Stories 

Alice Beatrice Mary Hurrell’s Family

Byaduk, Hamilton and Casterton/Sandford

1840 to 1907

 

 

William WEBLEY, with his wife MaryAnn (nee WOOD) arrived in Melbourne on 21st January 1840[1] on board the “John Bull” which had sailed from London and Portsmouth. William was 23 years old, a gardener, and protestant. Mary was 27, a housemaid. They were from Stapleton, Gloucester, England and both of them could read and write. Because they were assisted immigrants, the bounty paid to the ship’s captain was £18-00-00 each.
Narnie’s[2] mother, Ann Elizabeth WEBLEY, was born to William and Mary at Merri Creek, Melbourne, Victoria, in 1841. The family was Church of England and their parish was St James, in Melbourne. In 1843 a son, William, was born in Melbourne. He lived for 70 years and died at Wycheproof, Victoria, in 1913. I think William married Catherine McCALLUM in 1854. Their children were Frederick, Mary (born in Portland), and Ernest and George (born at Branxholm).
Ann Elizabeth WEBLEY was sometimes known as Annie and at other times as Elizabeth. Her first husband was John WILLIAMS, whom she married in 1862. Their son John William WILLIAMS was born at Wandin in the Dandenong’s, in 1864 and died in Coburg aged 66 in 1930. By 1867 her husband had died and Annie married John HURRELL. John was from Jersey and was perhaps around 27 years old when he arrived in Melbourne on the “Constance” in December 1852. They settled at Byaduk, a few miles South of Hamilton, where John was a shoe and boot maker for about 20 years.[3]
 

 

Figure 1 An 1885 map of the Hamilton to Portland area

 

All their children were born at Byaduk and most were baptised in the Wesleyan Chapel in the town (a Bluestone building now used by the Uniting Church). Edwin 1868, Clara1870, Walter 1871, Edith Ellen born 1st June 1873, baptised 4th October 1873 by Rev., R M Hunter, Frederick 1875, Arthur James 1877, Carol 1881, Alice Beatrice Mary 1883.
In 1999 I met Mrs Doris Smith, an elderly resident of Byaduk. She has lots of hand written material copied from various sources. From the Methodist records she said John and Elizabeth Hurrell were in Byaduk from 1875 to 1883.

 

Figure 2. Byaduk Uniting Church (Wesleyan Chapel)

 

By 1888 the family had moved to Hamilton where “J. Hurrell and Son” had a shoemakers business in Gray Street.[4]
In 1888 the two eldest children died; Clara[5] on June 2nd and Edwin[6] on July 19th. They were 18 and 20 years old and died from a disease. Edwin’s death notice in The Hamilton Spectator (Tuesday, 24th and Thursday, 26th July, 1888) noted that he died at his parents’ residence in Gray Street and he was beloved by all who knew him. The Spectator’s Byaduk correspondent said on 21st July, “Profound sorrow was felt here on Friday morning when the news of young Edwin Hurrell’s death came to hand. Recent enquiries had elicited the assurance that he was progressing towards recovery, after having come through a dangerous illness, following which the news of his decease came as a shock. Tis but a few days since he followed to the grave, a fond sister, who, like the young man himself, was a general favourite in this their native village. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents upon whom misfortune’s hand has of late been heavily laid.”[7]
Two years later, in memoriam notices were placed in the Spectator by the family.[8][9]
In 1890 the Hurrells still lived in Gray Street but John had opened a boot maker’s shop in Thompson Street.[10] This shop continued ‘till 1894.[11] (see appendix 2. town map; corner of Thompson and Lonsdale streets)
We next find the family living at Sandford, near Casterton.
On 27th April 1899, The Hamilton Spectator carried the death notice of Arthur Hurrell, aged 20, the son of Mr and Mrs Hurrell of Casterton. He died of Typhoid fever in the Creswick Hospital on the 16th April.
In 1899 Edith married William Robert Henry TAIT.
In 1900 Carol Grace gave birth to William Arthur Webley HURRELL, father unknown, at Sandford. In 1906 she married William George DOWER at Byaduk.
In 1901 the family’s mother, Annie Elizabeth died at the age of 59 in Casterton. There is no record of her grave in either the Casterton or Sandford cemetery records.
In the same year her son Walter married Minnie HARMAN. The Harmans were a prominent large family in Byaduk. Their children were Arthur Walter, born at Warnambool in 1906 and Royal Jonathon in 1910. In the year 2000 Royal Jonathon was in the Salvation Army's "Inala", on Middleborough Road, Blackburn. His profession had been shoe repairer, carrying on the tradition of his grandfather and grandfather-in-law.
In 1902 Frederick Charles Wood HURRELL married Grace Vivian. The Hamilton Spectator of 6th June says that they were married at the home of the bride’s parents in Moore Street, Hamilton on the 5th by Rev. John Thomas. Grace was the youngest daughter of T. Vivian[12], senior. Frederick’s address is given as the G.P.O., Melbourne. He was the third son of Mr John Hurrell, Casterton. Miss Vivian and Beatie Hurrell (my grandmother, Narnie), sisters of the couple, were bridesmaids.
They lived in Kent Street and Brougham Street, in Kew, Melbourne, where Frederick was a Customs officer. They are listed on the 1912 electoral roll. Their children, Lorna, who married a Lloyd (1906-1985) and Elva Winifred (1908-1984) were born at Kew. Grace died at Kew aged 87 in 1958.
Carol Grace HURRELL (1881-1966) married William George DOWER in 1906. We can follow where they lived from the electoral rolls of the time; Warburton Rd, Canterbury in 1908, Mt. Dandenong 1912, 19 Jurang Street, Surrey Hills 1949.
Cause of Grace’s death was Cardiac arrest, Myocardial infarction, Coronary atherosclerosis, Congestive cardiac failure.
 

