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2007 - Help Wanted!

CORNISH Family, Ballarat
William CORNISH b c1834 d 1919 at Bungaree, M Fanny THOM and children were...

Fanny CORNISH , b 1867 Sebastopol, d 1958 at Ballarat, residence was 103 Ascot St Sth Ballarat, aged 91, spinster

Richard CORNISH , B 1868 at Sebastopol, M Rose Louisa Green 1887, D 1942 Bungaree

Ellen CORNISH , B 1869 at Sebastopol.

Catherine CORNISH , B 1871 Sebastopol, D 1957 Bungaree, aged 84 spinster

Mary CORNISH , B 1879 at Bungaree

Evelyn CORNISH , B 1884 Bungaree.

Richard and Rose CORNISH had several children including a Percy CORNISH b 1899 at Steiglitz, M 1921 Healsville to Olive Cecily SMITH (my Grandmother). I am looking for Percy's Death.

Contact: Karen Seckold, Hoppers Crossing, Victoria - EMAIL - December 2007

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Michael CORCORAN (1839-1925)
Michael CORCORAN was baptised in Co. Roscommon, Ireland, Oct. 13 1839, to John CORCORAN and Catherine FLANAGAN. In February 1863, he arrived in Melbourne aboard the ship The Royal Family. He proceeded on to Ballarat. He was unheard of for 57 years. In 1920, his nephew, John CORCORAN, a policeman in Ireland, wrote to the police in Melbourne, making enquiries about Michael. He was discovered living in a rented hut in Fisher St., Stawell. He said he was 80 years of age, in excellent health, and had no relatives in Australia. 5 years later, Michael died at Nazareth House, Ballarat, on Feb. 2 1925, and was buried in Ballarat New Cemetary Catholic section 5332 grave number 1469. This last piece of information was given me by an Australian researcher. As Michael never contacted his family in Ireland, possibly because he was illiterate, we know absolutely nothing about his life in Australia. About 2 months ago, I wrote to Nazareth House, hoping they might have something on file, but sadly did not receive a reply. I would be extremely grateful if anybody could fill in any detail of Michael's life between 1863 and 1925, where he worked, lived, etc. Living in Ireland, I find it difficult to research what could have been an eventful life of a long departed ancestor. I will gladly cover any expense involved.
Contact: Patrick Flanagan - EMAIL - December 2007

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BANNESTER / BANNISTER – Harriet Matilda & Henry Fisher
I'm working to identify people in two photo's my family photo album. One titled Mrs BANNESTER & Walter and the other a photo of two young girls titled "daughters of Mr & Mrs BANNESTER". I am trying to track down information about these children. Harriet was the sister of my ancestor Edwin BRADSHAW.
Death certificates for both Harriet & Henry BANNESTER recorded them as having no issue. His death certificate has the informant as Walter BANNESTER Son but this has been crossed out and I'm now wondering if the children might have been adopted and am not sure were to go to from here to find out more.
The only registration in the indexes for anyone who might be a child is for a death in 1950 in Richmond Victoria of a Matilda Annie WILLIAMS who's parents are listed as Henry Fisher & Harriet. She was aged 73 which would make her year of birth approx 1877. In 1877 Harriet would have been 41 & Henry 46. They married in Geelong in 1856 and appear to have lived the rest of their lives in Ballarat. Henry died in 1885 and Harriet in 1914 and they are both buried in the Old Ballarat Cemetery. Any help would be appreciated.
Contact: Mary Schoorman - EMAIL - December 2007

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Bungal State School 1926-1935
Seeking information about anybody who attended Bungal S.S. during these years with my mother, Catherine RYAN and her brother Gerald (Jock) and her sister Eva. They came to school (all three) on one horse from Mt. Egerton. Would also like any info on her Grandmother Nora RYAN (HARRINGTON) buried in Old Ballan Cemetery.
Contact: Christine White - EMAIL - November 2007

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SMYTH / WARHURST
Ellen Sophia WARHURST b 1868, daughter of Joseph WARHURST and Sarah WARD of Ballan, wife of Samuel SMYTH, d. 5 Aug 1887 from enteric fever and peritonitis. Their daughter Rose Emilie SMYTH, born 11 Mar 1886, North Adelaide Sth Australia.
SMYTH, William Joseph George, born 7 Jun 1887.
Parents: Samuel SMYTH and Ellen Sophia WARHURST.
After the death of his young mother William was placed in the care of a wetnurse and later adopted out to a widow. At the age of 9 William fell from a tree and as a result he had both arms amputated. At the age of sixteen he was in the care of the Destitue Asylum at Magill and it was there that a fellow took him under his wing and encourage him in his art as a mouth painter. He painted under James ASHTON and became know as the 'armless painter'. I understand Will moved to Vic. We are looking for any relatives.
Contact: Jenny Sandercock, South Australia - EMAIL - November 2007

