Ellen Sophia Crosby

F, #9964, b. 1856, d. 3 Sep 1939
Married NameLadd.1 
Birth*1856 Manchester, Lancashire, England.1 
Marriage*1879 Spouse: Thomas Matthew Ladd. VIC, Australia, #M3694.1
 
Widow10 Feb 1917Ellen Sophia Crosby became a widow upon the death of her husband Thomas Matthew Ladd.1 
Death*3 Sep 1939 Camberwell, VIC, Australia, #D8533 (Age 83) [par James CROSBY & Hope RAY].2 
Death-Notice*5 Sep 1939 LADD.—On the 3rd September 1939 at Camberwell, Helen, widow of the late Thomas Ladd of Auburn.3 

Grave

  • IND B 9.10, Boroondara Cemetery, Kew, VIC, Australia, In memory of Emma, wife of Matthew LADD, d 10 Jan 1899, aged 65 years, also above Matthew LADD, d 23 Jul 1901, aged 71 years. Thomas Matthew LADD son of above d 10 Feb 1917, aged 59 years, beloved husband of Nellie.4,5

Citations

  1. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888.
  2. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  3. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 5 Sep 1939, p6.
  4. [S46] Index of burials in the cemetery of Boroondara, Kew,
    LADD EMMA 11-Jan-1899     65 IND B 0009
    LADD MATTHEW      24-Jul-1901 70 IND B 0009
    LADD ELLEN SOPHIA 05-Sep-1939     83 IND B 0010
    LADD THOMAS MATTHEW 12-Feb-1917 59 IND B 0010.
  5. [S20] Various indexed records of GSV - Genealogical Society Victoria "Boroondara Memorial Inscriptions compiled by Port Philip Pioneers Group Inc 1993."
Last Edited8 Feb 2019

Victor Paul Odgers

M, #9966, b. 3 Mar 1880, d. 12 Feb 1932
Birth*3 Mar 1880 College Town, SA, Australia, #B236/453 [par Alfred ODGERS & Mary PAUL].1,2 
Marriage*24 Sep 1924 Spouse: Violet Jean Gosman Kerr. Independent Church, Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.3
 
Marriage-Notice*11 Oct 1924 ODGERS—KERR. —On the 24th September, 1924, at Collins street Independent Church, by the Rev. J. E. James, Victor Paul, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Odgers, of Adelaide, to Violet Jean Gosman, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Warren Kerr, of Trenant, Kew.4 
Death*12 Feb 1932 Renmark, SA, Australia, #D536/145 Murray District.1 
Death-Notice*18 Feb 1932 ODGERS.—On the 12th February (accidentally killed), at Chaffey (Renmark), Victor Paul Odgers (late A.I.F.), beloved husband of Violet, and son-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. W. Warren Kerr.5 

