Ellen Kerwin

F, #22614, b. 1860, d. 1884
Father*William Kerwin b. 1827, d. Nov 1884
Mother*Margaret Kelleher b. abt 1828, d. 25 Nov 1915
Married NameEllen Murphy. 
Birth*1860 Berwick, VIC, Australia. 
Marriage*1878 Spouse: William Murphy. VIC, Australia, #M1944.1
 
Death*1884 Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #D1989/1884 (Age 24) [par William & Mary KELLEHER] - spouse William MURPHY (Is deceased at the time of her father's death in 1884.)2,3 

Citations

  1. [S1] Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages Pioneer Index Victoria 1836-1888.
  2. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online).
  3. [S80] Ancestry - Family Tree, rvagnoni1 (Vagnoni Family Tree).
Last Edited17 Jun 2019

John Matters

M, #22619, b. 30 May 1828, d. 8 Mar 1892
Land-Note* Rated for 275 acres 1882/3 & 1883/4 NAV 115; 1884/5 rated NAV 48 paid by McGOWAN.1 
Place in Upper Beac* Matters Road. Matters was an early selector who owned land east of Huxtable Road - c1873-1885 - Matters donated some land for the Pakenham Upper Hall - this is probably why Matters Road was named after him, even if it is not adjacent to his selection. 
Probate (Will)* 48/778. John Matters, Residence: Dandenong, Occupation: Gent, Date Of Death: 8 Mar 1892, Date Of Grant: 27 May 1892
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES.
ASSETS -- Real Estate
( 1 ) Land having a frontage of 132 feet to Potter Street Dandenong by a depth of 264 feet being part of Crown Portion 35 Parish of Dandenong on which is erected a four roomed cottage -- recently occupied by deceased - Assessment $ 35 - £400
( 2 ) Land having a frontage of 66 feet to Scott Street Dandenong by a depth of about 146 feet being part of Crown Portion 30 Parish of Dandenong on which is erected a four roomed Weatherboard cottage let at 8 / a week assessment $ 20 - £300
( 3 ) Land having a frontage of from 22 feet 9 inches to 27 feet 3 inches by a depth of 165 feet, on which are be erected three shops. Annual rent £124. Assessment £120 - £1500
The valuations for rates are "boom" valuations and much above the present values. The above valuations are made by Mr W. C. Clink, Rate Collector Berwick, and valuer for the Shire of Berwick.
Personal Estate
Furniture - £30
Money in Bank
On current account in Commercial Bank Dandenong - £1.0.10
On deposit for 12 months in same Bank - £174.0.0
Interest thereon from January 15th 1892 to March 8th 1892 @ 5% - £1.5.21
Total Assets £2406.6.0.2 
Book*From In the Wake of the Pack Tracks
A Groom's Eloquence started Pakenham Upper Settlement
When, in 1869, the Victorian Government passed the Free Selection Land Act, enabling a settler to select 80 acres (later increased to 320) there was a rush of people eager to settle on blocks. And Pakenham Upper's earliest settler was diverted from his plan to select land at Brandy Creek, north of Warragul, by the enthusiastic eloquence of a groom who extolled the virtue of the Pakenham Upper country.
J. Matters, a Devonshire farmer, had selected 30 acres at Nunawading but wanted more land. In 1872 he set out by Cobb & Co. coach for Brandy Creek, but while the horses were being changed at Bourke' Hotel, Pakenham, a Scandinavian groom persuaded him to inspect land at what is now Pakenham Upper. The groom claimed it was equal to Brandy Creek, and 40 mile closer to Melbourne - a big consideration in those days of coach travel. So it was that Matters and the groom blazed a trail into the hill, where the Devonshire man, convinced, pegged out 277 acres before returning home.
Slab Hut their first home
In August of the same year, Matters and a companion, Joseph Moyle, came back to the selection, and by Christmas they had built a slab hut. William Clink accompanied these two when next they visited their hill selection, and Mr. Matters' family followed soon afterwards. Potatoes and swede turnips were the first crops grown on the property, and Matters commenced dairying and pig-raising. Butter was packed in wooden tubs, and once in three months a spring-cart load of butter, home-cured bacon and eggs, was taken to Melbourne. A three months supply of groceries was brought back. The supply of meat, mostly corned beef, was obtained for sixpence a pound from Bourke's Hotel, and was brought out by pack-horse. (p146)
Pack Horse track
About the same time as Matters settled here, settlement also commenced at Gembrook, where the settlers came in from Beaconsfield. To provide a link between Pakenham and Gembrook, a bridle track for pack horses was cut, passing through Pakenham Upper. Mr Lewis selected 50 acres along this track, his property extending to Ararat Creek. Mr Clink selected 20 acres, which he exchanged for a portion of Matters' first selection. Years later, the district's first Post Office was built on the land taken over by Clink, Mrs Clink being the first Post Mistress. (p147)
Mr Matters gave the land on which the church stands; the building was to be used as a church, school and public hall. (p148.)3 
Birth*30 May 1828 Bere Ferris, Devon, England.4,5 
Christening5 Dec 1828 Higher Chapel-Independent, Bere Alston, Devon, England, Baptism 5 Dec 1828 [par Richard MATTERS & Elizabeth NORRIS].5 
(Migrant) Migration/Travel18 Sep 1856 To Melbourne, VIC, Australia. Ship Morning Light sailing from Liverpool
Age 26 - Labourer.6 
Marriage*6 Sep 1860 Spouse: Elizabeth Duff. Church of England Parsonage, Avoca, VIC, Australia, #M2179/1860, Elizabeth CLINK & John MATTERS.7
 
