Family Connections Postings
James Kelly and The Tasma Photographic Studios
I am interested in finding out more about my Great Grandfather James Kelly and The Tasma Photographic Studios at 176 King Street that he ran from either 1928 or at least 1929 through the 1930’s.
I would love to hear stories that anyone has about him or his wife Ellen (Nellie) who used to colourise the prints, and am trying to collate copies of the photographs that he took from this era at the Tasma Studios – or indeed any photographs by James (or JJ) Kelly.
If you have any links or information I would love to hear from you.
Email: becdoc@me.com
Posted: 11 February 2021
Mary Ethel Gertrude BEAKHALL
B: 16/2/1897 (Glenn Ann Cottage, Cooper St, Paddington NSW)
D: 16/10/1968 (Concord, Canada Bay NSW)
She had a daughter – Sylvia Ethel BEAKHALL (1914-1971) Father unknown – any information would be wonderful
Married Frank Tasman GARDINER (1891 – 1960) who fathered a daughter Tasma Ellen GARDINER (1942-2011)
Any ancestry information would be greatly appreciated.
Email: kven63@live.com
Posted: January 29, 2021
Minerva McArthur (MacArthur)
Seeking information on Minerva McArthur aka Minerva MacArthur who lived in Newtown at 54 Oxford Street and also registered at 12 Holt Street with a Miss M Graham who was a music teacher. Minerva’s sister, Margaret, married an Anthony Graham so Miss M Graham could be one and the same. However, Anthony also had a sister Margaret born in Scotland.
Minerva was born on the Minerva Ship (fever ship). She was baptised by Rev. Christopher Eipper when just 2 days old whilst still on the ship. https://www.prescare.org.au/about/prescare-history/ Their story is unimaginable …
Her parents were Gilbert and Margaret McArthur who set up McArthur/Clyde Pottery in Cardigan Lane, Camperdown. They travelled with Alexander, Thomas, Gilbert and Janet on the Minerva. Later siblings were John M, Charles and Margaret
I believe that Minerva also did pottery and hoping for some record of this.
No record of any husband or children. She died in 1910 in St Peters at age of 73.
Email: Robyn.Peters@directcontrol.com.au
Posted: November 5, 2020
Earl Phillip Skillings
Looking for any information about Earl Philip Skillings (may have a different surname) in Camdenville 1947-1980 and/or his guardians (uncle and aunt) Noel and Joyce Skillings, believed to be a step brother of mine, first appeared in a 1968 census.
Email: pmathews2@hotmail.com
Posted: August 6, 2020
Griffin Family
Looking for information regarding Michael and Ann Griffin who were living in Fulham Street, Newtown in 1894 with their children, Mary Beatrice and Michael James
Email : frances.cairns@bigpond.com
Posted: March 4, 2020
Davis Family
Seeking information about the Davis family who lived at 49 Richard Street. Ernest Augustus was a bricklayer and Elizabeth Clara his wife. Their 8th child Elsie was born in 1905 and this address is listed on her birth certificate. I can’t find a record of their births or deaths. They were my great grandparents.
Email: suellen.sellwood@gmail.com
North Newtown Public School Photographs
Searching for North Newtown Public School photos from 1970 to 1976 , as I’ve lost all my school photos.
My families names are Elliott, Tonks and Russell. We lived in Egan street and Hordern Street Newtown.
Our families have lived in Newtown for over 60 years.
Email : tonza_64@icloud.com
Posted : December 3, 2018
61 Newman St, Newtown – McGrath Grocers
From the 1930s to the 1960s my husband’s ancestors the McGrath family lived and/or operated a grocer from 61 Newman St (corner of Angel Street).
We would love to see a photo of the building when it was operating as a grocery store and any information about previous and past occupants, any anecdotes about the extended McGrath family.
My husband’s grandmother Lucy Renehan (nee McGrath) lived at 61 Newman Street with her husband William from mid 1930s to mid 1940s. They then moved to Hay St Randwick.
James McGrath returned from WWI minus a leg and lived in the area until his death in 1946, if this jogs any memories.
I believe Edward Vincent McGrath had the longest association with the property. He was a bachelor who died in 1962 aged approx. 60 years old.
