Family Tree Rhapsody
shared by Les Tobin Google+
Thanks, Les.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Monday, February 17, 2014
HAPPY 150TH BIRTHDAY, BANJO PATERSON!
HAPPY 150TH BIRTHDAY, BANJO PATERSON!
(c) expired Wikimedia Commons
One of Australia's most famous poets, known mostly as a bush poet, was born 150 years ago today.
I imagine that he would have been totally amazed to know that we still celebrate his works all these years later.
Andrew Barton "Banjo" Paterson was born in Orange, NSW on 17th February, 1864.
To quote Wikipedia...
"...the eldest son of Andrew Bogle Paterson, a Scottish immigrant from Lanarkshire, and Australian-born Rose Isabella Barton,[3]related to the future first Prime Minister of Australia Edmund Barton.[4] Paterson's family lived on the isolated Buckinbah Station near Yeoval NSW [5]until he was five when his father lost his wool clip in a flood and was forced to sell up.[6] When Paterson's uncle died, his family took over the uncle's farm in Illalong, near Yass, close to the main route between Melbourne and Sydney. Bullock teams, Cobb and Co coaches and drovers were familiar sights to him. He also saw horsemen from the Murrumbidgee River area and Snowy Mountainscountry take part in picnic races and polo matches, which led to his fondness of horses and inspired his writings.[3]"
The link above gives a summary of his life and works, one of his most famous has to be the words of Waltzing Matilda...
However, one of my favourites is
"The Man From Snowy River"
I just love the rhythm of it.
There was movement at the station, for the word had passed around
That the colt from old Regret had got away,
And had joined the wild bush horses - he was worth a thousand pound,
So all the cracks had gathered to the fray.
All the tried and noted riders from the stations near and far
Had mustered at the homestead overnight,
For the bushmen love hard riding where the wild bush horses are,
And the stockhorse snuffs the battle with delight.
That the colt from old Regret had got away,
And had joined the wild bush horses - he was worth a thousand pound,
So all the cracks had gathered to the fray.
All the tried and noted riders from the stations near and far
Had mustered at the homestead overnight,
For the bushmen love hard riding where the wild bush horses are,
And the stockhorse snuffs the battle with delight.
Banjo rests at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium, Sydney.
May he Rest in Peace.
Sunday, February 9, 2014
NIGHT TIME VISITORS
NIGHT TIME VISITORS
I love visitors... these are just few that love to wander over at night....
Three sets of eyes watching and waiting...
Hiding behind the top of the pole looking out...
I'll be brave and lead the way... ringtailed possum.....
Here comes the family.
Finally in the tree and the camera's still there...
They can have the front yard, I'll take the back...
Feeling a bit washed out tonight...
Don't forget the rest of the family
They're on their way...
Right, here we come...
Last of the family... let the party begin....
Saturday, January 25, 2014
HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY 2014
HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY 2014
How many footsteps have traipsed this vast land in search of shelter, love and hope...
from the original inhabitants to those, who over time, ventured from far off lands, looking for a better life - just as they do today.
This is a land of contrasts, vast desert to rainforests, majestic mountains to golden sands, towering water falls to trickling streams, vast cattle stations ... where to reach the boundaries, you have a day's ride... tiny villages and bustling cities...
There is still room for homes on acreage, as well as highrise apartments towering in to the sky or homes on the typical suburban block.
Australians are a friendly lot, unless you beat them at sport, then it's a grumble and a groan, before they pat you on the back with a "she's right, mate... your shout".
We love our country, in a laid back kind of way... we are creative and innovative, we are descendants of many lands, of many cultures, but most of all, we are proud Australians.
So, raise a glass and help celebrate our past, our present and our future... and we'll welcome you with open arms.
(c) copyright of all photos remains with Crissouli with one exception
(c) photo of Uluru is licensed for free use by Thomas Schoch
refer Wikimedia
Friday, January 24, 2014
AUSTRALIA DAY CHALLENGE 2014: C’MON AUSSIE... Geneameme
She's done it again...the ever busy, ever creative Cassmob, alias Pauleen, has set us an Australia Day Challenge...
She has given us a set of 26 questions to answer or gloss over as we will... Let's see how I go...
CLIMBING THE FAMILY GUM TREE
AUSTRALIA DAY CHALLENGE 2014: C’MON AUSSIE
(c) Photo by Crissouli
My first ancestor to arrive in Australia was... as far as I know...
Robert Hobbs, immigration in Sep 1791 on the ship "Active"
I have Australian Royalty (tell us who, how many and which Fleet they arrived with):
Robert Hobbs (see above), Bridget Heslin/Eslin Sep 1793 on the "Sugarcane"
Others to be added
I’m an Aussie mongrel, my ancestors came to Oz from:
Ireland, England, Wales, Greece,
Others to be added
I’m an Aussie mongrel, my ancestors came to Oz from:
Ireland, England, Wales, Greece,
Did any of your ancestors arrive under their own financial steam?
