Catherine Clementine Hart

F, #21997, b. 1850, d. 20 Jan 1890
Married NameJeffery.1 
Birth*18501 
Marriage* Spouse: John Jeffery.1
 
Death*20 Jan 1890 South Yarra, VIC, Australia, #D4735 (Age 40) [par John William HART & Clentine Cath WESTROFT].1 
Death-Notice21 Jan 1890 THE Friends of Mr. JOHN JEFFERY are informed that the remains at his late wife will be interred in the St. Kilda Cemetery. The funeral is appointed to move from his residene, 25-Tivoli-road, South Yarra, THIS DAY (Tuesday), the 21st inst., at 4 o'clock. ALF. AUG. SLEIGHT, Undertaker, 182 Collins-street.2 
Death-Notice*24 Jan 1890 JEFFERY. — On the 20th January, at her residence, 25 Tivoli-road, South Yarra, Catherine, the dearly beloved wife of John Jeffery.
A loving wife and mother dear,
This changing scene you did not fear.
Prepared at thy Redeemer's call
To bid farewell to loved ones all
Although this parting gives us pain
In heavens bright home we'll meet again.3 

Grave

  • 203, 205, St Kilda Cemetery, St Kilda, VIC, Australia, Elias JEFFERY 29.7.1882 Age 69 / Catherine, wife of John JEFFERY 20.1.1890 Age 40 / also Katie, dtr of above 22.2.1890 Age 12 months / Samuel JEFFERY, d. at Katandra 22.2.1907 Age 58 / also John JEFFERY, husband of Mary A JEFFERY 26.10.1925 Age 754

Citations

  1. [S2] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Federation Index Victoria 1889-1901.
  2. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Tue 21 Jan 1890, p8
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/197015729
  3. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Fri 24 Jan 1890, p1
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/197023417
  4. [S48] Index of burials in the cemetery of St Kilda,.
Last Edited11 Apr 2019

Mary Ann Launder

F, #21999, b. 1854, d. 6 Jun 1943
Married NameJeffery. 
Birth*1854 
Marriage*1892 Spouse: John Jeffery. VIC, Australia, #M2124.1
 
Death*6 Jun 1943 Blackburn, VIC, Australia, #D5179 (Age 89) [par LAUNDER].2 
Death-Notice*7 Jun 1943 JEFFERY. —On June 6, at 7 Oaks Park, Blackburn road, Blackburn, Mary Ann, beloved wife of the late John Jeffery, loving mother of Cyril, also Florence, John, and Robert, loving grandmother of George, in her 90th year. —Spoke and thought good of all mankind.3 

Citations

  1. [S2] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Federation Index Victoria 1889-1901.
  2. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  3. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Mon 7 Jun 1943, p2
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/11341053
Last Edited11 Apr 2019

William Horace Vernon Dollimore

M, #22005
Land-UBeac*29 Jun 1909 PAK-156. Transfer from Charles James Jago to William Horace Vernon Dollimore. 19a 2r 15p.1 

Citations

  1. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1100-826 - William Horace Vernon Dollimore of Clarendon Street South Melbourne.
Last Edited14 Apr 2019

Frederick Jacobe

M, #22006, b. 13 Sep 1873, d. 10 Jun 1935
Birth*13 Sep 1873 Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #B25287/1873 [par Louis JACOBE & Dora FELDMAN].1 
Marriage*1898 Spouse: Camille Goodman. North Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #M430/1898.2
 
Land-UBeac*27 Nov 1918 PAK-156. Transfer from Charles James Jago to Frederick Jacobe. 19a 2r 15p.3 
Land-UBeac*6 Mar 1929 PAK-156. Transfer from Frederick Jacobe to Kate Glover Allen. 19a 2r 15p.4 
Death*10 Jun 1935 Middle Park, VIC, Australia, #D4694/1935 [par Louis JACOBE & Dorothea FELTDMANN].5 
Death-Notice11 Jun 1935 JACOBE. —On the 10th June (suddenly) at 270 Richardson street, Middle Park, Frederick beloved husband of Camille Jacobe, loving father of Dorothy, Vera, Frederick, and Milton, aged 62 years.
JACOBE. — The Friends of the late Mr FREDERICK JACOBE are respectfully informed that his remains will be interred in the Fawkner Cemetery.
The funeral will leave his residence 270 Richardson-street, Middle Park, To-morrow (Wednesday, 12th June), at 11 o'clock.6 
Death-Notice*12 Jun 1935 JACOBE.—Temperance Lodge of Mark Master Masons, No. 30.—Brethren of the above Lodge are respectfully informed that the remains of our late esteemed Brother FREDERICK JACOBE will be interred in the Fawkner Cemetery THIS DAY (Wednesday). The funeral is appointed to leave his late residence, 270 Richardson street, Middle Park, at 11 am, arriving at the cemetery gates at 11.45 am. WARDEN BELL Master.7 

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

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
1927Cranbourne Road, Dandenong, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: nil. With Camille Jacobe.8
1928405a Riversdale Road, Auburn, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: butcher. With Camille Jacobe.9
1931270 Richardson Street, Middle Park, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: butcher. With Camille Jacobe.10

Grave

  • FA-COE*M***3493, Fawkner Cemetery, Fawkner, VIC, Australia11

Citations

  1. [S26] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Births) (online).
  2. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online) "as Camelia GOODMAN and Fred/Frd JACOBE/JACOBI."
  3. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1100-826 - Frederick Jacobe of 18 Ailsa Street Ascot Vale Butcher.
  4. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1100-826 - Kate Glover Seul of Officer Married Woman.
  5. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online).
  6. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Tue 11 Jun 1935, p1
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/12247336
  7. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Wed 12 Jun 1935, p1
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/12247702
  8. [S127] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1927.
  9. [S128] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1928.
  10. [S131] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1931.
  11. [S39] Index of burials in the cemetery of Fawkner Memorial Park, online @ http://www.gmct.com.au/deceased-search/.
Last Edited15 Apr 2019

Katherine Glover Allen

F, #22007, b. 29 Jan 1879, d. 8 Dec 1952
Father*Isaac Allen b. 29 Jun 1831, d. 5 Oct 1911
Mother*Hannah Robinson b. 12 Aug 1842, d. 10 Apr 1892
Married NameKirk.1 
Probate (Will)* 463/614. Kathleen G SEUL Date of grant: 04 Sep 1953; Date of death: 08 Dec 1952; Occupation: Widow; Residence: Officer.2 
Married NameSeul. 
Name Variation Katherine Glover Allen was also known as Kate Glover. 
Married NameNelson.3 
Birth*29 Jan 1879 Silchar, Chachar, Assam, India. [par Isaac ALLEN & Hannah ROBINSON]4,5,6 
Birth-Notice*7 Feb 1879 BIRTHS.—ALLEN.—At Silchar, Chachar, on January 29th, the wife of the Rev. Isaac Allen, of a daughter—mother and child doing well.7 
Marriage*27 Oct 1902 Spouse: James Henry Nelson. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, #M273 - James Henry Nelson is a 21 year old bachelor carpenter (Salvation Army), Katty Glover Allen a 23 year old spinster (Baptist.)3
Marriage*7 Jan 1908 Spouse: Thomas Kirk. New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada, #M21/1908 - Residence Blue Mountain Road, Sapperton, BC - Thomas is a bachelor farmer aged 48, Katherine a widow aged 29.1
(Migrant) Migration/TravelFeb 1908 To Blaine, Washington State, USA. Ship Vermont, St. Albans Canadian Border Crossings
Kate Glover Allen, 29, single, stenographer, states she is Canadian, last permanent residence Vancouver. Name of nearest relative Charles I Allen (brother) Cortes Island, B.C. Canada, destination Blaine, Wash.8 
(Migrant) Migration/TravelFeb 1908 To Blaine, Washington State, USA. Ship United States Border Crossings from Canada to United States
as Kate Glover Allen (Age 29), born Cho Cho India.9 
Marriage*23 Sep 1909 Spouse: Phillipp Seul. Bellingham, Whatcom County - Washington State, USA, Phillip's 2nd marriage; Kate's 3rd marriage. Phillip was a labourer; Kate G Allen a stenographer.10,5
Note*1921 Phillipp Seul. SEUL Philipp (aka Saul) born 26 July 1860; Kate Slover 42 and a half years old; Chester (aka Christopher) born 2 December 1909 - American.11 
Land-UBeac*6 Mar 1929 PAK-156. Transfer from Frederick Jacobe to Kate Glover Allen. 19a 2r 15p.12 
Widow3 Dec 1931She became a widow upon the death of her husband Thomas Kirk.13 
WidowMay 1933Katherine Glover Allen became a widow upon the death of her husband Phillipp Seul.14 
Note*18 Aug 1934 25817      AUTHOR Kate Glover Seul (Anne Aust) : ADDRESS Melbourne : TITLE OF WORK Australia our Dear Home to the tune of Home Sweet Home : TYPE OF WORK Literary : APPLICANT Kate Glover Seul : DATE OF APPLICATION 18 Aug 1934 : DATE COPYRIGHT REGISTERED 22 Aug 1934 : WORK ENCLOSED? Yes
25818      AUTHOR Kate Glover Seul (Anne Aust) : ADDRESS Melbourne : TITLE OF WORK Australia Happy Country to the tune of The Britain Grenadiers : TYPE OF WORK Literary : APPLICANT Kate Glover Seul : DATE OF APPLICATION 18 Aug 1934 : DATE COPYRIGHT REGISTERED 22 Aug 1934 : WORK ENCLOSED? Yes.15 
Land-UBeac*15 Jul 1938 PAK-156 (part), 26 Peterson Road. Transfer from Katherine Glover Allen to Malcolm Seaton. 3a 3r 2p.16 
Land-UBeac*6 Jul 1939 PAK-149 (part), Officer Road. Transfer from Harriet Lucy Maxwell to Katherine Glover Seul. 4a 0r 12p.17 
Land-UBeac*1 May 1942 PAK-156 (part), Peterson Road. Transfer from Katherine Glover Allen to Bertie Briggs. 14a 1r 38p.18 
Land-UBeac*20 May 1943 PAK-149 (part), 6 Peterson Road. Transfer from Katherine Glover Allen to Emma Violet Ann Helen McCoubrie William Perkins Daymon. 2a 0r 13p.19 
Land-UBeac*28 May 1946 PAK-149 (part), 103 Officer Road. Transfer from Katherine Glover Seul to John Charles Edward Wilson. 1a 0r 12p.20 
Widow10 Sep 1952Katherine Glover Allen became a widow upon the death of her husband James Henry Nelson.21 
Death*8 Dec 1952 Officer, VIC, Australia, #D22763/1953 [par Unknown].14 
Inquest22 Dec 1952Inquest held K.G. Seul Inquests Resulting in Criminal Charges
Kathleen Glover SEUL Cause of death: Gunshot wound and house fire murder charge laid ; Location of inquest: Melbourne Berwick Dandenong; Date of inquest: 22 Dec 1952.22 
Land-Note*13 Oct 1954 PAK-156 (part). Kathleen Glover Seul (herein called Kate Glover Seul) died on 8th Dec 1952. An election to administer her estate has been files by Public Trustee.23 
Land-Note30 Jun 1961 PAK-149 (part). Cancelled application No B234864 - pursuant to section 31 - C/T 8358-079.24 
Land-Note30 Jun 1961 PAK-156 (part). 1a 1r 15p - Cancelled application No B234864 - pursuant to section 31 - C/T 8358-078.25 
Land-UBeac*30 Jun 1961 PAK-149 (part). Transfer from Katherine Glover Allen to Public Trustee.26 
Land-UBeac30 Jun 1961 PAK-156 (part). Transfer from Katherine Glover Allen to Public Trustee. 1a 1r 15p.27 

