Flinders Island……… November 2013

Posted on by under Collis - Henry and Hannah, Holt - Jimmy, Billy and Johnny, Robinson's and Briant's

It’s been a productive time following up more history, whilst here on Flinders, I have been here for 2 weeks and still one week left. Great discussions with Dad and other close relatives,  lucky to find a few more old family photo’s tucked away in other family collections. The Furneaux Museum had several old family photo’s I  fell in love with (Robinson & Collis) relevant permission requested to publish one or two of these photo’s,  approved and of course – to be referenced accordingly.

The Museum is operated by a dedicated group of fabulous volunteers, led by Dreen Lovegrove. A treasure trove of family and Island history and thoroughly recommended to all also looking for family histories – the family folders are sure to give up all sorts of information. Looking in other families folders can be a source of information as well. For instance I found in the Bowman family folder the diaries of Dan Bowman, notations of Tot Bowman and Louisa Holt (Robinson) 1916 travelling between each others homes. I am keen to go back to read in more detail, hopefully this weekend.

The current exhibition is about the early music in the Islands……….highly recommended to all visitors to the Island to explore this  comprehensive and talented journey regarding the Flinders and Cape Barren Islands musical history.

Thought I would share these pictures taken in the Trousers Point area this afternoon, the beaches are surely some of Tassies best kept secrets!!

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James Willett

Posted on by under Collis - Henry and Hannah, George Collis Robinson, James & Emily Robinson, James and Fanny Willett

April 20 Insert 4

James Willett – son of James and Fanny Willett or ‘Aunt Fan’ Emily’s older sister.

The Willett surname was not familiar on first reading ‘Mapping our Anzacs’…. ANZAC day 2011, of course I recognised all the familiar Island names. Last week when I re checked the list…. suitably surprised when I realised the name James Willett, now a name connected to our family history.  ‘Aunt Fan’ was a beautiful discovery entwined in Great Aunt Edie’s history just a few months ago, captivating and intriguing, twists and turns….. gazing back over our history. Reading James file I could see he signed up a few months before my Grandfather and George.   I decided to visit the library ‘again’ to cast my eye over the Weekly Courier, indexed by Wendy Knowles, as I suspected Fanny probably placed James picture in the paper. I had a quiet bet with myself…… because George’s picture was in the paper – highly probable James would be as well, based on how close Emily and Fanny were. Initially looking over the index, couldn’t see his name, when about to give up saw “Willitt’ as per the AWM indexes.

Once home –  exciting to find James in the Weekly Courier. go to 1916 – April 20 – insert 4. Here was ‘Aunt Fan’s  handsome son, occupation,  stone mason. I wonder if he had anything to do with his parents beautiful headstone, also Uncle, James Robinson, as they are quite similar.

Dad wasn’t really up with James going to war, he knew about Harold J Holt but not James – actually he did say ‘Jimmy Willett’, would love to hear more from his family. His mother Fan plays a very special part in the Robinson family history. Dad did say that his parents were best friends with the Willett’s and they used to visit them when over here in Launceston – they were his cousins and remembers the house was on a hill, maybe the top end of Brisbane St near the Gorge.

Canon Marcus Blake Brownrigg

Posted on by under Collis - Henry and Hannah, James & Emily Robinson

1994_P_1020Canon Marcus Blake Brownrigg married Emily and James Robinson at St Johns Church 5/2/1881 about two weeks after his annual visit to the Islands of Bass Strait. I was talking with Dad about this last week as it explains the affinity his parents had with St Johns – he also wrote the book ‘Cruise of the Freak’, Dad said he had read the book in the library, a photocopy.  A quick look to see if it was possible to buy an original, found one on Ebay for a cool $600+ with a 35% discount, ouch! Then I realised its value.

A further search found this link to a digitised copy, could not believe my eyes. Dad also talks about ‘Cruise of the Beacon‘ so checked around- another lovely surprise, good to be able to access on line – originals would be a Tatts wish.

27 October 2013 – In loving memory of George Collis Robinson

Posted on by under Collis - Henry and Hannah, George Collis Robinson, Holt - Jimmy, Billy and Johnny, James & Emily Robinson

scan0067At 5.30am this day 96 years ago – George Collis Robinson passes away in the 2nd Canadian Clearing Station, Belgium he is 21 years of age, a lad from Badger Corner, Flinders Island, Tasmania.

