The Foundling Hospital and Infants Home Inc

?, #10444
Note Berry Street Babies' Home (Beaconsfield) / Berry Street Foundling Home
The Beaconsfield Babies' Home was opened in 1915. It was run by the Foundling Hospital and Infants' Home, which also operated the Foundling Hospital and Infants' Home in Berry Street, East Melbourne. The Beaconsfield Babies' Home was closed in 1946.
The Beaconsfield Babies' Home was established in May 1915. It was run by the Foundling Hospital and Infants' Home (incorporated in 1914), which also operated the Foundling Hospital and Infants' Home in Berry Street, East Melbourne.
Berry Street had long been advocating for a country home, 'handy to Melbourne', to house its children. Such a home would enable the buildings in East Melbourne to function as a 'receiving home', and provide a more salubrious environment for children.
In 1913, the Committee purchased a property at Beaconsfield to provide such a country home. The Beaconsfield Babies' Home was opened on 6 May 1915 by Lady Stanley, wife of the Governor.
Initially, Beaconsfield was used for pre-maternity cases, and as a convalescent home for mothers when discharged from the Women's Hospital.
In a Christmas Appeal published in the Argus on 14 December 1916, it was stated that 58 babies were being housed in the institutions at Beaconsfield and East Melbourne. The Appeal was for money or goods so that older children (who were boarded out once they reached 12 months of age) could receive their 'annual Christmas treat' at the East Melbourne institution. The Foundling Hospital also sought donations (money, clothing, toys) for the babies in its care.
In her history of Berry Street, Penwill writes that the community of Beaconsfield was very involved in the Babies' Home:
The local residents befriended the nurses and invited them into their homes. Women of the district took an interest in the children and women at the Home, and sewed, knitted and visited. They then formed an auxiliary to raise money, while their menfolk made vegetable plots and provided goods from their own gardens.
The Beaconsfield Babies' Home provided training for mothercraft nurses.
During the Second World War, Berry Street was taken over for use by the military. In 1942, staff, children and mothers were moved to Beaconsfield Babies' Home.
The Beaconsfield Babies' Home was closed in 1946 and the mansion where it was housed fell into a state of disrepair before being demolished in 1963. However, part of the building, the 'Kenilworth Coach House' remained and was mentioned as an important historic site in the Shire of Cardinia's 'Beaconsfield Township Strategy' (2001).
After the Home closed, there were some plans, which did not eventuate, to erect cottages on the site at Beaconsfield. When it was finally sold in 1963, funds were used as a building fund for the institution in East Melbourne.
Location: The Beaconsfield Babies' Home was located on Kenilworth Avenue, Beaconsfield. Location: Beaconsfield.1 
Note*bt 1914 - 1946 The Foundling Hospital and Infants' Home was incorporated in 1914 to run the Foundling Hospital and Infants' Home in East Melbourne as well as the Beaconsfield Babies' Home. The Beaconsfield Home closed in 1946, and in 1964 the East Melbourne Foundling Hospital became known as Berry Street Babies' Home and Hospital.
The Foundling Hospital and Infants' Home (Incorporated) came into being under the Hospitals and Charities Act 1890. This new body was established to run the Foundling Hospital in East Melbourne, which had been operating since 1877. It also ran the Beaconsfield Babies' Home.
In 1914, the Victorian Government Gazette published a petition from 25 signatories for the Foundling Hospital and Infants' Home, in East Melbourne and Beaconsfield, to be incorporated.2 
Land-Beac*22 Nov 1915 PAK-33 LP2963 (Lot 1 Block B). Transfer from Kate Williams Nina O'Hara to The Foundling Hospital and Infants Home Inc. 38a or thereabouts. This land is between Cardinia Creek and Kenilworth Avenue.3 
Land-Beac*11 Aug 1916 PAK-33 LP2963 (Lot 1 Block B) part. Transfer from The Foundling Hospital and Infants Home Inc to Shire of Berwick. 1a 30p.4 
Land-Beac26 Sep 1919 PAK-33 LP2963 (Lot 1 Block B) part. Transfer from The Foundling Hospital and Infants Home Inc to Shire of Berwick. 1a 30p.5 
Land-Note* PAK-33 LP2963 (Lot 1 Block B) part. Reference to Housing Commission having lodged ... declaration under Section 8 of ... Reclamation and Housing Act 1938 affecting land herein. 
Land-Beac*6 Aug 1963 PAK-33 LP2963 (Lot 1 Block B) part. Transfer from The Foundling Hospital and Infants Home Inc to an unknown person . Tx B720221 - see C/T 8462-522 (largest part of the area.)6 