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

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
7 Apr 1891Walthamstow Hall - School for daughters of missionaries, Sevenoaks, Kent, EnglandAge 12 - Pupil With Winifred Sale Allen28
31 Mar 190150 St Michael's Hill, Bristol, Gloucestershire, EnglandHead of Household: Katherine Glover Allen. Age 22 - Shorthand & Typist (as Kate G ALLEN.)29
16 Apr 19106th Street, Blaine, Whatcom County - Washington State, USA(Head of Household) Phillipp Seul;
Kate G SEUL, age 31, Married 1 year (2nd marriage) 3 children living. Arrived in USA 1908, born in India to English father and Indian mother.
Member(s) of Household: Chester / Christopher Seul30
bt 1914 - 1919Ky-valley, Kyabram, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: home duties [note: Phillipp SEUL is not yet naturalised in Australia - they are probably together at this address].31,32,33,34,35
1924Berwick Road, Dandenong, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: home duties. With Phillipp Seul.36
1925c/- Green, Hammonds Road, Dandenong, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: home duties.37
bt 1928 - 1949Jacobe's Place, Officer, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: flower-maker.38,39,40,41,42,43

Grave

  • Church of England, Compartment P, Section 5, Grave 19, Springvale Botanical Cemetery, Springvale, VIC, Australia44

Family

 Phillipp Seul b. 26 Jul 1860, d. May 1933
Child 1.Chester / Christopher Seul+ b. 2 Dec 1909, d. 24 Jun 1997

