About the author.
Firstly, I am not an author, only a compiler/editor, what
talent I have is finding information and compiling it in some kind of readable
form. I was born in Melbourne in 1934, to a market gardener and his wife. After
primary school I had the benefit of a college education, but didn’t do much
with it. I worked in what was the English Scottish & Australian bank, before
it became the A. N. Z. In 1954 I married a bricklayer, Robert Polglase and together
we produced 4 children before going our separate ways in 1970. I married and
divorced twice more, so I guess I didn’t do much with marriage stakes either.
At the age of about 38 I became a mature age student at the Chisholm Institute
and passed a diploma of welfare studies course, but didn’t do much with that
either. A few years later I did an exercise to music leaders course and found my
niche in life, subsequently taking classes for the next 15 years.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS;
Margaret Bone, from the Cambridge Historical Society assisted much of my early research, and later Mrs Green from the Cheshire Records office, I thank both these ladies for their help and interest. Records search are the International Genealogical Index (I.G.I), maintained by the Church of Later Day Saints, Salt Lake City; Parish Records, & Census Records in England.
In Australia shipping records, Baptist Church records, Births Deaths & Marriage & Postal Directory records
This history could not have been written without the generous help and co-operation of many relatives. All have willingly shared their family history and stories with me and I most sincerely thank each and every one of you. I especially thank Walter Pickering of Sydney for his editing and constructing of the story web pages
Avis Leigh.
PREFACE
The main aim of this work is to tell the story of the Pickering family as it relates to us. The early chapters about the family in England is really only a bit of interesting trivia not directly related to us---well not with visible links anyway, but who knows.
The second part relates the family history of Rev Charles Pickering who came to Australia in 1875. He married Mary Jane Stout of Ballarat, they had seven children whose family stories form the bulk of this work. Mary Jane Stout died in 1902 and Rev. Charles married Mary Jane Webb in Keyneton 1n 1904. They had two children, one Ruby died as a baby, the other Cora Pickering is believed to have been a talented musician and is thought to have married American author Zane Grey, and lived in America, nothing else is know at this time.
We must also remember the women, who generally abided by whatever decisions the men made in regard to where and how they lived. The lives of our maternal ancestors were very harsh, with few comforts, but lots of children and work. To wash the clothes usually occupied one whole day a week from sunrise to sunset. Clothes had to be hand washed, usually needing three tubs; one for boiling, one for rinsing out the boiling water, and one for ‘blueing’. At each process the clothes had to be lifted and wrung out. Wet tablecloths, sheets, blankets, curtains and clothes were very heavy. Then carried and hung out on a line of wire strung across the back yard, with wooded props to hold the clothes up off the ground. When the clothes were dry, they had to be ironed, folded, and put away. Heavily starched frills, laces, flounces and bustles worn by our pioneering women, as well as shirt-fronts, tablecloths and embroideries made ironing difficult even when petrol and later electric irons replaced the flat black irons.
Suggested furniture and utensils needed for the laundry were:
1 Beeswax cloth, 1 Ironing table, 1 Bucket
1 Knife
1 Clothes basket, 1 Laundry brush, 1 Clothes horse
Lines
Copper,
1 Mangle, 1 Dipper, 1 Peg bag and pegs
3 Dusters, 1 Polishing
board, 2 enamel basins
1 Saucepan for soap, 1 Enamel
bucket, 1 Shirt board
1 goffering iron, 1 Skirt
board, irons, 1 Sleeve board
2 Ironing blankets, 1 soiled linen basket, 2
Ironing sheets Tubs
2 Iron holders, 1 Washing board, 2 Iron stands, 1 Wooden
spoon
Crimping tongs, 1 Wringer
Some irons of the day
 Flat irons |
 Long narrow irons for sleeves or deep ruffles |
 Hand fluter for ironing ruffles or pleated garments. |
 Comfort Gas Iron |
Having obtained the necessary equipment, the house wife of
yesteryear needed to know the correct process of the laundry.
Process of Laundering White Cotton Materials
1. Collecting 12. Starching
2. Sorting 13. Hanging out and drying
3. Mending 14. Damping and folding
4. Removal of stains 15. Ironing
5. Soaking or steeping 16. Mangling
6. Washing 17 Airing
7. Rinsing 18 Mending woollens etc.
8. Boiling 19. Putting away
9. Second rinsing 10. Blueing
11 Wringing
.To Keep White Clothes a Good Colour
Do not allow them to become too soiled before washing
Note this list is only for white cotton materials, colours would have been another process again.
It seems housewives have always sought short cuts to their chores. The following hint suggest the elimination of steps 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the laundry process.
To Dry Boil Clothes
Washing is no trouble and easy to do if you dry boil. Clothes will be snow white if put into the copper the night before with half a bar of soap cut up. Soap the clothes lightly (no rubbing required). Next morning bring the clothes to the boil slowly and punch often with pot stick. It is the slow boiling that drains the dirt out and leaves the clothes snowy white. Allow to boil ten minutes, no longer. Clothes should never be put into boiling water, except a table cloth with tea stains. These should be put into very hot water as cold water sets the stain.
To cook for the family the women had to lay and stoke the fire, carry heavy iron pots and stir them over an open hearth or black stove. Australian kitchens were unbearably hot and if the fire was not needed to warm the house, which most of them were not, kitchens were built as separate buildings.
Our pioneers worked hard and long hours, and ate big hearty meals, beginning with breakfast. The housewife needed all day to prepare three hot meals. As well she made her own butter, clarified the fat, made jam, pickles, chutney and preserves on quite a large scale. Bread also was often baked in the kitchen oven.
Breakfast would consist of a three course meal as follows:
Boiled eggs Wholemeal bread toast
Hot scones Stewed fruit Wheat coffee
An alternative might have been:-
Wheatmeal porridge Lamb’s fry and bacon
Hot scones and jam rolls Tea and coffee
Mid-day and evening meals would consist of home made soup, and a main course would be followed with hot steamed pudding, or simple bread and butter sweets, or fruit pies with custard or cream for desserts.
So let us take time to acknowledge our silent achievers who have left their footprints in the sands of time, to give us the courage and spirit to follow in their footprints.
CONTENTS
Name Origin
Early History
Our direct Line
Rev C Pickering 1851----1925 born in England, came to Australia as a missionary in 1875. He married Mary Stout, they had the following eight children.
William Stanley Pickering 1879---1974, born at Castlemaine, married 1/ Catherine Westgarth, 2/ Mavis Esler
James Lesley Pickering b. 1881 Warrnambool died 1884, Tatura
Charles Joseph Pickering 1883----1955 born at Tatura (Goulburn valley), married Alice Newton, in Prahran, lived in Cheltenham for 46 years.
George Gordon Pickering 1885, at Tatura lived in Wagga, NSW.
Victor John Pickering b. 1887 Carlton North, married Margaret Bye, lived in Prahran/Sth. Yarra.
Ada Maude Pickering b. 1893 Hamilton, Victoria
Norman Pickering b. 1894 Hamilton, Victoria.
Mary Stout Pickering died 1902, Rev. C. married Mary Webb, they had the following two children.
Cora Pickering b. 1905 Dalesford, Victoria.
Ruby Pickering b.1908 NSW---died 1912.
NAME ORIGIN
One story goes that Pickering received its name from King
Peredus of the Gavrantuici tribe in 270 BC The tale is told how the King lost
his ring in the river Costa. He accused a maiden of stealing it, but a cook
found it in the belly of a pike caught in the river. The ring was returned to
the King who later married the maiden and called the town ‘Pike ring’. The
town’s coat of arms shows a pike with a ring in its mouth. Other sources say
the name was a location name in the North Riding of Yorkshire. The name derived
from the Old English word PICORA, and literally meant the dweller at the edge of
the hill. (So we two options to accept, I personally go for the ‘pike ring’)
PICKERING CASTLE
|
|
Left-A modern view of the ruins of Pickering castle.--picture taken and supplied by
Walter Pickering of Sydney
Right--A different view of the castle.
The first castle was built on this site late in the 11th century. King Henry 1 visited the castle in 1106 and founded the Honour and Forest of Pickering, a vast hunting domain that stretched from a point near the coast of Rosedale and from the river Derwent to the river Esk. In 1267, the manor and forest were given to the Earl of Lancaster, who obtained for the town a new fair, which was held in Castlegate and the castle grounds. The castle declined in the 15th century. Cromwell’s forces took the castle in the Civil War but it was returned to the Duchy of Lancaster on the restoration of the monarchy. In 1201 King John granted the town a royal charter. A number of other early kings hunted in the extensive royal forest of Pickering. Queen Mary and the Princess Royal visited the parish church in 1937, and the Queen visited Pickering Castle in 1975 to meet the tenants of the Duchy of Lancaster estates. The Department of the Environment now administers it. (source; Pickering by Malcolm Boyes; supplied to me by Robert Gannon of Sydney)
The original castle consisted of a great moated mound, or mote, surrounded by ditches and protected by timber palisading. Most of the present stone fortress dates from between 1180 and 1326 and now belongs to English Heritage. (source--The Yorkshire Moors And dales; by Rob Talbot and Robin Whiteman)
There have been many different spelling of the name, Pykering, Pykeryinge, Picheringa/ Piceringas (an old tribal name) Pickering, this spelling being documented in 1208, in Yorkshire.
EARLY HISTORY
There have been many notable Pickerings over the years, as well as many scoundrels and scallywags.
John Stow in his ‘Survey of London’ first published in 1598, describes the growth of London from very early times. In his description of Aldgate Ward he mentions; "Now down St. Mary street, by the west end of the church towards the north, stand divers fair houses for merchants and others; namely one fair house, built by Sir William Pickering the father, possessed by Sir William his son, and since by Sir Edward Wootton of Kent".
There are no less than 13 Pickerings mentioned in the book ‘The General Armoury’; amongst these are two from Chester, (where our direct line starts)
Gilbert Pickering Esquire purchased the manor of Tichmarsh, (temp Queen Elizabeth 1558—1603) from William, Earl of Worcester. Gilbert Pickering son of James Pickering, Esq. of Gretton, and grandson of James Pickering of, Winderwath, co Westmorland, was great grandfather of Sir Gilbert Pickering, of Tichmarsh, created a Baronet of Nova Scotia. Sir Edward Pickering of Duncannon Fort, co Wexford, the last to bear the title, married 1770, Elizabeth, daughter of George Glascott, Esq. of Aldertown. (The Book of General Armoury)
Sir Henry Pickering purchased the manor of Whaddon in 1648 and was created a baronet 2-1-1660/61.---extinct 1705. (The Book of General Armoury).
Pickering Old Lodge and Clapham co. Surrey, born by Edward Rowland Pickering, Esq of Old Lodge, son of Edward Lake Pickering. Esq., of the Exchequer Office, Temple, by Mary his wife, only daughter and heir of William Umpreville, Esq. (The Book of General Armoury)
Another William Pickering (1796-1854) a publisher, who set up his own business in London, was noted by his ‘Diamond Classics’ and his ‘Aldine’ edition of English poets.
.From a list of Lancashire and Cheshire students, extracted from Transactions of Lancs & Chesh Antiquarian Soc. 1888, Vol V1 p.79. Appendix 1.
Robert Pickering, son of Robert Pickering Esq., of Thelwall, Cheshire. Born in London. Schools, St. Paul’s, under Mr. Davenport, half a year; and Chester, under Mr. Liptrot, five years. Age 19 Admitted as scholar, March 25 1665. Tutor Mr. Ellys. entered first at St. John’s College. Admitted pensioner to the bachelors’ table, 1667. Surety, Mr. John Ellys. "Robert Pickering, ‘de qua parochia nescit,’ co. Middlesex, son of Robert Pickering, ‘iurisperiti,’ bred at Chester (Mr Liptrot) for 7 years: admitted pensioner, tutor and surety Mr Peck, 15 June, 1664; aet. 18" Mayor’s Admission to St. John’s, part I, p 165.
The Rev Pickering, B.A. 1667, M.A. 1671, was the younger son of a barrister who purchased Thelwall in 1661. He was rector of Eccleston, 1671-1703, and of Croston, 1689-1703, both in Lancashire. He died s.p. in 1703.
There also appears to have been a number of clergy over many years. Two hundred years later there is recorded; Rev. George 1848; George 1858; Edward 1876; and Robert 1874.
From Pigot’s directory of Cheshire we learn, " A grammar school was founded here, (Tarvin) in1600, by John Pickering, merchant, who endowed it with he sum of £200, which was laid out in lands."
As said above we also have our infamous scallywags as well, in Australian convict records there were 9 Pickerings transported to Sydney.
But they were sometimes the victims, as Elijah Gregory was transported for 10 years for stealing a cow, the property of JAMES PICKERING of Norley.
There was also a Rev. A Pickering in Heidelberg, Melbourne, and another Charles Pickering, a dealer in fancy goods, in Melbourne, who coincidently also died in August 1925, as did ‘our’ Rev Charles.
OUR DIRECT LINE
Our records begin with the marriage of Charles Pickering and Elizabeth Griffith in January 1805 in Tarvin, which is a village 5 ½. miles north east of Chester. The year of the marriage suggests they would have been born around 1780, however so far no birth or baptismal records have been found for Charles. We do have a baptism of Elizabeth Griffith at Holy Trinity, Chester in 1784, daughter of Edward Griffiths, gent’s servant. John Pickering and Mary Griffith, probably siblings of the Bride and Groom witnessed the marriage. Bride and groom both signed with their mark. The marriage took place in Jan.1805, they had nine children all baptised in Chester:- Mary 28-10-1805; Thomas 31-1-1808; John 2-7-1809; Sarah 10-3-1811, married William Fleet of Hargrave; Elizabeth 6-6-1813, married John Rowland of Tarvin; William 10-10-1815; James 19-7-1818; Charles 1820, married Mary Hooley; and Ann 1825.
map of Cheshire
The 1841 census of Chester records Charles Pickering age 60, agriculture labourer, his wife Elizabeth, living with Ann Pickering age 15; Mary Griffith, lodger, age 45; and Thomas Pickering age 7 (? grandson).