Newspaper-Articles

  • 18 Sep 1913: Berwick Shire Council Correspondence
    From Dr. Langmore, health officer, asking if the property being built for a Foundling Hospital at Beaconsfield will be under the local Board of Health-Received.7
  • 25 Mar 1914: FOUNDLING HOSPITAL. TO THE EDITOR OF THE ARGUS.
    Sir-The country home which has been purchased at Beaconsfield and is to be worked in connection with the Foundling Hospital and Infants' Home is to be officially opened by Lady Stanley early in May. A considerable sum has been expended on the property to equip it for institution purposes, in accordance with the requirements of the Board of Public Health. The furnishing of the home is another heavy expense that the committee have now to meet. May we therefore appeal to your kindly readers to assist us in this respect? The things most needed are beds, bedding, blankets, bed linen, towels, kitchen utensils, chairs, and indeed any kind of furniture. Any donations of this kind, or in money, to help defray expenses will be gratefully acknowledged by —Yours, &c., B.A. TUXEN,
    Secretary and Treasurer, Foundling Hospital and Infants' Home. Berry street, East Melbourne, March 248
  • 25 Mar 1914: It is officially announced that Lady Stanley is to open the new Foundling Home at Beaconsfield early in May. A large sum of money has been expended in building the home, which is, we understand, to he run in conjunction with a similar institution in East Melbourne.9
  • 2 May 1914: HOME FOR BABIES.
    The committe of the Foundling Hospital and Infants Home in Yarra Park have extended their property in establishing a country home at Beaconsfield for the benefit of delicate babies. The formal opening of the cottage will be performed next Wednesday by Lady Stanley. In order to enable visitors from the city to be present the railway department has arranged for a special train to leave Melbourne at seven minutes past 1, to return from Beaconsfield at 5 o'clock. Return railway tickets for this excursion will be issued at a uniform rate of 2/6 and if preferred they will be available for return until Friday. All the Melbourne visitors will be entertained at the home at afternoon tea by the ladies of the district.10
  • 9 May 1914: NEW FOUNDLING HOME. TRANSFER OF BABIES.
    The committee of the Foundling Hospital, East Melbourne, was face to face with a perplexing problem last week. Forty-six babies, all under twelve months old, had to be removed from the hospital to the new country house at Beaconsfield. Eventually it was agreed to move them en masse, and April 30 was the date fixed for departure.
    The pretty white bassinettes, which always looked their best when set out on the hospital lawns on a sunny day, had been despatched with all the bab ies' effects by van on the Tuesday before, and a section of the staff had gone up to Beaconsfield to receive these goods, and have all in readiness for the great arrival.
    Thursday dawned chilly, but with clear skies. What a scene of activity ensued! All the infants had to be bathed, fed and dressed for the journey, and that being done, they were laid in the cots, where they gazed in round-eyed wonder at the unaccustomed wider spaces surrounding them, while their mothers and the staff busied themselves in collecting all necessary luggage.
    The train by which all were to travel was due at Richmond station at 11.25 a.m., and the necessary number of com partments had been reserved for their use.
    Punctually at 10.45 a.m. the three cabs which had been requisitioned to convey the staff—each of which carried two babies—and the drag which had been lent to carry the 19 mothers—each with her own baby — drew up before the hospital gate. With surprisingly little confusion each took her appointed seat, though there was not a little laughter when one member of the staff had to hold four babies, while another was getting into a cab to claim her double burden.
    Richmond station was reached with out incident, and there the problem was to descend from the cabs while carrying babies. But the friendly drivers came to the rescue. One more difficulty presented itself to the nurses—the climbing of the flights of steps carrying a baby on each arm, and staff and mothers sat down on any convenient seat to await the arrival of the train. This novel group formed a subject of wondering interest to passengers on the station. "What is it?" some of them asked. "A baby show?"
    All were safely and comfortably ensconced in the train. The babies had been wonderfully good, not a cry being heard from any of them. At Caulfield, where the wait on the station took up a few minutes, some of the little ones showed a little restlessness, and Joe, a grown-up baby of eight months old, lifted up his voice and wept.
    But with the further movement of the train the infants were soothed, and Joe's sobs died down. A still longer wait at Clayton again aroused protests from Joe, but his own particular nurse took him, and in her arms he was soothed to slumber.
    At Beaconsfield station, kind friends were waiting to help, and very soon the new Home was reached, where the familiar bassinettes were waiting in the ward, each prepared to receive its own mite, and a big fire blazed forth a welcome. - Then arose a truly deafening cry from hungry little ones, but in an incredibly short time the bottles were forthcoming, and, the pangs of hunger being appeased, a heavenly calm spread around, and the little ones slept.
    At Berry street comparative quiet reigns, only three babies having been left behind. One of these is under special medical care, a second is about to be boarded out, and the third is with its mother, being as yet too young to be transferred. But the work goes on, as this Home is being retained for prematernity cases, and soon there will be more mites to be transferred to the Country Home, as the first contingent passes out.11
  • 16 May 1914: CARE OF FOUNDLINGS. COUNTRY HOME AT BEACONSFIELD. OPENED BY LADY STANLEY.
    "I hope that every little child here will justify the great care given to it by becom ing a strong and healthy man or woman in the future, and a useful member of society." With these words Lady Stanley on 6th May opened the new country home of the Foundling Hospital and Infants' Home Institution at Beaconsfield. A large and fashionably-dressed gathering of friends and supporters of the institution was present. The ceremony took place at 3 o'clock. Lady Stanley drove up from Melbourne by motor, accompanied by Captain Wilton, A.D.C., and was greeted by Mrs. O'Hara, president of the institution; Mrs. Montague Cohen, Miss Rooke and others. Mr. Keast, who introduced Lady Stanley to the gathening, then led the way towards the front of the building, where Lady Stanley declared the home open. A more ideal site for such an institute would be hard to find. All around are rolling, wooden hills, dappled with the sunlight, and sweeping meadows refresh ingly green. A tree-shaded stream winds below the lawns which surround the build ing, and palms, firs and bright flower beds add to the beauty of the situation. The home itself is of villa type, built in pictureque red brick, with wide, airy verandahs, to the pillars of which cling creeping roses and ivy. Set in the best situation for sun and fresh breezes the home is as pleasant inside as it is from the exterior. The floors are of dark polished wood as clean as the surface of a mirror. The walls are all of a cool, cream hue, devoid for the most part of decoration, and yet never for a moment suggest ing discomfort or bareness. The matron has her quarters near the main entrance, well lit, delightfully comfortable rooms, made bright with flowers and pictures and the happy touches of a woman's hand. Close by is the babies' room, where the little foundlings sleep. It is an exceptionally high-walled room. On two sides of it run verandahs, and the big windows give free entrance to the sunlight and cool breezes from the hills. Here, round the walls, are ranged the cots-all white, and hung with lace and billowing with spot less linen. A nurse is always in attend ance here. Altogether 46 infants are cared for here, and the sight of their pink ness and plumpness is the best advertise ment for the work of the institution. Close by this room are the nurses' bedrooms—cosy apartment, and open to the sunlight. There are two kitchens, one for the staff, and a separate one for the preparation of the children's food, and the same rule holds good as regards the bathroom, fitted with two tiny porcelain baths. Just opposite to the bathroom is the infants' dressing room. Here the eye lights at once upon a big set of scales used for re cording each little one's progress from birth onwards. Close by stand certain white tents. Here it is that adult inmates of the home—the unfortunate mothers—come as patients. There are rows of white beds inside, and the surroundings are healthy and cheer ful. A laundry and the usual outbuildings complete the establishment, which was built at a cost of £5100, the Government contributing £1000 towards the amount. The total staff of the home numbers fourteen, and it is an admirable work that each member does. Five cows are kept, so that an abundant supply of fresh and wholesome milk is always available. From start to finish it is evident that everything possible is done for the health and comfort of the little foundlings, which the institution mercifully cares for. At any rate, the little ones can start life at Bea consfield in the pleasantest of surroundings.12
