Article I – The Measday Boys:

The Apprentice Who Wanted to Go Back to the Industrial School

This post is part of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge (#AtoZChallenge), where I’m exploring historical newspaper clippings—one story at a time—through my series “Behind the Newsprint.”

The Clipping

In February 1871, a short report appeared in The Telegraph, St Kilda, Prahran and South Yarra Guardian:

"A case involving a point of considerable importance to master-tradesmen came before the St. Kilda bench yesterday. Mr. John Williamson, tailor, applied that the apprenticeship indenture of William Mesday [sic] might be cancelled, on the ground of permanent sickness, which completely incapacitated the boy from working. Some time ago Mesday had been apprenticed to Williamson from the Sunbury Industrial School; but shortly afterwards symptoms of permanent disease set in and Mesday became unable to fulfil the terms of indenture. Mesday, who was questioned by the bench, expressed his willingness to return to the Sunbury establishment, where, he said, he had always enjoyed better health."[i]

I came across this item while researching my own second great-grandfather, John Williamson, a tailor in High Street, St Kilda. I wanted to understand what kind of employer he might have been.

But it was the boy's response that stopped me: he wanted to go back to the Industrial School.

That was not the answer anyone expected.

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What It Suggests

At first glance, this seems straightforward. A master tailor seeks to cancel an apprentice's indenture because the boy is too sick to work. The bench debates whether sickness justifies cancellation. The boy himself offers no objection to leaving.

On the surface, it suggests a failed apprenticeship, one more case of a boy from the Industrial School system not working out. But William's own words complicate that reading. He did not ask to stay. He did not plead for another chance. He said he had always enjoyed better health at Sunbury — the institution to which he had been sent as a neglected child.

A boy chose the Industrial School over employment. That suggests something far more troubling: not that the system was harsh, but that the alternatives were worse.

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Looking Closer

To understand how William Measday ended up before the St. Kilda bench, we have to go back two and a half years.

The father

In September 1868, William's father, Thomas Measday, a gardener and occasional itinerant preacher, was convicted of a vile assault upon a young girl and sentenced to two years in gaol.[ii][iii]

Within weeks, William and his two younger brothers, Thomas and Walter, were brought before the court under the Neglected and Criminal Children's Act. Their mother was already dead. Their father was in prison. They had been living on charity.[iv]

William Measday, aged twelve, was sent to the Sunbury Industrial School for two years.[v]

The apprenticeship

In September 1870, William was apprenticed from Sunbury to John Williamson, tailor, of High Street, St Kilda. On paper, it was a path to stability: a trade, a master, a future.

But within months, illness overtook him.

What disease? The record does not say. But it was severe enough that Williamson, my own ancestor, sought to cancel the indenture entirely.

What happened next

The bench reserved its decision. But other records tell us what followed.

William was not returned to Sunbury; there were no vacancies. Instead, in September 1872, he was transferred to another tailor in Brighton, taken on after a brief trial.

It is not clear whether he ever completed his apprenticeship.

When he was eventually discharged from state care, his health was recorded as "good." But the improvement did not last.

By July 1876, William Measday had entered the Melbourne Benevolent Asylum.

He was twenty years old.

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What Lies Behind It

I began this research wanting to know what kind of employer John Williamson was. The records offer no easy answer.

He sought to cancel the apprenticeship of a sick boy. Under the terms of the indenture, a master was required to provide medical advice. Whether Williamson did so is not recorded. The bench itself was uncertain enough to reserve its decision.

But the more important question is not about Williamson. It is about the system.

The Industrial School system is often presented as a harsh intervention in the lives of children. And in many ways, it was. But for William Measday, it may also have been a place of relative stability, one he later asked to return to when life outside it failed.

The apprenticeship system, intended to provide opportunity, could not accommodate illness. When William became sick, there was no clear place for him. Not with his master. Not at the school. Not with his father, who, after his release from gaol, regained custody of the two younger boys but does not appear to have taken William back.

By the age of twenty, William had moved through multiple systems: Industrial School, private employment, and finally the Benevolent Asylum.

His story is not one of cruelty or neglect in the usual sense. It is a story of fragmentation; a boy falling through the gaps between institutions, each step recorded, but no single place able to hold him.

