Six Lewis sons

The Six Sons of Mr & Mrs Charles Lewis, South Street, Toowoomba.

December 1916

Studio portraits of six Lewis brothers.
Australian War Memorial Photo Collection P05163.002

The Six Soldier sons of Mr and Mrs Charles Lewis of South Street, Toowoomba.

They are all fighting for their country on the other side of the world. - Stephens photo.

[Source: The Queenslander, Sat 30 Dec 1916, p. 28 viewable via  NLA's Trove at http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23612352 ]

G.A. Lewis [1616] - George Albion Lewis, joined 17 Nov 1915, aged 22 yrs 3 mths.

T.A. Lewis [1772] - Thomas Arthur Lewis, (Tom) joined 10 Feb 1915, aged 21 yrs 6 mths.

R.F. Lewis [1773] - Richard Franklin Lewis, (Frank) joined 9 Nov 1915, aged 26 yrs 5 mths.

W.J. Lewis [1984] - William John Lewis, (Bill) joined 6 Nov 1915, aged 37 yrs.

F.J. Lewis [2357] - Frederick James Lewis, (Fred) joined 12 Oct 1915, aged 31 yrs 6 mths.
E.G. Lewis [2951] - Ernest George Lewis, (Ern) joined 21 Apr 1916, aged 29 yrs 7 mths.

Bill was the first to leave on 10 Nov 1915, then George, Tom and Frank went together on 30 Nov 1915.  Fred left on 31 Mar 1916 and Ern on 12 Sep 1916.  Ern had waited to join up until after the birth of his second son, Ernest George Alfred Lewis in March 1916.

Ern was my great-grandfather and the photo of him in his soldier uniform was displayed on the wall of my mother's childhood home and is a cherished photo within the family.  While many other Australian families had six or more of their sons "go off" to the First World War, my great great grandparents, Charles and Keturah Lewis, were proud of their family's contribution to serving their country and in particular, their six soldier sons service.

All the Lewis brothers were accomplished horsemen, having learned their craft growing up on the Darling Downs in the Freestone Creek area. Ern served with the 5th Australian Light Horse Regiment and George, Richard and Thomas with the 2nd Australian Light Horse Regiment.

1984 Pte William John Lewis, enlisted 6 November 1915 and embarked from Sydney, NSW aboard RMS Orontes on 10 November 1915, RTA 18 October 1916 aboard HMAT Vestalia; 

1616 Pte George Albion Lewis, enlisted 23 August 1915 and embarked from Sydney, NSW, aboard HMAT Suffolk on 30 November 1915, RTA 4 June 1919 aboard SS Mahia; 

1772 Pte Thomas Arthur Lewis, enlisted 11 September 1915 and embarked from Sydney, NSW, aboard HMAT Suffolk on 30 November 1915, RTA 23 August 1918 aboard SS Zealandia; 

1773 Pte Richard Franklin Lewis (stamped R T Lewis on the photograph), enlisted 26 August 1915 and embarked from Sydney, NSW, aboard HMAT Suffolk on 30 November 1915, RTA 9 December 1918 aboard HMAT Leicestershire;

2357 Pte Frederick James Lewis, enlisted 12 October 1915 and embarked from Sydney, NSW, aboard HMAT Star of Victoria on 31 March 1916, RTA 24 July 1919 aboard HMT Dongala; 

2951 Private (Pte) Ernest George Lewis, enlisted 12 July 1916 and embarked from Sydney, NSW, aboard HMAT Kabinga on 12 September 1916, returned to Australia (RTA) 3 July 1919 aboard HMT Malta.

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Overview of dates – 1915 – 1919

1915 Feb – Tom (1772) (21) joined up on Wed. 10 Feb at Liverpool, NSW.

1915 Oct – Fred (2357) (31) joined up on 12 Oct at Toowoomba.

1915 Nov – William (Bill) (1984) (37) joined up on 6 Nov at Toowoomba.   Richard (Dick) (1773) (26) joined up on 9 Nov at Enoggera.  George (1616) (22) joined up 17 Nov at Enoggera.  William embarked on 20 Nov on the HMAT RMS Orontes from Sydney.  Tom, Dick and George embarked on 30 Nov on the HMAT A23 Suffolk from Sydney.

1916 Mar – Fred embarked on 31 Mar on the HMAT A16 Star of Victoria from Sydney.

1916 Apr – Ern (2951) (29) joined up on 21 April at Toowoomba.

1916 Sep – Ern embarked on 12 Sep on the A58 Kabinga from Sydney.

1916 Oct – Bill returned to Australia on 18 Oct aboard Vestalia from Suez.

1916 Dec – Photos of all six Lewis sons are published in the 30 Dec 1916 issue of The Queenslander on page 28.

1918 Dec – Dick returned to Australia on 9 Dec aboard TS Leicestershire from England.

1919 Jun – George returned to Australia on 4 Jun aboard Mahia from England.

1919 Jul – Ern returned to Australia on 3 Jul aboard HT Malta from Kantara.  Tom returned to Australia on 3 Jul aboard HT Zealandia from England, with wife Dorothy.  Fred returned to Australia on 24 Jul aboard HT Dongola from Suez.

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Information summaries

Nov 1915-Jul 1919: Thomas Arthur Lewis (1894-1969)

30 Nov 1915 embarked per HMATS Suffolk; 3 Jul 1919 embarked HT Zealandia. 

Awarded British War Medal 8713, Victory Medal 8633.
5' 7 1/2", 139 lbs, 33 1/2" chest, dark complexion, brown eyes, dark hair, Methodist.