  • 15 Jul 1914: THE FOUNDLING HOME. The Premier was, on Friday last, asked for Government assistance in aid of the Foundling Home at Beaconsfield. Mr J. Gillespie, a member of the committee of the Berry street Home, said that acting on the recommendation of the ex-Premier (Mr Watt), who promised support, the committee recently purchased a country home at Beaconsfield, where 50 children and at least 31 mothers were housed. This scheme was to provide fresh air and milk, with out which the rearing of delicate infants was difficult. The cost of the upkeep of the home, in cluding the boarding-out, was considerably in excess of the donations received, including the annual Government grant of L1,250. In fact the boarding out payments amounted to L1,800 alone. The public was not keen in its generosity and between L400 and L500 came from various sources. The question was whether the ccmmittee would have to close its doors or not. Mr Malcolm, inspector of charities, said that some time ago the death rate of infants became very high, and Mr Watt advised the purchase of a coun try home. The committee took on a liability for 15 years when boarding-out an infant. He offered as a solution of the difficulty that the boarding out be effected through the Neglected Children's department. The Premier said that would only mean shifting the responsibility from one to another, and the Government would still have to pay. Mr Malcolm remarked that if the Beaconsfield purchase was to be justified the place would have to show a decreased death rate.
    Mr Gillespie showed that the funds were exhausted at present and there was L1000 in debentures and an overdraft of about L3,500. He said that if a special grant of L1,000 could be obtained from the Government, and if the annual grant was materially increased, the ladies would be able to continue the work. The Premier said the children must be looked after and the question was one of finance. He was convinced that the Found ling Hospital was doing good work, and he recognised that it was better for ladies to do the work than the State. He would go into the matter with the Treasurer and Chief Secretary.13
  • 17 Oct 1914: THE FOUNDLING HOSPITAL. THE TRAGEDY OF THE UNMARRIED MOTHER. BY NANCE.
    So many tragedies have lately been re vealed wherein the slayer is a deserted girl-mother acting under the impulse of terror, and the victim is a poor little new-born in fant, that it seems as if these cycles of misery must always be recurring to horrify all men and women who love little child ren. The pity of it all is that such crimes are so unnecessary. The betrayed girl need not make her folly so much worse by staining her conscience with the blood of her own child; the infant once having been brought into the world, should have its chance of living out its span of days as a reputable and self-respecting citizen. For these two weighty reasons attention should once more be called to the fact that there is an institution which exists for the very reason that these deserted girls need a haven in their hour of need; and that their babies need a home just as truly as the more favored little ones who are born to be protected by their parents' love. The Foundling Hospital, in Berry-street, East Melbourne, is richly deserving of the generous support of the State and its citizens, if only because it prevents so many girls from becoming the slayers of their own children in the desperation of abandonment. The expectant mother is received there as soon as she wants shelter; she is treated kindly and well nourished, in order that her baby shall have a reasonable chance of entering the world physically fit. She is sent to the Women's Hospital when ill, and on her discharge from that institution she is taken back and cared for until well and strong. For this great kindness she is asked to assist in the work of the in stitution as far as her health permits; no one is allowed to overwork. The babies are well cared for; the mothers are asked to re main and nurse them for six months. Situations are then found for the mothers, who leave the babies behind them if necessary, and thenceforth the little one is in the hands of the staff of nurses—trained nurses supervising all trainees. Each probationer has charge of four babies, and there is much competition as to which shall have the plumpest, healthiest and freshest babies, for the probationers take entire charge, even to the laundering of the little garments of her nurslings. The greatest care is given the little ones until suitable homes can be found for them. They are placed in only the most reputable homes, and no suspicion of baby-farming is tolerated. Where the baby is boarded out it is carefully watched, in order that it shall have every chance of growing into a worthy citizen; where adoptive parents are found, if is the first care of the commit tee that the foundling shall have a chance of happiness in its home life. It would be impossible to gauge the amount of human misery that has been turned into happiness by those in charge of this one institution. On an average over 300 babies enter this home every year. The present matron, Miss Ethel Hart, is highly successful in her methods of rearing the babies, and last financial year there were only fourteen deaths, despite the fact that some in testinial epidemic broke out among the little ones and caused great anxiety for some time. Since the beginning of the new year (1st July) there has not been one death. Before May of this year all babies were housed at the East Melbourne establish ment, but during that month the country home at Beaconsfield was opened, and since then all inmates have had the bene fit of farm life away from the city. This home is free of debt, although it cost over £5000, including a special donation from the Governnment of £1000. But there is an overdraft on the maintenance account of over £3000, and the committee is appealing for assistance. It is not because of extravagance in upkeep that this great amount is owing; it is because of the liberal allowance that is paid for boarding out, and yet 10/ a week for a baby under a year old and 9/ for one above one year is surely scant enough payment! It can not be done properly for less unless a large element of charity is mixed with the business--or unless the baby suffers depri vation of nourishment, against which the committee determinedly fights. Last year the bill paid for boarding out children was £2043, The Government grant to the committee last year was £1400, so that it took more than £600 above this grant to meet payments to foster parents before a penny could be laid by for the maintenance of the homes. The Foundling Hospital does not par ticipate in the Hospital Saturday and Sunday fund, the reason given being that it is not a medical charity. But it would be difficult to classify it otherwise, since it has, anid must have, a staff of honorary doctors and staff of trained nurses. The rearing of 300 babies from birth annually can hardly be other than a medical task. The hospital suffers in another way also. It is discarded by the medical charities; it is an outcast from the denominational charities. Every denominational charity has the full weight of its particular church behind it to bolster it up in its hour of need; the medical charities have the in flow of liberality each October to replenish their depleted treasuries; but the Foundling Hospital has neither of these resources. It must lay its burden on the back of the public at large. Many people object to assisting this type of charity because they consider it is countenancing crime. It is not. It is hold ing human life sacred, and in all ages and climes the claim of the baby has ever been regarded as paramount. Certainly in an ideal state of things there would be no need of such an institution, and everybody concedes that there should be no need of such a place even now. But there is need, only too great need, for it. The unwanted baby should never be born, but it is being born daily; and as soon as it is born it becomes the duty of the com munity to see that the one great wrong it has suffered in being deprived of honor able birth shall be the last one, if human means can help it. Until some legislation transforms this tangled problem of the unwanted baby into a State political care, and while charity must continue to save the innocent being from suffering too much from its parents' sins, so long must the Foundling Hospital press its urgent claims upon all who are well born and carefully bred.14
  • 24 Oct 1914: This week and next the annual appeal for the hospitals will be brought prominently before the notice of all, and, as has been said more than once in this letter, the charities are suffering very keenly just now through the great falling off of funds. In last week's issue of "The Leader" we gave an account of the work of the Foundling Hospital, and explained that this charity was very peculiarly situated owing to being neither under the Hospital Sunday committee nor the wing of a church. The secretary is anxious that they shall not be forgotten just now, and also wishes to know if it would be possible for any club or society to donate a musical instrument to the Beaconsfield home. A second hand piano or organ (piano for preference) would be very gladly welcomed, and if any club or group of clubs would combine to satisfy this want the ladies concerned could rest assured that they were doing a splendid bit of work, whose effects would last long after they had forgotten the donation.15
  • 13 Jan 1915: A Beaconsfield correspondent informs us that Miss Allan, one of the staff at the Foundling Hospital, met with a slight mishap last week, being thrown from a pony when out riding.16
  • 7 Apr 1915: The President of the Foundling Hospital and Infants' Home at Beaconsfield requests us to publish the following letter: -" It having been reported in Beaconsfield and district that the Foundling Hospital has refused donations of colored garments, for the babies. I wish emphatically to contradict such a misapprehension. My committee and I are at all times very pleased to receive any kind of clothing for the babies or for the inmates of the institution, and such donations are always gratefully acknowledged as soon as possible."17
  • 28 Apr 1915: The committee of the Foundling Hospital, East Melbourne and Beaconsfield, desire it to be announced that they will be pleased to entertain any friends of the institution at afternoon tea at Beaconsfield on 6th May. This day will be the first anniversary of the opening of the country home of this excellent institution. Trains leave Flinders-street station at 11.20 a.m., and Beaconsfield on the return journey at 5.15 p.m.18