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Reflection

Newspapers are invaluable, but they are not neutral.

The 1871 report in The Telegraph tells us what happened in court: the master's application, the bench's questions, the boy's surprising answer. But it does not tell us what William's "permanent disease" was. It does not tell us whether Williamson provided medical care as the indenture required. It does not tell us what William thought or felt beyond that single-quoted sentence.

The father's crime was reported in dramatic detail:

        "a vile assault," ... "the heaviest sentence in his power."[vi][vii] 

That sold newspapers. An apprentice's quiet illness did not. And yet, it is the apprentice's story that lingers.

The records allowed me to trace William Measday from the Industrial School to his master's workshop, from the bench to a second apprenticeship, and finally to the Benevolent Asylum at just twenty years old. Each step is documented. The experience of living through it is not.

But in that one reported sentence: 

"where, he said, he had always enjoyed better health"

we catch something true. A boy who had learned, perhaps, that institutions were more reliable than people. And that the place designed to hold neglected children was, for him, the closest thing to home he could name.

Further reads:

For those interested in learning more about John Williamson or William Measday, see their profiles on WikiTree.

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Endnotes

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[i] MEMORANDA. (1871, February 25). The Telegraph, St Kilda, Prahran and South Yarra Guardian (Vic. : 1864 - 1888), p. 7. Retrieved March 21, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105820392

[ii] SOUTH AUSTRALIA. (1868, September 22). Ovens and Murray Advertiser (Beechworth, Vic. : 1855; 1857 - 1890; 1892 - 1955), p. 2. Retrieved March 22, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197440145

[iii] MELBOURNE CRIMINAL SESSIONS. (1868, September 17). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved March 22, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article177003475

[iv] POLICE. (1868, October 8). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 6. Retrieved March 22, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5829274

[v] William Measday Cause of commitment: Neglected Committing bench: Eltham Date of birth: 1855-11-08 Date of commitment: 1868-10-07 Native place: England Registration number: 3220 Volume: 10 citing Public Record Office Victoria Ward Register (known as Children's Registers 1864 - 1887) VPRS 4527/P0000, 2598 - 5865; Boys neglected. Book 3 entry 197 (accessed https://prov.vic.gov.au/archive/985028F1-F4C7-11E9-AE98-C790AA852ADB?image=99  : 21 March 2026)

[vi] SOUTH AUSTRALIA. (1868, September 22). Ovens and Murray Advertiser (Beechworth, Vic. : 1855; 1857 - 1890; 1892 - 1955), p. 2. Retrieved March 22, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article197440145

[vii] MELBOURNE CRIMINAL SESSIONS. (1868, September 17). The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), p. 3. Retrieved March 22, 2026, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article177003475

John Williamson born in Ireland 1832

John was born about 1832, the son of Thomas Williamson and Jane in Belfast, Ireland. He left Ireland circa 1845 with his parents to live in England.

England

The first time we catch a glimpse  of John is in the 1851 Census where he was living in the seaport town of Maryport in Wood Street, Cumberland, England with his parents and his younger brother James^[1]

1. Thomas Williamson, aged 54, Dock labourer

2. Jane Williamson, aged 50,

3. John Williamson, aged 19, Tailor apprentice

4. James Williamson, aged 15, ship carpenter apprentice

Meanwhile, Louisa, John’s future wife (aged 22 in 1851) was also living at home with her parents, and three siblings at 38 Redcross Street, London, St Giles Cripplegate. To help make ends meet the family had also taken in 6 lodgers.

Two years after the 1851 Census John travelled to London, and by 1853 he was working as a qualified tailor and living at 55 Napier St., which is probably where he met Louisa Walker who gave the same address as her place of residence when they got married. John married Louisa Walker, (the daughter of a tailor, who was also living at 55 Napier St) at the age of 21, on 10 October 1853, in the Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity in Hoxton, Middlesex, England.^[2]  It was Louisa’s church where she had been baptised as an adult at the age of 21 with her younger sister Hannah aged 15 at the time.^{[3] [4]} It is interesting to note that Elizabeth was married on the same day in 1853 as her brother Alfred and sister Hannah who chose to marry in another church nearby in St Bartholomew, Moor Lane, in London.^{[5] [6] [7]}