Also in the village is Charles (son of Charles & Elizabeth) Pickering age 20, agricultural labourer with his wife Mary (nee Hooley) age 25. (actually was 20) Charles and Mary were married at St. Oswald’s parish church on 27-7-1840.
The marriage was witnessed by Emma Pickering, who made her mark, and was probably an aunt, (sister of Charles snr.) but this has not been proven. The second witness was John Lowe 34. Elizabeth Pickering of Hargrave, in Tarvin, was buried in Jan.1843. A daughter Ann age 20 was buried in May 1844 & Charles senior then of Stapleford in Tarvin was buried in April 1847.
The 1851 census shows Charles jnr. is now a Railway plate Layer age 30; Mary is now also recorded correctly age 30, with them are children, James born in Cheshire, Tarvin age 9 agricultural labourer; William age 8 born in Tarvin Cheshire, is a student at home, as is, Ann age 5 born at Holmes Chapel, which is a village with a railway station in mid Cheshire, 3 ½. miles north east of Sandbach. The London and North West Railway line ran through both Chester and Holmes Chapel. Thomas age 4 is also born at Holmes Chapel, & his three younger siblings were born at Ely, Cambridge. Elizabeth age 3; Mary age 2; and baby Charles age 2 months, whose birth certificate records the event occurred at Mildenhall Station, Burnt Fen, Ely Trinity, 4th. February 1851. Baby Charles and his sister Mary were both baptised at Thetford, Cambridge 7th. August 1853. Another daughter Emma was born in Ely, Cambridge in 1853. Thetford and Ely were both on the Great Eastern Railway line. Railway platelayers would stay in one place for a limited time. Once the lines were completed, there would only be a limited amount of maintenance, so most of the workers would move on to a new stretch of line. All the available census records for 1861 in the Cambridge and surrounding areas were checked without finding any of the family recorded, so they must have moved on. We now know that young Charles had an education, first at home, even though both of his parents made their mark on the marriage certificate. As a result of a telephone conversation with the Uniting Church Archivist in England, I believe Charles was a preacher at the Primitive Methodist Church in Cornwall, prior to coming to Australia. Our next record of Charles is the ships passenger list, he embarked in London on the Dunnottar Castle, which left Liverpool on the 26-4-1875.
The Primitive Methodist church paid Charles cabin fare of £50, and he was listed as missionary Rev. C. Pickering. He travelled with another missionary Rev. F. Robinson.
History of the Primitive Methodist Church.
In 1808 the Methodist lay preacher Hugh Bourne was expelled from the movement. Bourne and his 200 or so followers became known as the Primitive Methodists. Bourne adopted the name from a statement made by John Wesley in 1790, "I still remain a primitive Methodist, his followers were also called ‘ranters’. Bourne built his first Chapel in Tienstall in 1811, by 1842 membership had increased to nearly 80,000, with 500 travelling evangelists and more than 1,200 chapels. Membership continued to grow and by 1875 reached 165,410, unlike the Wesleyan Methodists the Primitive Methodists encouraged women evangelists. They also provided many leaders of the trade union movement in the late 19th. Century. (So the P. M.s appear to have been a rather radical group).
Our Rev. seems to have been a controversial fellow, even from when he was a baby. On the baptismal records where Charles is listed as the son of Charles Pickering, underneath is written in brackets , ‘said to be’ & in the next column 2 years old’. (which he was, one would think that was fairly obvious!)
REV. CHARLES IN AUSTRALIA.
As said above Rev. Charles arrived in Victoria board the ‘Drumtorie Castle’ on the 7-8-1875, having left Liverpool on the 28-4-1875, travelling as a cabin passenger, courtesy of the Primitive Methodist Church in England. He travelled with another missionary Rev. F. Robinson.
The Primitive Methodists in Australia looked forward to the arrival of the new ministers. The quarterly journal of the church in July 1875 had the following announcement. "More Ministers for Victoria'. The following extract from a letter received by the last mail from the General Missionary Secretary, London, will be to a very large number of our friends in this district good news. 'On Monday 26th. April, the Rev. C. Anthony, wife and babe; and the Revs. C. Pickering and F. Robinson, sailed for Melbourne, in the Dunntorrar Castle'. The brethren are highly spoken of by the General Secretary, and will no doubt prove a great acquisition to this district..........The brethren named above could scarcely arrive at a more opportune time....."
From other entries in various issues of the same journal we learn that "Brother Pickering was appointed to Ballarat; He entered into his work in true P.M. style and is, in conjunction with his colleague, doing a good work. Their Saturday night open air service appears to have become an institution. Very large crowds listen to the grand old doctrine of a present, free and full salvation.....extract from local paper. The meeting held at the bottom of Sturt Street commenced with the hymn, 'Hold the Fort', Rev. J. L. Green offered a prayer, Rev. C. Pickering then preached a forcible sermon to an appreciative congregation of about 1,000, taking for the base of his remarks, St. John's Gospel V 40. the hymn Almost Persuaded was sung at the closure. The people of Ballarat know how to appreciate good evangelical preaching.
In April 1876 Charles is appointed to the First Melbourne Circuit, although he resided in Brighton. He preached at the Williamstown Church until he resigned in about August 1877, abound with the usual Charles controversy as the following articles in the October issue of the V.P.M. journal report. 'Resignation of Rev. C. Pickering ----As we have been given to understand that various reports are afloat as to the cause of Mr. Pickering leaving us, we deem it right to furnish our readers with a copy of the resignation, and so place before them the facts of the case.
Primitive Methodist Connexions;
to the Authorities of the Melbourne First Circuit,
Dear Brethren,
I beg respectfully to tender to you my resignation as a minister and member of
the P.M. Church. In taking this important step, allow me to state1st. That I am
not moving hastily or inadvisably, but have given the matter my deliberate and
prayerful consideration. 2nd. That my views have so changed with regard to
church government and the ordinance of Christian baptism, as to render it
inconsistent for me to remain any longer a P.M. minister. 3rd. that I bless God
for any little good I may have been the means of doing among you, but sincerely
regret that my labourers, especially the last eighteen months, have not been
more successful. 4th. that I am not forgetful of the kindness I have generally
received from the ministers and Connexion, and avail myself this opportunity to
express my sincere thanks, and to assure them that I shall ever cherish for them
a strong Christian regard. Praying for the continued and more abundant
prosperity of the Connexion,
I am, Dear brethren,
Yours in Christ,
Charles Pickering.
Brighton 3rd. September 1877,
From the above it will be seen that the assigned reason for
separation from us, is his change of view respecting church government and the
ordinance of baptism; a change that must have been as sudden as it was
complete---for within four months of his resignation being tendered he requested
the District Committee to allow him to get married at once. and so anxious had
he been to take this step, that although he was in his fourth year of his
probation, he expressed a willingness to re-commence his probation as a married
man. Four months ago, then, he had no intention of leaving us, and it was only
after he was informed that his request to be allowed to marry before finishing
his probation and completing his studies according to the rules of the church,
which he solemnly pledged to observe, could not be complied with, that this marvellous
change of view took place. Our readers will be able to draw their own
conclusions, and also to estimate at their proper value the various statements
that have been so industriously circulated. We not only wish Mr Pickering no
ill, but we wish him every good, and only hope that that he will not have
occasion to regret his separation from us.
From the minuets of the quarterly meeting we read;
District Committee--June 15th. 1877,
item 2--that the letter of Mr. C. Pickering to this committee cannot be
entertained. signed. Michael Clarke, Secretary.
Also from the minuets two other items of interest.
2nd February 1877; item 121, That we urgently request the
Melbourne circuit to give up the Rev. C. Pickering in order to open a mission at
Warrnambool, as the prospect there are very encouraging. If the circuit will do
this then the missionary committee are directed to attain for the circuit the
very best man available.
Foot note, It is interesting that Rev. C. later went to Warrnambool in 1879 as a Baptist minister.
Minuets of quarterly meeting Feb. 3rd. 1877 item 83; The Examining Committee, letter sent; that the Rev. C. Pickering be considered as having passed his third year, provided that he take Smith's History of the East with his next course of study and maintaining as sufficient number of marks to make up the minimum for the third year.
Charles seems to have been living in Castlemaine in 1877, when the Baptist Minister left, so Charles filled the gap, possibly as a lay preacher. Soon after he wrote a letter of resignation to the Primitive Methodist Church, and applied to the Baptist church to be accepted as a Baptist minister
At the monthly meeting of the Baptist Church, held in Collins Street on the 18th. September 1877, a letter from Rev. Pickering was read, stating he had changed his views on the subject of Baptism, and consequently recently resigned as a minister of the P.M. church, and desired to be identified with the Baptist denomination as a minister. Letters were read from Rev H. Coombes of Brighton recommending Mr Pickering to the favourable consideration of the committee. The chairman stated he had heard Mr Pickering preach and had formed a good opinion of his abilities as a preacher. It was shown that the Primitive Methodist Quarterly meeting had made the following resolution " that Rev. C. Pickering’s resignation as a minister be accepted as soon as he refunds the money expended on his passage to this country." It was resolved that a sub-committee be formed to meet with Rev. Charles to discuss the matter. This sub-committee reported to the October meeting; " We spent a considerable time in ascertaining as correctly as we could Mr Pickering’s situation to the body he has just left, and his fitness to become a pastor of a Baptist Church , there were three points we would suggest.
1/ That before Mr Pickering be recognised as a Baptist minister, a satisfactory arrangement be entered into between him and the P.M. Church respecting the sum of £50 which Mr Pickering admits is due by him to that body…….he had agreed that if he left the church in less than 6 years after his arrival he would repay the cost of his passage or some arrangement satisfactory to both parties be made.
2/ Prior to Mr. P. undertaking the pastorate of any church it would be wise to work on his own account and
3/ as…that he should expend some time in securing a letter equipment for ministerial….By so doing his ministerial work….assisted would be rendered lighter to him and more effective for the church and the world.’
A letter was read from Rev. T. Copeland, Stawell bearing testimony to Mr Pickering’s qualifications.
In Feb. 1878 Charles married Mary Jane Stout, daughter of wealthy miner and staunch Primitive Methodist, Joseph Stout, of Ballarat, an immigrant from West Allen region of Northumberland. Joseph born in 1823, arrived in Victoria in 1857 with his family, he soon became a successful investor in gold mines, his last big venture being the Last Chance Mine. He used gold from one of his mines for wedding rings for his two daughters. He also owned The Royal Highland Hotel, which was sold in the 1920s, and he owned the four adjoining shops, total value at the time of his death ₤5000. Other property, shares and investments brought his personal and real estate to a value of ₤13,967-8-7. He was also a founder of the Primitive Methodist church in Burbank St. It is now the Burbank Methodist Church. He was also a founder of the Ballarat Rowing club, and involved with the Ballarat Gun Club. When he died in 1901 he bequeathed his properties to some of his descendants. The residue of the estate was sold and the monies divided between the other seven children and their descendants, which he directed his trustees "shall not give each of them more than ₤100 of the principal due to them on account of their several shares in any one year." He left his 19th century red brick house with impressive open work cast posts of a type not often seen in Melbourne, with stable, coach house, wash house, and buggy shed, in Burbank St, valued at ₤ 1200 to his daughter Margaret. For many years a number of family members lived there, the house has a National Trust classification C.
 Mary Jane Stout |
 Joseph Stout |
Joseph was married to Mary Kirk from Westgate in the Weardale, Durham, they had seven children when they arrived in Victoria in 1857. They went straight to Ballarat where another five children were born Mary Kirk/Stout born 1824 died in 1885. (this history supplied by a descendant, Ken Cook of Gothenburg, Sweden.)
Charles and Mary were married on the 6th Feb. 1878 at the home of Mary’s brother 112 Collins St Melbourne Mary’s usual address was given as Ballarat, but she was living in Melbourne at the time of their marriage. Charles’s address was given as Castlemaine In 1879 Rev. Charles took up the pastorate of Warrnambool
Mr. L. L. Newman later wrote a history of the Footscray Baptist church and its ministers, he gives a lively insight into the character of our Rev. C. I will quote some extracts,
"The new Pastor came to Warrnambool by steam boat and, arriving earlier than expected, no representative of the church was at the waterside to welcome him. He soon sought out a Baptist family and, indeed, before nightfall, had visited several members and the usual mid-week service and prayer meeting held that evening was unusually well attended. Mr Pickering delivering a vigorous and inspiring address.
But he finished his pastorate on a different note. In December 1881, when he had been a little over two years at Warrnambool, the Home Mission Committee asked him to visit the Shepparton district and report on it as a field for the operation of the Society As A result of his visit he was appointed as the first Home Mission agent in that area, resigning from the Warrnambool pastorate on the 11-1-1882, and preaching his last sermon thereon the evening of 26-3-1882. He would take up his new appointment on 1-4-1882.
It was a sermon that vexed the Finance Committee of the church. The following day the committee met to discuss what it called the charges Rev. C had delivered against it They resolved to write and ask the Rev. for these charges to be put in writing to them." Charles promptly replied denying he laid any charges against the committee finishing with, "In conclusion, permit me to say that should the foregoing be unsatisfactory to you I shall be most happy to meet your committee & substantiate my statements anytime during the present week." This reply infuriated the committee. It now demanded the full text of the sermon. Charles refused, but made a counter offer. If the committee was willing to pay the cost, he would publish the sermon in full in the ‘Warrnambool Standard’. and he offered to answer personally any specific charges against him. " The church did not publish his sermon, but there followed an angry flurry of correspondence with Baptist headquarters. But Charles had won game and set, and went off to the Goulburn Valley leaving Warrnambool seething with indignation. Referring to Charles Mr Newman wrote, " His letters are written in barbed terms and in no way conciliatory. He was a man to be wary of."
