A to Z Challenge - X marks the spot

Snippets from the life of Martha Sarah Ellis.

Married in 1892 and by 1894 had moved into the South Yarra area near Chapel St, eventually moving onto Chapel St. the early years must have been difficult, as they moved around quite a bit until settling in 580 Chapel St., where they lived for the longest period during of their married life, 13 years.

Site - 1  1894       Shop & Residence, 27 Arthur St, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia.

Site - 2  1895       Shop & Residence, 5 Palermo St, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia

Site - 2  1896       Shop & Residence, 3 Palermo St, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia.

Site - 3  1897       Shop & Residence, 580 Chapel St, South Yarra

In 1908 and 1909 there were no entries in the “Sands & McDougall’s directory” for the Todman's.  This could have been because this could have been an oversight as Charlotte died at 5 weeks of age with Whooping cough and Lincoln was born - perhaps a busy time for everyone. 

Walter declares bankruptcy in 1910

Site - 4  1910       Shop & probably residence, 474 Chapel St, Sth Yarra
Site - 5  1912       Shop & Residence, 360 Chapel St, Sth Yarra

Photographer Unknown, 360 Chapel St., South Yarra, circa 1916, originally from Myrtle Sharp's Private Photo  Collection a digital copy held in Sandra Williamson’s Private Photo Collection[T082]

Site - 6  1921       Shop & Residence, 3 Cato St, South Yarra

1929       Walter dies and Martha moves away.

I have marked all the address for Martha’s time in South Yarra on a map see below [note the blue circles equate to the X symbol, tyr as I might I couldn't work out how to change them :-( ]:-

This map shows where Martha lived between 1894 when she moved into the South Yarra Prahran areas until 1926 when her husband Walter dies.created using Google MyMaps 2017 and can be seen at  https://drive.google.com/open?id=10GGt0kGTgUTiva6j-C6W4ciVXnQ&usp=sharing

It is interesting to ponder the map as we see the family further toward High Street the more desirable end of Chapel St.  In her book “Chapel Street Prahran, Part One 1834-1918” Betty Malone describes the vicinity as follows:-

“Not all of Chapel Street was devoted to shopping and industry in the pre-war years.  The lowly area on the south-east side of Toorak Road was not a part of which Prahran was particularly proud.  It was the home ground of many of the poorest residents of the district, of jobbing carters, whose houses, yards and stables came to the regular attention of the District Health Inspector.“ 

The area was often referred to as “Struggletown”.  It is then interesting to think of Martha in this context as the family move further away from Struggletown towards the prosperous end of Chapel St, over the years.

To Read more about Martha's life for articles previously posted for the A to Z Challenges click the Letters below:-

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z 

Sources

·         Sands & McDougall's Melbourne and Suburban Directory - Todman, 1894 – 1929

·         Prahran Rates Book - City of Prahran, Sth Yarra Ward 1893 – 1921

·         Electoral Rolls 1901 – 1930

·         MALONE, B. (1983). Chapel Street Prahran, Part One 1834-1918. Prahran, Vic, Prahran Historical and Arts Society in conjunction with Prahran Mechanics' Institute.

A to Z Challenge - L is Little Lottie

Snippets from the life of Martha Sarah Ellis.

Martha had a total of 7 children.  All but one lived to adulthood.  Poor Little Charlotte known affectionately as Lottie died at only 4½ months old after 5 weeks of Whooping Cough.[1]

'Family Notices', Malvern Standard, 9 January 11909,p. 3. , viewed 12 Apr 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66383631 

The loss was keenly felt and death notices appear in several of  Melbourne’s main newspapers, first in The Argus on Saturday 2 January 1909 followed a week later by the two local papers, the Malvern Standard and The Prahran Telegraph.[2]  

She is buried in a public grave with 9 others who were all buried between 23 Dec 1908 and 31 Dec 1908.  Eight of the burials were less than a year old (including Charlottes).

