Volume 21 Number 2 September 2000 - Tasfhs

FELLOWSHIP AWARDSDenise McNeice (Member No. 955)Denise McNeice joined the society in1985 and very shortly afterwards acceptednomination as secretary of the HobartBranch. The following year she waselected as a member of the State Counciland from 1988–1990 took office as juniorvice president. This was followed by ayear as senior vice president beforetaking over the demanding role of statepresident in June 1991, a position Deniseheld with distinction for the next threeyears. From 1994–1996 she then held theexacting position of state treasurer. Sincethat date, she has represented HobartBranch as a delegate to the StateExecutive. For the past two years she hasalso undertaken the duties of the StatePublic Officer as well as those of StateResearch Coordinator. In fact DeniseMcNeice is currently the longest servingoffice bearer on the Executive Committee. More recently, since early 1997,Denise has also been heavily involvedwith and made a real contribution, to thejournal committee.At no time has Denise allowed her workload with the state executive to impingeupon her considerable involvement atbranch level. She has served at varioustimes as branch treasurer, researchofficer, Library Assistant, Vice-President,and also as a dedicated member of thePublications Committee, and shecurrently still holds these last three positions. There is no doubt that this highlyversatile and competent lady, with herkeen understanding of financial mattersand the society’s rules, has been a greatasset at both state and branch level. Hercomputer skills have been of immeasurable benefit not only with the State’sTAMIOT updating project, but also asTASMANIAN ANCESTRY September 2000Hobart Branch struggled through thelearning processes associated with thepublishing world. Our many publicationsnow on sale are due in no small part toDenise’s enormous input.After fifteen years of outstanding continuous service, Denise McNeice remainsa dedicated, tireless worker for the society and a very highly valued member ofthe Hobart Branch. We have muchpleasure in nominating her for a Fellowship Award.Colleen ReadDavid HarrisDavid Harris (Member No. 305B)David joined the Genealogical Society ofTasmania in 1981, being the silent half ofjoint membership number 305A & B,after the inaugural meeting of theDevonport Branch and fifteen monthsafter the formation of the society in April1980. However, he did not stay silent forlong and has, since 1984, been involvedin many different areas, currently beingDevonport Branch Treasurer and BranchDelegate to the State ExecutiveCommittee.At branch level, David’s administrativecontribution was confined, during thefirst two years, to providing advice onmeeting procedures. As a result of hisconsiderable knowledge in this area, hewas elected chairman in April 1987, butunavoidably had to resign in January1988; he was not prepared to hold officein name only. It was but a small hiccup,as in 1988 he was elected treasurer, aposition he held for three years. In 1992he served as a committee member beforetaking over the helm as chairman in June1993, a position vacant since the AprilAGM of that year.He remained81

chairman during 1994–1995 at a timewhen volunteers for office bearers werehard to find. In 1996 he again served as acommittee member before becomingTreasurer in 1997, a position he stilloccupies.In addition to the above skills, David hasbeen, since 1987, the official EquipmentMaintenance Coordinator, a position whichhas severely tested his manual dexterityand patience. Most of the ‘hand medown’ microfiche readers still functionbecause of his perseverance and he hasoffered valuable guidance in the purchaseof new equipment. In 1994, his intricateknowledge of the branch’s photocopiersaw him print 105 copies of the NorthWest Post, copying one page at a time.For many years, David has been active infund-raising, undertaken cemetery transcriptions and worked regularly as alibrary assistant. In recent times he hasbecome a member of the PublicationsCommittee, and still undertakes the copying and binding of branch publications.David’s administrative ability has beenreflected in the quality of his contributionat state level. He was a branch delegatefor three years before being elected asvice president from 1991–1993. Davidwas then elected president and held theposition from 1994–1997 when he againbecame vice president. He resigned fromthis position in 1999. As a delegate healways represented the interests of theDevonport Branch, providing they did notclash with the aims of the society.Throughout the past thirteen years, hisattention to procedural detail, upsetting tosome branch delegates, often highlightedthe need for change, in order for thesociety to maintain cohesion and cooperation between members.In 1987, David played a leading role inchanging the lengthy constitution to a82much simpler one accompanied by alarge folder of by-laws and guidelines.This work, undertaken over manymonths, was necessary so that the societycould become incorporated. He stillprovides advice on this voluminous, yetnecessary, manuscript to members atbranch and state level. In 1994, David,on behalf of the society, attended themedia launch of the National HeritageFoundation and was invited to sit on itsState Council which now appears to be inlimbo. He was in the group of memberswho attended Parliament House in Hobartto present, to a Federal Senate Committee, the society’s views on the retentionof census information. He was also astrong advocate for the retention of‘cause of death’ on Tasmanian deathcertificates.Working jointly with his wife Isobel,David played a part in organising the twoState Annual General Meetings hosted byDevonport and has helped run thebranch’s major fund raising raffle sinceits inception. Both have actively encouraged interbranch activities and cooperation, have represented both the state andbranch at official functions and belong toother interest groups within the society.David’s work in many areas of thesociety and in particular his high standardof administrative service at both state andbranch level clearly demonstrates apersonal commitment to the aims andobjectives of the society and to the causeof genealogy and family history.In recognition of his continuous personalcommitment we have much pleasure innominating David Harris to receive theaward of Fellow of the GenealogicalSociety of Tasmania Inc. (FGST).Sue McCreghanLouise RichardsonJohn DareChristine MorrisTASMANIAN ANCESTRY September 2000

MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARDSAT the Annual General Meeting heldin Burnie on 24 June, three membersof the society were presented withCertificates of Meritorious Service and thenames of another three recipients wereannounced. The three members who wereunable to attend the AGM will receive theircertificates at functions organised by theirbranch later in the year.Betty and Muriel Bissett (Launceston)have been involved in the ExaminerIndexing Project from its inception in 1986.Together they have typed most of the deathsfor the period 1905–1967 and have alsobeen involved in the proof reading of theother indexes. They have also compiled anindex of the magistrates listed in Walch’sTasmanian Almanacs for the branch. Theyhave both served on the Launceston Branchexecutive for two different periods of time.Currently Muriel is State Executive Secretary, a position she has held since August1997, and is a member of the LauncestonBranch Executive.Betty has been State Treasurer for the pasttwo years. Prior to that she assisted Murielas state secretary.She is currentlyLaunceston Branch Secretary.Sandra Duck (Launceston) for her work inproducing a number of indexes for theLaunceston Branch, most of which havebeen published. Sandra has been involvedin transcribing, typing and proof reading forthe Examiner Indexing Project for at leastthe last ten years. She has compiled indexesto the passenger arrivals and departuresfrom several early Launceston newspapers1829–1850, and is currently involved in theindexing of names from Walch’s Tasmanian Almanacs for the branch. She iscompiling an index of the postmasters andpostmistresses. She has self-published anindex to the obituaries in the Almanacs.TASMANIAN ANCESTRY September 2000Doug Forrest (Burnie) for service on thestate executive as branch delegate and statepresident. He was one of a small groupwho drafted the first constitution for thesociety. As a founding member of theBurnie Branch, Doug has been involved inmany aspects of the administration of thebranch. He is currently coordinating for thebranch the publishing of the indexes to thepersonal announcements published in theAdvocate newspaper. Through his numerous speaking engagements to communitygroups and service clubs over the years,Doug has promoted family history and thebenefits of being a member of the society.Isobel Harris (Devonport) for dedicatedservice in many areas of the society at bothstate and branch level. Isobel has served asbranch delegate to the state executivecommittee for a number of years and wasalso Devonport Branch Delegate to theorganising committee of the sixth Australasian Congress on Genealogy and Heraldry.At branch level Isobel has served in allexecutive positions except treasurer. Atvarious times she has also served in thenumerous appointed positions, includingbranch TAMIOT coordinator, joint librarianand research officer.Allen Wilson (Hobart) in recognition of hislong service to both the society and theHobart Branch. During his ten years asRegistrar of Members’ Interests, Allenreplaced the original card index with adatabase on computer so that the society isnow able to publish readily annual listingsof members’ research interests. For severalyears Allen was the society’s representativewith the Australian Genealogical ComputerIndex (AGCI). He has led the HobartBranch Computer Users’ group for manyyears, sharing his computer skills withothers. Allen has also served on both thestate and branch executive committees. 83

