Suspenders and stripes

In 1954, only the three youngest Pilgrim brothers remained;

My Great Grand Uncles - Mark (72), Perce (70) and Ned Pilgrim (67)

About 50 years earlier the seven brothers were all wearing suspenders (and moustaches).  

Cricket was their game of choice and the team was very well known and feared in the area. Cricket was a family event with seven brothers and their brother-in-law in the one team.  Many of you would have seen this photo previously but I feel that it is worthy of another appearance.

Pilgrim Seven
Circa 1908

A few years later, Mark and Ned wore stripes, while brother Bob was the trainer.   

Maybe Perce was on his honeymoon?  

Australian Football Finals are in September and Perce was married Wednesday 6th September 1911.

This post was inspired by Sepia Saturday; 3 men, suspenders and stripes!

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Post 101: The Bloggers Geneameme

It was very interesting to read some of the responses to the Geneameme proposed by Jill at Geniaus to promote National Family History Month.

Source: http://www.kingletas.com

What are the titles and URLs of your genealogy blog/s?

Just the one - Strong Foundations.  

Do you have a wonderful "Cousin Bait" blog story? A link to a previous blog post might answer this question. 

Unfortunately I haven't been contacted by any long lost cousins yet.  However I am now closer and in regular contact with many cousins and relatives who enjoy reading my blog and tell me that they enjoy learning about their family, although they never comment.

Why did you start blogging? Is there someone who inspired you to start blogging?

I originally started the blog with a different name and purpose; to provide information about a family reunion and book launch.  Not long after the reunion, Alona at Gould Genealogy initiated the Family History Through the Alphabet Challenge................then I was hooked.  Thank you Alona :)

How did you decide on your blog/s title/s?

One of the many titles I was considering for the family history book was "Strong Foundations" after my Great Great Grandfather, James Pilgrim, who as a young man (before an accident) was a stone mason.   He was a pioneer, had very strong faith, strong opinions and great strength of character.  Many of his traits and strengths have been passed through the the genes.  Yep.  I believe that I came from strong foundations.

Do you ever blog from mobile devices? What are they?

Just my lap top.

How do you let others know when you have published a new post?

Post a link on;

Facebook - none of my friends or colleagues ever read it.  Only family.

Relevant Webpage - eg Sepia Saturday or Geneabloggers etc

Google+ (still not sure about how this works so would be happy for hints or tips)

How long have you been blogging?

The family reunion and book launch blog was commenced January 2011.  It didn't get much attention (only 602 page views) as the majority of of those who were interested did not have the technology and wrote me letters by hand.

It wasn't until  May 2012 when I started my web log (I do like this term better than blog).  This will be post 101.

What widgets or elements do you consider essential on a genealogy blog? 

If I could only choose one, it would be the search widget.   As I write more posts, I use the search function all the time to find and check prior posts.  The tags also make it easier for me to locate prior posts.

When I read others blogs, I like to read their "About Me" and the list of prior/recent posts.

What is the purpose of your blog/s? Who is your intended audience?

This has changed over time.  My purpose now is to record family history research for other family members to enjoy and learn.  If others enjoy them too, that is a bonus.

By using prompts from other blogs, I complete research on alternative people and topics that I may not have otherwise considered, which I really enjoy.

Which of your posts are you particularly proud of?

That is a hard one as there are many.  I do really enjoy doing the research and take pride in most of my posts.  I get a real sense of accomplishment when I complete research and post about someone who does not have family to remember them.

I did get emotional and really enjoyed writing the post about my grandfather returning home from the war.   I didn't know my grandfather and all I had was a picture of the ship (no name) when I started.  As it turns out, this post is written differently to any others that I have written and I felt that he was watching over and helping me.

I also put a lot of research into a post about my Great Grandmother - K is for Killed.  This post was summarised and included in the "One Picture" section of the most recent issue of Inside History Magazine, which made me proud.

How do you keep up with your blog reading?

I don't.  My "to do" list is a mile long. I subscribe to those blogs that interest me.   My email is full of blog alerts, yet to be read.

Working full time, my blogging is primarily on a Friday night and weekend.  I try to comment where I can but often read without commenting when pushed for time.

What platform do you use for publishing your blog/s?

Blogger. 

What new features would you like to see in your blogging software?

I would like to have more flexibility with formatting eg. where I insert pictures and text.  Sometimes I would like to be more creative with the look of a post.

Which of your posts has been the most popular with readers?

The two interactive posts, where questions were posed, received the highest number of comments.

A Genealogy Matching Game - How many faces can you match?

Could this be my Great Great Great Grandparents? - Still unresolved unfortunately

Are you a sole blogger or do you contribute to a shared blog?