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WRIGHT / NISBETT
Unable to find index entry for the Ballarat marriage of my 2x g/grandfather James WRIGHT and Ann NISBETT. One of their chn's birth certificates has the marriage as 13th June 1858 and another has 13th July 1858. James and Ann were Prebyterian, but buried in Amherst nr Talbot Primitive Methodist section in 1895 and 1916 repectively.
Contact: Margaret Jackson (nee Wright), Grenfell NSW, Australia - EMAIL - October 2007

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DAVIES / BULL / CONSTABLE / SNOW
I am seeking information on Sarah Certain DAVIES, daughter of James and Sarah, born in Australia in 1840s and living in Ballarat where her father and brother Harry had businesses (hotels and/or stores). She married Richard Burton BULL, an Englishman and by the mid 1870s they were living in the upper Hunter Valley west of Newcastle in NSW. She married William CONSTABLE in 1884 after Richard BULL died. Ruby Dent DAVIES who married Sir Sydney SNOW was somehow related to the family.
Contact: Nerrida O'Neil - EMAIL - August 2007

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ROSS / KENLEY
I am looking for any descendants of William Thomas ROSS and Edith Christina KENLEY. William was born 1876 in Swanwater and Edith was born 1891 in Sale. They were married 1913 in Swan Hill. They had four children; William Alexander ROSS (b.1914, who married Eunice HILL), David Gordon ROSS (b.1916), Thomas Benjamin (Sam) ROSS (b.1925, who married Anne CARTER) and John Huntly ROSS (b.1931, who married Margaret TUCKETT). William died 1956 in Nathalia and Edith 1982 also in Nathalia. I would like to hear from anyone with any info on this family.
Contact: Lee ROSS - EMAIL - August 2007

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GRIFFITH - Bank Manager 1869
Seeking information on GRIFFITH and BURKE people of Warrenheip or Ballarat in 1869. Mr. GRIFFITH was a bank manager and in that year his daughter Kate married a brewer Thomas Darcy BURKE. Any information on them or brewery history of that area and time gratefully received.
Contact: Rod Smith, Wellington, New Zealand - EMAIL - August 2007

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ALLAN / CUMMING / LIDDLE / MCDONALD
Seeking any information on Robert ALLAN and his wife Jane ALLAN nee LIDDLE who lived at Learmonth from 1860 to 1877. Robert was a saddler and a native of Yetholm, Roxburghshire in Scotland. Jane came from Coldstream in Berwickshire, Scotland. Jane worked as a house servant in Ballarat prior to her marriage in 1861. The couple were married at the New Hill Hotel in Ballarat by the Minister W. Henderson. Has anyone any knowledge of where this hotel was situated?
Joseph CUMMING married Catherine MC DONALD at Learmonth in 1860 and resided there until approx 1870? when he was known to be in the Tattyoon area when ones of his children was born there in 1873. Along with the ALLAN family he selected land at Laen near Donald. Catherine MC DONALD was the daughter of Alexander MCDONALD and Isabella MCDONALD (nee CHISHOLM) The MCDONALDS were from Glenurquhart, Inverness, Scotland. Joseph CUMMING was from Ballater, Glenmuick, Aberdeen, Scotland.
The MCDONALDS were known to be in the Rossbridge area near Ararat about 1870?? Alexander and some of his sons, James, Duncan, Christopher and Donald all selected land in Laen adjacent to the ALLANS and CUMMINGS. While at Learmonth Alexander McDONALD was involved in the Presbyterian church and the Cemetery Trust. Hoping to find some knowledge of his time in the Rossbridge area. There was a large number of children in his family. Joseph CUMMING also had a large family and all these children would no doubt have attended school and the Presbyterian church in the above areas. Hoping someone can help.
Contact: Ruth White - EMAIL - July 2007

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Reverend John George WRIGHT
"My great great grandfather the Reverend John George WRIGHT, he had the following published in his eulogy.
"He (Reverend John George WRIGHT) was later a superintendent minister to the Ballarat Methodist circuit for four years" This was approximately 1880. He then went to Tasmania for the next five. He was married to Lydia Susan STUBBS.
I would appreciate any information on him that anyone may have.
Contact: David WRIGHT, Salisbury East, South Australia - EMAIL - July 2007