To Read more about Martha's life for articles previously posted for the A to Z Challenges click the Letters below:-

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

Sources

[1] Death Certificate of Charlotte mary Todman, died 28 December 1908, Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Victoria 15364/1908

[2] 'Family Notices', The Argus, 2 January 1909, p. 9. , viewed 12 Apr 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10697965; 'Family Notices', Malvern Standard, 9 January 1909, p. 3. , viewed 12 Apr 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article66383631; 'Family Notices', The Prahran Telegraph, 9 January 1909, p. 1. , viewed 12 Apr 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article144514218

A to Z Challenge - H is for Help Required

Snippets from the life of Martha Sarah Ellis.

The keeping of a tidy and clean house was an arduous task in the Victorian Era; the work was strenuous, tedious and repetitive.  The need for domestic help was acute in the new colonies of Australia, as well as back in the homeland of England.  Often unwed girls who were no longer at school would begin working as domestic servants either in a paid capacity for an employer or at home in an unpaid capacity. 

Martha was most likely a domestic servant before she left England. She worked as a domestic in Western Australia after arrival.

Below is an example of the type of article that appeared in the local newspapers heralding the new immigration program to encourage new servants creating much anticipation among the locals.

1889 'NEWS OF THE DAY.', The Daily News (Perth, WA : 1882 - 1950), 16 March, p. 3. , viewed 09 Apr 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article77373635

To read more about Martha’s experience on arrival click here   and  here 

Years later after Martha had moved to Victoria from Western Australia she advertised for a domestic of her own in the local newspaper,

1899 'Advertising', The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), 28 October, p. 5. , viewed 09 Apr 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article188659382

The advertisement read “GIRL. Useful, for house work, clean. Back way, 580 Chapel-st., S. Yarra.”  

Entering through the “back way” was not a connotation of a "class" division but based on more practical considerations.  The family lived on top and behind the family business that had its frontage on Chapel St, Martha’s husband owned and ran “TODMAN Cycles”.  The family home entrance would have been at the rear of the properly via the back lane.

1898 'Advertising', Jewish Herald (Vic. : 1879 - 1920), 21 January, p. 16. , viewed 09 Apr 2017, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article147278309

I wonder what her style of staff management was like?  Did her previous experience as a domestic worker make her a more considerate employer?  Or was she more concerned with maintaining her newly found superior social standing?

Martha knew, from personal experience, what a servant might get up to (based on her own shenanigans) so she may have been a stern taskmaster?  One can only wonder.

I have written about the drudgery of washing day before click here to learn more.

To Read more about Martha's life for articles previously posted for the A to Z Challenges click the Letters below:-

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

Immortalised in a Poem

🔷 Update Notice (Posted 28 February 2025):
This blog post, originally published on 24 November 2016 has been updated with new information and is now superseded by a more recent version on the same topic. To ensure you have the most accurate and complete details, please refer to the latest version on Substack:  Two Courts, Two Philosophies.

Original Post

A poem published on the 20 Dec 1895 in the North Melbourne Courier and West Melbourne Advertiser featured my great grandparents.[1]    The newspaper article containing the poem compared two jurisdictional Melbourne court approaches to matrimonial cases.  Walter and Martha Todman were not mentioned directly but the preamble contained the words "put-them both in a bag and shake 'em up” an often mentioned quote taken from other newspaper court reports referring to their case. [2]

Figure 1 Ronuj, ‘Permiskus Pars’, North Melbourne Courier and West Melbourne Advertiser, page 3. Accessed 20 November 2016 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103238468

PERMISKUS PARS column transcribed 

“At Prahran, where Dr. Fetherston is the presiding Solon, it is ruled in court that woman when she marries must accept her bargain for better or worse, and the best thing to do when married people disagree is to "put-them both in a bag and shake 'em up" - literally force them into each others' arms again, so to speak. Apparently it is not only regarding the treatment of the ills of the body, but also those of the spirit, that the medical profession hold views as opposite as the pole.

