas Howell continued as overseer.

Margaret Howell was a member of the Avoca Ladies’ Benevolent Society.

In 1913 Margaret and Tom celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary:

Argus (Melbourne), 20 June 1913

HOWELL—KINSLEY.—[Golden Wedding.]—On the 20th June, 1863, at St. John's Church of England, Avoca, by the late Rev. Garlic, Tom Pym Howell, of Exeter, Devonshire, England, to Margaret Kinsley, of Limerick, Ireland. Present address, Avoca

On 9 September 1914 Margaret, aged 71, died in Maryborough hospital. She was buried in Avoca Cemetery.

Argus, Monday 14 September 1914, page 1

HOWELL.—On the 9th September, at Maryborough Hospital, Margaret, dearly beloved wife of Tom Pym Howell, and loving mother of Bessie, Helen, Marian, Jane, Alice, William, Tom, and Sydney, aged 71 years. A colonist of 55 years.
Her end was peace

Avoca Free Press and Farmers’ and Miners’ Journal, Saturday 12 September 1914, page 2

Obituary
The friends of Mr Thos. Howell senr., will regret to learn of the death of his wife which took place on Wednesday last at the age of 71 years, The deceased lady settled in the Avoca district in the palmy days of gold-mining, and she was married to Mr Howell 55 years ago, at St. John's Church of England, Avoca. Much sympathy is felt for Mr Howell and family in their sad bereavement. The members of the family are — Mrs T. Impey (Ararat); Mrs Bunting (Ringwood); Mrs Dobson (Burrumbeet); Mrs A. F. Kaye and Mrs F. O. Wiltshire (Avoca); Mr W. Howell (Lamplough), Mr T. Howell (Leichardt); Mr S. Howell (Avoca). The remains were interred in Avoca cemetery on Thursday, Rev Chas. Reed officiating at the grave. The coffin-bearers were :- Messrs T. Impey, A.Kaye, F Wiltshire, S., W., and Thos. Howell.

Wikitree: Margaret (Kinsley) Howell (1843-1914) 

See also: Elizabeth Malcolm, Val Noone & Dianne Hall, ‘Irish Women in Australia and Irish-Australian Women: A Survey and Bibliography’, Australasian Journal of Irish Studies 22 (2022), pp. 53–105.

Elva Daphne Barker : 1928—2019  “A Life of Inspiration Born of Necessity”  

From Pyrenees Pioneers issue 291 May 2019

Well known local identity Elva Daphne Barker (nee Jardine) was born on the 18th April 1928 and lived in Avoca until her passing on the 14th April 2019, four days short of her 91st birthday.  

Avoca Community Arts and Gardens together with Elva’s family will  present an amazing exhibition of Elva’s paintings, tapestries, China painting, and garments and costumes in Gallery 127 during July [2019].  

cross stitch artwork, Elva Barker, Untitled (flowers)
cross stitch artwork, Elva Barker, Untitled (flowers) in the collection of the Pyrenees Shire Council (viewed through Victorian Collections)

A tumultuous world on the brink of war and a need for making necessities out of very little, combined with a natural artistic inclination, drew Elva into creating her own version of haute couture in her small-town environment of Avoca. With some tutoring in dressmaking from another local, Sylvia Greenwood, she made most of her own clothing with occasional help from her sister Irene. 

Circa 1948 Elva and Barbara Romey opened a shop in High Street Avoca offering beautifully tailored and bespoke clothing for special events, gowns for debutante balls, weddings and tailored suits, coats and ensembles, as well as everyday clothing including an alteration service. They often travelled to Melbourne by the train to purchase  materials for their small business. Elva recounted that she even made a two-piece bathing costume for herself in about 1946! For her marriage to Lawrence William Barker on the 11th of October 1952, a local boy she had known before he left to serve in the RAAF, Elva created her own beautiful lace wedding dress and a bridesmaid’s dress for her sister, Irene, which are both presented photographically in this exhibition along with many other creations  undertaken for her own family as well as members of her wider community. In later life she also made gowns for ballroom dancing – again for herself and others. A range of various garments that were made by Elva are also  displayed.  

Gardening along with travel particularly overseas inspired her to paint on canvas and on fired china. Examples of her works are presented and reflect a high standard of competence. Elva also loved creating tapestries and would buy kits and then turn them into her own creations by changes in colours and content.  

Elva’s talents went far beyond her dress making. [In 2019 her work was on display at] Gallery 127 at the historic Avoca Railway Station in York Ave [showing] the creative talents of one of the town’s well loved and respected citizens–  Elva Daphne Barker. The Official Opening [was] on Saturday 29th June [2019].

Wikitree: Elva Daphne (Jardine) Barker (1928-2019)

Ah Yen, sojourner

In the forty years between 1850 and 1890 62,990 Chinese are recorded as having entered Victoria by land or sea (the land route from Robe in South Australia.). Sixty percent of these—48,000—later left the Colony, most returning to the Canton (Guangzhou) area from whence they’d come, a hundred miles or so up the Pearl River from Hong Kong.

One of those who went back to China was Ah Yen, an Avoca vegetable hawker and gardener. The Avoca Mail noted his departure in 1882:

Avoca Mail, Tuesday 5 September 1882, page 2

Local housewives will, for some months to come, miss the daily attentions of one who has for some years passed supplied their requirements in the shape of vegetables. Ah Yen, the very civil and obliging vegetable hawker and gardener, having by his industry accumulated a modest competency, has determined to visit his native land, and accordingly started for China yesterday, intending to be absent for twelve months, and we are sure that his customers will wish him a pleasant voyage, and an enjoyable holiday. Ah Yen is still a young man, and it is rumoured that he is going home for a wife — perhaps a couple of wives — and if necessary he can obtain such testimonials from the Avoca housekeepers as will secure ample favor for him in the eyes of the fair daughters of the Flowery Land. While absent his garden will be managed and his business conducted by a relative recently arrived from China.

I do not know how long Ah Yen lived in Avoca, nor anything about his replacement.

I doubt whether he ever came back. Few Chinese made a second trip to Victoria.

During the Australian gold rushes of the 1850s and 1860s, the word “sojourner”, from the Latin ‘to spend a day’, referred to a Chinese who came to Australia temporarily to earn money for his family back home. ‘Sojourner’ is roughly equivalent to our ‘resident alien’.

a Chinese hawker
Print – ‘The Chinese Hawker’, c.1873
Courtesy of the Chinese Museum Retrieved through Victorian Collections

See also: