Elizabeth Margaret Theodoria Banks

F, #25442, d. Apr 1919
Married NameBromby. 
Marriage*29 Oct 1884 Spouse: John Edward Bromby. Queenscliff, VIC, Australia, #M5614/1884.1
 
Widow4 Mar 1889Elizabeth Margaret Theodoria Banks became a widow upon the death of her husband John Edward Bromby.2 
Death*Apr 1919 VIC, Australia, married Edward Varyer HUNT in 1892 - 3 children. 

Citations

  1. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online).
  2. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online).
Last Edited11 Jan 2021

Jane Isabella 'Jenny' Bromby

F, #25444, b. 1850, d. 12 Aug 1940
Father*John Edward Bromby b. 1809, d. 4 Mar 1889
Mother*Eliza Sophia Lilly b. 1814, d. 29 Sep 1883
Probate (Will)* 320/105. Jane I STEPHEN Date of grant: 25 Nov 1940; Date of death: 12 Aug 1940; Occupation: Widow; Residence: Windsor.1 
Married NameStephen. 
Birth*1850 Guernsey, Channel Islands. 
(Migrant) Migration/Travel2 Feb 1858 Sailing with John Edward Bromby, Eliza Sophia Bromby, Eliza Maria Bromby, Ellen Ann Bromby, Christopher Bromby, Ernest Bromby, Edward Hippias Bromby, Frederick Jeremie Bromby, Constance Winifriede Bromby, Charlotte Emily Bromby, Robert Henry Bromby to Port Phillip, VIC, Australia. Ship Countess Of Elgin sailing from London
Age 7.2
Land-Gembrook*30 Mar 1874Jane Isabella 'Jenny' Bromby selected land from the Crown. GEM--A10. 315a 0r 35p - crown grant 31 Oct 1876
Jenny Bromby was daughter of John Edward Bromby, and a Governess, living at Melbourne Grammar School when she applied for lease of 320 acres adjacent to her fathers selection on 30th March 1874.
Her application states her selection is 320 acres of uncleared land east of the Latrobe track between Bromby and Mentiplay. See Bromby sketch-diagram.
She was granted 315 acres
Reported on June 15th 1876 she had cleared 50 acres - the ground is not suitable for ploughing.
Her father's selection is GEM--A11 of 285a 1r 2p dated also 31/10/76.3,4 
Land-Note*31 Mar 1874 John Edward Bromby. 31st March 1874: The exploring party reached Dandenong on Friday evening. All, safe but the only inn in the place was filled with selectors and there was no bedroom to be had. After much persuasion the landlady said their only way would be to go to bed early and bolt the door. This in miner's language is called "jumping a claim". Next day no vehicle was to be had and they walked nine miles to Berwick.
April 1st. Jenny returned having left Robert behind at Gembrook - many misadventures - they had pegged out two plots at the corners next to the horse tracks.5 
Marriage*1 Mar 1880 Spouse: James Alexander Stephen. St Paul's Church, VIC, Australia, #M184/1880.6
 
Marriage-Notice*3 Mar 1880STEPHEN—BROMBY.—On the 1st inst., at St. Paul's Church, by the Rev. Canon Handfield, James Alexander, eldest son of the late Rev. Thomas Stephen, of Kinross, Morayshire, to Jane Isabella, daughter of the Rev. J. E. Bromby, D.D.7 
Widow7 Nov 1924Jane Isabella 'Jenny' Bromby became a widow upon the death of her husband James Alexander Stephen.8 
Death*12 Aug 1940 Windsor, VIC, Australia, #D7910/1940 (Age 90.)9 
Death-Notice*13 Aug 1940STEPHEN.—The Friends of the late Mrs. JANE ISABELLA STEPHEN are informed that a service will be held by Canon J. T. Baglin at St. Alban's Church, Wynnstay road, Armadale, at 10.30 am. THIS DAY (Tuesday, the 13th August).
The courtege will leave the church at 11 o'clock for the Melbourne Crematorium, Fawkner.
A A SLEIGHT PTY. LTD.10 
Death-Notice13 Aug 1940STEPHEN.—On August 12, at Gordon, The Avenue, Windsor, Jane Isabella, widow of James A Stephen, third daughter of the late J E Bromby D.D., in her 91st year.11 