George is buried in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery near where he died a few kilometres from Poperinge. George is my Great Uncle, the youngest brother of my Grandfather Horace.

Emily, James and family devastated and the impact on their health is obvious in Em’s letters to the AIF and again 1922 after the death of beloved Edie.

Emily and James notice of thanks in the Examiner December 1917………Holt not Robinson as no one would have known who George Robinson was, as only used for official documents.

1918 – Memorial notices first anniversary of George’s death…..again Holt.

Mary Holt (Nee Ackerman) – wife of George’s uncle Johnny memorial notice.

We are planning a family memorial service at Georges grave on the 100th anniversary of his death, and invite all members of the Robinson, Holt clan to join us. The idea started ANZAC day 2011 after reading the circumstances in which George was injured and the full extent of his injuries and his bravery – we decided we would plan this trip to remember George on behalf of Grandfather Horace, his parents and siblings. This will be our way of keeping his memory alive.

The Australian War Graves Commission has granted permission for this to happen on 27 October. Four years seems a long way off – however gives plenty of time to save up. To contact me you can leave a comment which will be private in the first instance and not published if requested.IMG_5426 IMG_5425

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26 October 1917

Posted on by under George Collis Robinson, Holt - Jimmy, Billy and Johnny, James & Emily Robinson

George was critically injured on the morning of 26 October  –  this day 96 years ago.

Reading the unit diary – there is mention of Pte Downing W who was killed. George and  Private Dicken noted as injured and evacuated, the diary is brief, the appendix, doesn’t offer any further explanation.

Reading George’s Red Cross file  ANZAC day 2011 was emotional to say the least, all we have ever known as far as family history goes is ‘George died from wounds’, reading the extent of his wounds and how he lay all day  in such perilous conditions was the start of  our plan to travel to George’s graveside in 2017. As Horace’s family, the decision was easy, to do what George’s family were unable in 1917.

George injured when a pill-box exploded, his injuries were compound fracture to both legs and his left arm including a head injuries, he was not rescued until later that evening under cover of darkness. He was transferred to the 2nd Canadian Clearing Station in the early hours Saturday 27th where he died at 5.30am. The one comfort in reading – he didn’t die alone in the  field.

Dan Bowman was close by as noted in one of the Red Cross letters, I should imagine he had a difficult time returning home without his sister Tot’s sweetheart, and his mate.

Private Nagle 5071 gives account as he was close by.

July 1916: Answering the call.

Posted on by under Billy and Johnny, Collis - Henry and Hannah, George Collis Robinson, Holt - Jimmy aka James Robinson, James & Emily Robinson, James and Fanny Willett

Horace 1894 and George 1896  Emily and James’ youngest children, possibly born on Long Island under the care of Mrs Burgess as elder sister Dolly was born there.

August 1914 the start of WWI, a few months earlier Horace was George were celebrating St Barnabas Day.

20 May 1915 – Jimmy Holt’s nephew Harold John Holt 22, son of William, joins the AIF, a Gunner 14th Field Artillery Brigade and honourably discharged 10/11/1919, reading Harold’s file tells us he spent time in Gallipoli, Lemnos, Dardanelles………..amazing!!! Harold John Holt

5 January 1916 – Emily Holt’s nephew James Willett 22 son of James and Fanny joins the AIF – having only recently discovered the Willett’s and the connection to the Collis and Robinson family when linking to mapping our ANZAC did James Willett click. I recall reading the list in 2011, recognising other old Island names, Willett didn’t mean anything at the time, it sure does now. April 20 Insert 4

21 July 1916 –  Horace 22 and George almost 20 sign up to join the Australian Imperial Force  in the footsteps of other lads from Flinders and Cape Barren Island.