The Home Mission Committee sent Rev. Charles to the Goulburn Valley, at that time the greatest wheat producing area in the colony, to initiate Baptist work there. A number of Baptist families were in the area, and these identified themselves with the cause. Charles commenced services at Shepparton, then a growing town with a population of 1500 people, from which he moved out into neighbouring centres’.
From A Romance of Home Missions by Wilkins, we read, Mr Pickering was full of zeal and vigour, and within a year regular services had been established at Shepparton, Tatura, Arcadia, and Pine Lodge, and a little later at Karramomous, Kialla and Tallygaroopna. In Tatura, Mr Pickering had a splendid helper in Mr F. Williams, J. P". ‘ The field proved too large for one man to cover, so in Feb. 1883 Mr. James Pollock was sent to assist him’. and before the end of the year the missionaries reported they were conducting services at 12 different stations’.
(This proved to be another very controversial partnership). In less than six months the Committee was writing to Charles, who suspected Pollock of passing on certain information behind his back, in these terms: "Our sincere desire is that you both, engaged as you are on the same work, may co-operate with the greatest cordiality. Pollock was told at the same time that Charles was responsible "for the due maintenance of the work in all its details". But things did not improve and by March 1884 the Committee was noting that relations between the two men were very strained. The suggestion was made that the district be divided into two—the Tatura and Shepparton areas—with one man responsible for each, but the Committee vetoed this. It wanted the work to proceed as planned with Charles at its head. "I fear that our good brother Pollock does not heartily acquiesce in the arrangement" was Charles’s comment. Charles further commented that ‘In my opinion the work of the mission in Mr. Pollock’s hands would decline, in fact it was now fast doing so".
In mid 1884 a petition was sent to the Committee by H. T. Wilkinson and eight others, all of Karramous in Pollock’s area. " No union and united effort can be entered into for the salvation of souls while he comes amongst us…we fear that a spirit of animosity would be caused if Mr Pickering is forced among us…..We believe in someone to superintend the mission field but have no one to whom we can look as a pattern for the young and old’. As this petition arose out of the suggestion of diving the mission field—a suggestion that was vetoed--, it may be only an expression of support for Pollock,
(or sour grapes, but who knows??) In August 1884 a third man was sent to help, he was Mr Nevil, (who Charles considered not all that good either, as he wrote to the committee), "If he were trained to think & had time to read, I have an idea he would prove to be an acceptable man; but without these he cannot possibly succeed as a preacher".
By April 1885 Nevil had withdrawn from the Home Mission, having been replaced by Rev E Vaughan, and Pollock had gone far away to Oxley, where he laboured successfully for years. Years later Wilkins wrote glowingly of his work in that area—"as fruitful a mission as our society has ever known" It was essentially an itinerate ministry as Pollock on horse-back visited far and wide, calling at every home. It was not the place for an eloquent preacher’.
At the October 1884 meeting of Committee, it is recorded " A letter from Rev C Pickering was read’ It was resolved upon the motion of the Rev C Chapman and Mr H Chambers to vote the sum of ₤15 to Mr Pickering in consideration of his recent heavy expenses occasioned by the sickness and death of his child.
Charles’s time in the Goulburn Valley was also drawing to a close. He was discouraged and wrote in July 1885, "This is unquestionably the hardest district I have ever laboured in". (editors note—This is less than 12 months after the death of his son, when one who believed strongly in God’s saving power, might reasonably be discouraged or even depressed). In January 1886 he was reappointed for only two months as he had indicated that he contemplated removing to North Carlton, having received a call from the church there. By March Vaughan had been released at his own request from G. V. and Charles had resigned to go to North Carlton. When he left North Carlton, the church was mightily sorry to see him go; it was the same when he left Footscray, for at his farewell there was a battery of eulogistic speeches. One of these, by a deacon, regretted the loss of "so good a pastor and able preacher".
Editors note—So ends one man’s summary of the work & person of Rev. C. Pickering. However, Charles wrote regular reports to Mr. George Lush, Honorary Secretary, Baptist Home Missions, and also articles to the Baptist paper The Victorian Freeman, these may give us a more comprehensive view of our great grandfather.
Charles wrote in May 1882 to the editor of the Victorian Freeman, of the work in the Goulburn Valley Mission, and I quote:--" Sir---It is doubtless, pretty generally known to the readers of the Victorian Freeman that work has been commenced in the above district, under the auspices of our Home Mission Committee, and although it would be premature, at present, to speak in very decided terms of the prospects of the Mission, a word or two respecting it may not be out of place.
The Goulburn Valley includes a very large area of fertile country, and, from what I learn, is all taken up by selectors, who are scattered like so much net work over the land. Of course, we cannot work the whole district. In Shepparton, and the places within twelve or fourteen miles of it, there is as much and more work, than the committee’s agent can attend to. In Shepparton alone there are from twelve to thirteen hundred inhabitants, and, although five other denominations besides our own are represented, I don’t think more than two hundred persons could be found who attend any place of worship. At Tatura, a township twelve miles south east, there is a considerable population, and a large number of farmers in the surrounding neighbourhood. at these two places (Shepparton & Tatura) I have preached for the last three Sundays, morning and evening alternately, and with very pleasing results. The congregations have been fairly good, and their contributions liberal. Arcadia, fourteen miles to the south is another place which has been visited and I think a good congregation can be gathered there. Tallygaroopna thirteen miles north, is another place in which our attention has been given, and here we hope to hold occasional services for the benefit of the farmers residing in the area. Toolamba township ten miles west, we shall visit in a day or two with a desire to establish an afternoon service there. These five places, widely separated as they are, will afford work enough for our utmost energy and therefore we do not think of looking up more at present.
Shepparton, Tatura and Toolamba each having one service a Sunday, will occupy the whole of that day, and will occasion thirty four miles to be travelled before the agent finds a place to lay his head. Arcadia and Tallygaroopna will have to be worked on week nights. At all the places a great deal of work in the way of visitations will have to be done, and from the friends of the mission who are desirous of helping we shall be glad to receive contributions of tracks from time to time. The field is undoubtedly a good one, the Homes Mission committee has done wisely to take it up, and they ought to have all the support the members & friends of our beloved denomination can possibly give them. with this brief outline of the Goulburn Valley Mission I conclude for the present. I am, Your, Charles Pickering. ----Editors Note—Travelling by horse over what kind of roads, in between preaching!!!.
A letter of interest dated 9th Jan. 1884, was addressed to Rev. George Lush of Brighton, it reads as follows:
My Dear Mr Lush, thanks for the card intimating days on which Committee will meet during the year. With regard to our work here I have nothing of a very special character to report. The services at various preaching Stations have been regularly held since my last, and we have had some proof of God’s presence & blessing; but on the whole our congregations have not been quite as good during the past month. The falling off however can be easily accounted for on the account that the farmers after working hard gathering in the harvest all the week are too tired to come out on the Sunday unless specially interested. Add to this the fact that bush fires have been so prevalent as to render it unsafe for them to leave their homesteads & there is not much reason to be discouraged. as soon as the harvest is over I have no doubt the attendance will improve again. At North Murchison a bush fire broke out while I was preaching & of course I had abruptly to close the service & join with the members of my congregation in battling with the devouring flames in order to save valuable property. In a district like this one learns that there is more than one way of saving men from the "fire". Sometimes we have to do it by preaching & at another time with the bough of a Gumtree…. As to the best of all success I cannot say great things have been done, still we are not without some encouragement. At our place at the close of a Sunday evening service during the prayer meeting a precious soul came boldly out from the congregation and declared her decision for Christ & at another place I have reason to believe several others are just now very "near to the Kingdom" Of this however I am more than ever persuaded---success in spiritual things cannot be accurately measured by human rules. Still one does long for more frequent manifestations of God’s saving power. We need and I hope we have the prayers of all the churches.
Our quarterly meeting was held at Tatura yesterday. The business of the season prevented many brethren from being present. We had notwithstanding a good meeting & the best feeling prevailed. Our local receipts on the Tatura side (including a donation remitted to Mr Harvey in November) for the quarter amount to ₤54-9-7. & those on the Shepparton side for the same period to ₤19-3-6. making a total of ₤73-13-1. I wish our income had been greater & have done my best to relieve your committee as far as possible. Small however as the amount may appear it is satisfactory to note that our receipts have steadily increased every quarter from the commencement of our work in this district, & I trust will continue to do so. Our local treasurers will send their respective balance sheets to Mr Harvey. Mr Pollock will probably send you a letter giving an account of the work on his side of the mission. Asking the prayers of all the brethren, I am, Yours Very faithfully, Charles Pickering. P. S. Will you kindly make up a report for your next issue of the ‘Freeman" from the above letter & oblige. C. P.
Extracts from other letters as follows:
2nd April 1884: …..At Tatura we have commenced a united work day service on Wednesday evenings in which Church of England, Presbyterians, Methodists and ourselves all join. The service is conducted by the different ministers alternately & is proving a great blessing. ……..I have to inform you that tenders have been called for a new state school in Tatura & the present one with which the house in which I live is connected to be removed. I shall then be homeless for there is no other house in the neighbourhood of Tatura. Under these circumstances I would respectfully suggest that you build a mission house in the Tatura township on the land purchased some time ago…….
26th May 1884: ….A Wesleyan local preacher has made application to me for baptism. The work general is steadily progressing and we hope a great spiritual harvest will be reaped presently…………….Committee should not delay a moment longer than absolutely necessary in sending up a third man……I have made up my mind—should the Committee approve----in the name & strength of the Divine Spirit to re-enter Shepparton with a determination to establish a church there……...(reference to the dispute with Pollock) We have made a little alteration in the working of the district. I now take Shepparton giving it a service every Sunday morning and evening alternately with Tatura. to do this have to travel 34 miles one Sunday and 37 the other. …….For twelve long weary months—when coming to this district I laboured in Shepparton without an atom of success. Perhaps it was my own fault to some extent, human nature is weak…….
20th June ’84……..the Lord is with us, we realise his presence & are still looking for a harvest of Souls—They are coming one by one but we desire greater numbers. Brethren pray for us
11th August 84-----At Shepparton where things of late have taken so favourable a turn in connection with our work we are anxious to start a Sunday school but we have no books. 3rd. Sept.’84 My own labours have been almost exclusively confined to Tatura and Shepparton & I am glad to say we are doing well in both these places. At the former we now have three services a week viz one on Sunday, bible class Tuesday evening & united prayer meeting on Wednesday. The attendance at each are good. At Shepparton our prospects are now all that can be reasonably desired. Good congregations at Sunday service & I have taken a hall at 2/6 per evening for a weekly prayer meeting. I believe we are going to have a grand work of grace here……..Telegram came to hand alright & tender is accepted. C. P.
5th Sept. with regard to rent of cottage I leave that entirely with the Committee………
28th Oct ’84…I have first to express my sincere thanks to the committee for the generous & substantial gift of ₤15 as a token of their sympathy with me in my sore trial. I have appropriated the money, with some more added to the purchase of a buggy which will be a considerable help to me in doing the Lord’s work…..I continue to be much cheered in my labours in Shepparton…..
1 Sept 84….I have been laid aside for a fortnight during this month with an inflammation of the left lung. I am now however rapidly progressing towards recovery and shall be able to take my regular work again this week……..
In 1886 Charles went to Carlton North for five years during which time there were many additions to the membership
In August 1891 Charles continued his ministry at Footscray where he stayed until June 1893. In April 1892, The Victorian Baptist published the following article. About seven months have elapsed since the settlement of the Rev. C. Pickering as our pastor, and during that period there has not only been a marked increase in the number of persons attending public service, but seven candidates have been baptised and twenty joined our membership, while others are awaiting admission. A new zeal now characterises all our activities, peace marks our relations with one another, and prosperity attends our operations in the Lord’s service. A few months ago we organised a band to visit and distribute tracts and invitations to God’s house among non church-goers. This has been supplemented by a regular open-air service, conducted by our pastor in the busiest street of our city on Saturday evenings, these efforts have been successful in every way………and in August 1893 the same paper published…….The Rev. C. Pickering preached his farewell sermon to a full congregation on the last Sunday of June. On the following Tuesday a farewell social was held in the church. about 150 friends sat down to tea & a still larger number attended the public meeting which followed. Ministers from many other denominations gave testimony to the respect and admiration of Charles and regret at his leaving the district. Miss Prosser, on behalf of the Christian Endeavour society, gave a brief address and concluded her kind words by presenting Mrs Pickering with a beautiful basket of flowers as a small token of respect and love that were felt for that lady. Mr Gallant, on behalf of the Sunday school, in the course of an appropriate address presented Mr Pickering with a purse of sovereigns, and the chairman presented another purse of gold on behalf of Mr Pickering’s friends in the church and city. the recipients of these tokens of love and esteem rose to respond with great emotion and in words of kindness heartily thanked ………concluding ‘the flowers may fade and the gold be expended but the friends who gave them would ever have a warm place in their affections.’…..
From there Charles went to Hamilton, Victoria for three years, then Albert park for 16 months. Mary died, at their home 91 George St Fitzroy in 1902, Her death certificate giving some cause for controversy and or suspicion, as the coroner Mr chandler certified the death, but directed an inquiry not necessary. The certificate stated the cause of death Chronic inflammation of the Kidneys; duration of the illness not certified; when last seen by a medical practitioner not certified. One may well ask since the coroner was called, why didn’t he direct an inquest be carried out. Family members have said Mary was an alcoholic, even if this is right, a sudden or unexpected death is normally investigated.
In 1904 Charles married Mary Webb of Kyneton, and took up his preaching at Daylesford for a year or two, then they went to NSW in 1906. Charles is said to have had pastorates at Balmain, Wallsend, Lambton and Hinton, the latter being his last charge, but at intervals he took the pulpit in various churches in the Newcastle district. His death in August 1925 is reported to have been sudden and unexpected even though he had been ailing for some time. His funeral was attended by many clergymen of all denominations, and the Mayor of Hamilton. He was described as of a quiet, kindly, and sincere nature, and was generally well esteemed.