Yes, several including my Greek grandfather, Theodore H. Catsoulis, who arrived on the "Kurfurst" in 1904.
Yes, several including my Greek grandfather, Theodore H. Catsoulis, who arrived on the "Kurfurst" in 1904.
How many ancestors came as singles?
I'm going to be vague here, and in some of the other questions for now, as I need to be able to check the exact details. There were quite a few singles, mostly my Irish ancestors.
I'm going to be vague here, and in some of the other questions for now, as I need to be able to check the exact details. There were quite a few singles, mostly my Irish ancestors.
How many came as couples?
Some of my British ancestors, including Swadlings.
Some of my British ancestors, including Swadlings.
How many came as family groups?
Swadlings from UK, one lot that come to mind arrived on the "James Pattison"
Swadlings from UK, one lot that come to mind arrived on the "James Pattison"
Did one person lead the way and others follow?
Yes, with regards to my Greek grandparents... my grandmother, Chrisanthe Catsoulis nee Coroneo, followed my grandfather, but I've been unable to find just when as yet... after 1904 and before 1910 I would think.
My Dillons also followed Michael Dillon, who it appears was the first to arrive in Australia, though he moved back to Ireland. I think John (Jack) was next... sadly he was killed here in an accident. Molly (Mary) McDermott, their sister arrived here next, as a young widow of Gerard McDermott, who was killed in WW1. She remarried later to Tom Foley. The next was my grandmother, Bridget Teresa Dillon.
Yes, with regards to my Greek grandparents... my grandmother, Chrisanthe Catsoulis nee Coroneo, followed my grandfather, but I've been unable to find just when as yet... after 1904 and before 1910 I would think.
My Dillons also followed Michael Dillon, who it appears was the first to arrive in Australia, though he moved back to Ireland. I think John (Jack) was next... sadly he was killed here in an accident. Molly (Mary) McDermott, their sister arrived here next, as a young widow of Gerard McDermott, who was killed in WW1. She remarried later to Tom Foley. The next was my grandmother, Bridget Teresa Dillon.
What’s the longest journey they took to get here?
From Ireland I would think. I haven't checked the length of the journey.
From Ireland I would think. I haven't checked the length of the journey.
Did anyone make a two-step emigration via another place?
More or less, as Bridget Dillon was travelling to Australia with her sister, Susan Dillon, and they stopped over in New Zealand, where Susan decided to stay, as another brother, James, was already living there. Bridget was very close to Molly, so she continued to Australia.
More or less, as Bridget Dillon was travelling to Australia with her sister, Susan Dillon, and they stopped over in New Zealand, where Susan decided to stay, as another brother, James, was already living there. Bridget was very close to Molly, so she continued to Australia.
Which state(s)/colony did your ancestors arrive?
Western Australia and New South Wales
Western Australia and New South Wales
Did they settle and remain in one state/colony?
They mostly ended up in New South Wales.
They mostly ended up in New South Wales.
Did they stay in one town or move around?
Few stayed in the one area, nevertheless town. My Greek grandfather, then my grandparents tended to move a bit more than most, though my maternal grandfather did also. The former moved from Sydney to Grafton, to Whiporee, near Casino, to Bellingen, to Aberdeen, then to Urunga. The latter moved wherever the sawmilling was in his early days.
Few stayed in the one area, nevertheless town. My Greek grandfather, then my grandparents tended to move a bit more than most, though my maternal grandfather did also. The former moved from Sydney to Grafton, to Whiporee, near Casino, to Bellingen, to Aberdeen, then to Urunga. The latter moved wherever the sawmilling was in his early days.
Do you have any First Australians in your tree?
Not that I know of in a direct line, but, yes, through marriage.
Not that I know of in a direct line, but, yes, through marriage.
Were any self-employed?
Many of them were, mainly cafe owners and farmers.
Many of them were, mainly cafe owners and farmers.
What occupations or industries did your earliest ancestors work in?
As above.
As above.
Does anyone in the family still follow that occupation?
Not now.
Not now.
Did any of your ancestors leave Australia and go “home”?
Only my Great Uncle Michael Dillon, who returned home to work the family farm.
Only my Great Uncle Michael Dillon, who returned home to work the family farm.
NOW IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU
What’s your State of Origin?
New South Wales
New South Wales
Do you still live there?
No, I'm almost a Queenslander now, having lived here since I was 12.
No, I'm almost a Queenslander now, having lived here since I was 12.
Where was your favourite Aussie holiday place as a child?
Anywhere my parents decided to take our truck, with a tarp and beds and all on the back. Our holidays weren't that often, and were mostly to visit relatives.
Anywhere my parents decided to take our truck, with a tarp and beds and all on the back. Our holidays weren't that often, and were mostly to visit relatives.