Australia

Ten months after the couple wed, they travelled to Australia with Louisa’s younger brother Alfred Williamson and wife, aboard the "Constance" in August 1854.^[8]  Louisa was 4½ months pregnant when they boarded the "Constance" four weeks after arriving in Melbourne Louisa gave birth to their first child.^[9]

The “Constance” was a clipper ship built in 1852 for the run between London and Australia. She was touted as having “superior sailing qualities.^[10] Amongst her best qualities were “enclosed berths to Melbourne” ^[11] and the “‘tween-decks [were] lofty and thoroughly ventilated. Provisions and Water [were] provided for 20 weeks …”^[12] She was “commanded by men of experience and ability, who [would] take every precaution to promote the health and comfort of passengers. They also [carried] experienced Surgeons.”^[13]and “a large supply of medical comforts, such as arrowroot, sage, &c”^[14]

On the passenger manifest John’s surname is listed as Williams rather than Williamson (note the ages and professional however are listed correctly)

1. Alfred Walker, 24 years, Tailor
2. Mrs Walker, 21
3. John Williams[on], 24 years, Tailor
4. Mrs Williams[on], 21 years

Life in Australia

On arrival John & Louisa took up lodgings at 218 Bourke Street, Melbourne on the right of way opposite Theatre Royal which was under construction at the time, a month later their first child Thomas was born on 11 January 1855.^{[15] [16] [17]} 

Initially, John worked out of 71, 72, and 73, Arcade, in the “Queen’s Arcade Drapery and Outfitting Establishment”, he then moved on to Dobson’s at 111 Great Bourke St, Melbourne. Dobson’s advertised extensively in the local newspapers. John’s name was mentioned for the first time in the company’s advertising in 1856. ^[18] 

By 1857 the couple settled in Collingwood before the birth of their second. The family moved back and forth between Fleet and Marion Street, never far from the Christian Israelite Church over the next few years. ^{[19] [20] [21] [22] [23]}

The Christian Israelite Church played an important role in the growing family’s life, John became a covenanted member of the church on 6 April, 1857.^[24] In doing so he accepted the teaching of the Bible, and certain of the doctrines of the Jewish religion.^[25]

Figure 3 The suit John would have worn as a member of the Church, the original suit design is still worn today [in 2023] As a Tailor all male members would have gone to John Williamson to get their suits made.

As a covenanted member John would have amongst other things[26] ●        “Signed” to be a member of the Church ●       followed dietary laws as outlined in Leviticus and Deuteronomy of the Torah/Old Testament ●        worn a specially designed suit and top hat Made of “pure materials – materials in which the warp and weft are of the same thread.” ●      Paid one-tenth of his earnings to the Church for the work of the ministry ●        not have cut his hair, or trimmed or shaved his beard. ●        As a member John would have observed two Sabbaths where members would stop and have Church for an hour Friday night (in respect of the Jewish/Israelite Sabbath) and Sunday morning (in respect of the Christian Sabbath). Members who owned their own business such as John would close early on Fridays so they could attend church. ●        Undergone circumcision ●        Members didn’t have any pictures of anything regarded as an image (a likeness of anything God has created or caused to grow) in their homes, or on their clothes. In the early days members would even paste brown paper over the pictures on the front of piano music sheets and in books and novels. Clothing wasn’t worn with flowers or images on it, and invariably photographs are not kept. The detailing of the church members' outfits was very specific, from the fabric to the detail of the lapels and the shape of the collar. “The suit and dress have always been distinctive – they were designed to be different even at the time.” [27]   A hat would also be worn when out and about.

Louisa also followed the tenants of the Christian Israelite Church as did their children even after they moved away in 1862/3 to St Kilda where the last three children born.^{[28] [29]} During his lifetime John probably met John Wroe, the founder of the church, and heard him speak in the Australian summers of 1859/1860 and again in 1862/3 when he visited the Melbourne congregation.

John & Louisa had seven children in total:

1.       Thomas Williamson, born 11 January 1855, Waugh Terrance in Bourke Street, Melbourne.^[30] Possibly circumcised on the same day as his father 6th April 1857 but recorded under the name of James instead of Thomas.^[31] [note Thomas’s first three children went on to attend the church and join the church.