When mammy wants papa to shout,
And bangs the blessed things about
Unless he does, he'd best go out
And get a blue prescription from
The Doctor ruling at Prahran,
Who, pitying the average man,
Will always do the best he can
To stiffen Poll, if she whacks Tom
In the mouth,
Down South. 

But Polly'll get full leave to flirt,
And pass her boss like so much dirt
When out of doors-and if he's hurt,
Get maintenance apart-if she
Consults the veteran Dr. Lloyd,
Who never gets so much annoyed
As when he cannot well avoid
Subduing his famed chivalry,
In his wrath,
Up North.”[3]

Courts of the Day

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a Solon as

 “a wise and skilful law giver”[4]  

The Solons mentioned were:-

•  Dr. Lloyd from the North Melbourne court (Up North)

“Dr. Lloyd is known as the Friend of Women - he always leans to the side of the wives rather than to that of the husbands in cases of conjugal difference”[5]  

• Dr Featherston  from the South Melbourne court  (Down south) 

“Dr. Fetherston is the presiding Solon, it is ruled in court that woman when she marries must accept her bargain for better or worse”[6]

 The different approaches of the two courts is highlighted when a claimant on losing her case in the South Melbourne court vows to take her case to the North Melbourne Court

 “afterwards declared her intention of taking the matter to the North Melbourne Court,” as she would get justice there!”” [7]

 Some interesting phrases of the day and what they mean

“a blue prescription from The Doctor ruling at Prahran”

 “A ‘blue prescription’ refers to a doctor’s prescription pads which were all coloured blue before the advent of computers.” [8]

“Who, pitying the average man, Will always do the best he can To stiffen Poll, if she whacks Tom In the mouth”

 “The meaning of stiffen in this piece is most likely to be ‘punish’, especially given the court context” [9]

 Post-Natal Depression

The preamble of the poem mentions what would probably be referred to as post-natal depression these days  

“treatment of the ills of the body, but also those of the spirit”.  

Could the word “spirit” be referring to post-natal depression? Did my Great grandmother suffer from post-natal depression?  It’s an interesting thought. 

Related Links

The early years of Walter & MarthaTodman's marriage click here

Sources

[1] "PERMISKUS PARS.". (1895, December 20). North Melbourne Courier and West Melbourne Advertiser (Vic. : 1895 - 1913), p. 3. Retrieved December 1, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103238468 

[2] "Domestic Troubles", The Argus, 10 December 1895, p. 5. Retrieved November 20 2016  from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8883765; "Domestic Troubles", Mount Alexander Mail, 11 December 1895,  p. 2. Retrieved November 20, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article198250800; For Better or Worse, Warragul Guardian,  13 December 1895, p. 2 (Bi-weekly.). Retrieved November 20, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67446720; Prahran Police Court, The Prahran Telegraph, 14 December 1895, p. 5. Retrieved November 20, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article144631672; Prahran Court, Prahran Chronicle, 14 December 1895, p. 4. Retrieved November 20, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165213885; Here and There, Warragul Guardian, 20 December 1820, p. 8 (Bi-weekly.). Retrieved November 20, 2016, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article67446889; 

[3] ‘Permiskus Pars’, North Melbourne Courier and West Melbourne Advertiser, 20 December 1895, p. 3. Accessed 20 November 2016 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103238468

[4] "Solon." Merriam-Webster.com. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2015.

[5] Anon., ‘Magisterial Humour’, Table Talk, 17 May 1895, p. 13. Retrieved November 27, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article145921427  

Excerpt “Dr. Lloyd is known as the Friend of Women - he always leans to the side of the wives rather than to that of the husbands in cases of conjugal difference - but he never hesitates about publicly rebuking them for their own good when he thinks it desirable to do so. The other day, for instance, he informed a number of ladies conceited in a case of threatening language that it would be better if they stopped at home and minded their own business instead of gossiping, scandalising each other, drinking beer and wasting the time of the court. But in his heart he must have been thankful to them for giving him a chance to deliver one of his characteristic discourses.  It is a well-known fact that wives seeking alimony from their husbands, and women requiring orders of the court for maintenance for their illegitimate children, go to North Melbourne to reside for a time in order to be able to bring their grievances before Dr. Lloyd. And Dr. Lloyd is proud of his reputation in this way.”