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Herri (Harry) WAIGTH / Catherine BROWN / Charles RICHARDSON / Henry BAILLIE
Looking for information on Herri (Harry) WAIGTH, Catherine BROWN (m. Victoria in 1855). We understand Herri came from somewhere in Germany. On marriage record Herri is listed as a Sailor and Catherine as a Cook. We think Herri was killed in the early 1860’s in a farming accident but I can’t find any trace of record of death. We think Catherine came out to Australia from England with her guardian (no knowledge of what happened to her parents or the name of her guardian). Herri and Catherine lived somewhere around Ballarat (perhaps Warrenheip) and had 3 children, one of whom survived (John Harry) and came out to New Zealand with his mother in mid 1860’s. Catherine’s new partner was Charles RICHARDSON (also known as one-armed Charlie) who had come out to NZ the year before. They settled in Roxburgh, Central Otago, New Zealand. Any information regarding Herri (Harry) WAIGTH, Catherine BROWN or Charles RICHARDSON or relations would be appreciated.
I am also looking for information on Henry (Harry) BAILLIE who was born in Roxburgh, New Zealand in 1880.
If you are related in any way to the WAIGTH/BROWN/RICHARDSON or BAILLIE branches that I am looking for please let me know.
Contact: Eileen Binns, Dunedin, New Zealand - EMAIL - June 2007

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JAMES / HOLMAN / COGAR / CROUGEY
I am searching for descendents of William JAMES (b. St Cleer Cornwall in 1794) and Sarah HOLMAN (b. Duloe Cornwall 1803) who were married in Devon UK in 1824 and later has seven children in Liskeard Cornwall- Mary b. 1825, William b. 1826, John b. 1828, Joseph b. 1830, Thomas b. 1832, Elizabeth Hancock b. 1834, Samuel b. 1835. They then moved to Uny Lelant near St Ives Cornwall and had seven more children:- George b. 1837, Henry b. 1839, Ebenezer b. 1841, Edwin b. 1842, Howel Holman b. 1844, Sarah Ann b. 1846 and Ellen Jane b. 1848. The family was living on a farm at Uny Lelant until they started to migrate to Victoria. They came in a few contingents arriving in Ballarat in about 1854/5 (son William, Samuel, Joseph, John and wife Ann, Thomas) and William’s wife Margaret Ann (nee Cogar) and William’s sister Elizabeth Hancock Uren (nee James) in 1857. The rest of the family including the parents William and Sarah (George, Henry, Ebenezer, Howel Holman, Sarah Ann and Ellen Jane) arrived in 1859/60. They all resided around the Ballarat area and were involved in mining and son William became a teacher at Hardie’s Hill in 1858. All were members of the Wesley church and some were lay preachers, with Thomas becoming a minister.
I am a GG granddaughter of William JAMES (b. 1794) and my grandfather William (b.1868 Durham Lead) moved to WA about late 1890’s and married Caroline Crougey (b. 1866 in Ballarat) in Fremantle WA in 1897 and his descendents have lived here ever since. I would like to make contact with any descendents living in the eastern states.
Contact: Carol Sims - 08 97241178 - EMAIL - June 2007

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HARRIS, 39th Battalion, AIF
Thomas and John ("Jack") HARRIS, the twin sons of Thomas Alexander and Phoebe HARRIS of 3 King St, Ballarat East, joined the 39th Battalion AIF in 1916. Both travelled with the Battalion to train in England and served on the Western Front in Belgium and France. In 1918 Thomas jnr married in England. Both brothers and Thomas's wife Ivy returned to Australia in 1919. A son was born to Thomas and Ivy in Australia and the small family returned to England 6 months later. Both Thomas and Ivy died of TB in 1923. The son, Kenneth, was raised by his mother's relatives.
Thomas and Ivy's grandson, Ian HARRIS, is seeking contact with any of his Australian cousins, particularly descendants of John Harris.
Family of Thomas Alexander and Phoebe HARRIS of 3 King St., Ballarat East:

Thomas Harris b.1897

John Harris b.1897

Dorothy Harris b.1898/9

Hector McDonald Harris b 1922

Myrtle Isabel Harris b.1905

Henry (Harry) Alexander Harris b.1908

Linda May Harris b. 1911

Contact: Barry Dunne - EMAIL - May 2007

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ARMITAGE
I am looking for any information on the name ARMITAGE from the Ballarat or South West Vic area in or around 1924/1925. Any info about this family name would be greatly appreciated.
Contact: Sandi Forward - EMAIL - May 2007