Wife Dorothy.  Children: Arthur, Sylvia, Betty.  Grandchildren: Kevin, Gary, Amanda.

Mar 1916-Jul 1919: Frederick James Lewis (1884-1975)

31 Mar 1916 embarked Star of Victoria; 24 Jul 1919 embarked HT Dongola

Awarded British War Medal 13882, Victory Medal 13672
6', 154 lbs, 40" chest, medium complexion, grey eyes, dark brown hair, Methodist.

Wife Sophia. Children: Leonard, Vera, Stanley. Grandchildren: Terence, Ian, Darryl, Brenda, Lenore, Graham, Vivian.

Nov 1915-Oct 1916: William James Lewis (1878-1957)

20 Nov 1915 embarked HMAT PMS Orontes; 18 Oct 1916 embarked Vestalia

Awarded 1914/15 STAR 8165, British War Medal 9163, Victory Medal 9083
6'2", 154 lbs, 38" chest, dark complexion, brown eyes, dark hair, Methodist.

Wife Louisa.  Children: Elsie, Kitty, William, Norman, Douglas, Leslie.  Grandchildren: Eunice, Melvis, John, Audrey, Kathleen, Dulcie, Arthur, William, Merle, Valerie, Roderick, Peter, Susan, Jeffrey, Gregory, William, Richard, John, Andrew, Wendy, Maxwell.

Nov 1915-Dec 1918: Richard Franklin Lewis (1889-1972)

30 Nov 1915 embarked Suffolk; 9 Dec 1918 embarked TS Leicestershire

Awarded British War Medal 8712, Victory Medal 8632
6', 154 lbs, 35" chest, fair complexion, brown eyes, brown hair, C of E.

Wife Ada.  Children: Ruby, Thomas, Richard, Keith, Edna.  Grandchildren: Alan, Allan, Adrya, Wayne, Lloyd, Narelle, Bevan, Neil.

Nov 1915-Jul 1919: George Albion Lewis (1893-1965)

30 Nov 1915 embarked Suffolk; 21 Jul 1919 embarked Mahia

Awarded British War Medal 8711, Victory Medal 8631
5' 10 3/4", 38" chest, dark complexion, blue eyes, dark brown hair, Methodist.

Wife Mary.  Children: Marjorie, Laura.  Grandchildren: George.

Sep 1916-Jul 1919: Ernest George Lewis (1886-1964)

12 Sep 1916 embarked Kabinga; 3 Jul 1919 embarked Malta

Awarded British War Medal 21586
5'9", 160 lbs, 39.5" chest, medium complexion, grey eyes, dark brown hair, C of E.

Wife Matilda.  Children: Eric, Gwendoline, Ernest, Colin.  Grandchildren: Ronald, Eula, Margaret, Delphene, John, Lorraine, Dennis, Bernice, Bruce, Gail, Heather, Robyn, Russell, Pamela, Sharalyn, Ann.

--------------------
Mar 1916-Jul 1918: Alfred Borgert (1892-1959) - brother-in-law of Ernest George Lewis.
31 Mar 1916 embarked A16 Star of Victoria
Awarded British War Medal 18948
Sister Matilda (Tilly). 

REFERENCES:

Australian War Memorial

5th Australian Light Horse Regiment  https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51039

2nd Australian Light Horse Regiment  https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/U51036

Mark and Catherine Wagland

Mark Wagland (1838-1873) and Catherine Ann Griffith (1846-1907)

Mark Wagland was born 28 November 1838 in Babcary, Somerset to Mathew Wagland and Ann Wagland nee Caines (Kains).  In May 1857, at the young age of 18, Mark boarded the ship Mary Pleasants which arrived in Moreton Bay on 9 August 1857.

Mark made his way to Warwick on the Darling Downs where he (aged 24) married Catherine Ann Griffith (aged 17) on 17 March 1863.

Mark and Catherine’s first child, a daughter, Anna Augusta Wagland was born 17 February 1864 at Pikes Creek near Warwick.  Two years later Louisa Wagland was born 12 February 1866 also at Pikes Creek.  Then followed three sons, Walter Wagland on 13 September 1869; Alfred Wagland on 24 January 1871 and Maurice Mark Wagland on 4 July 1873, all at Leyburn.

Sadly, Mark Wagland contracted typhus fever and died 15 November 1873 in Warwick.  He was survived by his wife of ten years, Catherine (27) and children Anna (9), Louisa (7), Walter (4), Alfred (2) and baby Maurice (four months).

It would have been a difficult time for Catherine with 5 young children and still young herself she would have relied on help from friends and neighbours.  Catherine’s second husband was John Helbert whom she married on 21 April 1875 in Warwick and their son, John Helbert Wagland was born 2 March 1876 at Leyburn.  John Helbert seems to have faded from the home scene and his son John was raised with Wagland as his surname.

Catherine married for a third time to George Haines (a baker) on 2 May 1881 at Roma.  The Haines family moved to Crow’s Nest where Catherine’s youngest children were born – George Frederick Haines on 9 October 1886 and Ada Rose Haines on 7 March 1889.

Sadly in 1891, Catherine’s eldest son, Walter Wagland died on 1 October from injuries he received when his horse bolted.

