PART SIX: REID FAMILY TREE

The Reid family connection to the family tree was through the marriage of GM Florence Maud Reid (1883-1968) to GF Arthur Reginald Boardman (1883-1968). This union was another that introduced an ‘Irish’ ancestry to our tree, as the Reids originated in Belfast and migrated to Melbourne in 1860.

75.0 GM Florence Maud Reid (1883-1968)

Birth Registration

Baptism

Florence was born on 3 Apr 1882 or 1883 in Collingwood, and baptised in Prahran on 20 May 1883. She was the first born of four children for parents GGF Robert Reid and GGM Martha Victoria Bisgrove (see 76.1). Very few details of her early life are known. It has been said that at some stage Florence Maude ran away from home, but we are not sure when and for how long.

AER 1905

According to the electoral roll she was living at 42 Toorak Rd, South Yarra, with her parents in 1905 (the first election held after she reached the voting age of 21). Her occupation was dressmaker. In addition to the story of her “running away” there is other evidence that Florence Maude’s parent’s relationship was under stress, relating to the fact that her parents seem to have separated before 1912. The relationship break down may have started much earlier, and as Florence had an extreme dislike of alcohol, that may have played a role in her parent’s separation.

On 29 Sep 1908, GM Florence M Reid 25 married GF Arthur Reginald Boardman 25 at the Independent Church in Prahran. The circumstances of their meeting are unknown but there was certainly a big difference in their backgrounds. Arthur Reginald, through his mother's ancestry, came from a long line of English born ministers, preachers and teetotallers. Florence Maude’s background included an Irish element and her grandmother’s last two (out of three) husbands were publicans. At the time of Florence’s birth, her step grandfather still owned 'The College Lawn Hotel' in Prahran and was fined for serving minors. The Boardmans, whose Moss relatives had a strong standing in the religious community of Prahran, would have seen the hotel as a house of disrepute. See 14.1a for more details of GM Florence Maude Reid’s life with GF Arthur Reginald Boardman. One thing they had in common was that Arthur Reginald was a mechanical engineer and so was Florence Maude’s father GGGF Robert Reid.

GM Florence M Reid 25 and her husband GF Arthur Reginald Boardman went on to have two daughters. See 14.1a for more information about their married life.

75.1 GGP Robert Reid (1856-1929) & Martha Victoria Bisgrove (1852-1927)
Robert and Martha were the parents of GM Florence Maude Reid.  

GGF Robert Reid was born in 1856 in Falls Rd., Belfast and baptised by his parents GGGP William Reid and Jane Duffis on 2 July 1856 at St Annes, Shankhill, Belfast.

He migrated to Australia in 1860 on the ship ‘Owen Glendower’ as boy aged 3, with his siblings and parents, GGGP William and Jane Reid nee Duffus. There is no information available about his childhood and education, but as an adult he listed his occupation as engineer.

In early 1880 Robert 24 was living in Fitzroy and Martha 28 was living with her family at the 'College Lawn Hotel' in Prahran, where her step father was publican (see 90.0). Quite possibly they met at the hotel.

The Argus 8 Nov 1880: Error with Robert's father's name; should read William Reid

On 28 Oct 1880, GGF Robert Reid 24 married GGM Martha Victoria Bisgrove at St Matthews, Prahran. The announcement in 'The Argus 8 Nov 1880 read as follows "REID-FRITSCH - On the 28th ult, at St Matthew's Church, by the Rev Henry Langley, Robert Reid, son of Mr Robert (sic) Reid, engineer, Fitzroy, to Martha Bisgrove, step-daughter of Mr Anton Fritsch, College Lawn Hotel, College Lawn, Prahran." It is interesting to note that Martha Bisgrove was using her stepfather's surname (Fritsch) at the start of the listing. The newspaper made a mistake with Robert's father's name, which should have read William Reid. Martha must have regarded her stepfather very highly, because she not only used his surname at times, but named her only son Arthur Anton Reid after him.

St Mathews, Prahran

GGP Robert and Martha Reid nee Bisgrove lived in Fitzroy at first, but when their first child GM Florence Maude Reid was born in 1883, the birth was registered at Collingwood. The following year in 1884, GGF Robert Reid’s father GGGF William Reid died in Fitzroy, and at this time they were living in Greville St. Prahran. More children followed; in 1885 Elsie Mary Reid, was born at Prahran, in 1888 Blanche Evelin Reid was born in Collingwood and in 1993 the final child, Arthur Reid was born at Prahran (when Martha was 41). The birth at Collingwood may not have been a change in address, as Martha may have stayed with someone at that time, to help with the birth.

The 1903 electoral roll listed Martha, home duties and Robert, engineer living at 42 Toorak Rd. South Yarra. They were still there in 1905, and eldest daughter GM Florence Maud Reid, dressmaker was listed too, as she had now reached voting age. During the early 1900's there were adverts by dressmakers located at 42 Toorak Rd. One of these was "Miss Hoskins". Perhaps Martha worked as a subcontractor for Miss Hoskins. From other advertisements, it appears that a number of people lived at this address, so the building may have been a boarding house. Eldest daughter Florence married GF Arthur Reginald Boardman in 1908 and they moved into their own home.

By 1909 the family had moved to 15 Erica St., Prahran and Robert, engineer, was listed along with Martha and daughters Elsie and Blanche. The previous owner of the residence had died in mid-1905. That address was the final definite listing of GGF Robert Reid on the electoral roll and as Martha Reid nee Bisgrove was listed without him in all records after that, it is probably an indication that they were living apart.

The Age 27 Nov 1906

The family may have owned a galah, which was lost in late 1906, whilst they were living in Erica St. They advertised for its return in The Age newspaper.

By 1914, Martha V. Reid, home duties, and daughter Blanche, machinist had moved a few hundred metres to 13 Ivy St. Prahran and in 1915 son Arthur also joined them. Later that year the 5 roomed house they were living in was sold and they had to move out. Martha and son Arthur then moved to “Elsa”, Macpherson Ave, Caulfield, and lived in the home of daughter Elsie Mary Haynes nee Reid and her husband, but Arthur moved out in 1916 when he married. Martha remained there until 1922 when at the age of 70 she moved with daughter Elsie and her husband Harold Haynes to 72 Rennie St, Coburg where she lived until her death in 1927. See 90.1 for more about GGM Martha Victoria Reid nee Bisgrove’s life.