2.       Rachel Williamson born 26 March 1857, Fleet Street, Collingwood.^[32]

3.       Miriam Williamson, born 12 March 1859, Marion Street, Collingwood. ^[33]

4.       Pheobe Williamson, born 22 June 1861, Fleet Street, Collingwood, and baptised on 27 October 1861 into the Christian Israelite Church.^{[34] [35]}

5.      Moses Williamson born 17 September 1863, St Kilda and baptised in October 1863 into the Christian Israelite Church. ^{[36]  [37]}

6.       Lydia born 31 December 1866, East St Kilda and baptised on 9 January 1866 into the Christian Israelite Church. ^{[38] [39]}

7.       Aaron born [unable to read day] March 1869, High Street, St Kilda and baptised on 1st April, 1881, into the Christian Israelite Church. ^{[40] [41]}

 

The family would have taken the 30-minute journey twice a week, from St Kilda to their church in Collingwood, possibly in one of the families 3 Waggonettas or their buggy.^[42] 

At the end of 1866, John started working at Dunlop & Edwards in their Tailoring Department at their new location in Commercial Rd, Prahran. ^{[43] [44]} How long John worked at DUNLOP & EDWARDS is unclear as he also paid rates for a 4-roomed property in Camden St., owned by William Philpott that year, and advertised for staff for a business on the corner of Inkermann-road and High-street in St Kilda possibly for a property that he was renting or subleasing from Thomas Earles, also a Tailor. ^{[45] [46] [47]} Two years later John purchased the High-street rental property on 14 November 1868 at the cost of 58 pounds and 12 shillings in High St, St. Kilda, a few months after experiencing problems with the landlord.^{[48] [49]}

Life was very busy for John and his family as John’s business expanded. He borrowed funds possibly to renovate the newly acquired shop and buy stock. These funds could have also helped to buy the property next door for £16.4 in 1869. In 1871 he also went on to purchase the property situated at the rear of his High St properties with a carriageway to Inkerman Street for access.^{[50] [51] [52] [53]}  The business seemed to expand rapidly evidenced by regular advertisements for competent staff, including machinists and tailors.^{[54] [55]} A newspaper advertisement of which two-thirds was white space, appears to suggest business was brisk and struggling to keep up.^[56] 

John also took on at least one apprentice if not more. In particular, he had employed William Mesday from the Sunbury Industrial School, who became ill so John sought to cancel his apprentice’s indenture, the outcome of this case has not yet been discovered.^{[57] [58]}

John did not rest on his laurels and by 1873 he was operating from a second address in the city at 74 Elizabeth St., taking over the tailoring business of J.Swaine opposite the Age Office.^{[59] [60]}

John died eight months later on 7 June 1874 at the age of 42 in Saint Kilda, Victoria, Australia.^[61] He was buried in the local St Kilda Cemetery, Victoria.^{[62] [63]}

John left behind his wife with their young children.

1. Thomas aged 19
2. Rachel aged 17
3. Miriam aged 15
4. Pheobe aged 13
5. Moses aged 11
6. Lydia aged 8
7. Aaron aged 5

Louisa continued on in the family business in St Kilda with her eldest son Thomas. What happened to his business concerns in Elizabeth St is not known.

Useful links for background

WikiTree profile for John Williamson (1832 - 1874)

Related Posts:

John's & Louisa's Tombstone 

John's parents = Thomas & Jane Williamson born Ireland lived in England

John's son = Moses Williamson Born 1863 Victoria Australia

John's son = Thomas Williamson born 1855 Victoria Australia

Blogpost Meta Data

The URL for this post is: https://ancestralresearchjournal.blogspot.com/2023/11/john-williamson-born-in-ireland-1832.html originally published 9 November 2023 

Author 2023, Sandra Williamson

Sources

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^[1] 1851 English Census (Series HO107 Piece: 2435; Folio: 561; Page: 11)

^[2] General Register Office, England, Marriage Certificate John Williamson & Louisa Walker married 10 October 1853, GRO Reference Marriages December quarter, Shoreditch, Vol 1c, page 364

