Wagga Wagga Voluntary Aid Detachment

Was Grandma a member of the Wagga Wagga Voluntary Aid Detachment?

My grandmother, known to most of her friends as Rita, was born Margaret Edith Jacka in the year 1900 to parents Edwin Knight Jacka and Elizabeth Ebbott.[i]  Margaret married John (aka Jack) Williamson at the age of 22 (he was eight years her senior)  in 1922 at The Methodist Church in Hamilton, New South Wales.[ii] By 1937 the couple were living in Wagga Wagga, NSW.[iii]

World War II began in 1939, and although not confirmed, it is thought that the couple were still residing in Wagga Wagga with their 3 children, John, Margaret and Dorothy who ranged in age from 7 to 14.

She “was active in the Methodist Church, despite her husband’s protestations.  In fact, a lot of what she did seemed to be in spite of Jack.  In the Second World War she joined the Voluntary Aid Detachment, and he wasn’t too keen on that.”[iv] Maybe the call is what inspired Rita join the VAD.  It was certainly reported and advertised widely in the press.

Did she answer the call for volunteers in 1939 to support the local war effort?

Figure 2 Excerpt from the Daily Advertiser, 1939

The photo below shows a street parade of marching women that includes my grandmother. The photo indicates that she might have been a member of the Voluntary Aid Detachment (VAD) in 1939 as not all the women are in strict uniform.

Figure 1 Photographer Unknown, Street Parade, possibly in Wagga Wagga, c1940, scanned image

What was the Wagga Wagga VAD?

“The Wagga Wagga VAD was strong and valuable with 143 members in total over the World War II period.  It was a military based organisation carrying out medical assistance at the various military camps and bases as well as Wagga Wagga hospitals (including the public Wagga Base Hospital and the private hospitals, Welwyn and Lewisham). They were also active in non-medical voluntary activities and in fundraising, with most proceeds going to the Australian Red Cross Society.”[v] “The Wagga Wagga VAD also raised funds for the Mayor’s Patriotic and War Fund and the Australian Comforts Fund, along with other local organisations.”[vi]

What was Grandma’s role in the Wagga Wagga VAD?

Often we think of war as being at the battle fronts, and perhaps this is why it is so difficult to find out what Rita’s role was in the VAD. But she, along with other volunteers2, made a world of difference to those training and preparing to leave, and those away or returning. 

It is these unsung heroes and heroines that I admire, the ones whose stories we struggle to tell. It is their strong steadfast support that makes everything else possible.

Links

This story is part of the NFHM Blogging Challenge - Week 3

Sources

Images
Figure 1 Photographer Unknown, Street Parade, possibly in Wagga Wagga, c1940, scanned image
Figure 2 Excerpt from STRIKING RESPONSE BY WOMEN OF WAGGA (1939, September 19). Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 - 1954), p. 2. Retrieved August 21, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article144244315

Documents

---

[i] Victorian Birth Certificate, District of Brunswick, 1900/1238, Margaret Edith Jacka

[ii] NSW Marriage Certificate, district of Sydney, 1922/11616,  John Aaron Palmer Williamson & Margaret Edith Jacka

[iii] Ancestry.com. Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2010. Subdistrict: Wagga Wagga, Year 1937 Entries #8241 John Palmer Williamson & #8245 Margaret Edith Williamson Citing Original data: Australian Electoral Commission. [Electoral roll].

[iv] Christine Filliamundi, Memories of Grandma Williamson 20150108v2, unpublished essay, 2015; Helen Condon, personal communication with the author, 2006

[v] Kathleen Linder, 'Serving our King and Country' VAs in Wagga Wagga 1939-1946, Charles Sturt University Regional Archives Summer Scholarship Report 2006-2007

[vi] Kathleen Linder, 'Serving our King and Country' VAs in Wagga Wagga 1939-1946, Charles Sturt University Regional Archives Summer Scholarship Report 2006-2007 

Wedding photo of Thomas Manderson & Lillian Crump

This photo was taken to mark the wedding of Thomas MANDERSON married Lillian CRUMP in May 1903, Eaglehawk, Victoria[i].