LILIAN WATSON FAMILY HISTORY AWARDTHERE were six entries for the 2000Award, which was for a book,however produced or published, dealingwith family history and that must have asignificant Tasmanian content.The entries, in alphabetical order of authorsand the branch where they will be deposited: The Dunkleys, the History of a Familyby Elvie Bowring, George Town, (HobartBranch Library). Cattle King of Van Diemen’s Land,William Field (1774–1837) by Claudia M.Dean, Margate (Hobart Branch Library). Home and a Range, the Hean Familyof Tasmania by Leonard Wilfred Dimmick,Glenorchy (Launceston Branch Library). The Chambers Letters: A Family’sLetters from the Victorian Goldfields,South Australia’s Pioneers and Tasmania’sEarly Mining Days by Janet Marion Epps,Cremorne, NSW (Hobart Branch Library). Built to Last, the Story of the Shipwrights of Port Cygnet, Tasmania, andtheir Boats 1863–1997 by Alex GraemeEvans and Peter Wilson, Woodbridge(Huon Branch Library). The Wheel Rolls On and On, 1780–1999 by Arnold William Claude Reardon,Bellerive (Hobart Branch Library).The award was won by Claudia Dean forCattle King of Van Diemen’s Land,William Field (1774–1837). The awardwas announced at the AGM in Burnie bythe society’s patron, Professor MichaelRoe, who will present her award at ameeting of the Hobart Branch.Don Gregg (Member No. 329)THE judges were unanimous and enthusiastic in awarding the prize to a study byClaudia M. Dean, Cattle King of VanDiemen’s Land: William Field 1774–1837.William Field was an ex-convict who madea vast amount of money in Van Diemen’s84Land. Indeed the money came from VanDiemen’s Land, from its very soil. Theparticular soil was in the island’s northcentre, that enchanting country throughwhich some of the conference-attendershad passed on their way to Burnie. Field’sstory reveals much about farming andland-use in colonial days. Mrs Deanoffers much splendid material on thatsubject. At the same time her workbecomes an important contribution toregional history. It is often, and truly,remarked how genealogical studies servesocial history, but that same point canequally and simultaneously be made withregard to regional issues.While using the land and making money,Field was an active father. Family history,appropriate to our interests and award of theprize, is enmeshed with the economic andregional themes I have already noted.Cattle King is a model in this regard. Thegenealogical tables are comprehensiveand clear, the prose strong and effective,illustrations many, often telling theirparticular story, while always attractive.An index gives that help which readersever seek, but rarely find, in suchabundance as here.Mrs Dean extends her pen beyond humanachievers and progeny. She ends with anindex of horses and horse races and clubs.These were passionate interests of theField family through generations. So wehave a kind of stud-book, and a contribution to the history of Tasmanian horseracing, a subject worthy of attention in itsown right. It is regrettable indeed thatMrs Dean is not among us to listen to ourcheers as she leads the field, and theFields, across the line.Michael Roe TASMANIAN ANCESTRY September 2000

Letters to the editor VERY many thanks indeed for includingmy query in ‘Lost, Stolen or Strayed’.Most kind.Since my request, I have been given moredata from email correspondents inTasmania and in Queensland also, but thebulk of the story remains missing.Should I get further data as a result of myquery in your journal, maybe you wouldlike me to send you the whole set of notesfor filing?The ‘Tas Ancestry’ is a fine publication.Reading about the early settlement daysbrings home to me the quite disgracefuldomestic policies of the British government towards what I regard as some of itsbest people and dumping them in the thencolonies—those with guts to stand up forthemselves and fight to survive. We werenever taught about this at school.Oz got the benefit from our better peopleand then we expected you all to comeback in two world wars and take punishments again. Including my lost relatives.Yours, cordially,Ian Macwhirter in EnglandI received the issue of your journal andfound my little article in it. [‘Exposed tothe Genealogy Bug’, Vol.20 No.4 page258—Ed.] Many thanks for giving me anopportunity to contribute. My local newspaper plans to run a short article on it—they found it interesting that someone fromour little town was noticed so far away!Jeanne Hale, Kilgore, TX USACONGRATULATIONS on reaching 21.I must be near the top of the list with No.2706 I would like to see everyone reelected; this year has been to my way ofthinking the best ever.Jean Monks (Member No. 2706)TASMANIAN ANCESTRY September 2000CONGRATULATIONS on the 21stanniversary issue, particularly on thesplendid cover design.Don Gregg (Member No. 329)MY wife and I recently returned from a‘Genealogical Roots’ trip to Ireland andwere interested to see the table ofCemetery Symbolism in the MarchTasmanian Ancestry.Whilst floundering around in the mud onthe edge of Lough Erne, in Galoon ParishCo. Fermanagh, searching for missingancestors, we came upon a very oldgraveyard with two splendid examples ofthe type of symbolism mentioned inTasmanian Ancestry. A photo is enclosed in case you can use it.Skull and crossbones cemetery symbolismWe also visited the RepresentativeChurch Body (RCB) Library in Dublin tothank Dr Refaussé, the Archivist there,for his help by mail in the past.Unfortunately, he was away, but we lefthim a genealogical mug as a thank youtoken.I might add that everyone we encounteredin our searching, whether in government,85