With them is close family friend Daniel Thomas Bowman – Dan’s sister Tot, and George were sweethearts. scan0069

Emily and James handsome sons!! IMG_5578 These photo’s taken in Launceston by Burrows and Co. This photo of George is from the family collection but you can also see it in the in the Weekly Courier 1917  link 25 April 2011 the day I was introduced to the Mapping our ANZAC website (courtesy of my son in-law Chris his ANZAC day address at the end) and so inspired this history journey. Firstly I noticed – Horace and George’s physical characteristics on enlistment were same, I read to Dad, George was the same height as his father 5 feet 10 inches, Horace was 10 pounds heavier, his chest measurement slightly larger, both had fair complexion, blue eyes and sandy hair,  Dad said  ‘Dad and my Uncles always said George was the tallest in the family, he was 6 ft tall’,  for a brief minute I wished I hadn’t mentioned. I didn’t want to be responsible challenging family history about this……… then if I hadn’t we wouldn’t have known this particular story. I finally concluded after a little reflection, this was exactly the sort of history we needed to know, guiding us to understand how the Robinson family revered George, the baby of the family, their hero. Hopefully Dad still believes his Father and Uncles were correct, somehow the medico misread the measurements, and that suits me too!! 14 August 1916 – Horace was discharged on the grounds of being medically unfit. He would have returned home to his family after an emotional farewell with his baby brother, and so begins our George’s journey!

Old Island songs

Posted on by under Briant's, Uncle Walters music

Last year I had Uncle Walters old tapes digitised to CD’s.  This has allowed the opportunity to listen and write the words to three of these really old songs, of course in the tradition of the locals, references several well know identities of times, long past. We think the recordings were made around the 1950’s.

*The first song is

Hooray my boys my sails are set in my Adeline bound for town

we just passed Possum Boat Harbour and we’ll soon be into town

I owe old Tom Langley a thousand pounds

and I wished I owed him more

the day that Billy Riddle pasted the notes up on the door

It hard to part with Polly my love and fills my heart with woe

to leave Possum Boat Harbour

where the dear little cabbages grow.

*The second song

In nineteen hundred and five me boys we down to the mark

we went to Jerry Dunams to buy a bottle of spark

we bought 2 bottles and took 3 more and sardines by the score

and now they say they are for sale at Harold Walkers store

Now Hogan Isles tired of single life

is going across to Kangaroo to get himself a wife

he’s going to ask big Ellen and if she says no

he doesn’t give a bugger, cause on the Spree he’ll go

Now old Billy the Whaler had a house and 6 fowls

he had a dog names Shepherd and around the house he prowls

He had a little garden, grown taters by the ton, and as far as growing onions – are second best to none.

*the last song titled ….’Born on Old Cape Barren.’

I was born on old Cape Barren ……….in them blue hills over there

I was just a little baby when my dear old Mamma died

Its been years now since we parted and the times drawing nearer

I will meet my dear old Mamma……. in them blue hills over there

It’s been years since we parted and the times drawing nearer

I will meet my dear old Mamma……. in them blue hills over there

So I was born on Old Cape Barren……… in them blue hills over there

just remember what I told you about them blue hills over there.

Robinson or Holt

Posted on by under Holt - Jimmy, Billy and Johnny, James & Emily Robinson, James Robinson date of birth

Another piece of verbal history – Jimmy Holt told his sons, when he was a lad he had experienced driving the stage-coach on a Launceston/Hobart leg, amazing. He had a very rough early life, spent a lot of time on the waterfront, where he learnt to fight (bare knuckles in those days, another story for later) his father (Samuel) was not a good person. His step father John Holt was the best thing that ever happened and as far as he was concerned was his father – hence the dilemma of the Robinson/Holt story. Emily  may have been (school teacher’s daughter) the force to keep ‘Robinson’ as seen on all official documents apart from his Masters ticket where he used Holt, (pre Emily, I suspect) even though they were informally known as Holt’s. The clue supporting the theory…… When Edie died, Emily received from the Royal Derwent Hospital a form called ‘particulars required for Registration of a Death’, information directly from Emily as follows, ‘Name and Surname (in full)  Edith Elizabeth Robinson (known as Holt)‘. ‘Born Cape Barren Island’. As I was reading the form in the history room, I noticed Emily wrote on the back of the form – reiterating……. ‘please note the deceased correct name is Robinson (not Holt)’. Mind you the hospital ignored Emily’s comments, as Edith Holt is the name on the council cemetery records.

It’s interesting to see William used Robinson and Holt or Robinson/Holt equally and then at some point Holt became official. John was that bit younger when his mother married John Holt, and used it officially from what I can see on all records. Dad tells another story about the day Jimmy Holt’s children officially decided to use Robinson………..  Horace and another brother had been in the Lady Barron store talking to the owner Billy Conder (as they often did), and they got talking about the name situation that they were known as Holt’s locally and Robinson officially. Apparently Billy Conder said among other things ‘if you were born a Robinson……. then you’re a Robinson‘  it seemed a unanimous vote by all the siblings to start using Robinson locally after this particular conversation with Billy Conder. Thank goodness it all got sorted then! The locals had great difficulty getting their heads around the new concept, and quickly adopted the saying when they saw Tuck out with his wife – here comes Tuck Holt and Mrs Robinson. You can still rely on the same Island humour these days!!

