William Souter

M, #9163, b. 1 May 1877, d. 16 Sep 1964
Adoptive father*Charles Souter b. 17 Mar 1838, d. 9 Jul 1895
Adoptive mother*Sophie Mary Newland b. 18 Oct 1841, d. 15 Aug 1937
Birth*1 May 1877 St Kilda, VIC, Australia. 
Marriage*26 Nov 1903 Spouse: Emily Pearce Ladd. Auburn, VIC, Australia, #M7408.1
 
Marriage-Notice*24 Dec 1903 SOUTER-LADD - On the 26th November, at her uncle's residence Auburn, Mr Thomas Ladd, by the Rev. James Wilson of Beaconsfield, Emilie, eldest daughter of Mr C. H. S. Ladd to William, adopted son of the late Charles Souter.2 
Widower10 Jan 1964William Souter became a widower upon the death of his wife Emily Pearce Ladd.3 
Death*16 Sep 1964 Box Hill, VIC, Australia, #D20123 (Age 87) [par unknown].3 
Probate (Will)* William Souter. Rtd Market Gardener. Dingley. 16 Sep 1964. 620/849.4 
Anecdote*"THE OLD MAN" WILLIAM (BILL) SOUTER
One wonders where to start, but the logical place would be his birth and that seems to be the greatest mystery of all, - Where and by whom? Certain records plus suspicions emerge, but it is still short on answers.
It is recorded that he went to school at Berwick and Frankston.
In his younger days he worked around Upper Beaconsfield, now known as Dewhurst, clearing land, pruning and in particular grubbing trees. He told me the person who hired him used to trace the roots of the trees out to their very end, to make sure the "Old Man" didn't skip his job. This is but one sidelight of Upper Beaconsfield's "Norwood".
He once told me of an old pin fire 32 calibre pistol that he played with around the yard and in the stable. When Harry Souter lived with the Ladd family, (our maternal Grandparents), this pistol was dug up and it came into his possession. He gave it to me because at the time I was collecting guns. It is almost rusted away, but I still have it.
Later on he apparently went north, where he obtained work in a cheese factory at Mitta Mitta. He was in line to become a manager at this butter, cheese and piggery factory, but became the victim of a stupid practical joke and was dismissed on the spot.
It appears he came back to Upper Beaconsfield, where he met his future wife, Emily Pearce Ladd. Their properties were adjoining.
Whether it was before or after the marriage, Sophia Souter advanced him £100.00 (approx $200.00) to give them a start in life. This amount would have been quite considerable in those days.
He apparently used this money to start up as a Green Grocer at Carlisle Street in Balaclava. It was while they had this shop that Charlie, Tom and Jack were born.
When Sophia Souter died and her property at Berwick was "mysteriously" left to the two White sisters, an attempt was also made to have this money returned. Bill refused the return as he claimed the money had been a gift.
He decided to have a change of occupation. Having bought his fruit and vegetables in the Eastern Market, South Melbourne Market and the Victoria Market, he must have decided the grass looked greener on the other side of the fence. He sold up and went market gardening at Bentleigh, where Joe was born in 1914.
Dad told me that the Bentleigh property had been gardened some years before he went there, and that the water pipes had almost corroded up completely. He said that he, Charlie and Mum dug them up, stood them up in the air, hammered the rust out of them and then relaid them with a better flow of water.
He also said that after returning home from market, they would water at night time as there were no sprinklers, only flood irrigation. He would lay down with one leg in the furrow, when the water wet his leg it woke him up, then he would get up and shift the water to the next furrow.
The next shift was to Kingston Road Heatherton next door to the Heatherton Sanatorium, and again market gardening.
It was from here at age 18 months (approx), and because of ill health, I was sent to live with Grandma and Grandpa Ladd at Upper Beaconsfield. I did not return until age 6, to start school at Heatherton State School.
The family moved in 1919, to the Dingley Church Property on Old Dandenong Road. By now Mick and Harry were around, both being born at Heatherton.
It is obvious that this is the first time that I came into contact with the "Old Man", or putting it more correctly, the first time he came into contact with me, - mostly via his boot. As a couple of instances, - when us kids left the top off the well, and Biddy who had now joined the family, (born in the house) had disappeared, nowhere to be found. Charlie dived down to the bottom of the well, - very cold. Finally he bellowed up "she's not down here". I can't remember where Biddy showed up from, but I'll never forget the footwork from the "Old Man".
