Walter Butler (c.1807-1870)- the life of a 'currency' lad born in the colony of NSW: Walter Butler- Ch. 26: Issue of Walter & Margaret Dunn

Walter Butler (b.c.1807 Sydney, d.4 Oct 1870 Hobart) married Margaret Dunn (b.5 Oct 1809 Sydney, d.14 April 1840 Sydney) on 16 May 1825 in Sydney NSW.

ISSUE:
1. Francis George Butler
Birth: 27 Jan 1829 in Sydney NSW
Death: 22 Nov 1901 in Teralba NSW
Burial: 23 Nov 1901 in Sandgate Cemetery Newcastle
Marriage: Sarah Ann Chin- 25 April 1853 in Wesleyan Chapel, Chippendale, Sydney, NSW (born 3 Dec 1835, Deptford, Kent, London; died 1906 aged 69)
2. Thomas Lawrence Butler
Birth: January 1831 in Sydney, NSW
Death: 11 May 1916 in 1 George Street Bathurst, NSW
Burial: 12 May 1916 in Church of England Cemetery Bathurst
Marriage 1: Sarah Ann Thomas- 18 July 1859 in Church of St Stephen (Church of Scotland), Bathurst, NSW
Marriage 2: Sophia King- 13 July 1868 in Office of District Registrar Bathurst
Marriage 3: Elizabeth Shute- 23 June 1883 in Baptist Parsonage Keppel St Bathurst

Walter Butler's first family by Margaret Dunn

BDM records

Francis George Butler and Sarah Ann Chin:

(National Archives UK, Presbyterian, Independent & Baptist registry, Class RG5, Piece 160)

NB. born in London, second baptism in Sydney after death of parents

Thomas Lawrence Butler and three marriages:

NB. parents named correctly

NB. father incorrect, mother correct

Second son of Walter Butler and Margaret Dunn : Thomas Lawrence Butler

Born in January 1831 Sydney, baptised 21 November 1831 St Mary’s RC, sponsor Lawrence Butler (brother of Walter Butler), died 11 May 1916 aged 85 at Bathurst.

m.1 Sarah Ann Thomas nee Green (widow) in 1859 at Bathurst, no issue;

m.2. Sophia King nee Scutts (widow) in 1868 at Bathurst, no issue;

m.3. Elizabeth Shute (widow) in 1883 at Bathurst, no issue.

On the marriage records, Thomas is described as a farm servant, groom, and carter. He signed his name on his first marriage with a mark so was therefore illiterate, however, on his second marriage he appears to have signed himself which may indicate that he had learnt to read and write. This is in marked contrast to his brother Francis who had a trade and was quite well educated. It therefore suggests that the two boys were brought up by different families following the death of their mother when Francis was 11 years and Thomas was 9 years. Thomas remained in Bathurst for his whole adult life and left no descendants from his three marriages.

Eldest son of Walter Butler and Margaret Dunn- Francis George Butler

According to Francis, he was born 27 January 1829 in George street, Haymarket, Sydney (where the Hordern Building used to stand), although when he was baptised in March, their 'abode' was named as Parramatta.

He died 1901 aged 72 years at Teralba on Lake Macquarie, a few kms west of Newcastle, Francis married Sarah Ann Chin on 25 April 1853 [i] in Sydney (Sarah d.1906 age 69) :

issue:
1. George John Walter Butler
b.10 Feb 1854 Glebe Sydney
d.22 Feb 1854 Glebe Sydney
2. Frederick T. Butler
b.17 April 1855 Newtown, Sydney
d.1856 Sydney
3. Benjamin Henry Butler
b.4 April 1857 Chippendale Sydney
d.22 Jan 1886 Islington Newcastle
m. Mary Jane Cole- 3 Sept 1881 Musselbrook NSW
4. Ann Jane Butler
b.1859 Botany, Sydney
d. 12 May 1939 Nundah QLD
m.1. John Gibson- 27 Sep 1878 Islington Newcastle (NSW Reg. 4181/1879)
m.2. Joseph Smith- 1896 at Hamilton Newcastle (NSW Reg. 1176/1896)
m.3 John Andrew Farrell- 9 May 1906 at Brisbane (QLD Reg. B004595)
m.4. Fred Darben- 20 March 1928 at Brisbane (QLD Reg. B003117)
5.Samuel Joseph Butler
b.1863 Chippendale, Sydney NSW
d. 1899 Sydney Hospital, Sydney
m. Emma Elizabeth Meadham-1883 in Cobar NSW
6. Matilda Margaret Butler
b.9 August 1866 in Redfern Sydney, NSW
d. unknown
m. Joseph Clark- 26 March 1887 in Newcastle NSW
7. Thomas Charles Butler
b. 31 Jan 1869 in Glebe Sydney NSW
d. 4 Oct 1930 in Wickham Newcastle, NSW
Burial: Sandgate Cemetery- Division SE Section E No 53 kerb & concreted
m. Hannah Halliday- 26 Mar 1891 in Hamilton Newcastle, NSW
8. William Plumleigh Butler
b. 1876 in Glebe Sydney, NSW
d. 18 Sept 1935 in Brisbane QLD
m. Elizabeth Jane Balks- 1897 in Wallsend NSW
9. Sarah Portia Butler
b. 23 Oct 1878 in Newcastle NSW
d. 31 Mar 1895 in Wickham Newcastle NSW

Francis George Butler, was also variously known as 'George Francis' and 'George Francis Walter' and 'George Walter Francis Butler'.

He was a tanner by trade, and married Sarah Ann Chin on 25 April 1853 in Sydney. One witness to his marriage was Frederick Stennett, an uncle married to Rosetta Dunn, the youngest sister of his mother Margaret Dunn. The Stennetts lived in Glebe and several of Francis' children were born in Glebe.

There is no evidence that Francis had any contact with his father after he abandoned the family in 1832, although it is curious that he appears to have given himself his father's name, preferring to call himself George Walter. Francis' uncle, William Pawley (married to Elizabeth Dunn, Margaret's sister) owned a tannery in Sydney and Francis followed this trade.

George placed an advertisement in the Sydney Herald Wed 4 October 1871 p.8, advertising to rent a tanyard:

By 1878, Francis moved his family to Newcastle and as there was a large abattoir in Wickham (part of Newcastle), his tannery business was possibly associated with it. They initially lived in the new development of Islington/Tighes Hill, adjacent to Wickham, in Fern Street. When his daughter Ann got married in 1879, their home was called 'Plumleigh Cottage' in Islington, in memory of Sarah Ann's grandmother's family name.
At the time of their daughter Sarah Portia's death in 1895, they were living in Dent Street Islington. Dent Street intersects with Fern Street, so the house was probably at the junction of the two streets. These streets were just near Power Street where their son Thomas Charles resided.

Islington, Newcastle, showing Fern and Dent Streets, and Power Street

Francis was the first secretary of the local Mechanic's Institute, and was for many years a deacon and secretary of the Islington Congregational Church. He was, for a considerable period, employed by the Wickham Council as timekeeper of the 'bus traffic', but the institution of the tramway service did away with the necessity for the continuance of the duties. He was also a member of the Sons of Temperence Society, Day Dawn Division No. 5. - members were "requested to attend the funeral of late Brother, G.F. Butler."

In the Newcastle Chronicle Sat 18 Dec 1875 p.3, George Butler chaired a public meeting at Tighe's Hill for the purpose of agitating for a public school, the school at North Waratah being at too great a distance; and also for the suppression of the slaughter-house nuisance, having to put up with the abominable and intolerable stench now constantly being blown into town. The Chairman, George, said that prior to coming to live at Tighe's Hill, he had always had the best of health, but since then, he could say that he never felt well, and he believed the affluria arising from the creek as the cause, he hoped they would be suppressed.

The Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners Advocate Sat 24 feb 1883 p.4- Election news:

There is no evidence that George succeeded in his election bid.

The following newspaper articles refer to Francis George's involvement in the establishment of the Islington Mechanics Institute:

Newcastle Mercury Herald 23 March 1886

Islington Mechanics Institute

The last and most significant sign of the town's progress is the erection of a handsome Mechanics Institute in Ferns Street. About two years ago a number of the inhabitants met together, and decided, in view of the flourishing condition of trade, and the number of residents settling in the neighbourhood, that such an institute was needed. Application was accordingly made to the building society, and resulted in the purchase of a suitable piece of land with a frontage of about 60 feet, and Messrs G.W.F. Butler, A. Stronach, and H. Winchester were appointed trustees. Subsequently, a working committee was formed, and steps taken to organize the enterprise.

A code of rules was drawn up, intending members enrolled, and a plan of operations arranged before attempting to build. It is worthy of mention that from the commencement the committee have worked together in the completest harmony. Mr Butler, while ably helped by his colleagues, deserved special praise for the energy and interest he has shown in the work. About four months ago things were thought sufficiently advanced to start erecting the institute itself... the serviceable and suitable building completed last week at a cost of ₤390.

It is built chiefly of pine (rusticated) with an iron roof, and measures 36 feet frontage by 56 feet, presenting a very attractive appearance. The interior consists of a hall capable of seating about 200 people in the body and about 25 on the platform erected at the far end. This stage is a decided acquisition, as it is intended to hold lectures and concerts in the hall.

(Continues with description of inside building)

The inauguration will take place on Friday in the form of a concert followed by a ball and supper, which will no doubt be well patronised."

Newcastle Mercury Herald, March 29, 1886

Concert and Ball

Islington Mechanic's Institute

On Friday night the formal inauguration of the above took place in the form of a grand opening concert and ball, which well deserved the name. The ball was almost inconveniently full, over 200 people being present; but the atmosphere was not oppressively hot, owing to the excellent system of ventilation. It was tastefully decorated with ferns and flowers. Alderman Hubbard, ex-Mayor of Wickham, presided on the occasion... He then formally declared the Institute open, saying it was institutions of this kind which enabled young men to fit themselves for the high position which lies before everyone in this colony.

Mr Wm. Lloyd acted as vice-president, and was supported by Mr G.W.F. Butler, secretary, and Mr Kidd, president of the Institute.

(Continues with description of the concert.)

After the concert which terminated about 10:30 o'clock, the ball commenced and kept up until the early hours of morning. The supper, which was catered for by the committee, was as may be expected, of a high order.

Before the company separated after the concert, the chairman Mr J. Hubbard, in replying to a hearty vote of thanks remarked that the ground on which the institute stood and the surrounding land were ten years ago the home of the black snake and the abode of the opossum, while now it was a centre round which young men might congregate for their mutual improvement and the advancement of the district. The Islington of Australia would in time out-vie the Islington of England, because the former was owned by the bone and sinew of the land, while the latter was possessed by the aristocracy of England (Applause).

The whole inaugural ceremony terminated to the entire satisfaction of all concerned."

There are no surviving records of the Islington Mechanic's Institute, however, there were 39 institutes in the Newcastle and lower Hunter region, all with similar aims. The Rules and regulations of nearby Lambton Mechanic's Institute stated:

'The purpose for which the Institution known as the Lambton Mechanic's and Miner's Institute is established are the mental and moral improvement and rational recreation of its members, by the maintenance of a Library and Reading Room, by Lectures and Readings, by the formation of classes, and by other means that may appear desirable to the Committee."

Early members of these institutes were keen to provide a library as well as other activities such as chess, draughts, billiards, etc. to give young men means of recreation other than those available in the public houses and the like.

Carmichael, Vice President of the first Institute in Sydney said:

"For what can be a more effectual antidote to the mass of existing vices which so generally prevail throughout the colony than a well directed course of mental improvement. How much happier and better is that individual who leaves the halls of such an institution, fraught with knowledge useful to himself, and beneficial to his fellow creatures, than he who reels from the abode of the drunkard or debauchee, tainted with the vices which such a society is sure to entail."[ii]

Many institutes offered technical classes such as mechanical drawing, mineralogy, chemistry, building construction, boiler-making, etc. However, by the 1890's entertainment of the members was a valid objective of the majority of Mechanic's Institutes in the lower Hunter. Musical recital became more common. Debating societies were popular, and a number of institutes entered teams in local sporting competitions.The Library and Reading Rooms were a primary function of the institutes, and held fiction books, non-fiction books, and a variety of newspapers and periodicals for members to read.

Soirees and dances were held regularly. Studies have shown that the membership of urban and rural institutes in the lower Hunter was predominantly middle class.

"At the committee level, the Mechanic's Institutes based in Newcastle and Maitland, as well as the rural institutes remained firmly in the hands of the middle and upper classes." [iii]

The Islington Mechanics Institute did not survive long after Francis Butler's death. The following newspaper advertises the sale of the building in Fern Street:

Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners Advocate Wed 21 Sept 1904 p8

Francis George Walter Butler was obviously very committed to the cause of encouraging temperance, particularly by the young men in his community, and no doubt his own sons. The example he set would be continued by his sons, and in particular Thomas Charles who served as an alderman of the Wickham Council for many years (1904-1920), and in 1912 was elected Mayor of Islington.

One wonders if Francis George's strong beliefs in this area were influenced by the knowledge that his father Walter had been a publican.

Francis preferred to be known by the name George, which is the name used on his marriage licence, and for the birth of a number of his children, as well as in the community and on his headstone. In the community he was known as George Walter Francis Butler, or G.W.F. Butler.

Francis Butler's wife Sarah Ann Chin who was born 3 December 1835 in Deptford London, England, was the daughter of John Butt Chin. He was described as a 'warehouseman' living in Southwark, London, the son of Reverend John Chin (a Baptist minister- the first minister at the Lion Street Baptist Church in the Southwark/Walworth area of Surrey- and his wife Land Plumleigh. Before becoming a minister, John Chin was a successful builder). The Chins then moved a short distance south of Southwark to the newly developing suburb of Walworth.

John Butt Chin married in 1826 to Ann Haddock from neighbouring Newington, the daughter of banker John Haddock. John Haddock's banking company, Whitehead, Howard and Haddock of Cateaton Street London was declared bankrupt in late 1814. John Haddock's wife Mary Bywater had inherited a considerable bequest from her mother's will in January 1811- £4000 Navy Bank annuities at 5%, plus rents from properties. Both John Haddock and his wife Mary Haddock nee Bywater died in 1822.
Rev. John Chin was born in the small village of Hinton St Mary in Dorset, from a long line of Chins from Hinton St Mary dating back to at least the mid 17th century.
Rev. John Chin's wife Land Plumleigh was the daughter of merchant and shipowner Anthony Plumleigh of Dartmouth in Devon. This family were prominent citizens of Dartmouth since the 1500's, many elected as Mayor, all of whom were merchants and shipowners trading on the Continent and Greenland.

Refer to blog on the Chin/Haddock/Plumleigh/Bywater families:
http://chin-haddockfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2013/08/chin-haddock-family-ch1-introduction.html

Sarah Ann Butler nee Chin

The Chin family arrived in Sydney around 1836/37, but by 1841 they were living in Melbourne where John Butt Chin was declared bankrupt. He was described as a tipstaff of the Court. The Chins briefly went to live in Hobart before returning to Sydney in 1848 where Ann soon died. Sarah and her brothers were orphaned in 1849 when their parents died within a year of each other. Her brother Benjamin Chin would marry Francis' cousin Lucy Hewitt nee Butler (daughter of Ann Dunn and Samuel Butler, viz. no relation- an English missionary who died in New Zealand) in 1861.