There are Electoral Roll records that list Robert Reid's probable residences after he separated from Martha. By this time all his children were young adults; two were married before 1913 and two were married in 1916

From 1916-1917 Robert Reid was listed as a "useful man" (handyman) living at the College Lawn Hotel. This was the hotel previously owned by his wife's stepfather (Anton Fritsch).

The Age 1 Feb 1922

 It seems that Robert moved from the College Lawn Hotel to an apartment (opposite the Grand Hotel) at 17 Little Collins St in Melbourne, around 1920.

Robert Reid, engineer, was living alone from 1922-1927 (Latrobe Electorate) at 17 Little Collins St., Melbourne. This Robert Reid had 'no occupation' in 1927, when Robert would have been retired at the age of 71. He does not appear on the electoral roll after 1927 so it was probably our Robert Reid (he died in 1929).

The Argus 6 May 1927

GGM Martha Victoria Reid nee Bisgrove died on 5 May 1927 aged 75. The death notice in 'The Argus' gives another hint that all was not well in GGM Martha's relationship with her husband GGF Robert Reid. The wording, "Martha wife of Robert Reid, loved mother of Florence (Mrs Boardman), Elsie (Mrs Haynes), Blanche (Mrs. Halls), and Arthur", neglects any reference to fondness between Martha and her husband.

The Age: 12 Nov 1929

GGF Robert Reid died on 9 Nov 1929 aged 73, with the death registered at Heidelberg. Faulkner Cemetery records indicate he was buried with wife Martha Victoria Reid at that cemetery They are buried in plot 166214 or Congregational Section B, Grave 270.

Death certificate Robert Reid Part One

Robert's death certificate is very detailed. From it we learn that Robert died at The Austin Hospital of "carcinoma of the pharynx and bronchis pneumonia". His parents were William Reid Engineer and Jane Reid nee Duffus.

Death Certificate part Two

From Part Two of the certificate we learn that Robert had been living in Victoria for 60 years and came from Belfast. He had married Martha Victoria Bisgrove when he was 22 years old. His four children were listed with their ages at that time. They were Florence Maud (Boardman) 46, Elsie Mary (Haynes) 44, Blanch Evelyn (Halls) 41 and Arthur Anton Reid 36.

75.2 Reid family Inventions

In an article written by Bea Boardman b1909  titled 'Old Prahran' she wrote about a store cash carrying system used in large shops in the early 1900's. These 'cash carriers' used "small cylinders attached to a system of taut wires along which they traveled to a remote cashier who dealt with the enclosed docket and change and set them back, all at the pull of a handle. It is a family tradition that my maternal grandfather invented these as well as the Reid Wire Strainer used for wire in fencing. One of these is in the Wentworth Museum." Bea's maternal grandfather was GGF Robert Reid b1856. By occupation he was an engineer, and worked in this field all his adult life and may have developed inventions. Although it is unlikely that he invented the Reid Wire Strainer, he may have developed local variations of these two items.

An advert in 'The Queenslander' 17 Mar 1888 (above), suggests the wire strainer (later known as the 'Titan Wire Strainer' was actually invented by a New Zealander by the name of 'Reid'.

76.0 Four children of GGP Robert Reid (1856-1929) & Martha Victoria Bisgrove (1852-1927)

Martha was in her early forties when she gave birth to her last child in 1893.

76.1 GM Florence Maude Reid (1883-1968)
Florence was the first of Robert and Martha’s children. Her birth was registered to Robert Reid and Martha Victoria Reid nee Bisgrove at Collingwood. She married GF Arthur Reginald Boardman in 1908. For information about her early life see 75.0 and for details about her married life see 14.1.

76.2 Elsie Mary Reid later Haynes (1885-1957)

Elsie was born on 14 Jan 1885 with her birth registered to Robert Reid and Martha Victoria Reid nee  Bisgrove at Prahran. She probably lived with her parents until 1909 when she started being listed on the electoral roll. In 1909, the roll listed Robert Reid, Martha V Reid, Elsie Reid, ‘feather dresser’ (one who prepares feathers for sale, possibly as fashion items) as well as her sister Blanche Reid dressmaker, all living at 15 Erica St., Prahran.

By 1912 they had moved to 31 Upton Rd., Windsor, and Elsie’s father GGF Robert Reid appears to have separated from the family, as he was no longer listed with them on any records.

In 1912 Elsie Mary Reid (surname spelt incorrectly) 27 married Harold Percival Haynes. The couple settled at 4 Wynnstay Place, Armadale and Harold listed his occupation as motor driver (later bus driver). This was the very early days of motor cars and they were not the dominant vehicle that you see today. The roads of Melbourne were shared by horse-drawn vehicles, many bicycles and motor bikes. The Australian Government only had one car in its ‘fleet’ and the fire brigade was not fully motorised until 1919.

4 Wynnstay Place, Armadale

From 1914-15 Elsie and Harold lived at 6 Bayview East, Prahran. In 1916-1821 they moved to “Elsa”, Macpherson Ave Caulfield. Presumably their home ‘Elsa’ was named after Elsie. Elsie’s mother GGM Martha Victoria Reid and brother Anton Arthur Reid moved into their house too, but Anton moved out in 1916 when he got married.

The Argus 26 Jan 1922

Elsie and Harold had three known children  Dorothy, Robert and Alan Haynes, who were all mentioned in the above memorial notice, published in memory of Harold's mother in 1922.

Elsie and Harold continued to care for and share their house with Elsie’s mother GGM Martha Victoria Reid until her death in 1927. In 1922 Harold changed occupations to become a newsagent and this required relocating to a home at 19 West St, Brunswick. From 1924-1934 they were living at 72 Rennie St. Coburg and Harold still ran a newsagency business. In 1935 they moved to 11 Claremont Ave, Malvern and lived there until Harold’s death in 1949.

Elsie Mary Haynes nee Reid died on 10 Oct 1957 at Caulfield and was buried at Springvale Cemetery. Probate for her will was granted the following year. Elsie and Harold had three children Dorothy Mabel Haynes b1914, Robert James Haynes b1917 and Alan Percival Haynes b1920.