Newspaper-Articles

  • 27 Aug 1936: From Kate G. Seul, Officer, asking Council to do something to her road as it is in a very bad state of repair.—Being attended to.45
  • 20 Dec 1952: PENSIONER BURNED IN HOUSE. 'Going to Gallows': Claim at Inquest
    A 64-year-old pensioner stood and watched a house burn and then said "She is in there dead — and I am going to the gallows." This was alleged at a Berwick inquest yesterday. The inquest was on Kathleen Glover Seul, 72 years, pensioner, who died at her home at Officer, near Berwick, on December 8.
    A pensioner, John Charles Wilson, also of Officer, appeared in custody.
    Victor Leslie Wedmore, farmer, of Officer, said that, on December 8, he and an uncle twice heard Wilson using aggressive words with Mrs. Seul. She had slapped Wilson's face.
    Later that day he noticed that Mrs. Seul's house and Wilson's hut and waggonette were on fire.
    Witness stated Wilson had then told him that Mrs. Seul was dead; he had stood back looking at the fire and had said: "It is a glorious sight. This is it."
    Then he had declared she was in her burning house, and he, Wilson, would go to the gallows.
    Dr. Jacob William Arundell, of Pakenham, testified that he had been treating Wilson since 1950 for a fractured leg. Wilson had been morose and brooding. On several occasions he had threatened to commit suicide, and had once shown a noose hanging from a rafter.
    Other witnesses told the court that Mrs. Seul slept with a rifle at the head of her bed and a dagger under her pillow.
    They claimed she had informed them that she spent as much as three days at a time behind locked doors because she feared Wilson.
    Dr. Keith Bowden, Government pathologist, said that, although Mrs. Seul was badly burnt, an autopsy showed extensive hæmorrhages, consistent with a bullet wound.
    The hearing resumes at Dandenong court on Monday. John Charles Edward Wilson46
  • 24 Dec 1952: Officer Pensioner To Face Murder Charge
    “SHE IS IN THERE DEAD — AND I AM GOING TO THE GALLOWS” A 64-YEAR-OLD PENSIONER, stood and watched a house burn and then said: “She is in there dead and I am going to the gallows.” This was alleged at a Berwick inquest last Friday.
    The inquest was on Kathleen Glover Seul, 72 years, pensioner, who died at her home at Officer, on December 8th.
    A pensioner, John Charles Wilson, also of Officer, appeared, in custody. At the City Court, on December 9th, Wilson, a 64-year old military' pensioner, was charged with having murdered deceased.
    Witnesses described Mrs. Seul as "a tiny, softly spoken woman.”
    Victor Leslie Wedmore, farmer, of Officer, said that on December 8th, he and an uncle twice heard Wilson using aggressive words with Mrs. Seul. She had slapped Wilson’s face.
    At about 1.15 p.m. on December 8th he and his uncle were working together when his uncle shouted: “Wilson’s is on fire.” They raced to Mr. Seul’s hut, which was on fire, and noticed smoke also coming from Wilson’s waggonette near by. “Wilson was standing inside, with his back to the window", Mr. Wedmore said. “The bare floor was on fire. “I called out: ‘Are you all right, Charlie?” He came to the door and said: ‘Get out, there’s ammunition in here, and it’ll go up any minute.’
    “I said: ‘Where’s Mrs. Seul?’, and he replied: ‘She’s dead.’ “My uncle asked him: ‘Where is she, Charlie?’, and he said: ‘You will find out about it in court.’
    Witness stated Wilson had then told him that Mrs. Seul was dead; he had stood back looking at the fire and had said: “It is a glorious sight. This is it.”
    Then he had declared she was in her burning house, and he, Wilson, would go to the gallows.
    Dr. Jacob William Arundell, of Pakenham. testified that he had been treating Wilson since 1950 for a fractured leg. Wilson had been morose and brooding. On several occasions he had threatened to commit suicide, and had once shown a noose hanging from a rafter. “Five or six months ago, at Wilson’s hut, I felt quite uneasy”, Dr. Arundell added. “I felt that he might attack me if anything annoyed him.' I had a feeling that he was not fully mentally stable.”
    Dr. Arundell said that under the influence of alcohol, Wilson could become “temporarily quite insane.” Alcohol could destroy any reasoning power he had.
    Helen Edith McCoubrie, of Officer, said Mrs. Seul had kept a rifle and machete at the head, of her bed, and slept with a dagger under her pillow.
    Mrs. Seul told her that she had come from Canada, and had to protect herself there from wild animals, she added.
    Once, Mrs. Seul told her, she lived behind locked doors for two or three days. She did not explain why.
    Dr. Keith Bowden, Government pathologist, said that, although Mrs. Seul was badly burnt, an autopsy showed extensive haemorrhages, consistent with a bullet wound.
    The hearing was resuming at the Dandenong Court on Monday afternoon.
    Detective Peter Pedersen, of Russell St., told the court he saw Wilson at Pakenham police station on December 8th. Wilson’s clothes smelt strongly of kerosene and ‘his hands were dirty and greasy as if he had been recently handling kerosene.
    Witness added that Wilson had told him: “I don’t think I’m that bad that I'd shoot old Kate, but the Paget’s is driving me mad. I think I am going mental.”
    “HEAD SHRINKING”
    Detective Pedersen said that Wilson also told him oh December 8th : “I’ve got Paget's disease. “My head is shrinking. I have been measuring it with a piece of string. “It is crushing my brain. It is like a girder on top of my head. I’ve been going to commit suicide.”
    Detective Pedersen said that Wilson told him he had had a few glasses of wine on the morning of December 8th, and that be had had “a hell of a row” with Mrs. Seul.
    Detective Pedersen added: “Wilson told me: ‘I can’t remember setting fire to her home, but I must have done so.’ “I said: 'I am going to suggest to you that you shot Mrs. Seul with a rifle, and then set fire to her house. What have you to say to that?’ “He said: ‘All I can say is, I don't remember.’ "I said: ‘lf that is the case can you deny that you shot her, then burnt her house down?’
    “Wilson said: 'No, I can’t deny it.’
    “I said: ‘I suggest to you that scratches on your forehead could have been caused by fingernails.’ "He said: ’I remember now, I fell down a drain.’”
    HAD £186 ON HIM
    Detective Pedersen said that £186 in notes was found on Wilson in the police station later on December 8th.
    Detective-Inspector Donelly, of Russell St., testified that Wilson had told him that if he had shot Mrs. Seul he was worse than he had thought he was. Wilson had continued: "The pain in my head is driving me mad. At times I cannot-remember what I am doing. I can remember setting fire to the house, but I would not shoot her.”
    Emma Daymon, of High St., Northcote, who has a week-end house at Officer, said she heard a shot before she saw smoke coming from Mrs. Seul’s house on December 8th.
    COMMITTED FOR TRIAL
    Mr. O’Connell, coroner, found that John Charles Wilson, of Peterson Rd., Officer, “unlawfully, feloniously, and maliciously” killed Mrs. Kate Glover Seul, 73, at Officer, on December 8th. Mr. O’Connell found that death resulted from a haemorrhage caused by a bullet wound inflicted by Wilson and that Wilson afterwards attempted to destroy the body by fire.
    He committed Wilson for trial in the Supreme Court on February 16th.
    When he asked Wilson whether he had anything to say, Wilson replied, in a firm voice: “Not at this stage.” John Charles Edward Wilson47
  • 28 Dec 1952: "Murder," Says Coroner After Inquest
    WOMAN'S HUT WAS HER FUNERAL PYRE
    At noon on December 8 last, two wooden shacks stood, a short distance apart, in a sleepy bush glade at Officer on the Gippsland Highway, in Victoria. Smoke drifted lazily from the chimney of one shack. The birds twittered and the bees droned. Suddenly a man's angry voice startled the bush silence. A shot rang out and within minutes smoke and flame leapt skywards as both shacks became blazing ruins, one of them the funeral pyre of a 73-years-old woman.
    A few days ago the tiny courthouse at Berwick was packed to hear a grim story of events said to have led to this tragedy, when District Coroner E. O'Connell held an inquest on Mrs. Kathleen Glover Seul, pensioner.
    Gaunt, shabby and bowed, 64-years - old John Charles Wilson, also a pensioner, of Officer, who had been charged with the murder of Mrs. Seul, was present in custody.
    Wilson sat slumped in a chair, staring, as the long procession of witnesses gave their testimony. He did not move or speak, even to his counsel, Mr. Gerald Berrigan.
    Witnesses taking the stand walked past a sinister array of police exhibits — charred fuel stoves from the embers of Mrs. Seul's cottage, the twisted remains of a .32 calibre repeating rifle — and photographs which hardened men could not view without flinching.
    Police officers gave detailed evidence of talks with Wilson in which they alleged he said to Sen. Const. J. C. McKenzie, of Pakenham:
    "I don't know how the fires started. I was having a few wines when I woke up and my caravan was alight . . .
    Terrible Row
    "Kate and I had a terrible row. She's a sticky nosed old — who won't mind her own business." Wilson's clothes, and a matchbox he used smelt strongly of kerosene, said McKenzie.
    To Det. N. L. Pedersen: "I'd had about a bottle of wine and started on a second and we had a terrible row. I asked her to ring for a taxi so I could get some more wine and she refused ....
    'I'm going mad. I've got Paget's disease and my head is shrinking. I measure it every day with a piece of string. "It's crushing my brains out like a girder on top of my head. I drink to kill the pain. It's worse when I am not drinking . . .
    "I may have set fire to the waggon and houses, but I can't remember lighting the fires. I was going to burn myself up; it would have been better that way.
    "Kate told me I did things when I was drunk which I couldn't remember afterwards. She said I abused her and pushed her over, but I couldn't remember. If I used kerosene to start the fires I can't remember.
    "I didn't know there were scratches on my forehead. I don't think I shot Mrs. Seul with the rifle you found. I don't think I am as bad as that. I wouldn't shoot
    old Kate—"
    Pedersen said he searched Wilson and found on him a mustard tin containing £186 in notes.
    Victor Leslie Wedmore, farmer, of Officer, whose home was near the scene of the tragedy, said that about 10 a.m. on December, 8 he heard Wilson's voice raised loudly, and caught many words of abuse. He saw Wilson standing at a fence dividing his shack from Mrs. Seul's. Wilson was under the in fluence and quarrelling aggressively with Mrs. Seul.
    About 1 p.m., he saw smoke coming from the direction of the two shacks. When he reached the scene, Mrs. Seul's house was a blazing ruin, the floor of Wilson's waggonette was burning, and a wisp of smoke emerged from his shack.
    Mrs. Emma Damon, of Northcote, who was at her weekend shack at Officer on December 8, said she heard Wilson's voice raised after 10 a.m., then about 12.30 p.m. heard a single shot from the direction of Mrs. Seul's. Half an hour later she saw smoke from the fires.
    Quarrelling
    "Mrs. Seul was really afraid of Wilson," she said.
    Dr. Jacob William Arundell, medical practitioner, said he had known Wilson for two years and had formed the opinion he was a psychopathic case. The doctor said Wilson had Paget's Disease in the leg, but he had not examined him to see if it had affected his head. Wilson had complained of tightness of the skull, but this was not uncommon in neurotic and psychopathic cases.
    Dr. Keith Bowden, Government pathologist, said his examination of the remains of the woman's torso showed she had bled severely before death, and it was his belief she was dead before the fire started.
    The coroner found that Mrs. Seul had died from a gunshot wound inflicted by Wilson. He also found that Wilson had set her house on fire to destroy evidence of the crime.
    Wilson was then committed for trial on a murder charge.
    Article contains three photographs:
    * The ruins of Mrs. Seul's home where the charred remains of her body were found.
    * JOHN CHARLES WILSON ... for trial on a murder charge.
    * Dr. Arundell John Charles Edward Wilson48
  • 25 Feb 1953: Neighbors ran to dead woman's blazing hut
    EXPLOSIONS "like machine-gun fire" had been heard near where a 73-year-old woman had died in a blazing bush shack, at Officer, on December 8, the Criminal Court was told yesterday.
    John Charles Wilson, 64, pensioner, of Officer, was charged with having murdered Mrs. Kathleen Glover Seul, of Officer. He pleaded not guilty. The Crown claimed that Mrs. Seul died from a shot wound inflicted by Wilson, and that Wilson, after having shot the woman, set fire to her home.
    Victor Leslie Wedmore, farmer, of Officer, said that he lived about 300 yards from Mrs. Seul's shack.
    On December 8 he was at home with his family when he heard yelling and bad language coming from the direction of Mrs. Seul's and Wilson's homes. After lunch he was working on a shed at home with his uncle when they saw Mrs. Seul's shack on fire. They ran to the shack, and saw Wilson standing outside the door of his own shack, some distance away.
    Wedmore said that when he asked Wilson where Mrs. Seul was, he replied: "She's dead. Isn't it glorious." Later, according to Wedmore, Wilson nodded towards the remains of Mrs. Seul's shack, and said: "She's in there. She's dead. You will find about it in court. "She's dead, and I'm going to the gallows."
    The trial will resume today. John Charles Edward Wilson49
  • 25 Feb 1953: "Tiny piece of metal told of shooting"
    DOCTOR'S EVIDENCE
    A minute piece of metal embedded in an isolated blood clot indicated that a woman had been shot before her body was burned.
    Dr. K. Bowden, senior Government Pathologist gave that evidence in the Criminal Court today in the trial of John Charles Wilson, 64, of Officer, on a charge of having murdered on December 8 Mrs Kathleen Glover Seul, 73, who was his neighbor at Officer.
    Mrs Seul and Wilson lived in adjoining shacks in the scrub off Princes Highway. The shacks and a waggonette owned by Wilson were burned to the ground, and Mrs Seul's body was found in the ruins of her shack.
    The Crown alleges that Wilson shot her with a .32 rifle and then set fire to the buildings and waggonette.
    'DISINTEGRATED'
    Dr. Bowden said the clot was isolated among a number of bones. He concluded from an examination of the metal fragment in the clot that Mrs Seul died from haemorrhage caused by a bullet that disintegrated when it struck her. The color of burned organs indicated she bled severely before her death, he said. There was no sign of asphyxiation or of her having been burned to death.
    Counsel for the defence, Mr A. Moore, questioned Dr. Bowden's ability to be certain of the cause of death on such flimsy evidence. Dr. Bowden said he could be certain but he agreed that he had been assisted to some extent by police reports that a shot was fired and the fact that the metal resembled the casing on a .32 bullet. The piece of metal was only ¼ in. by 3-16 in. and was embedded for two-thirds of its bulk in the clot.
    The clot had been found separate but among the scattered ashes of half a skull in the charcoal. The absence of the top half of the skull made it impossible to trace any point of entry of a bullet. Mr Moore asked if Dr. Bowden had found other particles of the disintegrated bullet, if it was a bullet. Dr. Bowden said he would expect to find such fragments only along the course of a missile.
    The hearing is not finished. John Charles Edward Wilson50
  • 4 Mar 1953: Officer Pensioner Not Guilty Of Manslaughter
    JOHN CHARLES WILSON, 64, was found not guilty last week of having murdered Mrs. Kathleen Glover Seul, 73, at Officer on December 8.
    The jury, which was 2½ hours reaching its verdict, also found him not guilty of manslaughter.
    Mr. Justice Sholl immediately discharged Wilson.
    Wilson showed no emotion as he watched the jury file into the court and deliver its decision. But he seemed dazed as a policeman led him from the dock.
    Asked later what his plans were, he replied, “I don’t know what I am going to do. I have no home to go to.” Wilson had been charged with the murder of Mrs. Kathleen Glover Seul, 73, whose body was found in a burnt-out shack at Officer on December 8.
    Wilson’s nearby shack also was burnt.
    Wilson denied that he had shot Mrs. Seul with a rifle and burnt her home and his to destroy evidence.
    On Thursday he showed the court his right arm, which was withered as a result of wounds in the 1914-18 war.
    He said that this prevented him from firing a rifle accurately. Mr. P. Moore, under instructions from the Public Solicitor, defended Wilson.
    Mr. F. R. Nelson, Q.C., prosecuted. John Charles Edward Wilson51

