The Neilson/Robertson/Pawsey/Andrews connection - Australia

UK origins

For information about the origins of the various families (Cumming, McDonald, Andrews, Mercer, Neilson, Pawsey and Robertson) in the UK, click this link or other links embedded in this page.

February 1850 - Arrival of the Pawsey family

According to a grave marker erected at their graves in Herne Hill, Geelong, Robert and Elizabeth Pawsey and family (and perhaps others, TBA) arrived in Victoria, Australia from Lydgate in Suffolk, UK, on 12 February 1850.

The family may have travelled in steerage on board the Clifton which arrived 12 February 1850 from London (11 November 1849). They were not listed as cabin passengers, and there were 202 passengers in steerage comprised of 94 men, 52/62 women, 47 boys, 39 girls and 20 infants.

The Argus of 23 February 1850 ran an article 'Public Meeting to Welcome the Students per 'Clifton'. It refers to the arrival of 'a numerous band of candidates for the Christian Ministry under the superintendence of the Rev Dr Lang. Four 'conventional' ministers were on the ship: Rev Messrs Anderson, Gibson, McNicol and Odell. 22 students of Divinity or candidates for the ministry who arrived on the Clifton were proceeeding to Sydney were listed (none were Pawseys).

The Pawsey family established themselves in Geelong where Elizabeth's brother Henry Andrews would soon arrive.

On 9 May 1850, a long letter was published in The Argus from John Dunmore Lang, the agent for the Clifton. This letter was reprinted in the Geelong Advertiser of 11 May 1850. He noted that he had 'brought out with me, in addition to four ordained Ministers of the Gospel, not fewer than twenty three promising young men, as candidates for the Ministry; on the understanding and condition that they were to undergo such a preparatory course of training as might be deemed expedient and necessary, in the Australian College at Sydney, and to be sent out thereafter, as Ministers of the Gospel and Christian missionaries ...'

Another letter from Lang, defending his business practices, was published in The Argus on 14 May noting that he had to borrow money 'from a respectable emigrant per the 'Clifton' who is now in business in Geelong', adding that he had not at that time been able to repay the debt.

1850/1851 - Robert Pawsey noted in the Geelong Advertiser

The Geelong Advertiser published a listing of 'burgesses' in Bellerine Ward on 9 September 1850. Robert Pawsey was listed in a house on Bellerine Street.

Robert Pawsey gave a 'excellent speech' ('which want of space prevents our doing more than simply noticing') at the anniversary tea meeting of the Wesleyan Sabbath Schools Society on 16 December 1850, according to the Geelong Advertiser of 18 December 1850. His speech was 'well received and sat down amid great applause'.

Robert Pawsey was again noted in the Geelong Advertiser of 9 December 1851 at a meeting the previous evening of 'individuals desirous of promoting religious unity amongst Christians of different sects'.

March 1853 - Members of the Andrews family migrate to Victoria, Australia

Members of the Andrews family last appear in the UK in the 1841 census at Newmarket All Saints, Newmarket, Suffolk. See the UK page (link above) for details). From the shipping records, it appears that Henry Andrews (born 1798) sent some of his young adult children and a niece Louisa Stofer with his brother William and William's wife Jane Andrews on the Blackheath. Henry Andrews (born 1798), his eldest son also Henry Andrews (born 1824/26) and Henry's wife Mary (nee Whiting) and a son also named Henry Andrews (born 1849 in the UK?) came separately.

The Age of 30 October 1905 noted that Henry Andrews (born 1824/26) 'had been connected with Australia since 1853. He was the only one of a large family who did not accompany his father and mother to Melbourne in that year.' Unfortunately the newspaper did not report when he arrived.

The Andrews group left the UK as unassisted passengers on board the Blackheath, arriving in Melbourne, Victoria in March 1853. The Blackheath almost foundered at the Port Philip Bay heads, as described in this letter to The Argus published on 30 March 1853:

ACCIDENT TO THE SHIP BLACKHEATH. To the Editor of the Argus. Sir,- A weekly journal called the Blackheath Times, was published in the ship Blackheath and as the editor, I beg leave to give the subjoined extract from the last number, dated Port Phillip, Thursday, March 17, 1853, detailing the casualty which occurred to the vessel at the Heads, on the morning of Tuesday, March 15 :-

"At day break we fired a gun for a pilot, but none appeared. Sail was made, and between eight and nine o'clock we were at the entrance of Port Phillip Bay. There was a good breeze off the larboard quarter, and we were speedily in the midst of the breakers on either side of the harbor. The sea rolled angrily on both sides, and we were awe-struck at the remnants of a once noble vessel lying off Point Nepean. While contemplating this sad sight, all on board were startled by a sudden shock, which turned out to be the grounding of our vessel upon a sunken rock off Point Nepean side of the channel. Again a thump, and then a rumbling, was both felt and heard. Terror was depicted on many countenances. We ourselves shared in the painful sensations of the moment, and no doubt all thought that we were destined to become a wreck. But, thanks to the providence of Heaven, and the admirable coolness, skill, and firmness of our excellent commander, Capt. Oppenheim, we soon again rose buoyantly upon the waters, and people began once more to feel reassured. From all we have been enabled to learn, the ship did not answer her helm, and the tide gave her a sudden twist, by which her false keel touched upon a sunken rock, and was broken to the extant of about four feet. The piece that was carried away was seen floating alongside. The ship has, however, been constantly sounded, and found to make no water. Soon after that unavoidable and unforeseen eventuality, we were boarded by a pilot in charge of the pilot station; who advised us to anchor and wait for a pilot, which advice the Captain readily fell in with. And here we are riding quietly at anchor, under a beautiful summer sun, and with land on either side. After so long a passage from England, and with so many vexations, it is indeed grateful and pleasant to be thus safely floating on the waters of Australia. Some of the passengers are merry, and free from anxiety, while others are intensely longing for arrival at Melbourne. Quite new topics of conversation are in vogue. The prices of lodging, the prices of provisions, the fares, freightage, the state of the "nugget" land, and the like. We quite pitied the poor pilot who was doomed to answer such innumerable inquiries, which, however, he did with temper and equanimity".

In connection with the above, I may state that a strong opinion was expressed by all parties on board as to the necessity of the channel at the entrance of Port Phillip being marked out by floating buoys, or some contrivance act on foot, by which vessels coming in might avoid touching on the sunken rocks, to the danger of thousands of lives. I hope, Sir, you will kindly find room for this communication in an early number of your valuable paper. I am Sir, Your obedient Servant, WILLIAM DAVIS. Prahran, March 26th, l853. [We thought that pilots were now supplied to all but colonial vessels from a schooner always afloat outside the Heads. Is this service, too, to sink into the all absorbing gulf of Government negligence?

The passenger manifest for the Blackheath lists the names as follows. :

It is not known yet for sure if Henry and his wife Sarah were incorrectly named or if Henry Andrews' brother William Andrews and his wife Jane brought the children to Australia. Curiously, the Argus of 25 January 1853 ran the following notice: 'Henry Andrews, native village, Pagham, Sussex, England; the brother of the above would be happy to hear from him. Address, William Andrews, Mr Fielder's Camdo Cottages, Little Scotland, Geelong'.

In any case, the death notice for Charles Andrews (born 1834) - who was listed in the 1853 passenger list above - noted that he had come 'with his parents about 1852' (when the ship left England). The death notice for Henry Andrews (born 1824/26) stated that he was the only member of the family not to accompany his parents to Australia.

From 1852 - Louisa Stofer and the Hawkes family

A Louisa Stofer aged 26 was also on the ship. Although the age may not be recorded correctly, a Louisa Stofer was baptised at St Mary, Newmarket, Suffolk in 1838.

According to the Piggin family history (see link below), Samuel Hawkes, the son of Samuel Hawkes (a whitesmith) first married Eliza Piggin (abt 1819 - 31 March 1853, Bocking) on 7 July 1841 and they had six children, none of whom lived beyond the age of 6 (1857). Samuel Hawkes then appears to have migrated to Geelong where he met Louisa Stofer. Louisa Stofer married Samuel Hawkes (27 March 1812, Bocking, Essex - 25 June 1862, Castlemaine but see below) in 1855, probably in the Geelong area (Victoria BDM Ref 3798).

Samuel and Louisa Hawkes moved to Castlemaine after the death of their second daughter, Emma:

If, as indicated in the Piggin family history, Samuel Hawkes died in 1862, then the following child, born to Louisa Stofer but an unknown father, cannot be Samuel's.

This birth may be connected with the following article that appeared in the Mount Alexander Mail on 22 July 1867:

At the Newstead Police Court on Thursday, Mr Langslow was summoned by Louisa Hawkes for maintenance of an illegitimate child, 13 months old. A magistrate's order had been obtained in July 1866, for the defendant to pay 10s weekly, and it was wished to renew the order, it having expired. Their worships were of opinion that they had not power to make a renewal and they dismissed the case without prejudice.

Louisa Hawkes may then have married the elderly (65 year old) Joseph Day in 1867 (Vic BDM Ref 3275). Joseph Day was the well-known 'genial host' of the Ship Inn hotel as noted in the Mount Alexander Mail on 1 February 1867, whose accidental death was recorded in the Ovens and Murray Advertiser of 9 February 1882 (he was hit by a train while working as a signalman at the railway viaduct). At the time of his death he was almost 80. Perhaps he took pity on Louisa and her young son.

Louisa Day may have then married John Dalton in 1888 (Vic BDM Ref 4257, location not known).

Note that a Louisa Mary Dalton, noted in the Bendigo Advertiser of 1 December 1905 is not the same person, her maiden name before she married Martin Dalton was Carrick.