Francis and Sarah Ann Butler had nine children between 1853 and 1878. Many of these children had a short life. (Two of their children died in infancy, and three died at ages 17, 29 and 36).

Francis died of senile decay at Teralba (a suburb of Lake Macquarie, 30 miles from Newcastle) in 1901- at that time his son William was a miner at the Great Northern Coal Company colliery at Teralba, so Francis was either living with his son due to his illness or he was visiting at the time of his death. Sarah died a few years later in 1906 at Maitland Road Wickham which adjoins Dent Street, and is just behind Power Street where her son Thomas lived. Both were buried in Sandgate Cemetery, Newcastle, and each has a large monument marking their graves.

Francis's obituary stated in the Newcastle Herald 23 November 1901:

Islington

Death of an Old Resident

An old native of the colony, and for many years a resident of this district passed away at Teralba yesterday morning in the person of Mr G.W.F. Butler. He was born 72 years ago on almost the identical spot in the Haymarket Sydney where Horderns' palatial buildings now stand. The deceased was one of the first secretaries of the local Mechanic's Institute and was for many years a deacon and secretary of Islington Congregational Church. he was for a considerable period employed by the Wickham Council as timekeeper of the 'bus traffic, but the institution of the tramway service did away with the necessity for the continuance of the duties. He leaves a wife and grown up family, all of who are married. The funeral cortege will leave the local Congregational Church this afternoon.

Grave of George Francis and Sarah Ann Butler

Sandgate Cemetery Newcastle

Sarah Ann Butler's death notice in Newcastle Herald 31 August 1906

Sandgate Cemetery Grave Records, Newcastle

Butler, Sarah Ann

Por: CONGREGATIONAL Sec: 4CSE Lot: 48 Buried on: 31/08/1906 Lat: -32.869215857 Long: 151.707123107

Butler, George W Francis

Por: CONGREGATIONAL Sec: 4CSE Lot: 48 Buried on: 23/11/1901 Lat: -32.869215857 Long: 151.707123107

Location of grave at Sandgate Cemetery

Will of Sarah Ann Butler nee Chin

Will Transcript:

WILL TESTRATRIX DIED 31^ST August 1916 Estate sworn at £176/1/8

BUTLER, SARAH ANN

late of Islington, Widow.

This is the last Will and Testament of one, Sarah Ann Butler (widow) of Power Street, Islington in the State of New south Wales, Australia. Hereby revoke all former Wills and Testamentary Dispositions at any time here before made by me and I declare this to be my last will and testament. Afford payment of all my just debts, financial and testamentary expenses I appoint Thomas Charles Butler and William Plumleigh Butler of Teralba in the State of New South Wales my Executors here in after called my Trustee Executors of this my will and I declare that all trust and Power herein after vested in my Trustees. I give, devise and bequest all my real and personal property to my Executors upon Trust. I direct my Executors as soon as convenient after my decease to sell by Private of Public Auction as they think best in the interests of the Estate the whole of the property consisting of House, Land and etc, wheresoever and whatsoever to hold in trust, with all other moneys due to me or may become due to me from wheresoever and whatsoever and whosoever to hold in trust. I direct that my Executors’ shall erect out of such accumulated money a suitable headstone with curb and iron railing around my grave at Sandgate or where my body may be buried. I further direct my executors that the sum of ten shillings per annum shall be spent for the period of ten years to maintain, clear and to keep the grave in good order. I direct that the whole of the balance shall be equally divided amongst my four children, Ann Jane Smith of the city of Brisbane, Queensland, Thomas Charles Butler of Power Street Islington, Matilda Margaret Clark of Adamstown, William Plumleigh Butler of Teralba NSW.

My Executors shall furnish to all those interested a true statement of all accounts and disbursements. In Witness whereof I have herewith set my hand this eighth day of June nineteen hundred and three- Sarah Ann Butler

Signed and declared by the said Testator as and for her last Will and Testament, in the presence of us present at the same time who at her request in her presence and in the presence of each other have herewith subscribed our names and Witnesses- George Robert Alexander of Hamilton, Arthur Richard Blackwell of Islington

5 October 1906 By Act of Court Probate of the Will of the said deceased was granted to Thomas Charles Butler of Islington Coach Builder and William Plumleigh Butler of Kurri Kurri Driver(?) the Executors named in the ...... .

CHILDREN OF FRANCIS GEORGE BUTLER AND SARAH ANN CHIN

BENJAMIN HENRY BUTLER:

Benjamin Henry Butler was born in Sydney in 1857, and married in 1881 to Mary Jane Cole at Musselbrook (NSW Reg. 4373), dying in 1886 at the very young age of 29 years.

January 1886 (Newcastle Herald)

Gravestone of Benjamin Butler

Benjamin left issue:

George Henry Butler, b. 8 June 1882 Newcastle; died 27 July 1948 at Hamilton; married 1905 Bernice Virginia EDGAR at Hamilton Newcastle- 7 issue: Doris M. 1906-1996 m. Norman Gayner 1927 (3 issue); George E. 1909-1935 m. Myra Smith 1935 (2 issue); Raymond b.1911, m. Peggy R Edwards 1945; Ronald N. b. 1913 m. Elva Fuller 1937; Keith A. b.1915; Frank H. m Joyce Drumbrell 1942; Jack m. Peg ?.

Minnie Elizabeth Jane Butler, b. 26 July 1883 Cuan, Scone NSW; d. 2 June 1956 at Wallsend Newcastle (a widow); m. Harold Douglas GRANT in 1906- 5 issue: Dorothy M. b. 1907; Mary b.1908; Elsie Mabel 1910-1980 m. Jack C. Jeffrey 1935 (3 issue); Douglas H 1912-1913; Bernice E. 1913-1991 m. Derrick Fielding 1935

Frank Richard Butler b.1885 Scone NSW; d. 1 May 1955 Marrickville; married 1908 Annie EM NEWMAN at Waverley NSW- 5 issue: Jean E b.1909; Frank E. b.1910; Nancy A b.1912; Eva M. b. 1914; Mabel A. b.1916

Benjamin's wife, Mary Jane Butler nee Cole, daughter of William and Jane Cole, was widowed with three young children and outlived her husband by 50 years, dying at Speer's Point in 1936. She was born at Williamtown (near Raymond Terrace), near Newcastle, in 1852. She was a witness to the marriage of Benjamin's sister Anne Jane Butler to John Gibson in 1879.

ANN JANE BUTLER:

Ann Jane Butler married firstly a Dane, John Gibson (son of James and Agnes Gibson) on 27 September 1879 in Newcastle, by special license, and had five issue:
Sarah Ann Gibson, b. 1 Aug 1880 at Newcastle; died 14 June 1957; married 22 Dec 1899 James William Cahir BARLOW at Nambour QLD- two issue: Kelvin m. Thos Marriott (8 issue); Ivy Lillian A 1901-1977 m. Athol C. Duncan 1921- 1 daughter (m. Hugo Backhaus)
George Gibson, b.1883 Newcastle; d. 1884 Newcastle
William Gibson, b.1885 Newcastle; died 1949 Brisbane QLD (B21071)
Mary Jane Gibson, b. 1887 Wollongong NSW; d. 1929
Ruby Emerline Gibson, b.1889 Newcastle; d. 1890 Newcastle

Ann also married Joseph Smith, then John Farrell, and finally Fred Darbin.

Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners Advocate Tues 30 Sept 1879 p2

Ann Jane and John Gibson

Ann Jane Butler

Anne Darben and son William Gibson

William Gibson at work as a fireman

John Gibson apparently died at Wickham in 1896 (NSW Reg. 14520), although the second newspaper article below questions this.