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William BELL (FORSYTH), Smythesdale
(2006 Message) My great grandfather, William BELL born in 1873, emigrated to Australia when in his 50s, leaving the family in Australia. His life there is a bit of a mystery to us, but I have found out the following:
There is reference to my William BELL in a book called Tales of Old Smythesdale (which I cannot buy here in the UK).
In an article titled "Old Identities of Smythesdale and District," by Fred Parker, who left the area in 1939. Fred says ....'William BELL and William HENDERSON were two notable characters. Bill Bell had a hut over the creek between Fraser's Hill and Prince's Bridge, and he used to run a flock of turkeys and grow violets; the largest we have ever seen.'
Fred's brother Ian Parker has written 'Saga of the Savage Dog' in which he relates the story of his father killing a savage dog who wandered about and attacked children and stole food etc. The blue heeler belonged to William (Bill) BELL and Ian says of him .....'On the other side of the Woady Yaloak Creek lived a Mr William BELL, noted for his prize violets and turkeys, which roamed freely around the common. He also kept about five dogs, all blue heelers and quite savage, as were all blue heelers, and we children learned early in life that they were best left alone.'
I know this is my great grandfather William because the one thing we do have in Scotland is his burial certificate, which relates to the following grave:
William George Bell FORSYTH buried 3 Feb 1948 in the New Ballarat cemetery, a poultry farmer of Smythesdale aged 75 years.
There is no headstone included in the index to headstones for the New Ballarat cemetery for William George B FORSYTH.
We've never been sure why he was buried as William FORSYTH, but there was a family rumour he was adopted by the BELLs.
If any of your members can tell me more about William Bell, I would be grateful, as it is difficult to find out info from so far away.

(2007 Update) I have now acquired his death certificate from Australia. This is a most interesting document! It implies that William was married twice, the second time without the benefit of a divorce or his wife in Scotland Mary's death, as Mary Bell outlived him!
My reading of the critical parts of the document is (using the item numbers from the Victorian death certificate):
2 (1) Date of death 1-2-1948
2 (2) Smythesdale Shire of Grenville, County of Grenville, Smythesdale
3 William George BELL FORSYTH (There is a corrected entry at the side of the certificate dated 1/7/1948 that this should read William George FORSYTH, known as William BELL)
Occupation: Poultry Farmer
5 Causes of death: Coronary Thrombosis (Illegible) Myocarditis, Dr Geoffrey PAYN(?), 6 months apr
6 Parents unknown
7 Registered by Henry G EVANS, authorised agent, 19 Main Street Ballarat
9 Buried 3.2.1948, Ballarat New Cemetery
10 Undertakers H Evans & Sons, HG EVANS, KL EVANS, W? TONKIN
10 Emigated Scotland - Victoria 20 yrs ago
12 Marriage 1: Glasgow Scotland at age 24 yrs to Mary DAVIDSON Deceased (Corrected entry states as it should Partick Scotland, age 21, Mary Davidson, Married)
Then comes the information about wife number two, which is news to family here in Scotland!
Marriage 2: Sterlingshire Scotland at age 47 yrs to Helen ROWAN Married (Corrected entry states this should not have appeared on certificate!) I have checked ScotlandsPeople and no such marriage occurred.
The data provided about his children is clear and accurate, so he must have talked to someone about his family, and also about wife 2? The certificate mentions the deaths of two sons in 1943/1944, so he must also have kept some contact with home.
Henry EVANS of Ballarat registered the death as part of his undertaker's duties (at a price), hence the description "authorised agent".
Whoever gave him the details was well informed about his family; there wouldn't have been time to write to the UK to find out, if they knew where to write to.

I am now, as you can imagine, keen to find out what happened to the mysterious Helen ROWAN mentioned on the certificate! I could find no will listed at PROV, but he has clearly left instructions as to how he was to be buried.
In what publication would an obituary, if any, have been likely to have appeared for a Smythesdale resident?
Contact: Gillian Bell Wilson, 15 Quatre Bras, Hexham, Northumberland, UK NE46 3JY - EMAIL - April 2006

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SCOTT / STIRLING
I wish to contact any descendants of James SCOTT and Catherine (nee STIRLING) who emigrated from Scotland circa 1855 and lived at Durham Lead where James was employed in the gold mines as a squarewright / carpenter and foreman.
James was born at Auchtergaven, Per. Sct. 1831 the son of Alexander SCOTT and Catherine McFARLANE. He married Catherine STIRLING b. 1831 Row, Dnb. Sct., the daughter of John STIRLING and Janet (nee McAUSLAN) at Barony, Lnk. Sct. 28 May 1854.
They emigrated soon after and settled at Durham Lead. They had seven children, John 1857 - ?, Janet Stirling 1858 - 1958, Alexander (my grand father) 1861 - 1945, Catherine 1865 - c.1903, James 1868 - 1962, Sarah Ann 1871 - 1875 and William Wallace 1876 - ?.
James died at Durham Lead 22 September 1900, and Catherine also at Durham Lead 21 May 1903. Both are buried with their daughter Sarah Ann at the Buninyong Cemetery.
I am willing to share all my information, photos etc. with those connected to this family.
Contact: Ian Scott - EMAIL - May 2007