[6] ‘Permiskus Pars’, North Melbourne Courier and West Melbourne Advertiser, 20 December 1895, p. 3. Accessed 20 November 2016 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article103238468
[7] Anon., 'People We Know”, Melbourne Punch, 11 April 1895, p. 3.Retrieved November 27, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article178588178

Excerpt “A REPUTATION for consistency is rapidly bringing game to Dr. Lloyd and the North Melbourne Bench. Wives separated from their husbands, and unmarried girls with encumbrances are always sure of sympathy in the Court presided over by the Dr. We recently drew attention to the fact that the North Melbourne Bench had extended its old established business of giving verdicts to lovely women in distress or disgrace. Formerly the maintenance cases were local ones, but latterly the North Melbourne justices have constituted themselves a Court of Appeal from other courts, saying in effect—" If you can't get a maintenance order in any other court give Dr. Lloyd and Co. a trial. Satisfaction guaranteed." There is no necessity to advertise this in the papers, since it appears to be tolerably well known. At the Prahran Court on Monday a woman who had been granted a maintenance order for 25s a week applied for a further grant for her children. The application was refused, and the woman afterwards declared her intention of taking the matter to the North Melbourne Court, "as she would get justice there!" We shall watch with interest the appeal to the gallant and reliable Dr. Lloyd and his brother justices.”

[8] Andrea Buckely to Sandra Williamson, telephone conversation, 12 September 2016
[9] ‘To Stiffen Poll, Mail Bag’, Oz Words, Issue April 2016, p.4. Retrieved November 20 2016 from http://andc.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/Ozwords%20April%202016.pdf. This article that appeared in “Oz Words” with the response to my query about the meaning of “to Stiffen Poll, if she whacks Tom in the mouth”. A big thankyou to Julia Robinson for her help.

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

Mrs Lucy Henry vs Mrs Martha Todman Prahran Police Court

The Prahran Police & Court House, corner of Greville Street and Macquarie Street where the cases of Mrs Lucy Henry and Mrs Martha Todman were heard in 1901.

“Prahran Court House and Police Station” photographed by Sandra Williamson 2/01/2016

Mrs Henry & family lived at 576 Chapel St, South Yarra next door to the Todman family who occupied the 578 & 580.

Mrs Lucy Henry appeared 3 times in the Prahran Police court. 

Mrs Henry was fined 20 /-and 21/-costs after her first appearance in court  regarding the City Inspector’s charge of having filthy premises.  Martha Todman appeared twice, each time in response to Mrs Henry charges against her.  Martha responded by counter suing, all of the four cases were dismissed without charges.

Details of the Court Cases

Cases heard on the 10^th January 1901

Two court cases were held on Thursday 10^th January 1901.

The first was regarding an inspection by the Prahran City Inspector Mr Rider on New Year’s Eve, Monday 31^st December 1900, of the Henry family property at 576 Chapel St, South Yarra. 

The second case held before the same judges on the same day was brought by Mrs Lucy Henry who charged Mrs Martha Todman of assault.  In return Mrs Martha Todman counter sued Mrs Henry with assault.  Both cases were dismissed.

Background:-

When the Fruit shop next door had closed down in late 1901 next door the Henry family had moved in[i].  The Todmans had complained to the authorities that “of the premises being dirty”[ii]  According to the inspector “There was a lot of clothes in a tub of soapsuds which gave out a smell sufficient to knock you down.”[iv] 
When City Inspector Rider visited the Henrys on the 31^st December, he told them that the inspection was due a neighbours complaint.. 

The Henry’s felt that the inspect was a result of the Todman’s spite.