^[3] Louisa born 1 July 1828 and baptised 20 April 1849 in Holy Trinity, Hoxton, Hackney, England the daughter of Joseph Thomas Walker (tailor) & Louisa Waler residing at 35 Redcroft St. entry 58, page 8, Holy Trinity, Hoxton, Hackney, England parish register in the county of Middlesex 1848 citing London Metropolitan Archives; London, England; London Church of England Parish Registers; Reference Number: P91/TRI/001; Year: 1848-1871

^[4] Hannah born 30 January 1834 and baptised 20 April 1849 in Holy Trinity, Hoxton, Hackney, England the daughter of Joseph Thomas Walker (tailor) & Louisa Waler residing at 35 Redcroft St. entry 57, page 8, Holy Trinity, Hoxton, Hackney, England parish register in the county of Middlesex 1848 citing London Metropolitan Archives; London, England; London Church of England Parish Registers; Reference Number: P91/TRI/001; Year: 1848-1871

^[5] Index entry for the marriage of John Nicholas BOWEN and Hannah WALKER married 1853, FREEBDM database entry Marriages 1853 Dec, E.London Vol 1c page 2  (https://www.freebmd.org.uk accessed 25 October 2020)

^[6] John Nicholas Bowen(bachelor, Smith, residing at 38 Red Croft St, son of Charles Bowen, Smith) & Hannah Walker(spinster aged 19, residing at 38 Red Croft St, daughter of Joseph Tailor) were married after banns on 10 October 1853, St Bartholomew, Moor Lane, City of London, England parish register entry 149, 75, year 1853; citing London Metropolitan Archives; London, England; London Church of England Parish Registers; Reference Number: P69/BAT2/A/01/MS 6427/1 Year: 1850-1858 [witnesses George Walker & Joseph Walker]

^[7] Alfred Walker(bachelor, residing at 38 Red Croft St, son of Joseph Tailor) married Elizabeth Maddox (spinster, residing at 38 Red Croft St, daughter of James Maddox, dead) were married after banns on 10 October 1853, St Bartholomew, Moor Lane, City of London, England parish register entry 148, page 74, year 1853; citing London Metropolitan Archives; London, England; London Church of England Parish Registers; Reference Number: P69/BAT2/A/01/MS 6427/1 Year: 1850-1858 [witnesses George Walker & Joseph Walker]

^[8] Passenger Listing for John Williams[on] and his wife, and Alfred Walker and his wife on the Ship Constance. August 1854. Unassisted Passenger Lists, 1839-1923 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 2009. Original data: Inward Overseas Passenger Lists (British Ports). Microfiche VPRS 7666, copy of VRPS 947. Public Record Office Victoria, North Melbourne, Victoria. Original data from Register of Assisted Immigrants from the United Kingdom. Microfiche VPRS 14. Public Record Office Victoria, North Melbourne, Victoria. Year Range Reel: 1854"Constance" passenger List (Schedule A) p.6

^[9] Registry of Birth, Death and Marriages, Victoria, Australia, Birth Certificate Thomas Williamson 218/1855

^[10] 1855 'Advertising for the Constance’s Return Journey to London', The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), 1 January, p. 1. , viewed 13 Mar 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154852217

^[11] Monmouthshire Merlin, South Wales Advertiser, 7th July 1854, page 1,  Column 4, (https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396065   accessed 8 March 2023)

^[12] Monmouthshire Merlin, South Wales Advertiser, 7th July 1854, page 1,  Column 5, (https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396065   accessed 8 March 2023)

^[13] Monmouthshire Merlin, South Wales Advertiser, 7th July 1854, page 1,  Column 4, (https://newspapers.library.wales/view/3396065   accessed 8 March 2023)

^[14] 1853 'EMIGRATION FROM LIVERPOOL.', Geelong Advertiser and Intelligencer (Vic. : 1851 - 1856), 6 January, p. 1. (DAILY. : SUPPLEMENT TO THE GEELONG ADVERTISER AND INTELLIGENCER), viewed 13 Mar 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article94359113

^[15] Registry of Birth, Death and Marriages, Victoria, Australia, Birth Certificate Thomas Williamson 218/1855

^[16] Electoral Roll entry # 3738 for John Williamson residing right of way opposite theatre royal salaried worker, qualified to vote [unable to read], Jas Dobson, Tailor Australian, St Paul’s Division [Melbourne], 1856, page 23; Electoral Commission; Canberra, Australia; Electoral Rolls Ancestry.com. Australia, Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010.