Newspaper-Articles

  • 31 Oct 1876: Parish of Gembrook, county of Mornington, 19th Section blocks of Miss Jenny and Dr. Bromby.
    Upset price, £1 4s. per acre. Charge for survey, £15 19s Area, 318a, 0r, 16p. Allotmont A10. Valuation, £334 5s.
    Upset price, £1 4s. per acre. Charge for survey, £14 6s. Area, 285a, 1r, 24p. Allotment A 11. Valuation, £1,380 8s. 1d. John Edward Bromby12

Citations

  1. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Records Office Victoria), VPRS 28/ P3 unit 3461, item 320/105
    VPRS 7591/ P2 unit 1128, item 320/105.
  2. [S65] Ancestry - various indices, Victoria, Australia, Assisted and Unassisted Passenger Lists, 1839-1923, arrived 2 Feb 1858 on "Countess Of Elgin."
  3. [S61] Upper Beaconsfield History Archive.
  4. [S81] Land Records & Parish Maps ; PROV (Public Records Office Victoria). Land File 53/19.20 VPRS 626 Unit 1554 - Viewed by Charles Wilson June 2005.
  5. [S61] Upper Beaconsfield History Archive ,"From 'Forest to Farming' Gembrook : an Early History
    By Genseric Parker · 1995 - page 10
    not certain where following note fits in:
    1868 Inaugural Warden Melbourne university.
    See notes from his Journal in 1874. He kept a Journal from 1874-88."
  6. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online).
  7. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Wed 3 Mar 1880, p1
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5976792
  8. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online).
  9. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online) "#D7910/1940 - born GUERNSEY CHANNEL ISLANDS."
  10. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Tue 13 Aug 1940, p4
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/11326700
  11. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Tue 13 Aug 1940, p4
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/11326702
  12. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Tue 31 Oct 1876, p7
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5907789
Last Edited12 Jan 2021

Margery Lang Williams

F, #25452, b. 7 Sep 1891, d. 14 Sep 1917
Father*Richard Williams
Mother*Margaretta Lang
Married NameRobinson. 
Birth*7 Sep 1891 Richmond, TAS, Australia.1 
Marriage*10 Apr 1912 Spouse: Arthur George Robinson. Craigieburn, VIC, Australia, #M3688/1912.2,1
 
Marriage-Notice*18 May 1912ROBINSON–WILLIAMS.—On the 10th April, at Craigieburn, by the Rev. F. J. Jennings, Arthur G., youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Robinson, "Hillsley," Narre Warren, to Margery L., third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. Williams, "Hillview," Craigieburn.3 
Death*14 Sep 1917 Berwick, VIC, Australia, #D7435/1917 (Age 26) [par Richard WILLIAMS & Margaretta LANG]
died at the birth of her youngest son.4 
Death-Notice*15 Sep 1917ROBINSON.—On the 14th September, Margery Lang, the dearly beloved wife of A. G. Robinson, Hillsley, Narre Warren; aged 26 years.5 
Death-Notice17 Sep 1917ROBINSON.—On the 14th September, Margery Lang, loved third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Williams, Hillview, Craigieburn, and dear sister of Percy (A.I.F.), Connie (Mrs. H. Barr), Rita, Ella, Claire, Spencer, Maudie, aged 26 years.6 