Citations

  1. [S187] FamilySearch ""British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932; 1937-1938," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-DBBQ-WGC : 21 January 2016), 004401576 > image 2136 of 3156; Vital Statistics Agency, Victoria.
    Thomas [par Thos KIRK & Mary McARTHUR]; Katherine [par Isaac ALLEN & Hanna ROBINSON]."
  2. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 7591/ P2 unit 1611, item 463/614
    VPRS 28/ P4 unit 534, item 463/614.
  3. [S187] FamilySearch "British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932; 1937-1938."
  4. [S187] FamilySearch "1910 USA census: born to English father and Indian mother."
  5. [S187] FamilySearch ""Washington, County Marriages, 1855-2008," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WY-9882 : 28 November 2018), Whatcom > Marriage returns 1908 Jan-1910 Apr no 3376-4300 > image 1408 of 1890; State Archives, Olympia."
  6. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, https://www.geni.com/people/Hannah-Allen/… (birth date)
    by James Robertson.
  7. [S205] Newspaper - (World) The Friend of India, 7 Feb 1879, p26
    "BIRTHS." The Friend of India, 7 Feb. 1879, p. 132. 19th Century UK Periodicals, http://link.galegroup.com.rp.nla.gov.au/apps/doc/…. Accessed 19 Apr. 2019.
  8. [S187] FamilySearch ""Vermont, St. Albans Canadian Border Crossings, 1895-1954," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QSQ-G9D9-CHSQ : 9 October 2015), (M1464) Manifests of Passengers Arriving in the St. Albans, VT, District through Canadian Pacific and Atlantic Ports, 1895-1954 > Roll 69, vol 21-22, Jan-Feb 1908 > image 798 of 1051; citing NARA microfilm publications M1461, M1463, M1464, and M1465 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.)."
  9. [S187] FamilySearch ""United States Border Crossings from Canada to United States, 1895-1956," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XLDG-ZPT : 27 November 2014), Kate Glover Allen, Feb 1908; from "Border Crossings: From Canada to U.S., 1895-1954," database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2010); citing Ship , arrival port Blaine, Washington,, line 4, NARA microfilm publication M1464, Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, RG 85, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 69."
  10. [S187] FamilySearch ""Washington, County Marriages, 1855-2008," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WL-1G8G : 28 November 2018), Whatcom > Index to marriage certificates 1870-1941 > image 10 of 1190; State Archives, Olympia."
  11. [S33] Australian Government: http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/search/index.aspx, Contents date range 1921 - 1959
    Series number A446
    Control symbol      1959/51685 Citation NAA: A446, 1959/51685 Item barcode 7774289.
  12. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1100-826 - Kate Glover Seul of Officer Married Woman.
  13. [S230] Family Search ""British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986; 1992-1993", database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FLVG-5YW : 8 November 2017), Thomas Kirk, 1931.
    Birth Date given as 12 Jun 1859 Ontario, father Thomas Kirk."
  14. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online).
  15. [S33] Australian Government: http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/search/index.aspx, Series number A1336
    Citation NAA: A1336, 25817
    Item barcode 3516119 Location Canberra
    Citation NAA: A1336, 25818
    Item barcode 3516120 Location Canberra.
  16. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1100-826 - Malcolm Seaton of Seymour, Farmer - C/T 6225-982.
  17. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 4196-189 - Kate Glover Seul of Officer Widow.
  18. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1100-826 - Bertie Briggs of Berkley Street East Oakleigh Billposter - C/T 6551-169.
  19. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 4196-189 - Emma Violet Ann Helen Caton of 148 High Street Northcote Widow and William Daymon of 18 Gladstone Street East Coburg Old Age Pensioner - proprietors as tenants-in-common in equal shares - C/T 6622-348.
  20. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 4196-189 - John Charles Edward Wilson of Officer Military Pensioner - C/T 6868-469.
  21. [S50] Miscellaneous Source, https://www.digitalarchives.wa.gov/Record/View/…
    Death Records - Department of Health, Death Index, 1907-1960; 1965-2017
    Da Reference Number:      
    Image Number: 955 Document Number: 56 Document Reference Id: 16441.
  22. [S24] PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 24/ P0 unit 2053, item K.G. Seul Inquests Resulting in Criminal Charges.
  23. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1100-826 - Kathleen Glover Seul (herein called Kate Glover Seul) died on 8th Dec 1952. An election to administer her estate has been files by Public Trustee.
  24. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 4196-189 - Cancelled application No B234864 - pursuant to section 31 - C/T 8358-079 - Title issued to Public Trustee.
  25. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1100-826 - Cancelled application No B234864 - pursuant to section 31 - C/T 8358-078 - Title issued to Public Trustee.
  26. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8358-079 - Public Trustee (by whom has been filed an Election to Administer the estate of Kathleen Glover Seul deceased).
  27. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8358-078 - Public Trustee (by whom has been filed an Election to Administer the estate of Kathleen Glover Seul deceased).
  28. [S83] UK census - viewed on Ancestry "The National Archives of the UK (TNA); Kew, Surrey, England; Class: RG12; Piece: 674; Folio: 168; Page: 3."
  29. [S83] UK census - viewed on Ancestry "Class: RG13; Piece: 2371; Folio: 13; Page: 17."
  30. [S187] FamilySearch ""United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9YB6-97WV : 24 June 2017), Washington > Whatcom > Blaine Ward 1 > ED 337 > image 3 of 14; citing NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.)."
  31. [S114] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1914.
  32. [S115] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1915.
  33. [S116] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1916.
  34. [S117] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1917.
  35. [S119] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1919.
  36. [S124] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1924.
  37. [S125] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1925.
  38. [S128] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1928.
  39. [S131] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1931.
  40. [S134] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1934.
  41. [S136] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1936.
  42. [S142] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1942.
  43. [S149] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1949.
  44. [S47] Index of burials in the cemetery of Springvale Botanical Cemetery.
  45. [S218] Newspaper - The Dandenong Journal (Vic.), Thu 27 Aug 1936, p7
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/214740768
  46. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Sat 20 Dec 1952, p4
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/205424324
  47. [S218] Newspaper - The Dandenong Journal (Vic.), Wed 24 Dec 1952, p1
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222363644
    The Dandenong Journal (Vic.), Wed 24 Dec 1952, p20
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222363644
  48. [S14] Newspaper - Truth (Sydney, NSW), Sun 28 Dec 1952, p30 (Illustrated)
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/168010669
  49. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Wed 25 Feb 1953, p7
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23229776
  50. [S14] Newspaper - The Herald (Melbourne, Vic.), Wed 25 Feb 1953, p3
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/249184512
  51. [S218] Newspaper - The Dandenong Journal (Vic.), Wed 4 Mar 1953, p13
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/215817557
Last Edited5 Jun 2019

Bertie Briggs

M, #22009, d. 1965
Marriage*1916 Spouse: Emily May Brache. VIC, Australia, #M5953/1916.1
 
Land-UBeac*1 May 1942 PAK-156 (part), Peterson Road. Transfer from Katherine Glover Allen to Bertie Briggs. 14a 1r 38p.2 
Land-UBeac20 Jun 1947 PAK-156 (part), Peterson Road. Transfer from Bertie Briggs to Clifford William Augustus Neilson. 11a 1r 39p.3 
Land-UBeac*20 Jun 1947 PAK-156 (part), Peterson Road. Transfer from Bertie Briggs to Clifford William Augustus Neilson. 2a 3r 39p.4 
Widower1956Bertie Briggs became a widower upon the death of his wife Emily May Brache.5 
Death*1965 Bentleigh, VIC, Australia, #D23308/1965 [par Thomas Francis BRIGGS & Mary Ann McCANN].6 

Citations

  1. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online).
  2. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1100-826 - Bertie Briggs of Berkley Street East Oakleigh Billposter - C/T 6551-169.
  3. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 6551-169 - Clifford William Neilson of 342 New Street Brighton Warehouseman - C/T 7130-960.
  4. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 6551-169 - Clifford William Neilson of 342 New Street Brighton Warehouseman - C/T 7130-959.
  5. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online) "born Northcote."
  6. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online) "born Melbourne South."
Last Edited15 Apr 2019