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THOMAS / LEWIS
I wish to contact any descendants of William THOMAS and Mary LEWIS who separately emigrated from Wales and lived Sebastopol and Ballarat. William was a miner.
William was born c.1840 at Cadoxton, Gla. Wls. the son of Thomas THOMAS and Mary (nee HARRIES ?). Mary LEWIS was born Bryncethyn, Gla. Wls. c. 1854 the illegitimate daughter of Rowland LEWIS and Catherine REES.
Mary remained with her grandmother Margaret LEWIS (nee DAVID) at Bryncethyn when Rowland emigrated to Australia November 1862. On the death of her grandmother in 1869, Mary joined her father at Ballarat. Rowland died at Ballarat October 1876 and was interred in the Ballarat New Cem.
William THOMAS and Mary LEWIS were married at Cobblers Gully, Sebastopol 5 July 1872 and had thirteen children, Thomas John 1873 - 1873, William 1874 - 1874, Beatrice Alice 1875 - 1968, Mary Elizabeth 1877 - 1966, Margaret 1879 - 1959, James William 1881 - ?, Rosina (my grand mother) 1882 - 1974, William 1884 - 1970, Catherine 1886 - 1887, David Mortimer 1888 - 1950, Thomas Roland 1889 - 1970, Gorman (Gomer) Stanley 1891 - 1966 and Leslie Lewis 1895 - 1917 (KIA Belgium).
William THOMAS died 23 June 1905 and Mary died 6 February 1945. Both are buried in the Ballarat New Cem.
I am willing to share all my information, photos etc. with those connected to this family.
Contact: Ian Scott - EMAIL - May 2007

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SIMPSON, Charlotte
Our knowledge of Charlotte SIMPSON is sketchy, we understand she was born in Ballarat. We understand that her father could be a John Jackson SIMPSON. In 1896 Charlotte SIMPSON married John HENDERSON [born about 1870 Glasgow] : Victorian Marriage Registration #3857. Three children were born to the marriage: John Stanley 1896, Millicent 1898 and Herbert 1900dec. Charlotte either died or was deserted...as John HENDERSON remarried in 1902. When John Stanley HENDERSON enlisted in WW1 - he took the name of JACKSON as his family name, and his subsequent war record and marriage are in the name of JACKSON.
Contact: Pamela (nee Nicholls) - EMAIL - May 2007

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LAW / GREENHALGH
I am searching for descendants of Michael LAW [b. c1811], and his wife Helen LAW

Robert LAW [b.1840, d. Heathcote Victoria 1905](son of Michael LAW and Julia LAW nee HAYDON b. ?c1816)

Robert's wife Amelia Eliza nee JUDD, m 1878, b Sydney NSW (buried in Smythesdale Cemetery),

Annie Emily Carolyn GREENHALGH b. 1879 (nee LAW m. Albert GREENHALGH b. 1879), buried Clunes Cemetery

Albert GREENHALGH (son of Annie & Albert?) buried Clunes Cemetery 31 April 1972

Ralph Law GREENHALGH son of Annie and Albert GREENHALGH, buried Clunes Cemetery 10 Jan 1940

Myrtle GREENHALGH, Buried Clunes Cemetery 17 June 1994

Beatrice LAW b. 1889, daughter of Robert and Amelia LAW; m. Philip Jas TROON 1906

Catherine LAW (daughter of Michael LAW) b.c1832)

Michael (a calico printer), Helen and Robert, Joseph and Catherine LAW [b. c1832] arrived on the Duke of Wellington (Port Adelaide, South Australia) in 1849. Joseph (b. 02 March 1841 - he married a Mary Ann BROWNLOW, who was born in Ireland) was my husband's great-grandfather. I have not been able to find any trace of Michael and Helen LAW after their arrival in Adelaide, nor of Catherine LAW.
Contact: Hannah Law - EMAIL - April 2007

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GEORGE / DOWNEY
I am looking for descendants of Thomas & Mary (nee DOWNEY) GEORGE. Thomas was born in Cornwall, England around 1848 and died 1924 in Ballarat East, Victoria. Mary DOWNEY was born 1858 in Tipperary, Ireland and died 1940 at Ballarat East, Victoria. All their children were born in Ballarat, they were:

Thomas John born 1879

William Henry born 1881

Abraham born 1883

Emily born 1885

Mary Ellen(Molly)born 1887

Annie(Florence)born 1889

Albert born 1891

Imelda(my grandmother)born 1894 and died 1958.