Figure 1 G.L. Massingham, Wedding Photo of Lillian Crump & Thomas Manderson, 1903, scan of original image

Photo Details

Photo Type	Mounted Photo on thick card
Photo size	13.8cm x 20cm [5.11in x 7.87in]
Card size	Unknown
Card Colour	Natural
Card Edges	straight cut
Border	Single thick impressed line
Front Imprint	G.L.Missingham, View Street, Bendigo
Photo Technology	Cabinet Card

Background of the photo

Date of Photograph	Thought to have been taken May 1903 either shortly before or after the couple were married in Garsed Street, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia
Venue of photograph	The photo was most likely taken in the G.L.Missingham studios. This studio were widely advertised almost on a weekly basis and sometimes more often
Photographer	· Photographer's name printed beneath image as “G.L. Massingham View Street Bendigo”
Personal notations	Notation 1 on the back of the photo “Lillian Crump & Thomas Manderson on their wedding day”
Archive Reference	B021
Provenance	Myrtle Sharp's Private Photo Collection currently held by Sandra Williamson

An advertisement for the photographer in 1903 

Figure 2 Advertising (1903, May 6). Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), , p. 4. Retrieved August 16, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88570169

Image Contents

Portrait of two people - seated Lillian Crump, standing Thomas Manderson

Links

To read more about about Thomas Manderson & Lillian Manderson's wedding click here
To read more about Thomas Manderson & Lillian Manderson's wedding venue click here

---

[i] Victorian Marriage Certificate, District of Bendigo, 1903/2358, Thomas Manderson and Lillian Crump

Venue for a Wedding “Springhurst” in Garsed St, Bendigo

There is a place in Bendigo called “Springhurst” in Garsed St., where at least two of the three daughters of Theophilus CRUMP & Kate DUTTON were married.

Their names were Minnie Grace CRUMP (married in 1897) and Lillian May CRUMP (married in 1903) both girls were 19 at the time of their marriages. The ministers on each occasion were different but both of the Methodist persuasion. Both girls were several years junior to their grooms, in the case of Minnie there was an 11 year gap.

At both weddings their father Theophilus gave written consent to allow his daughters to be legally married, he was also present at the ceremony. It appears although the weddings were performed by ministers of religion they were not performed in a church.

According to my research Garsed St. appears to be some sort of marriage office in Bendigo. It may also have been some sort of refuge or possibly lying in hospital for women. I have based my tentative conclusion on the advertisements that I have found in Bendigo newspapers between 1895 and 1903

Advertising (1896, February 18). The Bendigo Independent (Vic. : 1891 - 1918), , p. 3. Retrieved August 16, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article181514043

Below I have listed excerpts from some of the advertisements that I found plus an article to support my contention as follows:-

1. “Witnesses provided. No notice required”[i]
2. “No second charge. Witnesses provided. Strictly select and private”[ii]
3. “Witnesses provided free. No notice required. Private. Call or correspond” [iii]
4. “Lady Help wanted; young, strong, Christian, knowledge of nursing. Good home, fair wages. “Springhurst,” 45 Garsed-street, Bendigo”[iv]
5. In a divorce case of DORE & DORE in 1903 it was referred to “a matrimonial office in Garsed-street.”[v]
6. “GOAT’S Milk wanted, one quart daily, 4d per quart, delivered at house. "Springhurst,” 45 Garsed street, Bendigo”[vi]

Of course my conclusions may be wrong which is why I would love to know more to either prove or disprove my theory. Is there anyone out there who knows more about this establishment?