Another occasion where a lesson was learnt, - never set fire to the wood heap, near the house on a summers day when you're short of water. What a silly cow I was, I should have joined the family and fought the fire, - not enough brains. I hid in the tall Fat Hen that grew around the toilet. A swaggy came across the paddock to see what the fuss was about, where upon the "Old Man" accused him of starting the fire. Then the fatal question, "Where's Joe?" Once again it was Charlie to the rescue, he searched the top water hole, - no Joe! Then the fire reddened face of Joe was seen peering from the said Fat Hen. Sum result, - "go into your bedroom and take off your pants!" I can assure everyone, that it was not to inspect my hormonal development. He took to me with leather traces. These traces are not to be confused with traces of humour, nor even trace elements, but were genuine thick leather traces whereby horses were yoked to Lorries.
While he was gardening this property, he bought his first motor truck in 1924, a "Republic". Solid tyred and circa 1914-1918. It was one of the earliest trucks in the market.
About this period, Tom and Charlie were working at Echuca for a Chinese market gardener by the name of Mr. Tack. Dad and Jack decided to take the train to Echuca to visit Tom and Charlie. While there, a lot of fish were caught and Dad and Jack brought back a kerosene tin full off fish wrapped in wet newspaper.
On arrival back at Dingley, which would have taken a full day by train, they tipped the fish out of the tin and one was still alive. They threw it into the top water hole and when we left the Church property in 1929, us kids caught that fish. It had grown quite large and the "Old Man" could not believe it until he remembered throwing the fish in years before.
Tom and Charlie had returned from Echuca and bought a farm in Centre Dandnenong Road Dingley, almost opposite the Church property. They bought it from the Gartside family. This event must have stirred something in Dad, so he bought two paddocks from the Gartsides' in Dingley, 13 acres in Spring Road and 14 acres in McClure Road, - this property was always referred to as "Jacks' Paddock".
Both properties required a lot of clearing, and I remember as an enthusiastic 15 year old busily swinging an axe on a tree, when I dropped it plumb, right on top of the "Old Man".
There were no buildings on the properties, so Dad bought a very large boarding house in Mordialloc. A lot of rooms with 12 foot ceilings, common for the era. We dismantled the house, then carted it in sections on a house removers team and timber jinker. It was re-erected to a different plan on the Spring Road property.
By now we were heading into the 30's depression and things were going very bad for our family.
The first casualty was "Jacks'" paddock. We learned that there was a movement to establish a Golf Links, - "Kingswood", on the surrounding area. I realised that it could not go ahead unless the Links had Jacks' 14 acres. I suggested to Dad that he try and make a deal with Gartsides', to the effect, that if he let them have the 14 acres back, they would waive for a certain time any principal repayment and we would only be required to pay interest. This deal was accepted and I believe it saved his house and 13 acres. Things improved a little, and he had 3 acres opposite offered to him for no interest, with every payment coming off the principal amount. It was a life saver, as we were short of ground.
The next lift for us was given by Tom and Charlie. I was doing the marketing, by now driving a solid tyred "Bullnose" International truck. It was on its last legs. One day Charlie came around driving a 1934 Commer truck on pneumatic tyres. "There you are" he said, "that's from Tom and I".
After Joe bought the farm in about 1946 Bill retired, although after a severe rise in inflation, which ate into his investments, he was forced to start a small poultry farm to assist his income.
He and Mum were fortunate enough to have their Golden Wedding Anniversary (50 years) in 1953 and their Diamond (60 years) in 1963. Emilie died in January 1964 aged 78 years, and William died in September 1964 aged 87 years.
During their time together they served the community well. Both on the Heatherton School Committee, assisted on the Heatherton Carnival Committee, Dingley Church, the Dingley Church Tennis Club, Dingley State School, Dingley Progress Association, Dingley Recreation Reserve, and William was the first President of the Dingley District Tennis Club.
They resided in Dingley for 45 years, and they both had a love of music, though neither played a musical instrument. This talent surfaced in some of their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
May this and the morals they had, survive in their descendants.
While this gathering is a "Souter" reunion, it is equally a celebration for all the women who acquired the name of "Souter".5 