According to the 1903 electoral roll, Catherine Haines was a Boarding House Keeper at Thallon Street, Crow’s Nest.  Sadly, Catherine’s eldest daughter, Anna Augusta Borgert (nee Wagland) died on 25 March 1903 leaving behind a husband and eleven children.

Catherine aged 62, died 3 August 1907 at Crow’s Nest and was survived by her husband George Haines and children Louisa Wockner nee Wagland (41), Alfred Wagland (37), Maurice Mark Wagland (34), John Helbert Wagland (31), George Frederick Haines (21) and Ada Rose Edser nee Haines (18).

Mark and Catherine were survived by 30 grandchildren:

John Mark Borghardt (1882-1951)
William Albert Borgert (1883-1967)
Geoge James Borgert (1885-1953)
Annie (Teeny) Catherine Peters nee Borgert (1887-1957)
Percy Wockner (1888-1956)
Louisa Peters nee Borgert (1889-1962)
Walter Wockner (1890-1970)
Matilda (Tilly) Lewis nee Borgert (1892-1965) ... my great grandmother
Alfred Ernest Borgert (1892-1959)
Herbert John Wockner (1892-1965)
Frederick Mark Borgert (b. 1893)
Norman Keith Wockner (1894-1975)
Jessie May Wagland (1895-1984)
Lillian (Lily) Cecilia Kelly nee Borgert (1896-1941)
Walter Mark Wagland (1897-1961)
Walter Borghardt (1898-1958)
Arthur (Bill) Frederick Wockner (1898-1979)
Stanley Mark Wagland (1899-1973)
Peter Borghardt (1900-1978)
Sydney David Wagland (1900-1981)
Ethel Evelyn Kathrine Saal nee Wagland (1901-1980)
Elsie Edna McEwan nee Wagland (1902-1956)
Harold Wagland (1903-1969)
Alfred Wagland (1905-1924)
Herbert Percy Wagland (1908-1980)
Cyril Griffith Wagland (1909-1938)
Ethel Louisa Kate Von Penn nee Wagland (1910-1986)
Lloyd Maurice Wagland (1911-1986)
Carolina (Zoe) Zoe Hortz nee Wagland (1921-2000)
Travlyn Walter Wagland (1921-2001)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

In October 2011, Noel D. Saal published a 252-page book entitled Wagland – Fiechtner – Haiss family history the culmination of many, many years of research by Noel.

Holmes and Sons Bakers

Keith's memories

These are my memories of Holmes and Sons, Bakers, of Prospect Terrace, Kelvin Grove.  These memories are drawn from stories as told to me by my Father, James Young Holmes when he was a young lad growing up, and my memories, also as a young lad, visiting my Grandmother Sarah and Grandfather Geordie at the bakery.

Our Mother, Mona May Holmes died in 1941 when I was 11.  My sister Glenys and I did not know her very well, as she seemed to be always sick.  I spent a lot of time with both sets of Grandparents.  In those years, children were never told very much and generally kept out of the way.

My Father’s Story – James Young Holmes
Grandfather Geordie Holmes had found work as a Quarryman after emigrating from Scotland in 1912.  Life was hard and the monetary return from hard labour wasn’t very rewarding.  Geordie’s occupation in Scotland had been as a baker, therefore he decided to return to his profession and so Holmes and Son Bakers was born. 

Grandmother Sarah made the first batches of girdle scones and pancakes on the wood stove in the kitchen at Prospect Terrace.  Distribution rights went to Grandfather Geordie and his son James.  They went door to door with baskets in the early a.m. and late p.m.  James was still attending school and in those days if you were late for class you got the cuts!  He quickly lost interest in earning his daily bread and let his brother George (George Holmes Jr.) take his place.  James then very quickly became a plumber.

Before James was married in 1927, he did a weekend delivery to Brisbane Town.  In those days, Eagle Street was paved with wooden blocks.  James was doing the delivery with horse and bakers cart.  It was raining, the horse slipped, James was thrown and finished in hospital with a busted head.

James was a member of Gilberts Rugby League team, named after Gilbert Park at Bardon.  Later on they became Western Suburbs Rugby League team.

James was a Lieutenant in the Boy’s Brigade at Red Hill and his best friend, Charlie Lever was Captain and Troop Commander.  James was also Band Master of the bugle band, and he was very good. On special parades, the bugle band would lead.  They were exceptionally good.

In the 1930’s, Keith also joined the Boy’s Brigade at Red Hill, rising to the rank of Sergeant.


Prospect Terrace was a big old home that opened directly on to the footpath.  No front lawn.  It had a narrow driveway on the topside of the house.  This led to the bake house and then to the horse paddock.

Grandma Sarah Holmes did not believe in idle hands.  When staying there I was given the job of wiping down the big old dining room table after breakfast.  I promptly swept all the crumbs onto the floor.  Next thing I had thumb and finger in my ear and was told, “You sweep them into your hand.  Not on the floor.”  At least her accent was easier to understand than Grandfather Geordie’s.

[The difference in accents may have been because Grandma Sarah hailed from Galston, Ayrshire and before she was married, had lived in Hamilton, Lanark and Beith, North Ayrshire.  Beith is about 9 miles from Kilbarchan and Galston is about 15 miles from Beith.  Grandfather Geordie had spent all his youth in Kilbarchan.]