Land-Gembrook*23 Sep 1873Selection: GEM--A15. 273a 2r 31p - Matters had selected 273 acres of thickly timbered good quality land - it was fairly isolated and described as east of W. B. Wrights - and east of the source of Toomuc Creek. He received his license to occupy on 15th March 1874.
Matters must have worked hard - when he was due to renew his lease on 15 Feb 1877 his improvement were worth £537/11/- and included 2 dwelling houses, a stable, a barn, and 240 chains of fencing.
It was also noted that the applicant keeps a store. Matters received his Crown Grant on 25 July 1883 (19 July on Parish Map) for 273 acres paying £274.8 
Land-Gembrookb 1 Jun 1881Selection: GEM--83B. 19a 2r 17p - crown grant 1 Jun 1881 - Land File 5175/19.20.9,10 
Land-Gembrook*15 Nov 1881 GEM--83B. Transfer from John Matters to William Charles Clink. 19a 2r 17p.11 
Land-Gembrook*abt 1885 GEM--A15. Transfer from John Matters to Samuel Walker McGowan. 273a 2r 31p
1884/5 rated NAV 48 paid by Annie McGOWAN. 
Note*a 1885 John Matters later moved to Dandenong where he owned land, house and premises in Potter Street, also a bakery and three shops in Lonsdale Street - see will.12 
(Mortgagee) Probate (Will)12 May 1887John Matters had an interest in the estate of Samuel Walker McGowan.13 
(Witness) Marriage-Notice4 Jun 1887 CLINK—BUCHANAN.—On the 2nd inst., at the residence of Mr. John Matters, by the Rev. John Nall, William Charles Clink, Gembrook, to Elizabeth ("Lizz"), second daughter of the late Archibald Buchanan, Esq., farmer, "Scotch Blair," Kirkintilloch, Dumbartonshire, Scotland.14 
(Witness) Marriage-Notice11 Jun 1887 CLINK—BUCHANAN - On the 2nd June, at the residence of Mr. John Matters, Dandenong, by the Rev. John Nail, William Charles Clink, Gembrook, to Elizabeth ("Lizz"), second daughter of the late Archibald Buchanan, Esq., farmer, Scotch Blair, Kirkintilloch, Dumbartonshire, Scotland.15 
Death*8 Mar 1892 Dandenong, VIC, Australia, #D1514/1892 (Age 63) [par Richard & Annie].4 
Death-Notice*10 Mar 1892 THE Friends of Mrs. ELIZABETH MATTERS are respectfully invited to follow the remains of her late beloved husband to their last resting place, the Dandenong Cemetery. The funeral will leave her residence, Potter-street, Dandenong, THIS DAY (Thursday), the 10th inst., at 2 o'clock.
JAMES W. GARNAR, Undertaker, Dandenong.16 