Links

To learn more about Lillian Crumps wedding click here

Sources

---

[i] Advertising (1895, May 30). Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), , p. 3. Retrieved August 15, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88953953
[ii] Advertising (1896, October 27). Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), , p. 4. Retrieved August 16, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88992546
[iii] Advertising (1896, February 18). The Bendigo Independent (Vic. : 1891 - 1918), , p. 3. Retrieved August 16, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article181514043
[iv] Advertising (1896, June 10). Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), , p. 3. Retrieved August 16, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88987567
[v] A BENDIGO DIVORCE CASE. (1903, June 25). Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), , p. 4. Retrieved August 15, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88574610
[vi] Advertising (1896, September 12). The Bendigo Independent (Vic. : 1891 - 1918), , p. 3. Retrieved August 16, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article184007628

Victorian Birth Certificate, District of Eaglehawk, Lillian Crump
Victorian Marriage Certificate, District of Bendigo, 1903/2358, Thomas Manderson & Lillian Crump
Victorian Marriage Certificate, District of Bendigo, 1897/5292, James Clemins Berry & Minnie Grace Crump
Victorian Death Certificate, District of Bendigo, 1930/319, Theophilus Crump
Victorian Death Certificate, District of Blackburn, 1961/15339, Lillian Crump

Sepia Saturday August 2016 Love & Marriage

Marriage and love don’t always come at the same time. But when love does come hang onto it with both hands like Lillian did.

Thomas MANDERSON married Lillian CRUMP in May 1903 in Eaglehawk, Victoria[i]. Lillian was only 19 years of age, Thomas was six years her senior. 

Figure 1 G.L. Massingham, Wedding Photo of Lillian Crump & Thomas Manderson, 1903, scan of original image.

There are no recorded births for any children to the couple in either Victoria or Western Australia. Thomas listed his usual place of residence as Kalgoolie, Western Australia on their marriage certificate.  Lillian however did go on to have 4 children but none listed Thomas as the father.[ii]  The father of all Lillian CRUMP’s children is thought to have been William BASSETT, but only the two youngest children William (b.1908) and Gladys Irene (b.1912) have been confirmed.[iii]  No father is listed for the eldest two children Doris Lillian (b.1906) and Myrtle May (b.1907).[iv]

A missing person article appeared in the local Western Australian newspaper in 1906 announcing that a Thomas MANDERSON had been found, locating  the original "Missing Person" article might help to confirm if this is the same Thomas MANDERSON who had married Lillian Crump in 1903.[v]  It is thought that by 1907 Thomas MANDERSON had gone to sea and can be found on the “Empress of Britain” as a crew member and he may have eventually settled in America.[vi]

Lillian was 21 years old when she gave birth to Doris, her eldest child.[vii] Neither Lillian MANDERSON/CRUMP, Thomas MANDERSON or William BASSETT were the informant on either the two eldest children's birth certificates.[viii]  Later Myrtle would say that she had no doubt that William Bassett was her father as the family resemblance was strong. [ix]

William Bassett & Lillian Crump became a couple, possibly around 1905 however they never married.  When Myrtle their second eldest was two years of age (in 1907) the family left Eaglehawk and relocated to Tasmania. William found employment in the mines and their only son, William, was born.[x] They returned to Eaglehawk by 1912 for the birth of their fourth child Gladys Irene.[xi]

When they moved back to Eaglehawk it was thought the couple had married in Tasmania.[xii] Later in life after a bout of illness Lillian insisted that a portrait was taken of her and William to commemorate their union.  Later she would say that William would have nothing to remember her without the portrait.

Figure 2 Photographer Unknown, Formal Portrait of William Bassett & Lillian Crump, c.mid-1920s, scan of original image.

Ironically it would be William who died first of miner’s complaint in 1945.[xiii]

 [click here to read more about the missing person newspaper article for Thomas Manderson]

To read more about the venue for Lillian Crump & Thomas Manderson's click here

References

Images

Figure 1  G.L,Massingham, Wedding Photo of Lillian Crump & Thomas Manderson, 1903

Figure 2  Photographer Unknown, Formal Portrait of William Bassett & Lillian Crump, date unknown

Sources

[i] Victorian Marriage Certificate, District of Bendigo, 1903/2358, Thomas Manderson and Lillian Crump

[ii] NSW Death Certificate, 1964/19504, District of Sutherhland, Lillian BASSETT; Victorian Birth Certificate, District of Eaglehawk, 1906/2600, Doris Lillian MANDERSON, Victorian Birth Certificate, District of Eaglehawk, 1907/10233, Myrtle May MANDERSON; NAA: B883, VX21203 William BASSETT; Victorian Birth Certificate 1912/19781, District of Eaglehawk, Gladys Irene BASSETT

