The Field Family Newsletter, Edition 11

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The FIELD Family Newsletter

11th Edition, August 2002, Edited by Dorothy Cefarin
Reprinted here with permission

Welcome to another edition of "The Field Family Newsletter", don't forget if you have any stories of our ancestors and of course the latest in births, deaths and marriages please let me know.

Please send stories and information to:
Dorothy Cefarin
24 Eggleton Street
BLACKTOWN NSW 2148
Phone: 02 9671-2129
Email: doff202@comcen.com.au

We love hearing about our older ancestors, but what about our more recent ones, what of your own parents or even yourselves? If these stories are not told now they may be lost forever, we need to pass these on to future generations so the experiences of these lives will continue always. Those of you that received the 1st edition of "The Field Family Newsletter" may remember a partial transcript of a recorded interview I had with my Aunty, Rita Allison, this was my way of recording history. Imagine the joy for future generations on hearing yours and your grandparents stories either written, recorded or videoed, don't wait until it is too late.

Thank you to Pan Wilcox, John Dick and Beryl and John Trotman for your items of interest, also to those that contributed to our births and death notices.

Babies are Beautiful

CONGRATULATIONS

TROTMAN, Kobie James born in 2002. Congratulations to his parents Daniel and Michell (James) Trotman and to the grandparents Paul and Jan (Kemp) Trotman also to the great-grand parents John and Beryl (Tooth) Trotman.

KNIGHT, Chelsea Rose born in 2002 at Katoomba Hospital to Renaye (Straton) and Michael Knight. 1st grandchild of Alfred (dec) and Monica Hutchinson (nee Strickland). Descendant of Maria Collits/ Strickland/ Field.

MOORE, Zachary Cooper Tait born in 2002, weighing 6lb 11oz to Vanessa and Trevor Moore. A brother for Adam, Christopher, Joshua and Nicola. Descendant of John Rope and Maria Field.

OBITUARY
Daphne Norma Miller

Daphne passed away on 7th March 2002 at MacKay Hospital Queensland aged 71 years.

She was the daughter of Norman and Dorothy Strickland (both deceased) a descendant of Maria Collits/ Strickland/ Field.

"SAFE IN THE ARMS OF JESUS"

OBITUARY

Mr. Thomas William Morris

A well known and highly esteemed resident of Forbes, Mr. Thomas William Morris, passed away last Tuesday in Forbes District Hospital, aged 65 years.

Mr. Morris, a principal of Morris Brothers funeral directors of Forbes, resided at 6 Dowling Street.

He was interred in Forbes Cemetery after a service at Saint Lawrence's Catholic Church at 3pm last Wednesday, conducted by Father D. Doyle.

His wife Ada predeceased him earlier this year and he is survived by his son Roy, daughter-in-law Sue, grand daughter Merryl and a sister, Mrs. Allie Brown of Forbes.

The late Mr. Morris was born in Forbes, as was his father and his grand mother.

His surviving grand daughter Merryl is the fifth generation of the family to be born in Forbes.

He had an early association with the Forbes district ambulance service serving as an officer with the former superintendent, the late A. J. Wheeler. He also had an early association with rugby league in Forbes dating back to the days of the Jack Hore Gold Cup in the early 1930's. He was a member of the Forbes rugby league club committee from 1957 to 1961 and served on the selection committee when Forbes won its first Group 11 premiership in 1958.

His sporting interest in later years included golf and social bowls until failing eyesight forced him to retire.

Ed: There was no date on this paper as to when this happened in 1973. His parents Raymond Trevillian Morris and Ellen Ada Maxwell were married 3rd September 1906 in Forbes and he has a younger sister Ada Mary born in 1912, Thomas was born in 1908. If anyone knows the exact date of birth and death please contact me for insertion in the next edition. Raymond's parents were Ada Charlotte Field and William Morris.
Thank you Beryl Trotman for this article.

A POEM - Source Unknown

I have a spelling chequer
It came with my pea sea
It plainly marques four my revue
Miss steaks I can knot see.

When I strike a quay ore right a word
Eye weight four it to say
Weather eye am wrong oar write
It shows me strait aweigh.

As soon as a mist ache is maid
It nose bee fore two late
And eye can put the error rite
It's real e, really, grate.

I've run this poem threw it
I'm shore your pleased two no
It's letter perfect in its weigh
My chequer tolled me so.

Thank you John Dick for sending this poem.