There are several possibilities for her death:

May 1853 - Ezra Pawsey arrives in Melbourne

According to the listing of unassisted passengers arriving in Melbourne Ezra Pawsey arrived on the Adelaide in May 1853. The only Ezra Pawsey recorded in findmypast is Ezra Pawsey who was baptised in Weeley, Essex, in 1829. See below in 1855 for another possible relative.

By 1855 - Henry Andrews establishes a drapery business in Geelong

Soon after arrival, Henry Andrews and his family (along with niece Louisa Stofer?) moved to Geelong where he settled and Henry established a drapery business. Henry Andrews is recorded as a draper in the Geelong Advertiser and Intelligencer of 18 May 1855. They were to remain in Geelong until around 1867 when they re-located to Inkerman St in St Kilda.

February 1855 - Ezra and Charles Pawsey in Melbourne

The Argus of 5 February 1855 ran a notice that 'Ezra Pawsey will hear of his brother Charles Pawsey by calling on D.R. Long, Esp, 183 Bourke Street Melbourne'. This may be Charles Pawsey born 1822 who was baptised in Great Henny, Essex in 1824. Great Henny is close to Sudbury and south of Bury St Edmunds.

December 1855 - Henry Pawsey

The Geelong Advertiser and Intelligencer of 29 December 1855 ran an article on the Geelong Free Church School which mentions 'Master Henry Pawsey', likely to be the then 15 year old Henry Andrews Pawsey.

1854 to 1857 - The Andrews sisters marry Caleb Joshua Jenner

Harriet Emily Andrews (1830 - 1856 (Vic BDM Ref 2794) married Caleb Joshua Jenner, a local merchant and the son of Thomas Jenner 'of Horn Park, near Blackheath, Kent' on 30 May 1854 (Vic BDM Ref 1573, The Argus 3 June 1954). They had one son, Caleb Joshua Jenner (1856, Geelong (Vic BDM Ref 5190) - 1856, Geelong (Vic BDM Ref 3930 aged 4 months)), and Harriet died.

Caleb Jenner then married Harriet's sister, Henrietta Julia Andrews (1837 - 1858 (Vic BDM Ref 4254) on 13 September 1857 (Vic BDM Ref 3348 and The Age 14 September 1857). No children were born from this marriage and Henrietta died within a year, aged 21. Caleb then married Eliza Ann New in 1860 and they went on to have 11 children.

Both sisters are buried side by side in the Geelong West cemetery.

1857 - Henry Cumming Neilson leaves for Australia

Henry Cumming Neilson is believed to have left his home in Liverpool, possibly following his brother John Foster Neilson who was a mariner.

Henry Cumming Neilson (12 November 1840, Liverpool, UK - 4 April 1930, Geelong) left the UK and is believed to have arrived in Victoria, Australia in January 1857, at the age of 16 or 17. However, there is no obvious record in the assisted or unassisted passenger lists for Henry. There is, however, a Henry Neilson aged 15 or 16, along with a James Nelson aged 24 who arrived together on the Caractactus in Feburary 1858.

It is not known why he migrated (although speculation suggests it was because he lived near the docks in Liverpool and decided to leave, or decided to follow his brother, a sailor), or where he lived on his arrival.

In 1974, Ewen Robertson (the grandson of Jessie Wedding Neilson (nee Andrews), Henry's wife) wrote the following regarding Henry's early life in Australia:

Mother [i.e., Jessie Robertson, nee Neilson] always said that her father - Henry [Cumming Neilson] - came from Liverpool so I guess his brother, John, did the same. I feel that Henry on arrival worked in the Lane (i.e., Flinders Lane) with the firm of Andrews and whilst there met and married Jessie Andrews - some relation i.e., cousin or aunt of Lady Leggett.

Andrews Bros was not established in Melbourne until 1873, and so while he may have worked there from then, he is more likely to have worked with the Andrews in Geelong and met Jessie there; they married in 1864 in Geelong (see below).

He then went to [or remained in] Geelong and worked at Alex Millers (Millers Homes fame) in the shop on the corner of Moorabool St and Lt Ryrie St ... Mother came down to Geelong and boarded with Aunt Nellie (Percy, Don, John and Nellie's mother)[see below, Nellie was Henry's sister in law Helen Neilson nee Fletcher] in Elizabeth Street and walked to Alex Miller's shop (on the) corner of Moorabool and Lt Ryrie Street and when walking past John Robertson and Sons saw and captured dad (George Archibald Robertson). Mother was born in 1868 and her Mother died when she was 11 years of old age. (continues below)

1857 - James and Agnes Fletcher migrate to Australia

Helen Fletcher arrived in Australia, at the age of 4, in 1857. Her parents were James (a 'retired gamekeeper', at Canonbie on the estate of the Duke of Buccleuch) and Agnes Fletcher (nee Grive). It is worth noting that the Neilson home at 38 Retreat Road, Newtown, Geelong, was called Canonbie.

1858 - Charles Andrews, draper, business and marriage

Charles Andrews (1834 - 1895), the son of Henry and Sarah Andrews (nee Stofer) and older brother of Jessie Wedding Andrews (1845 - 1875) was a draper and accountant.

According to a page about Members of Parliament that has since been removed on the Victorian Parliament website, '(Charles) Andrews arrived in Melbourne with his family [his parents] in March 1853, and subsequently moved to Geelong. He worked in his father's drapery shop and in around 1858 established his own wholesale business' [location not yet known - see Geelong 1861 directory; the Melbourne business began in 1873, see below].

Charles Andrews around the 1880s

Charles married Amelia Board (c 1838 - 1877) in Victoria 1858 (Vic BDM Ref 3442). They had the following children all born in Geelong.

Charles Andrews was a founder and Chairman of Directors at Barwon (Excelsior) Woollen Mills; a councillor at Gordon Technical College, and Chairman of the Geelong Gas Company. See below from 1882 and also his obituary in 1895 below for more details of his life. (Source https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/about/people-in-parliament/re-member/details/24/350).

May 1859 - Robert Pawsey and the United Presbyterian Church

Robert Pawsey was noted in the Geelong Advertiser of 21 May 1859 attending a meeting of the Uniting Presbyterian Church at Ryrie Street Geelong, on 17 May 1859. He spoke of the 'missionary character' of the church.

1860 - Charles Robert Pawsey joins Charles Andrews drapery business

According to an advertisement in 1879 (see below), Charles Robert Pawsey joined the the drapery firm of Charles Andrews in 1860 where he remained for the next 19 years until he acquired his own drapery business.

1860 - Death of Alexander Neilson

Alexander Neilson (born 1804) died at 22 Egerton Street (or Road), Birkenhead, on 26 April 1860 aged 56 years, from pleuropneumonia, from which he had suffered for three years according to the register of deaths. Before his death, he was said to have suffered from diarrhoea for two months and anasarca (extreme generalized edema, a medical condition characterised by widespread swelling of the skin due to effusion of fluid into the extracellular space) for two weeks. His daughter Alice Mercer Neilson (born 1838) was present at his death, according to the death register. His wife Jane was living at 5 Somerville Place, Birkenhead, at the time.

1861 General Directory for Geelong and Western District

The 1861 General Directory for Geelong and Western District has the following details (with comments in square brackets].

1861 - Joseph Josiah Pawsey marries Anne Garland Morehouse

Joseph Josiah Pawsey (1835 - 1917 - see below for his obituary in 1917), the son of Robert and Elizabeth Pawsey who migrated to Australia in 1850, married Anne Garland Morehouse (22 March 1845 - 31 August 1862, (Lond?)(Vic BDM Ref 5958)), the daughter of Charles Morehouse and Mary (?) on 11 November 1861 (Vic BDM Ref 4370). They had one son:

Ann Pawsey (nee Morehouse) died (at Lond?) on 31 August 1862 (Vic BDM Ref 5958). Joseph Pawsey re-married, in 1864, see below.

1862 - Birth of Alexander Nelson

An Alexander Nelson, the son of Alexander and Elizabeth Nelson of Toxteth Park, was born on 2 May 1862. His father Alexander (possibly the one born on 18 October 1834) was a fireman. Alexander was baptised on 8 December 1862 at St Peter, Liverpool.

October 1863 - Death of Henry Andrews Pawsey

Henry Andrews Pawsey died aged 22 years on 24 October 1863. His death notice was carried in the Geelong Advertiser of 26 October 1863.

The two children of Robert Pawsey who remained were Henry's older half-brother Joseph Josiah Pawsey (now 28) and his younger brother Charles Robert Pawsey (aged 19).

1864 - Elizabeth Andrews (1840 - 1920) marries Joseph Josiah Pawsey

Joseph Josiah Pawsey married Elizabeth Eva Andrews (1840 - 1920 (Vic BDM Ref 9125)) in 1864 (Vic BDM Ref 4432). Elizabeth was the sister of Jessie Wedding Andrews and his first half-cousin via his father's second marriage. Joseph and Elizabeth Pawsey had several children all born in Ballarat.

Note that Joseph Josiah Pawsey's nephew (from his father's second marriage to Elizabeth Andrews), William Henry Pawsey (born 1871), a 'director of Andrews Bros Propriety Limited', the son of Charles Robert Pawsey and Mary Elizabeth Balding, died in London on 24 March 1919 of influenza. (The Argus, 11 March 1919)

1864 - Henry Cumming Neilson marries Jessie Wedding Andrews

Henry Cumming Neilson met Jessie Wedding Andrews (1845, Suffolk, UK - Jul 1875, Camberwell, Victoria, Australia) and they married on 14 September 1864 (Vic BDM Ref 3319) in Geelong. Jessie was the youngest daughter of Henry Andrews and Sarah Stopher/Stofer.

