Alfred Collis; not our ‘Uncle’ Fred Collis of Sawyer’s Bay but his Fathers brother.
Great Great Grandfather Henry Collis (DOB 1826) had a younger brother, Alfred (DOB 1827) in Burwood NSW, occupation was Blacksmith. Henry and Hannah lived a short time in NSW (daughter Clara Dora born at Concorde) before returning to live in Hobart. Henry had two sisters and two brothers in NSW while its significant information – no real clues to further these connections: until now.
Am still pinching myself about the information picked up on the weekend. Being able to scan a letter written 26 May 1889, by Alfred Collis 62 to his brother Henry 63 on Flinders. Alfred had visited Henry on Flinders Island, the letter describes the return journey to NSW, interesting reading – Alfred mentions the following family names, James and Fan Willett’s also Dan Wright, it’s these bits and bobs giving a glimpse of a close family – and how the mainland families supported the Island families.
Dad’s been interested in using technology to store this type of information as a type of insurance. Using this electronic diary allows linking of history information located without breaching copyrights………a great way to keep track, with ease of recall.
I have transcribed the letter as follows and scans of the original at the end of the post. Curious about the name ‘Eva’, who is Eva??
Dear Brother and Sister
We arrived in Launceston about ….. on Sunday and had to remain there to the Monday week following has the Corrina came into unload coal and we had to get a pass to Formby by rail has the other boats did not take passengers and we were homeward bound on the 7th May and arrived on the 10th and they were all on the look out for us thinking we were never coming and I found two of my houses empty the tenants had left we found both Families all well and Henry wife about the same as when I left but the work in the Blacksmith shop is falling off very much and everything is very dull.
Just now we made enquiry about the skins at Goldbrough Mort and Co. and they would be very pleased to do business of you anytime you like to consign your skins to them and I have enclosed a list of his prices by auction. Tell Fred that the Canadian Doctors is charging 10 pound for advice his Aunt has seen Dr Flamich and he says he can cure him if he was on the spot as he treats the ear alone. Tell Mr J Willett we can send him a Glass if the price will suit him they run from 2.10.0 to 3.10.0. and they will guarantee a range of Ten Miles if he will let me know I will forward it on and I hope you and Fanny have received the things safe from Dan Wright. I remembered you kindly to the MacDonald Family and Mr Moore would like to see Mr C very much and Bill Ford is still about the same but Mr Neich is not expected to last long as he is very ill. I enclose you a photo of Ted Stone so you can see some of George’s work and I will send you the other photo next time.
I hope your sons will come up according to promise. I managed to get two Joeys home but my bird died at Dan’s.
I send you two papers The Bulletin and the Town and Country Journal so you can let John have them after has I promised to send him some and let me know if he got alright again.
I now conclude with Kind Love to all George and Family send their Kind Love also.
P.S. Eva has sent you a letter in regard to her own Family.
Aunt sends a kiss for Fan and Nell
I remain your Affectionate Brother Alfred Collis
Wow he was keen with Joeys, I wonder what breed the bird was? Cape Barren Goose perhaps.
Niece Clara Dora’s husband was Dan Wright, she died the following May aged 26.
Niece Fan’s husband was James Willett. Nell would have been their daughter.
Nephews Fred 30 and Henry 25 would have been the ones he hoped to have visit in NSW. I wonder if they did.
Flinders Island: Badger Corner and Samphire River 
Eva is eva collis my great grandmother. her father was Edmond collis Alfred and henry brother .
Oh my goodness – this is exciting and exactly what I have been hoping to do – Wow!!! I have been trying to find out who and how Eva fits in as the letter suggests a close connection. So Eva is our Henry Collis of Sawyers Bay niece? Eva’s father died in 1880’s? Did you know you had relatives on Bass Strait??
Eva married alfred paull both live in burwood nsw .eva father Edmond Richard collis was a blacksmith on parramatta rd burwood and alfred was grocer near by. I was aware that Henry was in Tasmania on flinders island but did not know the extent of the family there.
I am curious to know when Edmund arrived in NSW – did he go via NZ as well?
Edmund Richard Collis (1833-1888) was the youngest son of George and Elizabeth. In 1859 he married Catherine Tupper Harwood at Burnham in Buckinghamshire, where presumably he was working as a blacksmith, and they had two children, Catherine Ann and William Richard, before deciding to migrate to Sydney with Catherine’s parents, Charles and Eliza Tupper and her brother Harwood William Tupper. Catherine was heavily pregnant when they left England, and Henry Orwell Collis was born in December 1863 during the voyage.Most of my early ancestors did not settle in Sydney, the first were Edmund Collis and Charles Tupper who settled their families in Burwood, on the road to Parramatta. They were blacksmiths, and the main road was an obvious place to have their business. and the Collis’lived at Hurst Cottage, Burwood (after Hurst in Berkshire).In 1890 Sands street directory for burwood under Cheltenham rd ther is registered a H collis wheelwright, E&H collis wheelwrights ,Mrs E Collis ,william tuppers a Blacksmith and a Mrs Waldren Groccer.
Katriona thank you for this information – in the photos I received on Friday (reference Tuck and King post 25/7) there is a picture of Henry Orwell Collis, and today I read your family story and here is his name, astounding and very welcome. I cannot thank you enough!! How wonderful to share with all their descendants.
My husband and I have been photographing and transcribing the headstones in St Thomas’ Church Enfield. Edmund Richard Collis died 31st October 1888 is inscribed on one headstone. Alfred Collis died 13th March 1905 is inscribed on a nearby headstone. Thought you might like to know.
Hi Sandra,
Would you have on line a photo of Edmunds headstone by chance?
Thank you for your comment. It’s always interesting to find out about other peoples projects in preserving our history. Old headstones are fascinating, from the plain and restrained to the grand and elaborate! Deb
Hi Sandra,
my name is Robert John Collis Edmund Richard is my great great grandfather his son Henry Orwell is my great grandfather Albert John is my grandfather Albert Kenneth my father.i am very interested in the Collis heritage I would also like a pic of Edmunds grave it should have a blacksmith anvil on the headstone if you have one.
Thanks Rob
Hi Robert,
The Collis’ are expanding, good to hear from another of Edmunds descendant. Have you seen the photo of Henry Orwell from Henry and Hannah’s album? Would you happen to know of any old Collis family photos? Curious if you had heard anything about Henry, my great great grandfather? Thank you for getting in touch – Deb
Hello, I am sorry it has taken so long to reply. I found your website by pure accident. Photos of the graves in St Thomas’ Cemetery Enfield have been loaded on the Australian Cemeteries Index website.