Newspaper-Articles

  • 10 May 1911: Renmark.—On the 30th ultimo, about 2 a.m., Mr. Victor Paul Odgers, fruitgrower, was guarding a packing shed at Renmark when he saw a man, whose name is unknown, rush out from some timber stacked in the shed and make off. Mr. Odgers followed and caught him, when a fierce struggle took place between them; two revolver shots were fired at Mr. Odgers—one penetrating a pocket-book in his breast pocket, and the other lodging in his thigh; offender then escaped and has not since been traced. Mr. Odgers fired two shots at him, but it is not known whether either took effect. Owing to the darkness of the night no reliable description of offender can be given. Incendiarism appears to have been intended, as a bag of straw saturated with kerosine was afterwards found amongst the timber in shed. A reward has been offered for information which shall lead to the conviction of offender (see Police Gazette this issue, " Attempted Murder ").—(C.1045.)6
  • 24 May 1911: Three Hundred Pounds Reward.
    Renmark.—Vide Police Gazette, 1911, page 120.—Re shooting with intent to murder Victor Paul Odgers, at Renmark, on the 30th ultimo—A reward of £300 is now offered by the Renmark Growers' Defence Association—in addition to the reward of £200 offered by the Government—for such information as shall lead to the conviction of the guilty person.—(C.1045.)7
  • 1 Oct 1924: Mr. V. P. Odgers Married in Melbourne
    One of this week's brides is making her new home in South Australia. When Victor Paul Odgers returns to Renmark he will have a charming wife to keep him company.
    All dressed up in blue brocade and silver, Violet Kerr, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Warren Kerr, kept an altar appointment with him at Scott's Church on Wednesday. The wedding was celebrated with much fuss and festivity. The bride's parents have a nice home at Kew, but Trenant was not large enough to house the company, so the wedding cake was cut in a large marquee on the side lawn. The rural atmosphere of Renmark will be to the new matron's liking. She knows a lot about turning soil to profitable account. Burnley Horticultural College showed her the way to become an expert gardener. She was one of its most promising students. At one time she made a good thing out of raising seedlings.
    Her sign, "Seedlings For Sale," hoisted itself in the rightaway shared by an irascible political leader who used to chop it down with his little hatchet. He was kept busy. For no sooner did he haul down the offending lettering than the owner hoisted it again. "It is an old story, and I really forget who caved in first, but this back fence feud raged for many merry months." Violet Jean Gosman Kerr8
  • 9 Oct 1924: ODGERS—KERR.
    The Independent Church, Collins-street, was decked with arum lilies and swaying palms, when Miss Violet Jean Gosman Kerr, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. Warren Kerr, of "Trenant," Kew, became the wife of Mr. Victor Paul Odgers, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Odgers, of "Seacliff," South Australia. The Rev. J. Ernest James officiated, and Mr. George Fenke presided at the organ.
    The bride wore a graceful gown of silver and blue brocade, with a cloth of silver train lined with pale blue georgette, one corner turned back and caught with a silver rose. Her beautiful embroidered tulle veil was held in place with a wreath of orange blossom buds, and a bouquet of pink carnations and forget-me-nots was carried.
    The bridesmaids, Misses Enid Gosman and Dorothy Kerr, wore sleeveless frocks of maize brocaded crepe de chine, and their tulle veils to match were secured with wreaths of forget-me-nots. Primroses and wallflowers formed their 1830 posies. Little Patricia Kerr's dress of white ripple ninon was finished with tiny pink rosebuds, and she carried a silver basket of forget-me-nots. Mr. Jack Jose, of Adelaide, was best man, and Dr. Reginald Mills, groomsman.
    Wedding tea-was served in a large marquee on the lawn at "Trenant." The reception was held in the lounge, which was a bower of white blossom, purple iris, hyacinths, and pink roses. The drawingroom was massed with roses and ferns, and Iceland poppies decked the smokeroom.
    Mrs. Kerr received, wearing a black charmeuse gown with a straight back panel and side flounces of beige lace, and a small toque of fuchsia roses. A posy of sweet peas was carried. Miss Odgers (sister of bridegroom) wore a turquoise blue taffeta frock with her black hat, and carried a bouquet of pink carnations.
    On leaving for the honeymoon, which was spent at Lorne, the bride wore a grey tweed suit with a royale blue georgette hat. Mr. and Mrs. V, P. Odgers will reside at Renmark. Violet Jean Gosman Kerr9
  • 15 Feb 1932: RETURNED SOLDIER KILLED. Renmark, Friday. Victor Paul Odgers, a soldier settler on the Chaffe irrigation area, was killed this afternoon while carting rubble from the back of that settlement. No one witnessed the occurrence, but apparently he was attempting to stop his horse, which had started, when he fell, a wheel passing over his head. A report was made to Mr. T. F. Spurling, who deemed an inquest unnecessary.10
  • 18 Feb 1932: Mr. V. P. ODGERS. Mr. Victor Paul Odgers, who was accidentally killed at Chaffey irrigation area on February 12, was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Odgers, of North Adelaide. He was very popular in the Renmark district, being a well-known concert performer. He had had an adventurous life. While assisting to guard the Co-operative Packing Shed at Renmark during a strike some years ago, he was shot in the leg one night, and carried the bullet all his life. He went to the war with the Light Horse, and saw several years of active service. Since his return he had experienced indifferent health, but he was a man of a particularly brave spirit, and worked industriously on his horticultural holding at all times possible. He leaves a widow, the only daughter of Mr. Warren Kerr, of Melbourne.11

Citations

  1. [S63] South Australian Government. BDM Index South Australia.
  2. [S65] Ancestry - various indices, Australia, Birth Index, 1788-1922
    Victor Paul Odgers, born 3 Mar 1880, at College Town. Parents Alfred Odgers & Mary Paul, Registration Place: Adelaide, South Australia, Australia. Reg No. 453/236.
  3. [S14] Newspaper - The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic.), Sat 27 Sep 1924, p57.
  4. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 11 Oct 1924, p13.
  5. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 18 Feb 1932, p1.
  6. [S14] Newspaper - The South Australian Police Gazette, 10 May 1911, p120.
  7. [S14] Newspaper - The South Australian Police Gazette, 24 May 1911, p132.
  8. [S14] Newspaper - The News, 1 Oct 1924, p5
    Location of newspaper not known.
  9. [S14] Newspaper - Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic.), 9 Oct 1924, p44.
  10. [S14] Newspaper - Barrier Miner (Broken Hill, NSW), 15 Feb 1932, p1.
  11. [S14] Newspaper - Chronicle (Adelaide, SA), 18 Feb 1932, p1.
Last Edited19 Feb 2021