I can remember evenings at the old place with Uncle Bob in bow tie and tails and his wife Joan in evening dress and I’m sure the music being played on the old wind up gramophone was “Smoke gets in your eyes”.  All of this was pre 1939.  Uncle Bob was in the army reserve and I can still remember the parade down Queen Street, the main street of Brisbane.  I’m sure his uniform was blue with a red lanyard.  He was in the artillery and a fine sight they made with their big horses and shining guns.


The Bake House
I can remember as a small boy, going into the first bake house.  It was quite warm and the bakers were in their white aprons and hats.  Probably Grandfather Geordie, Uncle George and two others.  They had long wooden troughs in which they mixed the dough by hand.  Over head were these long wooden oars about 20 feet long.  (I thought they must have a big boat somewhere!)  Outside were great stacks of fire-wood (wattle).  I found out the bread was baked in a big brick oven.  They lit a fire in the oven first, and when it was hot enough they raked out the ashes and put the bread in tins inside with these long wooden oars.  The tins were also removed with these oars when the bread was baked.  The smell of freshly baked bread from hand mixed dough is something that has stayed with me to this day.

My Grandfather Geordie used to make pancakes.  He had a gas fired hot plate on legs.  The hot plate was about six feet long and three feet wide.  He would make up his pancake mix and put it in a thing that resembled the bag on bagpipes.  It had a spout.  He would sling it over his shoulder and it would finish up under his elbow.  He would walk down the table and every time he hit the bag with his elbow, out would pop a pancake.  When he got to the other side, I would start turning the pancakes.  Then together we would throw the cooked pancakes into a basket.  They were all uniform in size and nicely cooked.

At Xmas, hams were baked inside bread in the big oven.  He also made scotch meat pies.  The shells were free standing, no tins.

Sunday night at Prospect Terrace was cheese and egg on oat cakes night, made by Grandfather Geordie.  They were flat and chewy and nice as a base under cheese and egg.  The only thing I didn’t like was this Granola porridge, he used to buy in big wheat bags and dish it out to the family.  When he ate his porridge he didn’t mix in sugar and milk, he had his milk in a separate bowl.

Then they built the second oven.  It was wood fired at first with a side fire box and was later converted to oil.  The dough was no longer mixed by hand but made in something like a big concrete mixer.

Then they bought the second bake house.  It was owned by people called Booths.  Their delivery wagons were really something.  Horse drawn, four wheel bakers cart with a verandah over the driver.  Holmes Bakers were now one of the biggest in Brisbane.  Supplying Brisbane Hospital, Penny’s Department store and all the top cafes and establishments.

Arch Merrin’s Story
By 1923, Geordie and Sarah Holmes wanted a return trip to Scotland.  By now the bakery was a thriving business.  Geordie contacted Bill Naperell, a baker in Toowoomba, and made him a partner (half share) to run the business while they were in Scotland visiting his brother who owned a book store in Glasgow (see section on Holmes Bookstore, Glasgow).  The bakery then became know as Holmes and Naperell, Hartswell Bakery.

George Holmes inherited Geordie’s half share of the premises at Prospect Terrace when Geordie retired (around 1934).  George then bought out Bill Naperell.  Around the years 1931-1934, Nancy Holmes was book-keeper.  (Ref: Appendix 1)   Nancy later worked for the Ambulance.

The bakery was then known as G.A. Holmes Hartswell Bakery.  George’s nephew, Bill Smith worked as a delivery van driver.  Bill was the eldest son of George’s elder sister, Peg.

There was another bakery down the road owned by Booth and in later years, Gillespies’, the flour miller’s, put the place on the market.  Arch Merrin asked George “Why don’t you buy it?”  George replied, “I can’t run this place properly, how can I run two?”  Arch, who worked for Sunshine Harvester said, “Buy it and I’ll run it for you.”  They bought the place for £6,000 at 2½% interest.

Eventually, Arch got fed up and decided to resign.  George told him “Sell the bloody lot before you go.”  Arch Merrin and Bob Holmes went into partnership and bought the bottom bake house.  Bob, being the baker, ran the production side and Arch, the administration.  This was around 1941.  (Ref:  Appendix 1)

They were known as G.A. Holmes Oval Bakery, Bob Holmes and Arch Merrin Prop.

At their peak they went from six to 130 ton of flour a week.  They had a staff of 52 plus Bob and Arch, and ran 17 delivery vans on the road.  They supplied 90% of Brisbane with bread.  They were the first to introduce milk bread and the first automatic slicing and wrapping machine.

The historical society had a plaque made of Arch and Bob standing beside one of their delivery vans.  The plaque was mounted on the bottom oval of McCaskie Park.

Bob and Arch decided to retire and offered the place to the Gillespie’s.  Their offer was too low, so they offered it to Defiance.  In Arch’s words, they contacted Defiance in the a.m. and the Defiance blokes were at the bakery in the p.m. of the same day.  Arch said, “I’ll lock the top gate, Bob will lock the bottom and they don’t get out till they buy it!”  Which they did, at a better offer than Gillespie’s.

After the sale to Defiance, Bob Holmes remained on as manager for 12 months.

The other bakery, at Prospect Terrace, was leased to Johnny McDermott.  He was a pie manufacturer and his product was known as Mac’s Pies.  He eventually bought the Prospect Terrace bakery.

Now the old place has been torn down, and a three-story building stands in its place.