Margaret Jane(Evelyn)born 1896

Walter Edward born 1899

Frances Lillian Elizabeth(Lilly)born 1901

Would love to hear from anyone with connections to this family.
Contact: Wendy Egan EMAIL - March 2007

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GRIFFITHS / HOWELLS / ELLIS / JONES
I am seeking information on John GRIFFITHS born Ballarat 1874, and last heard of when he enlisted in the AIF and was discharged medically unfit in Perth, Western Australia in 1916, his second wife Catherine (nee JONES) d. in Boulder, Western Australia in a hotel fire in 1929.
John was the son of John GRIFFITHS, (b. 1833 Amlwch, Anglesey, North Wales, son of Richard GRIFFITHS & Ellinor "Ellen" MORRIS) & Rachel HOWELLS, (b. c1835, Carmarthenshire, Wales, dau of Michael HOWELLS & ___) who married in Victoria in 1865. John & Rachel GRIFFITHS had the following family in Ballarat - Richard (1865-1929+), David (1865-1866), Ellen (1867-1868), Thomas (1869-1929+), John (1871-1873) & John (1874-1916+).
John GRIFFITHS (father), aged 40y, Engine Driver d. in Ballarat in 1874 and his widow Rachel remarried in 1876 to John Solomon ELLIS (b. c. 1833 Anglesey, North Wales, son of Solomon ELLIS & Ellen JONES) who d. 1877, Ballarat. John & Rachel ELLIS had one child Ellen, b. 1876, d. 1878 and the mother Rachel d. Ballarat in 1879. All of the above Ballarat deaths were buried in the Old Ballarat Cemetery.
John GRIFFITHS, b. 1874 did a 7y apprenticeship as an Iron Moulder with "Loney & Dingle" of Ballarat East (according to his AIF enlistment papers) and went to Wales where he married Grace JONES (b. North Wales abt l877). Their son William David GRIFFITHS was born Wales 8th May, l9Ol. John, Grace and William David GRIFFITHS emigrated to Western Australia approximately l906 where they resided in Richardson Street, Boulder until Grace died in l9lO.
John GRIFFITHS remarried in November l9l2 to my Grandmother Catherine Ann JONES (Graces's sister) who died in a fire at the "Terminus Hotel", Boulder, Western Australia in 1929.
John GRIFFITHS, b. 1874, Ballarat Victoria enlisted in the AIF in 1916 at Leonora, Western Australia, address - P.O. Gwalia, Western Australia, occupation - 42 year old Iron Moulder. He was discharged later in 1916 as medically unfit (foot problem) and this is the last we know of his movements.
Contact: Mrs Vivian Adams, 65 Tamar Street, Palmyra 6157, Western Australia - EMAIL - March 2007

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RINALDI
Seeking other descendants of RINALDI Giovanni born 1853 Tirano Italy and RINALDI Maria born 1851 Tirano Italy. Any information re family history and/or photographs of the family's time at Mt Egerton circa 1879 - 1905 would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
It is understood that Giovanni was a woodcutter at Mt Egerton and later, circa 1890s, owned a wine hall and tobacco shop at Mt Egerton. Happy to share with other descendants what little information I have in my possession.
Contact: Robyn Bodey - EMAIL - March 2007

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BREW / MILLER / WILLIAMS / WILSON
I am looking for information on the ancestors of Richard BREW b. Manchester 1839 d. Ballarat 1918 & son Henry BREW b. Great Crosby, Liverpool 1863 d. Ballarat 1929 who both immigrated about 1885 & first lived in Mintaro S.A. where Henry married Louisa Rebekah MILLER b. Abt 1867, before moving to Ballarat where they had Henry b. 1891, William b. 1892, Brynhilda b. 1895, Ruth b. 1898, Richard b. 1904 & Winifred b.1906. I am particularly interested in identifying Louisa’s birth place & her ancestors.
Contact: Ron Wilson, 26 Barlyn Rd, Mount Waverley, Victoria, 3149. tel: 0398080944, mobile: 0417808650 - EMAIL - February 2007

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COOMBE / COOMBES / WALSCH / RIX
Looking for any information on the COOMBE / COOMBES / WALSCH / RIX/ SINNETT families of Ballarat and photos of The Old Eglington Hotel. Is the building still standing? John COOMBES born at Kapunda in 1860 and married Sarah RIX in 1881. They lived at 170 Peel St Nth, Ballarat. They had 9 children:

William b:1880,

Steven James b:1886 and married Alice Lillian SINNETT,

Amelia b:1887,

Thomas b:1890,

Alfred b:1893,

Sarah b:1895,

Frederick b:1896,

Alice b:1897,

Victor b:1899.