Newspaper-Articles

Citations

  1. [S3] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Edwardian Index Victoria 1902-1913.
  2. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 24 Dec 1903, p1.
  3. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  4. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 28/P4, unit 3352; VPRS 7591/P3, unit 568.
  5. [S220] History of William Souter by Joe Souter. Viewed at Emerald VIC.
  6. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, Old Souter Family Tree - Owner: phillipsouter1.
Last Edited2 Jan 2019

Elsie Emilie Ladd

F, #9171, b. 1874, d. 1964
Father*Matthew Ladd b. 1 Aug 1830, d. 23 Jul 1901
Mother*Emma Salter b. 22 Aug 1833, d. 10 Jan 1899
Married NameTilley. 
Birth*1874 Richmond, VIC, Australia, #B25147.1 
Marriage*22 Jun 1897 Spouse: William Avila Tilley. At home of bride's parents, Kingsley Street, Camberwell, VIC, Australia, #M3458.2,3
 
Widow8 Sep 1945Elsie Emilie Ladd became a widow upon the death of her husband William Avila Tilley.4 
Death*1964 Hawthorn, VIC, Australia, #D3870 (Age 89.)4 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
19311 Valentine Avenue, Kew, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: home duties. With William Avila Tilley. With Violet Florence Tilley.5

Family

 William Avila Tilley b. Mar 1874, d. 8 Sep 1945
Child 1.Hilda Mabel Tilley+ b. 14 Feb 1900, d. 30 Mar 1985

Citations

  1. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888.
  2. [S2] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Federation Index Victoria 1889-1901 "William born in Essex UK."
  3. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, Keith Leslie Burrows family tree - Owner: Glenda_Burrows
    Elsie Emily's occupation music teacher on marriage certificate.
  4. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  5. [S131] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1931.
Last Edited26 Jul 2017

William Avila Tilley

M, #9172, b. Mar 1874, d. 8 Sep 1945
William Avila TILLEY
(1873-1945)
Birth*Mar 1874 West Ham, Essex, England, Mar Q [West Ham] 4a 53.1 
Marriage*22 Jun 1897 Spouse: Elsie Emilie Ladd. At home of bride's parents, Kingsley Street, Camberwell, VIC, Australia, #M3458.2,3
 
Death*8 Sep 1945 Kew, VIC, Australia, #D9258 (Age 72) [par William TILLEY & Eliza AVILA].4 
Death-Notice*10 Sep 1945 TILLEY.— On September 8, William Avila loved husband of Elsie, c/o 3 Bringa avenue, Camberwell. (No flowers, by request)
TILLEY.— On September 8, William (late of Camberwell and Paynesville) loved husband of Elsie, loving father of Rita (Mrs Johnson), Hilda (Mrs Ladd), Wilfred, Violet (Mrs Meldrum) (No Flowers by request).
TILLEY.—On September 8, William, loved father-in-law of Phil Meldrum. (No flowers by request.)
TILLEY. - The Funeral of the late Mr. WILLIAM TILLEY will leave Padbury's Chapel, 13 Cotham road, Kew, THIS DAY (Monday) at the conclusion of a service commencing at 3.15 p.m., for the Eltham Cemetery.5 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
19311 Valentine Avenue, Kew, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: pawnbroker. With Elsie Emilie Tilley. With Violet Florence Tilley.6

Family

 Elsie Emilie Ladd b. 1874, d. 1964
Child 1.Hilda Mabel Tilley+ b. 14 Feb 1900, d. 30 Mar 1985

Citations

  1. [S9] Free BMD. Index. Online @ https://www.freebmd.org.uk/.
  2. [S2] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Federation Index Victoria 1889-1901 "William born in Essex UK."
  3. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, Keith Leslie Burrows family tree - Owner: Glenda_Burrows
    Elsie Emily's occupation music teacher on marriage certificate.
  4. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  5. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 10 Sep 1945, p13.
  6. [S131] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1931.
Last Edited26 Jul 2017

Kathleen Henrietta Esther Richards

F, #9177, d. 16 Dec 1995
Married NameStapledon. 
Marriage*1947 Spouse: Henry John Stapledon. VIC, Australia, #M22407/1947, Hy John STAPLEDON & Kleen Henrietta Esther RICHARDS.1
 
Widow27 Jun 1958Kathleen Henrietta Esther Richards became a widow upon the death of her husband Henry John Stapledon.2 
Land-UBeac30 Oct 1961 GEM-D-35 (part). Transfer from Henry John Stapledon to Kathleen Henrietta Esther Stapledon. 12a 3r 35p.3 
Land-UBeac30 Oct 1961 GEM-D-37 (part), 60-62 St Georges Road. Transfer from Henry John Stapledon to Kathleen Henrietta Esther Stapledon. 11a 3r 0p.4 
Land-UBeac*30 Oct 1961 GEM-D-36 (part). Transfer from Henry John Stapledon to Kathleen Henrietta Esther Stapledon. 2a 14p.5 
Death*16 Dec 1995 VIC, Australia.6 
Probate (Will)* Kathleen Henrietta Esther STAPLEDON. Widow. Rosebud. 16 Dec 1995. 1111863.6 