^[17] Accessed  https://poi-australia.com.au/points-of-interest/australia/victoria/melbourne/site-of-the-theatre-royal-c-1855-215-bourke-street-melbourne-vic/ : 26 January 2022

^[18] 1856 'Advertising', The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954), 24 March, p. 4. , viewed 27 Jan 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article154861854

^[19] Victoria State Government, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, Australia; Birth Certificate of Rachael Williamson child of John Williamson(tailor) & Louisa WALKER, Collingwood Victoria, born 27 March 1857 in Collingwood, Victoria, Australia. Registration number 4201 / 1857.

^[20] Victoria State Government, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, Australia (index database without images); Entry for the Birth of Miriam Williamson child of John Williamson & Louisa WALKER born Collingwood, Victoria 1859 Registration number 450 / 1859 (https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/  accessed 27 Jan. 22) [original not sighted]

^[21] Victoria State Government, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, Australia (index database without images); Entry for the Birth of Phoebe Williamson child of John Williamson & Louisa WALKER born Collingwood, Victoria 1861 Registration number 5722 / 1861 (https://www.bdm.vic.gov.au/  accessed 27 Jan. 22) [original not sighted]

^[22] Victoria State Government, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, Australia; Birth Certificate of Phoebe Williamson child of John Williamson(tailor) & Louisa WALKER, Collingwood Victoria, born 22 June 1861 in Collingwood, Victoria, Australia. Registration number 5722 / 1861.

^[23] "Victoria Government Gazette," database and images, Online Archive 1836 – 1997 (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/vic_gazette/  ) Victorian Government Gazette, No 72, 23 June 1857, Page 1117 “John Williamson, householder, Little Fleet street” [John signed a petition to asking for Fitz Roy Ward to be separated from Melbourne proper in 1857]

^[24] Email correspondence, Lynne Gary (Member of Christian Israelite Church) to Sandra Williamson, email, Subject line: “John Williamson family” 19 March 2022, Original in author’s possession.

^[25] Evening Star, Issue 5221, 28 November 1879, Page 4 https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/ESD18791128.2.36 accessed 27 March 2022

^[26] Rodney, Gray. ‘Being a Christian Israelite’. Latter Rain : Magazine of the Christian Israelite Church, no. 29, undated, p. 6, (https://www.cichurch.asn.au/latterrain/lr29.pdf. Accessed 27 March 2022, published by Society of Christian Israelites, Christian Israelite Church, Singleton, N.S.W

^[27] Email correspondence, Lynne Gary (Member of Christian Israelite Church) to Sandra Williamson, email, Subject line: “John Williamson family” 20 March 2022, Original in author’s possession.

^[28] Email correspondence, Lynne Gary (Member of Christian Israelite Church) to Sandra Williamson, email, Subject line: “John Williamson family” 19 March 2022, Original in author’s possession.

^[29] Probate Files for John Williamson, died 7 June 1874 while residing in St Kilda, Victoria, probated granted 2 July 1874 to Louisa Williamson (Public Record Office Victoria (PROV), VPRS 28/P0002, 12/185) & (VPRS 7591/P0002, 12/185  (accessed online https://prov.vic.gov.au/ 28 March 2022) [in Affidavit of Executrix of Louisa Williamson she states “that the taking of an oath is according to my religious belief unlawful” which is consistent with the beliefs of the Christian Israelites indicating that Louisa was also a member of the Christian Israelites Church as was John.  

^[30] Victoria State Government, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, Australia; Birth Certificate of Thomas Williamson child of John Williamson(tailor) & Louisa WALKER, residing in St Kilda, Victoria, born 11 January 1855 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Registration number 218 / 1855.

^[31] Email correspondence, Dr. Lynne Gray (Dip. FHS, Adv. Dip Th. (Th. & Evang.), B. Th., B. Tch., M. Th., PhD.) (Member of Christian Israelite Church) to Sandra Williamson, email, Subject line: “John Williamson family” 19 March 2022, Original in author’s possession.