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

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
30 Mar 1851Richard MATTERS - Farmer of 80 acres, Woolacombe, Bere Ferris, Devon, EnglandHead of Household: John Matters. Age 22.17

Grave

  • 429, Dandenong Cemetery, Dandenong, VIC, Australia, John MATTERS 8 Mar 1892 Age 6318

Newspaper-Articles

  • 28 May 1875: FOUND, with my horses, chesnut saddle MARE, branded J E near shoulder, broken knees, blaze face, two white feet. Owner can have same by calling at my residence and paying expenses. John Matters, Gembrook, Pakenham west.19
  • 28 May 1879: BERWICK POLICE COURT. Friday, 23rd May.
    Before Messrs. Palmer; Buchanan, Wilson, Sutherland, and Elmes.
    John Matters v. Henry Venibles; work and labor. The defence was that the work had not been completed and defendant was willing to pay for the work done.—The Bench gave a verdict for the full amount with 2s. 6d. costs.20
  • 1 Sep 1879: THE GAZETTE. The following notifications appear in Friday evening's Government Gazette: Appointments--John Matters to be a trustee of Gembrook Cemetery.21
  • 25 Dec 1886: We have received from Messrs. John Richards and John Matters, of Dandenong, £3 19s. 6d., being the amount collected by them for the relief of the sufferers by the late Windsor fire. The amount is made up as follows:—John Matter, 5s. John Richards, 5s. Mr Thorn, 4s....22
  • 6 Feb 1889: TENDERS invited till the 18th inst. for the ERECTION and COMPLETION of TWO SHOPS (brick) and ALTERATION to HOUSE, for John Matters, in Lonsdale street, Dandenong. Bricks secured. Plans and specifications at my office Thomas street, Dandenong. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted. GEO. PAYNE Architect.23
  • 26 Feb 1895: THURSDAY, 28th FEBRUARY. At 2 o'clock. BRISBANE and HANSEN (through their auctioneer, W. Brisbane) will offer by auction at their rooms, 72 Elizabeth-street,
    All that piece of land, at Gembrook South, being allotments 83A, A15 and A18, parish of Gembrook, county of Mornington, and containing 393 acres (more or less), with homesteads and all improvements thereon.
    The above is one of the best and most valuable farms in Gippsland, situated on the main road to Gembrook, near the South Gembrook P.O.
    The land is rich chocolate soil, divided into 7 or 8 paddocks, fencing mostly sheep proof ; 40 acres are under cultivation.
    There are two houses on the property, one a superior 5-roomed W.B. villa, with kitchen, servant's room, stone dairy, bathroom, barn, stable, shearing shed, cow, buggy and cart sheds, sheep and cattle yards, piggeries, fowl houses ; also a cottage containing 4 rooms, with garden, orchard, &c. Property is well watered by creeks, dams and springs. For further particulars apply Brisbane and Hansen, 72 Elizabeth-street. Annie Benson24
  • 1 Apr 1960: "Down Memory Lane"
    We are indebted to Mrs. D. C. Black for this excellent account of the early settlement of the Pakenham Uppper district, as told 64 years later by her father (the late Mr. Joseph Moyle) who went into the district as a boy of 14 years with the first family — the Matters.
    In 1869 the Government of Victoria brought in a Land Act, which enabled settlers to select up to 8O acres. There was such a rush for these, and larger areas, that the Act was amended to extend the areas to 320 acres. The result was a rush of people eager to settle on the land.
    About this time, Mr. J. Matters, a Devonshire farmer, had selected 30 acres at Nunawading. He was anxious to select more land.
    At this time, Brandy Creek, Gippsland, 80 miles from Melbourne, was thought to be the Paradise of Victoria.
    In 1872 Mr. Matters set out to visit Brandy Creek in Cobb and Co's. coach. This coach ran between Melbourne and Sale, Bourke's Hotel (now Prince's Highway Hotel, Pakenham) was a stopping place whilst the horses were being changed.
    Mr. Matters got into conversation with a tall Scandinavian groom, the topic naturally being land selection. Mr. Matters intimated that he was going to Brandy Creek to select. The groom said that within six miles of the Hotel there was land, some of which was equal to that of Brandy Creek, and only 40 miles from Melbourne as against 80. This was a big consideration in the days of unmade roads. It was agreed for £5 that the groom would show Mr Matters this land.
    After spending the night at the Hotel, a pair of horses having been procured, they set out north through Mr. Bourke's paddocks for 1 1/2 miles, coming out onto a cattle track at the bottom of what is now the rock cutting at the foot of the hills.