Newspaper-Articles

  • 30 May 1912: Marriarge. ROBINSON—WILLIAMS.
    The first wedding to be held in the Craigieburn new hall took place on Wednesday, April 10th, at 7.15 p.m., when Margery, third daughter of Mr and Mr Richard Williams (formerly of "Kilmure," Derrinal), now of "Hill view," Craigieburn, was married to Arthur, youngest son of Mr and Mrs G. W. Robinson, "Hillsley, Narre Warren. The bride, who was given away by her father, looked sweetly pretty in her bridal robe of cream, with the wreath embroidered veil her mother wore. The bridesmaids were Miss Ella Williams, sister of the bride, and her cousin, Miss Lilian Williams (from Tasmania). The former wore pale blue and the latter cream. The bride and bridesmaids carried exquisite bouquets made by the bridegroom's mother. The bridegroom's gift to the bride was a handsome gold bracelet, set with emeralds and pearls, the bridesmaids receiving beautiful opal rings. The bridegroom was supported by Mr Percy Williams and Mr T. James, brother and cousin of the bride. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. F. J. Jennings, of Melbourne. The hall was beautifully decorated for the occasion by friends and relatives, the bridal party standing under an arch from which was suspended a large wedding bell. Mrs T. J. Williams, of South Anstralia, presided at the piano, playing appropriate music. Relatives and friends from New South Wales, Tasmania, South Australia and Penang, were present, as well as numerous local visitors. Wedding tea was served to between 70 and 80 guests, the usual toasts being proposed, after which the happy pair left by the evening train for Melbourne, en route to Sorrento, the bride travelling in navy blue braided costume and saxe blue felt hat, and a handsome black fox fur, the gift of the father.
    "Essendon Gazette," 18th April. Arthur George Robinson7

Citations

  1. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, eldon_smith.
  2. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online).
  3. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Sat 18 May 1912, p13
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/11676574
  4. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online).
  5. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Sat 15 Sep 1917, p13
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1649490
  6. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Mon 17 Sep 1917, p1
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1649771
  7. [S14] Newspaper - The McIvor Times and Rodney Advertiser (Heathcote, Vic.), Thu 30 May 1912, p2
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/91429398
Last Edited13 Jan 2021

Edward Hanley

M, #25455, b. 1823, d. 7 Nov 1899
Birth*1823 
Marriage*18 Feb 1851 Spouse: Mary Cahill. Ireland diocese killaloe parish cloughjordon.1
 
Widower1865Edward Hanley became a widower upon the death of his wife Mary Cahill.2 
Marriage*1866 Spouse: Mary McNevin. VIC, Australia, #M2541/1866 - married as Mary LINEHAN.3
 
Shire Council*Aug 1872 In Aug 1872 New councillor in 1872. 
Death*7 Nov 1899 Berwick, VIC, Australia, #D12558/1899 (Age 76) [par Pat HANLEY & Nancy RYAN].4 
Death-Notice*11 Nov 1899HANLEY.—On the 7th November, at his residence, Narre Warren, Edward Hanley, the dearly beloved husband of Mary Hanley, aged 76 years. A colonist of 48 years. R.I.P.5 