Anne Jane Gibson nee Butler married secondly Joseph Smith at Hamilton Newcastle in 1896. Smith came from Durham and they may have been introduced by Anne's brother Thomas' wife Hannah Halliday whose parents also came from Durham. However, the Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners Advocate Thurs 1 Sept 1898 p6, revealed that Smith had left Ann and remarried without a divorce:

This was followed by the court case which was reported in the Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners Advocate, Fri 9 Sept., p.7 , which explained what happened to Ann's first husband John Gibson:

Anne Jane Smith nee Gibson nee Butler married thirdly John Andrew Farrell 9 May 1906 in Brisbane.
Anne Jane Farrell married Frederick Darben (son of Henry and Rebecca Darben) in Brisbane on 20 March 1928 (QLD Reg. B20918). Fred died in Brisbane in 1957.
Anne Jane Darben died in 1939 in Nundah Brisbane (QLD Reg. B43611)

In the year 1906 when Anne married John Farrell, John was enrolled at 294 Edward Street as a boarding house keeper on 6 April 1906.

In August 1908 Anne was enrolled at 91 Wharf Street Brisbane as a boarding house keeper.

Worker (Brisbane) Thurs 26 Nov. 1914 p14

This building, known as the 'Newcastle and Sydney Boarding House', was resumed for the building of a fire station for which Anne made a claim for compensation, reported in the Brisbane Courier:

Brisbane Courier Sat 20 Sept 1913 p4

Brisbane Courier Tues 9 March 1915 p4

In 1908, Anne's daughter Mary Jane Gibson was listed at 296 Edward Street as 'domestic duties'.
In 1909, Ann Jane was enrolled at 296 Edward Street as a boarding house keeper.
After gaining her compensation, Anne reopened the boarding house in South Brisbane, under the same name.

Brisbane Courier Mon 22 Jan 1917 p5

On 19 March 1917 Anne was enrolled as a boarding house proprietress at the 'Sydney and Newcastle Boarding House' in 102 Grey Street South Brisbane.

Anne's marriage to Fred Darben was in the Queensland Figaro, Sat 7 April 1928 p6

Anne Jane died on 12 May 1939 in Nundah Private Hospital and her obituary in the Courier Mail, Fri 19 May 1939 p8S

She was interred at Lutwyche Cemetery Sect 19A/Allot 30.
Her daughter Sarah Ann made a claim for her property:

Worker (Brisbane) Tues 26 Dec 1939 p19- Govt. notices

SAMUEL J. BUTLER:

Samuel Butler married Emma MEADHAM in 1883 at Cobar and had 4 issue before he died at the young age of 36 years in 1899:
Sarah Ethel Butler b. 1885
Alfred George Ernest Butler (known as Ernie) b.1887, d. 1943
Lilly Butler b.1889
Percy S. Butler b. 1891, d. 1978

Samuel was a Hotel Manager and lived in Pitt Street, Newcastle prior to entering hospital suffering chronic nephritis.

Ernie (Alfred George) and Daisy Butler

Percy Butler

MATILDA MARGARET BUTLER:

Matilda married Joseph Clark in 1887 in Newcastle, where their numerous children were born:
Harold William Clark, b. 1888 East Maitland (?- father named as Joseph Clark, mother as Matilda)
Eva M. Clark, b.1890 Newcastle
James V. Clark, b/d.1891 Newcastle
Alice N. Clark, b/d. 1895 Newcastle
Sarah L. Clark, b.1896 Wickham Newcastle
Albert E. Clark, b.1898 Wickham Newcastle
Thomas W. Clark, b.1901 Wallsend Newcastle
Elsie M. Clark, b. 1907 Adamstown, Newcastle
James E. Clark, b. 1907 Adamstown, Newcastle

On 29 April 1913, Joseph and Matilda Clark were enrolled at 63 Edward Street, Brisbane
On 11 September 1914, Matilda was enrolled at Hope Street South Brisbane
In 1917 Matilda was enrolled at Merivale Street near Ernest Street, South Brisbane.

WILLIAM PLUMLEIGH BUTLER:

William Plumleigh worked as a miner in Newcastle, and was working at the Great Northern Coal Company colliery at Teralba when his father died at Teralba in 1901, the informant named as son William at Teralba.

Northern extended Colliery Teralba c.mid 1890's

(J.& A. Brown Collection, courtesy of the Library at the University of Newcastle)

The middle name 'Plumleigh' came from Sarah Ann Chin's grandmother Land Plumleigh (wife of Rev. John Chin).

In the Federal Directory of Newcastle and District 1901, a William Butler, miner, was living in Young Street Lambton, and a W. Butler, miner, was living in nearby William Street Jesmond, both just off the Newcastle Road. There were also mines at Lambton and Jesmond.

William and wife Elizabeth J. Balks (m.1897), known as Lil, worked on Cahir's farm at Teven for a period before 1923. They lived in South Brisbane from about 1923 until about 1931. Their address was 104 Grey Street, working as a boarding house keeper (28 March 1923 Electoral Roll record), the same address as his sister Anne Jane Darben, viz. The Newcastle and Sydney Boarding House. They lived in Seymour Road Ascot from 1931 until about 1967, when Lil entered a convalescent home until her death in 1971 (William having died many years before in 1935- buried in Toowong Cemetery).

William Plumleigh Butler

They had issue:
William G. Butler b.1898 Wallsend Newcastle
Ivy Butler, b.1900 Wallsend
Amy Butler, b/d.1903 Wallsend
Alma Butler b. 1904 Wallsend
Cecil Butler b.1907 Kurri Kurri

SARAH PORTIA BUTLER:

Sarah sadly died at the very young age of 18 years. She shares the elaborate gravestone in Sandgate Cemetery Newcastle with her parents.

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners Advocate St 30 March 1895 p3

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners Advocate, Wed 10 April 1895 p.8

Map of Islington, Newcastle

Francis George and Sarah Butler lived in Fern and Dent Streets, son Thomas Charles lived in Fern Street, Watson Street, and finally Power Street, towards the park.

THOMAS CHARLES BUTLER:

Walter Butler's interest in politics was passed down to his grandson, Thomas Charles, younger son of Francis George. As stated Thomas Charles was an alderman for many years and Mayor of Islington in 1912.

Thomas Charles Butler in mayoral robes 1912

Thomas Charles Butler was the 7th child of Francis and Sarah Ann and was born on 31 January 1869 in Glebe Sydney. He married Hannah Halliday on 26 March 1891 at Hamilton, Newcastle. She was born in Araleun on 21 November 1870. Her father Ralph Halliday was a gold miner, originally a coal miner from Durham north England, and his wife was Martha Woods born in Ashfield, Sydney to Alexander Woods, a butcher, and his wife Maria Glover from Enfield London who arrived as a bounty immigrant in 1841.

After Thomas married Hannah, they lived in Ferns Street Islington in the municipality of Wickham, Newcastle. Fern Street is where his parents lived. Thomas and his brother William arranged the funeral of their father. Thomas and Hannah would buy a property around the corner in a quiet little street named Power Street at the end of which was a large park.

There was a large family celebration for Hannah's parents 60th wedding anniversary in 1925, which Thomas attended with his three sons, Leslie, Stanley and Ralph. The Hallidays lived next door to the Butlers.

Thomas and Hannah had seven children, three sons and four daughters between 1892 and 1916. Family sources remember that after the birth of the last child, Thomas was "kicked out of the main bedroom and had to sleep on the verandah". One family member remembers that Thomas and Hannah did not speak to each other for several years, and that Hannah was regarded as a "hard woman".