Electoral Rolls (Australia) and Census (UK/IRL)

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
1967St Georges Road, Upper Beaconsfield, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: home duties.7

Newspaper-Articles

  • 30 Aug 1948: MC. mid aged, no children. Mrs H J Stapledon, Warra, Dadswell-bridge, via Stawell. Phone DB2.8

Citations

  1. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online) "#M22407/1947, Hy John STAPLEDON & Kleen Henrietta Esther RICHARDS."
  2. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online) "#D24225/1958 (Age 73) (par James STAPLEDON & Elizabeth COPP) - as Henry John STAPLEDON, born Murray Bridge South Australia. Death registered at Beaconsfield, Australia."
  3. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 5543-431 - Kathleen Henrietta Esther Stapledon of "Netherby" Upper Beaconsfield Widow - C/T 8370-481.
  4. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 5796-173 - Kathleen Henrietta Esther Stapledon of 'Netherby' Upper Beaconsfield Widow.
  5. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 5827-343 - Kathleen Henrietta Esther Stapledon of 'Netherby' Upper Beaconsfield Widow.
  6. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 28/P26, unit 115.
  7. [S167] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1967.
  8. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Mon 30 Aug 1948, p6
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/206900472
Last Edited25 Jul 2024

John Wilfred Rutty

M, #9180, b. 23 Oct 1886, d. 30 Mar 1959
Birth*23 Oct 1886 High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England, Dec Q 1886 (Wycombe) 03a 636. Mother's maiden surname: Webber. As John Wilfred Rutty.1,2 
(Transfer to) Land-UBeac12 Dec 1912 GEM-D-35.36.37. Transfer from Mary Vale to Percy Vernon Lockey John Wilfred Rutty. 59a 3r 14p.3 
Land-UBeac12 Dec 1912 GEM-D-36 (part). Transfer from Percy Vernon Lockey to John Wilfred Rutty. 17a 3r 32p (small wedge taken off.)4 
Land-UBeac*12 Dec 1912 GEM-D-36 (part).37. Transfer from John Wilfred Rutty to Percy Vernon Lockey. 21a 3r 30p (small wedge added.)5 
Marriage-Notice*8 Jan 1914 The marriage of Miss Marjorie Monica Hayward, youngest daughter of the late Rev. R. Hayward and Mrs. Hayward, "Doon," Beach-road, Sandringham, with Mr. John Wilfred Rutty, eldest son of Mr. John Rutty, High Wycombe, Bucks, England, will be celebrated on Tuesday, 20th January, at 2.15 p.m., at St. John's Church, Toorak, and afterwards at "Woodside," Tintern Avenue, Toorak.6 
Marriage*20 Jan 1914 Spouse: Marjorie Monica Hayward. St John's, Toorak, VIC, Australia, #M212.7
 
Widower1 Jul 1917John Wilfred Rutty became a widower upon the death of his wife Marjorie Monica Hayward.8 
Marriage*30 Apr 1921 Spouse: Margaret Aline Barton. East Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #M4477.9
 
Marriage-Notice*23 May 1921 RUTTY—HARPER.—On the 30th April at the Private Chapel Bishopscourt, East Melbourne, by the Venerable the Vicar General, John eldest son of Mr and Mrs. J Rutty, of High Wycombe England to Margaret, only daughter of Mr G W Barton, of Brighton.10 
(Transfer from) Land-UBeac20 Feb 1922 GEM-D-35 (part). Transfer from Percy Vernon Lockey John Wilfred Rutty to Walter Henry Brown. 1a 3r 37p.11 
Land-UBeac4 Oct 1923 GEM-D-36 (part). Transfer from John Wilfred Rutty to Percy Vernon Lockey. 17a 3r 32p.12 
Death*30 Mar 1959 26 Berea Heights, 706 Currie Road, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, died of Cardiac Failure, status asthmaticus emphysema.13,2 

Family

 Marjorie Monica Hayward b. 1888, d. 1 Jul 1917
Child 1.John Rowland Rutty b. 18 Jan 1915, d. 14 Jul 1948