[iii] NAA: B883, VX21203 William BASSETT; Victorian Birth Certificate, 1912/19781, District of Eaglehawk, Gladys Irene BASSETT

[iv] Victorian Birth Certificate, 1906/2600 District of Eaglehawk, Doris Lillian MANDERSON and Victorian Birth Certificate, 1907/10233, District of Eaglehawk, Myrtle May MANDERSON

[v] MISSING FRIENDS (1906, June 30). The Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 - 1950),Col 6, p. 6 (SECOND EDITION). Retrieved March 31, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article82404925.

[vi] “Liverpool, England, Crew Lists 1861-1919;" Liverpool Record Office, Liverpool, England; digital images, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc, "Crew lists (fishing boats). 387 FIS : 1907,"Ancestry.com (www.Ancestry.com : accessed 24 Mar 2016); Entry for Thomas MANDERSON on the Empress of Britain; U.S., Residents Serving in the British Expeditionary Forces, 1917-1919; War Department. Office of the Provost Marshal General (1917–1919); digital images, Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., Ancestry.com (www.Ancestry.com : accessed 25 Mar 2016) Entry of Thomas MANDERSON; 1920 U.S. census, Mendocino, California, population schedule, Big River Township (part), Big River Precinct 1, Big River Precinct 2, Caspar Precinct, enumeration district (ED) 111, sheet 18B, p. 7015 (image 26 of 27), dwelling 678, family 468, Thomas MANDERSON; digital images,  Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 25 Mar 2016)

[vii] Victorian Birth Certificate, 1906/2600, District of Eaglehawk, Doris Lillian MANDERSON

[viii] Victorian Birth Certificate, 1906/2600, District of Eaglehawk, Doris Lillian MANDERSON; Victorian Birth Certificate,  1907/10233, District of Eaglehawk, Myrtle May MANDERSON

[ix] Myrtle Sharp, in personal discussion with author, c.2000

[x] NAA: B883, VX21203 William BASSETT

[xi] Victorian Birth Certificate, 1912/19781, District of Eaglehawk, Gladys Irene Bassett

[xii] Myrtle Sharp, in personal discussion with author, c.2000

[xiii] Victorian Death Certificate, 1945/5364, District of St Kilda, William BASSETT

Edit History

Originally posted on the 14th August 2016
Updated and revised on 16th August 2016

Working with Photos - 3 Siblings

This photo is thought to have been taken in 1909, in Tasmania which was then sent back to Catherine Crump nee Dutton who is the grandmother of the children in the photograph.

 Background of the photo

Date of Photograph	Thought to have been taken in 1909  the baby in the middle was born in September 1908
Venue of photograph	Unknown Tasmanian Photograph Studio
Photographer	Uknown
Personal notations	Notation 1 “To Mother with Love from Lillian” by Lillian Bassett (mother of the children) Notation 2 “Doris, Myrtle William” by Myrtle Sharp nee Bassett (one of the children) Notation 3 “#20” by Sandra Williamson when originally cataloguing the photo in the 1980s.
Archive Reference	b437
Provenance	Myrtle Sharp's Private Photo Collection currently held by Sandra Williamson

Image Contents

Left to right Myrtle Bassett, William Bassett and Doris Bassett (siblings)  identified by Myrtle Sharp nee Bassett,  Children of William Bassett & Lillian Crump

Remaining Queries

William Bassett, the baby in the photo, is thought to have been born in Dundas, Tasmania, Australia, however we have never been able to locate either his birth certificate or christening record.[i]  This photo also may have been taken in a photo studio either in Dundas or close by.

---

[i] NAA: B883, VX21203 William BASSETT

The Working Life Of Walter Todman

This is my contribution to the National Family History Month Blogging Challenge for Week Two.
The Challenges that Walter Todman faced in his occupation as a motor mechanic were many. He and his family moved around a lot until he established a business in Chapel Street in 1897. The family lived behind the shop.