Issue:
Leslie Roy Butler, b.1892 (Re. 16331) Hamilton Newcastle; m. 9 April 1913 Virginia Pearl McKenzie; died 16 May 1947 Auburn Sydney NSW; issue 2 sons, Milton & Mervyn and a daughter Enid.
Lilian Mary Butler, b.1893 (reg. 16677) Hamilton; m. Arthur J. Beard 1919 at Sydney; d.1948
Stanley Clarence Butler, b.1895 (38168) Hamilton; m. Patricia B. Burke 1923 Waratah (3728); d. 1969 QLD (C4080)- issue one daughter
Harold Ralph/Ralph Harold Butler, b.1897 (27528); m.Frances M. Gottsche nee Woodhans 1918 (6505) at Hamilton; died 17 November 1935 (24741) at Waratah, Hamilton Newcastle; several issue including William Charles
Jessie Butler, b. 1906 (9394); d. 1953 (28427) at Stockton; unmarried.
Thelma Butler, b. 1911; m. George K. King 1933 (15361); died after 1978
Beryl Florence Butler, b. 1916; m. Russell Fox 1935 (10912) at Hamilton; died 1975 (100998)

Thelma, Beryl and Jessie Butler

The following photo of Thomas Charles' wife Hannah Halliday's parents 60th wedding anniversary on 13 February 1926, shows Thomas Charles with his children in attendance:

Top Row (L to R)- 1. Thomas Butler 7. Stan Butler, 8. Les Butler

Second Back Row- 1. Jessie Butler, 2. Lilly Butler, 3. Thelma Butler, 4. Harold Butler

Third Row- 1. Hannah Butler nee Halliday (wife of Thomas) , Hannah's parents Martha and Ralph Halliday in centre

Front Row- 4. Beryl Butler, 7. William Charles Butler son of Harold Butler)

(photo courtesy of Robyn Rose)

Newcastle Herald & Miners Advocate Sat 13 Feb 1926 p4

Thomas Charles Butler was employed by Gilbert Brothers, coachbuilders at Blane Street (now Hunter Street West) Newcastle West from 1889 until 1904 as a wheelwright, and as foreman for ten years.

The Gilbert Brothers company was a well known coachmaking firm in Newcastle, with a factory in Hunter Street West (then named Blane Street), Newcastle West, not far from Islington.

Gilbert Brothers coach and buggy factory in Hunter Street West, 10 October 1889

(Photographer Ralph Snowball, the Norm Barney Photographic Collection

with the kind permission of the Library of the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia)

In 1893 Thomas also began a business as a funeral director- he placed the following advertisement, and appears to have had a short break in his employment with Gilberts, returning to their employment in 1894 as foreman. However, it would appear that his undertaking business continued on:

Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners Advocate Sat 22 July 1893 p8

In the 1901 Federal Directory for Newcastle and District, Thomas Charles is listed as T.C. Butler, coachbuilder, Power Street, Tighes Hill (Islington).

In 1904, Thomas left Gilbert Bros to go out on his own. He placed an advertisement in the Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners Advocate:

Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners Advocate 17 Sept 1904 p7

Shortly after, he took on two partners, his fellow workmates from Gilbert Bros, with Thomas as manager:

Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners Advocate Sat 22 Oct 1904 p7

The following article gives information on their association with Gilberts:

Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners Advocate Fri 23 Dec 1904 p7

A further advertisement in the Morning Herald Friday 23 December 1904 (p.7) names the company:
Messrs Butler, Wilkins and Davidson, Islington near the park; some three months ago, Messrs Butler, Wilkins and Davidson, each of whom worked for Messrs Gilbert Bros for a great number of years, etc.

The company was in Maitland Road, close to the rear of his house in Power Street, and bordering the park..
He continued as an undertaker and funeral director for many years and is listed in numerous funeral notices in the newspapers, while the coachmaking part of the business constructed carriages and specialized in building sulkies decorated with gold leaf, according to his grandchildren.
The 1909 Federal Directory lists:

Butler, Wilkins and Davidson, Coach & Carriage Builders, Maitland Road, Islington.

At some point the partners must have parted ways.

Thomas continued as a funeral director- there are numerous funeral notices for burials at Sandgate cemetery, finishing with:
(1907)- THOMAS C. BUTLER, Funeral Director, Telephone No. 41
(1918)- THOMAS C. BUTLER, Funeral Director, Telephone 214 Hamilton

Newcastle Herald & Miners Advocate, Wed 16 Feb 1910 p6

The Sands Directory for Sydney and New South Wales, for 1919, 1920, 1921, 1922 and 1923 lists :
T.C. Butler, mgr, Federal Coach Works, Islington
Curiously the entry above him in the Directory has T.C. Butler, builder, Islington. Whether this referred to him is not certain.
After 1923, Thomas is no longer listed as at Federal Coach Works- see Voluntary Sequestration below. However, the T.C. Butler, builder continued to be listed.

His son's death certificate described Thomas as a 'wheelwright'. He was also listed as an 'undertaker'. A descendant remembers that Thomas was also a stonemason and that some of his marble angels, crosses and headstones are in the Sandgate Cemetery Newcastle. He may have made his parent's headstones in Sandgate Cemetery, which are quite impressive.

However, his coachmaking business went into voluntary sequestration in 1922:

Sydney Morning Herald, Tues 15 August 1922 p6

From his early adulthood, Thomas Charles was closely associated with the Wesleyan Church. In 1893 the following was reported in the Newcastle Morning Herald and Miner's Advocate, (Sat 21 Oct 1893 p6):
Wesleyan Band of Hope
The fortnightly meeting of the Carrington Band of Hope was held in the Wesleyan Church. Mr Thomas Butler presided. The programme consisted of the following recitals:......
and there were several parents of the children present.

The Newcastle Morning Herald and Miner's Advocate, Friday 11 May 1894, p7, reported a 'Valedictory Tea Meeting':
A valedictory tea meeting was held at the Wesleyan Church on Tuesday evening, its object being to enable the members and friends to bid farewell to Mr Thomas Butler of Islington who has been superintendent of the Sunday-school for two years. Mr Butler proceeded to Sydney on Wednesday, and in all probability will visit New Zealand, his object being to obtain employment. The Rev. R. H. Rickard presided over the meeting at which expressions of deep regret from all were expressed at the loss the school would sustain by Mr Butler's departure. Mr and Mrs Butler were presented with some nice little presents on behalf of the parents and friends of the Sunday-school children
.
As this record refers to 'Islington' and the Wesleyan Church, it would appear to refer to Thomas Charles Butler. However, despite their determination to leave for Sydney, it was not long before Thomas and wife Hannah returned to Islington and Wickham, as their son Stanley was born there in 1895.
As well, Thomas was Secretary of the Wesleyan Church in 1895:
Newcastle Morning Herald and Miner's Advocate, Friday 13 Sept 1895 p8:
Public Notices
Wesleyan Church
Thanking those who contributed to make the Conversazione such a splendid success.
Signed R. Rickard, Minister, and Thomas Butler, Secretary

Newcastle Herald & Miners Advocate, Wed 12 January 1898 p3

And in November 1901, Thomas was the Hon. Secretary of the Wesleyan Sunday School when the foundation stone for the new Sunday School building was laid.

Newcastle Morning Herald & Miner's Advocate Wed 7 Aug 1901 p1

Newcastle Morning Herald & Miner's Advocate sat 10 Aug 1901 p5

Celebration for the laying of the foundation stone for the Hamilton Wesleyan Sunday School on 20 November 1901

(Photographer Ralph Snowden, courtesy the Library of University of Newcastle)

Thomas was also involved with the establishment of the Islington Bowling Club in 1914. The following article recalls the early days of the club:
Newcastle Morning Herald and Miner's Advocate, (Sat 9 January 1937 p4),
Early Days- Islington Bowling Club- Ald. Kirk's Memories
Interesting facts about the early days of the Islington Bowling Club were given in an interview by Ald. J. Kirk of Wickham Council, who has been Treasurer since its inception 22 years ago. He was Mayor of Wickham at the time when the controversy raged over the destruction of several trees in the Moreton Bay fig grove to make way for the new green.
Ald. Kirk said that the first move to form a club was in February 1914. Before then, the creek was used to flow where the present green is. Ground was filled in by the Wickham Council and three rinks were made. The pavilion was built with the aid of a Government grant. The money was advanced because it was thought that the introduction of a bowling green would start a beautification scheme in Islington Park. When the first meeting was held at the pavilion, the gas had not been connected, and the proceedings had to be carried on with the aid of lanterns. Since that night the club had never looked back. The first officers were - President, the late Ald. Thomas Butler, etc... The opening ceremony took place in 1915. The work in the early days was performed by voluntary labour.