Well controversial as his life and perhaps his death may have been, there is little doubt he was a zealous hard working Evangelistic Christian man. He seems to have set high expectations of himself and others and probably did not ‘suffer fools lightly'. He is believed to have been a very stern parent and husband. Some of the grandchildren have been told by their parents, that they had to chant a rhyme that went something like, " I can play on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, I can play on Thursday Friday and Saturday, but I must not play on Sunday, because it is a sin. If it was not chanted to father’s satisfaction they coped a wallop with whatever was handy, be it a bible or a strap. His children remembered him as a real tyrant!!
Charles and Mary Stout had eight children. At the time of Mary’s death the children’s ages ranged from 23 to 8. They are recorded below with their families in order of eldest to youngest.
CHILDREN OF REV. CHARLES & MARY PICKERING (nee Stout)
William Stanley Pickering
1/ WILLIAM STANLEY PICKERING born 1879 in Castlemaine, married Catherine Hamilton Westgarth about 1902. Like his father, William also moved around a lot, this may have been to find work, as Victoria slowly recovered from the depression of the 1890s, or is it an inherited nomadic tendency??
Victoria’s population at the turn of the century was 1,140,088, and Australia’s population was 3,177,823, all were to be affected by the lowering of the export prices of wool in 1893, as well as that of wheat and metal. The banks had been happy to freely offer loans to their customers, security being based on the false value of a speculative land price spiral. When export prices fell and the trade balance reversed, bankruptcies and unemployment followed. Twenty one building societies and loan companies had failed in 1891-2, in March 1892 the Mercantile bank of Victoria had closed its doors, and in January 1893, the federal bank also failed. Eleven other banks went bankrupt, and in order to stop the public withdrawing money from the remaining banks, the government in Victoria proclaimed a five day bank holiday. Every household suffered, as Melbourne was the financial centre of Australia. (source, History of Fitzroy)
Sir George Turner was Premier of Victoria 1894-9 and 1900-1. He presided over the last years of the depression and the colony’s slow recovery. His tight economic regime was bitter medicine for the Victorian people to swallow, but helped in due course to relieve the symptoms of the 1890s depression. (source; Victoria a History, by Don Garden)
Having raised a family and got through the economic hardships, in August 1923 William settled in Ultima and worked for the Swan Hill Shire Council until April 1932. His duties included that of a Dayman; Overseer of Works; Supervisor for the Electrical Supply Department in the township of Ultima; & Assistant Health Inspector At the recommendation of Dr. Lee Parrar, William went through a course of study prescribed for Health Inspectors, and later attended a series of practical demonstrations in Melbourne thereby rendering himself thoroughly competent in this portion of his work. William was also Secretary of the Ultima Progress Association and was actively interested in all movements designed to promote the interest of his town and district. William resigned from the Shire Council to take a position as Farm Manager in the Northern portion of the shire during the proposed prolonged absence of the owner abroad. However as the owner abandoned his trip William was left without work. Victoria was experiencing extremely high unemployment due to the depression, so William and Catherine moved down to Traralgon where their son Henry and his family were living. William obtained some casual work with the Traralgon Shire Council for the first 6 months of 1933, then had a regular position as Patrolman on Maintenance of Main Roads from September 1933 to December 1935. As he was working with a horse and dray his services were dispensed with when the Council substituted a Motor Patrol in place of horse and dray work.
William then contracted his services as a nightwatchman, and worked until his untimely death on the 9-8-1939. From the Boort Obituary Notes, we read "The death occurred with startling suddenness, recently, of Stan Pickering who, it will be remembered conducted a carrying agency at Boort for many years. It appears that when carrying out his duties of nightwatchman, at Traralgon, he entered the bakehouse of Mr Beck to engage in conversation with the bakers at about 2.30 a.m. However, without warning, he collapsed and died………During his stay of many years in Boort, the late Mr Pickering made a host of friends. Besides conducting a carrying agency, he also engaged in wheat lumping and other arduous tasks. A real strong man, we can remember the deceased on numerous occasions carrying bales of wool on his back as though it was a bag of wheat. such feats as carrying three bags of wheat at once was to him, merely child’s play. His prowess in the sporting fields can be gauged from the fact that he captain of the Boort Football team for some years when there were a lot of outstanding players in the club. Leaving Boort just after the 1st. world war, he went with his family to live in Ultima, and later shifted to Traralgon. A man who was never cast down, Stan, as he was known to all, was very highly esteemed by a wide circle of friends". Wm Stan’s death was also recorded in the Quambatook Times on the 16 August 1939……"He was one on whom trust could be placed implicitly. He made friends readily and kept them. He was well known in the Ultima and Quambatook districts".
William and Catherine are both buried in the Traralgon Cemetery; they had seven children listed below.
CHILDREN OF WILLIAM PICKERING & CATHERINE WESTGARTH
Left to right--back row-James; Rolland; Henry; Fredrick Wm (Snowy);
Sitting; Maisie; Sidney; Catherine; William & Ethel.
1/ Ethel Pickering 1st child of William
& Catherine Pickering born 1901 married 1929 Victor Brew. The family
lived in Chelsea, they had five children; Oswald Brew; Stanley Brew; Alan
Brew; Bobby Brew, born 25-4-1924; Bert Brew, married Janet.
2/ Henry (Harry) Stanley Pickering, 2nd. child of William & Catherine Pickering, born 13 Jan.1903 in Nar- Nar- Goon.
As a young man Henry was sent by his father to Melbourne to
join the police force. However Henry had no intention of being a policeman. He
stayed on the train as far as Maffra then alighted and found himself a job in
the big meat factory that was there then, he later went into butchering. He
married Mavis Button from Ultima, at Hayfield in 1921. Their first three
children were born in Hayfield. With three small children and another due Mavis
went to her parents in Ultima for the birth of Gladys, although the family were
still living in Hayfield. The next baby, Thomas Lloyd was born at Chelsea, down
by the sea. It is thought Mavis and the children were staying with Henry’s
sister Ethel. The family then moved to Traralgon where the last baby, Hazel was
born. Mavis died in Traralgon two years later.
Harry and his family continued to live in Traralgon, where he became a slaughterman and reputedly was an expert at his trade.
For those not familiar with the workings of a slaughter yard, in those days--maybe still--the animal to be slaughtered is herded into a pen called a 'crusher' because it had a mechanically moveable side the came in and held 'crushed' the beast in a confined space. The slaughterman stood above the crusher with a spear, ? 6 ft. and waited for the animal to drop its head, even for a second, then spear the beast to sever the spine so causing immediate death without agitation or stress to the beast which would cause the meat to go tough.
Harry is remembered by his youngest son as a dedicated worker, who cared for his family and friends.
In 1936 his young wife died tragically, leaving him with 6 small children. He remarried 3 years later, Sarah Helen Esler and picked up the threads of his life. He was a good provider for his family, tending an extensive vegetable garden. During the lean years of the war, and the difficult times after, Harry and "Auntie" (as the 6 earlier children called their stepmother), although poor themselves, were rich in spirit and basics of life, and offered friendship, food, and sometimes lodging to many friends and family who were less fortunate.
The six children of Henry (Harry) Stanley and Mavis Pickering are:
1/ Kevin Stanley Pickering 1st. child of Harry & Mavis Pickering born 28-3-1923, at Heyfield, worked as a slaughterman with his father, he married Dorothy Cain, live in Swan Hill, they have seven children,:
1/ Mavis Pickering; married William Dunstone,
they have Ashley Dunstone; Grant Dunstone; Tracey Dunstone.
2/ Heather Pickering;
3/ Stanley Pickering;
4/ Rose Valerie Pickering; married Kevin Wohler
they live in Canberra.
5/ Keith Pickering;
6/ Edna Pickering;
7/ Valerie Pickering.
Harry Flowers & Hilda Pickering
2/ Hilda Mavis Pickering 2nd. child of Harry & Mavis Pickering, born 25-10-1925, at Heyfield. After finishing school Hilda worked at the doctors surgery as real ‘girl Friday’ her duties ranged from cleaning, preparing breakfast, polishing and hanging out the brass sign to being receptionist when the surgery opened. Hilda married Harry Flowers. Harry was a motor mechanic, superintendent of the garage at Maryvale Nth. He was also a very keen fisherman. Hilda and Harry have three children:
1/Patrica Ann Flowers, born 23-1-1948; was dux of the school the year after her cousin Leesa had been dux. Patrica married Brian Michael Andjolkovic, they have Michael Brian, born 3-9-1968, married Ann Marie Bruse they have three daughters and a son. Patrica married Gary Street they have Natalie who is 7, the marriage has dissolved.
2/ Daryl Henry Flowers born 7-3-1952; married Karen Johnson their first son Mark David only lived a couple of hours. They also have Shane Luke born 7-7-1983, and Belinda Jane born 20-8-1985.
3/Colin David Flowers born 18-4-1956, married Vicki Melbourne they have Dallas born 24-8-1983, and Joy Stacey born 22-9-1985. Vicki is a dance teacher.
The children are all heavily involved in the CFA and have won a number of skills competitions. Colin is presently the second highest competitor in Victoria. Harry died on the 1-1-1991, age 66. Hilda still lives in Traralgon and has a business project propagating and selling plants at the local markets with her sister Hazel.
Fay Pickering
3/ Edna Fay Pickering 3rd. child of Harry & Mavis Pickering, born 24-12-1926, at Heyfield. Fay, as she is generally known has always had an independent spirit, and against her fathers wishes went to work at the Maryvale Paper Mill. The other girls were rather envious of her because she was earning ₤2-10, when they were only getting 7/6d. Fay is a very sports and community minded person. As a result of her many interests in the community she has been awarded the Citizen of the Year award; and a Quiet Achievers award. She is president of the CWA; first-aider for the junior football club, tennis player and coach, and also sings in the choir of the Anglican Church. Fay’s interest in sport has been inherited by her children who are all very active in their chosen fields. Fay married Jack Langstaff, born 18-11-1914 in England, served in the 2nd. AIF, he died 14-3-1990. Fay still lives in Traralgon near her sisters and many of her children and grandchildren. Jack and Fay have eight children.
1/ Gail Mascall Langstaff born 21-5-1952, plays squash, tennis & hockey and is a life member of the hockey club. In 1971 Gail married farmer Thomas Anthony Phelan, they have Brett Anthony Phelan born 7-8-1971& Mandy Phelan born 1-2-1973 married Stephen Hourigan, who is a panel beater.
2/ John William Langstaff born 24-11-1953, is an electrical engineer, also plays squash and tennis. John married firstly 15-12-1973 Judith Rose Malby, they had Michael John Langstaff & Steven Langstaff. He married secondly on the 1-12-1984 Julie O’Callahan they have Thomas Langstaff born 4-12-1986.
3/ Glen Henry Langstaff born 6-9-1955, plays football and cricket. Glen married 10-6-1978 Jane Maree Kerr. they have Jay Daniel Langstaff born 23-3-1980; and Hayly Maree Langstaff born 31-8-1982.
4/ Cynthia Joy Langstaff born17-7-1959 plays hockey married 30-7-1977 Gregory Morgan. They have Ben Lee Morgan born 9-1-1977 & Casandra Louise Morgan born 1-9-1978.
5/ Neil Thomas Langstaff born 5-5-1960 married 3-10-1981 Judith Merle Green. They have five children: 1/ Joel Isacc Langstaff born 6-4-1982; 2/ Rohan William Langstaff born 17-5-1983; 3/ Jo Meryl Langstaff born 12-5-1984; Meg Katherine Langstaff born 6-7-1985; and 5/ Daniel Thomas Zachariah Langstaff born 12-8-1986.
4/ Gladys Catherine Pickering 4th child of
Harry & Mavis Pickering, born 9-7-1928 at Ultima, after finishing school
Gladys worked at La Mode. Her interests are dancing and aerobics. She married
3-10-1953 Gerald Albert (Bert) Freeman. Bert was a slaughterman and
served in the RAAF; also for 20 years was Caretaker at the Traralgon High
School. Bert and Gladys have seven children:
1/ Jenny born 27-2-1953 is a secretary in Melbourne;
2/ Gerard Wayne Freeman born 18-5-1954 is a train and heavy machinery
driver. He married Christine Gardener, they have Travis Freeman; Sarah
Freeman; & Benjamin Freeman. The marriage dissolved and in 1990 Gerard
moved to Perth.
3/ Gary Melvin Patrick Freeman born 13-6-1955, married Ann Laws in 1975 and
moved to Mulwai. Gary is a builder. Gary and Ann have four children: Daniel
Joshua Freeman; twins Tess Freeman & Skye freeman; & Bonnie
Freeman.
4/ Thomas (Tommy) John Freeman born 4-10-1956 is a crane driver, he married
Rosemary Dungey, they have four children; Cameron Freeman; Lomond
Freeman; Thomas Freeman; & Michael Freeman.
5/ Ian Michael Freeman born 10-3-1958 married Monica Pawluck at
Churchill.
6/ Helen Margaret Freeman born 6-1-1960 married Clive Whitby, from
Frankston; they have Helen Whitby; Peta Whitby; Alisa Susan Whitby& Clive
Whitby.
7/ Susan Mary Freeman. born 11-11-1962 married Ian Fitch from Ararat; they
have Eleasha Fitch; Timothy Fitch; & Nicolas Fitch.
Bert died on the 29-7-1992, he is buried in the Traralgon Cemetery, Gladys still lives in Traralgon.
5/ Thomas Lloyd Pickering 5th child of Harry &
Mavis Pickering born 8-12-1930, at Chelsea was a also a slaughterman, He
married Bernice Robinson, they moved to Yarram where Tom was a
dedicated community man as evidence in the eulogy below:
"Tom Pickering Outstanding citizen dies".