John's mother Jane (STEVENS) remarried after her husband James died in a mining accident at Ajax Reef in 1862. She married William Francis WALSCH in 1864 (from USA) at St Lukes in White Hills Bendigo. They lived in Main St Ballarat & they either ran or owned the Old Eglington Hotel (formerly the Hope & Anchor) on the SW corner of East & Victoria Streets Ballarat.
Jane & William (WALSCH) had four daughters with two daughters dying in infancy. The two surving daughters were Anna Wilhemina b: 1870 and d: 1941 and Elizabeth May (Mary) Jane b: 1873.
Annie married Herbert Henry JONES in 1913 and Lizzie (Elizabeth) married Herman JACOBI in 1892 at Ballarat. Hoping someone out there maybe able to help.
Contact: Lorraine Coombs - EMAIL - Mar 2007

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CONNOLLY, Thomas b1836 Market Hill, Armagh, IRELAND d1921 age 85y, Learmonth.
Looking for any information on Thomas, Matilda PAYNE or their family. We think Thomas was a blacksmith as well as a publican who lived at Learmonth. He owned a small property which is said to be the original site of the "Falcon Inn Hotel", which I still can't find any information or photo. A small weatherboard house still remains there. He married whilst he was in the Army and stationed in India. He migrated to Australia 1874c on the ship "The Pera" with his wife Matilda PAYNE b1844 d1912 a68, three children and one Infant. Their children are:

Mary Jane married to Franklin COLLINS, she died in 1925 @ Ballarat.

Eliza was married twice, her married names were PRATT & INNES. She died in 1931 @ Ballarat.

James never married, he died in 1956 in Ascot Vale, Melbourne.

Matilda b: 1874 m: STAFF,

Lucinda b:1877 d:1956, never married but had a partner John JONES who was a policeman either in Learmonth or Ballarat.

John b:1880 d:1936 also never married.

Arget Lillias d:1962 m: WAUGH.

Amelia (Mellia) b:1882 m: QUICK.

Laura b:1888 m: Arthur CARD.

Contact: Lorraine COOMBS - EMAIL: EMAIL - Mar 2007

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KERR, Arthur Cecil
KERR Arthur Cecil, I am looking for any information with regards to my grandfather. Arthur was admitted along with his siblings to the Ballarat Orphanage in 1908. I am searching for any living relatives to help in my search for his siblings; Oliver Vincent, Violet Rae, Walter, Ida Elizabeth, Norman Douglas and Doris KERR. Arthur was born in Mount Edgerton to William Daniel KERR and Elizabeth Jane TENNANT birth date 1899. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Contact: Shelley Hodgetts - EMAIL - February 2007

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William PRAYLE, 40th Regiment of Foot, Eureka Stockade ?
I am trying to establish with documentation that my ancestor William PRAYLE, 40th Regiment of Foot was actually at the Eureka Stockade.
Contact: Kathryn Jones-Lucas - EMAIL - February 2007

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WILLIAMS / PHILLIPS
WILLIAMS, Phoebe Maude 1868-1895 d.o John WILLIAMS and Phoebe Anne PHILLIPS, and sister of great T.A. WILLIAMS (Ballarat bowling legend). I am seeking a WILLIAMS family photo which includes Phoebe Maude. Photo taken at Fraser's Photographic Studio in Bridge Street, Ballarat c.1882, or ANY photo of Phoebe who was my grandmother. She died when my father was 3 years old.
Contact: Michael Hellard - EMAIL - February 2007

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GRANT / CAMERON
I am looking for information on Simon GRANT b. about 1827 at Inverness Scotland m. Ann CAMERON in January 1850 in Victoria AUSTRALIA, d.1892 at Ballarat East. Children were:

James b.1851 d.before 1913

Margaret b.1860

Mary Ann b.1857 d.Circa 1857

Mary Ann b.1860 d.before1913

Alexander Augustas b.1864 d.1945

Jessie b.1868

Simon was born under the name of Simon Grant MCKAY but dropped the MCKAY some time after he married. I would love to hear from any one who maybe a descendant or has information on this family.
Contact: Wendy Egan - EMAIL - February 2007

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DAWSON / MUDIE
I am wondering if someone can point me in the right direction to locate the following:
Death records or burial records for a Peter DAWSON born 1819 arrived in Portland 1853 in Ghangis Khan from Liverpool with his wife Jean DAWSON, m.s. MUDIE and three children: Agnes Bell DAWSON, Margaret Petrie and William Petrie. I believe that Peter and William died on board the ship, but cannot find their entries anywhere – likewise I cannot find any burial records for them either.