On the same day, possibly after the City Inspector Rider had visited the Henry household, the Henry children had thrown “a paper full of rubbish” [iii] into the Todman’s yard.  Martha went next door to complain, but Mrs Henry would not listen.  The two women then argued, it appears that Martha slapped Mrs Henry across the face and in retaliation Mrs Henry struck Martha with her broom.  Mrs Henry also threw a mallet during the argument.

Case heard on the 17^th January 1901

On Thursday 17^th January 1901 both Mrs Henry and Mrs Todman were before the courts again, the case being bought by Mrs Henry regarding an incident on Friday 11^th January.  The incident began after “the third time on that day her rubbish tin had been turned over and threw dirt at some clothes on her line..”[v]  “Mrs Lucy Henry charged Mrs Martha Todman with assaulting her (Mrs Henry's) boy "Joey." 6 years of age.”[vi]  Both cases were dismissed without costs.

Background

This was the second case brought by Mrs Henry against Mrs Todman.  Mrs Todman appeared to have difficulty withstanding the nervous strain of appearing in court[vii]  The second case was before the court with a week of the first case being heard, both cases referred to separate incidents.

From Martha’s perspective - Washing Day

Martha would always rise early on a Monday morning.  Monday was washing day.  She always hoped for a fine day otherwise there would be wet linen strung up all over the house. She needed to get the sheets dry before the evening as they were the only ones they had. 

She hated Mondays.  If she got up early enough she could have the fire going under the copper and have the water ready to commence the wash straight after breakfast.  She would strip the beds as soon as everyone was up.  The sheets were made of heavy calico, rough to the touch.  It was hot sticky work with the steam rising as she stirred the clothes as they boiled. She used the washing stick to help her pull them out of the copper as they were far too hot to touch.  By the end of the day her back would be sore and her hands raw from scrubbing the clothes on the washing board.  Once they had been put through the wringer they would be ready to hang. 

Walter had strung up the line up in the narrow yard. She hoped it wouldn’t fall as sometimes the wooden pole would be blown over by the wind or knocked by the children during their play.  If they fell she would have to repeat the whole process over again.  After all this the copper would then have to emptied, the fire cleaned away.  And finally the washing after it had dried needed to be put away.

It was no wonder that she had slapped Mrs Henry across the face after her kids had thrown dirt at her newly washed sheets! 

Sources

1. DIRTY PREMISES. (1901, January 12). Prahran Chronicle (Vic. : 1894 - 1906; 1914 - 1918), p. 3. Retrieved December 3, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165242991
2. Prahran Police Court. (1901, January 12). Prahran Chronicle (Vic. : 1894 - 1906; 1914 - 1918), p. 4. Retrieved December 2, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165243015
3. Prahran Police Court. (1901, January 12). Prahran Chronicle (Vic. : 1894 - 1906; 1914 - 1918), p. 4. Retrieved December 2, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165243015
4. PRAHRAN POLICE COURT. (1901, January 12). The Prahran Telegraph (Vic. : 1889 - 1930), p. 5. Retrieved October 5, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article144604687
5. THURSDAY, JANUARY 17. (1901, January 19). The Prahran Telegraph (Vic. : 1889 - 1930), p. 3. Retrieved October 5, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article144603996
6. No title. (1901, January 19). Prahran Chronicle (Vic. : 1894 - 1906; 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved October 5, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16524202 

Background References

THE HOUSEHOLD. (1907, September 28). Leader (Melbourne, Vic. : 1862 - 1918), p. 47. Retrieved December 4, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article198096845

Also refer to Google Books,. 2015. Patrick Troy, 'A History Of European Housing In Australia'. Accessed December 2 2015.  https://books.google.com.au/books?id=WTYYYrLKn1MC&pg=PA97&lpg=PA97&dq=washing+clothes+1890+australia&source=bl&ots=uUbsPRP0jD&sig=vZzZXGJeoxUSLRrvC6xfAh1XTK4&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiRtbLe6LzJAhXJkJQKHWjUBWo4ChDoAQggMAE#v=onepage&q=washing%20clothes%201890%20australia&f=false. 