Henry and Jessie Neilson had the following children. It is clear that, after their daughter Jessie was born, the family moved to Warrnambool where they set up as storekeepers.

1865 - Joseph Pawsey in Ballarat

Joseph Pawsey, the son of Robert Pawsey, was recorded as a resident of Ballarat in The Ballarat Star of 6 September 1865. On 19 June 1867 he was noting in the same newspaper giving a donation to the Ballarat District Bible and Tract Society. His father and step mother, and younger half-brother, remained in Geelong.

1865 - John Foster Neilson in Australia

As noted above, John Foster Neilson was born in Liverpool on 19 April 1842. He apparently visited Victoria in 1865 and stayed in Williamstown until 1866, when his sister-in-law Jessie Neilson wrote to him just before his return to England. He was described as a Naval officer. It seems reasonable to assume that he came to Australia as a working sailor and sought to visit his brother while in Victoria.

1866 - Death of Sarah Andrews (nee Stofer)

Sarah/Susan Andrews (nee Stofer), the wife of Henry Andrews (born 1798) died in Camberwell in 1866. (Vic BDM Ref 8043). Henry re-married in 1867 - see below.

1866 - Jessie Neilson writes to her brother in law John Neilson

In 1866, Jessie wrote the following letter to her brother in law John Neilson, from Skene Street, Geelong. Her own experience almost being shipwrecked on arrival in Australia may have also been on her mind.

Dear John. I am writing this to remind you of your promised trip this coming Sabbath. I felt quite low last Sunday to think you were all alone down at Williamstown. Harry seemed to miss you so. he loves you to be near, while you can. I don't intend to think about your going away until you are fairly started. What awful news did last mail's intelligence bring of the wreck of the 'London'. Our pastor mentioned it in his discourse last night. I wished you had been there to have heard him descant in glowing terms of the 'brave British sailor'. Such Captain Martin provided himself to be. I had letters from Mary and Alice. I do love to hear from them as if they were my very own Sisters and Mother. It will never do John for you to take away my boy for a sailor. I should never be happy again. I thought how your Mother would feel when she heard of the wreck of the 'London'. I feel as if you must not go home to encounter such perils. But our God is God os sea as well as the Land & I ought not to doubt His power. He has brough you thus far in safety and will cltinue His mercies to you & us if we put our trust in Him. How anxiously they will be longing for your at home. The likenesses have come home & yours is excellent - too good for the way you behaved to & spoke of the poor man but you must come and judge for yourself. Mother Father & Henry join in kind love to you. I've been tryng to make baby do so but filed to make him understand letter writing. Jane has to go to town so I must close. Believe me, Your loving sister, Jessie Neilson. Amen.

1867 - Henry Cumming Neilson storekeeper

The Geelong Advertiser of 19 (and again on 20 and 21) December 1867 ran a notice stating that 'the partnership hitherto existing between Thomas Lawson and Henry C Neilson, carrying on business as general storekeepers in the township of Camperdown, has been this day dissolved by mutual consent'.

Henry then appears to have taken up as a draper in Warrnambool (the same business as his father in law Charles Andrews, this may be related). He was granted a certificate of discharge in the Insolvent Court there on 6 September 1872. The death of his wife Jessie at the end of 1875 may have been a factor in him deciding to return to Geelong the next year, see below.

1867 - Henry Andrews (1798 - 1893) moves to St Kilda, re-marries

A Susan Binge, aged 18 [possibly incorrect], arrived in Victoria in January 1855 on board the British Empire. A James and Harriet Binge and their infant son James W Binge arrived on the Sir Robert Sale in May 1850. Susan Binge was recorded in 1858 living in Chilwell, Geelong (The Argus, 9 October 1858) when a wedding dress of hers was stolen; it is not known if she brought it to marry, or with the hope of marrying, in Australia. She is not recorded independently in the Geelong Directory for 1861, so she may have come to Australia as a female servant.

As noted above, the first wife of Henry Andrews (born 1798), Sarah Andrews (nee Stofer) died in Camberwell in 1866. Henry moved to St Kilda and re-married Susan Binge (born 1829) in 1867 (Vic BDM Ref 904). Susan was already known, or became known to the broader Andrews, Pawsey, Robertson families, as can be seen from her will when she died - see below.

1869 - Other Pawsey family members in Geelong

The Geelong Advertiser ran an article on current events on 19 November 1869 noting that, at a meeting of the first annual meeting of the Free Presbyterian Church at Cargerie [sic] 'addresses were delivered by the Revs J. Pawsey, D. McKenzie, C.S.Y. Price, S. Day, W. Higgins, W.C. Pawsey and C. Kernot MP'.

1870 - Charles Robert Pawsey marries

Charles Robert Pawsey (1844 - 1906), the son of Robert and Elizabeth Pawsey, married Mary Elizabeth Balding (23 April 1851, Norfolk, England - 21 August 1941(Vic BDM Ref 8241)) at Kew on 29 September 1870 (Vic BDM Ref 2675).

Mary Balding was the daughter of Joseph Balding (the son of William Balding and Susan Ingram) who lived in Highton, Geelong and died in Geelong in 1893 aged 69, (Vic BDM Ref 14270), and Mary Cullen (the daughter of Stimpson Cullen and Judith Patrick) who died in Geelong on 10 August 1903 aged 86 (Vic BDM Ref 9763). See below for Mary Pawsey's obituary in 1903.

Charles and Mary Pawsey (nee Balding) had the following children:

1870/1873 - John Foster Neilson returns to Australia, marries Helen Fletcher

In 1870, John Neilson returned to Australia to settle. He married Helen Fletcher (6 July 1852, Canonbie, Scotland - 1 June 1942, Geelong) at Portland on 7 July 1873 (Vic BDM Ref 3256), at the Portland Presbyterian Church. The Minister was Rev Lawson. John was described as a 'master mariner' with a residence in Melbourne. A 'John Fletcher' was a witness to the marriage. It is not known who John was, but possibly Helen's father or brother.

John and Helen Neilson had the following children:

1872 - Joseph Josiah Pawsey in business in Ballarat

The Ballarat Star of 28 December 1872 carried a notice from the firm of Messrs Joseph J Pawsey, Robert Menzies and Samuel Wilson which vhad entered into a 'long-established iron and machinery business' with a James Campbell. Advertisements for the business appeared regularly in the Ballarat newspapers in the 1870s.

1872 to 1874 - Charles Andrews, Mayor of Newtown and Chilwell

Charles Andrews (1834 - 1895), the son of Henry Andrews and Sarah nee Stofer (often recorded as Susan), was elected Mayor of Newtown and Chilwell from 1872 to 1874. He would go on to represent Geelong in the Melbourne Legislative Assembly in 1880 and 1886, see below.

Around 1873 - Henry Andrews arrives in Australia, Andrews Bros established in Melbourne

Henry Andrews (born 1824/26) probably arrived in Australia before 1873 when he set up a business with his younger (and only) brother Charles Andrews (born 1834). At this point it is not known if he brought his wife or any children or exactly when he arrived; he is not obviously listed in either the assisted or unassisted passenger lists. It seems likely that he brought his son, also Henry Andrews (born 1849) as the younger Henry ended up being part of the business for 45 years.

Henry Andrews may have returned in July 1876, based on an advertisement placed in June 1876 - see below.

According to The Age of 30 October 1905, Henry Andrews and Charles Andrews established the woollen warehouse business known as Andrews Bros in Melbourne in 1873. It was to remain a partnership until 1878. The earliest known advertisement was in The Age on 12 October 1875, when Andrews Bros, of 40 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, placed an ad to sell empty cases.

The Sands and McDougall directory for 1880 shows Andrews Bros at 40 Elizabeth Street. In 1875, this address was occupied by Oppenheimer and Co, importers and warehousemen, as well as the Portuguese consulate. See also below, the 1880 directory.

The business also operated from London (run by Henry Andrews) and Launceston.

June 1874 - Charles Robert Pawsey, Minister

Charles Robert Pawsey, now aged 30, was noted in the Geelong Advertister on 18 June 1874 preaching at the new Independent Church in West Geelong. He was recorded many times thereafter in similar roles.

1875 - Death of Jessie Wedding Neilson

Jessie Wedding Neilson (nee Andrews), the wife of Henry Cumming Neilson, and youngest child of Henry and Sarah Andrews (nee Stofer) born in 1844 died in July 1875 (aged 30) at Camperdown, Victoria, Australia, leaving Henry Neilson with six very young children. Her death and the children may have been a factor in him deciding to move 'back' to Geelong soon after.

1875 - John and Helen Neilson at Emerald Hill

By 1875, John Neilson was recorded in Bailliere's Victorian Postal Directory as living at 2 Lonsdale Terrace, Albert Road, Emerald Hill (now South Melbourne).

May 1876 - Henry Cumming Neilson in Geelong

The Geelong Advertiser of 31 May 1876 ran a notice for the Geelong Young Men's Christian Association. It was signed by Henry C Neilson, the Hon Gen Secretary. Another notice in September of the same again noted him in that role.

July 1876 - (Possibly) Henry Andrews returns to London

The following advertisement was placed in The Argus on 19 June 1876. The 'gentleman' in this case may be Henry Andrews (born 1824).

A gentleman returning to London next month (who has considerable experience in London and Manchester markets as buyer) is prepared to undertake a commission from or to represent a melbourne house. Address, Alpha, Messers Andrews Bros, 40 Elizabeth Street.

1877 - Andrews Bros sell stock

Andrews Bros, of 38 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, placed an advertisement for the sale by tender of woollens, Manchester and Bradford goods, haberdashery and hosiery in The Age on 27 November 1877.