Figure 1 Advertising (1897, December 24). Jewish Herald (Vic. : 1879 - 1920), , p. 13. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article147278228

From 1898 onwards we see him advertising for Staff as the business grows

Figure 2 Advertising (1899, October 23). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), , p. 3. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article188653927


Figure 3 Advertising (1901, April 16). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), , p. 9. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196061341
Employing staff however brought on responsibilities. Times were difficult and chasing unpaid debts must have been difficult and we see him in court on the Civil List of the Prahran Police Court chasing unpaid debts

“Walter Todman v, A. Johnson, work and labour, £2. order with 5s. Costs”[1]

Walter’s passion however was for inventing things, before he got married he registered patents in NSW including one for the improvement of shearing equipment.[2] He was also a pioneer in new and emerging forms of transportation. He was involved in designing oversized skates for getting around in 1901 before the car became the major force that we know of today.


Figure 4 Cycling notes. (1901, September 19). Punch (Melbourne, Vic. : 1900 - 1918; 1925), , p. 26. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article175389085

However tragedy hit both his business and family life in the matter month. His youngest child, “Little Lottie” died, just a month after a fierce northerly gales broke a large and expensive plate glass window in his garage.[3]

Figure 5 Family Notices (1909, January 9). Malvern Standard (Vic. : 1906 - 1931), , p. 3. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66383631

The world must have seemed as though it was becoming a hostile place. In 1910 there was much animosity against the car as it became the dominate form of transportation. Walter had expanded the business and was now situated at 476, 478. 480 Chapel St., Sth. Yarra.[4]

Figure 6 MOTORS AND MOTORING (1910, April 23). Leader (Melbourne, Vic. : 1862 - 1918), , p. 20. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196486952

While all this was going Walter became insolvent.

Figure 7 "Victoria Government Gazette – Online Archive – 1910, P5540". 2016. Gazette.Slv.Vic.Gov.Au. Accessed August 12 2016. http://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/view.cgi?year=1910&class=general&page_num=5540&state=V&classNum=G159&searchCode=2959255

Not deterred however Walter appears to have been able to carry on his business and 3 Cato Street, in Prahran in 1821.[5] By 1823 he was back to inventing and involved invention of a steam driven car.[6] However everything must have taken his toll as by 1925 we see him organising to retire from business.

Figure 8 Advertising (1925, May 4). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), , p. 2. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155754114

Walter was working in a field that was changing rapidly and at the edge of technology, he showed fortitude and tenacity and it to be much admired and I have only scratched the surface of his life.

Sources
Advertising (1910, July 9). Advocate (Melbourne, Vic. : 1868 - 1954), , p. 41. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article170914859
Ancestry.com. New South Wales, Australia, Government Gazettes, 1853-1899 [database on-line]. Page 2675 Year 1889 April - June Entry # 162 W.Todman (Image 237 of 2092). Original data: New South Wales Government Gazette. Assorted volumes, 1853–1899. Sydney, Australia: New South Wales State Records Authority, 1853-1899.
Family Notices (1909, January 9). Malvern Standard (Vic. : 1906 - 1931), , p. 3. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66383631; FIERCE NORTHERLY CALE. DAMAGE IN THE SUBURBS. (1909, November 22). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), , p. 7. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10748974
PIONEER MOTORING. (1923, July 14). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), , p. 6. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2005084
PRAHRAN POLICE COURT (1899, April 22).The Prahran Telegraph (Vic. : 1889 - 1930), , p. 6. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article144636088
Victorian Land Title, Vol 1917 Folio 256.Walter Todman, 1921
Images
Figure 1 Advertising (1897, December 24). Jewish Herald (Vic. : 1879 - 1920), , p. 13. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article147278228
Figure 2 Advertising (1899, October 23). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), , p. 3. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article188653927
Figure 3 Advertising (1901, April 16). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), , p. 9. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196061341
Figure 4 Cycling notes. (1901, September 19). Punch (Melbourne, Vic. : 1900 - 1918; 1925), , p. 26. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article175389085
Figure 5 Family Notices (1909, January 9). Malvern Standard (Vic. : 1906 - 1931), , p. 3. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66383631
Figure 6 MOTORS AND MOTORING (1910, April 23). Leader (Melbourne, Vic. : 1862 - 1918), , p. 20. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article196486952
Figure 7 "Victoria Government Gazette – Online Archive – 1910, P5540". 2016. Gazette.Slv.Vic.Gov.Au. Accessed August 12 2016. http://gazette.slv.vic.gov.au/view.cgi?year=1910&class=general&page_num=5540&state=V&classNum=G159&searchCode=2959255
Figure 8 Advertising (1925, May 4). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), , p. 2. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article155754114