For many years Thomas and his family lived at 54 Power Street, Islington, and after Hannah's death in 1941, their son Stan and his wife lived in the house, after buying out his sister's share. Stan also bought the little shop next door. Thomas was listed at this address in the 1901 Federal Directory of Newcastle, and as his children from Stan (born 1895) onwards were recorded as born in Wickham, this was probably when they built the house. An Advertisement for a subdivision land release at "Georgetown, Islington- Auction Sale Saturday March 23rd" (no year given) by Edwards and Tighe Vendors displays a map of the blocks for sale including Power Street- Thomas's block was No. 10 in Section C. A second advertisement on Saturday 6th April shows that this block was Sold. (Maps M1688 and 2640- Cultural Collection at the University of Newcastle). He may have also bought the adjacent block (No. 9) which appears to be undeveloped and part of the property (see aerial photo below). Thomas's wife Hannah's parents, Ralph and Martha Halliday lived in the house on the top side of the spare block, at No. 58. Power Street ends at the large and rather beautiful Islington Park through which Throsby Creek winds its way.

The second advertisement on the 6th April (year unknown) showing Thomas Butler's purchased blocks of land- Section C, blocks No.10 and No. 9, Power Street

(Map# M2640; Series: Newcastle and suburbs subdivision plans- image of a land sale subdivision plan from the Collection of the Northumberland Permanent Building Investment and Loan Society- with kind permission of the Library of University of Newcastle, NSW)

54 Power Street Islington, today

Aerial view of 54 Power Street (marked A) and the adjoining block (No. 56).

NB. the house at the top, No. 58, belonged to the in-laws, Ralph and Martha Halliday.

Thomas became an Alderman in the Wickham Council. He was first listed as a nominee in 1901,

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miner's Advocate Sat 3 Aug 1901 p6

and is listed as being elected to Council as an Alderman in 1904. The Municipal Reports in the Newcastle Morning Herald for the period 1900-1909 only list the Municipal Election details for the years 1901 and 1904- the 1901 paper only lists the nominations.
He is also listed as Alderman from 1910 to 1920, and Mayor of Islington in 1912.

He was also District Registrar in 1915:

Newcastle Herald & Miners Advocate, Fri 25 June 1915 p2

Thomas died at Wickham, Newcastle on 4 October 1930, and the Sandgate Cemetery details are:

6/10/1930

Wesleyan, Division SE Section F. No. 53, Kerb and Concreted

He had been a member of Ferndale Lodge, Tighe's Hill, and the following appeared in the newspaper after his death:

Pride of Ferndale Lodge. Officers and Members of the above Lodge are requested to attend the Funeral of their late Brother, T.C. Butler."

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners Advocate, Mon 6 Oct 1930 p9

Thomas and Hannah Butler in 1926 (daughter Jessie behind Hannah)

Hannah died on 28 May 1941. She had a stroke at home and was found by her son Stan and taken to Newcastle Hospital where she died, according to her granddaughter. However, her death certificate incorrectly gives her place of death as Rozelle Hospital, Sydney.

Grave of Thomas Charles and Hannah Butler

Sandgate Cemetery Newcastle

Location of grave of Thomas and Hannah Halliday at Sandgate Cemetery

Hannah left the following will (notably she did not name her eldest child Les Butler in her will)

Hannah's father Ralph Halliday who lived next door to his daughter Hannah and son-in-law Thomas died at the grand age of 92. His obituaries give us a good summary of his life:

Newcastle Herald & Miners Advertiser Sat 7 Sept 1929 p11

Newcastle Herald & Miners Advocate Tues 3 Sept 1929 p9

Ralph was a coalminer from Durham, UK. In the 1851 Census, he is listed as a coalminer aged 13, long with his father and elder brother. His father Robert Halliday was killed in a stone fall at the mine in 1869. He too, was the son of a miner. Ralph's mother, Hannah Young's family were also miners.

Ralph's wife Martha Charlotte Wood's parents both originated from London, but met and married in Sydney in 1840.

The following is the Halliday family tree:

THOMAS AND HANNAH BUTLER'S SONS, HAROLD/RALPH AND STANLEY AND LESLIE:

Harold/Ralph, Stan and Les Butler in 1926

HAROLD RALPH BUTLER

Harold Ralph Butler

(courtesy of grandson Brian Butler)

Known variously as Harold and Ralph, he was a builder living at Waratah, Newcastle, when he died on 17 November 1935 at the young age of 38. He had married Frances May Gottsche nee Woodhans in 1918, but they had three issue- son William Charles (seen in Halliday Anniversary photo above), Alice and Betty.

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners Advocate, Sat 7 December 1935 p15

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners Advocate, Monday 18 November 1935 p9

Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners Advocate, Mon 1 June 1942 p2

He left his estate to his wife Frances, however the debts outweighed his assets.

STANLEY CLARENCE BUTLER:

Second eldest son, Stanley Clarence Butler was born in Watson Street Islington, Newcastle in 1895.

In 1923 at Warratah Newcastle, Stanley married Patricia Burke who was also born in 1895 at Walcha Road, a small town near Tamworth in NSW. Her father was killed in a riding accident shortly before her birth.

Stan started his career with the Newcastle and Hunter District water Board and began his studies in Civil Engineering. He interrupted his work and studies to enlist in the Army during World War I, enlisting at Liverpool Barracks in October 1915 at the age of 20. He had served in the militia for four years previously. Stan began with the rank of Sergeant and was rapidly promoted to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant in August 1916 and Lieutenant in France in November 1916, serving in the 5th Division 2nd RFT’s, 30th Battalion.

Newcastle Morning Herald & Miners Advocate Thurs 21 Sept 1916 p5

He was stationed in France and Flanders from 26 June 1916 until wounded in action on the 30 September 1917 (part of his scapula, ie. shoulder blade, was shot off and he was sent to a London Hospital for reconstruction). The trenches were notoriously filled with water and mud from the incessant rain which led to Stan suffering bronchitis and being hospitalized in London General Hospital in December 1916 while on leave in London. Stan fought at the Battle of Polygon Wood on 26 September 1917, and was awarded the Military Cross for his brave actions. He also received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

Stan’s father Thomas received his son’s citation stating:

“AWARDED THE MILITARY CROSS

THE KING has been graciously pleased, on the occasion of His Majesty’s Birthday to approve the above award to the under-mentioned officer for services rendered in connection with operations in France and Flanders- Lieutenant Stanley Clarence BUTLER.

The above has been promulgated in “Commonwealth of Australia Gazette” No. 173, dated 7 th November 1918 (A copy of extract from Second Supplement No. 30,716 to the ‘London Gazette’ dated 3rd June 1918, relating to the conspicuous services rendered by the undermentioned member of the Imperial Force.)”

(Courtesy of Mrs J. Dunn)

The following documents are the official recommendations for the Military Cross by Lt Col James William Clark (Commanding Officer of the 30th Bn), Brig- General E. Tivey, Commander of the 8th Infantry Brigade, and Major General J.T. Hobbs, citing the reason for being awarded the Military Cross:

Stan was discharged medically unfit for duty in September 1918 and returned to Australia.