John Charles Edward Wilson

M, #22014, b. 1890, d. 15 Aug 1975

World War I

John Charles Edward WILSON, Regimental No 1914 was born in Melbourne and enlisted on 19 Jul 1915. He was a driver and his religion was Church of England. He lived at 5 Richardson Street, East Brunswick with his wife Annie Wilson.
He enlisted as a private with the 60th Battalion, 3rd Reinforcement, but was later transferred to the 59th. His unit embarked from Melbourne on board HMAT A17 Port Lincoln on 4 May 1916. He returned to Australia on 24 December 1918.1
Probate (Will)* 802/302. John Charles E WILSON Date of grant: 18 Mar 1976; Date of death: 15 Aug 1975; Occupation: Pensioner; Residence: Wst Brunswick.2 
Death-Notice* No death notice in Age 16 Aug or 18 Aug 1975. 
Birth*1890 Carlton, VIC, Australia, possible birth at Carlton: #B20840 [par Charles John WILSON & Margaret WILSON] - as Charles John.3 
Marriage*1909 Spouse: Annie Snell. VIC, Australia, #M9397/1909.4
 
Note*25 Apr 1918 Wounded in action, GSW Right shoulder. 
Land-UBeac*29 Jan 1946 PAK-236 (part). Transfer from George Frederick Tivendale to John Charles Edward Wilson. 18a 1r 12p.5 
Land-UBeac*28 May 1946 PAK-149 (part), 103 Officer Road. Transfer from Katherine Glover Seul to John Charles Edward Wilson. 1a 0r 12p.6 
Land-UBeac*1 Oct 1946 PAK-236 (part). Transfer from John Charles Edward Wilson to Margaret Janet Anderson. 18a 1r 12p.7 
Widower7 Nov 1956John Charles Edward Wilson became a widower upon the death of his wife Annie Snell.8 
Land-Note*23 May 1967 PAK-149 (part), 103 Officer Road. Cancelled Application No C783804 - issued pursuant to Sec 31 Act 6399 - C/T 8687-501.9 
Land-UBeac*25 Jan 1968 PAK-149 (part), 103 Officer Road. Transfer from John Charles Edward Wilson to Horace Frederick Adams. 1a 0r 12p.10 
Death*15 Aug 1975 Kew, VIC, Australia, #D19684 (Age 88) [par Unknown] - as John Charles Cremated at Fawkner 18 Aug 1975.8,11 

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

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
1914130 George Street, Fitzroy South, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: driver. With Annie Wilson.12
192443 Fowler Street, Coburg, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: labourer. With Annie Wilson.13
1928Gwynee Street, Richmond, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: poulterer. With Annie Wilson.14
1942Cavaran Camp, Dandenong P.O., VIC, AustraliaOccupation: nil.15