Citations

  1. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, http://www.findandconnect.gov.au/ref/vic/biogs/E000352b.htm
  2. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, http://www.findandconnect.gov.au/ref/vic/biogs/E000353b.htm
  3. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3679-795 - The Foundling Hospital and Infants Home (Incorporated) of Berry Street East Melbourne.
  4. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3679-795 - Shire of Berwick - C/T 3995-871.
  5. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3679-795 - Shire of Berwick - C/T 4256-036.
  6. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 3679-795 - Tx B720221 - see C/T 8462-522.
  7. [S12] Newspaper - South Bourke and Mornington Journal (Richmond, Vic.), 18 Sep 1913, p3.
  8. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 25 Mar 1914, p12.
  9. [S19] Newspaper - Berwick Shire News and Pakenham and Cranbourne Gazette (Berwick, Vic.), 25 Mar 1914, p2.
  10. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), 2 May 1914, p22.
  11. [S14] Newspaper - Weekly Times (Melbourne, Vic.), 9 May 1914, p10.
  12. [S14] Newspaper - Leader (Melbourne, Vic.), Sat 16 May 1914, p29+32 https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/89309645
    Illustrated.
    THE NEW FOUNDLING HOME AND HOSPITAL AT BEACONSFIELD.
    1. View of the Home. 2. Matron and Staff. 3. Feeding the Babies. 4. Happy Boys.
  13. [S19] Newspaper - Berwick Shire News and Pakenham and Cranbourne Gazette (Berwick, Vic.), 15 Jul 1914, p3.
  14. [S14] Newspaper - Leader (Melbourne, Vic.), 17 Oct 1914, p52+53.
  15. [S14] Newspaper - Leader (Melbourne, Vic.), 24 Oct 1914, p52.
  16. [S19] Newspaper - Berwick Shire News and Pakenham and Cranbourne Gazette (Berwick, Vic.), 13 Jan 1915, p2.
  17. [S19] Newspaper - Berwick Shire News and Pakenham and Cranbourne Gazette (Berwick, Vic.), 7 Apr 1915, p2.
  18. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), 28 Apr 1915, p12.
Last Edited8 Dec 2024