1877 - John Neilson, Captain

On 16 March 1877, the Warrnambool Standard's current news column covered news of changes in the officers in charge of the Warrnambool Steam Packet Company's ships; it recorded that the 'Julia Percy', which the company had acquired in 1876 and described in 1878 as a 'fine steamer', would remain in the charge of Captain J F Neilson, with Mr Peter Neilson as Chief Officer. It is not known if Peter Neilson is a relative. The 'Julia Percy' travelled under Captain Neilson between Warrnambool and Belfast (now Port Fairy) and Melbourne. On 20 August 1876, the 'Julia Percy' ran aground off Williamstown while commanded by 'an exempt master' (meaning, exempt from using a pilot when coming through the Heads). The book 'Through the Rip' by Wilson P Evans (Rigby, 1923), states that 'Captain Neilson saw fog closing down over Williamstown but did not slacken speed until his bows ploughed into sand fifty yards off the back beach. Had the vessel struck in other than calm weather she would have been a total constructive loss, for the spot she lay in was surrounded by large patches of jagged basalt'.

The Warrnambool Standard of 12 January 1877 referred to a dispute in Melbourne between seaman of the 'Otway' and the 'Julia Percy', with the Warrnambool Steam Packet Company, which led to a strike. On 16 January 1877, the same paper reported that the officers of the 'Julia Percy' helped the Otway to sail. The 'Julia Percy' then sailed for Warrnambool amid great demonstrations at Queen's Wharf. However, it sailed only as far as Williamstown where the firemen struck and the ship was unable to proceed. The strike was then settled and the ship arrived in Warrnambool.

1878 - Henry Cumming Neilson marries Annie Eliza Holdsworth

On 29 August 1878 (Vic BDM Ref 3652), Henry Cumming Neilson re-married Annie Eliza Holdsworth (? (possibly in UK, not recorded in Victoria) - 1935 (Vic BDM Ref 16160). Annie was the second daughter of Benjamin Holdsworth of Highton and Waurn Ponds. The Geelong Advertiser noted that they married at the residence of the bride's father in Highton and that the Rev W Allen who married them was the brother-in-law of the bride.

Henry Neilson, at the time, ran a drapery in Geelong in partnership with a Thomas March Hall. The partnership was disolved on 31 January 1879, according to a note in the Geelong Advertiser on 3 February 1879. (Note, in December 1879, Charles Robert Pawsey acquired the drapery firm of A Paton, also on Moorabool Street, which he ran with W Gurr.)

Henry and Jessie's son Charles John Neilson, died in 1879, around the same time that Henry and Annie's first child was due. Henry and Annie Neilson had five children as listed below. Not that the second name 'Cumming' was used for two of the boys:

It seems from the birth locations above that the family moved from St Arnaud (north west of Melbourne) to Warburton (east of Melbourne) before Dora was born in 1882. Ewen Robertson's letter continues ...

Later, (he) bought a business in St Arnaud and it was from there that Mother came to school ... At St Arnaud's the business went bung in the depression of the '90s. I can only remember Grandpa Neilson living in Sharp Street, Chilwell in a double house somewhat similar to the Miller Homes but erected by his brother-in-law - Holdsworth as a similar institution to the Miller Homes. The Holdsworths lived in Gherinhap St in the last block before the park [i.e., Kardinia Park]. They were Baptists - some special sect - but Grandpa and Ma were Aberdeen St ones as normal Baptists ... Nellie's mother [Helen Neilson nee Fletcher] was a widow for 52 years.

1878 - Charles Andrews and Andrews Bros

According to The Age of 30 October 1905, Charles Andrews (born 1834) withdrew his interest in the woollen warehouse firm he established in 1873 with his brother Henry Andrews (born 1824/26), known as Andrews Bros in Melbourne, in 1878.

December 1879 - Charles Pawsey draper

The Geelong Advertiser ran an advertisement on 11 December 1879 for 'Gurr and Pawsey, Family Drapers' on Moorabool Street. The advertisement noted that W Gurr and C.R. Pawsey had acquired on favorable terms, the whole of A Paton's stock of drapery, clothing etc. It added that W. Gurr was 'with Mr E Bartlett for eight years and with Messrs Bright and Hitchcocks for over five years' while C.R. Pawsey 'has been 19 years with Mr C Andrews'. The opening day for the new store was 17 December 1879.

1879 - Andrews Bros, Warehousemen

The Age of 10 May 1879 included an advertisement for Andrews Bros, 40 Elizabeth Street, 'having purchased the Barwon Woollen Company's surplus stock of winter tweeds, about eleven thousand yards', offering this for sale.

The 1880 Sands and McDougalls Directory lists Andrews Bros, 'importers and warehousemen' at 40 Elizabeth Street, four buildings up from the corner of Little Flinders Street.

Sometime between 1880 and 1885, Andrews Bros moved to 32 Elizabeth Street, on the corner of Little Flinders Street.

1880 - John Foster Neilson becomes a pilot

John Foster Neilson joined the Port Phillip Pilot Service on 28 June 1880 and was issued licence number 33 on 29 December 1880. He was 38 years old, 5' 7" tall, with a bronzed complexion and blue eyes. He was known to be 'a bit of a character', according to a book written by the Pilot's historian, Mr Wilson Evans. That book notes that Captain Neilson was in a group of disgruntled pilots of the number two company who resented one of their number giving a favorable reference to a man who was seeking entry into the Service.

1880 - Charles Andrews Member of the Melbourne Legislative Assembly

Charles Andrews (1834 - 1895), the son of Henry Andrews and Sarah nee Stofer (often recorded as Susan), represented Geelong in the Melbourne Legislative Assembly from 1 May 1880 to 1 June 1880. He would again represent Geelong from 1896, see below.

1881 - Fire at Henry Neilson's shop

On 15 January 1881, a fire broke out at the premises of Henry Neilson, draper, in Moorabool Street, Geelong. The Ballarat Star noted that 'a large amoung of damage was done to the stock'.

1881 UK census - Jane Neilson, death

Jane Neilson, widow, was recorded in the 1881 census living at 166 Conway Street, Birkenhead, UK with her two daughters Mary (51 years, and a teacher) and Alice (41 years). On the date of the 1891 census, 166 Conway Street was occupied by other persons. It is presumed that Jane had died and her daughters had moved elsewhere. A search of the General Register Office (GRO) records shows a Jane Neilson died at Chester, Leicester Square, in 1886 aged 71 years. It seems unlikely that this is the 'right' Jane as she would have been only 14 or 15 when the first child was born. A Jane Neilson died in the June quarter of 1897 at Fulham aged 81 while a Janet Neilson died at Toxteth Park in 1884 aged 86 years.

1882 - Charles Andrews opens a softgoods business in Melbourne

According to his parliamentary biography, Charles Andrews opened a softgoods business called Andrews Bros with his older brother Henry Andrews (born 1825/26) in Flinders Lane, Melbourne, in 1882. This does not seem to be correct as the business was set up in 1873 (see above), and Charles Andrews withdrew from it in 1878 (as noted in his obituary when he died). During this decade he also worked as an accountant in Hawthorn. (Source https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/about/people-in-parliament/re-member/details/24/350)

Some time after the business was established, but likely by 1882 (because he was noted in London in 1883), Henry Andrews (born 1824/26) returned to the UK, leaving his son Henry Andrews (born 1849) in charge of the Andrews Bros business. According to his obituary in 1915, Henry Andrews (born 1849) ran the business for 45 years which suggests this started when he left school in the late 1860s until a few years before his death in 1915 - see below.

March 1883 - Andrews Bros in the news

The Age of 12 January 1884 reported, under the headline 'An Absconding Absolvent', the details of a trial for fraudulent insolvency by Charles William Smith, a tent maker in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne. It noted that, on 29 March 1883, Smith had visited Messrs Andrews Bros (a woollen warehouse) and left some cheques, bills and cash with the manager, Francis John Wright to be banked. In total he left around £650. He then obtained a cheque for £500 from the bank for the purchase of property, but cashed in the cheque and headed to Sydney where he obtained additional money. The then departed for London, with around £1,350. By the time he was arrested in London he had only £470.

September 1883 - Henry Andrews in London

The Leader (Melbourne) of 1 September 1883 provides a clue as to Henry Andrew's whereabouts that year. It reported that an absconding insolvent, Mr WC Smith, a tent maker of Elizabeth Street Melbourne, was identified in London 'by Mr Henry Andrews of the firm of Andrews Bros of Melbourne ... who had been furnished ... with photographs and a full description of the absconder'. The Herald of 1 September 1883 reported that Smith owed £2100 and it was proposed to return him to Melbourne.

Henry was definitely in London in 1893 when his father died, according to that death notice, see below.

1883 - Charles Andrews loses a fortune

According to his obituary in The Argus of 3 July 1895, after having amassed a fortune in Geelong, Charles Andrews (born 1834), the son of Henry Andrews (1798 - 1893), set up a wholesale business in Melbourne with this brother Henry Andrews (born 1824/26). (The business was set up in 1873). Twelve years before the article was written, in around 1883, he 'lost his fortune' - although exactly what was lost and why is not completely clear. He then seems to have turned to politics.

1885 - Andrews Bros

In the 1885 Sands and McDougall directory, Andrews Bros 'woollen and manchester warehousemen' was located at 32 Elizabeth Street, on the corner of Little Flinders Street. Their previous location, at 40 Elizabeth Street, was now occupied by the Australian Tea Blending Company. They appear to have moved again by 1890, see below.