^[32] Victoria State Government, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, Australia; Birth Certificate of Rachael Williamson child of John Williamson(tailor) & Louisa WALKER, Collingwood Victoria, born 27 March 1857 in Collingwood, Victoria, Australia. Registration number 4201 / 1857.

^[33] Victoria State Government, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, Australia; Birth Certificate of Miriam Williamson child of John Williamson(tailor) & Louisa WALKER, Collingwood Victoria, born 12 March 1859 in Collingwood, Victoria, Australia. Registration number 450 / 1859.

^[34] Victoria State Government, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, Australia; Birth Certificate of Phoebe Williamson child of John Williamson(tailor) & Louisa WALKER, Collingwood Victoria, born 22 June 1861 in Collingwood, Victoria, Australia. Registration number 5722 / 1861.

^[35] Email correspondence,  Dr. Lynne Gray (Dip. FHS, Adv. Dip Th. (Th. & Evang.), B. Th., B. Tch., M. Th., PhD.) (Member of Christian Israelite Church)  to Sandra Williamson, email, Subject line: “John Williamson family” 19 March 2022, Original in author’s possession.

^[36] Victoria State Government, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, Australia; Birth Certificate of Moses Williamson child of John Williamson(draper) & Louisa WALKER, residing in St Kilda, Victoria, born 17 September 1863 in St Kilda, Victoria, Australia. Registration number 23188 / 1863.

^[37] Email correspondence,  Dr. Lynne Gray (Dip. FHS, Adv. Dip Th. (Th. & Evang.), B. Th., B. Tch., M. Th., PhD.) (Member of Christian Israelite Church) to Sandra Williamson, email, Subject line: “John Williamson family” 19 March 2022, Original in author’s possession.

^[38] Victoria State Government, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, Australia; Birth Certificate of Lydia Williamson child of John Williamson(tailor) & Louisa WALKER, residing in St Kilda, Victoria, born 31 December 1865 in East St Kilda, Victoria, Australia. Registration number 5087 / 1866.

^[39] Email correspondence,  Dr. Lynne Gray (Dip. FHS, Adv. Dip Th. (Th. & Evang.), B. Th., B. Tch., M. Th., PhD.) (Member of Christian Israelite Church)  to Sandra Williamson, email, Subject line: “John Williamson family” 19 March 2022, Original in author’s possession.

^[40] Victoria State Government, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, Australia; Birth Certificate of Aaron Williamson child of John Williamson(tailor) & Louisa WALKER, residing in St Kilda, Victoria, born 31 December 1869 in East St Kilda, Victoria, Australia. Registration number 5401 / 1869.

^[41] Email correspondence, Dr. Lynne Gray (Dip. FHS, Adv. Dip Th. (Th. & Evang.), B. Th., B. Tch., M. Th., PhD.) (Member of Christian Israelite Church) to Sandra Williamson, email, Subject line: “John Williamson family” 19 March 2022, Original in author’s possession.

^[42] Probate Files for John Williamson, died 7 June 1874 while residing in St Kilda, Victoria, probated granted 2 July 1874 to Louisa Williamson (Public Record Office Victoria (PROV), VPRS 7591/P0002, 12/185 List of Personal Property-transport items listed were 3 horses, 3 waggonettes & a buggy; also listed were harness saddle etc (accessed online https://prov.vic.gov.au/ 28 March 2022)

^[43] Victoria State Government, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages Victoria, Australia; Birth Certificate of Moses Williamson child of John Williamson(draper) & Louisa WALKER, residing in St Kilda, Victoria, born 17 September 1863 in St Kilda, Victoria, Australia. Registration number 23188 / 1863.