76.3 Blanche Evelyn Reid later Halls (1888-1980)

Blanche was born on 5 Jul 1888 at Collingwood and baptised on 6 Dec 1893 at Prahran. She lived in the family home at 15 Erica St., Prahran, 31 Upton Rd, Windsor, then Ivy St, Prahran up until 1916 when she was married. During these years, her father GGF Robert Reid seems to have separated from the family. Her sister Elsie moved out of the home when she was married in 1912. Blanche listed her occupation as ‘machinist’ (probably sewing clothing) and dressmaker. She would have learned these skills off her mother who was also a dressmaker.

In 1916, at the age of 28, Blanche married John Halls, ‘iron worker’.

1925 AER

The couple moved into 'Basuto', 12 Webb Street, Caulfield, where they lived until husband John Halls died in 1962. Blanche continued to live at ‘Basuto’ until 1977, then moved to Emerald in the Dandenong Ranges outside of Melbourne, where she lived with her daughter Jean. She died on 7 Sept 1980 aged 92, at Emerald and was buried at Springvale Cemetery beside her husband.

76.4 Arthur Anton Reid (1893-1967)

Arthur was born in 1893 at Prahran. His middle name was in honour of Martha's stepfather Anton Fritsch.

AER 1914

Arthur probably lived in the family home at 15 Erica St., Prahran, 31 Upton Rd, Windsor and finally 13 Ivy St., Prahran. He then moved in with his sister Elsie, her family and his mother at ‘Elsa’, Macpherson Ave, Caulfield East up until 1916, when he was married. During these years, his father GGF Robert Reid seems to have separated from the family and doesn’t appear in any records after 1912. Arthur listed his occupation as ‘engineer’ on the AER. As this was also his father’s trade, he presumably learnt and worked with GGF Robert Reid during his teenage years.

In 1916 Arthur Anton Reid 23 married Victoria Isabella Allen, tailoress (b1893 Prahran). At first, the couple lived at 25 Myrtle St, Balaclava, but in 1921 they were living at 14 Victoria Gve, Auburn and in 1924 at 423 Whitehorse Rd., Balwyn. The couple had four children Jean Valda Reid b1917 who died in the same year, Nancy b1919, Sadie b1923 and Geoff Reid (unknown birth date).

The Age: 9 May 1927

On the 7th May 1927, tragically their second daughter Nancy, died as a result of an accident. The Coroner's report concluded that Nancy ran onto Whitehorse Rd. while playing a game and was struck by a passing truck. The death notice read "Nancy, darling little daughter of Arthur and Victoria Isabel Reid, of 423 Whitehorse Road Balwyn, loving sister of Jean (deceased) and Sadie, aged 8 years. Gone to be with grandma." 'Grandma' was GGM Martha Victoria Reid nee Bisgrove and she had died only two days before, on the 5 May 1927 and was due to be buried on the same day her granddaughter died!

By 1931 Arthur was running a motor garage, but his run of bad luck continued when he ran into financial trouble. The following notice appeared in The Argus 2 May 1931, "Deeds of Assignment. The estate Arthur Anton Reid motor garage proprietor trading as West Footscray Motor Garage, Geelong Road, West Footscray, has been assigned to Mr I Barrett in trust for creditors. The estimated liabilities are £1,065 and the estimated amount of property is £299."

After this event, the couple moved to Alexander St., then Chosen Rd., in Upwey in the Dandenong Ranges and lived there until the 1940’s when they moved back closer to the city at 563 Whitehorse Rd Balwyn and Arthur took on a job as a factory manager.

In 1950 Victoria Isabella Reid nee Allen died aged 57 and was buried at Brighton Cemetery. One of the death notices mentioned GF Arthur Reginald Boardman. "REID.- Victoria Isabelle, beloved sister of Gertrude (Mrs Lewis), sister-in-law of Reginald Arthur (BOARDMAN), aunt of Mavis and Ken." There were several other notices including one from the immediate family which read "REID. - On August 9, at 563 White Horse road, Surrey Hills, Victoria, Isabelle, wife of Arthur A., dearly loved mother of Valda (deceased), Nancy (deceased), Sadie (Mrs Jackson) and Geoff, loved mother-in-law of Keith". This advert indicates that the first daughter 'Jean' was known as Valda and also suggests that Isabelle had a son named Geoff, but no other records have been found for him.

The probate notice for Victoria Isabelle Reid read as follows "formerly of Chosen Road. Upwey, but late of 563 White Horse road, Surrey Hills, married woman, deceased. After fourteen clear days Ruby Pearl Davison, formerly of Geelong- road, West Footscray, but now of 24 Innellan-road, Murrumbeena, gentle woman the executrix appointed by deceased's will, dated the 31st day of March. 1933 will apply to the Supreme Court for a grant of probate of the said will."

The Electoral Rolls for 1949-1963 listed Arthur’s address as 601 St Kilda Rd., Prahran and his occupation as ‘manager’.

Arthur Anton Reid died on 23 Aug 1967 at Elsternwick and was cremated on 16 Aug 1967 at Springvale Cemetery. Probate for his will was granted on 9 Nov 1967. As with his father, the Electoral roll records suggests Arthur and Victoria lived apart at times. The fact they were also buried in separate cemeteries and the lack of emotional connection from Arthur in his wife’s death notice also hints that all was not well in their marriage.

The only daughter of Arthur and Victoria to reach adulthood (Sadie Reid) married Keith Jackson in 1947 and died at Shepparton in 1959 aged 36. In one of the newspaper announcements above, there is mention of a son, 'Geoff', but no records of his birth or other details have been found.

According to Vic BDM, daughter Jean Reid was born to Isabelle and Arthur Reid in 1917 and died as an infant in the same year. The records do not mention her middle name (Valda). Interestingly there was a 'Valda Reid', born in 1917 to Lily Reid and no father was listed. As the name is unusual, this child may have some connection to Victoria Isabella Reid nee Allan.

77.0 An Irish Connection

There are a few ‘Irish Connections’ in the Boardman-Moss family tree. The Reid family is the most direct link, as they originated in Belfast, but there is also a link through the Duffus ancestors who also came from Belfast, but originated in Scotland.

77.1 GGGP William Reid (1834-1884) & Jane Duffus (1834-1915)

From his death certificate (information supplied by son GGP Robert Reid b1856) we know that William was born in Falls Rd., Belfast to GGGGP Robert Reid, weaver (c1810 Belfast) and his wife Sarah Unknown  (c1812 Belfast). On the certificate Robert b1856 claims that his father died at the age of 46 and was married at the age of 17, which would mean a birth year of 1838. However, William's marriage registration (married 1855) lists him being born in 1834 and aged 21 at the time of his marriage (the age of consent).