The recipient of two awards for Outstanding Citizenship, the late Tom Pickering’s record of service to his town and district would be hard to match.
while his particular interests were with St. John Ambulance, the state emergency Service, the Scouts and the Shire, tom’s helping hand stretched far and wide to numerous other causes.
His work for the community earnt him the 1982 Yarram Jacee’s citizen award and the 1983 Shire of Alberton Australia Day citizenship award.
He was also a life governor of the Royal Children’s Hospital.
Llyod Thomas Pickering of Evelyn St. Yarram died at the Yarram and district hospital on 9th August, after a serious illness…..His early years were spent in Traralgon and as a young man he was involved with the Church of England Fellowship. At the age of 14 he went to work at Marsh’s slaughter yard and when he came to Yarram 36 years ago, he worked for Bird’s butchers. Twelve years ago he joined the outdoor staff of the Shire of Alberton, working for many years as the town patrolman. Tom married the former Bernice Robinson at Traralgon 33 years ago and the couple reared a family of five. when the State Emergency Service was established in the shire of Alberton in 1971, the late tom Pickering was one of the inaugural members. It was Tom’s expertise and knowledge, gained with the Civil Defence and St. John Ambulance, that proved so valuable in training the local SES members. He was controller of the service at the time of his death.
Twenty two years ago Tom joined the scouting movement as assistant scout master at Yarram. He was district scout leader for the Promontory District until his retirement about five years ago." Tom was well respected in the community and tributes were paid by George Scammel, former scout leader; Cr. Allan Macdonald, shire President; and Maurice Bradworth of the Yarram Police.
The children of Tom and Bernice are:
Ken Pickering; Kathy Pickering ; David Pickering, married Jeanene; Peter Pickering married Jill Cadbolt; Robyn Pickering married Jeff Randall.
6/ Hazel Patrica Pickering sixth child of Harry
& Mavis Pickering, born 1934 at Traralgon, was only two years old when
her mother died, married Fredrick McPherson. Hazel and Fred have one
daughter Deborah McPherson. They also fostered a number of children, many
of whom still keep in contact with the family. Hazel still lives in Traralgon,
and helps her sister Hilda with plant propagating and sales, despite having been
severely injured in an accident, Hazel has enormous courage and
maintains a positive outlook on life. Fred died on the 24-6-1995 age 68, is
buried in Traralgon Cemetery.
Henry Stanley (Harry) and Sarah Pickering, had one son
Walter (Wally) Roland Pickering born 10-1-1940, at
Sale hospital, Wally started his education at the local Primary and High
schools, before going on to Melbourne University. Wally has been a very
enterprising business man from an early age. After a year at University Wally
worked in a Chemist shop for a time, at the same time opening a coffee shop
known as ‘The devil’s Inn’, decorated with bullock heads and mouse traps,
I believe!! In 1969 he spearheaded a local political movement in Higgins
electorate in Melbourne, and supported by many friends and business, stood for
the fledgling Australia Party in the Federal elections that year. He collected
almost 6 % of the primary vote in a blue ribbon mainstream party electorate.
He worked for Thomas Meadows & Co (Aust) Pty. Ltd. International Freight Forwarders and associate company, Australian Forwarding Agency Pty. Ltd., , in Melbourne, from 1959 until 1970. The company then asked Wally to go to Hong Kong to set up a branch of the company there, with expansion to other centres in Asia, including subsidiary and associate companies in Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, and Thailand.
In 1974, Meadows Freight (Hong Kong) Ltd., was the first freight company in Hong Kong to install a computer system, and pioneered electronic transmission of documentation, and electronic tracking of shipments. While there he opened in Hong Kong a restaurant called ‘The Stoned Crow’, which specialised in food imported from Australia.
He returned to Australia in 1984 as managing director of the Australian associate company, Australian Forwarding Agency Pty. Ltd, but resigned that position in 1985—exhausted—.
He then went into partnership in a very successful venture with two garden centres in inner Sydney. The partners sold the last of these (Leichhardt Garden Centre) in Nov. 1999, so Wally is now retired—sort of—(he tells me). He has retained his interest in systems analysis and computers, and is webmaster for Green Gold Nurseries Pty. Ltd (www.greengold.com.au) and Traralgon & District Historical Society Inc., (www.traralgonhistory.asn.au), as well as maintaining his own website at www.gardencentre.com.au.
Wally never married, but maintains many friends and interests in Sydney, Traralgon, and Asia, where he jointly owns property in Hong Kong, and Pattaya, Thailand
Henry and married thirdly Ida Kenny; there were no children to this marriage.
3/ Isabella (Ella) Pickering; 3rd. child of William Stanley and Catherine Pickering born 1905 at Brunswick East, married 1925 wheat farmer William Charles Herbert Nunn. Niece Hilda Pickering-Flowers recalls happy visits to Aunt Ella & Uncle Bill. Ella is believed to have been a very fashionable lady, keen on the horse races. They have two children William Nunn, and Willis Nunn, he married Eileen, they have two daughters; Deseree Nunn & Deidre Nunn.
4/ Rolland (Rol) Westgarth Pickering, 4th. child of William &
Catherine Pickering
born 1907 in Dandenong, married Jean Murphy they have 9 children:- Jean-Ann (Jeannie) Pickering; Stuart Lelie Pickering; Valma Florence Pickering; Rolland ( Ronnie) Westgarth Pickering jn,. Mervyn Pickering , Catherine Ellen (Kitty) Pickering. Dorothy Marie Pickering; Christine Pickering; Vola Pickering.
Rolland. Pickering at one time worked for the state rivers helping clean the Thompson River, he went from there to join the 2nd. AIF. His army record shows he made it to Sergeant—three times, and three times he was ‘busted’ back to Private! Rol. was not a great lover of discipline!! nor was his brother ‘Snowy’ who joined the 2nd. AIF with him. They attended their mother’s funeral and ‘forgot’ to go back to the army. The M. Ps. came and reminded them of their duty to King & Country. Rol saw service in Egypt.
Rolland preferred his title of ‘The Eel King’, he was renowned for catching the biggest eel in the La Trobe district. The biggest was 4ft. 9in long and weighed 26 lb. There is a family story that at one time a girl in Swan Hill was seriously ill. No diet seemed suitable for her, until she tried an eel which had great benefit for her. Rol. helped keep her supplied with eels.
Rolland was also a good footballer, and in 1930 the first semi final football match was between Cheltenham and Glen Waverly. Cheltenham club wrote to Rol. in Traralgon offering him a sum of money to come down and play for Cheltenham.
In the mid 50s. Rol. was the victim of a hit & run car accident, he received some compensation which enabled him to buy a car, and a house in Berwick. They sold that and moved to Dandenong in the late 50s. Rol. then got a job in Dandenong.
Children of Roland & Jean Murphy-Pickering
1/Vola Pickering born 16-7-1933, died same day.
2/Mervyn James Pickering, born 1-10-1934 in Traralgon, married Gwen Holliday. Mervyn started school at sale remembers, "I have memories of my father’s mother and father, that is Wm S. & Catherine, going to their house; walking up a stone back lane into the place. He was a nightwatchman. It was necessary for him to go into a Catholic Church for some reason, and his family followed him. The person in front of him knelt, as Catholics do when they enter the church & grandfather wasn’t looking and fell over him! I didn’t see them again, we moved. My father went away to the 2nd. World war. He was at that stage working for the state rivers, he went to join the army, as did his brother Bill (Snowy) and we moved from Traralgon to Officer for a short time, then to Berwick where we grew up.
I finished school at Berwick in ‘48and left there in ’51. After being in the Post Office for 7 years I left and joined the Police Force.
I can clearly remember the house we had at Officer, it did not have electricity. It was owned by the people next door, it was a low-lying area prone to flooding. My father was there for a little while because he was fixing the chimney when a brick fell off and landed on my big toe; I can still feel that pain; It was only recently that I had the toe operated on & the bunion removed. At that stage there was myself, my sister Catherine Ellen, Valma Florence, and Roland was a baby in the pram.
I can distinctly remember—I’ve never known my mother to cry, except this once; we could see the train from where we were living it was about 200 yards away and dad was on the train and waving—going to war.
After my grandmother’s funeral, when dad didn’t go back to the unit—went AWL, 2 plain clothes men came to the house in Reserve St. Berwick, looking for my father; My mother said she didn’t know where he was, but she told me, on the quiet to go to the station and tell dad not to get off the train. But the MPs followed me & arrested dad & took him to Balcombe Army camp on the Mornington Peninsular. Dad used to be uptight about the Arabs; he said you would be sitting having a meal, and see the fleas crawling around their neck".—(ugh) Mervyn and Gwen have two children;
a/Allan Pickering, born 12-1-1957;
b/ Kerry Pickering, born 24-2-1958, married John Dean.
3/Catherine (kitty-Cate) Ellen Pickering born 15-10-1935, married Derek Petit they have:-
a/ Brenton Petit, born 9-10-1959, married Denise
Lehman
b/ Catherine Petit, born 14-7-1961 married Wayne Lahne,
they have, Tessa Lahne, born 7-9-1983.
c/ Michelle Petit, born 19-3-1963.
4/Valma Florence Pickering, 3-9-1937, married Matthew Lia, they have :-
1/Michael Lia, born 25-8-1955, married Marchienne Schoneville, they have;
a/ Sally Ann Lia; born 18-12-1975;
b/Rebecca Lia, born 26-5-1978;
c/Monica Lia, 24-12-1981.
2/ Susan Lia, born 12-10-1956 married Ian McNaughton, they have;
a/ Natasha McNaughton, born 21-1-1976;
b/Erin McNaughton, born 17-1-1978,
c/ Matthew McNaughton, born 17-6-1980.
3/ Sharon Lia, born 6-1-1959, married Robert Purcell.
4/ Matthew Lia, born 20-11-1961, married Michelle Banton.
5/ Mark Lia, born 9-1-1967’
6/ Mervyn Lia, born 13-4-1969.
5/ Rolland Westgarth Pickering jr., born 21-4-1940, Rolland
joined the peace time air force in 1958, he was in the ground staff. He suffered rheumatic fever twice which affected his
heart, he died age 38, on the 3-11-1977, married Dianne, they have Peta
Pickering; who lives on the south coast of NSW secondly married Elaine
Penhall, they have Shayne Pickering, born 15-8-1964.
6/ Stuart Leslie Pickering, born 20-2-1942,. He married Sandra Hamilton, they have:-
a/ Scott Pickering, born 30-4-1971;
b/Kelly Pickering, born 29-10-1964.
7/ Christine Pickering, born 26-11-1945 died at birth.
8/Dorothy Marie Pickering, born 4-6-1949, married David Nicholson, they have
a/Debbie Nicholson, born 30-10-1970;
b/Donna Nicholson, born 12-3-1972;
c/David Nicholson, born 27-9-1974;
d/ Dione Nicholson, born 27-9-1974.
9/ Jean-Ann (Jeannie) Pickering, 5-5-1950, married Neil Argus they have:-
a/ Vanessa Argus, 16-6-1969.
b/ Kirsty Argus, born 4-9-1973.
c/ Tarryn Argus, born 17-5-1975.
5/
Fredrick William (Snowy) Pickering; 5th. child
of William & Catherine Pickering, born 1909 in Yarra Junction, married
1/ Annie Murphy; 2/ Marlene; 3/ Dulcie;
‘Snowy’ is recalled as a colourful character, he was a handy Boxer and travelled with Sharman’s Boxing Troup, going around all the country shows, in those days there was always a boxing show somewhere. After the war, for some considerable time, Snowy and Rol. both worked in the city at the Royal Mail Hotel, corner of Bourke & Swanson streets. On one occasion when there was rationing of beer, some fellows thought they would ‘jump’ the queue, Snowy was able to ‘sort them out’ without requiring any assistance.
Children of Fredrick ‘Snowy’ Pickering and Ann Murphy-Pickering four children
1/ Walter Reginald Pickering, born 29-5-1934 He went to Queensland, came back and returned to Queensland in the mid 50s and has never been heard of since, despite intensive searching by the police.
2/ David Fredrick Pickering, born 24-11-1936. married Valerie Carpenter, they have:-
a/ Lisa Jane Pickering, born 9-6-1966
b/ Michael David Pickering, born 15-11-1967
c/ Jason Kyle Pickering, born 26-11-1971
David died as a result of an accident. he was crushed to death while working with natural gas. he was up on a winch loading, or something when it fell??
3/ Enid May Pickering, born 24-11-1936, married Leon Tucker, they have:-
a/ Gregory Leon Tucker, born 25-7-1959
b/ Christine Jessica Tucker, born 28-4-1961, Christine
has Jamie, born 16-2-1980; and Aaron John, born 12-10-1983.
c/ Jennifer Louise Tucker, born 25-8-1965
4/ Ethel Mary (topsy) Pickering, born 18-4-1938, married Ralph Harrop, they live in Oakleigh. and have:-
a/ Cheryl Marie Harrop, born 11-2-1961
b/ Justin Harrop, born 29-4-1963
6/ CATHLENE MAY ( Maisie) PICKERING, 6th. child of
William & Catherine Pickering, born 1915 at Boort, m Ronald Stevens
??worked for bbc
1/ Nola Stevens, married ? Reed, & Daryl Stevens
7/ James Ernest Pickering born 6-9-1912 at Lilydale,
7th.
child of William & Catherine Pickering, married Clare Dewsbury have five
children:
1/ Allan Pickering, born 19-8-1940 at sale, married Marion Barbara Wall, they have 3 children:-
a/ Dianne Lee Pickering, born 1-4-1962 at Traralgon,
married Ricky Nancarrow, they have Daniel James Nancarrow, born 1-2-1990;
& Marcus Ashley Nancarrow, born 1-1-1993
b/ Vicki Rae Pickering born 9-11-1965, married
14-3-1987, Hayden Faltyn, they have 2 children:- Mikaylah Rae Faltyn
born 13-1-1997; & Austin John Faltyn born 18-4-2000.
c/ Darren John Pickering born 22-1-1969, married
24-2-2001 Kerry Eachman
2/ Trevor John Pickering born 26-10-1945, married 26-10-1968 Lee Irene Hanson, they have 2 children:- a/ Symone Lee Pickering, born 26-8-1970 married 10-7-1999 Alex Hamriding, they have Reece Alexander Hamriding, born 15-2-1998 b/ Adam Trevor Pickering born 24-2-1972
3/ Bruce Russell Pickering born 4-7-1947, married firstly Heather Joy Kingston, they Paul Bradley Pickering born 20-7-1971, he married Monique Georgette Dow, they have Amiee Renee Jo Jo Pickering born 19-12-1991. Bruce married secondly Viola May Parkyn, they have 2 children a/ Pamela Viola Pickering born 25-4-1978; b/ Tanya Jane Pickering born 7-12-1979. Bruce married thirdly Jan Maree Radford, they have Jennifer Ann Pickering, born 26-5-1984.