---

[1] PRAHRAN POLICE COURT (1899, April 22).The Prahran Telegraph (Vic. : 1889 - 1930), , p. 6. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article144636088
[2] Ancestry.com. New South Wales, Australia, Government Gazettes, 1853-1899 [database on-line]. Page 2675 Year 1889 April - June Entry # 162 W.Todman (Image 237 of 2092).  Original data: New South Wales Government Gazette. Assorted volumes, 1853–1899. Sydney, Australia: New South Wales State Records Authority, 1853-1899.
[3] Family Notices (1909, January 9). Malvern Standard (Vic. : 1906 - 1931), , p. 3. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66383631; FIERCE NORTHERLY CALE. DAMAGE IN THE SUBURBS. (1909, November 22). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), , p. 7. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10748974
[4] Advertising (1910, July 9). Advocate (Melbourne, Vic. : 1868 - 1954), , p. 41. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article170914859
[5] Victorian Land Title, Vol 1917 Folio 256.Walter Todman, 1921
[6] PIONEER MOTORING. (1923, July 14). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), , p. 6. Retrieved August 12, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2005084

From the 1816 Muster to the 1828 Australian Census

This is my belated contribution to the National Family History Month Blogging Chanllenge for Week One
William Carbis Snr. was one of three men who had been caught, convicted and transported together on the Ocean for Life to NSW in 1816.[i] Below is a summary of what has been found (to date) in the musters up to and including the 1828 Census for William Carbis Sen., William Carbis Jnr. and Francis Bassett.
As convicts sentenced to life in NSW one assumes that the sentence was forever and that their life was one of servitude. This however, is far from the true story. All sorts of arrangements were entered into that are not revealed in the annual convict musters. Below is a summary of what has been found (to date) in the musters for William Carbis Sen., William Carbis Jnr. and Francis Bassett.[ii]

There appears to be a change in William Carbis Snr status between 1817 and 1820 as he becomes a government servant. Why there has been a change in his status is not clear. Reasons could include the following possibilities, a clerical error, or he may have not coped as a settlerman in a foreign land and been re-classified as a government servant, or may have been considered to have lied about his trade (husbandman on marriage certificate vs seaman on arrest/convict records). By the 1819 convict muster it stated that he was sent to Mr. J. Campbell, along with 7 others serving life-sentence’s who had also arrived on the Ocean in 1816. Where he distributed to after that is not clear.
By the 1822 muster he was listed as a farmer. In order for this to occur he must have received his Ticket of Leave.[iii] The 1822 muster tells us that his son William Carbis Jun. is assigned to him as a government servant. In 1828 Francis Bassett, who received his ticket of leave in 1822, also joins William Snr. on his farm as a labourer.
In the muster documents it appears that William Snr. and William Jun. were both assigned to J. Campbell. However, there is some evidence to contradict this. In a letter written by William Carbis Jun. in application for his ticket of leave it appears he worked for either Win Bawn and/or C M Doyle (who both signed the supporting statement) from 1816 to 1822.[iv]

Figure 1 SRNSW, Colonial Secretary Correspondence Letters Received 1826-1934 Petitions, 4/2247, 34/205 excerpt concerning William Carbis petition for a Conditional Pardon