Falls Rd Belfast 1950's

Nothing else of William's early life is known up until he married GGGM Jane Duffus on 12 Apr 1855 at Belfast. Although his age was listed as 21, this may be an assumption, as at the time that was the age of consent. Over the next few years, three children were born to the couple; GGF Robert Reid in 1856, James Reid in 1859 and Margaret Reid in 1860.

In 1860 GGGP William and Jane Reid nee Duffus decided to migrate to Australia. They set sail with GGF Robert aged 4 and younger children James and Margaret on the sleek sailing ship “Owen Glendower” (one of the fastest passenger ships of this time) for the 140 day journey to Melbourne, and arrived in Dec 1860. The trip was not without incident, with quite a bit of drama on the high seas as reported in ‘The Age’ on 3 Feb 1861. The following news item has been abbreviated.

The 'Owen Glendower'

77.2 Attempted Murder on the High Seas

“James Beaton was brought (before the court), for attempt to murder Harold John Child, second officer of the ship Owen Glendower, on the 3rd of December last, on the high seas, by shooting at him. Harold John Child being sworn, stated : I am second officer of the ship Owen Glendower. I know the prisoner. He was first cabin passenger in the ship from London to this port. The ship sailed from London on the 20th of October, and arrived in this colony on the 30th of last month. On Saturday, the 3rd of December, while the vessel was on the high seas, I felt something hit me on the left shoulder and fleshy part of the left arm. I looked round and then fell down. On looking round I saw the prisoner. He was standing half out of his cabin, holding the door in one hand and a revolver in the other; the pistol was pointed at me.

The prosecutor alleged that Beaton was convinced Child had committed adultery with his wife during the voyage. Child continued his evidence saying, ‘The surgeon of the vessel came to me shortly afterwards, and dressed my wounds. Twelve shots were taken from me. The prisoner is a married man.  His wife was on board the ship with him. I never had connection with prisoner's wife. If she says that she has committed adultery with me, she tells a lie. Immediately after I was shot, prisoner was put under arrest’. Bail was refused.” Later Beaton was committed to an asylum.

Soon after arriving in the colony GGGP William and Jane Reid nee Duffus moved to Port Fairy (then known as Belfast) where members of the extended Duffus family were early and influential settlers, including Jane’s brother James Duffus. Baby daughter Margaret died there in Nov 1861, but this tragedy was followed by the birth of two more children; Eliza Jane Reid in 1862 and William Reid in 1864.

Port Fairy (formerly known as Belfast) in the 1800's

There are no records (apart from birth records) that give information about their stay in Port Fairy, however according to the Port Fairy Historical Society Website “in 1862 the disastrous collapse of the local firm, William Rutledge & Co. dealt the town a paralysing blow. In the ensuing years investors abandoned Port Fairy in favour of other towns such as Warrnambool and the early promise that Port Fairy had shown failed to materialise.” This event may have been the reason the family decided to move again. By 1866 they were living in the Bendigo area and son Edmond George Reid was born at Golden Square, Bendigo in that year. Their final child was Thomas Alfred Reid born with the birth registered in 1868 at North Melbourne. In the 1870's they were living in Fitzroy. According to 'The Argus' 8 Aug 1874, son "James Reid, aged 16 years, living at Fitzroy, was admitted to the Melbourne Hospital yesterday, having sustained fracture of the leg by a fall of a hearse belonging to Mr. Burton, carriage builder, by whom he was employed".

Death Certificate: William Reid Part 1

They stayed in Melbourne for the rest of their lives and GGGF William Reid, mechanical engineer, 50 died at 117 Kerr St, Fitzroy on 16 Apr 1884. The death certificate provides quite a range of information, some of it supplied by son Robert Reid. William's age was incorrectly listed as 46 and the cause of death was disease of the liver.

Death Certificate: William Reid Part 2

In Part 2 of the certificate we learn that Robert was living in Greville St, Prahran in 1884, when he filled in his father's death details and that William was buried at Melbourne Cemetery on 18 Apr 1884. William had been born in Belfast and had lived in Victoria for about 20 years (actually 23). It seems that Robert made a mistake with the age at which his father married. He said that William was 17 when he married Jane, but in fact other records indicate that both William and Jane were much closer to the ‘age of consent’ which was 21. The last column of the record lists William's seven children and their ages at the time of his death. They were Robert Reid 27, James Reid 25, Margaret Reid deceased, Eliza Jane Reid 22, William Reid 19, Edmund George Reid 17 and Thomas Alfred Reid 15.

The Age 18 Apr 1884

The death notice in 'The Age', 18 Apr 1884, read, "REID.— On the 16th April, at his late residence, 117 Kerr-street, Fitzroy, William, the beloved husband of Jane Reid, late of Belfast, Ireland".

GGGM Jane Reid nee Duffus married again and lived for another 30 years (see 81.0 for more about her life). Tragically Jane's second youngest son Edmund George Reid died at the age of 24 in 1890. The funeral notice listed Jane's address as 165 Kerr St Fitzroy.

78.0 Seven children of GGGP William Reid (1834-1884) & Jane Duffus (1834-1915)

Six of the seven children survived into adulthood with the last child living to the age of 89. Research is made difficult because there were several other individuals with the same names living in the Melbourne area at this time eg. Robert Reid carpenter, Robert Reid from 17 Pamerston Cres, South Melbourne and James Reid wheelwright.

Most of the children seemed to be named after other family members Robert after his grandfather Robert Reid c1810, James after his great grandfather James Duffus c1755, Margaret after sister-in-law Margaret Gleeson, Eliza Jane after her grandmother Elizabeth Cahill and mother Jane Duffus and William after his father.

78.1 GGF Robert Reid (1856-1929)

Robert  was born in Belfast in 1856 and came to Australia with his family at the age of 3. He became an engineer and married GGM Martha Victoria Bisgrove (1852-1927) in 1880. They had four children. See 75.1 for more detail about his life.

78.2 James Reid (1858-1937)

James was born on July 28, 1858 in Northern Ireland, but no baptism registration has been found. At the age of 2, in 1860, he migrated to Australia with his family on the sailing clipper ship ‘Owen Glendower’. The family moved to Belfast (Port Fairy) for a few years and then eventually settled in Melbourne in 1868.