Issue of James and Maria Field (nee Watkins)

Maria Field eldest child of James and Maria Field.
Born: 12-7-1849
Died: 25-9-1925 aged 76 years.
Married: William Thomas late of Beaumaris, Wales. Born: 26-2-1840. Died: in Sydney 2-2-1896. Both are buried in Old C. of E. Portion of Forbes Cemetery.

William Thomas was Mayor of Forbes from:
15-2-1877 to 7-2-1878
11-2-1885 to 19-2-1886
7-2-1889 to 15-4-1889
10-2-1891 to 14-2-1893
12-2-1895 to 2-2-1896

Obituary
The late Mr. WILLIAM THOMAS of Forbes

There died in Sydney a few days ago one of the best known and best respected businessmen in the West. We can well realise the force of the telegram which we published last week, which says:-
"General grief was expressed in Forbes when it was learned that Mr. William Thomas, Mayor of Forbes, had died suddenly in Sydney. Hid remains were conveyed here by train to-day (Monday, February 3rd) . The late Mr. Thomas had been one of the best townsmen Forbes ever had. He was Mayor for years, three times in succession, and was a most liberal townsman, contributing largely to every object for the good of the town and district. Mr. Thomas leaves a large family."

The funeral which took place on Tuesday, the 4th instant, was the largest ever held in Forbes. The late Mr. Thomas was born at Beaumaris, Wales, where he resided until after he was 19 years of age. He sailed for Melbourne in 1859, spent some time in the Owens goldfield, and was at the Snowy River in 1861. In 1862 with his brother he went to the Lachlan and commenced business in the locality which became the town of Forbes. Mr. Thomas left in his will 100 pounds each to the Forbes Hospital, School of Arts, Town Hall, and The Church of England.

Moore's Almanac of 1885 states that the store owned by J. & W. Thomas is the present site of J. Meagher & Co. Pty. Ltd. Lachlan Street Forbes.

Forbes Advocate of 31-8-1951

Re W. Thomas - with the prestige of his Mayororality of Forbes the late William Thomas made an extended tour of the world. During his absence the store was run profitably and successfully and on his return the staff were looking for a raise in salary, instead of which Mr. Thomas reduced the staff's wages. From then on the staff disintegrated and started up their own businesses in competition and after a succession of three managers and the demise of sons, the business was disposed of.

The Forbes Times 21-11-1891

Records particulars of the official opening of the Forbes Town hall, which was performed by the then Mayor Alderman William Thomas. The ornamental fountain presented to the people of Forbes by Mr. Thomas and erected in the Park was formally opened the same afternoon.

St Johns Church of England Church, Forbes

Memorial stained glass window dedicated to William Thomas, aged 56 years, died 2-2-1896, also his son John Humphreys aged 22 years died 26-5-1896. Also in church a plaque to William Thomas inscribed - For many years a citizen of Forbes and a member of this church, also his eldest son.

Forbes Gazette - 1896

Death of W.W. Thomas

Some surprise was expressed at the flags being at half-mast on Sunday and on making enquires we found that Alderman Armstrong had received a telegram on Sunday morning stating that the Mayor Mr. W. Thomas had died suddenly in Sydney of apoplexy. As most townspeople are aware Mr. Thomas left a short time back for the mountains with his wife and some of the family, being then in his ordinary state of health, hence the news came as a shock to most of us. His remains arrived by the train about midday on Monday and were met at the railway station by a number of friends, and the store employees, who escorted the coffin to "Anglesey".

The funeral will take place at 10 o'clock today (Tuesday) and will be a Masonic one the members of the Lachlan Lodge will meet at 9 a.m. we expect to see the largest funeral which has appeared in Forbes for many years, for the deceased carried the best wishes and goodwill of every section of the community.

The Funeral

The remains of the deceased Mayor and townsman were interred in the family vault in the Church of England portion of the Forbes cemetery on Tuesday morning last, the Rev. W. Dunstan officiating. The funeral was a very lengthy one and deceased was interred with Masonic ceremonies and the members of the Lachlan Lodge and Masons of Parkes - preceeded by the Forbes Band, playing the "Dead March" , marching in regalia to the grave. At the grave the Revs. W. Dunstan and F. Neild of Parkes spoke in eulogist terms of the many good qualities of the deceased, and moisture could be seen in the eyes of many.

Biographical Data - Forbes C.P.S. Office

Death - Maria Thomas (nee Field) - 25-9-1925 Templar Street, Forbes. Died of gastroenteritis, senile heart disease, duration 4 days. Buried 26-9-1925 in the Church of England Cemetery, Forbes. Children: Nellie 57, Lydia 54, William 47, Edith 43, Annie 39 living, 3 males and 4 females deceased.

Forbes Times - Friday, 12th December, 1913.