It is just me.

How do you compose your blog posts?

Firstly I need to be motivated and enthusiastic about the topic.  Then I look through all the information I already have on the person/topic and see what else I can locate.

Then it just seems to flow.  My biggest issue is keeping posts to a readable length (and I often fail).  I regularly seem to have so much information that I cannot include it all.

Do you have any blogs that are not genealogy related? If you wish please share their titles and URLs.

Prior to the genealogy blog, I did write a couple of travel blogs on Travelpod with photos so family and friends could see what we were doing on our travels.  However this has been inactive for some time.

Have you listed your blog/s at Geneabloggers?

Yes

Which resources have helped you with your blogging?

I have learnt so much from other bloggers and researchers.  It is such a very friendly,  helpful and supportive community.

What advice would you give to a new Geneablogger?

Just make a start.  Read lots of blogs.  Be willing to learn and enjoy it.

Like others have mentioned, one of the unexpected benefits of blogging has been networking and friendship with others from all around the world.  

The internet really has made the world a smaller place......and to think that my grandmother had to board with her Aunty as 8 miles was too far to travel to High School every day!

Trove Tuesday - Unfortunate deaths follow William Gourlay

In looking for more information about the death of my 3X Great Grandfather, I came across these 5 men with the same name, who all had an unfortunate end to their life.

So which one of the these unfortunate men is my ancestor?

Stabbing

The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW)
9 July 1851
Source: http://trove.nla.gov.au

Drowning

The Argus (Melbourne)
30 October 1854
Source: http://trove.nla.gov.au

Love?

The Mercury (Hobart)
9 Nov 1906
Source: http://trove.nla.gov.au

Accident

The Argus (Melbourne, Vic)
11 Nov 1908
Source:http://trove.nla.gov.au 

Hanging

Barrier Miner (NSW)
7 March 1927
Source: http://trove.nla.gov.au

I believe the William Gourlay, who drowned in the Goulburn River is my ancestor.  Now to locate an inquest or further information to prove it!

This post is my first in Trove Tuesday, initiated by Amy at Branches Leaves & Pollen

The Children of Samuel & Elizabeth Mottram

Losing one child would be devastating.  I cannot imagine how crushing it would be to lose four children.

My Great Great Grandparents, Samuel and Elizabeth Mottram, parented ten children, five girls and five boys.  

In birth order;

1.   Mary Mottram  1876 - 1958 (my great grandmother)

2.   Jack Mottram 1877 -1955

3.   Margaret Mottram 1879 - 1882

4.   Elizabeth Mottram 1880 -1884

5.   Sam Mottram 1883 - 1918

6.   Madeline Mottram 1884 - 1972

7.   Fred Mottram 1887 - 1964

8.   Harry Mottram 1889 - 1917

9.   Eve Mottram 1891 - 1981

10. David Mottram 1894 - 1986

circa 1904
Back:  Mary, Samuel, Sam, Jack, Fred
Front: Eve, David, Harry, Elizabeth, Madeline

In 1904, Charlie Farr took photos of the pioneers of the Maryborough area.
Maybe he was paid handsomely for his pioneer photos as he reportedly sold the business later in 1904 ????

The first to die was Margaret, who died in 1882 of Diptheria when she was 3 years old.  Her death was followed two years later by Elizabeth who also died from Diptheria when she was 3 years old.

Henry (known as Harry) was 28 years old when he died from wounds sustained at Polygon Woods, Belgium, during World War 1.  Within 6 months, his brother Samuel, was smothered to death in a mining accident.

Mottram sisters
Mary Walker, Madeline Batty, Eve Bilton

Mary is my Great Grandmother.  She was the only one of 

the three sisters to have children.  She was 82 years old when she died of a "Cerebral haemorrhage and senile atherosclerosis"

Madeline was 87 when she died from "Pneumonia & Chronic Renal Failure"

Eve was 89 when she died from a stroke, after suffering from senile dementia for many years. 

Unknown, Eve and Madeline Mottram

The hats in this weeks Sepia Saturday prompt reminded me of those worn by my
Great Grand Aunts  in the final photo, prompting this post. The unknown lady on the left in my photo also
looks similar to the lady on the right in the Sepia Saturday prompt photo.
Click for more Sepia Saturday Posts

Harry Mottram

Breaking a long tradition

This pin cushion belonged to my Great Grandmother,
Mary Walker.
Can any one tell me more about it?

It is interesting to see how traits and traditions continue through several generations of family. Do you have occupations, traditions, interests or similarities that have repeated in several generations?