According to 'The Argus' 8 Aug 1874, "James Reid, aged 16 years, living at Fitzroy, was admitted to the Melbourne Hospital yesterday, having sustained fracture of the leg by a fall of a hearse belonging to Mr. Burton, carriage builder, by whom he was employed".

The Argus 27 Dec 1880

At the age of 22 on 22 Dec 1880 (two months after his older brother’s marriage), James married Margaret Rosalind Blackburn (b1856 Richmond) at St Marks Church of England, Fitzroy. Their five children were born in Fitzroy in quick succession over the next decade; Eleanor Reid b1881 Fitzroy (died later that year aged 2 months), Henry Frederick Reid 1882-1937, Frances Reid 1885-1966, Jeanette Reid (1887-1975) and James William Reid (1889-1982). The birth announcement for son Henry F. Reid appeared in 'The Australasian Sketcher' 21 Oct 1882 and gave the family's address; "On the 30th at John-street, Fitzroy, the wife of Mr. James Reid of a son". Details of James Reid's life from 1889 to 1903 is unknown.

From at least 1903 to 1909 the family were living at 15 Mahoney St, Fitzroy. James Reid 51 was a ‘manager’ and Margaret Reid 53 did home duties. During this period, two of their children became old enough to vote; Henry Frederick Reid was an engineer and daughter Jeanette Reid 22 was a dressmaker. The family were still at the same address in 1912. At this time motor vehicles were becoming an increasingly popular form of transport and James changed occupation to motor builder, which was his occupation thereafter.  At this time his brother Robert, brother-in-law Arthur Reginald and nephew Arthur Anton Reid were also working in this field. Son James William Reid was listed on the AER in 1912 and became a clerk. In 1915 son James William Reid enlisted in the AIF and served in France where he was wounded on 9 Aug 1918, and received the Military Medal for Bravery. Records indicate that both James snr and his son James belonged to 'The Carlton Lodge' (a men's lodge similar to the Freemasons). In fact James senior was elected to represent the Lodge at functions several times. By 1919 the only child living at home was Jeanette Reid dressmaker, but by the mid 1920's she had also married and left home.

James and Margaret Reid lived at the same address until around 1936, when Margaret Rosalind Reid nee Blackburn died on 13 Jan 1936 aged 80. James must have dabbled in car repairs because there was an ad in 'The Age', 25 Jul 1936 offering parts of a 'Dodge' for sale and advertising 'piston rebore' services at his address. The following year, in 1937, James Reid died at St Kilda aged 79.

78.2a Five Children of James Reid (1858-1937) and Margaret Rosalind Blackburn (1856-1936)

i) Eleanor Reid died as an infant.

ii) Henry Frederick Reid married Margaret Gumming (Cumming?) in 1909 and became an engineer. Henry died in 1937 at Papua, Indonesia.

iii) James William Reid joined the Field Ambulance Corps of the AIF on 5 Jul 1915. On his attestation papers he responded to the question, "Have you ever had a conviction?" with "Yes, for riding a bicycle without lights!". He listed his occupation as 'farmer', religion as Church of England and he was unmarried.

He served in France where he suffered a minor wound in 1918 east of Villers Bretonneux. Lance Sergeant William James Reid received a Military Medal for Bravery with the citation describing how, when he found out that two of his company were missing, he went to find them in an area that was exposed to machine gun fire. The next day although wounded and badly shaken by a shell that exploded "a few feet away" he continued his work. He went forward under heavy machine gun fire and succeeded in getting in touch with various companies. "Throughout the whole operation his main consideration was the care and welfare of the wounded." His military file includes letters from the secretary of 'The Carlton Lodge', 199 Richardson St, Nth Carlton. This suggests that like his uncle Edmund Reid (36.6) and grandfather-in-law Anton Fristch (48.6), he belonged to a 'men's lodge' (in his case 'The Order of Oddfellows'). James returned to Australia on 12 Apr 1919, having been absent for almost four years. James William Reid married Louisa Gibbons in 1919 and had moved to the Murchison area by the 1930's (possibly as part of the soldier resettlement scheme). When he died in Murchison on 21 Mar 1982 he was described as a retired farmer.

iv) Frances Reid ("elder daughter of James Reid") married James Arthur Smith (1877-1842) at St Marks Church, Fitzroy on 28 Mar 1920. The couple lived at Gunyah for many years, where James was a farmer, before moving to Healesville. James Arthur Smith 64 died at Healesville in 1942. Frances Smith nee Reid died at Caulfield in 1966 aged 80.

v) Jeannette Reid married Jeremy Greening in 1922. Jeremy was a mail carrier at Gunyah, who died in 1943. Jeannette Greening nee Reid died in 1975.

78.3 Margaret Reid (1860-1861)

Margaret was born in 1860 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. At the age of one in 1860 she migrated to Australia with her family on the sailing clipper ship ‘Owen Glendower’. The family moved to Belfast (Port Fairy) and tragically Margaret died as an infant on 4 Nov 1861.

Port Fairy Hospital 1800's

78.4 Eliza Jane (Elizabeth) Reid (1862-1948)

Eliza Reid was born in 1862 at Belfast (Port Fairy), Victoria. She lived with her family in several country towns, eventually finishing up in Kerr St, Fitzroy. Eliza’s two older brothers were married in 1880 and her father William Reid died in 1884.

Leader 14 May 1887

On 7 May 1887 Eliza married Robert Ernest Stanford at her mother's house in Kerr St, Fitzroy. The couple had three sons; Henry Charles Stanford 1889-1970, George Frederick Stanford 1890-1966 and Edmund Walter Stanford 1896-? All three were born in North Fitzroy.

The couple were living at 28 Jessie St Northcote in 1903 and Robert Ernest Stanford was listed as a labourer, along with his wife Elizabeth Jane Stanford. Sadly Robert E Stanford died later that year aged 42. 'The Age' 14 Oct 1903 published the following death notice; "STANFORD.-On the 12th October, at 264 Gore St, Robert Ernest Stanford (late of Fitzroy Gas Works). Beloved husband of Elizabeth Stanford, aged 42".