Newspaper-Articles

  • 31 Aug 1872: Berwick.—The ordinary meeting was held on Saturday. Present— The president (Mr. Henty), with Crs. Barry, Brisbane, Connor, Barr and Nixon. Crs. Bourke and Hanley, newly elected took the usual declaration and their seats. ...6
  • 27 Jul 1887: TO THE RATEPAYERS OF THE SHIRE OF BERWICK IN THE BERWICK RIDING. LADIES and GENTLEMEN. As nomination day is approaching I beg to inform you it is not my intention to come forward for re-election in August next.
    Thanking you for the honor you have conferred on me as one of your representatives for eighteen years, also my fellow Councillors and the officers for the many favors they were pleased to cofer on me, I remain, ladies and gentlemen,
    Yours respectfully,
    EDWARD HANLEY.
    Springfield, 26 | 7 | 87.7
  • 27 Jul 1887: BERWICK SHIRE ELECTION, LADIES and GENTLEMEN
    In reply to your numerously signed requisition, owing to the retirement of Mr. Hanley, I beg to announce myself a Candidate at the forthcoming election.
    J. S. WHITE.7
  • 8 Nov 1899: The death as announced of Mr. Edward Hanley, late of Nacre Warren, who expired on Tuesday night last. Deceased was one of the oldest residents in the district, and had been suffering for the past week from an attack of influenza.8
  • 11 Apr 1900: DANDENONG, Tuesday. At a public meeting on Saturday, Mr. M. M'Cormack was nominated as a trustee of the Berwick cemetery, vice Mr. Edward Hanley, deceased.9
  • 22 Feb 1939: Council Souvenir BERWICK CIVIC FATHERS OF 1886.
    Berwick shire councillors of 50 years ago had no excuse for forgetting the date of their monthly meetings. Each was supplied with an elaborate syllabus card, which was fringed with a scene of Australian wild life.
    One of these cards, which was issued for the year 1886, and brought to Berwick council on Friday by Cr. A. G. Robinson, whose father was secretary and engineer at the time, gave the names of the various riding councillors and staff.
    They were: President, Cr. John T. Bobson; (Berwick riding, Crs. James Gibb, John S. White and Edward Hanley; Pakenham ridings, Crs. Thos. Bourke, Edward Dore and Charles Souter; Scoresby riding, Crs. William Barry and Samuel Collier.
    Officers of the council were: Secretary and engineer, Mr. G. W. Robinson; collector and dog inspector. Mr. Thos. White; inspector of slaughteryards and nuisances (Berwick and Pakenham), Mr. T. White; inspector Scoresby riding, Con. B. L. Carey; health officer, Dr. Elmes, M.D; poundkeeper, Mr. Thos. White; hall keeper, Mrs. O’Neil.10

Citations

  1. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, helenatlakes - date and place.
  2. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online) "#D3257/1865 - born CLOU."
  3. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online).
  4. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online).
  5. [S14] Newspaper - Advocate (Melbourne, Vic.), Sat 11 Nov 1899, p14
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/169720032
  6. [S14] Newspaper - Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic.), Sat 31 Aug 1872, p7
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/220448242
  7. [S12] Newspaper - South Bourke and Mornington Journal (Richmond, Vic.), Wed 27 Jul 1887, p2
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/70029087
  8. [S12] Newspaper - South Bourke and Mornington Journal (Richmond, Vic.), Wed 8 Nov 1899, p2
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/70022354
  9. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Wed 11 Apr 1900, p6
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/196022900
  10. [S218] Newspaper - The Dandenong Journal (Vic.) The Dandenong Journal (Vic.), Wed 22 Feb 1939, p3
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/201305619
Last Edited13 Jan 2021

Mary Cahill

F, #25456, b. 1833, d. 1865
Married NameHanley. 
Birth*1833 
Marriage*18 Feb 1851 Spouse: Edward Hanley. Ireland diocese killaloe parish cloughjordon.1
 
Death*1865 #D3257/1865 (Age 32) [par Thomas CAHILL & Margaret LEEHAN].2 

Citations

  1. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, helenatlakes - date and place.
  2. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online) "#D3257/1865 - born CLOU."
Last Edited13 Jan 2021

Mary McNevin

F, #25459, b. 1831, d. 11 Oct 1921
Married NameLinehan. 
Married NameHanley. 
Birth*1831 Tipperary, Ireland. 
Marriage*1860 Spouse: Richard Linehan. VIC, Australia, #M1525/1860 - as McNAVEN.1
 
Widow11 Jun 1863Mary McNevin became a widow upon the death of her husband Richard Linehan.2 
Marriage*1866 Spouse: Edward Hanley. VIC, Australia, #M2541/1866 - married as Mary LINEHAN.1
 