Email : renehanbd@bigpond.com
Posted : July 2, 2018
Emily Owens family & Mina Dowling
Seeking any information on Emily Owens, Delia and Mina Dowling mentioned in article in NSW Police Gazette page 379, Deserting Wives & families & c. 11th Dec 1889.
“Newtown.—A warrant has been issued by the Newtown Bench for the arrest of Delia Dowling, charged with deserting her infant child, Mina Dowling, leaving her without means of support for the last eight months. She is 20 years of age, 4 feet 8 inches high, medium build, dark hair, blue eyes ; dressed in black dress and jacket. Complainant, Emily Owens, of No. I, Agnes-terrace, College-street, Newtown.”
We have no history of our Great Grandmother Mina Dowling prior her marriage to Horatio Alfred Baglee in 1905 at Fairfield. Mina thought she was born in 1884, was told that she was an orphan and was in foster care with the Owens family. She had a brother (may have been a foster brother) who was in Melbourne. We would appreciate any help or suggestions that you may be able to provide in connecting our family.
Email: thomasbaglee@yahoo.com
Posted: May 21, 2018
GOODSELL Master Brick Makers of Newtown and St Peters.
I would be happy to exchange information with anyone interested in the Goodsell family of Newtown / St Peters.
I have done extensive research, about 25 years so far, and I am happy to share what I have.
Frederick John Goodsell was a Newtown Alderman for many years.
Is there an early photo of him??
I’m also interested in anyone who wants to swap or share old family photographs or stories.
Families interested in are……
Goodsell
Playford
Rootes
Tye
Howard
and the Tabrett & Draper saw mill
ALSO, would you like an Original GOODSELL BRICK??
J.Goodsell
contact me via email.
Posted: October 11, 2017
Staples Family
I am seeking information about some of my family. J T Staples, his wife Hannah and two children, Frederick and Constance. I know they lived at ‘Highlawn’, 94 Regent Street, Newtown (now known as Probert Street) in 1915.
Hannah Staples is buried at St Stephens Church in Newtown (her grave is close to the door of the church).
Email: Marg.hamilton@bigpond.com
Posted: April 28, 2016
Please email response to the email address supplied, and copy your response to archives@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Rohan Family
I am looking for any information (and possibly images) of my husband’s family The Rohan’s. They lived at 23 College street in Newtown around the time of 1880-1920 but this is an approximation.
My husband’s great grandparents were Patrick and Jane Rohan and some of their Children include John Clement Rohan, Thomas Rohan (my husband’s grandfather), Percy Rohan, Eva Rohan, George Rohan, William Rohan and Eileen Rohan. I know of 2 sons went to war:
- Thomas Patrick Rohan – 7th Light horseman, returned married Martha Estelle Hannan (my husband’s Grandparents)
- John Clement Rohan – 3rd Battalion – died on 14 April 1918 at the Battle of Strazeele in Villiers-Bretonneaux at 19 (thought to have been found in 2003 by a French farmer and interred in a ceremony as an unknown soldier in 2005 with a Lieutenant Champion, Corporal Corby and another unknown soldier)
I have managed to find some information from the War Memorial, and I have a few images of family members taken at a studio in Newtown called Tasma Studios located at 176 King Street Newtown, but I don’t have much more than that. Anything information about the Rohan Family would be appreciated beyond words. My husband’s mother (daughter of Thomas Patrick Rohan and Martha Estelle Hannan) is not well and we would love to share more of her family history with her while we still can. Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information.