Newspaper-Articles

  • 11 Feb 1930: A Distressing Case. SHATTERED NERVES.
    At the Warragul Police Court on Tuesday, before Messrs A. J. Harvey and J. Cronmie, J.'P., John Charles Wilson, a returned soldier, was charged with breaking a plate glass window in Mr. W. S. Iliffe's shop, in Queen Street, Warragul, on the 31st ult. Senior Constable Gunther prosecuted, and the defendant was ... ecuted, and the accused was defended by Mr. N. W. Moonie.
    William Simmons Iliffe, chemist, said that on the 31st January, the accused came to his shop, and said he wanted his fare to Melbourne. He replied, "I don't do business like that." Defendant walked out, and just then he heard a loud crash. It was his window that had been broken.
    Cross-examined by Mr. Moonie: He had not seen the defendant before. He was in a dishevelled condition at the time. He made no threat, and he did not see him break the window. The window was valued by the insurance company at £20.
    Ernest Reynolds said he had seen the accused on Friday, the 31st ult. Witness was standing about a chain away. Accused walked up to Iliffe's show and went in. When he came out he seem to turn round and put his foot through Iliffe's window.
    Constable Aldous said he was on duty in Queen Street and heard a loud crash. He walked down the street, and arrested the accused. He asked the accused about the window, and he said he slipped and struck the window.
    Crosss-examined : He was under the influence of drink to some extent.
    William Simmons Iliffe, recalled, said the window was insured for £20 against accident, and he did not doubt but what the company would pay it. The lettering on it might cost him 30/- or 35/-.
    Thr. Moonie said the Returned Soldiers Association had undertaken to pay this for the accused, who was a returned soldier, and his nerves were all gone. He had been badly wounded, and his arm was shot away at the shoulder, and was hanging useless. He was a nervous wreck, and only the night before he had got up in the night, and walked to Nilma, to get relief from his nerves. He would put the accused in the witness box.
    Accused, on being sworn, said that his nerves were shattered. He had had a few drinks of wine, but he had no recollection of going to the shop, or of slipping and breaking the window. He had undergone 16 operations, and there were more yet.
    The Bench said the case was a distressing one, as the accused was evidently distraught at times, with nerves from his war injuries. Although he told the constable at the time, that he had slipped against the window, which was insured, he said now he had no recollection of doing so.
    Considering the man's shattered health, and all the circumstances, the accused would be given the benefit of the doubt, and would be discharged.16
  • 20 Dec 1952: PENSIONER BURNED IN HOUSE. 'Going to Gallows': Claim at Inquest
    A 64-year-old pensioner stood and watched a house burn and then said "She is in there dead — and I am going to the gallows." This was alleged at a Berwick inquest yesterday. The inquest was on Kathleen Glover Seul, 72 years, pensioner, who died at her home at Officer, near Berwick, on December 8.
    A pensioner, John Charles Wilson, also of Officer, appeared in custody.
    Victor Leslie Wedmore, farmer, of Officer, said that, on December 8, he and an uncle twice heard Wilson using aggressive words with Mrs. Seul. She had slapped Wilson's face.
    Later that day he noticed that Mrs. Seul's house and Wilson's hut and waggonette were on fire.
    Witness stated Wilson had then told him that Mrs. Seul was dead; he had stood back looking at the fire and had said: "It is a glorious sight. This is it."
    Then he had declared she was in her burning house, and he, Wilson, would go to the gallows.
    Dr. Jacob William Arundell, of Pakenham, testified that he had been treating Wilson since 1950 for a fractured leg. Wilson had been morose and brooding. On several occasions he had threatened to commit suicide, and had once shown a noose hanging from a rafter.
    Other witnesses told the court that Mrs. Seul slept with a rifle at the head of her bed and a dagger under her pillow.
    They claimed she had informed them that she spent as much as three days at a time behind locked doors because she feared Wilson.
    Dr. Keith Bowden, Government pathologist, said that, although Mrs. Seul was badly burnt, an autopsy showed extensive hæmorrhages, consistent with a bullet wound.
    The hearing resumes at Dandenong court on Monday. Katherine Glover Allen17
  • 24 Dec 1952: Officer Pensioner To Face Murder Charge
    “SHE IS IN THERE DEAD — AND I AM GOING TO THE GALLOWS” A 64-YEAR-OLD PENSIONER, stood and watched a house burn and then said: “She is in there dead and I am going to the gallows.” This was alleged at a Berwick inquest last Friday.
    The inquest was on Kathleen Glover Seul, 72 years, pensioner, who died at her home at Officer, on December 8th.
    A pensioner, John Charles Wilson, also of Officer, appeared, in custody. At the City Court, on December 9th, Wilson, a 64-year old military' pensioner, was charged with having murdered deceased.
    Witnesses described Mrs. Seul as "a tiny, softly spoken woman.”
    Victor Leslie Wedmore, farmer, of Officer, said that on December 8th, he and an uncle twice heard Wilson using aggressive words with Mrs. Seul. She had slapped Wilson’s face.
    At about 1.15 p.m. on December 8th he and his uncle were working together when his uncle shouted: “Wilson’s is on fire.” They raced to Mr. Seul’s hut, which was on fire, and noticed smoke also coming from Wilson’s waggonette near by. “Wilson was standing inside, with his back to the window", Mr. Wedmore said. “The bare floor was on fire. “I called out: ‘Are you all right, Charlie?” He came to the door and said: ‘Get out, there’s ammunition in here, and it’ll go up any minute.’
    “I said: ‘Where’s Mrs. Seul?’, and he replied: ‘She’s dead.’ “My uncle asked him: ‘Where is she, Charlie?’, and he said: ‘You will find out about it in court.’
    Witness stated Wilson had then told him that Mrs. Seul was dead; he had stood back looking at the fire and had said: “It is a glorious sight. This is it.”
    Then he had declared she was in her burning house, and he, Wilson, would go to the gallows.
    Dr. Jacob William Arundell, of Pakenham. testified that he had been treating Wilson since 1950 for a fractured leg. Wilson had been morose and brooding. On several occasions he had threatened to commit suicide, and had once shown a noose hanging from a rafter. “Five or six months ago, at Wilson’s hut, I felt quite uneasy”, Dr. Arundell added. “I felt that he might attack me if anything annoyed him.' I had a feeling that he was not fully mentally stable.”
    Dr. Arundell said that under the influence of alcohol, Wilson could become “temporarily quite insane.” Alcohol could destroy any reasoning power he had.
    Helen Edith McCoubrie, of Officer, said Mrs. Seul had kept a rifle and machete at the head, of her bed, and slept with a dagger under her pillow.
    Mrs. Seul told her that she had come from Canada, and had to protect herself there from wild animals, she added.
    Once, Mrs. Seul told her, she lived behind locked doors for two or three days. She did not explain why.
    Dr. Keith Bowden, Government pathologist, said that, although Mrs. Seul was badly burnt, an autopsy showed extensive haemorrhages, consistent with a bullet wound.
    The hearing was resuming at the Dandenong Court on Monday afternoon.
    Detective Peter Pedersen, of Russell St., told the court he saw Wilson at Pakenham police station on December 8th. Wilson’s clothes smelt strongly of kerosene and ‘his hands were dirty and greasy as if he had been recently handling kerosene.
    Witness added that Wilson had told him: “I don’t think I’m that bad that I'd shoot old Kate, but the Paget’s is driving me mad. I think I am going mental.”
    “HEAD SHRINKING”
    Detective Pedersen said that Wilson also told him oh December 8th : “I’ve got Paget's disease. “My head is shrinking. I have been measuring it with a piece of string. “It is crushing my brain. It is like a girder on top of my head. I’ve been going to commit suicide.”
    Detective Pedersen said that Wilson told him he had had a few glasses of wine on the morning of December 8th, and that be had had “a hell of a row” with Mrs. Seul.
    Detective Pedersen added: “Wilson told me: ‘I can’t remember setting fire to her home, but I must have done so.’ “I said: 'I am going to suggest to you that you shot Mrs. Seul with a rifle, and then set fire to her house. What have you to say to that?’ “He said: ‘All I can say is, I don't remember.’ "I said: ‘lf that is the case can you deny that you shot her, then burnt her house down?’
    “Wilson said: 'No, I can’t deny it.’
    “I said: ‘I suggest to you that scratches on your forehead could have been caused by fingernails.’ "He said: ’I remember now, I fell down a drain.’”
    HAD £186 ON HIM
    Detective Pedersen said that £186 in notes was found on Wilson in the police station later on December 8th.
    Detective-Inspector Donelly, of Russell St., testified that Wilson had told him that if he had shot Mrs. Seul he was worse than he had thought he was. Wilson had continued: "The pain in my head is driving me mad. At times I cannot-remember what I am doing. I can remember setting fire to the house, but I would not shoot her.”
    Emma Daymon, of High St., Northcote, who has a week-end house at Officer, said she heard a shot before she saw smoke coming from Mrs. Seul’s house on December 8th.
    COMMITTED FOR TRIAL
    Mr. O’Connell, coroner, found that John Charles Wilson, of Peterson Rd., Officer, “unlawfully, feloniously, and maliciously” killed Mrs. Kate Glover Seul, 73, at Officer, on December 8th. Mr. O’Connell found that death resulted from a haemorrhage caused by a bullet wound inflicted by Wilson and that Wilson afterwards attempted to destroy the body by fire.
    He committed Wilson for trial in the Supreme Court on February 16th.
    When he asked Wilson whether he had anything to say, Wilson replied, in a firm voice: “Not at this stage.” Katherine Glover Allen18
  • 28 Dec 1952: "Murder," Says Coroner After Inquest
    WOMAN'S HUT WAS HER FUNERAL PYRE
    At noon on December 8 last, two wooden shacks stood, a short distance apart, in a sleepy bush glade at Officer on the Gippsland Highway, in Victoria. Smoke drifted lazily from the chimney of one shack. The birds twittered and the bees droned. Suddenly a man's angry voice startled the bush silence. A shot rang out and within minutes smoke and flame leapt skywards as both shacks became blazing ruins, one of them the funeral pyre of a 73-years-old woman.
    A few days ago the tiny courthouse at Berwick was packed to hear a grim story of events said to have led to this tragedy, when District Coroner E. O'Connell held an inquest on Mrs. Kathleen Glover Seul, pensioner.
    Gaunt, shabby and bowed, 64-years - old John Charles Wilson, also a pensioner, of Officer, who had been charged with the murder of Mrs. Seul, was present in custody.
    Wilson sat slumped in a chair, staring, as the long procession of witnesses gave their testimony. He did not move or speak, even to his counsel, Mr. Gerald Berrigan.
    Witnesses taking the stand walked past a sinister array of police exhibits — charred fuel stoves from the embers of Mrs. Seul's cottage, the twisted remains of a .32 calibre repeating rifle — and photographs which hardened men could not view without flinching.
    Police officers gave detailed evidence of talks with Wilson in which they alleged he said to Sen. Const. J. C. McKenzie, of Pakenham:
    "I don't know how the fires started. I was having a few wines when I woke up and my caravan was alight . . .
    Terrible Row
    "Kate and I had a terrible row. She's a sticky nosed old — who won't mind her own business." Wilson's clothes, and a matchbox he used smelt strongly of kerosene, said McKenzie.
    To Det. N. L. Pedersen: "I'd had about a bottle of wine and started on a second and we had a terrible row. I asked her to ring for a taxi so I could get some more wine and she refused ....
    'I'm going mad. I've got Paget's disease and my head is shrinking. I measure it every day with a piece of string. "It's crushing my brains out like a girder on top of my head. I drink to kill the pain. It's worse when I am not drinking . . .
    "I may have set fire to the waggon and houses, but I can't remember lighting the fires. I was going to burn myself up; it would have been better that way.
    "Kate told me I did things when I was drunk which I couldn't remember afterwards. She said I abused her and pushed her over, but I couldn't remember. If I used kerosene to start the fires I can't remember.
    "I didn't know there were scratches on my forehead. I don't think I shot Mrs. Seul with the rifle you found. I don't think I am as bad as that. I wouldn't shoot
    old Kate—"
    Pedersen said he searched Wilson and found on him a mustard tin containing £186 in notes.
    Victor Leslie Wedmore, farmer, of Officer, whose home was near the scene of the tragedy, said that about 10 a.m. on December, 8 he heard Wilson's voice raised loudly, and caught many words of abuse. He saw Wilson standing at a fence dividing his shack from Mrs. Seul's. Wilson was under the in fluence and quarrelling aggressively with Mrs. Seul.
    About 1 p.m., he saw smoke coming from the direction of the two shacks. When he reached the scene, Mrs. Seul's house was a blazing ruin, the floor of Wilson's waggonette was burning, and a wisp of smoke emerged from his shack.
    Mrs. Emma Damon, of Northcote, who was at her weekend shack at Officer on December 8, said she heard Wilson's voice raised after 10 a.m., then about 12.30 p.m. heard a single shot from the direction of Mrs. Seul's. Half an hour later she saw smoke from the fires.
    Quarrelling
    "Mrs. Seul was really afraid of Wilson," she said.
    Dr. Jacob William Arundell, medical practitioner, said he had known Wilson for two years and had formed the opinion he was a psychopathic case. The doctor said Wilson had Paget's Disease in the leg, but he had not examined him to see if it had affected his head. Wilson had complained of tightness of the skull, but this was not uncommon in neurotic and psychopathic cases.
    Dr. Keith Bowden, Government pathologist, said his examination of the remains of the woman's torso showed she had bled severely before death, and it was his belief she was dead before the fire started.
    The coroner found that Mrs. Seul had died from a gunshot wound inflicted by Wilson. He also found that Wilson had set her house on fire to destroy evidence of the crime.
    Wilson was then committed for trial on a murder charge.
    Article contains three photographs:
    * The ruins of Mrs. Seul's home where the charred remains of her body were found.
    * JOHN CHARLES WILSON ... for trial on a murder charge.
    * Dr. Arundell Katherine Glover Allen19
  • 25 Feb 1953: "Tiny piece of metal told of shooting"
    DOCTOR'S EVIDENCE
    A minute piece of metal embedded in an isolated blood clot indicated that a woman had been shot before her body was burned.
    Dr. K. Bowden, senior Government Pathologist gave that evidence in the Criminal Court today in the trial of John Charles Wilson, 64, of Officer, on a charge of having murdered on December 8 Mrs Kathleen Glover Seul, 73, who was his neighbor at Officer.
    Mrs Seul and Wilson lived in adjoining shacks in the scrub off Princes Highway. The shacks and a waggonette owned by Wilson were burned to the ground, and Mrs Seul's body was found in the ruins of her shack.
    The Crown alleges that Wilson shot her with a .32 rifle and then set fire to the buildings and waggonette.
    'DISINTEGRATED'
    Dr. Bowden said the clot was isolated among a number of bones. He concluded from an examination of the metal fragment in the clot that Mrs Seul died from haemorrhage caused by a bullet that disintegrated when it struck her. The color of burned organs indicated she bled severely before her death, he said. There was no sign of asphyxiation or of her having been burned to death.
    Counsel for the defence, Mr A. Moore, questioned Dr. Bowden's ability to be certain of the cause of death on such flimsy evidence. Dr. Bowden said he could be certain but he agreed that he had been assisted to some extent by police reports that a shot was fired and the fact that the metal resembled the casing on a .32 bullet. The piece of metal was only ¼ in. by 3-16 in. and was embedded for two-thirds of its bulk in the clot.
    The clot had been found separate but among the scattered ashes of half a skull in the charcoal. The absence of the top half of the skull made it impossible to trace any point of entry of a bullet. Mr Moore asked if Dr. Bowden had found other particles of the disintegrated bullet, if it was a bullet. Dr. Bowden said he would expect to find such fragments only along the course of a missile.
    The hearing is not finished. Katherine Glover Allen20
  • 25 Feb 1953: Neighbors ran to dead woman's blazing hut
    EXPLOSIONS "like machine-gun fire" had been heard near where a 73-year-old woman had died in a blazing bush shack, at Officer, on December 8, the Criminal Court was told yesterday.
    John Charles Wilson, 64, pensioner, of Officer, was charged with having murdered Mrs. Kathleen Glover Seul, of Officer. He pleaded not guilty. The Crown claimed that Mrs. Seul died from a shot wound inflicted by Wilson, and that Wilson, after having shot the woman, set fire to her home.
    Victor Leslie Wedmore, farmer, of Officer, said that he lived about 300 yards from Mrs. Seul's shack.
    On December 8 he was at home with his family when he heard yelling and bad language coming from the direction of Mrs. Seul's and Wilson's homes. After lunch he was working on a shed at home with his uncle when they saw Mrs. Seul's shack on fire. They ran to the shack, and saw Wilson standing outside the door of his own shack, some distance away.
    Wedmore said that when he asked Wilson where Mrs. Seul was, he replied: "She's dead. Isn't it glorious." Later, according to Wedmore, Wilson nodded towards the remains of Mrs. Seul's shack, and said: "She's in there. She's dead. You will find about it in court. "She's dead, and I'm going to the gallows."
    The trial will resume today. Katherine Glover Allen21
  • 4 Mar 1953: Officer Pensioner Not Guilty Of Manslaughter
    JOHN CHARLES WILSON, 64, was found not guilty last week of having murdered Mrs. Kathleen Glover Seul, 73, at Officer on December 8.
    The jury, which was 2½ hours reaching its verdict, also found him not guilty of manslaughter.
    Mr. Justice Sholl immediately discharged Wilson.
    Wilson showed no emotion as he watched the jury file into the court and deliver its decision. But he seemed dazed as a policeman led him from the dock.
    Asked later what his plans were, he replied, “I don’t know what I am going to do. I have no home to go to.” Wilson had been charged with the murder of Mrs. Kathleen Glover Seul, 73, whose body was found in a burnt-out shack at Officer on December 8.
    Wilson’s nearby shack also was burnt.
    Wilson denied that he had shot Mrs. Seul with a rifle and burnt her home and his to destroy evidence.
    On Thursday he showed the court his right arm, which was withered as a result of wounds in the 1914-18 war.
    He said that this prevented him from firing a rifle accurately. Mr. P. Moore, under instructions from the Public Solicitor, defended Wilson.
    Mr. F. R. Nelson, Q.C., prosecuted. Katherine Glover Allen22