4/ Elaine Catherine Pickering, born 10-7-1951, married firstly Alan John Pump, there no children to this union. Elaine married secondly Michael Hennessey they have 2 children a/ Kate Hennessey born 11-9-1981; b/ Stuart Hennessey, born 1-8-1985.
5/ John Albert Pickering, born 25-3-1943 died 29-3-1943.
8/ NORMA VICTORIA PICKERING 8th. child of William & Catherine Pickering, born 1918 at Boort, died the same year.
9/ SIDNEY HAMILTON PICKERING, 9th. child of
William & Catherine Pickering, born 23-9-1922 married
firstly Doreen, they have Helen Pickering. Sid married secondly Veronica Catherine Dowsey
they have :-
a/ Maurene Joyce Pickering, born 6-9-?1964, married
Ronald Harris, they have three children; 1/ Lynette Harris, married
Reginald Baxter, they have James, Royce and Sarah 2/ Brenda Pickering, born
? 1966, married Shane Armstrong, they have 3 children: Rowan Armstrong
born 1993; Joshua Armstrong born 1995; and Lachlan Armstrong born
2001. 3/ Susan Pickering born ? married Frank Hodgers they have five
children:-Carla Hodgers born 1989; Brandon Hodgers born 1992; Stuart
Hodgers born 1996, Joel Hodgers born 1998, and Stephen Hodgers born
2000.
b/ Patrica Pickering born ? married Kim Kelly, they
have 2 children; Graham Kelly; & Grant Kelly.
There is more info coming for this family.
Charles Joseph Pickering
2/ CHARLES JOSEPH PICKERING, the second child of Rev.
Charles Pickering and Mary stout/ Pickering was, born 1883 at Tatura, was
19 years old when his mother died.
Little is known of Charles’s early life, though some of the family believed he had worked as a horse trainer/breaker in the Mildura area. He is also known to have been a good all round athlete. He played football and cricket for both the Cheltenham and St. Kilda clubs It is said he also did a bit of Boxing in the ‘tents’ at Mordialloc. He married Alice Lydia Newton in Hawksburn, Melbourne in 1904.
Alice had been born in Forbes, NSW on the 10-7-1880, one of twin girls, her parents were George Newton and Mary Brumely (sic) Bromely. It must have been a bigamist
marriage as Mary, who was born at Lethbridge in Victoria, in 1844, had married Robert Fortay, in Melbourne in 1866, the marriage believed to have failed. There were two children to this marriage, which Mary kept with her. She married George Newton under the name of Mary Gromely, in Wentworth NSW in 1873, and stated she was a spinster, George Newton, was a widower, his occupation a labourer. George was the son of Henry Newton & Eilene Newton, nee cook. He was born in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England, his father was a soldier.
George & Mary with Mary’s two children travelled 487 km north east to Albury where twins girls, Helen and Mary Jane were born. Mary Jane died in the same year. The family then travelled on another 183 km to the goldmining town of Forbes NSW, famed for being the burial place of bushranger Ben Hall, and Ned Kelly’s sister Kate Foster. Here a son was born and died, and another set of twin girls, Alice Lydia and Hannah were born in 1880, Hannah died here in 1882. At this time Forbes was a small town with a store, a blacksmith and a pub, some miners erected huts while others still lived in tents. The surrounding country was wheat & hay growing, George is working as a carrier, roads were bullock tracks. It is believed this marriage failed also, Mary taking her two eldest children, returned to Sydney. George kept the two younger girls and headed back towards Melbourne. They spent some time along the great Murray river banks at Mildura and Echuca. No doubt they travelled in stages, possibly with horse and maybe a buggy or dray, one family story says they walked from Sydney to Melbourne, with George taking whatever work he could get along the way. Alice is said to have been one of the first white girls to swim in the Murray river. Alice spoke of growing up with piccaninnies by the river. The family arrived in Melbourne when Alice was 13, and her sister Helen 16. They both found employment in domestic work, and Alice never saw her sister or father again.
Alice, a domestic worker and Charles Joseph Pickering, a Fruiterer, were both living at 14 Errol St. Hawksburn (now Prahran) when they married, there in 1904. . Errol St. runs off the south side of Malvern Rd, a short distance from the corner of Williams Road. Baptist minister Joseph Thomas Evans conducted the service, which was witnessed by William Stanley De Witt Pickering and Catherine Hamilton Pickering. This house is a five bedroom brick building, still standing today—2001. With five bedrooms it may well have been a small boarding house, Alice working there and Charles boarding there.
Charles Joseph & Alice Pickering first lived in the Prahran- St. Kilda area where their three children were born. They were in Marlborough St. St. Kilda when their first child Leslie was born, Charles still working as a fruiterer. When their second child, Ada Pearl arrived in 1907, they were living in Mount St Prahran, about a block east of Williams Road on the north side of High St. Charles worked as a Groom. They moved to Young St. St. Kilda before the third baby Linda arrived, Charles is now recorded as a dealer. When Linda was about 2 years old they moved to the ‘Pines’ on the east side Warrigal Rd. which is the border of Heatherton/Cheltenham, I believe adjacent to where the Kingston centre is now, they lived here for 2 or 3 years, on land that the King brothers bought from squatter ‘cattleman’ O’Shanassy.
The King brothers ran a sheep station, the younger brother John King was responsible for the area being called ‘Kingsland’, later changed to Kingston. It was heavily timbered, country with Kangaroos, Emus, native cats and wild dogs were numerous, as was the snake populations, with copperhead, brown & black among the most numerous. In 1852 Crown land officials took the land back Later selling it to Josiah Holloway.
It was still mostly scrub and native bush and still had a large snake population when Charles & Alice moved there with their three small children. It is thought they rented some land, and had a few cows. Charles also worked as a rag collector (the children were dressed from these ‘rags’) and a Bottle-O (collector of old bottles) In 1914 Charles was able to purchase a piece of land ??about 3 acres, in Herald St., just off west side of Warrigal road, in Cheltenham. This land had a tin shed erected on it, which became the family kitchen. Pearl remembered, "It was on Les’s thirteenth birthday (1918) that he & dad dug a well on the block, so then we at least had water". For four years prior to this the water would have been collected in buckets from water holes. The entire area was swamp lands. Pearl continued "We slept in two tent the first winter, with flaps blowing and rain coming in. Dad was able to buy a house and neighbours, by the name of Wilkins helped to move it onto the block, so from the second winter on we at least had a dry roof over our heads". Here the family had a number of cows, which the children helped to milk before walking to school each day. Alice sold milk and scalded cream. They lived here for a number of years before they sold, moving to McIvor St Cheltenham. They had enough money to put a deposit on a house owned by a Mr Judd. Alice took house-cleaning work as well as taking in washing and ironing, she also cleaned the Post Office at Cheltenham for many years. Charles had a ‘Handsome cab’ and provided a taxi service from the Cheltenham station. While living here Alice also took in a number of boarders, at different times. One of these was Jean Box, who later became Pearl’s sister-in-law; another was John McDevitt, who later married Lynda Pickering.
The girls were married from here and had their wedding receptions here. While the girls were working they helped pay the mortgage. After they married in the late 1920s. & the depression hit in 1930, Alice could not meet the payments. As the house was nearly paid for, Mr. Judd, being a kind Christian man gave Alice a swap of titles for a smaller house he owned in Pine street Cheltenham, opposite the Church of Christ. Charles had a heart attack in the mid 1940s and was unable to work for long after that, he died in 1955. Alice continued to live in Pine street until 1968 when she went into a nursing home and died there in December 1971, age 91.
CHILDREN OF CHARLES PICKERING & ALICE NEWTON
left to right--Ada Pearl; Alice; Les;
Charles Joseph, Linda Pickering.
1/ LESLIE CHARLES PICKERING the first child of Charles
and Alice, was born at St. Kilda in 1905. He started his education at Heatherton
while living in ‘The Pines’, in Warrigal road, in 1910. After the family
moved to Herald St in 1914, Les was enrolled into grade 4 at Cheltenham State
School in the second half of 1914. His young sister Pearl was enrolled in grade
1 at the same time. Due to the economic depression from 1894 until 1911 the
Mentone School amalgamated with Cheltenham as a cost cutting exercise.
Cheltenham School No. 84 is situated in Charman Rd just south of the station, where less than 50 years earlier gentlemen held fox hunts across the open spaces and scrubland between Mentone and Cheltenham. After escaping, the cunning fox turned hunter, in robbing poultry farmers and sheep graziers of their stock, ably assisted by the dingo. (source: Battlers Tamed a Sandbelt, by Tom Sheehy).
Les & Pearl, and the next year Lynda would have to walk about 4 miles to and from school, after having helped milk the cows. In summertime they carried sticks to rustle the grass in the belief it would disturb any sleeping snakes before they trod on them!!
Les was quite a clever child and won a part scholarship to Melbourne High, but not being a lover of study he never accepted it. He is remembered as a bit of a ‘lout’, and getting more than a fair share of the ‘cut’ at school. To get even one occasion he pinched (stole) the teacher’s leather strap and put it on the railway line. The children all left school as soon as they finished the eighth grade or turned 14, which ever came first. Les, like his father before him became a member of the Cheltenham football club. He worked for some years as a blacksmith, doing his apprenticeship with Arthur Brown, who had a business in the same building as the coachbuilder William Hicks. The business was on the corner of Park Rd. and Nepean Highway Cheltenham, where the printers are now. The two business worked together with Brown doing the ironwork for Hick’s coaches. Les’s son Jack remembers when he was about 4 or 5, the two firms built a pedal car for him.
Les always had a liking for the horses, and operated as an ‘s. p. book’ for a number of years, from a garage when he was working as a motor mechanic. He made good money until he became a punter as well, he was always a lousy gambler!! As he was also very fond of his ‘grog’ he became Licensee of a hotel at------the only problem there was with the help of his fourth wife they drank the profits!! He was quite the ‘ladies man’ and known among his peers as ‘The Black Prince’. He married five times! His first marriage was to Violet Vivien Maude Hobbs in 1925, possibly Violet was already pregnant, as my mother told me, they never set up home together, but they had one son, Jack. He lived with his mother somewhere in the country for a short time, (possibly at Berwick, as that was where she was born). Les wrote to his mother saying Violet was going to make the baby a ward of the state, so would she go & get him. Charles & Alice did go and get Jack and raise him until he married. Les's next two marriages produced another four children. Nothing is known of Norman, the only child to Rita his second wife, she left taking the child with her. His third marriage was to Jean Carlton, this produced two boys. There were no children to the last two marriages. Les died in 1974.
Leslie & Violet Pickering, nee Hobbs, only child was:-
1/ JOHN ALFRED CHARLES (JACK) PICKERING. (named by his grandmother) born
18-9-1925 at Oakleigh, the only child of Leslie Pickering and Violet Hobbs,
attended Cheltenham school, left when he was 14. Jack, like his father and
grandfather was a member of the Cheltenham Football club. He played a number of
games with them. When his eldest daughter, Jan was born and made a member of the
club, Jack was made a life member and given a medal, as it was the first time in
the history of the club that four living generations were members. Jack started
his working life having a go at engineering for awhile and a few other things
before settling into life as a butcher. He did his apprenticeship with George
Hewitt in Cheltenham, he married Joyce Hanson in late 1940s. They built
their first house in Bonanza Rd. Beaumaris, but moved about quite a bit having
shops in Wantirna Rd. Burwood, Boronia and Lilydale. In 1966 he went out of the
butchering trade, taking other jobs including bus driving, and truck driving.
Later he went into the pet food business and in time bought a Pet shop in
Belgrave. The marriage was later dissolved and Jack Married Shirley, there no
children to this marriage. Jack & Shirley toured Australia for about 5
years. Shirl had a sudden heart attack and died in ? Jack now lives in
Melbourne. (more coming on this family from Jack's daughter Jan Hogan) Jack and
Joyce had three children:-
Children of Jack and Joyce Pickering.
a/ Janet Pickering, born
married Jack Hogan, they have three children; 1/ Travis Hogan born 1978,
works on the lighting for nightclubs etc. 2/ Shivann Hogan, born
1980 Shivann has taken a year off University to teach
Phys. Ed part time. She is a good all round sports person, and held the
state title in under 15 basket ball, she is also a star footballer in the
Uni. women's team. 3/ Michael Hogan born 1983 is a motor mechanic.
b/ Jeffry Pickering, born has been married and has a
little daughter, Carley Pickering
c/ Debbie Pickering born married Ray Regino
they have two children; 1/ Paul Regino; & 2/ Sandra Regino.
Leslie and Rita Pickering, nee Strognaoff had one child, Norman Pickering, born 1933, nothing else known.