Email: alex.mcelwee@finance.gov.au
Posted: February 24, 2016
Please email response to the email address supplied, and copy your response to archives@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Lennis Family
We are seeking information about our great grandfather John Lennis b: 1860-1912 and great grandmother Alice Emily Lennis b: 1886-1870 and family
Elaine Lennis
Email: phonelinktas@bigpond.com
Posted: February 24, 2016
Please email response to the email address supplied, and copy your response to archives@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
William Pendleton – brickmaker
I am looking for further information about my great-great-grandfather, William Pendleton (1828-189), an itinerant brickmaker from Manchester (England) who migrated to Newtown with his wife Sarah and family ca. 1855. He is listed in the Sands Directories for 1867-69 (“Pendleton, Wm., brickmaker, Lord st., Enmore”; “Lord Street, Cooks River Road, Sydney”) and the births of several children are recorded…
NSW Registry search for births to parents William & Sarah Pendleton:
1855 Ruth Pendleton (reg.no. V18552574 42B/1855)
1857 Sarah J. Pendleton – Glebe (reg.no. V18577570 121C/1857 and 3318/1857)
1860 Esther H. Pendleton – Newtown (reg.no. 2868/1860)
1862 William Pendleton – Newtown (reg.no. 2571/1862)
1864 Emma H. Pendleton – Newtown (reg.no. 2832/1864)
1869 Mary H. Pendleton – St. George (reg.no. 4893/1869)
19th Century Baptisms Of Brickmakers’ Children: Brickmakers’ children baptised at St Peters Church, Cooks River https://stpeterscooksriverhistory.wordpress.com/
1/7/55 Ruth – William & Sarah Pendleton, brickmaker, Waterloo Estate
But the family seems to have left Newtown and returned to England (Manchester) ca. 1870, for reasons that are not clear. (There is a family rumour/legend of some criminal involvement, but this may well be just a myth.) I seem to have exhausted all the online resources that I can access at a distance (from the UK), so I would be very grateful for any further information.
Alan Cooper
email: alan.cooper@glasgow.ac.uk
Posted – 13 January 2016
Please email response to the email address supplied, and copy your response to archives@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Shirley McDonald (nee Sullivan)
Looking for my mother Shirley McDonald’s (nee Sullivan) family history. Grandmother’s name on my mother’s adoptive birth certificate (1929) was Enid Mary Smith. Father’s name unknown. Since found out he worked at 71 Enmore Road at The Central Clothes Cleaners and Dyers. My mum may have had a brother called Bruce. Myself and my brother and sisters would love to know our heritage.
Email: cmcdonald@goldcoast.qld.gov.au or cathy.mcdonald@optusnet.com.au
Posted September 4, 2015
Please email response to the email address supplied, and copy your response to archives@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Frank & Emily Rozea
I am trying to find information on Frank Rozea & Emily Rozea. They were issued a publicans licence in 1858 with regards to St Johns Tavern, O’Connell Town Sydney. Any information would be helpful. I look forward to your reply
Please email response to the email address supplied, and copy your response to archives@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
John and Rebecca Moon
John Webster
I am researching the family history of John Webster who married Margaret Cuddihy in 1836 in Newtown. He is connected with the very early history of Newtown from the early 1830’s and lived his life in the Newtown area until he died in 1896.I would welcome any contact and information that can be provided, particularly about the early years and what he contributed to Newtown
Email: panddmurphy@gmail.com
Posted – 18 Ocotber 2013
Please email response to the email address supplied, and copy your response to archives@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Information abour the Tapping Family : Arthur and Ivy Irene TAPPING nee Garbutt.
Arthur and Ivy married, Newtown, 1942, Reg. No 15447.
Family ‘lore’ says they married in St Stephens, Newtown.
Does anyone have access to records that would either prove of disprove the family ‘lore’ please?
And needless to say if anyone can help with anything further it would be very much appreciated.
Email: steph-ken@bigpond.com
Posted – 13 September 2013
Please email response to the email address supplied, and copy your response to
archives@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
John William Symons
I am seeking information about a John William Symons born 23.10.1856 (father – Sylvester Minards Symons and mother Selina nee Baldick). He resided at 5 Forest Road, Arncliffe up to 1890 and at Railway Parade, Arncliffe 1890-1930. Believed to be a carpenter or steeplejack involved in the building of St Stephen’s Church. He married Caroline Louisa Sleath on 10 March 1880 and they had 3 sons – Frewin, Ira and Penrose. John had 3 sisters – Amelia (married Francis Johnson), Annie Jane (married George Lorking) and Selina Margaret (married George Douglas). The information urgently sought is as to what building projects John was involved in and in what capacity.
Email: snpl@westnet.com.au
Posted – 13 September 2013
Please email response to the email address supplied, and copy your response to archives@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
H & H Solks – Newtown Carriage Builder
My name is Mrs Williams and I am looking for any details about a NEWTOWN Carriage builder H & H SOLKS whom I believe built a Sydney Sulky which I have just purchased. I have no other Information. Any further references would be much appreciated.