(information and photos of Stan, courtesy of daughter Joy Dunn)

Newcastle Herald & Miners Advocate 29 Nov 1918 p5

Newcastle Herald & Miners Advocate, Friday 29 November 1918 p5

The Battle of Polygon Wood

The following website, the Australian War Museum, describes this battle:

http://www.awm.gov.au/units/event_153.asp

26 September 1917

The Battle of Polygon Wood was the ANZAC component of a larger British and dominion operation staged as part of the third battle of Ypres. This operation was the second of the “Plummer battles”, as series of well planned, limited advances supported by large volumes of artillery, masterminded by the British general Herbert Plummer. The name “Polygon Wood” derived from a young plantation forest that lay along ANZAC’s axis of advance.

Scheduled to begin on 26 September 1917, the attack was almost derailed by a German attack on the British X Corps to the south of ANZAC. A day earlier, Australian troops of the 15th Brigade, preparing for their attack, took part in fending off the Germans; however, their advance the next day began with continuing uncertainty as to the security of their flank.

The British and dominion advance began on schedule at 5.50 am on the 26th, with the 4th and 5th Divisions, on the left and right respectively, taking the lead in the ANZAC sector. The infantry advanced behind a heavy artillery barrage- the noise of this was compared to a roaring bushfire- and they secured most of their objectives without difficulty. To the south, the 15th Brigade, which after its efforts the previous day had been reinforced by two battalions from the 8th, secured not only its own objectives but those allocated to the neighbouring 98th British Brigade. The Germans launched several counter-attacks but these were thwarted by the heavy defensive artillery barrages used to protect the infantry consolidating on their objectives; this was a feature of the Plummer battles. The battle cost 5,770 Australian casualties.

Another website, the Dept. of Veteran Affairs and Board of Studies NSW:

http://www.ww1westernfront.gov.au/battlefields/polygon-wood-september-1917.html

has the following description:

“The Battle of Polygon Wood, fought on 26 September 1917, was the second ‘bite and hold’ operation of the Third Battle of Ypres in which Australians participated. Australian forces involved in the Polygon Wood battle were the Fourth and Fifth Divisions, which as well as the infantry included artillery, engineers, medical personnel and the hundreds of men involved in supply and transport. All essential war material had to be brought forward by wagons along roads and tracks exposed to heavy shelling. Horses and drivers suffered greatly. While a cratered road was repaired, drivers had to sit and wait, controlling their horses as the shells fell around them.

Charles Bean, Australia’s official historian wrote of these men:

They belonged to the finest class their nation produced, unassuming, country-bred men. They waited steadily until the break was repaired or some shattered wagon or horses dragged from the road, and then continued their vital work. No shell-fire could drive them from their horses. The unostentatious efficiency and self-discipline of these steadfast men was as fine as any achievement of Australians in the war.

(Charles Bean, The AIF in France: 1917, The Official History of Australia in the War of 1914-1918, Volume 4, Sydney, 1941, pp 794-795)

The name Polygon Wood derived from a plantation forest that lay along the axis of the Australian advance on 26 September 1917. Shelling had reduced the wood to little more than stumps and broken timber. The planned attack was almost derailed by a German attack 24 hours earlier on British troops holding the line to the south of the Fifth Division. Australians, scheduled to attack the next morning, helped to fend off the Germans, but there was some concern about the possible weakness of this flank during the upcoming operation.

The British artillery barrage, which commenced at 5.50 on 26 September, just as the Polygon plateau became visible, was described by Charles Bean as :

… the most perfect that ever protected Australian troops. It seemed to break out… with a single crash. The ground was dry, and the shell-bursts raised a wall of dust and smoke which appeared almost to be solid. So dense was the cloud that individual bursts… could not be distinguished. Roaring, deafening, it rolled ahead of the troops ‘like a Gippsland bushfire’.

(Charles Bean, The AIF in France…, op.cit, p.813)

Seven divisions, five British and two Australian, advanced behind the screen of shells- the ‘creeping barrage’ as it was known- and seized most of their objectives. In the south, despite the previous day’s problems, the Australians reached not only their own objectives but those allocated to neighbouring British units. The Germans launched several counter-attacks but these were thwarted by the heavy defensive artillery barrages used to protect the infantry consolidating their objectives. A feature of the Polygon Wood fighting were the fierce mopping-up actions to clear the German defenders from ‘pillboxes’ untouched by the shelling.

German pillbox captured by Australian soldiers at Polygon Wood on 26 September (AWM E00904)

Following the War, Stan returned to the Water Board and continued his studies for his Civil Engineering Degree. He was transferred from Newcastle Head Office to Maitland as Superintendent of the Hunter District area in 1930, and was transferred back to Newcastle in 1938 as Designing Engineer and was later appointed to the position of Deputy Chief Engineer. He remained in this position until his retirement due to ill health in 1957. Throughout his life his legs would suffer due to his time in the mud trenches during the war. However, he was not considered eligible for a War Service Pension and his wife only qualified after the intervention of Legacy.

Stan was a very handsome man and his sister-in-law, Pearl, once recounted a story when he visited Pearl when she was not at home. The neighbours told Pearl of his visit and said “The most handsome man they had ever seen had called on her.”

When Stan retired, he and Patricia (baptised as Pathias) retired to Gosford. Stan and his wife had one daughter and followed her and her husband to various places in Australia before settling in Gladstone in QLD where Stan died in 1969. His wife Patricia lived to the grand age of 92 years and died in Brisbane in 1987.
Stan and wife Patricia/Pathias were cremated and their ashes interred in Pinegrove Memorial Park Lawn Cemetery in Sydney:

LESLIE ROY BUTLER:

Thomas and Hannah's eldest son Leslie Roy Butler followed his father's trade as a coach builder and then a motor body builder.

Leslie Butler

He married Virginia Pearl McKenzie in Armidale, NSW in 1913. Pearl, born 1891 in Armidale NSW, was the daughter of Lachlan Neil McKenzie and Christina Colmer of Armidale.
Together Les and Pearl would have two sons and a daughter. Eldest son Mervyn was born in Newcastle in 1914. Second son Milton was born in Brisbane in 1920. Their daughter was born in 1925.

Les began his career working for his father's company in Islington, building coaches, and sometime before 1919, Leslie received an award for building the first automobile in Islington, Newcastle.

About 1919/20, Les moved his wife and son to Brisbane and they settled in South Brisbane, before moving to Woolloongabba. In the early 1920's Leslie hand built a car for himself. In 1925/26, Henry Ford visited Brisbane to set up one of the three production plants he was establishing in Australia. Henry personally met with Les and offered him a job setting up and managing the new plant in Adelaide (the third plant was at Geelong), which Leslie foolishly turned down, wishing to go into production for himself and not wishing to relocate to Adelaide.

Leslie's handbuilt car, early 1920's outside family home Brisbane

Les was involved in the construction of a bus in 1924 and he supposedly drove the bus on the Redcliffe-Petrie-Brisbane run.

Leslie's bus

A Mr. Eldridge constructed the cabin, the chassis and motor used was a 'Vulcan". Leslie probably helped outfit the interior of the bus as he employed women to hand-sew the seats for the bus, under his house. The bus was used by the Redcliffe Petrie Motor Service, owned by a Mr Elson, who started the bus service in the early 1920's.

Les had a roving eye and was the victim of a vicious assault by a 'friend' over an argument concerning a woman, the sordid details of which was reported in detail in the Brisbane Courier Wed 7 November 1928 p3. By this time he had left his wife and children, and the following year wife Pearl sued Les for maintenance costs. He was ordered by the Court to pay £1. 10s. per week for the maintenance of his wife and 10/- per week for the maintenance of each of his two youngest children. (Brisbane Courier Tues 16 April 1929 p.10- Maintenance Case)

When the Great Depression hit, Les left his family in Brisbane and travelled south looking for work in the motor vehicle industry. In the early to mid 1930's Leslie was employed as a car body builder for Simpson Motors in Lismore NSW. Although Les wrote two affectionate letters to his family from Lismore in 1932 and 1934, that was the last time his wife Pearl. and three children ever saw or heard of him. The last cryptic comment on the end of his first letter, may indicate that he left Brisbane owing a debt.