^[44] 1866 'Advertising', The Telegraph, St Kilda, Prahran and South Yarra Guardian (Vic. : 1864 - 1888), 13 October, p. 4. , viewed 22 Mar 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108125489

^[45] 1866 Rates paid by John Williamson, Tailor, for 4 Roomed Property in Camden St., owned by William Philpott [no listed address], Rate entry 1580 City of St Kilda,1866; Ancestry.com. Victoria, Australia, Rate Books, 1855-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: 2015. Citing Public Record Office Victoria; North Melbourne, Australia; Series Title: 2335/P Microfilm copy of Rate Books, City of St Kilda [1858-1900] Year Range: 1863-1869

^[46] 1867 Rates paid by John Williamson, Tailor, for 5 Roomed Property in High St, St Kilda owned by Thomas Earles, Tailor, Rate entry 803 City of St Kilda, 1867; Ancestry.com. Victoria, Australia, Rate Books, 1855-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: 2015. Citing Public Record Office Victoria; North Melbourne, Australia; Series Title: 2335/P Microfilm copy of Rate Books, City of St Kilda [1858-1900]

^[47] 1866 'Advertising', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 5 December, p. 1. , viewed 30 Jan 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5780300

^[48] Vendors Books, Victoria (Land Victoria(Natural Resources and Envirnonment)), Book 184 Memorial 831 Purchase price £58.12 from John Williamson to Robert Byrne.  14 November 1868 for initial property in High St, Saint Kilda, Victoria, Australia

^[49] 1868 'POLICE INTELLIGENCE.', The Telegraph, St Kilda, Prahran and South Yarra Guardian (Vic. : 1864 - 1888), 16 May, p. 3. , viewed 02 Feb 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108124723

^[50] Vendors Books, Victoria (Land Victoria(Natural Resources and Envirnonment)), Memorial 753 Book 185. 16 December 1868, 1^st increase of his mortgage from  The Victorian Permenant Property Investment & Building Society

^[51] Vendors Books, Victoria (Land Victoria(Natural Resources and Envirnonment)), Book 190 Memorial 821.  31 May 1869, 2^nd increase of his mortgage from  The Victorian Permenant Property Investment & Building Society

^[52] Vendors Books, Victoria (Land Victoria(Natural Resources and Envirnonment)), Book 191 Memorial 420.  12 Jun 1869 for purchase of the next door to his property in High Street

^[53] Vendors Books, Victoria (Land Victoria(Natural Resources and Envirnonment)), Book 211 memorial 80.  12 May 1871 for the purchase of property behind his in Inkerman Street, Saint Kilda.

^[54] 1871 'Advertising', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 26 May, p. 1. , viewed 28 Mar 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5848567

^[55] 1871 'Advertising', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 29 June, p. 1. , viewed 28 Mar 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5850486

^[56] 1870 'Advertising', The Telegraph, St Kilda, Prahran and South Yarra Guardian (Vic. : 1864 - 1888), 15 January, p. 10. , viewed 28 Mar 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105820009

^[57] 1871 'FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24.', The Telegraph, St Kilda, Prahran and South Yarra Guardian (Vic. : 1864 - 1888), 25 February, p. 4. , viewed 10 Feb 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105820384

^[58] 1871 'MEMORANDA.', The Telegraph, St Kilda, Prahran and South Yarra Guardian (Vic. : 1864 - 1888), 25 February, p. 7. , viewed 10 Feb 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article105820392

^[59] 1873 'Advertising', The Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), 10 February, p. 2. , viewed 29 Jan 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article245368216

^[60] Probate Files for John Williamson, died 7 June 1874 while residing in St Kilda, Victoria, probated granted 2 July 1874 to Louisa Williamson (Public Record Office Victoria (PROV), VPRS 7591/P0002, 12/185 In the list of Personal Property- two shops are mentioned one is St Kilda and another in Melbouren (accessed online https://prov.vic.gov.au/ 28 March 2022)

^[61] Registry of Birth, Death and Marriages, Victoria, Australia, Death Certificate John Williamson (Reference details 1874, # 6427

^[62] Anon, 'Funeral Notices', The Argus, 9 June 1874, p.8. [Retrieved 3 December 2016, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5871773]; The Springvale Necroplis website (Deceased database accessed at https://smct.org.au/deceased-search; has information regarding Springvale and St Kilda Cemeteries), Reference Number 4212; Tombstone at Gravesite, St Kilda General Cemetery, Church of England - Monumental Grave, Compt C Grave 832 & 830

^[63] Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/216260452/john-williamson : accessed 27 January 2022), memorial page for John Williamson (23 Jan 1832–7 Jun 1874), Find a Grave Memorial ID 216260452, citing St. Kilda Cemetery, St Kilda, Port Phillip City, Victoria, Australia ; Maintained by kerbent (contributor 48973979) .