Citations

  1. [S29] Nominal Roll, Australian War Memorial - WWI, Miscellaneous details (Nominal Roll) *Given name John Charles.
  2. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 7591/ P4 unit 585, item 802/302
    VPRS 28/ P7 unit 739, item 802/302.
  3. [S2] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Federation Index Victoria 1889-1901.
  4. [S3] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Edwardian Index Victoria 1902-1913 "Annie born Mailors Flat, John born at Carlton."
  5. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 6408-575 - John Charles Edward Wilson of Officer War Pensioner - C/T 6841-002.
  6. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 4196-189 - John Charles Edward Wilson of Officer Military Pensioner - C/T 6868-469.
  7. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 6841-002 - Margaret Janet Corneille of 14 Crewe Road Oakleigh Married Woman [title torn, first name from rate book].
  8. [S5] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Death Index Victoria 1921-1985.
  9. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 6868-469 - Cancelled Application No C783804 - issued pursuant to Sec 31 Act 6399 - C/T 8687-501 - John Charles Edward Wilson of Memorial Auto Park Sale Military Pensioner.
  10. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 8687-501 - Horace Frederick Adams of Princes Highway Officer Retailer.
  11. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online) "place of birth Beechworth."
  12. [S114] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1914.
  13. [S124] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1924.
  14. [S128] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1928.
  15. [S142] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1942 "John Charles Edward WILSON."
  16. [S14] Newspaper - West Gippsland Gazette (Warragul, Vic.), Tue 11 Feb 1930, p3
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/68636421
  17. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Sat 20 Dec 1952, p4
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/205424324
  18. [S218] Newspaper - The Dandenong Journal (Vic.), Wed 24 Dec 1952, p1
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222363644
    The Dandenong Journal (Vic.), Wed 24 Dec 1952, p20
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222363644
  19. [S14] Newspaper - Truth (Sydney, NSW), Sun 28 Dec 1952, p30 (Illustrated)
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/168010669
  20. [S14] Newspaper - The Herald (Melbourne, Vic.), Wed 25 Feb 1953, p3
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/249184512
  21. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Wed 25 Feb 1953, p7
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/23229776
  22. [S218] Newspaper - The Dandenong Journal (Vic.), Wed 4 Mar 1953, p13
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/215817557
Last Edited5 Jun 2019

Phillipp Seul

M, #22015, b. 26 Jul 1860, d. May 1933
Probate (Will)* 255/316. Philipp SEUL Date of grant: 26 May 1933; Date of death: 28 Apr 1933; Occupation: Laborer; Residence: Traralgon.1 
Birth*26 Jul 1860 Germany [par Peter SEUL & Mary ROSER].2,3 
(Migrant) Migration/Travel2 Mar 1885 To USA. Ship Werra sailing from Bremen Germany
Farmer, born Wurtemberg, age 24.4 
Naturalisation12 Mar 1894Phillipp Seul was naturalised on 12 Mar 1894 at Washington State, USA; Intention to naturalise 13 Jul 1885 in Walla Walla County Washington.5 
Marriage*21 Dec 1900 Spouse: Mary Cummins. Seattle, King County - Washington State, USA.6
Marriage*23 Sep 1909 Spouse: Katherine Glover Allen. Bellingham, Whatcom County - Washington State, USA, Phillip's 2nd marriage; Kate's 3rd marriage. Phillip was a labourer; Kate G Allen a stenographer.7,3
Land-Note*a 1912 4331/12 FRANK WILLIAM REX JOHNSON MORTIMER REX JOHNSON PHILIPP SEUL TONGALA 48 B.8 
(Migrant) Migration/TravelJan 1912 To Australia. Ship Unknown SEUL Philipp: Nationality - American: Date of Birth - 26 July 1860: Date of Arrival - January 1912.2
 
Note*1921 Katherine Glover Seul. SEUL Philipp (aka Saul) born 26 July 1860; Kate Slover 42 and a half years old; Chester (aka Christopher) born 2 December 1909 - American.9 
Naturalisation*29 Dec 1921Phillipp Seul was naturalised on 29 Dec 1921 at Australia; was a naturalised American. Address Hallam's Road PO.10 
Death*May 1933 Mont Park Asylum, Mont Park, VIC, Australia, #D3692/1933 (Age 72) [par Unknown].11 
Inquest18 May 1933Inquest held 1933/528. Phillipp SEUL Cause of death: Colitis; Location of inquest: Mont Park Asylum; Date of inquest: 18 May 1933.12 

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

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
23 Jun 1900Michael BRENNAN, Foreman Logging Camp, Belfast Precinct, Skagit County - Washington State, USAAge 37 - Single - Occupation Barker at Logging Camp. Born Jul 1862 Germany, father French, mother German. Arrived in USA 1879, Living in USA 21 years, naturalised. 2 months not employed.13
16 Apr 19106th Street, Blaine, Whatcom County - Washington State, USAHead of Household: Phillipp Seul. Age 49 - Lumberworker, employed, 20 weeks out of work in 1909. Arrived in USA 1878, born in Germany, both parents are German. Married (2nd marriage)
Member(s) of Household: Kate Glover Allen Chester / Christopher Seul.14
1924Berwick Road, Dandenong, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: labourer. With Kate Glover Allen.15
bt 1925 - 1928Dudley's Estate, Shepparton, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: labourer.16,17,18
1931Grey Street, Traralgon, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: nil. With Chester / Christopher Seul.19

Grave

  • FA-R/C*M***3384, Fawkner Memorial Park, Fawkner, VIC, Australia20

Family

 Katherine Glover Allen b. 29 Jan 1879, d. 8 Dec 1952
Child 1.Chester / Christopher Seul+ b. 2 Dec 1909, d. 24 Jun 1997

Newspaper-Articles

  • 7 Jan 1924: Cruelty to a Horse.—In the Shepparton court of petty sessions this morning Constable proceeded against Phillip Seul for having, on January 5 at Shepparton, driven a horse in circumstances. involving cruelty. The horse in question was at the time Seul was accosted bleeding profusely from a gaping and ugly wound in the shoulder, and was evidently suffering pain. The horse was produced, but the Bench refused to examine it. Accused was fined £1 with 7/6 costs, in default seven days’ imprisonment.21
  • 8 May 1933: AFTER the expiration of fourteen days from the publication hereof APPLICATION will be made to the Supreme Court of Victoria that PROBATE or the WILL, dated 23rd May, 1931, of PHILIPP SEUL, late of Traralgon, in Victoria, Laborer, deceased, may be GRANTED to Chester Seul, of Officer, formerly of Traralgon, laborer, being the executor appointed by the said will.22

Citations

  1. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 28/ P3 unit 2429, item 255/316
    VPRS 7591/ P2 unit 895, item 255/316.
  2. [S33] Australian Government: http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/search/index.aspx, Control symbol VIC/AMERICA/SEUL PHILIPP
    Citation NAA: MT269/1, VIC/AMERICA/SEUL PHILIPP Item barcode 5982324
    Extent 4 folios - Location Melbourne.
  3. [S187] FamilySearch ""Washington, County Marriages, 1855-2008," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-99WY-9882 : 28 November 2018), Whatcom > Marriage returns 1908 Jan-1910 Apr no 3376-4300 > image 1408 of 1890; State Archives, Olympia."
  4. [S187] FamilySearch ""United States Germans to America Index, 1850-1897," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:KDW9-PY7 : 27 December 2014), Phil. Seul, 02 Mar 1885; citing Germans to America Passenger Data file, 1850-1897, Ship Werra, departed from Bremen, arrived in New York, New York, New York, United States, NAID identifier 1746067, National Archives at College Park, Maryland.