Leslie & Jean Pickering, nee Carlton had two children:-
1/ Alan Leslie Pickering, born 1935 started his school life at Cheltenham
State School, later attending Box Hill Gramma School,
in Station St, as a boarder., the school is now known as Kingswwod. Alan
tells his story; "I left school at 14, stayed with Nan for a little
while. I started to work as an auto electrician, but then Peter (cousin Peter
Box) and I and a couple of others decided to take off to Adelaide. I don't know
who instigated it, but we were all keen to go. We were carting bricks and
goodness knows what over there. We only stayed about three months, because that
was when Peter was playing football at Footscray. So we came back to Footscray
and I played with their thirds. I left there when I was 19 and went up the
country. I played football for Nagambie and carted hay up there. Then I went and
coached Seymour, and worked in a grocer's shop for five years, and we had some
reasonable success. Then I got offered good money to play for Shepparton, so we
moved there. That was when I played against Peter in the Riverina League there,
he was playing coach of Narrandera. I played with the Goulbourn Valley League—we
played at Shepparton—that was the last time I saw Peter, it was back in about
1963 I think. Pat and I got married in Shepparton, and I joined A.M.P. in
Shepparton,
that was 32 years ago. I retired from them in April this year (1995)— So I
haven’t had much variation, I was in management and we got moved around a fair
bit. Michael was born in Shepparton, Lisa was born in Seymour; Justin was born
in Geelong—none in Leongatha; and Andrew was born in Melbourne,--so we stopped
moving.!! "
CHILDREN OF ALAN & PATRICA PICKERING.
a/ Michael born in November 1963, married Hellen and
has two children. William Pickering born 1991 and Hannah Pickering
born 1993. Like his father and grandfather Michael also played football. He
played for Richmond with his brother Justin.
b/ Lisa Pickering born ? 1966 married Jim Totora in
Utah, America with her has a Restaurant, they have Danny Totora
born 1995, and Adam Joseph Totora born March 2000.
c/ Justin Pickering born ? married Sally-Anne like
his father and grandfather Justin is at sports, he played football with Richmond
club for some years.
d/ Andrew Pickering born ? married 2-12-200 Samantha
Townsend Booth
3/ FRANCIS (Frank) PICKERING born 16-7-1940 youngest son of Leslie Pickering and Jean Carlton, was only 4 when his mother left the family. Frank went to live with a foster family named of Hall, in Koornang Rd. Malvern when age 5 or 6 he went to live with his father and brother Alan in the hotel at Bannock, just west of Geelong. He also boarded at Box Hill Grammar with his brother for a couple of years. After primary school went back to live with the Hall family and attended the junior technical school at Prahran for forms 1,2 & 3. He left school at the end of the 3rd. form age 14 ½. He began an apprenticeship in the electrical trade with Tom Phillips at Caulfield. He married Marion Speedy at Bendigo and continued to works as an Electrician. Frank and Marion first lived in Ferntree Gully later moving to Wantirna. They are both keen tennis players. and members of the Wantirna Tennis Club. Marion is also teaches the piano. They have two children as follows:
a/ Susan Pickering born 13-3-1968, is married to Timothy
Townsend a train driver, they have 1/ Katherine Louise Townsend born
24-10-1983; Rebecca Lillian Townsend born 21-7-1986; Matthew Timothy
Townsend born 27-5-1988; Daniel Leigh Townsend born 16-11-1989.
b/ Angela Pickering born 27-3-1964, married 12-4-1984 Andrew
Wheat who works with computers and machinery. They have three children: 1/ Samantha
Louise Wheat born 12-11-1988; 2/ Grayden Douglas Wheat born
18-10-1991, 3/ Casey Elyse Wheat born 29-12-1995.
ADA PEARL PICKERING 2nd child of
Charles and Alice Pickering
Pearl was born 13th. June 1907 at 6/ Mount St. Prahran, like her father Pearl was a good all round athlete, they won most of the running races at school carnivals and played Rounders at school. Pearl was in the Cheltenham Methodist Church Tennis Teams. In later years Pearl was a champion bowls player, she was runner-up to the ‘Champion of Champions’ on a number of occasions—nerves always got the better of her in the big games. On her fourteenth birthday Pearl went to school and told the teacher she was fourteen and leaving. She first worked in a shoe factory in Mentone, for a while riding a horse to work. One day she had a fall and couldn’t get back up, a neighbour had to help her, so she didn’t ride to work again. Soon after she started work as a machinist in a clothing factory in Richmond. All her adult life Pearl hoped for that ‘big’ win in Tattsloto. Her first win was ₤25, which she gave to her mother. She was most upset when her father took it to buy a jinker for her "bludging brother" Les. Pearl frequently said, "Dad’s father was a Baptist minister, his mother was an alcoholic and so were all her sons". On the 10-12-1927 in St. Mathew’s Church of England Cheltenham, Pearl married George Box, a market gardener, originally from Bentleigh. After a weeks holiday at Daylesford the newly weds returned to Bernard St. Cheltenham, where George had recently taken a joint lease on a 20 acre property. There was a small cottage on the property that was their home, sadly only for one week. As the next week they made a pre-Christmas visit to one of George’s Uncles, returning to find their home burnt to the ground !! It was thought that possibly a rat gnawing on the metal frame of a chair might have started the fire. The sight & smell of smouldering materials—all her ‘glory box’, their clothes, photos and wedding gifts gone, devastated Pearl. Neighbours helped them erect a couple of rooms to live in, so they had a roof over their heads for Christmas, they used up-turned vegetable boxes for chairs. They worked hard together and in time prospered so that George was able to buy the property. They had the following five children, three boys and two girls. The boys each started work in the garden, later moving out to make their own way in life. George sold up in 1963 and retired in Surrey Hills. He died in 1986 and Pearl in 1992, both are buried in the New Cheltenham Cemetery. their children recorded below:
CHILDREN OF GEORGE AND PEARL BOX.
1/ Charles Francis Box, was born 24-7-1929. He attended
Cheltenham State School, finishing 2nd ‘dux’ of the school in
1942, and immediately started work in the garden with his father. During the
1950s. at least on of the neighbouring properties had been sold and sub-divided,
causing all the adjoining properties to be taxed at residential rates, instead
of rural rates. so with suburbia spreading out, in 1960 Charles, in partnership
with a neighbour, Arthur Martin, took possession of a 40 acre property in Mile
Rd. Tynong, which was on the Cora Lyn Flats. Arthur left the partnership in
1962. In 1966 Charles bought another 20 acre property near by at Vervale, and
his younger brother Norman took over the Tynong property. about 8 years later
Charles moved to Cranbourne and worked in Bekeart’s factory until he retired.
He married Cora Casanova late in life, there are no children to this
marriage.
2/ Peter John Box, born 22-3-1932, attended Cheltenham
State School to grade 6, by which time his father had prospered enough to be
able to send him to Wesley College. This was in 1943, Charles was offered the
opportunity to return to study at Wesley as well, but as he had been working for
12 months he chose not to return to school. Peter took after the Pickering side
of the family and excelled in all sport. He was captain of the football and
cricket teams at Wesley as well as the Cheltenham football team. He also played
A grade pennant tennis. He went on to play league football for Footscray (now
Western Bulldogs) and won the coveted Brownlow medal in 1956. He worked with his
father and brother Charles until, with cousin Alan Pickering and friends took
off to Adelaide. When they returned, or Peter was brought back by Footscray
football officials, he lived & worked in Footscray. In 1952 Peter’s
motor-cycle and a truck collided, besides facial injuries his left leg was so
deeply torn that muscles were damaged. There was even talk of having to amputate
the leg. However after three failed skin grafts, the fourth was more successful,
he was discharged from hospital with one leg half the thickness of the other,
and returned home to Cheltenham. He began training at home and gradually his leg
strengthened until one night he decided to test it out at the Footscray ground,
after 50 yards he was limping badly, his left ankle had no strength in it. But
he did not give up, he continued to train, finally regaining his strength and
his place in the team which won the 1954 premiership he then won the Brwnlow 2
years later. He again chose to leave the family business and make his own way in
life, He coached a number of football teams and worked as a sheerer for some
years before he retired. He married first Joanne Barns they had Kerrie
Box, who married a Mr Black and has a daughter Stephanie Black. Kerrie
and Stephanie live in California. After Peter and Joanne divorced Peter married
Peggy and has three sons:
a/ Peter Box, born 1965 is a butcher in Wagga, married
to Tyrell Schultz, they have a/ Frazer Box born 25-12-1991; b/
Callum Box, born 4-10-1994; & c/ Brandon Box, born 30-6-1997.
b/ Paul Box, born September 1967, married to Jessica,
they have one daughter & Jessica has two other children.
c/ Adam Box, twin brother of Paul, married to Lyn
Davis who also has a son Troy. Adam and Lyn have a/ Jarrard Box,
born 1992; and Taylal Jayne Box, born 5-4-1999.
3/ Beryl Joan Box, born 4-6-1933, Attended Cheltenham School to grade 6 then Methodist Ladies College for 5 years. Beryl also inherited the Pickering sporting talents, playing a good game of tennis and golf. She married market gardener and race horse owner Desmond Walker, they live at Carrum Downs and have four children:
A/ Loretta Helen Walker born 30-7-1953 at Mordialloc, married Garry Mathews in 1980. Loretta and Garry both work for Telstra, they have three boys all good footballers.
a/ Scott Mathews born 26-2-1981
b/ Gregory Mathews born 24-5-1982 married Meg. in November 2008
c/ Bryan Mathews born 26-10-1985
B/ Karen Sheryl Walker born 27-10-1954, at Mordialloc, married in 1977 Edward (Ted) Coatman. Ted left the family soon after their daughter was born. Karen is a good horsewoman and works as a trainer for her father. Their only child is Danielle Coatman/ Walker. born 30-8-1978. Danielle, like her mother is a keen horsewoman, unfortunately she suffers from Fatigue Syndrome disorder and is rather limited in what she can do. She started out to be a jockey but was unable to continue. She assists her mother when she is able.
c/ Vickie Anne Walker born 26-8-1959 is married to Stephen
Byrne. Vickie is a teacher and the family have spent time in Japan as she
was teaching English in Japanese schools. Stephen organised Australian golf
tours for Japanese players. they have three children: a/ Rhiannon Harris born
22-7-1981
b/ Cale Byrne born 12-2-1989
c/ Jordon Byrne born 13-6-1995
d/ Rodney Walker born 9-1-1961 youngest child of Beryl & Des. Walker, is not married, lives in Florida, USA.
4/ Avis Lorraine Box, born 22-6-1934, ( compiler of this
history) also attended Cheltenham State School, & MLC. worked as a bank
Clerk before marriage to Robert Polglase. We had four children before the
marriage dissolved in 1970. I later married Alan Leigh and worked in welfare as
an honorary probation officer, a fund raiser and manageress of an opportunity
shop for World Vision. Later I did a course and became an exercise teacher for
older people my second marriage was also dissolved. I am now retired, live
happily with my dog & cats, and research and write family history. Children
of Robert and Avis Polglase ------
a/Kenneth Polglase born 22-12-1955, died - 23-12-1955
b/
Allan Robert Polglase-Leigh, in the air opposite, was born 25-1-1958.
attended Frankston Primary School, and Mooroolbark Technical School. Allan
started his working life automotive electrics, at the age of 18 joined the army.
As a teenager he learnt martial arts, finally becoming the chief instructor in
Australia for Ishinru Karate. He became a PTI in the army and was a Sergeant
when he decided to leave and open a fitness centre. He changed his name to
Allan Leigh when I remarried. He married Maryanne Stienman, an army
girl, but the marriage and the business were both dissolved. Allan has since
rejoined the army and lives in Melbourne. Maryanne has remarried and taken their
two girls to Yakima, USA. The girls are
1/Kristel Katrina Leigh/Underwood born 30-8-1984; and
2/ Tamara Stacey Leigh/Underwood born 15-2-1986.
c/ Mark Polglase
born 18-10-1961. Mark also started his
schooling at Frankston and finished at Mooroolbark. His interest include
photography, bushwalking—when he was younger, now horse riding through
Victoria’s high country. Mark is not married, lives in Mooroolbark with his
two German Shepherd dogs.
d/ Katrina Polglase born 27-9-1962, died 19-3-1970.
5/ Norman Box born 1-4-1941 5th child of
George & Pearl Box Norman was educated at Cheltenham Primary school
and Mordialoc high school. Not being a lover of book work, Norman left school at
the age of 14 and went to work with his father and brothers in the market
garden. He later bought a property of his own in Tynong. He later retired to
Nar-Nar- Goon. He married Denise Warhurst, they have three children, the
marriage is dissolved. Children of Norman and Denise Box.
1/ David Box born 1961, married Heather Yann, they live at Beechworth and
are part owners of the local supermarket. They have Mathew William Box
born 1987, and Emily Box born 1990.
2/ Jennifer Box born 1962, married Mark Hayes, a solicitor. they
, live in Brighton and have one son. Sandon James Hayes, born 24-8-2000
3/Jeffery Box born 1967, is a shop fitter, not married lives with his partner
Alison.
Annie
Linda (Linda) Pickering --shown opposite with her husband John McDevitt
& brother-in-law, George Box. Linda was born 26-8-1909, the third and
youngest child of Charles and Alice Pickering. Linda was educated at
Cheltenham school, then went onto work first in a shoe factory at Mentone, and
later as a machinist in Richmond. Linda, like her sister Pearl was a very good
all round sports person. Linda married John McDevitt, a motor mechanic,
handy man—a Jack of all trades. He leased the sand-pits from the Woff family
in Cheltenham, for many years. Linda and Jack have two daughters.