    From there they blazed a track through to the land Mr. Matters was to see. He was delighted with the place, and immediately pegged out an area of 277 acres. This along with his previous selection making 320 acres.
    Under the Act, a person was required to fence in and build a house; fence a portion and reside on the area for three years. Under a licence, the purchase price to be £1 an acre extending over 10 years payments.
    Within the given time, Mr. Matters built a slab hut on his selection, taking Joseph Moyle to his new selection with him.
    Mr. Matters' family followed shortly afterwards; also a William Clink, who selected land.
    The first work was the clearing of land and planting potatoes and swede turnips.
    About this time a settlement set in at Gembrook. Those to take up land included representatives of the Acclimatisation Society, who hoped to introduce new fauna and flora to the district. This property was three miles this side of Gembrook and was sold several years ago.
    Several holdings were taken up around Mr. Matters—Mr. Ramnge (the name still well known in Pakenhnm) selected land next to Mr. Matters (120 acres).
    Mr. Backhouse (a Melbourne solicitor) went further back toward Beenac, where there were tin mines at that time.
    It was necessary to get a connection to Pakenham. A bridle track was cut through passing Mr. Matters' property.
    Mr. Moyle selected what is now known as "The Grange" and "Kinkora."
    In 1876 the work of making the Oakleigh to Warragul section of the Gippsland railway commenced, and naturally sawmilling started in the district. On most of the selections there was beautiful timber, mostly messmate, clean and straight, making excellent timber for railways. The first sawmill was on Mr. Matters' property, owned by Mr. Shelley.
    By this time the district had quite a number of inhabitants, particularly since the event of the sawmills. A P.O. became necessary, and a name for the district. The place was called South Gembrook. The mall was carried two or three times a week on horseback from Pakenham. The mail was taken to South Gembrook P.O., at the Ararat Creek, and then to Mr. Creighton's, at West Gembrook, now Mr. Burnett.
    The post office was moved to its present position after the First War. There was a store at the Ararat Creek.
    The first contractor for the mail was Mr. Boyland, and the next Mr. Ramage.
    A medical man, Mr. Harvie, selected 80 acres, now called "Rosehill."
    Other selections were Mr. Turnbull, 60 acres; Mr. Raleigh, Captain Le Page, Messrs. Frazer, Brown, Hyatt. Mr. Brown's selection was taken over by Mr. Coop, a woolclasser. This place now is Mr. D. C. Black's property. Mr. Tinkham selected nearby. Mr. Priest was an early settler, and the name is still well known here.
    Mr Moyle left the district in 1887, his property being purchased by Mr. McMahon, a Melbourne tailor. Mr. Moyle returned in 1899, when he bought half of Mr. Ramage's property.
    A boot merchant, Mr. Carpenter, from Fitzroy, selected near Mr. Ramage, and became Mr. Windsor's orchard.
    Mr. Matters commenced dairying, and went in also for pig raising. Butter was packed in wooden tubs, and was taken to Melbourne in a spring cart, along with home cured bacon, and eggs; supplies of groceries being brought back.
    A meat supply, mainly corn beef was obtained for 6d. a pound from Bourke's Hotel — brought by pack horse.
    The early bridle track becoming almost impassable, the early settlers subscribed an amount of money and put log culverts over the creeks.
    Mr. Matters gave land and timber for a building for the use of the district, the provision being that no cards or dancing were allowed. The building is now our Church. It was built by working bees, and a tea meeting was a function of the opening. In the photo are Mr. and Mrs. Ramage and some of their children, and Mr. Ramage's brother; also some of the Priest family.
    The 23rd Psalm was printed in large letters on one end of the room. Later it was removed and the first two lines were there, taking up the full width of the room, until it was painted over about 15 years ago. The capital letters were a treat to look at — and many a child sat, looking and taking in those words instead of doing lessons.
    This building was rented by the Government for a school, which Mrs. Black attended. The new school was built about 1926. The first teacher in the old building was Mr. Frost, then Mr. Morgan, who lived in Pakenham, at the corner of the Gembrook road and the Highway. He drove out every day with a buggy and pair. The first teacher in the new school was Miss Moyle (Mrs. D. C. Black's sister). Joseph Moyle25