It is confusing to untangle the detail as many private arrangements could also be made. A man could spend part of the day working in servitude and the other part of the day working for himself as explained in the quote below.
“When male or female convicts arrived in Sydney or Hobart in the first fifty years, they were usually assigned to work either for the government or for a private individual. In the early years the government provided a food allowance for those who were privately assigned, while their masters obtained the benefit of their work. Until tighter regulations were introduced, both privately and publicly assigned convicts were allowed to work for themselves in the afternoons, earning an income. In effect, part of the day was their own. Some lived in accommodation supplied by their masters, while many others lived in their own housing.”[v]

In conclusion, we know that between 1816 – 1828 William Carbis Senior was a government servant, although he may have been a settlerman for a short time after arrival in 1816. He may have worked both as a government servant to someone, (yet to be identified), part of the day, and for himself as some sort of farmer in the afternoon. By 1821 he is a farmer possibly after receiving his Ticket of Leave (the copy of which is yet to be located) in the same year. His son who had been working as a government servant for either Win Bawn and/or C M Doyle came to work for him. It would also seem that Francis Bassett may also have worked for him in 1822 after receiving his Ticket of leave for a short time before going to Richmond.[vi] The 1828 gives us a wonderful insight across the whole of NSW for both convict and non convict persons living in Australia.

This article in part is based on a previous article authored by me that appeared at https://www.ourfamilypast.com/article/home/2072/haa007-intro-william-carbis that was prepared for coursework related to the UTAS Family History Diploma
 