The second is trying to find records for Jean DAWSON or MUDIE returning from Victoria in Australia to England or Scotland between 1853 and 1865. Can anyone point me in the right direction on searching for ship logs FROM Australia to the UK please?
Contact: Lorna Kinnaird, Edinburgh, Scotland - EMAIL - February 2007

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WALLACE / YATES / VIERTELHAUSEN / OTTO / ARNOLD
Looking for Winfred William James WALLACE ( storeman ) and Elizabeth Frances YATES b; 12 Nov 1838, Launceston, Tasmania (Parents - Adam YATES & Mary Ann CLARK/E), the parents of Alfred Ernest b. c1867 Bunkers Hill near Ballarat, d; 1899 Perth, WA. Alfred Ernest WALLACE, ( Presser ) m; 1884 @ Sandhurst, Ottilie Mary Viertelhausen, ( Tailoress ) b; 1865 @ Huntly, Bendigo, d; 1939 Perth, WA. Alfred & Ottilie Wallace had 4 children; Rosalie Frances Louise 1885, Sandhurst who m; Bertram John Blackwell ARNOLD in Perth, WA. William Clarence 1888, Lionel Clyde 1893/1894, Bendigo. Eric Clyde 1897 / 1949 Perth, WA. Ottilie's parents were; Carl Gustav VIERTELHAUSEN ( a Miner / farmer ) and Maria Louise OTTO of New Chum, Sandhurst. m; 1859 @ Nairne, Carl was a Farmer when married near Lallington,SA. His father was Heindrich Christian Friedrick VIERTELHAUSEN. Maria Louise Otto was 18 yrs of age when she married living @ Kanmantoo SA, with parents; Christian Friedrich Ferdinand OTTO.
Contact: Doreen Waldon, Western Australia - EMAIL - February 2007

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BELL - Thomas, Robert & Robert junior - BELLS Road, Sebastopol
Urgently seeking information on the precise origin of the naming of Bells Road in Sebastopol. My ancestors Thomas BELL, his brother Robert & son Robert were miners at Winters Flat during the 1850-1875 period. I am therefore wondering whether the naming of the street is associated with their occupancy?
Contact: Robert BELL, West Essendon, Victoria. Ph: 0432 514 326 - EMAIL - February 2007

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WALLACE / PATTEN
Searching for Michael James WALLACE, born 1847 Geelong, married Mary PATTEN, 1897, Avoca Victoria. Lived in or near Winchelsea as a 'horse-breaker'. Last known address was Mt Hesse Station in 1897. Died between 1897 and 1915.
Contact: M. Allsion - EMAIL - January 2007

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WARD / LANE
I am looking for some information on Murray WARD and Evelyn LANE, who were married on June 25th 1930 in Ballarat. They had 6 children, Dorothy (b.1933), Robert (b. 1934), Ronald (b. 1936), Valarie and Jean (twins) (b. 1938) and Brian (b. 1939)
Contact: Brian Ward - EMAIL - January 2007

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YOUNG
YOUNG, Phyllis, born Ballarat 1912 - grandaughter of Thomas YOUNG, Ballarat coalminer, and daughter of May Walton YOUNG later known as May LINDEN, born 1888 Ballarat. Siblings include William, Alan, Iris & Keith, all deceased. Seeking details of Phyllis's life.
Contact: Maureen Duffy - EMAIL - January 2007

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BAILEY / McDONALD
BAILEY, Stephen - 1890's Sebastopol (miner) b.Stithians, Cornwall 1846 - married to Selina McDONALD from Belfast, Ireland - children Walter & Alice Grace b. Sebastopol.
Contact: Pete Sargent - EMAIL - January 2007

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FORD / WILLIAMS
William Henry FORD born 1815 Warwickshire died Ballarat 19th May 1868. 2nd marriage 21 June 1864 to Mary Ann WILLIAMS. Needing details on his arrival to Victoria 1856 and his 1st marriage. Also his burial grave number and location in Ballarat. Any help would be most appreciated.
Contact: Carol ____ - EMAIL - January 2007

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John GORDON b. Glen Gairn, Deeside, Scotland 26th November 1827 emigrated to Ballarat
I would love to hear from anybody with information on this John GORDON who erected a tombstone to his family in Glengairn Churchyard, Deeside, Scotland. His parents were Nathaniel GORDON & Janet COUTTS.
Glengairn Tombstone:
By John GORDON, Ballarat, Australia; Father Nathaniel GORDON, 1778-1850, mother Janet COUTTS, 1794-1879. Son, Peter GORDON b. September 1825 d. October 1839; son, Nathaniel GORDON b. September 1823 d. April 1842; son, James GORDON d. Auchoille 26th January 1907 aged 85 (children: James GORDON, lost in the Polloch, February 1894 aged 25; John GORDON sergeant IYHS, d. Pretoria 11th April 1901 aged 26; Mary GORDON d. 7th January 1903 aged 24; widow Mary McKENZIE d. Auchoille 8th January 1908 aged 62; son Donlad GORDON d. Forres 19th October 1953 aged 66)
Contact: Peter Gordon - EMAIL - January 2007

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Contact: - EMAIL - December 2007

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