1885 - Death of John Foster Neilson

Captain John Foster Neilson died at his home at Ferguson Street, Williamstown, on 25 March 1885/6, aged only 43. The cause of death was pneumonia, which he had suffered for only six days. He was buried at St Kilda cemetery on 26 March 1885/6. Helen was left with four children to bring up - Percy (8), John Foster (6), Helen Jane (Nellie)(4), and Donald Ferguson (5 months). (It is worth recalling that her brother in law, Henry Neilson, was also left with young children to raise after his first wife Jessie died).

May 1886 - Charles Andrews junior travels to England

The Age of 21 May 1886 reported that several businessmen gathered on 18 May 1886 to farewell Charles Andrews junior, of the firm of Andrews Bros, warehousemen, who was about to visit England in the RMSS Carthage. Mr EL Zox, MLA, proposed a toast to Mr Andrews. Charles is probably Charles Leonard Andrews (1861 - 1914), the son of Charles Andrews (born 1834) and a lawyer and barrister, who married Deborah Wilhelmina Edwards in York, Western Australia, in 1887, probably on his return from the UK (see below).

1886 to 1894 - Charles Andrews, again a member of the Melbourne Legislative Assembly

Charles Andrews (1834 - 1895), the son of Henry Andrews (1798 - 1893), again represented Geelong in the Melbourne Legislative Assembly from 1 March 1886 to 1 September 1894.

1887 - Andrews Bros, Elizabeth Street

The Argus of 22 June 1887 described all the businesses on every street in the city of Melbourne. Under Elizabeth Street, East Side, is recorded 'Andrews Bros, woollen importers', in between Mackay and Co, clothiers, and Jordan Tillmans and Co, importers.

The Age of 22 March 1888 carried the following advertisement: 'Tailors - Good General Hand, for country, wanted, Andrews Bros, 32 Elizabeth Street'. This appears to suggest that they employed tailors, not necessarily to make clothes.

1888 - Henry Neilson's business

In 1888, a description of the Avoca district states that Henry Neilson spent some time in the bookselling and stationery business, joined the 'electric telegraph department', and then joined the drapery trade. He had businesses in Geelong, Warranambool, Campberdown, and St Arnaud. Henry Neilson was an elder of the Presbyterian church in St Arnaud. The Argus of 26 March 1889 noted that he was living at St Arnaud at the time.

1890 - Andrews Bros

In the 1890 Sands and McDougall directory, Andrews Bros 'woollen importers' (no reference to tailors) was located at 46 Elizabeth Street. Their previous location, at 32 Elizabeth Street, was now occupied by a different business of warehousemen and drapers.

1890 - Henry Andrews marries Sarah Ellen Meares

Henry Andrews (1849 - 1915), said to be 'of Flinders Lane', married Sarah Ellen Meares in 1890 (Vic BDM Ref 3924), likely around the same time he started working in his father and uncles's business in Elizabeth Street. The marriage notice in The Age of 17 May 1890 noted that the wedding took place on 23 April 1890 'at the residence of the bride's father' at 'Grosvenor', Toorak. Henry was noted as the son of Henry Andrews, of The Grange, Loughton, Essex (a property which he may have been renting, not owned, based on several discussions found about this property).

It is not known if Henry's father (born 1824/26) and/or his wife Mary (nee Whiting) attended the wedding.

Sarah Meares was the daughter of George Meares (25 June 1825, Westmeath, Ireland - 8 December 1903) who married Sarah B Dixon in 1864 in Melbourne. George Meares, a draper, originally settled in Sydney in 1847 and then moved to Melbourne in 1852 where he established a drapery business. The business was conducted with his brother RS Meares until 1878 [interestingly, the same year that Charles Andrews parted company with Henry Andrews - a connection perhaps?]. George's wife Sarah died in 1875. George Meares was a Melbourne City councillor from 1874 to 1887. He was mayor of Melbourne from 1879 to 1880, and again from 1880 to 1881. He represented the electorate of North Yarra from 1 December 1882 to 1 September 1886. He also had a range of financial and pastoral interests and owned land in NSW. At one point he was the Director of the Melbourne Gas Company.

Henry Andrews and Sarah (nee Meares) had three children:

Aside from the above, no other information is known about the three daughters.

The youngest daughter of George Meares married William Henry Makens Andrews in 1904, see below.

1890 - Death of Ezra Pawsey

An Ezra Pawsey was the subject of a probate notice in 1890 in Victoria. He does not appear to have died in Victoria or NSW, or the UK. His relationship with the other Pawsey family on this page has not yet been determined.

From 1890 - Life of Percy Neilson

It is believed that John and Helen Neilson's son, Percy Neilson (born 1878) attended Flinders National School in Geelong, then a co-educational school (and later Matthew Flinders Girls High School). He entered the office of Shannon and Murray and Co in September 1891, according to his obituary in the Geelong Advertiser. If this is correct, he was only 13 at the time but perhaps he was doing this work to support his mother. He was said to have received no wages during this time. He joined the State Bank of Victoria in 1897, remaining in their employment for 22 years (except interrupted during the war).

1890 - Life of John Foster Neilson (1879 - 1954)

John Neilson joined the staff of Bright and Hitchcocks (a well-known Geelong emporium) as an office boy in 1890, at the age of 11. He rose in the ranks in that business and, in 1914, was sent to England on the firm's behalf. He returned to Australia just before the outbreak of the first world war.

1891 - Helen Neilson moves to Geelong

In 1891, Helen Neilson and the four children moved to Geelong. An 'Ellen Neilson' was recorded living in Elizabeth Street (now Roebuck Street) Geelong in 1891. This was almost certainly Helen Neilson, as she was known to have boarded with the Neilsons in Elizabeth Street. A Helen Neilson is recorded living in Villamanta Street, Geelong West, in the rate records for 1897/8, then in Park Street, East Geelong, in 1906/7.

1891 - Death of Pastor Robert Pawsey, Geelong

Pastor Robert Pawsey died in Stawell on 25 February 1891. He was 87 (born 1804).

1892 - Joseph Andrews Pawsey marries Emma Adelaide Crothers

Joseph Andrews Pawsey (1865 - 1943), the son of Joseph Josiah Pawsey and grandson of Robert Pawsey who died in 1891, married Emma Adelaide Crothers (1871, Pleasant (?) (Vic BDM Ref 4654) - 4 July 1895), the daughter of William Crothers and Emma Gertrude Ashton, on 29 November 1892 (Vic BDM Ref 6185). Joseph and Emma Pawsey had one son:

Emma Pawsey (nee Crothers) died the same year (Vic BDM Ref 11156), possibly related to the birth. Joseph Andrews Pawsey re-married in 1908 - see below.

From 1891 to 1893 - Charles Henry Andrews

It is not known how this Charles Henry Andrews is related to others on this page.

He may be the Charles Henry Andrews of 11 Grey Street South Yarra, the nephew of a Samuel Johnson, a marine dealer, who died from a horse kick at Andrews' residence on 22 December 1891 (The Age, 23 December 1891).

He may be the man of that name who survived electrocution in June 1892 when he touched a live wire in Melbourne city but survived - another person who came to his aid was also electrocuted and died. (Various newspapers, 2 June 1892)

The Argus of 18 May 1893 reported that Charles Henry Andrews, of 351 Victoria Street West Melbourne and trading as Andrews Bros, tailors and outfitters, was insolvent caused by bad debts, depression in trade and illness. These events seem likely to have had an impact on his mental state - see below in 1900.

1893 - Death of Henry Andrews (born 1798)

Henry Andrews, the husband of Susan (nee Binge) and formerly Sarah (nee Stofer), and father of Jessie Mary Ethel Neilson, died at St Kilda on 9 September 1893 at the age of 95 (Vic BDM Ref 12209). The Prahran Telegraph ran the following notice on Wednesday 13 September 1893:

A very old pioneer passed away on Saturday last at St. Kilda in the person of Mr. Henry Andrews, of Inkerman -street, at the advanced age of 95 years. Deceased, who was a native of Newmarket, England, was over 40 years a colonist, having been for over 15 years a resident of Geelong, and since then one of the leading residents of St. Kilda. Of his family, two sons are the well-known firm of Andrews Bros., another, Mr. Charles Andrews, being the representative for Geelong in the Legislative Assembly; while two of his daughters successively were married to the Hon. C. H. Jenner, M.L.C. Deceased retained his faculties unimpaired almost to the hour of his death in spite of his ripe age, and only a very few Sundays ago attended his last service at the Crimea-street Baptist church, of which he had been, a pillar since its inception. The funeral, which was carried out by Mr. Herbert King, took place at the Geelong cemetery on Monday.

The Prahran Telegraph ran the following on 20 September 1893:

The death of the late Mr. Henry Andrews, whose death was reported in these columns last week at the advanced age of 95, was feelingly referred to by the Rev B. Williamson on Sunday evening last at the Crimea-street Baptist Church, St Kilda. The rev. gentleman remarked that the deceased had been for 79 years in the service illustration of youthful piety. For 25 years he had been a good friend to their church, being 'conspicuous for regularity and punctuality at all church meetings, while his labours amongst the young had been of a highly satisfactory, nature, the speaker mentioning that one of the day school pupils of the deceased was the late Rev. C. H. Spurgeon, Many young men who were now scattered throughout the world could bear testimony to the fact that it was through the [word illegible] of Mr. Andrews that they were now followers of Christ. The loss was a call to others in the church to fill the vacancy, which the preacher powerfully urged them to consider.

1894 - Charles Leonard Andrews passes his first year law degree

The Age of 6 November 1894 recorded that Charles L Andrews had passed his first year of his Law degree. Interestingly, so did Robert C Meares, the son of George Meares.

1895 - Andrews Bros location

The 1895 Sands and McDougalls Directory of Melbourne lists Andrews Bros, woollen warehousemen, still at 46 Elizabeth Street.

