Tracing Family Branches

We have had an exciting month with the arrival of our second beautiful granddaughter Rosalie Amelia Stuart. She is a wonderful addition to our family and is greatly loved by all. Our grandchildren meeting their new baby sister 💖

Today's post involves my 2nd Great Aunt Mary Agnes Battye and her second marriage.  Mary was the daughter of Edward Joseph Battye and his wife Ellen Mary (nee Pierse) and was born about 1890 in the Gundagai area.  On the 22nd June 1909 she married Charles J. Chalker at St. Patrick's R.C. Church at Gundagai, tragically he died in 1919 leaving Mary a young widow with children to raise alone.  In 1935 she married John 'Jack' Crowley at Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia.  John died on the 18th January 1961 at the age of 93, while Mary died on the 19th May 1966 aged 76. Information and a photograph of their burial site can be found here . Source: WEDDDING BELLS (1935, February 28). The Gundagai Independent (NSW : 1928 - 1939), p. 4. Retrieved July 10, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224999040 Transcript:  WEDDING BELLS CROWLEY-CHALKER This morning in St. Patrick's Church, Rev. Fr. Butler Adm. officiating at the marriage of Mrs Mary...

Today's post involves my Great Aunt Monica Battye. Source: GOULBURN (1947, June 26). Catholic Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1942 - 1954), p. 20. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146605192 Transcript: On June 3, the annual Catholic Ball was conducted at the Gundagai Theatre.  Success was achieved from both the social and financial viewpoint, over 500 people attending and an amount of almost £200 being taken at the door.  Visitors from Wagga, Cootamundra, Tumut, Adelong and other neighbouring towns, as well as the district centres, attended.  Following a fanfare, the official party entered the hall at 9:30p.m.  It comprised his Lordship Bishop McGuire (who received the debutantes.) the Rev. Father A. Deegan, P.P. (Gundagai),  B. McDonagh (Cootamundra), and J. O'Brien (Gundagai), the deputy shire president , Mr. R.R. Knox and Mrs. Knox, Mr. and Mrs. A.E. Hogan, Mr. and Mrs. D. Koch, Mr. and Mrs. F.L. Horsley.  The debutante retinue was le...

Today's post involves my Great Aunt Monica Battye. Source: Riverina District News (1947, January 13). Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article145142578 Transcript: Miss M. Battye, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Battye, of Tor street, is a patient in the district hospital.

Today's post involves my 2nd Great Aunt Mary Agnes Battye and her marriage to Charles J. Chalker. Mary, the daughter of Edward Joseph Battye and his wife Ellen Mary (nee Pierse) was born about 1890 in the Gundagai area.  On the 22nd June 1909 she married Charles J. Chalker at St. Patrick's R.C. Church, Gundagai.  Unfortunately Charles died on 14th October 1919 at Reno, leaving Mary alone to raise their young family. Source: CHALKER—BATTYE. (1909, June 25). The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser (NSW : 1868 - 1931), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123564196 Transcript: CHALKER-BATTYE On Tuesday afternoon, in St. Patrick's R.C. Church, by the Rev. P.J. Donovan, a quiet wedding was celebrated, when Mr. Charles Chalker, son of Mr. J. H. Chalker, of Adaminaby, was united to Miss Agnes Battye, of Jones' Creek Gundagai.  The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr. Victor Battye, wore a dark gree...

Today's post involves my 2nd Great Uncle Albert 'Victor' Battye.  Victor (as he was known) was the son of Edward Battye and his wife Ellen nee Pierse.  He was born in Gundagai in 1888 and died at his mother's house at Jones' Creek on the 13th November 1919.  He never married and was buried at the North Gundagai Cemetery on the 14th December 1919.  I have previously posted about him here . Source: "OH, MY POOR WIFE" (1916, October 29). Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW : 1895 - 1930), p. 9. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article121344151 Transcript: Victor Battye, a young miner, was seriously injured at Gundagai North Gold Mine on Friday, through the fall of a large rock.  Battye received immediate assistance, and was found to be suffering from severe injuries to the spinal chord, the lower part of the body being paralysed.  He was conveyed to the hospital, where he lies in a precarious condition. Source: FALL OF EARTH. (1916, Octo...