Widow7 Nov 1899Mary McNevin became a widow upon the death of her husband Edward Hanley.3 
Death*11 Oct 1921 Berwick, VIC, Australia, #D12911/1921 (Age 90) [par John McNEVIN & Mary LEHANE].3 
Death-Notice12 Oct 1921HANLEY.—On the 11th October, at her residence, Narre Warren, Mary, relict of the late Edward Hanley, aged 90 years. A colonist of 67 years. R.I.P. No flowers.
HANLEY.—Friends of the late Mrs. HANLEY are respectfully invited to follow her remains to the place of interment, Dandenong Cemetery.
Funeral to leave her residence, Narre Warren, THIS DAY (Wednesday, October 12), at 2.30.
JOHN GRANT, Undertaker. 'Phone 55 Berwick.4 

Newspaper-Articles

  • 27 Jan 1868: IN the SUPREME COURT of the COLONY of VICTORIA In its Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction -In the Goods of RICHARD LINEHAN, late of Sale, Gipps Land, in the Colony of Victoria, Miner, Deceased, Intestate.—Notice is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen days from the publication of this notice, application will be made to the Supreme Court of the Colony of Victoria, in its Ecclesiastical jurisdiction, that LETTERS of ADMINISTRATION of the goods, chattels and credits of the abovenamed Richard Linehan, deceased, intestate, may be issued and granted to Mary Hanley, the wife of Edward Hanley, of Springfield Farm, Berwick, in the colony of Victoria, farmer, formerly Mary Linehan, widow of the abovenamed Richard Linehan, deceased.
    Dated this 24th day of January, A D 1868.
    NUTT and MURPHY, 21 William street, Melbourne proctors for the said Mary Hanley.5

Citations

  1. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online).
  2. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online) "#D3930/1863 - born CORK."
  3. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online).
  4. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Wed 12 Oct 1921, p1
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4638546
  5. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Mon 27 Jan 1868, p8
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5789712
Last Edited13 Jan 2021

James Sydney Thewlis

M, #25470, b. 1895, d. 15 Sep 1960
Father*James Thewlis b. 1852, d. 10 Oct 1921
Mother*Susannah Young b. 1860, d. 18 Sep 1950
Place in Upper Beac* Thewlis Road. Thewlis Road (or part of it) was previously called Padgett Road - changed 1968.1 
Probate (Will)* 579/922. James Sydney THEWLIS Date of grant: 30 May 1961; Date of death: 15 Sep 1960; Occupation: Farmer; Residence: Pakenham.2 
Birth*1895 Longford, VIC, Australia, #B30775/1895.3 
PROVabt 19201217/12 JAMES SYDNEY THEWLIS PAKENHAM 14A
Land Selection Files, Section 12 Closer Settlement Act 1938.4 
PROV*abt 19201434 Thewlis J S Pakenham 4526/86.6
Department of Crown Lands and Survey.5 
Marriage*1923 Spouse: Ella May Bould. VIC, Australia, #M8665/1923.6
 
Death*15 Sep 1960 Berwick, VIC, Australia, #D12717/1960 (Age 65) [par James THEWLIS & Susanah YOUNG].7 
Govt Gazette*4 Sep 1968The article reads: SHIRE OF BERWICK.
NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to the provisions of the Local Government Act 1958, the Council of the Shire of Berwick doth order that the name of the following road within the municipality be changed as set out hereunder:—
Old Name.—Padgett-road (Prolongation).
New Name.—Thewlis-road.
Location.—A Government road in the Parish of Pakenham, County of Mornington, commencing at the Princes Highway at the south-east corner of Crown allotment 46, continuing generally northerly along the easternmost boundaries of Crown allotments 46, 50, 49, 198, 234 and 249 and then easterly to the most eastern corner of Crown allotment 249,
B. J. WALLIS, Shire Secretary.1 

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

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
1949Pakenham, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: farmer. With Ella May Thewlis. With Susannah Thewlis.8