1895 - Death of Charles Andrews

Charles Andrews (born 1834), the son of Henry Andrews (1798 - 1893) and brother of Henry Andrews (who returned to the UK), died on 2 July 1895 at Lisson Grove, Hawthorn. His obituary was carried in The Argus of 3 July 1895:

The deceased gentleman arrived from England with his parents about 1852, and for many years assisted his father in a retail softgoods business in Moorabool street. He afterwards opened a wholesale softgoods warehouse in Ryrie street, where he amassed a, considerable fortune. About 12 years ago [1883] he removed to Melbourne, entered into the wholesale business, and lost his fortune. The deceased, who was 61 years of age, was for many years a deacon of the Aberdeen street Baptist Church, also a teacher and superintendent ot the sabbath school of that church. He married a daughter of Mr. George Board, a pioneer merchant of Geelong, and leaves a family of four daughters and one son. He was a founder of the Barwon Woollen Mills, of which he was chairman of directors, and he took great interest in municipal and social affairs. For many years he was a member of the Newtown and Chilwell Borough Council, and he was mayor on two occasions. He was three times elected to Parliament as a representative of Geelong, and upon his defeat last year was presented with a purse of sovereigns by his constituents. Mr. Andrews, whose father died nearly two years ago, aged 95, had been ailing for a considerable time, his complaint being diabetes, and his death was not unexpected.

1897 - Henry Andrews Neilson marries Amy Grace Austin

Henry Andrews Neilson (1865 - ?) married Amy Grace Austin in 1897 (Vic BDM Ref 7405). They had four children, two boys and two girls.

March 1898 - Sale of Andrews Bros

The death of Charles Andrews in 1895 perhaps prompted the decision to sell the business.

Henry Andrews junior (born 1849 - died 1905) had carried on the business established by his father Henry and uncle Charles Andrews for around 45 years. The Age of 16 March 1898 carried a 'Notice of Intention to Constitute Form or Register a Company or Obtain the Transfer of a Business and Assets'. The names of those whose business and assets would be transferred were: Henry Andrews [born 1824, possibly living in the UK at that time], [his son] Henry Andrews the younger [born 1849], Charles Brazier, all carrying on business under the name or style of Andrews Bros, Woollen and Manchester Warehousemen of 46 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, and also at No 39 Alderrmanbury in London, and The Quadrant in Launceston, Tasmania. [It is worth investigating if members of the Andrews family managed this business, which seems quite likely].

The business was valued at £27,750 and was sold in the form of 23,667 ordinary shares. It then becae a limited liability company operating under the name Andrews Bros Proprietary Limited; Henry Andrews (born 1824/26, probably living in the UK) retired from all active business at that time.

At some point, William Henry Pawsey (born 1871, the son of Charles Robert Pawsey (1844 - 1906) who had joined Charles Andrews in the drapery business in 1860), became a director of Andrews Bros, possibly based in London. WH Pawsey was the grandson of Robert Pawsey and Elizabeth Andrews (Robert's second wife); Elizabeth was the sister of Henry Andrews (1798 - 1893) the father of Henry and Charles Andrews who established the Andrews Bros. This means that WH Pawsey was the second cousin of Henry Andrews (1849 - 1915) who ran Andrews Bros from around 1870.

In 1901, the company purchased the buildings in Flinders Lane that was previously occupied by the Metropolitan Gas Co Ltd. (The Age, 20 June 1901).

There are numerous advertisements for Andrews Bros, Merchant Tailors, in multiple newspapers all over Victoria from this date to at least 1956.

A man by the name of Ernest Stanford Brown, 'for 58 years the faithful representative of Andrews Bros Pty Ltd', died in London on 9 April 1937 (The Age, 12 April 1937).

1900 - Death of another Charles Henry Andrews

A Charles Henry Andrews (born around 1859), whose relationship to others on this page - if any - is not yet known, took his own life in October 1900 (Vic BDM Ref 13746, which records both parents as 'unknown'). The Kyneton Observer of 1 November 1900 ran the following article:

The body of Charles Henry Andrews, softgoods salesman, has been found in the Yarra near Cubitt Street, South Richmond. Deceased was a married man, 41 years of age, and leaves a widow and two children. For some months he had been living apart from his wife. He was last seen alive on the 17th inst., and his death is supposed to have occured about that time. In his pocket book, found on the body, was a letter addressed to his wife, in which he stated that he had become a victim to drunkenness, and intended to commit suicide.

From 1900 - Life of Helen (Nellie) Jane Neilson (7 March 1882 - 23 June 1976)

Helen Jane Neilson, known as 'Nellie', led a quiet, sheltered life, caring for her mother and her brother John. She was described as being small, little more than 5', and round, always cheerful, and kind. She lived in Geelong since 1891. Nellie's main interest, apart from her family and her garden, was the kindergarten at St David's Church, where she was in charge for many years. Keeping the 'cradle roll' of children baptised at the church was one of her tasks.

From 1900 - Life of Donald (Don) Neilson (14 March 1878 - 1 January 1954)

Donald (Don) Neilson worked for the firm of solicitors Harwood & Pincott from around 1900 until 30 September 1913. Like his brothers Don appears to have started young as an office boy and worked his way up to become an accountant.

When he was a young man, the Geelong Presbyterian Guild was a strong influence on his life. He was a foundation member in 1907, became Joint Secretary with Mr W J Griffiths (of the Geelong bookshop fame), the Senior Vice President, and later President. He was ex officio member of all sections of the Guild, including its amateur athletic club which, much later, boasted John Landy as a member. The Guild ran personal development programs for young men, including reading and debating. Don and the Griffiths were greatly involved in those activities, and many future leaders of the community attributed their development to training offered by the Guild. Don was a very effective public speaker.

During the First World War, Don was joint secretary with his friend Norman David of the War Funds Board.

By September 1918, Don and his brother Percy had acquired the Geelong practice of Holmes and McCrindle, and then changed the name to Neilson and Neilson. On 25 September 1918, the Geelong Advertiser stated that the firm began operations on 1 August 1918, and Don Neilson being the Geelong representative of accountants Holmes and McCrindle.

When the Geelong Presbyterian Girls College, Morongo, opened its doors in 1920, Don was the first secretary of the College. His brother Percy succeeded him in that position, and then Don's son Geoff. He devoted himself tirelessly to the welfare of the school, which experienced many difficulties in its early years.

August 1901 - Death of Elizabeth Pawsey

Elizabeth Pawsey died in Stawell on 12 August 1901. Her gravestone notes that she was 'for over 50 years the faithful wife of Pastor Robert Pawsey', who died on 25 February 1891.

November 1901 - Henry Andrews, tailor

Henry Andrews (born 1849), of Andrews Bros Ltd, toasted the health of the Master Tailors' Association of Victoria at 'a most enjoyable smoke night' in Melbourne city in late November 1901, according to The Arena of 28 November 1901. This connection would suggest that Andrews Bros provided the material that was used by tailors, not that it was a tailors outlet.

1903 - Death of Mary Elizabeth Pawsey

Mary Balding (nee Cullen, the daughter of Stimpson Cullen and Judith Patrick) died in Geelong on 10 August 1903 aged 86 (Vic BDM Ref 9763). She was the mother of Mary Elizabeth Balding (23 April 1851, Norfolk, England - 21 August 1941) who married Charles Robert Pawsey (1844 - 1906), the son of Robert and Elizabeth Pawsey.

Mary Balding's obituary was carried in the Geelong Advertiser of 11 August 1903.

An old identity yesterday passed quietly away at her residence, Skene-street, Newtown, in the person of Mrs. Mary Balding, relict of the late Mr. Joseph Balding, who, when alive, was known as an active worker in the interest of temperance. The late Mrs. Balding, who reached the respectable age of 86 years, retained her full faculties till within a few days of her death, and took a lively interest in passing events. She leaves one daughter (Mrs. C. R. Pawsey) and several grand-children and great-grand-children, to mourn her loss. Elsewhere Mr. C. R. Pawsey, from whose residence, Aphrasia-street, Newtown, the funeral is to depart for the new General Cemetery, announces that his place of business in Noorabool-street, will be closed to-morrow.

From 1903 - Henry Andrews (1849 - 1915)

The Argus of 9 December 1903 noted the death of George Meares, CMG, former Member of the Legislative Council and former Mayor of Melbourne (1879 - 1880, 1880 - 1881) at Malvern. The paper carried a detailed obituary, including the statement that 'Mrs Meares predeceased her husband in 1875, and there is a family of three daughters and three sons. One of the daughters it the wife of Henry Andrews, of Flinders Lane. The sons are Mr Robert Meares [... a solicitor, Mr Richard Meares (a pastoralist in New South Wales), and Dr Albert Meares, of Branxholme, whose wife is the daughter of Mr CJ Ham MLC'.

The Leader (Melbourne) of 19 February 1881 carried a very extensive biography of George Meares.

Henry Andrews was well connected. He was noted in The Argus of 9 March 1909 attending an event in recognition of the candidature of Frank Cornwall, 'in the liberal cause at the recent state elections'. A range of well-known figures also attended the event.

1904 - Another Andrews/Meares wedding

The Leader (Melbourne) of 9 July 1904) reported the wedding of William Henry Makens Andrews, of Colney, Norfolk, to Florence Emily Meares, the youngest daughter of (the late) George Meares. Florence's sister had married Henry Andrews in 1890. According to the marriage notice:

(the wedding) took place on the 10th May at All Souls' Church, Langham Place, the Rev T Temple-Brown, BA, rector of Colney, being the officiating clergyman. The wedding was a very quiet one, owing to a recent family bereavement [George Meares died on 8 December 1903]. The bride was married in her travelling costume. After the ceremony, the bride's sister, Mrs Henry Andrews, held an At Home at the Langham Hotel, relatives only being present. During the afternoon, Mr and Mrs Andrews left for Devonshire where the honeymoon is being spent. Their future home will be Wood Hall, Hetherseth, Norfolk.