1/
June McDevitt, was educated at McRobertson’s Girls High School, She was a
very clever girl and won scholarships to further her education at Melbourne
University and Later the University of San Diego, USA June went on to become
Deputy Director of Western Institute, which later became part of Victoria
University, June was then Pro Vice Chancellor. June married on the
12-6-1954, Leo Gleeson, a Cosmic Ray Physicist; Professor in Department
of Radio Physics USA; Reader in the Department of Mathematics Monash
University. June and Leo have three children;
a/ Barry Gleeson born 8-12-1955, married Teresa in 1995, in America
where Barry works in computer designing. they have 1/Daniel Gleeson, born
8-8-1996, 2/Elizabeth Gleeson, born 13-5-1999.
b/ Lyn Gleeson born March 10-3-1961 is a speech therapist, not
married.
c/Anne Gleeson born in 30-9-1962, married in 1993 to Volker Bottcher,
they live in Germany, and have Simon Botcher, born 3-11-1999.
2/ Lorraine McDevitt, born 11-9-1936, was also educated
at Mc Robertson's Girls High school. Lorrain married Phillip Baker, who
worked in banking, and is a talented artist; they have two children,
1/ Annette Joy Baker, born 24-11-1958, she married Alan Thomas Donald,
they have two children 1/ Callum Angus Donald, born 19-12-1989; 2/ Deklan
Jake Donald, born 11-12-1992.
2/Andrew Phillip Baker, born 27-10-1960, works at bricklaying, married
13-5-1992 Debra Page, they have Claudia Page Baker born 20-6-1999.
This concludes the family of Charles and Alice Pickering.
Victor
Pickering and 2nd wife Rose Hannah.
VICTOR JOHN PICKERING was born 1887 at Carlton
North, in Melbourne. He married Margaret Bye in 1908, they lived in Market St.
Prahran and had three children, sadly all three children died young. Margaret is
believed to have been heavily involved in the Salvation Army.
On the 15-8-1915 Victor enlisted in the 1st. A.I.F. at
Prahran. He served at Gallipoli with the 5th. Australian Infantry & later
with the 2nd. field Co. Australian Engineers. He was discharged on the 3-7-1918
in Victoria. He was awarded the WW1 Medal; 1914-15 Star; British War Medal and
the Victory Medal.
It is believed he may have spent some time after the war in
Newcastle, where his father was living. He later went to Queensland and assumed
the name of Royston Dixon. In 1923 he married Rose Hannah Burns-Bratby, they
have four children. He joined the Queensland military forces in 1940 and served
in the Queensland Garrison Battalion, being discharged at his own request on
compassionate grounds on the 23-12-1943.
Children of Victor Pickering and Margaret Bye-Pickering.
A/ Victor Charles Pickering born1909 died 1929
B/ Ivy Elizabeth Pickering born 1911 died 1931
C/ Ronald William Pickering born 1914 died 1922
Children of Victor Pickering--Royston Dixon and Rose Hannah Bratby/Dixon.
1/Royston Victor Dixon born 17-5-1924--died 1-9-1941,
believed to have died as a result of a motor bike accident.
2/Victor Lionel Dixon born 11-12-1925, married on the 23-2-1952, Merrill
Patrica Volter, they have four children:
a/ Peter Wayne Dixon, born 23-11-1953, Peter married
Jennifer Merle Thorne.
b/Robin Maree Dixon, born 12-12-1954, married
28-9-1974 Ian Robin Smith, they have four children: Kirsty Anne Smith,
born 20-12-1974. Benjamin Adam Smith, born 15-12-1980; Kimberly
Brooke Smith, born 22-7-1983; and Lindsay Maree Smith, born
12-9-1985.
c/David John Dixon, born 19-12-1960, married
3-10-1981, Janice Brown, they have two children:-Michael Leigh Dixon, born
17-10-1984; and Ryan Andrew Dixon, born 4-6-1987.
d/Vicki Patrica Dixon, born 3-12-1965, married Kim
Schamm, they have two children:-Natalie Kate Schamm, born 19-6-1990,
and Stacey Lauren Schamm, born 29-9-1992.
3/Stanley Gordon Dixon, born 11-8-1927, died 12-7-2000, married 17-5-1947 Joan Clifft, they have one child; Judith Ann Dixon, born 16-7-1948. Judy is a co-ordinator, working at the local swimming pool and the school, organising exercises and after school activities. she married on the 13-4-1968 Christopher Van Wyk, a carrier/ handy- man they have four children:- 1/Aaron Leslie Van Wyk, born 18-12-1971; 2/Craig John Van Wyk, born 23-4-1974, married Renee Catlish, they have, Kai Christiaan Van Wyk, 26-9-2000.3/Grant Christiaan Van Wyk, born 12-4-1979; and 4/Lauren Joanne Van Wyk, born 7-8-1982.
4/Athol Arnold Dixon, born 3-9-1928, married 1/
10-12-1949 Dorothy Tink, they have two children:-
a/ Graham Charles Dixon, 6-1-1951,
married 1/ 13-4-1972 Gail Rolston, they have Kerrie Anne Dixon, born
19-6-1973. Graham married 2/ 16-2-1978, Cheryl Catherine Brook, they have two
children:- Gareth Julian Dixon, born 2-8-1984; and Tyron Charles
Dixon, born 25-12-1991.
b/Dianne Lesley Dixon, born 29-1-1953, married
7-12-1974 James Liewellyn Franklin, they have three children:- a/ Alison
Nicole Franklin, born 20-7-1979; b/Carley Michelle Franklin, born
10-12-1981; and c/ Melannie Lee Franklin, born 8-2-1984.
GEORGE GORDON PICKERING 1885---1972, 5th. son of
Rev. Charles & Mary Pickering, married Eliza (Lisa) Jane Sheather, they have
8 children:-
1/ Elsie Cronan Pickering, born 16-12-1905, married 12-8-1925, Leslie
Walter Breasley, worked as a shearer and labourer, they have 8 children:-
a/Doreen Isabell Breasley, born 1927
b/ Leslie James Breasley, born 1925--1995
c/Joan Breasley, born 1931.
d/ Gregory Gorgon Breasley, born 1933, died 1934, age 13m
e/ Kevin Breasley, born 1936.
f/ Patrica Eilene Breasley, born 1938, died age 7
months.
g/ Gary Gregory Breasley, born 14-5-1940.
h/ June Maree Breasley, born 1942.
2/George Pickering, born 15-8-1908 worked for the railways, died 6-11-1995, married 27-1- 1947 Mavis Ruth Brown.
3/ Melba Pickering, born 21-7-1911, died 1998, married John Chambers they have 3 children:-
a/John Chambers, born 16-12-1933, a Printer, also played a good game of rugby, married 29-3-1956, Patrica Dawn Blakeney they have 5 children; 1/ Carole Chambers, born 24-5-1956, married Peter Taylor, they have Angela Taylor & Simon Taylor. 2/ Christopher Chambers, born 24-6-1958, married Lisa Kennedy, they have 3 children; Kristy Chambers, born 1985; Adam chambers, born 1987; Ellie chambers, born 1989. 3/ Julie Chambers born 29-1-1960, married Anthony Francis, they have 4 children; Jessica Francis, born 1985; Jonathon Francis, born 1987; Bridget Francis, born 1989; Lucy Francis, born 1900.
b/ Geoffrey Chambers, born
22-2-1939, a taxi Proprietor, married 8-9-1958, Maree Flanagan, they have 6 children; 1/ Mark
Chambers born 7-4-1959; 2/ Joanne Chambers, born 17-6-1960, married
Stuart Wood, they have 2 children; Nathan Wood, & Sally Lachlan
Wood. 3/ Tanya Chambers, born 20-11-1961 married
Russell Thompson, they have 3 children; Kurt Thompson; Jessie
Thompson; & Aaron Thompson. 4/ Traci Chambers, born
20-11-1961, married John Driscoll, they have 2 children; Mathew
Briscoll & Rebecca Briscoll. 5/ Scott Chambers born
11-6-1963, married Brenda Fisher, they have 2 children; Benjamin Chambers,
& Patrick Chambers.
6/ Justin Chambers, born 28-4-1975.
3/ Raymond Chambers, born 21-12-1945, a
Newspaper Editor, married Beverly Box, they have 3 children:
a/Leesa-Anne Chambers, born 26-12-1968, married Douglas
Stratford, they have 2 children; Amy-Leigh Stratford, born 6-4-1991
&Brayden Edward Stratford, born 11-11-1994.
b/Rachelle Jane Chambers, born 30-4-1971, married Rowan
Medway, they have 2 children: Olivia Rose Medway, born 21-2-1999
& Jock Henry Medway, born 6-12-2000.
4/ Wallace Pickering, 4th. child of George and Leesa Pickering, was born 6-1-1914--Feb. 2001
5/ Oswald Pickering, born 18-5-1918, 5th. child of George & Leesa Pickering, worked on the land, dairy farming, and stockman. He later moved to Sydney, worked with electrical components for 4 1/2 years, then drove trucks for next 26 years. He married 1/ Lorna Ingram, 2/ Dorothy Johnston. Oswald and Lorna had one son William Pickering, who is thought to have married and have 4 daughters. Oswald and Dorothy have one son Morris Pickering, born 21-3-1943
6/ Arnold Pickering, born 1919 married Ina, who died
26-6-1998. They had 5 children:-
a/Elizabeth Pickering, married Sam Tosic, there were
no children to this marriage.
b/ Arnold Pickering jr. (also known as Osca/Bubby)
born 4-12-1940, married 27-4-1962 Fay Diana Edwards, they have 4
children:- 1/ Barry Pickering, born 23-4-1962, married
Clare Egan, they have one child; Jennifer Fay Pickering, born 13-5-1987,
the marriage is dissolved. Barry has a partner with whom he has a son, Dean
James Pickering, born 11-5-1991. Barry stays at home to care for his
two children.
c/Barry Pickering, born 1943, married Veronica they have 2
children; Barry Pickering, & Peter Pickering, the
marriage dissolved, Barry sn. died 21-2-1975, Veronica took the two boys to
America.
d/ Ronald Pickering, born 1945, died 11-12-1977.
e/ Keith Pickering, born 1946 died during a heat wave of that year.
7/ Murvin Pickering, born 1920, was a pastry cook, he
married Phillis Kathlene Patrick on the 21-12-1946, they have 3 children: -a/
Robin Louise Pickering, born 16-10-1948, married Robert Berghuis, they
have 4 children:- Jane Berghuis, born 9-4-1972; Andrew Berghuis, born
8-2-1974; Elizabeth Berghuis, born 10-10-1978; & Susan Berghuis, born
22-21950.
b/ Margaret Anne Pickering, born 6-3-1951, married George Wilson, they
have 2 children; James Charles Wilson; & Christopher Anthony
Wilson.
c/ Robert Wayne Pickering, born 9-9-1952, is not married.
8/ Mavis Dulcie Pickering, born 21-1- 1922, died 20-9-1993, married 21-1-1948 Francis Eugene Gannon, a Bread-Carter, they have 5 children:-
a/ Terry John Gannon, born
29-5-1949, married firstly Janine McBeth on the 21-7-1973, they have 2 children;
Natasha Gannon, born 15-1-1974, & Janson Gannon, born
4-3-1976, married Theresa Jean Smith, they have a son Bailey Gannon, born
12-3-1998. Terry married secondly Glenda Keouch, they have 2 children, Matthew
Gannon & Kala Gannon.
b/ Robert Eugene Gannon, born 11-1-1953, married Susan S.
Balogh, they have 2 children, Cindy Gannon, born 7-8-1974, married
14-9-1995 Michael Flint, they have Riley Robert Flint, born
30-5-1998. Anna Gannon, born 23-12-1977 is not married.
c/ Peter Geoffery Gannon, born 31-7-1955 married firstly 17-3-1978, Gwen Morey, they have 3 children; Kristie Gannon, born 13-12-1980; Shaun Gannon, born 25-11-1982, & Clinton Gannon, born 8-12-1986. Peter married secondly 22-12-1990, Julie Cane, they have 2 children; Stonie Gannon, born 17-3-1990; & Jasima Taneila Gannon, born 7-8-1991.
d/ Phillip Allan Gannon, born 17-11-1956, married Kim Rapley 10-10-1981, they have 2 children; Prue Gannon, born 5-1-1987; & Ella Gannon, born 28=6-1988.
e/ Brian Raymond Gannon, born 21-1-1958, married 15-3-1986, Sonya Sutton, they have 3 children; Luke Gannon, born 22-4-1987; Nicholas Gannon, born 27-2-1990; & Sophie Gannon, born 21-3-1993.
NORMAN PICKERING
born 26-5-1887, at 'Leslie' Rathdowne Street, North Carlton. He enlisted in
the Australian Imperial Forces at Prahran, on the 15-8-1915. He nominated his
next of kin his wife Mrs. Margaret Pickering of Market St, South Yarra. He
served overseas at the Gallipoli Peninsula, Middle East and France with the 5th.
Australian Infantry Battalion, and the 2nd. Field company Australian engineers.
he was discharged in Victoria on 3-7-1918. Medals issued for WW1 were 1914/15
Star; British War Medal; & Victory Medal. He was also eligible for the Anzac
Commemorative Medallion.
One family story is that his wife Margaret's involvement with
the Salvation Army was the reason Victor left the family.
It is believed that after the war he went to New Castle,
where his father was a preacher. He later went to Queensland, changed his name
to Royston Dixon and married widow Rose Hannah Burns/Bratby on the 1-12-1923.
His occupation is recorded as Saw-Miller. On the 21-7-1940 Royston Dixon
enlisted for the Garrison-Battalions and served on continuous full time war
service for a total of1,221 days, in Australia. He nominated his wife Rose
Hannah Dixon of McGregor Estate, Stanthorpe, Queensland as his next of kin. He
was discharged on the 23-11-1943 at his own request on compassionate grounds, at
Redbank, Queensland.
Children of Victor John Pickering and Margaret Bye.
Children of Royston Dixon and Rose Hannah Bratbry.
ADA MARY PICKERING born 1893 died 1907
REV. CHARLES & MARY J WEBB
CORA PICKERING
RUBY PICKERING.
up-dated 15 July 2009
<avisleigh@yahoo.com.au >
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