Lily Maud Wilson

F, #10458, b. 15 Oct 1873, d. 10 Oct 1931
Father*John Alfred Wilson b. 1833, d. 23 Sep 1915
Mother*Martha Brown Lamb b. 1838, d. 22 Dec 1912
Married NameButler. 
Birth*15 Oct 1873 South Yarra, VIC, Australia, #B26203/1873 - as Lillie Maud WILSON.1,2,3 
Marriage-Notice*20 Jul 1894 The engagement is announced of Miss Lily Wilson, third daughter of Mr. John A. Wilson, of "Airlie," Toorak, to Mr. Henry Butler, of Melbourne.4 
Marriage*5 Sep 1894 Spouse: Henry Butler. "Airlie", Malvern Road, Toorak, VIC, Australia, #M4487.5,6
 
Marriage-Notice15 Sep 1894 BUTLER—WILSON. The. wedding of Miss Lily Wilson, third daughter of Mr. John A. Wilson, of "Airlie," Malvern-road, Toorak, with Mr. Henry Butler, of the firm of Sargood, Butler and Nichol, of Melbourne, took place at "Airlie," Toorak, on Wednesday afternoon, September 5, in the novel manner of an American "surprise wedding." The idea originated in America last year, and was carried out for the first time in Australia on this occasion. According to this peculiar fashion, invitations were issued by Mr. and Mrs. Wilson for a dinner party on the Wednesday evening, to their nearest relatives. They were received in one of the drawing-rooms, which was most exquisitely decorated with choice exotics, white flowers predominating. This suggestive ornamentation of bridal blossoms, however, was not particularly noticed. When dinner was announced the guests were proceeding to the drawing-room when they were ushered into the drawing-room, into the presence of Miss Wilson and Mr. Butler, arrayed in bridal apparel, with the Rev. Mr. Alex. Marshall (of Scots' Church, Collins-street) completing the wedding party. The ceremony was at once commenced, Mr. Wilson giving his daughter away. The guests were much surprised, but were constrained to keep silence till the conclusion of the ceremony. The bride, who is a very pretty girl, looked particularly well in her wedding gown of rich ivory satin with a long court train and trimmings of the finest duchesse lace. The tulle veil was surmounted by a coronet of orange blossom, and a most charming bouquet was formed of the rarest white blossoms, with white satin ribbon streamers. The drawing-room was most beautifully adorned with white flowers and various floral devices suitable to the occasion. The Wedding March was played and the newly wedded pair and the astonished guests proceeded to dinner, which proved, when the surprise gave way to jest and merriment, a most brilliant repast. In the evening Mr. and Mrs. Butler left very quietly for a visit to the Gippsland Lakes, where they have spent a ten days' visit, having returned to town yesterday (Friday). On the afternoon of the wedding, Mr. Henry Butler gave a dinner at the Athenæum Club to a number of his bachelor friends, who were kept in ignorance of the approaching event, which took place two hours later. Mrs. Butler has received, within the last week, a number of very handsome presents.7 
Widow10 Apr 1910Lily Maud Wilson became a widow upon the death of her husband Henry Butler.8 
Death*10 Oct 1931 British Hospital, Marseilles, France. 
Death-Notice*13 Oct 1931 BUTLER.—On the 10th October, at Queen Alexandra Hospital, Marseilles, Lily Maud, relict of the late Henry Butler, of Melbourne, mother of Jack (deceased), Lynne (Mrs. Sydney Quayle) and Geoffrey.9 