Before 1905 - Henry Cumming Neilson travels to Western Australia

Some time before 1905, Henry Cumming Neilson (aged 65 in 1905) travelled to Western Australia. He was recorded there in 1905 when his daughter Minnie married. Henry's son (from Jessie) Herbert William Robert died in Western Australia in 1905 (WA BDM Ref 2126) so it is not known if these two dates are connected - did Henry travel to Western Australia after Herbert died, or did Herbert die after they got there?. In either case, Henry remained in Western Australia for a while longer; he was recorded in Kalgoorlie in 1910 when his daughter Dora died - see below. It is not known (yet) if Annie travelled with him or remained in Geelong. Either way, Henry had returned to Geelong before 1930.

1905 - Death of Henry Andrews

Henry Andrews (born 1824), the son of Henry Andrews and Sarah Stofer, and who had returned to the UK with his wife Mary (nee Whiting) at some point, died on 27 October 1905 in Bournemouth, England (Leader 4 November 1905).

1905 - Minnie Neilson marries Puttney Malcolm Browne

Isobel/Isabel Minnie Neilson (also known as 'Min') married Puttney Malcolm Browne (of 'Tarina', Portarlington, the son of John Browne and Eliza Linton) on 13 September 1905 (Vic BDM Ref 5681) at the New Masonic Hall, Geelong. P.M. Browne was previously married; his first wife ('of Narrada Downs Station, Tambo, Queensland') died in April 1901 and was buried at Portarlington. The Geelong Advertiser of 15 April 1901 noted that 'the deceased lady, at the time of death, had been living, togther with her husband, mother and sister, a retired life in Portarlington for the past six years and was a victim of consumption.'. P.M. Browne was recorded as the Honorary Secretary of the Portarlington Flower Show in The Geelong Advertiser of 29 October 1895.

P.M. and Minnie had no children. When they married, Minnie's father Henry Neilson was noted in The Argus of 12 October 1905 as being 'of Perth, WA'. Was he (and Annie?) living in Perth at that time? If he was, he returned to Geelong - see below.

1906 - Death of Charles Robert Pawsey (1844 - 1906)

Charles Robert Pawsey, the son of Robert and Elizabeth Pawsey (nee Andrews), died on 21 May 1906. His death notice was carried in The Bendigo Independent:

On Monday the death occurred of Mr C R Pawsey, a resident of Geelong for over half a century. He was the proprietor of a drapery establishment in Moorabool Street and was likewise a favorite preacher in various of the local churches.

Charles Robert Pawsey was noted in the Geelong Advertiser of 19 December 1903 preaching at Chilwell Methodist church in the evening.

1907 - Archer Cumming Neilson marries Edna Bush

Archer Cumming Neilson (1883 - 1971) married Edna Bush in 1907 (Vic BDM Ref 8842). They had the following children:

1908 - Joseph Andrews Pawsey re-marries

Joseph Andrews Pawsey married Margaret Lade (27 December 1879 - 8 August 1969), the daughter of Stephen Lade and Ann McConachie, on 30 November 1908 (or 1906?) (Vic BDM Ref 7342). Joseph and Margaret Pawsey had one son:

1909 - Death of Phoebe Jane Andrews

Phoebe Jane Andrews, the wife of another (yet to be identified) Henry Andrews, died on 27 November 1909 at her residence 'Woodstock'. She was 72 (born 1837). (Vic BDM Ref 14525 parents Daniel Ward and unknown mother), The Argus, 29 November 1909).

1910 - Death of Dora Neilson

Dora May Neilson (recorded as NEILSEN) died in August 1910 aged 28 at her sister Minnie's residence at 'Tarina', Portarlington, according to The Argus of 11 August 1910. The notice stated that Dora and Minnie's father (Henry Cumming Neilson) was at that time in Kalgoorlie and was 'late of St Arnaud'.

From 1909 - Minnie and PM Browne on the social scene

Both Puttney Malcolm ('P.M.') and Minnie Browne were fairly social and noted in the newspapers on a regular basis. For example

Puttney Malcolm Browne died in 1938 (Vic BDM Ref 13095). Minnie Isabel Browne died in 1946 (Vic BDM Ref 20899).

1914 - Death of Charles Fuller Pawsey

Charles Fuller Pawsey (born 1878), the son of Joseph Josiah and Elizabeth Pawsey (nee Andrews), died on 24 July 1914. His funeral notice carried in the Ararat Advertiser of 30 July 1914 noted that Charles was, with his brother, 'engaged in farming pursuits at Willaura, at which place he passed away at the early age of 35 years'. His obituary was carried in the Stawell News and Pleasant Creek Chronicle of 28 July 1914:

The friends of Mr and Mrs J.J. Pawsey will regret to learn of the death of their youngest son Charles which occurred at Willaura on Friday. The deceased was a native of Stawell, and after completing his schooling, took up a position at the pharmacy now occupied by Mr Langsford, to study for a chemist, subsequently filling a position as chemist in the Western District. He had been in ill-health for some considerable time and passed quietly away as above stated. The deepest sympathy will be felt for his family in their bereavement.

1915 - Death of Henry Andrews

Henry Andrews (born abt 1849 in the UK), the son of Henry Andrews (1824 - 1905, UK) and Mary (Nellie) Whiting, died on 25 November 1915 at Malvern, Victoria (The Argus, 26 November 1915, Vic BDM Ref 14111, records his mother as Mary Whiting)). The Ballarat Star of 27 December 1915 noted that Henry Andrews was 'of Flinders Lane' and a warehouseman, and that he had a wife and children (and other relatives). Henry's wife was Sarah Ellen (nee Meares).

The Age of 26 November 1915 stated that 'By the death of Mr Henry Andrews at his residence, 'Grosvenor', Malvern, Flinders Lane has lost another of the very few remaining men who were responsible for its original history. Forty five years he was head of Andrews Bros Propriety Ltd. He took a keen interest in philanthropic and religious efforts and was for many years on the board of various hospitals and charitable institutions'.

The Argus of 26 November 1915 noted that he was the loved husband of Nellie [Sarah Ellen] Andrews and was the son of the late Henry Andrews of Westdene, Bournemouth.

1916 - Percy Neilson enlists for World War 1

Percy enlisted on 1 March 1916, presented for service on 29 February 1916 and served in the 29th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Forces (AIF). He trained at Salisbury Plains depot in July 1916 and, by 16 January 1917, had been promoted. Soon afterwards he was in France and in April 1918 he was wounded. He returned to Australia in 1919 on the Devanha, arriving on 3 June 1919.

1917 - Death of Joseph Josiah Pawsey - Obituary

The obituary for Joseph Josiah Pawsey was carried in The Ballarat Star on 19 November 1917 and also the Ararat Chronicle and Willaura and Lake Bolac Districts Recorder on 20 November 1917. The two notices included the following information:

An old pioneer of Ballarat, Mr J.J. Pawsey, of Camberwell, passed away on Monday last at the advanced age of 81 years. Mr Pawsey will be remembered by most of the oldest citizens as a business partner of the firm of Pawsey and Menzies, of Dana and Armstrong streets. From Ballarat he went to Stawell, and was in business in that town for many years. On retiring he removed to the metropolis. His remains were brought to Ballarat, and interred in the Old Cemetery on Wednesday. Deceased's two sons, and. Messrs J.J. Brokenshire, Thos. Bodycomb and J.S. Vickery were in attendance. Rev A. Jones, of Camberwell, conducted the service at the grave. The funeral (which was private) was in the hands of Messrs F.W. Barnes and Son.

1919 - Death of William Henry Pawsey

The Argus of 11 March 1919 reported the death in London on 8 March 1919 of William Henry Pawsey, director of Andrews Bros Proprietary Limited. William Henry Pawsey (born 1871) was the son of Charles Robert Pawsey and Mary Elizabeth Balding, and wa

1919/1920 - Percy Neilson changes job, marries

In August 1919, he resigned from the bank and joined his brother Donald to form the accounting firm Neilson and Neilson. Donald had been managing the Geelong office of Holmes and McCrindle since leaving Harwood and Pincott on 30 September 1913. Percy (aged 41) undertook studies to become a qualified accountant.

Percy married Ada Walker on 21 January 1920 at the High Church, Gheringhap Street (later St Giles). Ada was the daughter of Mr and Mrs D Walker of 100 Aberdeen Street, Geelong. Percy and Ada had two children, a son John Foster Neilson, and a daughter Joan Neilson.

1920 - Death of Susan Andrews

Susan Andrews (nee Binge, born around 1829 in the UK), who married Henry Andrews in 1867 (Vic BDM Ref 904), died aged 89 on 18 August 1920 at her residence 'Raglan', Inkerman Street, St Kilda (Vic BDM Ref 12382, shows her father's surname as Binge, mother's name unknown).

The Argus of 19 August 1920 stated that she was the relict of the late Henry Andrews, of Geelong and St Kilda' - but which one? She could not be the wife of Henry Andrews (born about 1898) who came to Australia in 1853 with his wife Susan/Sarah Stofer and children, as their children were born from 1824. Potentially she was the wife of Henry Andrews (born 1824) who was married to Mary Whiting. However, that Henry returned to the UK where he died in 1905. Or, is it possible that Henry (born 1824) married again in Melbourne? A Henry Andrews married Susan Binge in Victoria in 1867 (Vic BDM Ref 904).