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[i] DIRTY PREMISES. (1901, January 12). Prahran Chronicle (Vic. : 1894 - 1906; 1914 - 1918), p. 3. Retrieved December 3, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165242991

[ii] DIRTY PREMISES. (1901, January 12). Prahran Chronicle (Vic. : 1894 - 1906; 1914 - 1918), p. 3. Retrieved December 3, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165242991

[iii] Prahran Police Court. (1901, January 12). Prahran Chronicle (Vic. : 1894 - 1906; 1914 - 1918), p. 4. Retrieved December 2, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165243015

[iv] DIRTY PREMISES. (1901, January 12). Prahran Chronicle (Vic. : 1894 - 1906; 1914 - 1918), p. 3. Retrieved December 3, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165242991

[v] THURSDAY, JANUARY 17. (1901, January 19). The Prahran Telegraph (Vic. : 1889 - 1930), p. 3. Retrieved October 5, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article144603996

[vi] No title. (1901, January 19). Prahran Chronicle (Vic. : 1894 - 1906; 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved October 5, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165242027

[vii] No title. (1901, January 19). Prahran Chronicle (Vic. : 1894 - 1906; 1914 - 1918), p. 2. Retrieved October 5, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article165242027

Finding Alma Dudley Todman’s baptism record

Today I combed through a microfilm searching for the possible baptism records for Walter Todman's children  the clue I was following was based on information that I have sourced from Family Search^[i]  that  Alma Dudley Todman was baptised In Christ Church, South Yarra.  According to the State Library Victoria
Catalogue the records for Christ Church, South Yarra were to be found on Film IN 143 & 144.  So far I've managed to review the first of the two films.

The first item on the film was Baptismal Register 1855-1902. I worked my way through the entire item in search of Todman children – none were to be found.  The second item on the film was another Baptismal Register 1902-1946. I worked my way forward from 1902 but it wasn't until I got up to Entry # 1458 that I reached the first only entry for any of the Todmans – that of Alma Dudley Todman.  My heart fell when I looked at the image, there had been a mishap and the photographers hand could be plainly seen unfortunately covering over the second half of the entry, as can be seen below.

Christ Church (South Yarra, Victoria, Australia), "Baptismal Register 1902-1946," Baptismal Entry for Alma Dudley Todman; IN 143, item Number 1458, State Library of Victoria, Melbourne.

Then I remembered the golden rule always look both before and after the entry you are interested in so I rolled the film forward and to my relief the operator had taken a second image.....

Christ Church (South Yarra, Victoria, Australia), "Baptismal Register 1902-1946," Baptismal Entry for Alma Dudley Todman; IN 143, item Number 1458, State Library of Victoria, Melbourne

You can image how happy I was to find it.

I even managed to find extra information that I didn't have before - Alma's godparents.  I have no idea how important these people are or if I will come across them again, but you never know..

Transcription reads -
"Baptism Solemnised in the Parish of Christ Church, South Yarra, in the County of Bourke, Victoria, A.D 1810
...
Number 1458, When Baptised February 6th 1909; When born January 5th 1910, Child's Christian Name Alma Dudley Parents names Martha & Walter Todman Abode 580 Chapel Str, Sth Yarra; Motor Engineer; God Parents Frances Howlett & Matilda Ford
...."

One Film down another one to go  - “IN 144” to see if I can uncover anything else.

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[i] "Australia Births and Baptisms, 1792-1981," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XTZS-4GQ : accessed 12 November 2015), Alma Dudley Todman, 06 Feb 1910; citing ; FHL microfilm 993,809.

Searching for Christening records For Walter & Martha Todman's children

To date only one out of a possible seven baptismal records for the children of Walter and Martha have been located.  My cousin tracked the record down for Charlotte Mary Todman, christened on 15 November 1908[i], in a Baptismal Register being held on location at St Matthews Church, Prahran.  Unfortunately at the time of receiving the details of the discovery, many years ago, I was so excited that I didn't think to ask any questions about her process of finding the record other than to make sure that I had the provenance correctly noted.