Figure 3. George DOWER

Figure 4. Carol Grace DOWER (HURRELL)

 

Beatie HURRELL was said to have been very upset when her sister, Carol Grace gave birth to William Arthur Webley HURRELL in 1901. By 1903 we find her working as a dressmaker in Mount Gambier and a member of the Methodist Church Choir.
My Grandpa, (Will) BARROWS, told me in the 1950’s, when I started to take an interest in girls, that a children’s choir from Hamilton had visited Mount Gambier at the time he was 24, (1895), and he had fallen in love with a 12 year old lass in the choir, but had to wait another 12 years until he could marry her. Other people have said that they met in the Mount Gambier church choir. Anyway, they were married in 1907.

 

Figure 5. Alice Beatrice Mary BARROWS nee HURRELL, 1907

 

Border Watch
25th Sep 1907

Social and Presentation

On Monday evening the members of the Mount Gambier Methodist choir assembled by invitation at the residence of Mrs. J. Grove, to tender a complimentary social to two of their number - Mr. W. Barrows, jun., and Miss B. Hurrell - who were shortly to be married. Music and social intercourse filled in a few hours, and the genial hostess then supplied her guests with supper. During a break in the proceedings, Mr. J. C. Dunning, on behalf of the choir members, presented Mr. Barrows and his intended with a joint keepsake in the form of a handsome silver egg cruet. In doing so Mr. Dunning, who was for many years conductor of the choir, paid a warm tribute to the valued and consistent service rendered by Mr. Barrows and Miss Hurrell, both in assisting to lead the musical services on Sundays, and in responding willingly whenever a demand was made for solo numbers.
He expressed a hope that, not withstanding their approaching marriage they would long continue to take a prominent part in church life at Mount Gambier. Mr. A. A. Haddy responded on their behalf.
 
Border Watch
Sat 5th October 1907
WEDDING Barrows - Hurrell.
A quiet wedding took place at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. W. Wilson, North Terrace, Mount Gambier, on Wednesday afternoon when Mr. W. Barrows, only son of Mr. and Mrs. W Barrows, of Pine Hill, Penola road, and Miss Alice Beatrice Hurrell, Mount Gambier, were united in matrimony. The ceremony was performed in the drawing-room, and the Rev. W. B. Mather was the celebrant. The bride who was given away by Mr W. Wilson, was tastefully gowned in ivory crystal silk, richly trimmed with lace and insertion, and she wore a wreath of natural orange blossom, and an embroided veil. She was attended by Miss. Vera Foster as bridesmaid who was attired in a pink silk muslin, trimmed with Valenciennes lace, and a picture hat to match. She wore a gold dagger, set with pearls, the gift of the bridegroom. Mr. Barrows was attended by Mr. Gilbert Cobbledick as best man. At the conclusion of the ceremony, 'The Wedding March' was played by Miss Amelia G. Higgs. An adjournment was then made to the dining-room where about 40, mostly relations, sat down to an excellent breakfast. The usual toasts were proposed and honoured. The young couple were the recipients of many congratulatory telegrams from friends, and left the same evening by rail, en route for Port Victor, where they will spend the honeymoon. The brides going away dress was a navy blue coat and skirt and cream hat.
The bridegroom's present to the bride was a gold chain and star pendant set with pearls.

 

 

Appendix 1

The Hamilton Cemetery plan showing where Edwin and Clara were buried

 

Appendix 2

Plan of Hamilton showing where J. Hurrell & Son shop was in Thompson Street.