Email: brooke46@oceanbroadband.net
Posted – 14 August 2013
Please email response to the email address supplied, and copy your response to archives@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
The Robinson Family of 52 Darley Street Newtown
I would like to try and get some information on the property of 52 Darley Street Newton from 1946. The owner’s name, residents or anything, I know the family name was Robinson and I would like to try to contact anyone from that family. I am trying to make contact as these people looked after my fathers sister and my father is 84 and would like to try and make any contact if possible.
Email: ann-stevedorey@bigpond.com
Posted – 19 July 2013
Please email response to the email address supplied, and copy your response to archives@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Allan or Allen Family History
Email: daniel_parsons1@hotmail.com
Posted – 5 June 2013
Please email response to the email address supplied, and copy your response to archives@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Henry Robinson Smith and wife Emma nee Roberts or Richworth
I would like to hear from anyone who knows anything about my ggg grandparents Henry Robinson Smith and his wife Emma. They seem to have arrived in the 1840’s.
According to registers and newspaper articles Henry was the registrar of Births/Deaths and Marriages for Chippendale, Redfern and Newtown and was also the Census enumerator.
He died in 1879 and I am not sure where he is buried.
His wife Emma died just 2 years later in 1880 and was buried at Camperdown cemetery.
Email: Martyn.Smith@optus.com.au
Posted – 11 January 2013
Please email response to the email address supplied, and copy your response to archives@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Andrews Family
News of the forthcoming sesqui-centenary celebrations of Newtown would seem to be an opportunity to indicate that I have in my possession a family Bible with strong association with Newtown’s earliest days The inscription “John R Andrews of “New Town, Sydney. 20th April 1854” appears in this Bible. It contains information about this family’s background in England beginning with the marriage of John Roote Andrews of London and Sarah Dawson of Ingatestone Essex at St Mary’s Lambeth 17 May 1823. Children included Sarah, Margaret, John, Isabella, Mary, Thomas, Ellen, Edwin, Joseph and Louisa. Birth dates and marriages are noted. It would seem there was a Wesleyan Methodist connection with the family. I would be pleased to pass this Bible into the hands of any person identified as a descendant of this family.
Email: alanlaurette@optusnet.com.au
Response from Pam and Dennis Nutt to lan Laurette:
Greetings Alan,
Let me introduce myself. I am the Historian and senior archivist for Churches of Christ in NSW. I note with interest your posting on the Newtown Project Family Connections Page. I am extremely interested in the Bible you refer to.
While John Roote Andrews was indeed a Wesleyan Methodist, at least six of his nine children became members of the Churches of Christ through the Newtown/Enmore church. If you have not found a taker for the Bible I can find a place for it in the Churches of Christ archives. The Andrews family are highly significant for our movement. A friend and I are currently writing a volume on the Newtown/Enmore church for the period 1853 – 1935 and the Andrews family feature significantly in it.
If it has found another home, I would like to be put in touch with the new owner as I am very interested in the “information about this family’s background in England beginning with the marriage of John Roote Andrews of London and Sarah Dawson of Ingatestone Essex at St Mary’s Lambeth 17 May 1823. Children included Sarah, Margaret, John, Isabella, Mary, Thomas, Ellen, Edwin, Joseph and Louisa. Birth dates and marriages are noted.”
It is exciting to realise such a Bible exists.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Dennis Nutt
Email: pdnutt@bigpond.com
John Alexander George Thompson
I am desperately seeking information on JOHN ALEXANDER GEORGE THOMPSON (Jack)who was born in or around the area of Newtown in september 1919, 1920, 1921. I have found various newspaper articles relating to this man from the area. In 1946 he made his way to Collie, WA where he met Valma Dawes, over the next five years, they had four children,three of which were born in Newtown. Over those four years he travelled back and fourth with his family.I need to know who his parents were and any relevant information pertaining to this man. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Email – djoser@virginbroadband.com.au
Posted – 5 September 2012
Please email response to the email address supplied, and copy your response to archives@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
Dunn Family History
Butt Family of Newtown
Two of his crewmates were Australians from New South Wales, one being Warren Henry Butt RAAF of Newtown & Earlwood, and I am trying to find out more about him. Sadly, all of the crew including Warren were killed in January 1945. The information I have about him is:·