Death - On July 26, 1888 at the residence of his brother William of Templar Street, Forbes, John Thomas of the firm of Messrs. J. & W. Thomas aged 53 years. It may not be generally known that Mr. John Thomas married a Miss Bellamy of Newtown who died two years after the marriage.

John Thomas was an Alderman when Forbes was proclaimed a Municipality on 27-4-1870 and then Mayor 14-2-1872 - 11-2-1873.

The Thomas Family Tree

John and William Thomas' father was also named William and was the son of John and Grace Thomas of Beaumaris, Wales. William their father was born 10-3-1810 and died 30-8-1873 at Forbes, N.S.W. having lived 8 years in the Colony where he conducted an Inn at Condobolin. He was married twice, firstly to Eldrna Humphreys who died aged 37 years on 12-12-1847 and secondly to Mary Jones who also died on 14-5-1851 aged 31 years. Both are buried at St Marys, Beaumaris, Wales. There were four sons of his first marriage namely, John Humphreys born 25-11-1835 who died at Forbes on 26-7-1888 and was in partnership which his brother William in the firms of J. & W. Thomas. He married a Miss Jane Bellamy of Newtown who died two years after their marriage without issue. John was at one time Mayor of Forbes having arrived in Australia in 1857.

William Thomas, the second son left Liverpool, England on 6-9-1859 and arrived Port Phillip on the "Ocean Chief" on 28-11-1859.

The third son was Huw born 8-8-1842 who remained and died in Wales.

Robert Thomas, the fourth son was born 11-9-1844 in Wales and worked his passage as a butcher paying out at 1 shilling. Robert lived in Parkes and died there aged 67 years in May, 1912.

Richard Thomas, was a son of the second marriage and was born 22-2-1851, three months prior to the death of his mother. He also immigrated to Australia and worked as a businessman in Forbes.

Note: according to the Will of William Thomas he had two sisters living in Wales, namely, Annie McDade of Antrim, near Belfast, Ireland and Ellen Humphreys of Beaumaris, widow of Edward Humphreys.

Headstone - Forbes Cemetery.

Father - Richard Thomas died 21-7-1935 aged 84 years.
Mother - Emma Thomas died 14-1-1948 aged 94 years.

Ellen Marie Thomas was the eldest child of William and Maria Thomas. Born: 13-6-1868. Died: 4-12-1927 and buried in Manly.
Married Edward Patrick McDonnell of Forbes. He was a physician and surgeon. Edward was born in 1856 in Dublin and died 19-6-1927 aged 70 years buried Forbes R.C. Cemetery.

Biographical Data - Forbes Times 22-6-1917

On Wednesday Dr. E.P. McDonnell received word that his son Captain (Dr.) Randall McDonnell, who is with the R.A.M.C. in France has been awarded the M.C. (Military Cross). The recipient of this high honour is a native of Forbes and his friends will be delighted to hear of the distinction he has gained.

Forbes Times - 28-9-1917

The deed which gained the Military Cross for Dr. Randall V. McDonnell R.A.M.C. son of Dr. & Mrs. McDonnell of Forbes, is thus described in the London Gazette: " Captain Randall V. McDonnell (Bedford R) for over 48 hours he attended more than 200 wounded, many having to be dressed in the open under heavy fire. His total disregard of personal danger under heavy fire was beyond praise". The father of the boy has now left Australia as S.M.O. attached to the A.A.M.C.

Forbes Times - Friday 4-1-1918

Major (Dr.) E.P. .McDonnell of Forbes is on the staff of the No.14 Australian Hospital, Egypt, which has lately been expanded to over 2,000 beds.

Edward and Ellen McDonnell had only one son Randal Vivian McDonnell. Born 17-12-1886 at Forbes.
Married: 4-12-1917 to Sadie Foster daughter of the late Mrs. Foster of Manly. (Mercedes Foster)

Forbes Times - 11-12-1917

At Manly on the 4th inst. Captain R.V. McDonnell, M.C. only son of Major E.P. and Mrs. McDonnell of Forbes was quietly married to Miss Sadie Foster, daughter of the late Mrs. Foster of Manly. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. Dr. Haydon. Captain McDonnell has only just recently returned to Australia after serving with the R.A.M.C. on the Western Front since beginning of the war.

Forbes Times - 17-5-1918

Dr. Randal McDonnell son of Dr. E. P. McDonnell of Forbes , who recently returned from the war has purchased a practice in manly.