--ooOoo--

In the electoral rolls for Queensland for the years 1914 to 1949, Geordie’s occupation is given as a Baker. (Ref: Appendix 1)  His remarkable career as a baker had spanned six decades from 1889.  He had apprenticed in Kilbarchan for about seven years, moved to Glasgow for about 15 years and then on to Brisbane for 35 years.  

Around 1941, Geordie and Sarah moved from Kelvin Grove Road to Newmarket.  By the 1950’s both Geordie and Sarah had passed away, and the family house on Kelvin Grove Road was lived in by their youngest daughter, Lillian and her husband, Albert Flugge.  Lillian and Albert’s eldest son, Clem Flugge, lived in the house till 1991, when the house was pulled down to allow for the road to be widened.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
With thanks to Arch Merrin for sharing his memories with us.

George and Sarah Holmes

Geordie Holmes and Sarah Holmes nee Morton –

the early years in Scotland

At the Cross, Kilbarchan, circa1900s.
A group of children are gathered at the Cross in this scene
from the 1900s. All of the boys are smartly dressed with
their Eton collars and are wearing caps. The girls are also
dressed in their best  clothes. It is possible that this group
were awaiting transport  to take them on an outing. The
woman with the long apron on the right of the picture is
standing at the entrance of the Masonic Arms which is now
an  antique shop. During the late nineteenth and early
twentieth century the  two upper floors of the Mason Arms
were used for meetings of the Masonic Lodge. On the left are
the premises of Mr. John Meikle, who was the local plumber.
Source: MacKenzie, 1902.

George Holmes hailed from Kilbarchan, Scotland, a small village about 11 miles west of Glasgow.  He was one of eleven children to his parents James and Maggie Holmes.


George – the Baker
By the 1891 census, Geordie was 17 years old and his occupation is listed as Baker’s Apprentice, indicating that he probably learnt his trade in Kilbarchan.  It is not known to whom he was apprenticed, however, it may have been to Mr. Robert Finnie who is listed in the 1897/98 Kilbarchan Directory as Baker, The Cross, Kilbarchan.  (Photo: The Cross, Kilbarchan)

Office-Bearers of Kilbarchan U.F. Church, 1907.
Circled on left: Robert Holmes  Circled on right: Andrew Holmes
Circled in front row, seated: Reverend Robert Russell
Source: MacKenzie, 1902.

Geordie and Sarah
George (known as Geordie) was 22 years old when he married Sarah Morton in 1896. (Ref: 1) They were married at the Good Templars Hall, Kilbarchan according to the rites of the United Presbyterian Church.  

The minister was Rev. Robert Russell.  (Photo: Kilbarchan Church Committee of 1907 with Rev. Robert Russell)  Witnesses at the wedding were Jane Morton (Sarah’s older sister) and James Buchanan Houston.

1891 Census showing Holmes' family at 9 Easwald Bank

For a short time after their marriage, Geordie and Sarah lived at 9 Easwald Bank, Kilbarchan where Geordie’s parents and siblings had lived since at least 1891. (Photo 1891 Census) (Photos Easwald Bank)

Easwald Bank, Kilbarchan, circa 1900.
This view dates from about 1900, which was before the extension of the tramway service to the village.  One of the Kilbarchan poets lived at 12 Easwald Bank.  He wrote “Bonnie Barrhill” and “Lillias’ Day”. The latter poem was written in 1896 to welcome the revival of the Lilias’ Day Festival which lapsed only two years later in 1898 and was not celebrated again until 31 years later.  he words of Alexander Cameron’s poem demonstrate his enthusiasm for the revival of this festival:  Welcome, a thousand welcomes rise and greet thee, With open arms we bid thee come, and stay; A thousand hearts are eager to embrace thee, Our long lost darling, lovely Lillias’ day.  James Scott who also lived in Easwald Bank, was the chairman of the Kilbarchan Fete Committee in 1929 and had responsibility for publicising the event.  In 1724 Easwald was written as ‘Oswald’, the meaning of which is thought to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon for ‘east wood’.
Source: MacKenzie, 1902.

Looking at the photo of Easwald Bank from 1900, you are seeing what Geordie and Sarah would have seen in 1896.  Just imagine how they felt, newly wed, aged in their early 20’s and the possibilities of their future ahead.  Would they have thought that after sixteen years of married life, they would be taking their family to the other side of the world to start a new chapter in their lives?

White house in centre is 9 Easwald Bank in 2000.
Photo: John McInnes, 8 July 2000.

9 Easwald Bank, Kilbarchan in July 2000.
This is the house where James and Margaret
Holmes nee Meikle lived with their farmily
(including young Geordie) circa 1880s-1900s.
Photo: John McInnes, 8 July 2000.

First house in Easwald Bank.
These houses are (at least) about 150 years old.
Photo: John McInnes, 8 July 2000.

The photos of Kilbarchan in the year 2000 were taken by John McInnes and he writes:

"Kilbarchan is a lovely little town – a bit ‘prettified’ – as are most of Scotland’s old towns and villages – but pleasant, with many old village features still standing.  As I stood in the road at Low Barholm and Easwald Bank (nearly got run over by a bus twice!) taking my photos, I could see the like of what the village must have looked over 100 years ago.  I spoke to a couple of elderly villagers (it was early Saturday morning) who were happy to chat about the village and its past.  One woman proudly told me she was a “Habbie” having been born and bred in Kilbarchan.  Friendly, down-to-earth people.  It was a pleasure to talk to them." John McInnes, Glasgow, July 2000.