Newspaper-Articles

  • 25 May 1933: WIDOW'S TWO WILLS. MRS. BUTLER'S ESTATE. A DOCTOR'S EVIDENCE.
    Mr. Justice Lowe, in the Third Civil Court yesterday, continued the hearing Of the case to determine which of two wills made by the late Mrs. Lily Maud Butler, formerly of The Grange, South-road, Brighton Beach, but late of the Queen Alexandra Memorial Hospital, La Calade, Marseilles, France, widow, should be admitted to probate. The two wills were made on the 15th and 23rd September, 1931. Mrs. Butler died on 20th October, 1931, leaving estate valued at £12,000.
    Geoffrey William Henry Butler, a son of testatrix, is contesting the will of 23rd September on the ground that his mother lacked testamentary capacity, and he seeks letters of administration with the will of 15th September annexed. William Donald McIndoe, of Queen-street, Melbourne, a co-executor, with Geoffrey Butler to the second will, lodged a caveat against the grant of letters of administration to Butler.
    Dr. Anthony T. Andreasen, who was resident medical officer at the Queen Alexandra Memorial Hospital, Marseilles, in September, 1931, when Mrs. Butler was a patient in that institution, said Mrs. Butler was admitted in August. She had three bad nights preceding the 15th September. On the latter day she asked witness whether it was likely that she would recover. She said she wanted the truth. Witness said that in the circumstances he felt he had to tell her she would not recover. She replied, "Very well; now I know. Mrs. Butler said she wanted to make her will, and at her dictation he wrote the will of 15th September. After he had read it over to her she said it was correct, and she signed it in the presence of himself and Mollison. Mrs. Butler requested him to send the will to Mr. Mclndoe in Melbourne. In his opinion she was then perfectly rational. She became calmer after the will was made, and seemed pleased with affairs. Later she had a conversation over the telephone with her son and her daughter-in-law in Melbourne. This upset her, and she became excited and confused. On the two days preceding 23rd September Mrs. Butler had a number of visitors, and witness had an impression that these produced new ideas, and set her mind working at a rate far beyond its power. At 6 a.m. on the latter date, when he was called to Mrs. Butler's bedside, she did not know him. When told by the nurse who he was, Mrs. Butler said she had made her will, and asked him to sign it. She handed him a piece of paper with writing on both sides. Mollison had signed it. Witness explained to her that it was not a will, and that she had already made her will. After a conversation with Mollison the latter suggested calling in Le Messurier, and witness said Mollison could do as he liked about that. When Mrs. Butler on this occasion asked him to make a will he refused to do so because she had already made a will, and he did not consider, she was in a fit state to make another will. On 15th September Mrs. Butler was very calm and determined, and on 23rd September she was excited and definitely confused in her speech.
    The hearing will be continued to-day.10
  • 30 May 1933: WIDOW'S TWO WILLS. Mrs Henry Butler's Estate. FIRST DOCUMENT VALID.
    Mr. Justice Lowe, in the Third Civil Court yesterday, concluded the hearing of the case to determine which of two wills made by Mrs. Lily Maud Butler, formerly of The Grange, South-road, Brighton Beach, but late of Queen Alexandra Memorial Hospital, La Calade, Marseilles, France, widow, should be admitted to probate. Mrs. Butler, who was the widow of the late Mr. Henry Butler, a partner in the firm of Sargood, Butler and Ewen, died on 20th October, 1931, leaving estate of the value of £12,000. Mrs. Butler made her wills on 15th and 23rd September, 1931. By the first will she bequeathed her estate to her son and daughter, subject to gifts of £2500 to Mrs. Geoffrey Butler, her son's wife; £1000 to her grandson, John Quayle, and a gift to St. Leonard's Church, Brighton Beach. By her second will the bequests amounted to £11,600, including £2000 to John Quayle, £1000 to Mrs. Geoffrey Butler, £1000 to the Brighton Beach Presbyterian Church, and various sums ranging up to £1000 to nurses and friends in England and Melbourne, and £500 to establish a memorial scholarship to her son John at the Church of England Grammar School.
    A caveat against the grant of probate of her second will, chiefly on the grounds that his mother lacked testamentary capacity shortly before and at the time the will was made in hospital, was lodged by Geoffrey Butler. He applied for letters of administration, with the will annexed, in respect of the first document.
    William Donald Mclndoe, of Queen-street, Melbourne, estate agent, and a co-executor with Geoffrey Butler of the will of 23rd September, lodged a caveat against the grant of letters of administration, with the will annexed, in respect of the first will, to Butler. Both Butler and Mclndoe then obtained orders nisi calling upon each other to show cause why probate should not be granted to each will.
    His Honor, in giving his judgment, said the way in which Mrs. Butler disposed of her property in the second will was in striking contrast to the dispositions in her first will, and was a very definite departure from the intention which she had expressed in the first will, when she said that owing to the financial crisis in Australia she was not dividing her estate into smaller bequests. In the face of that it was difficult to understand why she did divide her property into smaller gifts.
    Though she was desperately ill, she had evidently made a sincere and courageous attempt to dispose of her estate as she thought proper. The departure which she had made in the second will, such as the legacies to the nurses and to those from whom she had heard just previously, or whose personal needs had been brought to her notice, suggested that she had in some why been influenced in making the gifts. She had been without sleep for two days before making the second will, and in his opinion the dispositions in this document would not have been made, if she had been clear in her mind. At this date she was very impressionable, and he accepted the medical evidence that she was likely to be influenced by those around her. He discharged the order nisi asking for probate of the second will, and made absolute the order nisi for the first will. He ordered that the costs of all parties be paid out of the estate.
    The result of the case is that the first will is valid.11

Citations

  1. [S337] Index of monumental inscriptions/burials Billion Graves "Mentioned on Henry Butler's gravestone at Brighton Cemetery
    https://billiongraves.com/grave/Henry-Butler/19625244
    Note: Birth date appears wrong as birth is registered in 1873. Assuming that day and month may be correct."
  2. [S2] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Federation Index Victoria 1889-1901 "#M4487/1894 - place of birth mentioned in Federation Index as South Yarra."
  3. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888 "#B26203/1873 [par John Alfred WILSON & Martha Brown LAMB] as Lillie Maud WILSON - reg Prahran."
  4. [S14] Newspaper - Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic.), 20 Jul 1894, p13.
  5. [S2] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Federation Index Victoria 1889-1901.
  6. [S14] Newspaper - Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic.), 15 Sep 1894, p13.
  7. [S14] Newspaper - Table Talk (Melbourne, Vic.), Sat 15 Sep 1894, p13
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/145859817
  8. [S3] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Edwardian Index Victoria 1902-1913.
  9. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Tue 13 Oct 1931, p1.
  10. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Thu 25 May 1933, p7.
  11. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Tue 30 May 1933, p12.
Last Edited27 Sep 2019

Foster Ernest Henry Butler

M, #10462, b. Dec 1860, d. 8 Mar 1939
Father*Henry Butler b. 23 Dec 1839, d. 10 Apr 1910
Mother*Martha Webb b. 1839
Birth*Dec 1860 Islington, London, England, Dec Q [Islington] 1b 280.1,2 
Marriage*Jun 1897 Spouse: Sarah Nichol. Lewisham, London, England, Jun Q [Lewisham] 1d 1930.3,1
 
Note*1911 1911 Census: Eltham, Kent, ENG. 26 West Park:
BUTLER, Foster Ernest Henry, age 50, Manager Australian Shippers, born Mildmaypark London
BUTLER, Sarah, age 42, married 13 years, born Victoria Australia [nee NICHOL]
BUTLER, Agnes Irene, age 12, born Eltham Kent
[RG14PN2723 RG78PN93 RD29 SD1 ED6 SN238]
Note: According to an article in the Argus 24 June 1910, Foster Ernest Henry BUTLER was the son of Henry BUTLER who died 10 April 1910. Foster was appointed executor of his father's estate as far as it related to his property in England and Ireland.4 
Death*8 Mar 1939 Woolwich, London, England, Mar Q [Woolwich] 1d 1468 (Age 78.)1 