Newspaper-Articles

  • 10 Apr 1951: PAKENHAM, Monday. — Mr. J. S. Thewlis, of Pakenham, has been elected unopposed to fill the vacancy in Beaconsfield riding of Berwick shire caused by the resignation of Cr. T. C. Whiteside.9
  • 11 Apr 1951: It’s Cr. Thewlis Now
    MR. J. S. (SYD.) THEWLIS, of Pakenham, has been elected unopposed to the vacancy in the Beaconsfield Riding of the Berwick
    Shire Council, caused by the retirement, through ill-health of Cr. Claire Whiteside.
    We know enough of Syd’s public-spiritedness, ability and pride in his district to confidently predict that he will, make an excellent councillor as soon as he gets “the run of the ropes.” He is fortified by an excellent knowledge of the district.10
  • 18 Mar 1953: MONTUNA GOLF CLUB HAD GOOD YEAR
    ON TUESDAY, March 10th, the Montuna Golf Club held its annual meeting at the Narre Warren Hall.
    In reviewing the activities of the club, during the past season, the club president, Mr. A. Glance, said that despite increased costs of maintenance and improvements, club finances are in a sound position.
    He gave sincere thanks to those who had assisted with the many club activities during the year. The associates, under Mrs. J. T. Fleming, had done excellent work at tournaments and social functions, and the club captain, Mr. J. S. Thewlis, and other officials, had given the club loyal and unselfish service during the season, he said. Despite adverse weather conditions, Montuna members and associates had had a very enjoyable season. He looked forward to the coming season confident that the club would have substantially increased membership and that its new committee and officials would continue to serve the best interests of the club.
    The following were elected: President, Mr. A. Glance; vice-presidents, Mr. T. Black and Mr. R. Ramage; captain, Mr. J. S. Thewlis; secretary and treasurer, Mr. G. W. Graeme; assistant secretary, Mr. O. Williams; auditor, Mr. R. C. Kemp. Match and handicap committee, captain, F. Stilman, T. Black. Greens committee, president, captain, R. Ramage, G. Bould and G. Preston. General committee, Messrs. W. Fulton, D. Begg, D. Jackson, C. Bigelow, F. Sulman, G. Bould, T. Poulton, A. Middleton, G. Preston and H. Petersen. Social committee, Messrs. R. Graeme, R. Ramage, L. Thewlis, D. Jackson, J. S. Thewlis, G. Graeme, and H. Petersen.
    Mr. J. S. Thewlis, club delegate to the Peninsula and District Golf Association then gave a report on the activities of that body and arrangements for pennant matches during 1953.
    It was decided that subscriptions would not be increased and they remain: Men £5/5/-, and ladies £2/10/-. However, the club is increasing its membership lists for the coming season and intending members should make early application to club secretary, Mr. G. W. Graeme, State School, Narre Warren, phone 17.
    AN EASTER tournament will be held on Easter Saturday, and Monday, and the season will be officially opened by the president on Saturday, April 11th. Afternoon teas will be served.11
  • 6 May 2019: A century on from the end of World War I we acknowledge their service … Lest we forget.
    Private James Sydney Thewlis
    Born: 12 October 1895 Longwood. Died: September 1960 Berwick.
    Enlisted: 22 January 1916 aged 20
    Served: Western Front     
    The Thewlis family lived at Longwood near Sale, before settling at Pakenham on a farm called “Sunnyside” (on the Princes Highway, opposite what is now Thewlis Road) around 1910. Syd was 20 and working on the family farm when he enlisted, one of the Pakenham men who volunteered in response to the major recruitment campaign to reinforce the AIF following the Gallipoli campaign.
    He embarked for England in late May 1916 and proceeded to France in February 1917. Syd subsequently served as a scout on the Western Front with Sergeant George Edgar Watkins DCM. The scouts undertook patrols into areas such as “no-man’s land” to obtain vital intelligence on enemy positions. This was highly dangerous work.
    The 39th Battalion took part in the Battle of Messines in June 1917 and later fought at Broodseinde and Passchendaele. During early 1918, the 39th Battalion was part of the desperate British attempt to stop the German advance through France during their “Spring Offensive”. On 25 August 1918, as the Germans were being pushed back towards the Hindenburg Line, Syd was gassed, which effectively ended his War.
    In 1920, Syd applied under the Soldiers’ Settlement Scheme to purchase 110 acres of his parent’s property. This was granted, with the approval stating that “Young Thewlis is a good type of fellow. A good mother. Knows the place and should do well.” He had references from some of the leading figures in the community including Reg Henty and James Ahern (Berwick Shire Clerk).
    Syd became a leading Pakenham citizen, lending his time and talents to a wide range of causes, including the Pakenham Agricultural and Pastoral Society, the Pakenham Show Committee, the RSL (of which he served as President for six years) and both the Presbyterian and Methodist churches. Such was his community involvement, that it was said that “If a letter comes addressed to any organisation in Pakenham and does not bear a name, it can be quite safely delivered to Mr Thewlis”.
    During WWII, he served as a Lieutenant with the 11th Volunteer Defence Corps. Syd was also involved with the War Agricultural Committee, the local Repatriation Committee, the Comforts Fund and the Food for Britain Drive during and immediately after the War.
    In 1951, Syd was elected unopposed to the Berwick Shire Council, representing the Beaconsfield Riding. While on the Berwick Council, he served as the Shire President in 1958 and 1959. Syd would not have been able to give so much back to the community without the support of his wife, Ella, whom he married in 1921. This was recognised by the Pakenham Show Committee, which in 1952 made a surprise presentation to her. Ella was the daughter of George and Elizabeth Bould of Cardinia. The couple raised four children.
    Syd died suddenly in September 1960 aged 65. In its obituary, the Pakenham Gazette spoke not just of Syd’s achievements on the land and his community service, but also of his being a role model to others: “Syd Thewlis’s contribution to the life of the community did not begin or end with his conscientious discharge of public duties. More effective than all this in influencing those who came in contact with him was his private life …. his example of clean living, integrity and kindliness taught most eloquently the message which all Christian Churches proclaim … In common with many, many others we mourn the passing of a pal in the fullest sense of the word”.12,13