Geordie and Sarah moved to Glasgow shortly after they were married, and lived in tenement buildings similar to these two photos.  

The long vista of Maryhill Road, Glasgow, circa 1960.
Developments like this are typical of the great age of tenement-building in the 1870s.
JM: These are very similar to the tenements in Rosebery Street.
Photo source: unknown, plate 35.

Their first child, Jean, was born on 4 April 1897 at 52 Rosebery Street, Hutchensontown, Glasgow. (Ref: 3) Their second daughter, Peg, was born in 1898. (Ref: 4)

Crown Street looking north from Ballater Street, Glasgow, circa 1900.
The exceptional spaciousness of the streets of the new Gorbals is obvious from this view of the main thoroughfaire of Hutchesontown. It can bee seen that this was not yet a poverty-stricken area and the inhabitants were largely middle-class. JM: Crown Street lay between Morrison Street and Rosebery Street.
Photo source: unknown, plate 26.

By 1902, they were living at 36 Rosebery Street and this was where their third child and eldest son, James Young Holmes, was born on 10 June 1902. (Ref: 5)  This map shows that Rosebery Street is not far from the River Clyde.  The next photo shows one of the main bridges over the River Clyde.

Map showing Rosebery Street, Hutchesontown, Glasgow.  North ⇧
JM: Morrison Street about 1 mile west of Rosebery Street. River Clyde marked.

One of the main bridges over the River Clyde.
JM notations: 1) W&R Holmes had an office here. 
2) Steeple of St. Enoch's Church  3) St. Enoch Hotel  4) Dunlop Street 200 yards ⇒

Initially, Geordie may have worked at the S.C.W.S. bakery dept. (U.C.B.S.) in McNeil Street, about ¼ mile from Rosebery Street.  (see Photo 12)

By 1905, Geordie worked at two bakeries in Glasgow – one at 19 Morrison Street and the other at 149 Gloucester Street.  On the home front, Geordie had moved his growing family into 15 Morrison Street, just down the street from one of their bakeries.  (see Photo 15) 

In the year 2000, the site of Geordie’s bakery at 19 Morrison Street in the Tradeston district of Glasgow is a Saab Car Showroom.  (see Photo 10, 11 & 12)

On 2 April 1912 the staff of the bakery presented George with a gold fob watch and their best wishes as he and his family embarked on the next chapter in their lives.

Presented to George Holmes by a few friends. 2.4.1912

Geordie Holmes and Sarah Holmes nee Morton –

Travelled to Australia in 1912

In 1912, George (37) and Sarah (36) traveled to Australia aboard the S.S. Paparoa.  They arrived in Brisbane on 25 May 1912 with their five children, Jane (14), Maggie (13), James (9), George (5) and Agnes (3).   (Jane was known as Jean, Maggie as Peg and Agnes as Nancy.)

On their immigration entry to Queensland, George’s profession is recorded as Vanman.  (see Photo 16)

Six months after their arrival in Brisbane, their youngest daughter, Lillian was born.  Geordie and Sarah moved their family to 169 Kelvin Grove Road about 1914.

1918 saw the arrival of Geordie and Sarah’s youngest of their seven children, William Robert Lind Holmes who was known as Bob Holmes.  A photo of the whole family was taken in 1920.  (Photo 17)

NEXT SECTION: Holmes and Sons Bakers [in Brisbane]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: 
Thank you to John McInnes, Glasgow, who kindly provided photos and information back in 2004 when a previous version of this story was produced.

PHOTO SOURCES:
MacKenzie, Robert Dunbar (1902) Kilbarchan: a parish history.

REFERENCES:
Ref: 1 - Marriage Certificate Information.  Scotland, County of Renfrew, Parish of Kilbarchan (Parish number 568/1, Entry number 8, page 4.) Married on 19 June 1896
George HOLMES – Father: James Holmes Mother: Maggie Meikle
Sarah MORTON – Father: Alexander Morton    Mother: Jane Lawson
Transcript supplied by Members Research Officer from Glasgow & West of Scotland Family History Society, Glasgow.

Ref: 2 - 1891 Census – 9 Easwald Bank, Kilbarchan  -  HOLMES family

Ref: 3 - Birth registration information for Jane Lawson Holmes (Jean), 4 April 1897, at 52 Rosebery Street, Hutchensontown, Glasgow.

Ref: 4 - Birth registration information for Margaret Meikle Holmes (Peg), 10 October 1898 at 52 Rosebery Street, Hutchensontown, Glasgow.

Ref: 5 - Birth registration information for James Young Holmes, 10 June 1902, at 36 Rosebery Street, Hutchesontown, Glasgow.

Swan Creek Cemetery

Swan Creek Cemetery Memorial Inscriptions

As noted in my article on Charles and Keturah Lewis  I have not been able to find a headstone for Charles Lewis or Keturah Lewis at Swan Creek Cemetery.

There is a wonderful resource hosted by David Horton and Kerry Raymond containing Memorial Inscriptions from Swan Creek cemetery.

Below are details [obituaries, notices and BMD refs] on some of the individuals who were buried at the Swan Creek Cemetery and their monumental inscription has been photographed [.jpg refs].  