    United States Germans to America Index - Name Phil. Seul - Event Type Immigration - Event Date 02 Mar 1885
    Event Place New York, New York, New York, United States
    Gender      Male - Age 24 - Birthplace Wurtemberg - Occupation Farmer
    Ship Name Werra - Departure Port Bremen - Literacy Unknown
    Last Place of Residence Tropia - Destination Place New York
    Transit or Travel Compartment Staying in the USA [Transit]; Steerage [Travel]."
  5. [S187] FamilySearch ""Washington, Western District, Naturalization Records, 1853-1957," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89VW-XSV2 : 22 February 2018), Petitions for naturalization and petition evidence, 1890-1902, vol A > image 189 of 266; citing NARA microfilm publication M1542 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.)."
  6. [S187] FamilySearch ""Washington, County Marriages, 1855-2008," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QKNY-GFR8 : 27 September 2017), Phillip Seul and Mary Cummins, 21 Dec 1900, King, Washington, United States, Washington State Archives, Olympia; FamilySearch digital folder 004206765."
  7. [S187] FamilySearch ""Washington, County Marriages, 1855-2008," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QS7-89WL-1G8G : 28 November 2018), Whatcom > Index to marriage certificates 1870-1941 > image 10 of 1190; State Archives, Olympia."
  8. [S81] Land Records & Parish Maps ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria). SERIES: Land Selection Files, Section 12 Closer Settlement Act 1938 [including obsolete and top numbered Closer Settlement and WW1 Discharged Soldier Settlement files]
    CITATION: VPRS 5714/ P0 unit 1533, item 4331/12.
  9. [S33] Australian Government: http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/search/index.aspx, Contents date range 1921 - 1959
    Series number A446
    Control symbol      1959/51685 Citation NAA: A446, 1959/51685 Item barcode 7774289.
  10. [S65] Ancestry - various indices, VPRS: 4396; Series Description: Index to Naturalisation Certificates, 1851-1900; Reel Number: 4.
  11. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online).
  12. [S24] PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 24/ P0 unit 1242, item 1933/528.
  13. [S187] FamilySearch ""United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:S3HT-6X3Q-VLB : 5 August 2014), Washington > Skagit > ED 197 Point Williams, Samish, Belfast, and Lookout Precincts > image 20 of 24; citing NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.)."
  14. [S187] FamilySearch ""United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9YB6-97WV : 24 June 2017), Washington > Whatcom > Blaine Ward 1 > ED 337 > image 3 of 14; citing NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.)."
  15. [S124] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1924.
  16. [S125] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1925.
  17. [S127] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1927.
  18. [S128] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1928.
  19. [S131] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1931.
  20. [S39] Index of burials in the cemetery of Fawkner Memorial Park, online @ http://www.gmct.com.au/deceased-search/.
  21. [S14] Newspaper - Shepparton Advertiser (Vic.), Mon 7 Jan 1924, p2
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/174030467
  22. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Mon 8 May 1933, p14
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/203819727
Last Edited15 Oct 2020

Chester / Christopher Seul

M, #22016, b. 2 Dec 1909, d. 24 Jun 1997
Father*Phillipp Seul b. 26 Jul 1860, d. May 1933
Mother*Katherine Glover Allen b. 29 Jan 1879, d. 8 Dec 1952
Name Variation Chester / Christopher Seul was also known as Christopher Saul. 
Birth*2 Dec 1909 Blain, Whatcom, Washington, USA.1 
(Witness) Note1921 Phillipp Seul. SEUL Philipp (aka Saul) born 26 July 1860; Kate Slover 42 and a half years old; Chester (aka Christopher) born 2 December 1909 - American.1 
Marriage*1934 Spouse: Doreen Corneille. VIC, Australia, #M1804.2
 
Note*1938 Chester SEUL - enquiry by wife
1938/7288 Citation NAA: D596, 1938/7288.3 
Divorce*1947Chester / Christopher Seul and Doreen Seul were divorced in 1947. 
Marriage* Spouse: Catherine Lonsdale Driver.
 
Death*24 Jun 1997 Brisbane, QLD, Australia.4 
Death-Notice*28 Jun 1997 SAUL Christopher late of Newmarket.5 

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

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
16 Apr 19106th Street, Blaine, Whatcom County - Washington State, USA(Head of Household) Phillipp Seul;
Chester SEUL, age 4 months, born Washington to German born father and Indian born mother
Member(s) of Household: Kate Glover Allen6
1931Grey Street, Traralgon, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: labourer. With Phillipp Seul.7
19375 Caloola Ave, Oakleigh, VIC, AustraliaOccupation: mechanic. With Doreen Seul.8
195419 Prospect Street, Wilson, QLD, AustraliaOccupation: fitter. With Catherine Lonsdale Saul.9
1980128 Abuklea St, Newmarket, QLD, AustraliaOccupation: welding supervisor. With Catherine Lonsdale Saul.10

Newspaper-Articles

  • 20 Dec 1928: EVENING PUPILS. CONTINUATION SCHOOLS. EXAMINATION PASS LIST. COMMERCIAL EVENING CONTINUATION SCHOOLS. Cleveland-street.—Chester Seul.11
  • 17 Aug 1933: BAIL BOND OF £200 ESTREATED
    There was no appearance of Arthur Robert Bolton, labourer, when he was called at the Hawthorn Court on Wednesday to answer a charge of having on August 8 broken and entered the dwelling of Edith Lily Brittingham in Christobel crescent, Hawthorn, and stolen two 2/ pieces and pearls valued at £15. Bolton appeared last week at the same Court and was remanded on bail of £200 with a surety in a similar amount. In asking for substantial bail on that occasion the police stated that Bolton had already absconded from bail in Sydney.
    Chester Seul, labourer Berkeley street, Carlton the bondsman informed the Court yesterday that he had been induced to go surety for Bolton by Boltons wife, who had informed him that Bolton merely "held the bag" for another man and that he had been arrested for an offence of which he was entirely innocent. If the witness had known that Bolton had been caught red handed in a house he would not have gone bail for him. He became suspicious of Bolton on Friday last and visited Bolton's home and his place of employment, but could not trace him. On Monday he took out a warrant for Bolton's arrest.
    An order was made estreating the bond. A stay of 14 days was granted.12
  • 18 Feb 1946: IN the Supreme Court of Victoria.— To CHESTER SEUL, Formerly of 14 Crewe street, Oakleigh, in the State of Victoria, Australia. — Take NOTICE that your wife DOREEN SEUL, has commenced PROCEEDINGS in the Supreme Court of Victoria for a DISSOLUTION of her MARRIAGE with you on the ground of desertion, and that unless you enter an appearance at the office of the Prothonotary of the Supreme Court of Victoria, Law Courts, Melbourne, Victoria, to the suit numbered 1390 of 1945, on or before the 22nd day of March, 1946, and file an answer to the petition in the said suit on or before the 2nd day of April, 1946, the Court may proceed to hear the said suit in your absence. T. CAPLES, Solicitor 157 Elizabeth-street, Melbourne, Victoria. Doreen Corneille13
  • 3 Feb 1947: DIVORCE COURTS: Before Mr Justice O'Bryan: In the First Civil Court (after the calling over of the Jury list) : Undefended: Seul v Seul. Doreen Seul14
  • 3 Mar 1947: Divorce Courts: Before Mr Justice O'Bryan: In the Third Civil Court: At 10.30: Seul v Seul Doreen Seul15
  • 20 Mar 1947: Divorce Court. Before Mr Justice O'Bryan: In the Second County Court: At 10.30: Seul v Seul, (part heard). Doreen Seul16

Citations

  1. [S33] Australian Government: http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/search/index.aspx, Contents date range 1921 - 1959
    Series number A446
    Control symbol      1959/51685 Citation NAA: A446, 1959/51685 Item barcode 7774289.
  2. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online).
  3. [S33] Australian Government: http://www.naa.gov.au/collection/search/index.aspx
  4. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, CAVANAGH Family Tree by simone1229.
  5. [S14] Newspaper - The Courier-Mail (Brisbane, Qld.), 28 Jun 1997 and 2 Jul 1997.
  6. [S187] FamilySearch ""United States Census, 1910," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9YB6-97WV : 24 June 2017), Washington > Whatcom > Blaine Ward 1 > ED 337 > image 3 of 14; citing NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.)."
  7. [S131] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1931.
  8. [S137] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1937.
  9. [S154] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1954.
  10. [S180] Electoral Roll for Australia, 1980.
  11. [S17] Newspaper - The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Thu 20 Dec 1928, p5
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/16517932
  12. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Thu 17 Aug 1933, p8
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4756070
  13. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Mon 18 Feb 1946, p7
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/206804323
  14. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Mon 3 Feb 1947, p14
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/22406182
  15. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Mon 3 Mar 1947, p4
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/22412218
  16. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Thu 20 Mar 1947, p7
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/22415914
Last Edited23 Apr 2019
 

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.