church, libraries or family history groups,were very helpful and helped to make theexercise both rewarding and enjoyable.Ken Bradshaw (Member No. 4955)I am the author of A Clark by any otherName ? [Vol. 21 No. 1 page 37—Ed.] I noticed that no address was shownfor me as previously done. The lastone I put in for George Mundy gave memany new family contacts, for which Iam extremely grateful. I was hoping thisarticle may achieve the same result.Thank you for your generosity inincluding me in the first of the 21stbirthday editions, among such excellentarticles. I always live in hope that oneelusive relative is out there, and has thatone important fact that will makeeverything else fall into place.Wynnette Ford (Member No. 2637)JUST to say how much I appreciate yourprinting my request in the June 2000issue of Tasmanian Ancestry. I soughtcontact with descendants of the ChapmanBrothers who started the Hopeton TimberMill on the Derwent River, Tasmania.Although it hasn’t brought specificresponse to date, it resulted in communication with a descendant—as I ammyself—of a large Scottish family,several members of which emigrated toTasmania in the first half of thenineteenth century. This link is provingto be of mutual benefit.I noted that there is a Huon Branch of thesociety and intend writing to see if itholds records of the Mill.I offer my congratulations to you and allresponsible for the high standard ofTasmanian Ancestry—and its birthdaycover which does credit to its content.My good wishes for the years ahead.Sincerely,Sylvia M. C. Shores, New Zealand86 PAST AND PRESENTLAUNCESTONOFFICE BEARERSLaunceston PresidentMiss Karlena NagleMiss Judith ParnellMiss Karlena NagleMr John GrunnellMr Tom LelloMrs Thelma GrunnellMrs Pat HarrisMrs Anne BartlettMr Joe StephensMiss Jenny GillMrs Anita 9971997–20002000–2001Launceston SecretaryMrs Pat O’TooleMrs Helen ShawMrs Pat O’TooleMrs M. ArnoldMrs Kaye Kane (Grice)Miss C. PittMiss Jenny GillMrs Thelma GrunnellMiss Betty ��2001Launceston TreasurerMr Geoff RapleyMr R. Peck1980–19841984–1985Mr R. PeckMrs Mary Blyth1986–19871987–1994J. WelshMr John GrunnellMrs Dian SmithMr Alan 01Launceston LibrarianMrs Bet WoodMrs D. WrightMrs Bet Wood1981–19831983–19841984–1985Mr Tom LelloMrs J. Wilson1986–19871987–1988Mrs A. LelloMrs Alma RansonMrs Dian Smith1989–19901990–20002000–2001TASMANIAN ANCESTRY September 2000

A BRIEF HISTORY OF LAUNCESTON BRANCHSPat Harris (Member No. 97)HORTLY after the formation of GSTin Hobart in 1980, a meeting was heldat the home of Karlena Lockett(Nagle). About eight interested people,some already members of GST, decided itwas time to form a Launceston Branch.A public meeting was convened at theKings Meadows High School on 4November 1980 and about fifty attended.The first committee was formed thatnight with Karlena as president, JackRosevears as vice president, Pat Hinds(O’Toole) as secretary and Geoff Rapleyas treasurer. Ray Bassett, Bet Wood, PatHarris and Phillip Challis made up therest of the committee. Membership wasthen 12.00. Other current members whowere involved in the beginnings of thebranch were Paddy Pope, MargaretMcKenzie, Mac Hart, Gwen Smith andKath Williamson (Lucas).Our first TAMIOT project was at ChristChurch, Longford. This was fortuitous asa short time later, part of this cemeterywas badly vandalised.Monthly meeting

Sales Coordinator Mrs Pat Harris (03) 6344 3951 VDL Heritage Index Mr Neil Chick FGST (03) 6266 4071 Branches of the Society Burnie: PO Box 748 Burnie Tasmania 7320 petjud@bigpond.com Devonport: PO Box 587 Devonport Tasmania 7310 brajav@tassie.net.au Hobart: GPO Box