Today's post involves my 2nd grand uncle Albert 'Victor' Battye.  He was the son of Edward Joseph Battye and his wife Ellen Mary nee Pierse, born in Gundagai in 1888.  He died in 1919 at Gundagai. Source: ALL ABOUT PEOPLE (1919, November 13). The Gundagai Independent and Pastoral, Agricultural and Mining Advocate (NSW : 1898 - 1928), p. 2. Retrieved June from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123643614 Transcript: Died at the residence of his mother (Mrs Battye) Jones' Ck., Gundagai. this morning.  Victor Battye, aged 31 years. About 3 years ago deceased was badly injured by a fall of earth while working in a mine at Reno - his spine was affected.  Ever since he had been confined to his bed, and was tenderly nursed by his mother and sisters.  He was a fine young fellow and was highly respected by all who knew him.  He is survived by his mother, one brother (Leo) & four sisters - Mrs Chalker, Reno; Mrs Roper, Reno; Mrs Blake and Miss Katie ...

Today's post involves my Great Grandfather Leo Battye.  Source: ABOUT PEOPLE (1934, September 6). The Gundagai Independent (NSW : 1928 - 1939), p. 4. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article224995601 Transcript: Mr. H.D. Groom, mining engineer with his assistant, Mr. Leo Battye, together with Mr. Jack Edwards, of South Gundagai, were on a tour of inspection through the Tumut district last week end. Source: GUNDAGAI (1934, October 5). Albury Banner and Wodonga Express (NSW : 1896 - 1938), p. 36. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article112684361 Transcript: Mr. H.D. Groom, mining engineer, with his assistant, Mr. Leo Battye, and Mr. Jack Edwards, have been on a tour of inspection in this district.

Today's notice involves my 2nd grand uncle Albert 'Victor' Battye. Source: Advertising (1919, November 27). The Gundagai Independent and Pastoral, Agricultural and Mining Advocate (NSW : 1898 - 1928), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123646901 Transcript: In the Supreme Court of New South Wales. PROBATE JURISDICTION In the will of ALBERT VICTOR BATTYE late of Gundagai in the State of New South Wales Miner deceased. APPLICATION will be made after fourteen days from the publication hereof that Probate of the last Will and Testament of the above named deceased may be granted to ROBERT PIERSE the Executor in the said Will named and all persons having any claims against the Estate of the said deceased are to send them to and all Notices are to be served on FRASER & OLIVER, Proctor for the Executor, Gundagai. By their Agents, MYERS & HILL, 58 Hunter St., Sydney.

Today's post involves my third great aunt Ada Ellen Polsen nee Worldon. Source: GUNDAGAI (1937, October 8). Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article143672731 Transcript: GUNDAGAI  A birthday party in honor of their mother, Mrs Arthur Polsen, was held by Mrs Henry Crane (Vera), Mrs. George Smith (Doris), and Mrs. Charles Smith (Edna) at the home of the first-named at South Gundagai.  Mr. Polsen and several friends of the family were also present.  A beautiful cake, which was made and decorated by Mrs. Crane, was much admired, and the guest of honor returned to her home late in the afternoon laden with a variety of beautiful gifts.

Today's post involves the wedding of my 3rd Great Aunt Ada Ellen Worldon and Arthur Polsen at Gundagai in 1909.  My Great Grandmother Stella Jane Christina Worldon was their train-bearer. Source: PERSONAL, SOCIAL, RELIGIOUS (1909, November 12). The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser (NSW : 1868 - 1931), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123560074 Transcript: At St. John's Church of England, on Wednesday afternoon, Mr. Arthur Polsen, second son of Mr. Neil Polsen, of Coolac, was married to Miss Ada Ellen Worldon, eldest daughter of Mr. James B. Worldon of Gundagai.  The bride, who was given away by her father, was attended by her sister. Miss May Worldon, as bridesmaid, and by her niece, little Stella Worldon, as train-bearer.  The bride wore a white silk Empire costume, trimmed with lace and net, and wore a wreath and veil.  The bridesmaid was attired in white silk muslin, and wore a white pic...