Newspaper-Articles

  • 13 Feb 1914: WEDDING. RUTTY— HAYWARD.
    The wedding of Mr John Wilfred Rutty, eldest son of Mr John Rutty, of High Wycombe, Bucks, England, and Miss Marjorie Monica Hayward, youngest daughter of the late Rev. Rowland Hayward and Mrs Hayward, of "Doon," Sandringham, was celebrated at St. John's Church, Toorak, on 20th January. The Rev. Canon Hughes, assisted by the Rev. W. Allen, performed the ceremony. The "Wedding March" and other suitable music was played by the organist. The bride, who was given away by her Mother-in-law (Mr Leslie Stuart), was gowned in white satin, beautifully draped over an underskirt of Limerick lace. The bodice and long train were trimmed with sprays of orange blossom. An unhemmed tulle veil was worn over the face, surmounted by a wreath of orange blossom. A bouquet of white roses and bouvardia was carried.
    The bridesmaids were Miss Barbara Hayward (sister of the bride), Miss Meg Wiggins, Misses Nanette Stuart, Joan Newbigin and Lavender Stuart. They wore pink satin frocks, with silk lace tunics, trimmed with delphinium blue satin. The two elder bridesmaids wore black panne hats, trimmed with small bands of fur and a pink flower. The little maids' hats were of black satin, lined with pink, and set with tiny pink roses. The bridegroom's presents were—To the bride, aquamanne necklet; to Miss Hayward, gold bangle ; and to the nieces, gold neck chains, with pendants of coin). Mr Conrad Rutty (brother of the bridegroom) was best man. The bride's mother was gowned in a black coat and skirt. A black bonnet, relieved with white, was worn, and a bouquet of mauve flowers carries. Mrs Leslie Stuart was handsomely gowned in royal blue crepe de chene. A small hat, set with a mauve feather, was worn.
    A reception was held at ''Woodside," Toorak, the residence of Mrs Leslie Stuart (the bride's sister). During the afternoon Di Gilio'a band played charming music. Wedding tea was served in the diningroom, which was beautifully decorated. The bride's travelling dress was a tailored coat and skirt of blue striped cloth. A small, smart hat to match, set with band of skunk fur and bunches of blue and white violets, was also worn.
    Among the guests were— Mrs Wiggins (sister), Mr and Mrs Harold Newbigin (sister), Mrs Ainslie Mills (cousin), Mr Lockey, Judge and Mrs Hodges (the former had been groomsmau at the wedding of the bride's parents, and signed the register for the bride on her wedding day), Mrs and the Messrs Were, Mr and Mrs W. A. Menzies, Mrs Stuart, Mrs Edward Newbigin. Marjorie Monica Hayward14

Citations

  1. [S332] UK - General Register Office Indexes "Dec Q 1886 (Wycombe) 03a 636. Mother's maiden surname: Webber. As John Wilfred Rutty."
  2. [S230] Family Search "South Africa, Civil Death Registration, 1955-1966
    Identity Number 246/009765
    died of Cardiac Failure, status asthmaticus emphysema.
    26 Berea Heights, 706 Currie Road, Durban
    born 23-10-1886."
  3. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1496-040 - Percy Vernon Lockey of Sargood Street Toorak Electrical Engineer and John Wilfred Rutty of Darling Street South Yarra Electrical Engineer - proprietors as tenants-in-common in equal shares - C/T 3667-394.
  4. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3667-394 - John Wilfred Rutty of Darling Street South Yarra Electrical Engineer - C/T 3667-396 (Lockey transferred his interest to Rutty).
  5. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3667-394 - Percy Vernon Lockey of Sargood Street Toorak Electrical Engineer (Rutty transferred his half interest to Lockey) - C/T 3667-395.
  6. [S14] Newspaper - Punch (Melbourne, Vic.), 8 Jan 1914, p25.
  7. [S4] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Great War Index Victoria 1914-1920.
  8. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online) "#D7022/1917 (Age 29) (par Rowland HAYWARD & Anna Clara PRICE) - as Marj Monica RUTTY, Death registered at Armadale, Australia."
  9. [S6] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Marriage Index Victoria 1921-1942 "as Margt Aline HARPER."
  10. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Mon 23 May 1921, p1
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1759072
  11. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3667-394 - Walter Henry Brown of Upper Beaconsfield Gentleman - C/T 4537-329.
  12. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3667-396 - Percy Vernon Lockey of Upper Beaconsfield Electrical Engineer.
  13. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, Rutty Family Tree - Owner: manasara8.
  14. [S14] Newspaper - Inglewood Advertiser (Vic.), 13 Feb 1914, p2.
Last Edited6 Jul 2024
 

NOTE

Some family sections show only the children who were associated with Upper Beaconsfield.

Some individuals may be featured because members of their family were associated with the Upper Beaconsfield area, even though they themselves never lived here.