Forbes Advocate Friday, 5th July, 1957

The Passing Scene - Early Doctors by G. Hunt

Dr Edward McDonnell was born in Dublin in 1856. He was educated in Dublin and Liege, Belgium, and completed his course at the Catholic University, Dublin. There he was appointed demonstrator of anatomy and trained for opthalmic and general surgery. After practicing for some time in London he served on a P.& O. Ship in 1883 and in the same year settled in Forbes. He became one of the medical officers at the hospital and Government Vaccinator. In 1887 he married the daughter of Mr. W. Thomas, who was one time mayor of Forbes.

Forbes Advocate - Tuesday, 21st June, 1927

Forbes was shocked to learn that Dr. Edward Patrick McDonnell the veteran medico had passed away on Sunday evening, about 6 o'clock. The aged doctor had been ailing for some time, but few imagined that the end was so near. The cause of death was cerebral haemorrhage.

The deceased was 70 years of age, and had practiced his profession at Forbes for many years. His reputation as a physician and surgeon ranked high, and in his younger days especially. His surgical skill was known far and wide. Dr. Donnell pursued his calling long before the days of the motor car and good roads and could tell many an exciting tale of difficulties of travel 30 or 40 years ago. In both the South African and Great War the deceased took part and did excellent service in the Medical Corps. His skill as a surgeon stood him in good stead in the often and hasty and drastic measures necessary in the battle field. Dr. Donnell had been Government Medical Officer at Forbes and was never without several public activities in his younger days.

Deceased is survived by a widow and one son, the latter being Dr. Randal McDonnell of Manly. Dr. Randal motored through from Sydney travelling all night in order to be present at the last sad rites. The funeral service was to the Roman Catholic portion of the cemetery, the Rev. Fr. Fox officiating at the graveside, whilst Mr. T. Peasley attended to the obsequies.

Forbes Advocate - Tuesday 6-12-1927

News of the death of Mrs. Ellen Maria McDonnell relict of the late Dr. Donnell was received in Forbes on Monday morning. She passed away at the home of her son Dr. Randal Donnell at Manly. The funeral took place at manly at noon today. The late Mrs. Donnell was the eldest daughter of the late Mr. William Thomas who was one of the earliest mayors of Forbes and whose work in the Municipality will stand as an everlasting monument to his memory.

Sydney Morning Herald - 6-12-1927 - deaths

December 4th at the residence of her son 13 Gilbert Park, Manly, Ellen Maria McDonnell, dearly beloved mother of Dr. McDonnell. Interment this Tuesday afternoon. The funeral will leave from St. Matthews Church, Corso, manly for the Manly (C of E) cemetery.

She died less than 6 months after her husband.

THE CASTLEREAGH ANGLICAN CEMETERY

Castlereagh Cemetery is situated on the northern corner of Church Lane and Wilchard Road at Castlereagh. The only area to show that people are buried there is the two acres classed as the Anglican section of the original forty acre site put aside for the Castlereagh Cemetery. Originally Governor Macquarie decreed that every cemetery would be enclosed by a post and rail fence (a gate has recently been added to this).

The cemetery is all that is left of the original five towns that Governor Macquarie laid out in 1810. The Nepean River Flats at Birds Eye Corner were unofficially settled by families which included the Russells, Randalls, Ropes, Colless', Fields, Collits', Fredericks, Morns, Lees, Lewis' and McCarthys, around the 1800 many of these properties were ratified by grants by Governor King between 1803 and 1806. There appears to be no official plan of the cemetery as members of the "Friends of Castlereagh" learned when they met an elderly man visiting the cemetery. He was Mr Albert Willett who said that his grandfather was the Grave Digger. When asked if the plan existed he said "grandfather used to dig a hole, if he struck a coffin he would fill it in and move to the next one". There is believed to be over 300 graves on the site but only about 80 are visible. This includes the graves of our original ancestors that first came to Australia, Edward and Elizabeth Field (nee Mitchell).

In April 1993 a group of people, descendants of those buried in the cemetery decided to form the "Friends of Castlereagh Cemetery". It is intended to restore the surviving headstones, plant native shrubs and clean up the surrounds to preserve the cemetery. I am a member of this group and we meet on the last Sunday of each month around 10 am, excluding December, January and February as it is too hot. We finish with a picnic lunch around 12 noon and we have some great discussions about our family tree. Anyone wishing to join us will be most welcome.

Please note there are NO toilets or water facilities available......Dorothy Cefarin

Above is an old photo of the Castlereagh Cemetery showing Edward and Elizabeth Field's graves. If you wish to view photos of graves David Rawsthorne has put about 600 on the internet, just log on to http://www.davidrawsthorne.com/tree/