St Matthews Church, Prahan Image H39357/85 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/300291

Now, a little bit older and wiser I know I need to clarify a few things:-

1.       When she went to Saint Matthews Church did she only look at one record book? 

2.       Did she look at all the pages of the book? 

3.       Were there other record books available and if so did she manage to have a look at them?

4.        The person who allowed her in to look at the register did they give any further clues as to where else we should look next for those c children that we weren’t to locate?

If only I had thought to ask these questions at the time of receiving the photocopy that she graciously gave me.  I’ve sent her off a query and I hope she remembers enough details to fill in some of the answers.

Meanwhile I've decided to continue to concentrate on trying to trying to track down the baptismal records for the other children.  Although I have not yet found any direct evidence that the other children in the family were baptised there is an indication in a local newspaper report concerning the court case where the judge states "it's a pity you didn't go to church and baptise your baby!” and Martha responds “The child is baptised.”[ii] Martha’s response reveals that at least her eldest child, Martha, was baptised, if not the newly born child at that time, Ivy. 

While conducting my first sweep of my database and the internet for possible clues I also came across a reference to the baptism of Alma Dudley Todman[iii], on Family Search, at Christ Church, South Yarra, another possible location to look for baptisms. 

Christ Church, South Yarra Image H39357/84 http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/300284 

Possible location of the children’s baptisms

It looks as though there are 3 possibilities that will need to be covered:-

Locaton 1 - All Saints Church, Prahran[iv] where  Walter & Martha were married

Location 2 – Christ Church, South Yarra,   according to Family Search[v] this is where Alma Dudley Todman was baptised on 06 Feb 1910.

Location 3 - St Matthew Parish, Prahran as this is where Charlotte Mary Todman was baptised on the 15 November 1908[vi]

All churches were Anglican.

To do List

1. Need to locate where the Parish Registers are held for all 3 churches, to do this I will Consult Parish registers in Australia : a list of originals, transcripts, microforms & indexes of Australian parish registers / compiled by Nick Vine Hall. To determine where the original records might be kept for the churches.
2. Consult Title: [Victorian church records] [microform] Series note: IN series (State Library of Victoria) ; 143-144 Contents/Summary:- Christ Church South Yarra, Baptismal register 1855-1946 -- Baptismal register 1857-1914 -- Marriage register 1857-1903.
3. Continue to search through the Christ Church, Records, 1854-1967. [manuscript]. Held at the SLV Identifier(s): Accession no(s) MS 11250 (8 reviewed so far, another 6 due to arrive at the SLV on the 16 Nov 2015.) includes   Marriage, Baptism records & Marriage records; plus other materials
4. Identify other Anglican Churches in the area where the family resided for any other potential churches if the above searches yield no results.

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[i] (Original Record from the Parish Book photocopy obtained by Andrea Buckley)

[ii] PRAHRAN POLICE COURT. (1895, December 14). The Prahran Telegraph (Vic. : 1889 - 1930), p. 5. Retrieved November 13, 2015, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article144631672

[iii] "Australia Births and Baptisms, 1792-1981," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XTZS-4GQ : accessed 12 November 2015), Alma Dudley Todman, 06 Feb 1910; citing ; FHL microfilm 993,809.

[iv] Registry of Birth, Death and Marriages, Victoria, "Certificate of Marriage  Walter Todman & Martha Ellis 16 January 1892 Reference# 345" (Original a in family papers of  Myrtle Sharp.

[v] "Australia Births and Baptisms, 1792-1981," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XTZS-4GQ : accessed 12 November 2015), Alma Dudley Todman, 06 Feb 1910; citing ; FHL microfilm 993,809.

[vi] Baptism Record Charlotte Mary Todman, 15 November 1908, St Matthew Parish, Prahran