After her husband's death, Elizabeth was described on the AER as a dressmaker. By 1909 she had moved to 418 George St, Fitzroy. Elizabeth Jane Stanford nee Reid died on 24 Mar 1948 at Collingwood aged 88. 'The Argus' 25 Mar 1948 carried the death notice; "STANFORD.-On March 24, Elizabeth, loved wife of the late Robert Ernest, dearly loved and devoted mother of Harry, George, and Ted, treasured mother-in-law of Nell, Rene (deceased), and Bess, grandma of Shirley Kloester (nee Stanford), Bob, Dick, and Joan Stanford, great grandma of baby Stanford and baby Alan Kloester, in her 86th year.-Loved by all".

Son Edmund Walter Stanford joined the AIF in 1915 (under the name Edward Walter Stanford) and was wounded in France. He married Bessie Nobbs in 1921 and died in South Australia in 1966.

78.5 William Reid (1864-1942)

(Thanks to Carole Roe for much of this information)

William Reid was born in 1864 either in Port Fairy or Koroit. Within two years his family had moved to the Bendigo area, where brother Edmond George Reid was born at Golden Square in 1866. However by 1868 they had moved again, and were living in North Melbourne, where William's youngest sibling, Thomas Alfred Reid was born.

 William married his first wife Barbara Margaret Hannah Stott (1863-1891) in Fitzroy on 14 Feb 1885 when both were aged 21. He was a carter and she was a dressmaker. The couple had three children with births all registered in Brunswick. The children were Jane (Ellen/Jean) Reid (b1886 Brunswick), William Reid (b1889 Brunswick) and Hannah Reid (b1891 Brunswick).

Part 1 & 2 Marriage Registration for William Reid & Winifred Jane Grierson

William's wife Barbara Margaret Hannah Reid nee Stott aged 29, died in 1891, shortly after the birth of her second daughter. Four years later, William Reed (sic) widowed coach builder, married Winerfred (sic) Jane Grierson (born Bendigo) on 7 May 1895 at 9 Chapel St, Fitzroy. The marriage certificate confirms William's parents to be William Reid, coach? builder and Jane Duffus. It also  indicates that William had two living children and one deceased child from his previous marriage.

In the same year of this marriage (1895), a son, Edmund Ralph Reid Grierson (1895-1916) was born at Brunswick with his mother recorded as Jennie Grierson. Presumably Edmund was born out of wedlock because the registration listed the father as 'unknown, but the inclusion of "Reid" as one of Edmund's middle names indicates that William was probably the father.

Margaret Jane Grierson was born in 1871 at Sandhurst, Bendigo, but went by various names during her lifetime. Her parents were James Grierson (1828-1889, Scotland) and Jane Isabella Gleeson born in Dublin (1841-1890). Margaret had seven brothers and in personal notices (births and deaths) was also later named as Jennie Reid.

The next three children were born in the gold mining town of Boulder, W.A. after the family moved to Western Australia. They were James Archie Reid (1904-1904), Violet Elizabeth Reid (1909-1987) and Thomas James Reid (1910-1975).

The first decade in their new home was not all joy as the following three events show. 'The Kalgoorlie Miner' in 1902 published the following notice "I WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE for any Debts contracted by my Wife. -William Reid, Burt St, Boulder City". Two years later, the birth of son James ended in a tragedy announced in 'The Kalgoorlie Miner' Tues 29 Nov 1904 "REID. — On November 28, at Burt St Boulder, James Archie, the infant son of William and Jennie Reid. A little sufferer gone to rest".

Then in the same paper on 26 Sep 1910, the announcement of the death of William's brother-in-law, "The Friends of the late James Grierson are respectfully informed that his remains will be removed from his brother- in-law's (Mr. Reid) residence, 66A Wilson-street, Boulder". Shortly after this, William and his family moved to Perth and that is where the last child, James Charles John Reid was born (1912-1948). This James was named after deceased brother, James Archie Reid. In 1913 the AER listed William, dealer (salesman) and Maggie living at 371 Lord St, North Perth. By 1916 they had moved to 484 Beaufort Rd where they would reside for the next decade.

On the 1925 national electoral roll, William (brewery employee) and Maggie Jane Reid were listed as living at 484 Beaufort St and the last memorial notice for son Edmond George (Ted) Reid in 1926 gave the address of William and Jennie Reid as 471 Beaufort St. The 1926 AER listed William Reid labourer living at 417 Beaufort Rd and Maggie Jane Reid living at 471 Beaufort Rd. This is possibly an error on the roll with the numbers '7' and '1' accidentally reversed.

It seems that William Reid separated from his wife between 1926 and 1930. On the 1931 roll, Maggie Jane and Thomas James Reid were listed at 120 Broome St and the 1936 roll had them at 69 Harold St.

Death Cert William Reid 1942

William Reid’s death certificate informs us that that he lived in Western Australia for 42 years i.e. moved there about 1900. According to the death certificate William Reid 79 died on 7 May 1942 at Perth Hospital. It listed his children as William Reid 50 years (really 53), Ellen J Reid 48 years (really 56), James Reid (30), Thomas Reid (32), Violet Reid (33) and unknown children; one male deceased and one female deceased. The death certificate incorrectly listed William's first wife’s name as Barbara Ann Scott. According to the grave record William was 79 when he died. He was buried in the Anglican section.

The following funeral notice for William was published in 'The West Australian' 9 May 1942, "REID.-The Friends of the late Mr William Reid. of Government-road. Morley Park, are respectfully invited to follow his remains to the place of interment, the Anglican Cemetery. Karrakatta. Friends wishing to attend the Funeral may proceed by the 2 o'clock train leaving Perth."

Then in the same paper a notice by 'The City Club', of which William was a member. "Reid. Members of the above Club are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of their late member Mr William Reid, which will take place in the Anglican Cemetery, Karrakatta".

The final notice in the newspaper on 15 May, 1842 shows that William was missed by his family and friends. It read, "The daughter, son and grandchildren of the late WILLIAM REID of Morley Park. wish to thank all kind friends for letters cards, telegrams and verbal expressions of sympathy in the recent sad loss of their father and grandfather: especially thanking the secretary and members of the City Club and Messrs Bowra and O'Dea. Will all please accept this as a personal expression of gratitude." Interestingly, there was no mention of William's wife, Margaret Jane (Jennie) Reid.