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

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
7 Apr 1861Joseph T & Elizabeth HUGGETT, Bethnal Green, London, EnglandAge 6 months - Boarder5

Citations

  1. [S9] Free BMD. Index. Online @ https://www.freebmd.org.uk/.
  2. [S332] UK - General Register Office Indexes "BUTLER, FOSTER ERNEST HENRY (mother: WEBB)
    GRO Reference: 1860 D Quarter in ISLINGTON Volume 01B Page 280."
  3. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888.
  4. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, www.greatwarbritishofficers.com/index_htm_files/BUTLER_JHR_Research.pdf.
  5. [S83] UK census - viewed on Ancestry "Class: RG 9; Piece: 262; Folio: 12; Page: 21; GSU roll: 542602."
Last Edited27 Mar 2019

Sarah Nichol

F, #10463, b. 26 Jun 1868, d. 1954
Father*Robert Nichol b. 16 May 1833, d. 13 Nov 1918
Mother*Agnes Wagstaff b. 22 Apr 1837, d. 20 Jan 1911
Married NameButler.1 
Birth*26 Jun 1868 Ballarat, VIC, Australia, #B13833.1 
Marriage*Jun 1897 Spouse: Foster Ernest Henry Butler. Lewisham, London, England, Jun Q [Lewisham] 1d 1930.1,2
 
Widow8 Mar 1939Sarah Nichol became a widow upon the death of her husband Foster Ernest Henry Butler.2 
Death*1954 England.1 

Citations

  1. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888.
  2. [S9] Free BMD. Index. Online @ https://www.freebmd.org.uk/.
Last Edited27 Mar 2019

Agnes Wagstaff

F, #10464, b. 22 Apr 1837, d. 20 Jan 1911
Married NameNichol.1 
Birth*22 Apr 1837 Tralee, Kerry, Ireland.1 
Marriage*2 Feb 1861 Spouse: Robert Nichol. Newcastle, England.1
 
Death*20 Jan 1911 Lewisham, London, England.1 

Family

 Robert Nichol b. 16 May 1833, d. 13 Nov 1918
Children 1.Sarah Nichol b. 26 Jun 1868, d. 1954
 2.William Nichol b. 4 Oct 1878, d. 1950

Citations

  1. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, Billysugger's Family Tree
    Owner: msjbeard.
Last Edited29 Apr 2016

William Nichol

M, #10465, b. 4 Oct 1878, d. 1950
Father*Robert Nichol b. 16 May 1833, d. 13 Nov 1918
Mother*Agnes Wagstaff b. 22 Apr 1837, d. 20 Jan 1911
Birth*4 Oct 1878 Hawthorn, VIC, Australia, #B23426.1 
Land-UBeac*23 Jan 1913 PAK-225. Transfer from Robert Nichol to William Nichol. 20a 0r 0p. 
Land-UBeac*26 Mar 1914 PAK-225. Transfer from William Nichol to George Hodges Knox. 20a 0r 0p.2 
Death*1950 NSW, Australia.1 

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

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
1909New Street, Brighton, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: independent means.3
1914Church Street, Brighton, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: independent means.4

Citations

  1. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888.
  2. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1136-190 - George Henry Knox of 31 Queen Street Melbourne Gentleman.
  3. [S109] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1909.
  4. [S114] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1914.
Last Edited29 Apr 2016

Albert Joseph Weller

M, #10466, b. 1869, d. 1959
Father*Joseph Weller b. 1835, d. 10 Sep 1913
Mother*Mary Jane Hall b. 1836, d. 1 Feb 1915
Birth*1869 Cranbourne, VIC, Australia, #B7994 [par Joseph WELLER & Mary Jane HALL].1 
Marriage-Notice*1 Oct 1898 WELLER—LOVELL.—On the 8th September, at the Armadale Wesleyan Church, by the Rev. J. G. Wheen, assisted by the Rev. J. J. Brown, Albert J. Weller, son of Joseph Weller, of Armadale, to Mahala Lois (May) Lovell, youngest daughter of Mrs. T. E. Moran, of Carrington, Armadale. No cards.2 
Land-UBeac*10 Aug 1906 PAK-219. Transfer from The National Bank of Australasia Ltd to Albert Joseph Weller. 19a 2r 34p.3 
Land-UBeac*10 Aug 1906 PAK-219. Transfer from Albert Joseph Weller to Charles Alexander Berglund. 19a 2r 34p.4 
Land-Berwick*18 Jan 1907 BER-Town S2-3. Transfer from The National Bank of Australasia Ltd to Albert Joseph Weller. 0a 2r 0p.5 
Land-Berwick*1 Jun 1911 BER-Town S2-3. Transfer from Albert Joseph Weller to Elizabeth Mary Savage. 0a 2r 0p.6 
Death*1959 Malvern, VIC, Australia, #D14351 (Age 90.)7 

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

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
190383 Rose Street, Armadale, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: agent.8

Citations

  1. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888.
  2. [S14] Newspaper - The Australasian (Melbourne, Vic.), Sat 1 Oct 1898, p55
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/138605449
  3. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1123-557 - Albert Joseph Weller of 67 Queen Street Melbourne Estate Agent.
  4. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1123-557 - Charles Alexander Berglund of 120 Rupert Street Collingwood Civil Servant.
  5. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 953-451 - Albert Joseph Weller of 67 Queen Street Melbourne Auctioneer.
  6. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 953-451 - Elizabeth Savage of "Anchorage" Beaconsfield Married Woman.
  7. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  8. [S103] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1903.
Last Edited15 Oct 2023