ALLEN Henry, died 26 Dec 1897 aged 70 years 9 months; Anne ALLEN, wife, born 31 Oct 1821 died 15 Oct 1899 aged 78 years; Mary, wife of Thomas DAVIS, died 26 Jan 1894 aged 41 years; Thomas Llewellyn, died 14 Nov 1893 aged 5 months; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2471.JPG) (full)

ALLEN Henry Obituary in Warwick Examiner and Times, Wed 5 Jan 1898, p. 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article82130098 

**Obituary [Mr John Armstrong, of Erin Vale, Swan Creek, aged 76] in Warwick Argus Tue 19 Aug 1890 p. 2 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article76984655

BLOOMFIELD William, died 10 Oct 1907 aged 70 years; Emma E. BLOOMFIELD, died 26 July 1903 aged 67 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2520.JPG) (full)

Death notice [Mrs Bloomfield, wife of Mr Bloomfield of Mount Sturt] in Warwick Examiner and Times Wed 29 Jul 1903 p. 3 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article82281421 

Qdrn: 1903/C1205 Emma Elizabeth Bloomfield F: George Mackey M: - Busby

Obituary [Mr W.J. Bloomfield] in Warwick Examiner and Times Sat 12 Oct 1907 p. 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article82291977

Qdrn: 1907/C3913 William John Bloomfield F: Robert Bloomfield M: Mary Foster

CUTMORE Sydney Parnell, died 7 Aug 1930 aged 56 years; Emily CUTMORE, died 26 June 1948 aged 77 years; Jessie May Irene CUTMORE, died 24 June 1913 aged 2 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2529.JPG) (full)

In Memoriam [Jessie May Irene Cutmore] in Warwick Examiner and Times Sat 25 Jul 1914 p. 1 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article82163633 

Qdrn: 1913/C4897 Jessie May Irene Cutmore F: Sydney Parnell Cutmore M: Emily Free

Obituary [Mrs Emily Cutmore] in Warwick Daily News Wed 14 Jul 1948 p. 5 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191094112

Qdrn: 1948/C4074 Emily Cutmore F: George Free M: Mary Skippage

CUTMORE Olive Elizabeth, died 14 March 1935 aged 33 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2545.JPG) (full) 

Qdrn: 1935/B27034 Olive Elizabeth Cutmore F: Richard Henry Patterson M: Julia Maria Christensen

Qmrn: 1926/C1960 Olive Elizabeth Patterson   Gordon John Cutmore [Qdrn: 1969/C3381 Gordon John Cutmore F: Sydney Parnell Cutmore M: Emily Free]

DARLEY Charles Fitzroy, youngest son of John & Mary DARLEY, died 26? April 1885 aged 2 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2462.JPG) (full) 

Qdrn: 1885/C1443 Charles Fitzroy Darley F: John Darley M: Mary Armstrong

EASTWELL Charlotte, wife of John EASTWELL, died 8 Feb 1879 aged 63 years; John EASTWELL, died 10 Feb 1889 aged 73 years; Joseph EASTWELL, husband of Caroline, died 28 July 1893 aged 45 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire 100_2433.JPG) (full)

EASTWELL Harriet Mahala, died 4 March 1891 aged 29 years; Rupert John, son, died 8 June 1891 aged 3 years 9 months; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2440.JPG) (full)

EASTWELL Henry, son of T. & M.A. EASTWELL, died Warwick 1 May 1898 aged 26 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2480.JPG) (full) 

EASTWELL Edward, died 30 Aug 1923 aged 80 years; Mary Ann EASTWELL, died 15 May 1932 aged 81 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2540.JPG) (full) 

EASTWELL Clarence, brother, died 1 Feb 1944 aged 48 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2556.JPG) (full) 

FREE Elizabeth, wife of Addison FREE, died 22 Jan 1898 aged 57 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2500.JPG) (full) 

Obituary of Mrs Free, wife of Mr Addison Free . . . [Warwick Examiner and Times Wed 26 Jan 1898, p. 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article82130655

FREE George Josiah, husband, died 20 July 1909 aged 36 years; Emily Ada FREE, wife mother grandmother, died 26 Nov 1953 aged 76 years;  erected by son Vernon; Donald Downie FREE, son of Myrtle & Vernon FREE, brother of Ken, grandson of Emily & George FREE, died 18 Aug 1956 aged 26 years, buried at Warwick cemetery; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2509.JPG) (full)

FREE Charles, husband of Erving FREE, born 27 May 1860 died 12 May 1911; Erving FREE-MITCHELL, mother, grandmother of Paul, died 21 Jan 1960 aged 88 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2513.JPG) (full)

FREE Bruce Hamilton Josiah, son of C. & E. FREE, died 15 April 1903 aged 2 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2516.JPG) (full) 

FREE Jesse, husband, died 23 Feb 1903 aged 25 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2517.JPG) (full) 

**Obituary [Mr Addison Free, jun] in Warwick Argus Tue 30 May 1899 p. 2 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article76631015

GILLESPIE Leonard, died 28 August 1883 aged 62 years; Harriette May, died 27 Aug 1936 aged 67 years; Sarah GILLESPIE, died 19 Feb 1896 aged 72 years; Catherine GILLESPIE, died 13 July 1900 aged 45 years; Richard GILLESPIE, died 23 November 1917 aged 51? years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2392.JPG) (full)

Mrs. Gillespie, relict of the late Mr. L. Gillespie, of Eden Bank Farm . . . [source: Warwick Argus, Tue 3 Mar 1896 p. 3 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article76620267