William's widowed wife, Margaret Jane (Jennie) Reid nee Grierson, of East Victoria Park died 17 Jul 1957 aged 86. She was buried separately from her husband in the Wesleyan section. Her son James Charles John Reid of Scarborough pre-deceased her on 14 Jun 1948 aged 35. He was killed when his taxi was hit by a train at the William St railway crossing in Cannington. (The Daily News 2 Aug 1948)

78.5a Eight Children of William Reid (1864-1942)

Research is made difficult, because from time to time, some of the children go by names that are variations of their birth names.

i) Jane (aka Ellen or Jean) Reid (1886-1951)
Ellen married Alfred J Caple in Boulder WA in 1909, but their marriage did not last long. In 1915 Ellen and Alfred started divorce proceedings (The Evening Star 26 Nov 1915). Divorce absolute was granted on 12 June 1916. According to 'W.A. BDM' she married Frank Forest Samuel Gibbs in Perth. The following announcement was placed in the 'Western Mail' 18 Aug 1916, "GIBBS-REID.-On July 15, 1916, at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Perth, Frank, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Gibbs, East Perth, to Jean daughter of Mr. W Reid, Perth, and the late Mrs. H. Reid. Melbourne." 

Presumably 'Jean' was Ellen Jane Caple nee Read and 'the late Mrs H Reid' was actually Barbara Hannah Reid nee Stott who died in 1891. Frank deserted Ellen between 1928 and 1938, having left his wife and their adopted children on a farm at Nungarin after relinquishing his farming partnership with Harry Heaysman. Divorce absolute was granted on 23 June 1943. Her third marriage was to Henry Thomas Heaysman on 29 Dec 1944 at the Methodist Church Victoria Park, both of Chandler via Merredin. Ellen Jane (Jean) Heaysman (formerly Caple then Gibbs, nee Reid) died at Merredin on 16 Dec 1951 - a death notice and cemetery record gave her age as 56 (actually 65)

ii) William Reid (1889-?)
William was born in Brunswick to William's first wife in 1889, but no more is known about him.

iii) Hannah Reid (1891-?)
Hannah was born in Brunswick in 1891 to William's first wife, but no more is known about her. She possibly died as an infant.

iv) Edmond George Reid (1895-1916) 

Edmond was registered at birth as Edmund Ralph Grierson, born at Brunswick, with his mother recorded as Jennie Grierson and no father listed, as his birth was prior to his mother marrying.

On his war record he was named as Edmond George Reid (same name as father William Reid’s deceased brother). William joined the AIF at the age of 21 on 5 Jan 1916 and listed himself as a labourer. Within a few months, he was fighting in France, and sadly his life came to an end when he was killed in action in mid November 1916. Details of exactly when, where and how he died are unknown, but he does have a memorial plaque at Villers Bretonneux, France.

Extract from William's war record signed by both of his parents

 William and Jane must have been devastated by the death of the eldest son. Edmund's war record contains numerous letters from them as they tried to obtain Edmund's personal belongings, "even a small trinket". Sadly, the AIF could not locate anything.

v) James Archie Reid (1904-1904) Died as an infant.

vi) Violet Elizabeth Reid (1909-1987)  
Violet of Balga died 6 Feb 1987 aged 78.  (She married Edward W. Rance in 1929).

vii) Thomas James Reid (1910-1975) 
Thomas of North Perth died 12 Dec 1975 aged 65 and was buried in the same grave as his mother at Karrakatta Cemetery. The grave has a heart shaped stone with the words “Our Mum” and Grave plaque: WX5464, Private T J Reid 2/28 Infantry Battalion. In 1940, he married Caroline Mary Starrit. Because of quarrels over his drinking habits, she left him on 26 Aug 1944 together with the one child of the marriage. Divorce Nisi Prius was granted on 21 Nov 1950 on grounds of 5 years separation.

viii) James Charles John Reid (1912-1948) 
James of Scarborough predeceased his mother on 14 Jun 1948 aged 35 - killed when his taxi was hit by a train at the William St railway crossing in Cannington. His wife was Isabelle Erskine and they had been married in 1934.

78.6 Edmond George Reid (1866-1890)

Edmond was born at Golden Square, Bendigo in 1866 to GGGP William and Jane Reid nee Duffus and his birth registration, named both of his parents. However there are only a few other records that provide further information about his life.

Edmund died on 22 Dec 1890 aged 24 at Prahran and the following two adverts in 'The Age' 23 Dec 1890, gave details of his burial. He was buried at Melbourne General Cemetery in plot MGC-COE-Comp-V-No-1092.

"The friends of the late Mr. Edmund George Reid, son of the late Mr. William Reid, are most

respectfully invited to follow his remains to the place or interment, the Melbourne General Cemetery. The funeral is appointed to move from his mother's residence. Kerr-Street, Fitzroy.

"G.U.O.F.G., Wellington Lodge, no. 2. Members of the above lodge and the order in general are respectfully invited to follow the remains or our late bro. E. G. Reid to their last resting place, Melbourne General Cemetery. The funeral will leave his late residence, 165 Kerr-street, Fitzroy, at 11 o'clock."

NOTE: G.U.O.F.G (Grand United Order of Free Gardeners) Click this link for more information about the organisation which has some similarities with Freemasonry

"The Order of Free Gardeners is a fraternal society that was founded in Scotland in the middle of the 17th Century and later spread to England and Ireland. Like numerous other friendly societies of the time, its principal aim was the sharing of knowledge and secrets linked to the profession and mutual aid. In the 19th Century, its activities of mutual insurance became predominant. By the end of the 20th Century it had become almost entirely extinct." [However] "As of 2013, The Grand United Order of Free Gardeners still operates in Victoria, Australia from the East Kew Masonic Centre. It meets monthly under the auspices of the Victorian Grand Lodge, and is the only known lodge operating in the southern hemisphere".

78.7 Thomas Alfred Reid (1868-1957)

Thomas was born in 1868 in Melbourne and was the last known child born to GGGP William and Jane Reid nee Duffus. His mother was in her mid thirties when she gave birth.

The Age 26 Jan 1916 for The Silver Anniversary of their Wedding

Thomas probably lived with his parents until his marriage to Fanny Haley on 26 Jan 1891 at the Collins St, Baptist Church, Melbourne. See Silver Anniversary Notice above for details.