The block where Hurrell's shop would have been is coloured pink 

 

 

Appendix 3

Byaduk in the “Hamilton Spectator” Almanac 1875

 

 

 

Appendix 4

Byaduk in the “Hamilton Spectator” Almanac 1883

 

 

Appendix 5

Book Thirteen
The Glenelg Region
L G LOMAS
District Education Committees
 
Page 33
855 BYADUK
 
The school was first proposed in December 1865 by the Rev. James Mc Roberts of the Presbyterian Church, Branxholme, When he sought aid to build a common school, but a private school conducted by Love had been in operation before this. D I Venables recommended aid, which was granted on 1st July 1868 when H T Horatio N. Remfry opened SS855 Byaduk with 25 pupils representing classes 1-6 in the leased Wesleyan Chapel, situated in the N W Corner of Section 22 on the Hamilton Belfast Road. I August 1870, a single bluestone classroom measuring 36 feet by 20 feet with a porch 8 feet by 8 feet was completed on a site of 2 acres, being allotment 6 of section XIX Parish of Byaduk. A further 2 acre 26 perches was added in 1874. In 1875 a 4 room wooden residence with a shingle roof was built by contractor Kinghorn, and in 1906 the Department erected one additional room. In 1912 the existing school room was renovated, and in 1955 this bluestone building was condemned and replaced with a wooden building measuring 3- feet by 17 feet with a porch 10ftx8ft which was transported from Ararat and placed on the existing site. The residence built in 1875 was replaced with a 5 room wooden residence in 1956.
 

 

This is the school at Byaduk North—still standing in 1999, identical to the one built at Byaduk in 1870.

 

 

 



[1] Source - Assisted immigrants index.
[2] Narnie, was the name Alice Beatrice Mary Barrows, nee Hurrell, was known by to her grandchildren.
[3] From “Early Byaduk Settlers; from Peter Fraser’s Diaries 1931 page 4:- Joseph Harman was the first shoemaker in Byaduk. He had a small shop near where Wattie Harman’s house now is; he started shoemaking in Byaduk in 1863. A few years later, W Hurrell opened a shoemaker’s shop near where Mrs Crockett’s now is; [in 1999 owned by Max Falkenberg] he left in 1888. At that time the stores did not stock boots and everyone got them made and repaired by the shoe maker. (Thanks to Mrs Doris Smith – Penshurst Road, 3 miles from Byaduk)
[4] In 1888 the Hamilton Spectator almanac lists J. Hurrell & Son as having a shop in Gray Street.
[5] HURRELL – On the 2nd inst., at her parents’ residence, Gray Street, Hamilton, Clara Elizabeth, eldest daughter of J. & A. Hurrell; aged 18 years 5 months. (Hamilton Spectator 7th June 1888)
[6] HURRELL – On the 19th July, at his parents’ residence, Gray Street, Hamilton, Edwin John, the beloved son of John and Annie Hurrell, aged 20. Beloved by all who knew him. (Hamilton Spectator 24th and 26th July 1888)
[7] Their graves in the Hamilton cemetery are unmarked.
[8] HURRELL – In loving remembrance of our dearly beloved daughter, Clara Elizabeth, who died June 22nd, 1888, at Hamilton ages 18 years and 5 months.
“She is free from pain and sorrow
In that heavenly land so bright;
She is singing with the angels,
And is robed in spotless white.”
Inserted by her loving father, mother, brother and sisters.(The Spectator, 19th July 1890)
[9] HURRELL – In loving remembrance of our dearly loved son Edwin John, who died at Hamilton, 19th of July, 1888.
“Two years today have passed away,
Since our dear Edwin was called away;
It was hard to part with one so dear,
We little thought his time was near.
Although he’s gone, we know it’s best,
Our darling Edwin’s gone to rest.”
Inserted by his loving father, mother, brothers and sisters. (The Spectator 19th July 1890)
[10] The Hamilton Spectator Almanacs for 1889,1890and 1891 list under Boot and Shoe Makers, J Hurrell, Thompson Street.
[11] Legislative Assembly Electoral District of Dundas – North Hamilton Division, List of ratepayer electors for the years 1890-91, 1891-92, 1892-93, 1893-94 show John Hurrell bootmaker of section 4 of borough of Hamilton.
Borough of Hamilton Rate Books; 1890, page 95 No. 69: Hurrell, John, Bootmaker. Owner of property Helen McKenzie; use of part shop, part allotment 1, section 4 (Thompson Street). NAV £33, Rate £2-17-9. Shown to be in that shop 1889, 90 & 91. In 1888 the shop was occupied by Helen McKenzie, Grocer.
[12] Death notice in the Spectator 19th November 1907—On the 18th November, at Moore Street, Hamilton, Thomas, sen., beloved husband of Elizabeth Vivian. Aged 74 years. A contractor and gas works stoker, Rosebery and Glenthompson. Mrs Wear, Walhalla, and Mrs Hurrell, Kew. Born 1834 in Cornwall, he came to Portland in 1855 and to Hamilton over 40 years ago.

Death notice in the Spectator 30th June 1909—On the 27th June, at Beeac, Elizabeth, widow of Thomas Vivian, aged 75 years. She was mother of Thomas, Moore Street, Hamilton, W., Rosebery and Glenthompson, Mrs (Nurse) Gray, of a Beeac private hospital, Mrs Lane, Willaura, Mrs Wear, Walhalla, and Mrs Hurrell, Kew. Born in Birtley, Durham, she came to Portland in the Atlanta” 47 years ago and lived 43 years in Hamilton, where she was buried 30/6/1909.

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