Citations

  1. [S66] Berwick Shire Rates, 1870-1965.
  2. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), Probate and Administration Files (VPRS28) / Wills (VPRS7591)
    48/778. John Matters, Residence: Dandenong, Occupation: Gent, Date Of Death: 8 Mar 1892, Date Of Grant: 27 May 1892
    VPRS 28/P0000, 48/778; VPRS 28/P0002, 48/778; VPRS 7591/P0002, 48/778
    Will: I John Matters of Potter Street Dandenong in the Colony of Victoria Gentleman hereby revoke all wills heretofore made by me and declare this to be my last Will and Testament
    I hereby direct that the sum of sixty five pounds be expended in and about my funeral
    I devise to my stepdaughter Elizabeth Margaret Clink of Dandenong Spinster absolutely all that piece or parcel of land with the cottage and buildings thereon erected and situate in Scott Street Dandenong and being part of Crown Portion thirty Parish of Dandenong and contained in Certificate of Title Volume 2015 Folio 402966
    I bequeath to my Sister Mary Charman wife of John Charman now residing at Bedford Street Beeralstone near Tavistock in the County of Devon England the sum of twenty five pounds
    and as to other my real and personal estate hereinafter mentioned being the land house and premises situate in Potter Street Dandenong and now in my occupation and the furniture therein also the Baker and three shop's premises and tenements situate in Lonsdale Street Dandenong
    I devise and bequeath the same to William Charles Clink of Berwick Contractor and Elizabeth Margaret Clink of Dandenong Spinster in trust to receive and pay the rents income and profits thereof to my wife Elizabeth Matters during her life time subject to my wife maintaining and educating Frederick Joshua Clink son of my Stepson William Charles Clink until he attain the age of twenty one years and from and after the decease of my said wife such rents income and profits to be paid for the maintenance education and benefit of the said Frederick Joshua Clink until he attain the age of twenty one years and from and after the decease of my said wife Elizabeth Matters and upon the said Frederick Joshua Clink attaining the age of twenty one years
    as to the land situate in Potter Street Dandenong with the buildings thereon erected and the household furniture therein which land is described and contained in Certificate of Title Volume 1786 Folio 357086 and being part of portion thirty five in the parish of Dandenong and also the land having erected thereon a bakery and shop situate in Lonsdale Street Dandenong and being the whole of the land contained in Conveyance dated September second one thousand eight hundred and eighty seven from Thomas Knight Bennett to myself having a frontage of sixteen feet to Lonsdale Street by a depth of one hundred and sixty five feet in trust for the said Frederick Joshua Clink his heirs executors administrators and assigns absolutely but if the said Frederick Joshua Clink die before he attains the age of twenty one years or before my said wife Elizabeth Matters then and after the decease of my said wife Elizabeth Matters in trust for Allen Robert Clink and William Charles Clink the younger sons of my stepson William Charles Clink upon the youngest thereof attaining the age of twenty one years their heirs executors administrators and assigns absolutely as tenants in common or the survivor of them his heirs executors administrators and assigns absolutely but if neither the said Frederick Joshua Clink Allen Robert Clink or William Charles Clink the younger attain the age of twenty one years or shall die before my said wife Elizabeth Matters then and after the death of my said wife Elizabeth Matters I declare that the said trustees shall hold the same in trust for my stepson William Charles Clink his heirs executors administrators and assigns absolutely and as to the land and premises situate in Lonsdale Street Dandenong now in the occupation of Nicholas Trounson Greengrocer having a frontage to Lonsdale Street of thirteen feet nine inches or thereabouts and being the Southern portion of the land described in Conveyance dated July twenty seven one thousand eight hundred and eighty eight from Alfred Lyon to myself from and after the decease of my said wife - Elizabeth Matters and after the said Frederick Joshua Clink shall have attained the age of twenty one years or his death before attaining that age in trust for Allen Robert Clink upon his attaining the age of twenty one years his heirs executors administrators and assigns absolutely and as to the land and premises situate in Lonsdale Sheet Dandenong now in the occupation of Walter Mr Donald Painter having a frontage to Lonsdale Street Dandenong of thirteen feet nine inches or thereabouts and being the Northern portion of the land described in Conveyance dated July twenty seven one thousand eight hundred and eighty eight from Alfred Lyon to myself after the decease of my said wife Elizabeth Matters and upon the said Frederick Joshua Clink attaining the age of twenty one years or his death before attaining that age in trust for William Charles Clink upon his attaining the age of twenty one years his heirs executors administrators and assigns absolutely And I hereby declare that as to the lands herein devised to Allen Robert Clink and William Charles Clink the younger that if either of them shall die before my said wife Elizabeth Matters or before Frederick Joshua Clink attains the age of twenty one years or before he attains the age of twenty one years then the survivor his heirs executors administrators