The Age 14 Feb 1891

In the early 1900’s Thomas and Fanny lived at 69 Union St, Northcote. Thomas’ occupation was listed as cabinet maker. They continued to live at this address until they moved for a short time around 1917, to Crisp St Hampton, when Thomas’ occupation became storeman. Daughter Olive had moved with her parents to 'Litton' Crisp St, Hampshire by 1 Jun 1917, after the death of her husband. In the early 1920’s there was another change of address to 30 Terry St., Deepdene and Thomas’ job was now ‘traveler” (salesman). They stayed at this address until Thomas was well into retirement in 1949.

In 1951 Thomas and Fanny celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary, which ‘The Age’ covered as follows: "The youngest "guest" at a party last night was only two weeks old, while the guests of honor were aged 85 and 83 respectively. The occasion was a family dinner to celebrate the diamond wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Reid. The baby was their great-grand-daughter, who could not be left at home while her parents were at the party, so she went along, too, but took no active interest in the proceedings. Both Victorian born, Mr. and Mrs. Reid were married at the Collins-street Baptist Church on January 28, 1891. Both their sons and one of their three, daughters are still living. It is with their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. R. Whitaker (Elva nee Reid), of 33 Windsor-crescent, Mont Albert, that they now make their home. Last night’s celebration was attended by about 20 members of the family, including grand children and great-grandchildren. Today they will be at home to their many friends."

They lived with their daughter Elva Whitaker nee Reid until their deaths. Fanny Reid nee Haley died in 1953. The death notice in The Age read as follows. "Reid, Fanny -On July 29 beloved wife of Thomas A. Reid of 11 Windsor Crescent Surrev Hills and loving mother of Vivian, Minnie (deceased), Hazel (deceased)". Thomas Reid died in 1957 aged 89. Their children were Vivian Alfred Reid, Minnie Reid, Hazel Reid, William Reid and Elva May Reid.

78.7a Children of Thomas Alfred Reid (1868-1957) & Fanny (Frances) Haley (1870-1953)

i) Vivian (Viv) Alfred Reid 1892-1973 Vivian was born in 1892 and became a compositor (printer). He was still living in the family home when his name was first registered on the AER in 1912. In 1916 he married Victoria Florence Dempster and in 1919 the couple were living at 'Tregarras', Retreat Rd, Hampton. By 1924 they had moved to 12 Eyre St, Deepdene where they stayed until Vivian's death.. 'The Argus', 27 Jan 1949, reported that Vivian Reid, printer, Little Bourke st, city, along with seven other men had been tricked into attempting to cash fraudulent cheques for a woman. Vivian's death notice contained a glaring error when it got his gender wrong. It read "REID. On Oct 1 at her (sic) home Vivian Alfred beloved husband of Victoria (Doll), loving father of Jean (Mrs Bond), Hazel (Mrs Barcham, Mexico City)....".

ii) Minnie Reid (1893-1931) was born in Fitzroy in 1893. She married John Henry Hecker b1893 butcher, in 1915, not long after he enlisted in the AIF (22 May 1915). By 10 Nov 1915 John had been transferred to France where he was promoted to Corporal. He returned to Australia on the 28 Jun 1919. Minnie died at Hawthorn in 1931. The death notice in 'The Argus'  21 Oct 1931 read;

"HECKER - On the 19th October, 1931 at her residence, 3 Carlyle street, Upper Hawthorn

Minnie, the beloved wife of John Henry Hecker, loving eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas A. Reid, and fond sister of Hazel (Mrs. Sterndale), Vivian, William and Elva, aged 38 years. In God's care".

iii) Hazel Olive Reid (1895-1946) was born in 1895 at Northcote. She married Albert George Enticott b1893 cigar maker, in 1916. Albert was in the AIF (enlisted 18 Dec 1915). Later that year Albert was posted to France. "Albert was born at Traralgon, in the Gippsland region of Victoria in August 1893  and enlisted at Alphington, Victoria. He embarked for France via England on the 10th of September, 1916. He was admitted to hospital on three separate occasions before being wounded in action on the 3rd of May 1917. He received shrapnel wounds to the chest and died of his wounds eleven days later on the 14th May 1917 aged 23 years. Albert is the Son of John Thomas and Grace Enticott; husband of Hazel O. Enticott, of 1, Carlyle St., Upper Hawthorn, Victoria." (https://www.findagrave.com) He was buried in plot 5, Grevillers British Cemetery, Pas de Calais (North east of Amiens).

The Husband of Hazel Olive Reid, Albert George Endicott, was killed in WW1 & buried at Grevillers Cemetery, France

In 1926 Hazel married again. Her second husband was James Bernard Sterndale as announced in 'The Argus' 9 Jun 1928;  "STERNDALE-ENTICOTT (Reid). On the 24th April, 1928, youngest son of Charles and the late Florence Sterndale, to Hazel O., widow of the late A. G. Enticott, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Reid, Carlyle street, Upper Hawthorn". Hazel died in 1946, and her death was announced in 'The Argus', 27 Mar 1946; "STERNDALE.-On March 26. at Kew. Hazel Olive, loved wife of Jim and devoted mother of Jim and Frank, loved daughter of MT. and Mrs. T. A. Reid, of 30 Terry street. Deepdene. sister of Viv, Min (deceased), Will, and Elva (Mrs. Whitaker) aged 51 years."

iv) Ida May Reid (1901-1902) was born in Northcote but died as an infant.

v) William (Will) Edward Reid (1903-1978) was born in Northcote in 1903. William died in Ferntree Gully in 1978 aged 75. (Vic Death Index) No more is known about his life.

vi) Elva Maisie Kearney Reid (1908-1989) was born in Northcote in 1908. Elva married Reginald Charles Whitaker  as announced in 'The Argus' 19 Dec 1931; "WHITAKER—REID. On the 21st November, 1931, at East Kew Baptist Church, Reginald Charles, only son of Mrs. C. Whitaker and the late Mr. C. Whitaker, of Deepdene, to Elva Maisie, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. A. Reid, of Carlyle street, Hawthorn (Present address, 5 Yeovil Road, Burwood.)" The following year a daughter was born; 'The Argus' 23 Nov 1932, "WHITAKER (nee Elva Maisie Reid)-On the 17th November, 1932, at St Georges Hospital, Kew to Mr and Mrs Reg Whitaker, of 1 Carlyle St, Upper Hawthorn-a daughter (Gwendelene Minnie)." Elva Maisie Kearney Whitnaker nee Reid died in 1989.

79.0 Reid, Duffus & Gleeson Family Tree

80.0 For Future use