Letter No 1.

Lismore

14-4-32

My Dear Wife,

I hope this finds you all well as it at present leaves me. I have been going like blases since I started. This is not a bad place here and wish I had of been here a few years ago. They have had no body here that could build a car body or repair a saloon body. it all goes to Brisbane and Sydney.

I have enough work in hand for quite a few months now. I have a sports body to build for Beckman he is doing real well here too. I am boarding for a few weeks till I can find a place somewhere. I hope Enid and Bill are keeping well and behaving themselves...... .

There hardly seems to be much unemployment about here they say. There is plenty of work around. Well Mum I will be dropping you a line again shortly. Hope Merv is working. I will close now. Best love to all.

From Dad xxx

(on the back of the letter it said:) Simpson Motors Lismore

will find me

you need not tell any body

where I am. I am just gone away

Letter No 2.

Simpson Motors

Lismore

9-5-34

My Dear Wife

I received your welcome letter and glad to hear you are all well as it at present leaves me. I will be sending you some more money this week end. I am just on finishing a job. I have been working every night till eleven and twelve and to make things worse we have a flood here. Half the town is isolated and it is now nearly up to my waist in the shop. We have had to shift every thing upstairs last night and this morning they pulled me out of bed about 5 oclock. Trucks and cars are all up on a hill and towing them in from all over the place. Everybody is just waiting for the worst- now it is ten years since they had one like this here. Some of the houses are covered and they are just waiting for it to reach the post-office and they say the whole town will be flooded. There are nine petrol bowsers here at the shop and they had to empty them and fill them with water to save them busting the concrete. When we were shifting the machines early this morning one of the boys dropped a condenser machine on his foot and broke it pretty bad. You need not worry about me and the flood. I am OK. I am upstairs. They are running boats about all over the place and preparing for the worst.
Well Mum you can tell Bill that there are no birds about the town here much. I have not seen any yet- only sparrows and starlings. I hope Enid is keeping well. It is terrible cold down here. I will close now with Best love to all. I have been trying to get up when I promised. I could not get away and now the flood has settled in again.

With Best

Love to all

From Dad

Leslie's death certificate revealed that he had died of long-term heart and kidney disease (five years), in Auburn, Sydney in 1947, and notably his children were not listed on the certificate ("no issue"), only his wife. One of the informants listed was the Department of Social Services. He was also notably not listed as one of his mother's children on her will which would indicate that he had severed his relationship with all family members who never knew what had happened to him.
Pearl never gave up hope that her husband would return to her and their family home in Reid Street Woolloongabba, dying at the grand age of 96 years at their daughter Enid's home in November 1987.

Wedding of Leslie Roy Butler and Virginia Pearl McKenzie in 1913

Les, Pearl and eldest son Merv, c.1917

Leslie's son Milton Butler (1921-1971)

Leslie's eldest son Mervyn b.1914

Leslie's wife Pearl McKenzie, was the daughter of Lachlan McKenzie and Christina Colmer. Lachlan's grandfather Alexander McKenzie had emigrated on the "William Nicol" from the Isle of Skye in 1837, as part of the 'Highland clearances'. His wife Flora McKinnon died on the voyage giving birth to triplets. Lachlan, son of Donald McKenzie and Margaret Maclean (whose parents also came from the Highlands in 1838 on the "Duncan"), was born at Redbank, Sydney in 1857 and died in Armidale in 1903. He married Christina in Guyra on 9 February 1887, and they had ten children, including Virginia Pearl, known as Pearl. The eldest child, William Donald McKenzie, an engineer, enlisted on 10 April 1916 as a sergeant in the 33rd Battalion C Company. He was 22 when the unit embarked on board the HMAS Marathon on 4 May 1916, and was sent to the Western Front in France. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, and was recommended on 27 February 1917 for a Military Cross for "Work at Pont Ballot on 24-25 February 1917". On 21 August 1917 he received the Military Cross " For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. He led his party with great dash and inflicted many casualties on the enemy. He himself shot three of the enemy and captured two prisoners. Later he superintended the evacuation of the wounded under heavy fire." (Commonwealth Gazette No. 133)

He also received the British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

The identified Australian dead from the February raid that took place at Pont Ballot, Houplines are spread across several cemeteries. Near Armentieres, the section of trenches was called the "Pont Ballot" sector after the farm-house of that name in the German lines opposite. A blog on the State Library QLD website on 'Aboriginal Medal Recipients of WWI: Frederick J Briggs', awarded the Military Medal, described:

The 33rd Battalion A Company consisted of a large number of enlistments from the New England and surrounding regions. The 33rd Battalion was engaged in some of the fiercest fighting on the Western Front along the Ypres salient, where 350,000 men of the British Empire fought. On the night of the 24th/25th February, 1917, a raid on the enemy's trench, etc. The raiding party, drawn from the 33rd Battalion consisted of four Officers and 78 other ranks and entered the German trenches at PONT BALLOT C.29.a.44.26 on 24th/25th February.

On 17th February 1917, William wrote a very touching letter to his sister Pearl from Battle Ops, Paris:

Dear Sister,

We have to be ready with our helmets and our revolver at the ready. Your parcel has not yet arrived, but it usually takes about eight weeks. These are the officers that were with me the night that I was recommended for the Military Cross, which I expect to receive shortly. I am glad that you like my little bundle of cuddles and that you write to her occasionally. Gosh, she is a bosker kid, I don’t know what I would do if it wasn’t for the thought of going home and making her happy.

Poor old Lena is having a pretty hard time isn’t she. How is Les, does he do much fishing? I believe that they did a lot of fishing and shooting at home. I received one parcel from you Pearl since I arrived in France. I received a letter from Reg. He was wounded.

Love to you all.

Your loving brother Bill

William returned to Australia on 9th October 1917. He was injured in the skull when an explosion occurred close to him resulting in the collapse of their trench. He and his fellow army mates were buried under rubble in the trench for many hours. His injury required a metal plate to be attached to his skull. His nephews recall that one Christmas, Uncle Bill was lying down on the floor and when they rolled an ash tray towards him, it hit the metal plate and knocked him out.

The following photo of William McKenzie with his Military Cross, standing next to Victory Cross and DCM winner Pvt William (Jacko) Jackson, 17th Battalion (McKenzie is on Jackson's right ie. left side of photo). Jackson was 18 years old when he enlisted. On 25/26 June 1916 near Armentieres, France, returning from a successful raid, several members of the raiding party were seriously wounded. Pvt Jackson got back safely and after handing over a prisoner he had brought in, immediately went out again under very heavy fire and helped to bring in a wounded man. He then went out again with a sergeant, to bring in another wounded man, when his arm was blown off by a shell and the sergeant rendered unconscious. Pvt Jackson then returned for assistance and went out again to look for his wounded comrades.

Lt. William McKenzie, M.C. on left, Private William "Jacko" Jackson V.C. in centre (seated)

Contact email:butler1802 @hotmail.com (no spaces)

Link back to Introduction chapter:
http://butlerfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/walter-butler-introduction.html

[i] NSW Registry of BDM, 85/199

[ii] Barbara Heaton, Greg Preston & Mary Rabbit, Science, Success & Soirees:
The Mechanics’ Institute Movement in Newcastle & the lower Hunter, page 15

[iii] Ibid, p103

Sunday 26 August 2012

Walter Butler- Ch. 26: Issue of Walter & Margaret Dunn

BUTLER, SARAH ANN

Letter No 1.

Lismore