and assigns shall take and be entitled absolutely to the whole of such lands tenements and premises after the death of my said wife Elizabeth Matters and upon the death of the said Frederick Joshua Clink or his attaining the age of twenty one years and if both Allen Robert Clink or William Charles Clink the younger die before attaining the age of twenty one years or after they shall have attained that age and before Frederick Joshua Clink die or attain the age of twenty one years or before the decease of my said wife Elizabeth Matters then and after the death of my said wife Elizabeth Matters my said trustees shall hold the said lands tenements and premises for my stepson William Charles Clink his heirs executors administrators and assigns absolutely and as to the residue of my real and personal estate not herein otherwise devised and bequeathed after payment of my debts funeral expenses and all probate duties testamentary expenses and legacies I devise and bequeath the same to my wife - Elizabeth Matters for her sole use and benefit absolutely I hereby appoint William Charles Clink of Berwick Contractor and Elizabeth Margaret Clink of Dandenong Trustees and executor and executrix of this my will In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this fifteenth day of April one thousand eight hundred and ninety said testator as his last will and testament in the John Matters entitled absolutely to the whole of such lands tenements and premises presence of us present at the same time who at his request in his presence and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses ? Joseph Draper Cadle Produce Merchant Dandenong William Cadle Storekeeper Dandenong.
  3. [S56] Berwick-Pakenham Historical Society, In the wake of the pack tracks, pp146-148.
  4. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online).
  5. [S65] Ancestry - various indices, Ancestry.com. England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014.
  6. [S36] Inward & outward passenger lists to and from Victoria. Series: (VPRS 14; 7666; 7667; 7786); PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), Inward Overseas Passenger Lists (see Microfiche Copies: VPRS 7666 United Kingdom Ports; VPRS 7667 Foreign Ports; VPRS 13439 New Zealand Ports) (VPRS947)
    Jun - Sep 1856. British and Foreign Ports
    VPRS 947/P0000, Jun - Sep 1856.
  7. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online) "#M2179/1860, Elizabeth CLINK & John MATTERS
    John Matters, Bachelor, born Devonshire, England, Miner, age 30, Residence Four Mile Flat, Avoca, parents Richard Matters & Elizabeth Norris, Farmer
    Elizabeth Clink, widow 1859, exact date unknown, two children living, one dead, born Belfast, Ireland, age 27, Residence Four Mile Flat, Avoca, parents John Duff & Elizabeth Burrows, labourer. Both parties were able to sign their names. Witnesses Agnes McAlister & Elizabeth Rendell. Officiating Minister Tho B Garlick. Married in the Church of England Parsonage, Avoca, this sixth day of September 1860."
  8. [S81] Land Records & Parish Maps ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria). Land File 32882/19.20 VPRS 625 Unit 445 (viewed by Charles Wilson 7 Jul 2003, who stated that John Matters kept a store - the first in the district (unsure if "first in the district" was written in the file or if it was a comment by Charles Wilson.).
  9. [S81] Land Records & Parish Maps ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria). Land File 5175/19.20.
  10. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1278-594 - John Matters of Gembrook Farmer.
  11. [S185] Property Titles ; PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), C/T 1278-594 - William Clink of Gembrook Farmer - C/T 1304-647.
  12. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria).
  13. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), VPRS 7591/ P2 unit 122, item 34/126
    VPRS 28/ P0 unit 414, item 34/126
    VPRS 28/ P2 unit 217, item 34/126.
  14. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Sat 4 Jun 1887, p1
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/7915844
  15. [S14] Newspaper - Leader (Melbourne, Vic.), Sat 11 Jun 1887, p42
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/196496706
  16. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Thu 10 Mar 1892, p8
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/197004637
  17. [S83] UK census - viewed on Ancestry "Class: HO107; Piece: 1883; Folio: 80; Page: 21; GSU roll: 221032."
  18. [S38] Index of burials in the cemetery of https://www.australiancemeteries.com.au//vic/…
    Age as 68    ,.
  19. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Fri 28 May 1875, p1
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/202132413
  20. [S12] Newspaper - South Bourke and Mornington Journal (Richmond, Vic.), Wed 28 May 1879, p2
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/70012040
  21. [S14] Newspaper - Gippsland Times (Vic.), Mon 1 Sep 1879, p3
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/62028333
  22. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Sat 25 Dec 1886, p9
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/196012674
  23. [S12] Newspaper - South Bourke and Mornington Journal (Richmond, Vic.), Wed 6 Feb 1889, p2
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/70394754
  24. [S16] Newspaper - The Age (Melbourne, Vic.), Tue 26 Feb 1895, p2
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/193464301
  25. [S18] Newspaper - The Pakenham Gazette, Fri 1 Apr 1960.
Last Edited27 Apr 2026