GILLESPIE William, died 29 Oct 1915 aged 66 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2406.JPG) (full) 

Mary Jane GILLESPIE, died 15 Feb 1935 aged 77 years 7 months; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2408.JPG) (full) 

GILLESPIE Francis, 7 Jan 1861 - 22 Apr 1935; Jane GILLESPIE, wife of Francis GILLESPIE, died 1 July 1926 aged 63 years; Walter ?? GILLESPIE, died 2 Sept 1920 aged 19 years; William Henry GILLESPIE, died 29 Dec 1891 aged 10 months; sons of Francis & Jane GILLESPIE; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2410.JPG) (full)

Funeral notice [son of Mr Frank Gillespie] in Warwick Daily News Tue 7 Sep 1920 p. 6 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article175769558

GILLESPIE John, died in infancy 16 Dec 1876; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2413.JPG) (full)

GILLESPIE Sarah, wife of James GILLESPIE, died 13 July 1907 aged 51 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2416.JPG) (full)

GILLESPIE Richard Walter, father grandfather, died 3 May 1962 aged 78 years; Eleanor Isabel GILLESPIE, wife mother grandmother, died 7 Feb 1948 aged 52 years; Barbara May GILLESPIE, died 12 May 1942 aged 8 months; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2547.JPG) (full)

GILLESPIE Richard, husband father, died 23 Nov 1963 aged 69 years; Alice, wife, 1909 - 2000, laid to rest Eden Gardens; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2554.JPG) (full) 

GILLESPIE Robert Angus, son brother, died 21 April 1951 aged 16 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2555.JPG) (full) 

GILLESPIE Armstrong, died 11 July 1948 aged 85 years; Mary, wife of Armstrong GILLESPIE, died 18 Nov 1936 aged 68 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2559.JPG) (full)

HALL Harriet Armstrong, wife of Thomas HALL, died 27 Aug 1898 aged 72 years; Thomas HALL, 1823 - 1904; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2503.JPG) (full)

Obituary [Mrs Thomas Hall, of Mt Sturt] in Warwick Argus Tue 29 Aug 1893 p. 2 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article76643811

KINSEY Thomas, died 8 May 1898 aged 77 years; Ann KINSEY, died 18 Dec 1898 aged 77 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2419.JPG) (full)

Obituary [Mr Thomas Kinsey] in Warwick Argus Tue 10 May 1898 p. 2 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article76624670

LANGFIELD George Thomas, died 22 Nov 1941 aged 50 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2546.JPG) (full)

LAW Mary, wife of Charles LAW, died Warwick 30 Nov 1898 aged 29 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2447.JPG) (full)

LAWLESS John, died 29-9-1928 aged 40 years; Maria Jane LAWLESS, died 26-11-1966 aged 74 years; Armstrong John LAWLESS, died 9-3-1921 aged 12 days; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2538.JPG) (full)

LEWIS Maude, daughter of Louis & Jane LEWIS, died 10 Feb 1885 aged 4 years 7 months; Jane, wife, died 24 Dec 1885 aged 29 years; Ada Florence, daughter, died Clermont 18 Oct 1887 aged 5 years 4 months; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2465.JPG) (full)

MAUCH Michael, died 18 Sept 1884 aged 64 years; Barbara Weishadle, wife, died 25 Dec 1889 aged 65 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2454.JPG) (full)

PATTERSON Elizabeth, 1856 - 1940; David PATTERSON, 1856 - 1923; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2519.JPG) (full)

PERSON Svend, born 9 Oct 1824 died Freestone 7 Nov 1898; Kjersti PERSON, born Sweden 24 Nov 1836 died Freestone 1930; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2484.JPG) (full)

PETERSEN Laust, born 17 Feb 1817 died 1 March 1893; Iver Pedersen WILLADSEN, died 9 May 1883 aged 35 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2450.JPG) (full)

REA Andrew John Nicol, born 13 June 1892, accidentally killed 28 March 1928 aged 35 years 9 months, wife Elizabeth, daughters Heather, Marjory, Joan & Dawn; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2544.JPG) (full)

Obituary [Mr. A.J.N. Rea] in Warwick Daily News Mon 2 Apr 1928 p. 4 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article175635565

REEVE Emma Henrietta, died Emu Vale 15 January 1886 in 79th year; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2457.JPG) (full) 

A Sad Fatality [Miss Reeve] in Warwick Argus Tue 25 Jan 1887 p. 2 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article76653010

Qdrn: 1886/C1217 Emma Henrietta Reeve F: Richard Kent Reeve M: Letitia Pitty

THOMAS William, second son of John & Jane Ann THOMAS of Warwick, died at Laura River Palmer Road 20 June 1878 aged 14 years 4 months; Frederick, infant son, aged 2 days; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2424.JPG) (full)

WOOD Richard, died 14 June 1887 aged 35 years; Amy Lillian WOOD, daughter died 4 Nov 1889 aged 2 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2492.JPG) (full)

WOOD Richard, husband of Elizabeth WOOD, born Devonshire 15 Jan 1828 died 25 Sept 1910; Elizabeth WOOD, wife, died 8 April 1928 aged 100 years; Swan Creek Anglican cemetery, Warwick Shire (100_2526.JPG) (full) [3 PHOTOS]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

Swan Creek Memorial Inscriptions [Warwick Shire, Queensland] 

http://www.chapelhill.homeip.net/FamilyHistory/Photos/Swan_Creek/