Citations

  1. [S194] Newspaper - Victoria Government Gazette 4 Sep 1968, p3157.
  2. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Records Office Victoria), VPRS 7591/ P3 unit 416, item 579/922
    VPRS 28/ P4 unit 2536, item 579/922.
  3. [S26] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Births) (online) "[par James THEWLIS & Susannah YOUNG]."
  4. [S81] Land Records & Parish Maps ; PROV (Public Records Office Victoria). Land Selection Files, Section 12 Closer Settlement Act 1938
    VPRS 5714/ P0 unit 928, item 1217/12.
  5. [S34] PROV (Public Records Office Victoria), Department of Crown Lands and Survey
    CITATION: VPRS 10381/ P0 unit 125, item 1434.
  6. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online).
  7. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online) "#D12717/1960 - born LONGWOOD."
  8. [S149] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1949.
  9. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Tue 10 Apr 1951, p8
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/206393186
  10. [S218] Newspaper - The Dandenong Journal (Vic.) The Dandenong Journal (Vic.), Wed 11 Apr 1951, p1 [illustrated]
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222351595
  11. [S218] Newspaper - The Dandenong Journal (Vic.) The Dandenong Journal (Vic.), Wed 18 Mar 1953, p19
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/215817918
  12. [S18] Newspaper - https://pakenham.starcommunity.com.au/news/2019-05-06/…
    This is an extract from Patrick Ferry’s book A Century After The Guns Fell Silent – Remembering the Pakenham District’s WWI Diggers 1914-18.
    For more details on this and other profiles in the book, head to the website www.pakenhamww1.com.
  13. [S383] Patrick Ferry, Pakenham's WWI Soldiers, https://www.pakenhamww1.com/thewlis-james-sydney
Last Edited15 Jan 2021
 

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.