There is no doubt that Susan Andrews was connected with the other Andrews; her probate documents show that she was living at 302 Inkerman Road, St Kilda and was a widow. The executors of her will were George Archibald Robertson of Aphrasia Street, Newtown, a timber merchant (and her father's cousin), and Benjamin Lemon of Gibbs Street, Balaclava, a teacher. Her will made reference to the following individuals:

From 1922 - Married and later life of Donald (Don) Neilson (14 March 1878 - 1 January 1954)

On 12 September 1922, Don married Grace Elizabeth Barber (18 June 1893 - 12 January 1962), probably after meeting her at St David's Church in Newtown. The Barbers, a farming family, had moved from Birchip in Victoria to Geelong. They had two children a girl born in June 1926 and a son, born 12 November 1929. (The son was the author of much of this detail). For most of their life, the family lived at 68 Fairview Avenue, Newtown.

Don took a great interest in the Rotary Club of Geelong, chartered in 1925. Although not a charter member, he joined the Club only a few months later. He was its sixth president, in 1930-31. He was also interested in St David's Presbyterian Church, for which he served as treasurer for many years until his death. He had been involved in the move of the congregation from the Ryrie Street 'Steeple Church' to Aphrasia Street, Newtown, in 1919. He helped the church pay off its bank loan, probably borrowed to build the church and the hall. He did not accept nomination as an elder, preferring to serve on the Board of Management.

Don served as treasurer of the Geelong Branch of the Red Cross Society. Until 1939, when the Melbourne and Geelong Corporations Act came into operation, Don was one of the auditors of the Geelong City Council.

In 1930, Don Neilson was registered as a trustee under the Federal Bankruptcy Act. During the Great Depression of the next few years, it was insolvency work that helped the firm to survive.

During the Second World War, Don was an air raid warden with some of his Rotary colleagues.

Like his brother John, Don was of medium height, 5'8", but not as chubby as John until the last years of his life. He had a pleasant disposition and an attractive personality. In his youth he played cricket, tennis and football.

From 1927 - Life of John Foster Neilson (1879 - 1954)

When Mr Howard Hitchcock disposed of his interest in the business in 1927 to a syndicate of five, John was one of those associated in the partnership as a director with Mr J Spencer Nall, the chairman. John retained his position as merchandise director and travelled to England again in the 1930s. He introduced staff training programs which helped to advance the careers of a number of people who served under him. John disposed of his interest in 'Brights' (as it was known) in 1938, terminating an association of 48 years.

On leaving Brights, John accepted an honorary position of secretary of the Geelong branch of the Red Cross Society and devoted himself untiringly to that work throughout the Second World War, and until his death. The Bellarine Street Red Cross premises were largely the result of his efforts.

John was described as being always well dressed, of medium height for those days (around 5'7"), rather chubby, with a roundish face, and wearing rather thick glasses. He was always cheerful and charming, and very fastidious - he intensely disliked seeing raw meat and would not go into a butcher's shop. He had a strong interest in art, evidenced by a large collection of pottery and paintings, almost all of which he gave away.

Although raised as a Presbyterian, John was attracted to the Church of England, to All Saints Church in Geelong, where he became the vicar's church warden. He occupied many positions in that church over the years, including that of Geelong representative to the Diocesan Church Council in Melbourne.

John remained single all his life and lived with his sister in the family home at 38 Retreat Road, Newtown, where their mother died on 1 June 1942.

John died on 1 January 1954. The Geelong Advertiser ran a lengthy obituary titled 'Gave Lifetime to Unassuming Selfless Service'.

1930/1935 - Death of Henry Cumming Neilson and Annie Neilson

Henry Cumming Neilson died in Geelong Hospital on 4 March (or April?) 1930, aged 89 (Vic BDM Ref 1453), having suffered from an enlarged prostate and uraemia. His (second) wife Annie Eliza Neilson (nee Holdsworth) died in 1935. (Vic BDM Ref 16160).

1943 - Death of Joseph Andrews Pawsey

The Camperdown Chronicle of 6 July 1943 carried the following obituary for Joseph Andrews Pawsey.

WITH the death of Mr Joseph Andrews Pawsey "Glencoe" Naroghid, near Camperdown, the Country Party has lost one of its staunchest support ers. He was one of the foundation members 22 years ago and with his wife did a lot of pioneering work for the organisation in the Wimmera. Mr Pawsey was born at Soldiers' Hill Ballarat, 77 years ago. He was educated at Camp Street School, Ballarat and Stawell Grammar School. He later become a member of the well known Wimmera firm of Wright, Pawsey and Mitchell, Stawell. After having a fruit farm at Dandenong, he came to the Western District, about 20 years ago, and immediately took an active interest in local affairs. He was a valuable citizen and his death will be regretted by all. After being a member of Cobden branch of the Country Party, he joined Camperdown branch 16 years ago and for a long time was secretary and delegate. INTERESTED IN MONETARY REFORM A major interest in Mr Pawsey's life was monetary reform. He organised many successful meetings in this cause and contributed interesting and forceful letters to the Press, this helping in no small way to awaken public interest in this matter. Within a few months of his death, he was engaged in a spirited controversy in the "Countryman." BREEDER OF CORRIEDALE CHAMPIONS On his farm at Naroghid, Mr Pawsey had a stud of Corrie dale sheep, which won championships at Melbourne Sheep Breeders' shows. He married Miss Margaret Lade, Strath Creek. There is one son, Mr Joseph Lade Pawsey, a senior research officer in the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, and at present, living in Sydney. PRIVATE CREMATION There was a private cremation at Springvale Crematorium on Friday. This was attended by deceased's son, a brother-in-law, Mr J. Parsons, and a nephew, Mr W. R. Coombe.

1945 - Death of Ada Neilson, Percy Neilson continues working

Percy's wife Ada died on 2 June 1945 aged 55. Their daughter Joan remained with her father until his death.

1949 - Death of Henrietta Edith Pawsey

A probate notice was published in The Argus on 11 February 1949 relating to the death of Henrietta Edith Pawsey, the daughter of Joseph Josiah and Elizabeth Pawsey (born 1869). The notice stated that she had lived at 20 Moorhouse Street, Campberwell and was a spinster. Her sister, Harriet Lillian Parsons, of the same address, was the sole executrix of the will.

1950 - Death of Donald (Don) Neilson (14 March 1878 - 7 May 1950)

Don Neilson (born 1878) died suddenly from a coronary thrombosis on 7 May 1950, and was cremated at Springvale Crematorium in Melbourne. Don's wife Grace died of cancer on 12 January 1962 at the age of 68, and was cremated at the West Melbourne Crematorium.

1954 - Joseph Lade Pawsey recognised for scientific work

The following note appeared in the Camperdown Chronicle on 30 March 1954.

Three Australian scientists have been honored by election to the Fellowship of the Royal Society of London. One of them is Dr. Joseph Lade Pawsey, a former resident of this district and a son of Mrs. M. Pawsey, formerly of Naroghid. and now of Ivanhoe, and the late Mr. Pawsey. Dr. Pawsey was educated at Camperdown Higher Elementary School, the University of Melbourne and Cambridge University. He is assistant chief of the radio physics division of the Commonwealth Scientific, and Industrial Research Organisation Sydney, and has been described as distinguished for his contribution to techniques of radio and radar and in particular for his application of these techniques to radio astronomy and to the study of the ionosphere.

From 1954 - Later life of Helen (Nellie) Jane Neilson (7 March 1882 - 23 June 1976)

As noted above, Nellie's mother Helen died in 1942. After the death of her brother John in January 1954, the home at 38 Retreat Road was sold and Percy arranged for her to move to a small home in Aphrasia Street, just below what was the site of a mixed business run earlier by Harold Lilburne and then Jim Money. Nellie lived there from 1954 until 1976. When she fell and broke her hip, she had to move to Grace McKellar House where, after a period of physiotherapy, she suffered a final stroke, and died.

1959 - Death of Percy Neilson

Percy continued working in Neilson and Neilson until his death on 6 June 1959 at the age of 81. He outlasted his younger brothers. Percy was described by his nephew in 1996 as being 'more heavily built than Jack or Don. He was gregarious and mixed easily with everyone. He was a man of principle who impressed with his dignity but also his well developed sense of humour'.

1962 - Death of Joseph Lade Pawsey

Joseph Lade Pawsey died on 30 November 1962 at the age of only 54. See this Wikipedia article for more details of his life. It includes the following details:

In 1952, Pawsey became president of the Radio Astronomy Commission of the International Astronomical Union, serving until 1958. From 1960 until 1961 he was president of the Australian Branch of the Institute of Physics.

In December 1961 Pawsey accepted an appointment as director of the recently established National Radio Astronomy Observatory at Green Bank, West Virginia, United States of America. Before taking up the post, he visited the observatory in March 1962 but became seriously ill and returned to Sydney. He died of a cerebral tumour on 30 November that year at the Victoria Convalescent Hospital, Potts Point, and was cremated. His wife, daughter and two sons survived him.

The Pawsey crater on the Moon is named after him. Also named after him is the Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, the home of petascale supercomputing facilities and expertise to support international Square Kilometre Array research and other high-end science (based at Technology Park in the Perth suburb of Bentley).

1969 - Death of Margaret Pawsey

Margaret Pawsey, the mother of Joseph Lade Pawsey and 'late of Ivanhoe', died in Heidelburg, Victoria, in 1969 (Vic BDM Ref 18757 and Ryerson index).

Page created 11 February 2012, updated 18 July 2020. Copyright © 2021 Andrew Warland. (andrewwarland(at)gmail.com)