Charles Williams

M, #9974, b. 1 Jan 1850, d. 15 Jul 1935
Birth*1 Jan 1850 Bruton, Somerset, England.1 
Marriage*24 Aug 1871 Spouse: Ellen Hurley. Pilton, Somerset, England.1
 
Occupation*bt 1 Oct 1889 - 31 Dec 1892 Charles Williams worked at Inebriate Asylum as temporary secretary, earning £250 per year. Relieved 31 Dec 1892 (Institution closed 30 Sep 1892. Mr Williams subsequently transferred to Audit Office.)2 
Widower26 Oct 1928He became a widower upon the death of his wife Ellen Hurley.1,3 
Death*15 Jul 1935 Oakleigh, VIC, Australia, #D6343 (Age 85) [par Christopher WILLIAMS & Eliza VICKER].1,4 
Death-Notice*16 Jul 1935 WILLIAMS-On the 15th July at his residence, 11 Maroo street Oakleigh, Charles, relict of the late Ellen Williams, loving father of Anna (Mrs Billinghurst), Emily (deceased), Leonard, George, Leslie, and Chris, aged 85 years.—At rest.
WILLIAMS.—The Friends of the late Mr CHARLES WILLIAMS are informed that his funeral will leave his residence, 15 Maroo street, Oakleigh, To-morrow (Wednesday) morning at 10 o'clock for the place or interment in the Necropolis Springvale.5 
Village Bell*Dec 1992 Headhunting - 103 Years Ago !!
POST OFFICE TELEGRAPHS, VICTORIA 17th August 1889 - TELEGRAM - To - Mr Charles Williams, Bellair Inebriate Retreat, South Australia
"Will you accept 200 pounds a year without rations to take charge of a small Inebriate Retreat. What accommodation would you require for yourself and family."
Signed T.T. Dick - Treasury Buildings,Victoria
Charles Williams accepted and resigned from his position as Manager of the South Australian Inebriate Retreat.
On the 22nd August 1889 the "Department of Hospitals for the Insane" recommended that he be given charge as Secretary and Manager of the Temporary Inebriate Retreat at Beaconsfield. This appointment was confirmed in Victorian Gazette No. 107, dated 11th October 1889. Signed by Alfred Deakin - Chief Secretary.
When Charles commenced work on 1st October 1889, his salary was increased to 250 pounds a year, without rations, probably because the available accommodation was insufficient for his family. The document of appointment states "The small size of the building will not permit of Mr Williams being allowed more than two rooms for his own accommodation." Charles had a wife and five children, so he arranged his own accommodation in a house in A'Beckett Road, Upper Beaconsfield - possibly 'Melbournia'.
The Temporary Inebriate Retreat was for men only: an old timber building, it was sited on the east side of Emerald Road, opposite the present entrance to Montuna Golf, and functioned for about two years whilst a permanent retreat was being built at Northcote. The building was pulled down many years ago and a brick house was built near the site by Mr Barnes.
Charles Williams was an English draper who came to Australia about 1880. On the ship he became very friendly with a Mr Angel, who had been offered a position with the Bellair Inebriate Retreat and who offered Charles a job at the Retreat. Charles worked at the Retreat for two years prior to being offered the position in Victoria.
His eldest son Leonard was a student at Berwick Grammar School and at the Christmas breakup in December 1890, was awarded Honourable Mention for his studies in Latin, English, French, Geography and Mathematics.
Allan Williams, a son of Leonard, stayed with his grandfather in 1935. He remembers him as being a small man, somewhat quiet, but a very strict disciplinarian.
Allan and Leslie Williams kindly provided the information and the photostated documentation relating to the appointment of their grandfather Charles as Manager of the Retreat - and confirmed that the name "Inebriates Hill" as shown in "The 1899 Illustrated Guide to the Beaconsfield Ranges" had justification! This hill is now part of Guy's Hill.
About the same time there was also a retreat for women inebriates, sited in Walnut Grove off Telegraph Road. The Superintendent and probable builder was a Dr Blair, who sold the house to the Langs. This building is shown in the "1899 Guide" and is still intact.6 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
30 Mar 1851Christopher WILLIAMS (fish monger), High Street, Bruton, Somerset, EnglandAge 17
7 Apr 1861Christopher WILLIAMS (inn keeper), Bull... Head Inn, Bruton, Somerset, EnglandAge 11 - Scholar8
2 Apr 1871Christopher WILLIAMS (inn keeper), Queens Head, Westend, Bruton, Somerset, EnglandAge 21 - Drapers Assistant9
3 Apr 1881Broadwinsor, Dorset, EnglandHead of Household: Charles Williams. Age 31 - Grocer, Draper & Postmaster
Member(s) of Household: Ellen Williams, Leonard Charles Williams, George Hurley Williams, William Leslie Williams.10