---

[i] "Cornwall Assizes," Royal Cornwall Gazette, Falmouth Packet & Plymouth Journal, 22 April 1815, p. 4, col. 1; digital images, British Library Newspapers (http://www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk/ : accessed 21 Jun 2016), The British Newspaper Archive.
[ii] Muster and Census records summarised:- Ancestry, "New South Wales, Australia, Settler and Convict Lists, 1787-1834," database and images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 Jun 2016); Entries in 1816 for William Carbis (p.53/1, Line 5, image 104 & 105 of 525) & William Carbis (p.53/1, Line 6, image 104 & 105 of 525); Original data: Home Office: Settlers and Convicts, New South Wales and Tasmania; (The National Archives Microfilm Publication HO10, Piece 3; Ancestry, "New South Wales, Australia, Settler and Convict Lists, 1787-1834," database and images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 Jun 2016); Entries in 1817 for William Carbis (p.61, Line 8, image 113 & 114 of 565), William Carbis (p.61, Line 9, image 113 & 114 of 565) & Francis Bassett (p.34, Line 1, image 63 & 64 of 565); Original data: Home Office: Settlers and Convicts, New South Wales and Tasmania; (The National Archives Microfilm Publication HO10, Piece 3.; Ancestry, "New South Wales, Australia, Settler and Convict Lists, 1787-1834," database and images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 Jun 2016); Entries in 1819 for William Carbis (p.83, Line 22, image 164 & 165 of 898) & Wm Carbis Jnr (p.83, Line 23, image 164 & 165 of 898); Original data: Home Office: Settlers and Convicts, New South Wales and Tasmania; (The National Archives Microfilm Publication Class: HO 10; Piece: 1/1 Year 1788-1819; Ancestry, "New South Wales, Australia, Settler and Convict Lists, 1787-1834," database and images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 Jun 2016); Entries in 1820 for William Carbis 1 (p.94, Line 1, image 177 & 178 of 549) & William Carbis 2 (p.94, Line 1, image 177 & 178 of 549); Original data: Home Office: Settlers and Convicts, New South Wales and Tasmania; (The National Archives Microfilm Publication HO10, Piece 12. The National Archives of the UK (TNA), Kew, Surrey, England; Ancestry, "New South Wales, Australia, Settler and Convict Lists, 1787-1834," database and images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 Jun 2016); Entries in 1821 for William Carbis (p.90, Line 14, image 171 & 172 of 478) & William Carbis Junr (p.90, Line 15, image 171 & 172 of 478); Original data: Home Office: Settlers and Convicts, New South Wales and Tasmania; (The National Archives Microfilm Publication HO10, Piece 15,The National Archives of the UK (TNA), Kew, Surrey, England. Year 1821; Ancestry, "New South Wales and Tasmania, Australia Convict Musters, 1806-1849," database and images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 Jun 2016); Entry in 1822 for Williiam Corbis (p.71, Line 30, Image 141 of 685); Original data: Home Office: Settlers and Convicts, New South Wales and Tasmania; (The National Archives Microfilm Publication HO10, Piece 36; The National Archives of the UK (TNA), Kew, Surrey, England; Ancestry, "New South Wales and Tasmania, Australia Convict Musters, 1806-1849," database and images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 23 Jun 2016); Entry in 1825 for William Corbis (p.117, Line 15, image 229 of 697); Original data: Home Office: Settlers and Convicts, New South Wales and Tasmania; (The National Archives Microfilm Publication HO10, Piece 19; The National Archives of the UK (TNA), Kew, Surrey, England; Ancestry, "1828 New South Wales, Australia Census (TNA Copy)," database and images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 Jun 2016); Entry # 511 for Francis Bassett (p.12, Line 7, image 23 of 663); Original data: Home Office: Settlers and Convicts, New South Wales and Tasmania; (The National Archives Microfilm Publication HO10, Pieces 21-28); The National Archives of the UK (TNA), Kew, Surrey, England; Ancestry, "1828 New South Wales, Australia Census (TNA Copy)," database and images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 Jun 2016); Entry # 573 for Francis Bassett (p.63, Line 3, image 121 & 122 of 382); Original data: Home Office: Settlers and Convicts, New South Wales and Tasmania; (The National Archives Microfilm Publication HO10, Pieces 21-28); The National Archives of the UK (TNA), Kew, Surrey, England; Ancestry, "1828 New South Wales, Australia Census (TNA Copy)," database and images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 Jun 2016); Entry in 1828 Alphabetical listing C-D for # 340 for William Carbiss or Carbett (p.14, Line 7, image 29 & 30 of 459); Original data: Home Office: Settlers and Convicts, New South Wales and Tasmania; (The National Archives Microfilm Publication HO10, Pieces 21-28); The National Archives of the UK (TNA), Kew, Surrey, England.; Ancestry, "1828 New South Wales, Australia Census (Australian Copy)," database and images, Ancestry.com (www.ancestry.com : accessed 24 Jun 2016); Entry #335 William Carbiss or Corbett (p.np# line 23, image 221 of 292); Surnames A-C. Original data: New South Wales Government. 1828 Census: Householders’ returns [Population and Statistics, Musters and Census Records, Census, Colonial Secretary]. Series 1273, Reels 2551-2552, 2506-2507. State Records Authority of New South Wales. Kingswood, New South Wales, Australia; & Johnson, Keith A., and Malcolm R. Sainty. 2001. 1828 Census of New South Wales. Sydney Library of Australian History, CD ROM edition. Entries for William Carbiss Jnr #C0340, .& Francis Bassett # B0573
[iii] Note according to the NRNSW website there is Ticket of Leave No. 2003 for William Carbis Snr Refer to index that cites SRNSW, NRS 12188, Bound manuscript indents 1788-1835, Fische 634 [4/4005] Entry for William Carbis page 2; However a “copy of [4/4003-19] ...items not available electronically (source " Series Detail ". 2016.Investigator.Records.Nsw.Gov.Au. Accessed June 10 2016.” (http://investigator.records.nsw.gov.au/Entity.aspx?Path=\Series\12188.))
[iv] SRNSW, Colonial Secretary Correspondence Letters Received 1826-1934 Petitions, 4/2247, 34/205
[v] Bruce Kercher, The Unruly Child: A History of Law in Australia (Sydney: Allen & Unwin, 1995), pp. 22-42
[vi] Ancestry.com. New South Wales and Tasmania, Australia Convict Musters, 1806-1849 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2007. Entry 1825 for Francis Bassett (image 49 of 697) Original data: Home Office: Settlers and Convicts, New South Wales and Tasmania; (The National Archives Microfilm Publication HO10, Pieces 5, 19-20, 32-51)