Today's photograph is of my Great Grandparents Leo Francis Battye and his wife Stella Jane Christina nee Worldon. Leo Francis Battye and his wife Stella Jane Christina nee Worldon with one of their granddaughters.

Today's post involves my 2nd great uncle Ernest J. Battye.  Ernest was the son of Edward Joseph Battye and his wife Ellen Mary nee Pierse.  Born in Gundagai in 1886, he died in Cobar of typhoid fever on the 14th December 1907 and was buried in the Roman Catholic Cemetery in Cobar on the 16th December 1907. Source: Concentrates. (1907, December 17). The Cobar Herald (NSW : 1899 - 1914), p. 2. Retrieved  from ht tp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article118685677 Transcript: On Tuesday evening of last week there was admitted to the Cobar Hospital a young man named Ernest Battie.  He came from Canbelego and was suffering with typhoid fever.  He was in a very serious condition when he arrived and died on Saturday night last.  The funeral took place on Monday morning, the Rev. Father Barry officiating at the grave.  We understand that the case is a very sad one, as the deceased was the principal support of his mother, who lives at Jones' Creek, near Gun...

Today's post involves my Great Aunt Monica Battye. Source: GUNGAGAI (1947, June 5). Cootamundra Herald (NSW : 1877 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article143494716 Transcript: GUNDAGAI Monica Battye and Beryl Miller have taken up nursing as a career, Monica is a well-known local girl, and Beryl is a sister of a former member of the hospital staff, Nancy Miller.

Today's post involves my Great Grandmother Stella Jane Christina Battye nee Worldon.  She would have been about five at this time. Source: TOWN TOPICS. (1911, November 25). The Gundagai Independent and Pastoral, Agricultural and Mining Advocate (NSW : 1898 - 1928), p. 2. Retrieved from h ttp://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article121490902 Transcript: Six patients now in the Hospital Discharges during the week :- Mrs Murdoch, little Jack Ross (after three months; treatment), Stella Worldon, and Jack Sheehan.  Another patient (an old man) has been sent to a Sydney home.

Today's post involves my Great Great Grandparents Edward Joseph Battey/Battye and his wife Ellen Mary nee Pierse. Source: Family Notices (1885, May 1). The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser (NSW : 1868 - 1931), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123470446 Transcript: MARRIAGE. On the 27th April at the residence of the bride's aunt, Gundagai, Edward Joseph, eldest son of Mr. Edward Battey, of Yass, to Ellen Mary, second daughter of Mr. John Pierse, of Darbalara. 5079/1885 BATTEY EDWARD PIERSE ELLEN GUNDAGAI Source: NSW Marriage Registration Index No. 5079/1885.  Retrieved from https://familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au

Sometimes you can research people for years and not discover some facts about them.  Today I had such a thing happen, in that I was researching Trove newspapers for more information about family members and came across a new detail involving my great great grandmother Ellen Mary Battye nee Pierse.  I have only ever seen her referred to as Ellen but today I found out that she was known as and referred to herself as Nellie!  Thank you Trove for helping me find another piece of the puzzle 😊 Source: Advertising (1907, December 25). The Gundagai Independent and Pastoral, Agricultural and Mining Advocate (NSW : 1898 - 1928), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article120267140 Transcript: THANKS. TO all kind Friends and Sympathisers with me, on the occasion of my late and bereavement, the loss of my son, ERNIE, I desire to tender my most sincere thanks. (MRS) NELLIE BATTYE. Jones' Creek, 23.12.'07.

Today's post involves my great great grandparents Edward Joseph Battye and his wife Ellen Mary nee Pierse.  The couple were married in Gundagai on the 27th April 1885 but had separated by about 1898.  Ellen died in Gundagai in 1944, while Edward's fate is thus far unknown. Source: POLICE COURT. (1900, December 4). The Gundagai Times and Tumut, Adelong and Murrumbidgee District Advertiser (NSW : 1868 - 1931), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article125513833 Transcript:  POLICE COURT. MONDAY, DECEMBER 3. Before Mr. Clarke, P.M. ELLEN BATTYE vs Edward Joseph Battye, wife desertion and child desertion.  Mr. Crowe for plaintiff.  Defendant did not appear.  Mr. Crowe said defendant had admitted service of summons, and had agreed to pay £1 per week.  The P.M. said he could not proceed with the case, as the constable who served the summons was absent.  The constable had gone to West Maitland, and the case would be postpone...