Newspaper-Articles

  • 16 Jul 1890: Stolen from Mr. Williams, manager Inebriate Asylum, Beaconsfield, on the 7th instant, a red and white cow, in milk, very heavy body, branded TG near rump, 6 years old, in good condition, hoop horns. Value £7.11

Citations

  1. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, Bain/Shields Family Tree Owner: christineroz.
  2. [S339] Series: VPRS 7519/P1/2 Unit 2 PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), Staff Register.
  3. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985 "reg Murrumbeena."
  4. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  5. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 16 Jul 1935, p1.
  6. [S15] Newspaper - Village Bell 089-1992, p18 by Charles Wilson.
  7. [S83] UK census - viewed on Ancestry "Class: HO107; Piece: 1931; Folio: 680; Page: 7; GSU roll: 221088-221089."
  8. [S83] UK census - viewed on Ancestry "Class: RG 9; Piece: 1651; Folio: 57; Page: 18; GSU roll: 542845."
  9. [S83] UK census - viewed on Ancestry "Class: RG10; Piece: 2427; Folio: 60; Page: 25; GSU roll: 835178."
  10. [S83] UK census - viewed on Ancestry "Class: RG11; Piece: 2120; Folio: 60; Page: 11; GSU roll: 1341512.
    Anna at Pilton visiting Thomas Hiscox."
  11. [S14] Newspaper - Victoria Police Gazette (Melbourne, Vic.), 16 Jul 1890, p218.
Last Edited7 Apr 2017

Mary Magdalene Cregan

F, #9983, b. 22 Sep 1903, d. 8 Jun 1950
Mary Magdaline PEDLER (nee CREGAN)
(1903-1950)
Father*Thomas Henry Cregan b. 28 Nov 1868, d. 15 Apr 1940
Mother*Mary Ellen Dodson b. 1863, d. 30 Mar 1933
Married NamePedler.1 
Married NameBaker. 
Birth*22 Sep 1903 Carlton, VIC, Australia, #B24077/1903 (par Thos Hy CREGAN & Mary Ellen DODSON) - as Mary Magdaline CREGAN.2,3 
Marriage*1922 Spouse: George William Baker. VIC, Australia, #M1293/1922, Geo William BAKER & Mary Magdalen CREGAN.4
 
Note*1923 George William Baker. They had two daughters together, Veronica and Georgina. Mary was pregnant with Georgina when George died.1 
Widow15 Mar 1923Mary Magdalene Cregan became a widow upon the death of her husband George William Baker.5,1
Marriage*1926 Spouse: Francis Gladhall Pedler. VIC, Australia, #M11415/1926, Francis PEDLER & Mary Magdalen BAKER.6,1
 
Note*a 1926 Francis Gladhall Pedler. Francis & Mary had six children together, four boys and two girls.1 
Death*8 Jun 1950 Red Cliffs, VIC, Australia, #D19248/1950 (Age 46) (par Thomas Henry & Mary Ellen CREGAN) - as Mary Magdalene PEDLER.7 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
1937Goulborn Avenue, Red Cliffs, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: home duties. With Francis Gladhall Pedler.8

Citations

  1. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, Rodgers Family Tree - Owner: seekerato.
  2. [S26] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Births) (online) "#B24077/1903 (par Thos Hy CREGAN & Mary Ellen DODSON) - as Mary Magdaline CREGAN, Birth registered at Carl, Australia."
  3. [S33] Australian Government: http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/search/index.aspx, Father's military record (pension application) lists her birthday as 23 Aug 1904.
  4. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online) "#M1293/1922, Geo William BAKER & Mary Magdalen CREGAN."
  5. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  6. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online) "#M11415/1926, Francis PEDLER & Mary Magdalen BAKER."
  7. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online) "#D19248/1950 (Age 46) (par Thomas Henry & Mary Ellen CREGAN) - as Mary Magdalene PEDLER, born Melbourne. Death registered at Red Cliffs, Australia."
  8. [S137] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1937.
Last Edited31 Oct 2023
 

NOTE

Some family sections show only the children who were associated with Upper Beaconsfield.

Some individuals may be featured because members of their family were associated with the Upper Beaconsfield area, even though they themselves never lived here.