Elizabeth Duff

F, #22620, b. 1833, d. 3 Aug 1903
Father*John Duff b. 1806, d. 15 Jun 1869
Mother*Elizabeth Burrows b. 1791, d. 15 Jul 1864
Married NameElizabeth Matters. 
Probate (Will)* 89/117. Elizabeth Matters, Residence: Dandenong, Occupation: Nil, Date Of Death: 3 Aug 1903, Date Of Grant: 18 Dec 1903
Elizabeth Matters, of Potter St Dandenong left to her grandson Frederick Joss Clink all that piece of land being lots 17 and 18 on the plan of subdivision lodged in the office of Titles No 718 and being part of Crown portion thirty five Parish of Dandenong. Also 3 enlarged photos of his Grandfather, Grandmother and Aunt, and ask him to take particular care of them.1 
Married NameElizabeth Clink. 
Birth*1833 Belfast, Antrim, Ireland, (par John DUFF & Elizabeth BURROWS.)2,3 
Marriage*20 Apr 1854 Spouse: Allan Clink. Free Church Manse, Swanston Street, Melbourne, VIC, Australia, #M1641/1854, Elizabeth DUFF & Allan CLINK
married according to the Presbyterian Forms.4
 
Widow16 Feb 1859Elizabeth Duff became a widow upon the death of her husband Allan Clink.5 
Marriage*6 Sep 1860 Spouse: John Matters. Church of England Parsonage, Avoca, VIC, Australia, #M2179/1860, Elizabeth CLINK & John MATTERS.6
 
Widow8 Mar 1892Elizabeth Duff became a widow upon the death of her husband John Matters.5 
Death*3 Aug 1903 Potter-street, Dandenong, VIC, Australia, #D9337/1903 (Age 70) (par Jno DUFF & Unknown) - as Elizth MALTERS.7 
Death-Notice*5 Aug 1903 MATTERS.—On the 3rd August, 1903, at her residence, Potter-street, Dandenong, Elizabeth Matters, relict of the late John Matters, aged 71 years. (Interred August 4, at Dandenong.)8 

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

DateAddressOccupation and other people at same address
6 Jun 1841West Port, Linlithgow, Scotland(Head of Household) John Duff;
Age 9
Member(s) of Household: Elizabeth Duff, Susannah Amanda Duff, John Duff, Robert Duff9
30 Mar 1851Linlithgow Bricks, Linlithgow, Scotland(Head of Household) John Duff;
Age 19 - Working At Paper Mill
Member(s) of Household: Elizabeth Duff10

Grave

  • 429, Dandenong Cemetery, Dandenong, VIC, Australia, John MATTERS 8 Mar 1892 Age 6311

Family

 Allan Clink b. 1819, d. 16 Feb 1859
Children 1.Elizabeth Margaret Clink b. 1855, d. 26 Apr 1893
 2.William Charles Clink+ b. 1857, d. 12 Apr 1903
 3.Allan Clink b. 1858