Any special place you like to holiday now?
I do like going back to Urunga, but I'm happy to just get a break... it's been quite a while.
I do like going back to Urunga, but I'm happy to just get a break... it's been quite a while.
Share your favourite spot in Oz:
As above, but I love Mt. Tamborine and the Northern Rivers district of New South Wales...
As above, but I love Mt. Tamborine and the Northern Rivers district of New South Wales...
Any great Aussie adventure you’ve had?
Not really, the closest we've come to that was a 6,000km driving holiday when my husband took long service leave.
Not really, the closest we've come to that was a 6,000km driving holiday when my husband took long service leave.
What’s on your Australian holiday bucket list?
I've always wanted to go to Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory... I've been to a lot of the rest, though would be happy to revisit. Norfolk Island is also on the list.
I've always wanted to go to Tasmania, Western Australia and the Northern Territory... I've been to a lot of the rest, though would be happy to revisit. Norfolk Island is also on the list.
How do you celebrate Australia Day?
Quietly in the main... if we have done anything, it's been a get together with friends. The only year we really celebrated was when our daughter and family returned home after living overseas for some years... now that really was a day of celebration!
Quietly in the main... if we have done anything, it's been a get together with friends. The only year we really celebrated was when our daughter and family returned home after living overseas for some years... now that really was a day of celebration!
If you would like to participate, please let Pauleen know at
Australia Day Challenge 2014: C’mon Aussie
Australia Day Challenge 2014: C’mon Aussie
Friday, December 20, 2013
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS ONE AND ALL
http://olddesignshop.com/
CHRISTMAS GENEAMEME
Just five simple questions for this one...
Please answer via Comments, leaving your name.
Feel free to repost on your own blog as you wish.
Thank you in anticipation...
1. What is the earliest Christmas gift you remember?
2. Your favourite Christmas memory is ...?
3. Do you bake anything special for Christmas?
4. Where do you usually spend Christmas Day?
5. if you could have just one Christmas Wish, what would it be?
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT
Click on the link to hear one of my favourite Christmas songs while you work out your answers...
Sunday, November 10, 2013
MOVING ON
As I write to friends all over the world, I often marvel at how things have changed. It's not unusual for people to be born in one country, then move to several, maybe with family, then move again, from one place to the next, as they follow various careers.
Like most in Australia, I come from a family of immigrants... few of us don't. My Greek grandfather left the village of Potamos in Kythera, in 1904 to try his hand in a new country. He had been a farmer and a guard at the Greek palace.. here he started out as so many before him, as a kitchen hand in restaurants owned by fellow Greeks. He went into partnership with his cousin, also from Kythera and had a cafe in Bellingen, previously having been in Grafton.
I wish I could ask him why he then decided to go back to farming, this time in Whiporee, near Casino... then Aberdeen, then to Urunga, where he farmed for the rest of his years. My grandmother grew cotton and spun it, then wove it, before also leaving Kythera and coming to join her husband.Their children became farmers, cafe owners, soldiers, truck owner/drivers, worked on the railway, hoteliers, small business owners... then came the grandchildren...
Occupations changed. Here we have bank tellers, businessmen, a geologist, teachers, university lecturer, small business owners, cosmetician, media promotions director, transport operator, lawyer, timber importer, company representatives, managers, with partners as lawyer, travel agent, theatre manager, chemist, medical representative, small business owners, developers, property managers... I'm sure to have missed some. The great grandchildren have become lawyers, public relations directors, company owners, health insurance representative, computer security, engineers, swimming teacher, DJ, entrepreneurs, project manager, writer, nutritionist, and various other careers along the way...
So many have travelled overseas, most for pleasure, many to Greece and other countries, some for business... to all parts of the globe... None of this is unusual for families today, but if we could chat a while to our ancestors, what would they think of all this? Do mothers feel any different today as they wave their loved ones 'farewell' than mothers of long ago? At least today, we have communication previously unheard of... we can email, or pick up a phone... We can sit in our homes and see the person we are talking to in 'real time' via webcam. We can send them videos via the internet; photos, not needing film, can be sent via email or uploaded to the web, then family and friends invited to see them... at their leisure. The miles fade away as instant communication keeps families in touch...
As I picture my grandfather's family seeing their son leave for a virtually unknown country, I can feel their heartache... knowing that in all probability they would never see them again... was it any different for my maternal grandmother's Irish parents? They, too, watched their family leave for Australia, America, New Zealand, Canada.
(c) Wikimedia
Bronze figures, Fleetwood, Lanc
Though both families were filled with hope, that their children would never have to endure the hardships they had in their native lands, the tears of the mother still rolled down a quivering lip; the firm handshake or hug of the father lasted just a little longer, while they tried so hard to keep their emotions confined and hearts still break a little more with each goodbye.
Crissouli (c)
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