The wash up of the Robinson/Holt conundrum – John Holt’s family have always been Holt’s, James family the Robinson (Holt’s) and Williams family Holt (Robinson’s) …….go figure!!

Now back to Billy Conder –  his most famous saying was; ‘it’s on the boat’ this he used when anyone wanted to buy a product he didn’t or never had. Dad recalls his father and uncles from both sides of his family often using in jest! I imagine by all the locals as well. IMG_6031

James Robinson

Posted on by under Billy and Johnny, Holt - Jimmy, James & Emily Robinson, James Robinson date of birth, Little Dog Island

James Robinson or Jimmy Holt, either/or……..the same person, our Grandfather and Great Grandfather! He is well-known by the two names and I often use both. Dad only ever uses Jimmy Holt as this is the history handed down to him by his father Horace also known as Horace Holt for a fair period of his life. We only ever heard stories about Jimmy Holt and his mother was always Meg Youl. A decision to photo copy James Masters Mariners Ticket – along with a few other documents as Christmas gifts last year, evolved into our family research and hasn’t stopped since!!

The tricky subject of James birthdate –  what’s written on his Masters ticket and Masters application doesn’t fit  with the 1858 birth certificate. IMG_5247 IMG_5248 Naturally I thought this was Jimmy’s original ticket – all became clear in the Hobart History Room, finding it was a duplicate and reissued in 1891 and has fold marks, probably kept in his wallet. (The original (and duplicate) application and examination was signed by James Riddle, great-uncle of Bill Riddle Senior who bought the Robinson home at Badger Corner in 1930’s.) IMG_0063 References for these documents – certificate No 52.

This information is direct from Jimmy Holt himself……… birth date, place and address…… Little Dog Island in Badger Strait. (Interesting…… Badger Strait) The specifications of the Elizabeth (built by William Brown, Cape Barren Island) the other boats he had been employed on.

Thank you Jimmy for this information. When I first read like others before me, a son had been born in Georgetown  24/9/1858 to Samuel Robinson and Mary Devine, thought it possible the registrar (registered 6/10/1858) may have mis heard Dwyer and why we see Devine.

The baptism certificate for this same child on November 3rd 1858 states the child’s name was ‘David’ parents named as Samuel and Mary Robinson, no reference to maiden name. As the dates fitted this would suggest the child was James Robinson.

However when I was examining his Home Trade Ticket, the glaring inconsistency was DOB, 1851, the dates didn’t fit with his parents history. Was James was the eldest of the brothers not the youngest. Did Samuel Robinson have another son in Georgetown with another woman called Mary and possibly the crux of his sudden departure in January 1859.

A trip to Carr Villa to photograph the headstone.

James died in February he hadn’t turned 75, taking this into account he was born in 1851. IMG_5222

Elizabeth Prest’s Will names James first, although William and John are around the wrong way. Again James marriage certificate – states in 1881 he was 29 years of age, again 1851. There is a variable of 7 years working on 1851 and 1858. James applied for his Home Trade Ticket in January 1875 –  James Holt states he started working on the ‘Blackbird’ in 1866, making him 15 or 16 as a boy and worked for 8 years in the trade, bringing his age to 23. James and his mother Elizabeth Holt owned the ‘Elizabeth’. If he had been born in 1858 – he would have started working at 8 and applied for his masters ticket at the age of 16. In this case he would have become the Master of the ‘Blackbird’ when he was 10. My youngest nephew has just turned 10…… ludicrous to consider he could be employed as a Master or even as a boy at this age, (no offence, Will, I think your parents would agree). The book Mission to the Islands published by Stephen Murray Smith also supports the 1852 theory – Smith researched and presents information about the local identities from Cannon Brownrigg’s work.

The answer I suspect is with Meg his mother who arrived in the Colony in 1853. I wonder if James chose his brothers, did Meg leave 2 boys at the orphanage and 12 months later leave with 3 boys. Would love to hear other ideas about this……..