Today's photograph is of my father and his eldest sister on my parents Wedding Day in 1966.  Unfortunately both my father and Aunt have passed away, Dad five years ago and Aunt Eve in 1988.

Today's post involves my Great Great Grandmother Ellen Mary Battye nee Pierse and her death at Gundagai Hospital on the 4th February 1944.  Born the daughter of John Pierse and his wife Mary nee Quirk in 1865.  She married Edward Joseph Battye at the home of her Aunt Mrs Carrigg in Gundagai on the 27th April 1885.  Together they had a large family but after a number of years the marriage ended with Edward deserting Ellen and the children. Ellen was buried at Gundagai on the 5 February 1944.  More posts involving Ellen who was apparently known as Nellie can be found here , here , here  and here Source: MRS. E. M. BATTYE (1944, February 14). Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article144227250 Transcript: MRS. E.M. BATTYE The death occurred in the Gundagai Hospital on Friday of Mrs Ellen Mary Battye, of Jones Creek, at the age of 78 years.  A native of the Gundagai district, she w...

Today's post involves my Great Grandfather Leo Battye. Source: GUNDAGAI (1946, March 21). Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 4. Retrieved June 4, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article145004507 Transcript: Mr Leo Battye left for Sydney last week for further treatment to his injured knee.  Nearly 12 months ago Mr. Battye met with an accident while unloading wood and has since been laid up.  Some weeks ago he visited Sydney and had an operation to the knee. Source: GUNDAGAI (1946, August 15). Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 5. Retrieved June 4, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article145137916 Transcript: Mr. Leo Battye returned from Sydney last week where he has been undergoing treatment for his injured knee.  His leg has not shown the improvement that could be desired, and he is still unable to do any hard work. Source: OUR NEIGHBORS (1946, August 19). Cootamundra Herald (NSW : 1...

Today's post involves my Great Grandparents Leo Francis Battye and his wife Stell Jane Christina nee Worldon. Source: ABOUT PEOPLE (1927, August 29). The Gundagai Independent and Pastoral, Agricultural and Mining Advocate (NSW : 1898 - 1928), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article131000854 Transcript: Married at St. Pat's Church, Gundagai, last week, Mr. Leo. Battye and Miss Worldon, both of Gundagai. 13140/1927 BATTYE LEO F WORLDON STELLA J GUNDAGAI Source:  NSW BDM Marriage Index No.13140/1927.  Retrieved from  https://familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au

Today's Trove Tuesday mentions my Great Grandfather Leo Francis Battye.  Family talk has always been that he knew where there was a large amount of gold but he refused to show or tell anyone any details of his find. We will never know as he took his secret to his grave! Source: WHEN WILL GUNDAGAI HAVE ANOTHER RENO ? (1934, June 7). The Gundagai Independent (NSW : 1928 - 1939), p. 2. Retrieved June 4, 2017, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article22499371 Transcript: WHEN WILL GUNDAGAI HAVE ANOTHER RENO? Big List of Mining Applications BEFORE THE MINING WARDEN Since the beginning of the year the number of applications received by the local Warden's Clerk have constituted a record, but with the hundreds of authorities to enter granted not one miner had the luck to come across something exceptional. Before the Mining Warden (Mr. J.A.S. Balmain), on Tuesday last, the following applications were dealt with :- Mr Parker Moloney, former M.H.R. for Hume, appe...