My sister & I in dresses that
our mother made.
The photo may be  black and white
but I remember that my sisters
dress was pink while mine was navy blue

I come from a long line of knitters and sewers on several "branches" of the family. We grew up with home made clothes and jumpers (pullovers for American readers). As a young child I really liked my new dresses and clothes. I can remember going to the shop with Mum and picking out fabrics, ribbons and buttons so she could make a new outfit. By the time I was at High School, I was making my own school uniforms. It was great that I had school dresses that fit me perfectly, compared with many of the girls whose uniforms were too big or too small. However, I always wanted a shop bought school jumper rather than the home knitted jumper.

Source: http://museumvictoria.com.au
During War Times, knitting for the
soldiers was encouraged.

My mother knitted by hand but she also had (still has) a knitting machine that had belonged to her father, Allan Scott. The knitting machine was purchased by her father in about 1943 after he returned from Active Service in the Middle East. It seems unusual that a man would purchase a knitting machine. Perhaps the knitting was rehabilitation and something to keep my grandfather busy? Maybe it was also a way for him to give something back to the troops?

1828 Post Office Directory

My 3X Great Grandfather, Adam Bisset Scott, was a
tailor in Leith, Scotland

My mother made the wedding dresses for two of her daughters. Did she get her sewing talent from one of 

her Great Great Grandfathers, who coincidentally 

were both tailors?

Maryborough Hospital Admission Records
Another 3X Great Grandfather, Samuel Drayton, was also a tailor.  However he was from USA.

My Grandmother, Eva Scott, made all the clothes for the "nips". She also knitted. She made some incredible(and well loved)toys for me when I was a child. I wonder what ever happened to them?

My other Great Grandmother, Mabel Pilgrim (nee Geyer), hired/purchased a Wertheim Sewing Machine in 1905.
The cost of £11:15 in 1905 would be equivalent to approximately AUD $1600 today.  

Wertheim Sewing Machine Payment Card
1905-1907

Did you know what this is?

My daughter had no idea.

Today if we have holes in our socks or jumpers,

we tend to throw them out and buy new clothing.

However in times gone past, there was no such

wastage.  Clothing would be repaired by darning.

This darning egg belonged to my mother in law, 

who was a seamstress.  

Somewhere I also have a thimble but can't quite

locate it at present.

Unfortunately neither of my children sew so the tradition of sewers in the family has ceased sadly.  Maybe I will have a granddaughter that I can teach to sew.

Click for more Sepia Saturday posts

So could you pick the connection to this weeks Sepia Saturday picture?

My very first photo is an unusual contraption with wheels, from the past.

You are not forgotten - Not on your Nellie!

On 23rd January 1931, Nellie wrote to my Grandmother "I think I will soon be leaving Morwell and then you will see quite a lot of me".   Neither of them knew that Nellie, who was only 19 years old, would be dead within two months.

Ellen Elizabeth Walker, who was known as Nell or Nellie, was my Grand Aunt.  She did not have the opportunity to marry or have children and therefore does not have descendants to remember her.   Very little is known about Nellie so my memorial is primarily pictorial.  However her photos and memorabilia give some insight into her short life.

I am now the guardian of Nellie's suitcase, books and photos,
which were given to me for safekeeping by my cousin Janet (suitcase) and Aunty Phyllis (books and photos).

The photos of Nellie have also provided me with a greater insight into her short life.

Nellie was born on the 16th March 1911 at Havelock,  a small mining community near Maryborough, Victoria, Australia.  Her father, Ambrose Walker, was a miner in the area but at the time of Nellie's birth was listed as a "carter".

Circa 1929 - Nellie's family - Nellie is in the centre
Elizabeth Mottram (Nellie's grandmother) , Mary Walker (mother), Rita Walker (sister in law - wife of Gordon),
Nellie Walker, Frank Walker (brother), Edna Walker  (sister in law - 1st wife of Frank), Ambrose Walker (father),
Gordon Walker (brother)
Front: Phyllis Walker (niece - daughter of Rita and Gordon) and Bobby (nephew - son of Frank & Edna)

The first pages of Nellie's Autograph book show the birthdays of many of the family members pictured above, as well as her good friends Gwen & Edna Tydell, who are in photos below.

From records, photos and Nellie's books,  I have been able to determine some of the places that Nellie lived in her short life.  Click on the pins below for further information.

View Places in Nellie Walker's life in a larger map

"Nellie Walker as a young girl"

On the back was also written
by my Grandmother "Nellie and Nole"
by an unknown person "To Nellie from Gladdie"

"The girl Stent took Nellie at the convent going to school"

It is from this photo that I have been able to determine that Nellie went to secondary school in Ararat. When the photo is enlarged, it is possible to read "Ararat" on the sign on the gate in the background, which then lead me to confirm that the walls and gate belong to the Brigidine convent, Ararat.