Agnes Sarah Rouvray

F, #10467, b. Dec 1843, d. 5 Jun 1905
Father*James Joseph Rouvray b. 5 Oct 1812, d. 18 Apr 1869
Mother*Frances Gray b. 23 Mar 1814, d. 21 Nov 1904
Married NameNicholls. 
Birth*Dec 1843 St Pancras, London, England, Dec Q 1843 (Saint Pancras) 01 308. Mother's maiden surname: Gray.1 
(Migrant) Migration/Travel13 Jul 1854 Sailing with James Joseph Rouvray, Frances Rouvray, Charles Peter Rouvray to Melbourne, VIC, Australia. Ship James Carson Sailing from Liverpool. The family sailed with nine children, one infant girl died on the passage
Age 10.2
Marriage*1867 Spouse: William Henry Nicholls. VIC, Australia, #M1355.3
 
Death*5 Jun 1905 Heidelberg, VIC, Australia, #D5626 (Age 62) [par Jas Jos ROWRAY & Frances GRAY].4 
Death-Notice*6 Jun 1905 NICHOLLS.—On the 5th June, at Austin Hospital, Agnes Sarah, the dearly beloved wife of W. H. Nicholls, and beloved sister of Mrs. Bundy, Mrs. Thirlwell, J.A., A.G., C.P., and A. A. Rouvray, aged 62 years.5 

Citations

  1. [S332] UK - General Register Office Indexes "Dec Q 1843 (Saint Pancras) 01 308. Mother's maiden surname: Gray."
  2. [S36] Inward & outward passenger lists to and from Victoria. Series: (VPRS 14; 7666; 7667; 7786); PROV (Public Record Office Victoria).
  3. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888.
  4. [S3] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Edwardian Index Victoria 1902-1913.
  5. [S3] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Edwardian Index Victoria 1902-1913 "6 Jun 1905, p1."
Last Edited28 Oct 2020

James Joseph Rouvray

M, #10469, b. 5 Oct 1812, d. 18 Apr 1869
Birth*5 Oct 1812 St Marylebone, London, England.1 
Marriage*21 Dec 1834 Spouse: Frances Gray. London, England.1
 
(Migrant) Migration/Travel13 Jul 1854 Sailing with Frances Rouvray, Agnes Sarah Rouvray, Charles Peter Rouvray to Melbourne, VIC, Australia. Ship James Carson Sailing from Liverpool. The family sailed with nine children, one infant girl died on the passage
Age 41 - Shopkeeper.2
Death*18 Apr 1869 East Prahran, VIC, Australia, #D5187/1869 (Age 56) [par Joseph ROUVRAY & Sarah TURNER] Spouse: Frances GRAY.3 
Death-Notice*24 Apr 1869 ROUVRAY.—On the 18th inst., at Nelson-street, East Prahran, Mr. James Rouvray, aged fifty-seven Home papers please copy.4 

Family

 Frances Gray b. 23 Mar 1814, d. 21 Nov 1904
Children 1.Agnes Sarah Rouvray b. Dec 1843, d. 5 Jun 1905
 2.Charles Peter Rouvray+ b. Mar 1848, d. 24 Sep 1919

Citations

  1. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, Mr_Barnard (Nicholls Family Tree).
  2. [S36] Inward & outward passenger lists to and from Victoria. Series: (VPRS 14; 7666; 7667; 7786); PROV (Public Record Office Victoria).
  3. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online) "#D5187/1869 - born London."
  4. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Sat 24 Apr 1869, p4
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/5834765
Last Edited28 Oct 2020

Frances Gray

F, #10470, b. 23 Mar 1814, d. 21 Nov 1904
Married NameRouvray. 
Birth*23 Mar 1814 Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland.1 
Marriage*21 Dec 1834 Spouse: James Joseph Rouvray. London, England.2
 
(Migrant) Migration/Travel13 Jul 1854 Sailing with James Joseph Rouvray, Agnes Sarah Rouvray, Charles Peter Rouvray to Melbourne, VIC, Australia. Ship James Carson Sailing from Liverpool. The family sailed with nine children, one infant girl died on the passage
Age 39.3
Widow18 Apr 1869Frances Gray became a widow upon the death of her husband James Joseph Rouvray.4 
Death*21 Nov 1904 Albert Park, VIC, Australia, #D11058/1904 (Age 91) [par James GRAY & Barbara HENDERSON] - as Fanny ROUTRAY.5 
Death-Notice*23 Nov 1904 ROUVRAY.—On the 21st November at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. C. Thirwell, Richardson-street, Middle-park, Fanny, relict of the late James Rouvray, of Prahran and beloved mother of J.A., A. G., C. P., A.A. Rouvray; Mrs. J. Bundy, Mrs. W. Nicolls, Mrs. C. Thirlwell, aged 92 years. Her end was peace. Interred St. Kilda Cemetery, Nov. 22.6 

Family

 James Joseph Rouvray b. 5 Oct 1812, d. 18 Apr 1869
Children 1.Agnes Sarah Rouvray b. Dec 1843, d. 5 Jun 1905
 2.Charles Peter Rouvray+ b. Mar 1848, d. 24 Sep 1919

Citations

  1. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, gwencook99 - gives birth date and place.
  2. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, Mr_Barnard (Nicholls Family Tree).
  3. [S36] Inward & outward passenger lists to and from Victoria. Series: (VPRS 14; 7666; 7667; 7786); PROV (Public Record Office Victoria).
  4. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online) "#D5187/1869 - born London."
  5. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online).
  6. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Wed 23 Nov 1904, p1
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/10351662
Last Edited28 Oct 2020
 

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.