Today's snippet involves my Great Grandmother Stella Jane Christina Battye nee Worldon. Source: School Exam. (1920, June 21). The Gundagai Independent and Pastoral, Agricultural and Mining Advocate (NSW : 1898 - 1928), p. 3. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article123646688 Transcript: School Exam. Results of the quarterly examination held at St. Stanislaus' School Gundagai:- Seventh Class (Upper Division.) Kenneth Webb 1390, Doris Hill 1356, Louise McGuire 1329. Seventh Class. Alma Geaghan 991, Vincent Carberry 941, Olive Murphy 858, Herbert Gibbons 858, Adele McGuire 778, Connie Tweedie 775, Muriel Owen 767, Pearl Neve 750, Florrie Gibbons 712, Winnie Stutchbury 654, Gordon Owen 619, Alice Kelly 594. Sixth Class. Mollie Sullivan 994, Eva Davis 962, Cecil O'Sullivan 741, Clarrie Reardon 502, Peter Reardon 482. Fifth Class. Rene Barton 517, Jack Hill 501, Mona Gardiner 488, Les. Barton 480, Paddy Sullivan 476, Chas. Hill 469, Agnes ...

Today's post involves my Great Grandfather Leo Battye. Source: GUNDAGAI (1935, July 19). Albury Banner and Wodonga Express (NSW : 1896 - 1938), p. 42. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article102425095 Transcript: Mr. Leo Battye, son of Mr. E.J. Battye, who floated the once famous Prince of Wales mine, is reported to have made a rich discovery of gold on Jones' Creek.  Battye is one of the best-known and highly skilled prospectors in the district.

I have been working on my family tree charts lately and thought that I would start posting some of them here on my blog so that readers and researchers can better understand where people mentioned in posts fit in my trees.

Today's Trove Tuesday post involves my Great Grandfather Leo Battye and his brother in law Charles Roper and also mentions my Great Great Grandfather Edward Battye (not Gowan as stated in the article). Source: GOLD NEAR GUNDAGAI (1936, September 26). Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article144621413 Transcript: GOLD NEAR GUNDAGAI EXCITEMENT FOLLOWS FIND There was an excitement in mining circles yesterday when it became known that Leo Battye and his brother-in-law, Charles Roper, had struck gold up in the hills about ten or twelve miles from Gundagai.  For the past couple of months they had been trenching near the old Emu workings, about midway between Reno and Johnson's Hill mines.  The almost continuous wet weather, however, had caused a suspension of operations on several occasions; but as the weather had improved during the past week or two, they were able to go ahead uninterruptedly. ...

Today's snippet involves my Great Aunt Monica Battye. Source: PERSONAL (1952, June 16). Cootamundra Herald (NSW : 1877 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article138563809 Transcript: PERSONAL Popular young couple to be wed at the Sacred Heart Church, Cootamundra on June 28 are Miss Monica Battye and Mr. Allan Kearney, both of Cootamundra.

Today's snippet is about Elijah Guymer Haylock who is my first cousin five times removed.  Elijah was born c.1832 at Great Thurlow, Suffolk, England the son of John Haylock and his wife Ann nee Guymer.  Ann's brother David is my 4th Great Grandfather.  In 1851 Elijah departed England for Australia, arriving at Port Adelaide, South Australia on the 26th May 1851 on board the ship Catherine .  His parents, siblings, Uncle Robert Guymer and his family arrived in Adelaide on board the Omega in 1852.                       Source: Advertising (1852, November 6). Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 - 1904), p. 5. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article160111099 Transcript: ELIJAH GOYMER HAYLOCK, per ship Catherine , in July 1851.-Any person forwarding address of the above to Hunt's Labour-office, Adelaide, will oblige his father and mother, lately arrived from England.

I came across the following newspaper article on Trove and believe that it may involve my second great aunt Mary Donnelly.  Mary was twelve years old in 1882 and lived in Cooyal.  One of twin girls born to James Donnelly and his wife Mary nee Gallagher in 1870, she never married.  Mary lived in Cooyal on the family property for many years with her parents, then she moved with her mother to a house in Lewis Street, Mudgee.  She died on the 3rd March 1937 at the Mudgee District Hospital and was buried at the Mudgee General Cemetery, in the Roman Catholic section on the 4th March 1937 (see here ).  I have previously mentioned her in blog posts  here , here , here , and  here . Returns of criminal cases heard at the Quarter Sessions at Mudgee on 2nd of August 1882 show that James Garbutt plead guilty to Indecent Assault and was sentenced to imprisonment with hard labour in Mudgee Gaol for eighteen months.  NSW State Records have a gaol photograph an...