Nellie Walker (on left) playing quoits

Nellie Walker
11 November 1926

Nellie Walker (centre) 11th Nov 1926
Believe it is Tydell sisters on right of Nellie

"Nellie Walker and a Tydell"

Nellie Walker on right (with black hat)
"Taken 1st February 1926 at a Picnic"
Believe it is Gwen Tydell seated near Nellie.

Gwen Tydell and Nellie Walker
On my grandfather, Gordon Walker's, bike
18 September 1927

Nellie Walker and her maternal Grandfather Samuel Mottram
Prior to August 1928

Nellie Walker

Nellie also wrote in January 1931 "My bloke went away Thursday morning for 3 weeks holiday so I had to spend Wednesday night in saying goodbye to him".  There are several photos showing Nellie with male friends, but unfortunately most are unlabeled and do not appear to be the same gentleman.

Nellie doesn't look happy.  Maybe she didn't win?
Nellie often wore this style of shoes, which do not appear suitable for tennis.

Is the photo below of Nellie with a family member or a friend?  It appears that the photo belonged to the male in the photo so how did the photo come to be in my Aunty's possession if it did not belong to a family member?  Is this her "bloke"?
Also written on the back of the photo is "P Note 662857".  Does this mean Promissory Note?  Could there be further meaning to this photo than we will ever know?
I have made inquiries to the local historical society to see if I can locate local funeral notices or the names of pallbearers, which would give a good indication of closest family and friends.

"Nell & I - 1928"

Nellie Walker and Reg Alford

Nellie Walker & Reg Alford

It seems that Reg was a friend of the family and lived with Nellie's brother Gordon and wife Rita (my grandparents).  I believe that Nellie is referring to him in her letter "You could get Gordon and Reg's dinner ready and catch Jim and he could bring you in."  

This book was originally given to Nellie by Edna and Gwen Tydell (pictured above).

This book tells me that Nellie lived at Charlton at some time

My Grandparents (Nellie's brother and sister in law) gave this
 book to Nellie but it was returned to them after Nellie died

Another book (Sails of Sunset by Cecil Roberts) given to Nellie by  her friends Edna and Gwen Tydell.
The book was then given to my grandparents (Nellies brother Gordon and sister in law Rita) after she died.
I was given the books after my Aunty Phyllis (daughter of Gordon & Rita) died in 2008.

It is sad to think that Mary Walker saw the death of 3 of her 4 children.
No wonder she was described as a "tough" lady.
Only my grandfather, Gordon, survived her.

This book was published in 1925 and belonged to Nellie.  I am the 5th recipient.
It passed to Nellie's brother Frank when she died.  Frank died in 1957 when it was ,
passed to his brother Gordon, who died in 1981.  It then passed to his eldest child, Phyllis.
I received when my Aunty died in 2008.

Letter from Nellie to her sister in law Rita Walker
23 January 1931

Click to enlarge

This letter was written 23rd January 1931 to my Grandmother.  Was it the last letter that Nellie wrote?  She died on 13th March 1931, which was three days prior to her 20th birthday.









"Dear Rita

I am answering your letter.  I can't come out Saturday.  Jun and Mollie are going to Bruthen for the weekend that is 20 miles from the lakes and they asked me last night to go with them. Of course I jumped at the chance.  It is 90 miles from here.  We are leaving here at 2.  The boss didn't want to give me time off but I would have taken it whether he liked or not.

Edna wants you to come in here for the weekend.  You could get Gordon & Regs dinner ready and catch Jim and he could bring you in.  You would have a decent time in here long night Saturday night and there is a Merry-go-round up here.  Phyl would enjoy that.  What is the matter with her.

I was coming out Wednesday but Eilleen went home Monday.  I couldn't get a lift & I hated the thought of walking out  on my own.

My bloke went away Thursday morning for 3 weeks holiday so I had to spend Wednesday night in saying goodbye to him.

Well Rita, be sure to come and stop at Edna's. I think I will soon be leaving Morwell and then you will  see quite a lot of me.

Your Sorry Nell".
  
Nellie died in the Sale hospital from peritonitis (12 days) caused by complications associated with Appendicitis (14 days).   About a month later, her friend and sister in law, Edna Walker age 23 (pictured and mentioned above), died in the Yallourn Hospital after an operation to remove tonsils.

A very sad time for the family.

http://trove.nla.gov.au/

Supplement to "The Narracan Shire Advocate"
Friday, March 13 1931
Source: State Library of Victoria

This post was inspired by Sepia Saturday

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"Not on your Nellie" is slang for "No Bloody Way"


Nellie is the daughter of Ambrose Walker and sister of Gordon Walker and Frank Walker