Citations

  1. [S35] Probate Records, PROV (Public Record Office Victoria), Probate and Administration Files (VPRS28) / Wills (VPRS7591)
    89/117. Elizabeth Matters, Residence: Dandenong, Occupation: Nil, Date Of Death: 3 Aug 1903, Date Of Grant: 18 Dec 1903
    VPRS 7591/P0002, 89/117; VPRS 28/P0002, 89/117; VPRS 28/P0000, 89/117
    Will of Elizabeth Matters:
    Elizabeth Matters, of Potter St Dandenong in the Colony of Victoria.
    I give devise and bequeath unto my grandson Frederick Joss Clink all that piece of land being lots 17 and 18 on the plan of subdivision lodged in the office of Titles No 718 and being part of Crown portion thirty five Parish of Dandenong, County of Bourke, together with a carriage way over the road shown on the said plan of subdivision. Also to the said Frederick Joss Clink I give 3 enlarged photos of his Grandfather, Grandmother and Aunt, and ask him to take particular care of them. And the money I have in the Savings Bank is to pay my Funeral expenses.
    And I hereby appoint Mr James McFarlane of Lyndhurst Victoria executor of this will. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of February in the year of our Lord One thousand nine hundred and one.
  2. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online) "#M1641/1854, Elizabeth DUFF & Allan CLINK."
  3. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online) "#M2179/1860, Elizabeth CLINK & John MATTERS
    Elizabeth Clink, widow 1859, exact date unknown, two children living, one dead, born Belfast, Ireland, age 27, Residence Four Mile Flat, Avoca, parents John Duff & Elizabeth Burrows, labourer."
  4. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online) "#M1641/1854, Elizabeth DUFF & Allan CLINK
    Elizabeth's native place Linlithgow, Scotland. She is aged 22 and a house servant. Elizabeth's parents listed as John and Elizabeth. John was a Mason.
    Allan's native place Greenock, Scotland. He is aged 24 and a seaman. His parents are listed as (unreadable & Margaret). His father was also a seaman."
  5. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online).
  6. [S27] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Marriages) (online) "#M2179/1860, Elizabeth CLINK & John MATTERS
    John Matters, Bachelor, born Devonshire, England, Miner, age 30, Residence Four Mile Flat, Avoca, parents Richard Matters & Elizabeth Norris, Farmer
    Elizabeth Clink, widow 1859, exact date unknown, two children living, one dead, born Belfast, Ireland, age 27, Residence Four Mile Flat, Avoca, parents John Duff & Elizabeth Burrows, labourer. Both parties were able to sign their names. Witnesses Agnes McAlister & Elizabeth Rendell. Officiating Minister Tho B Garlick. Married in the Church of England Parsonage, Avoca, this sixth day of September 1860."
  7. [S28] Victorian Government. BDM Index Victoria (Deaths) (online) "#D9337/1903 (Age 70) (par Duff Jno MALTERS & Unknown) - as Elizth MALTERS, Death registered at Dnong, Australia."
  8. [S11] Newspaper - The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Wed 5 Aug 1903, p1
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9828839
  9. [S83] UK census - viewed on Ancestry "1841 Scotland Census. Linlithgow Parish ED 4/ Page 24/ Line 260
    Enummerated at West Port, Linlithgow
    Household Members: John Duff (35), Betty Duff (50), Susanna Duff (15), John Duff (14), Robert Duff (11), Elizabeth Duff (9), Lodgers: Thos McDonald (25 - Labourer), Mary Jane McDonald (20), Elleanor McDonald (4), John McDonald (2)
    Ancestry Record ID: 1004::542414."
  10. [S83] UK census - viewed on Ancestry "1851 Scotland Census. 4A/5/16
    Enummerated at Linlithgow Bricks Linlithgow Parish
    Household Members: John Duff (49, Head), Betsy Duff (64, Wife), Elizabeth Duff (19, Daughter), Anthony Mcgregory (24, Lodger)
    Ancestry Record ID: 1076::2690524."
  11. [S38] Index of burials in the cemetery of https://www.australiancemeteries.com.au//vic/…
    Age as 68    ,.
Last Edited27 Apr 2026
 

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.