LMFHG on WikiTree

Since our Open Day in May several LMFHG members have been working on adding their ancestors to the Wikitree site.

One of our members said "I am committed to Wikitree as a collaborative tree. I am working to ensure that my ancestors' and forebears' stories are not lost so I aim to give them all a profile on this platform. It's a future-proofing exercise." 

We were enthused by the presentation on WikiTree from Veronica Williams who convinced us of the value of using WikiTree as a platform to preserve the stories of our ancestors and those who have gone before us. Following on from that event we had a further discussions at our in person and online meetings. Several members are actively working on adding profiles to Wikitree.

As part of the preparation for her presentation Veronica set up a Page on WikiTree for those interested in researching the area. WikiTree members are able to add to and edit that page which is available from this link. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Category:Lake_Macquarie_Family_History_Group 

LMFHG Category on WikiTree

Users of WikiTree are encouraged to add Categories to the person profiles to the site. These categories may relate to occupations, places (including cemeteries), events, military units and honours and awards.

Currently among those categories there are :

50 Profiles categorised in Boolaroo
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Category:Boolaroo%2C_New_South_Wales

198 Profiles categorised in Carey Bay
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Category:Carey_Bay%2C_New_South_Wales

58 Profiles categorised in Catherine Hill Bay 
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Category:Catherine_Hill_Bay%2C_New_South_Wales

47 Profiles categorised in St Patrick's and St Brigid's Catholic Cemetery, Cooranbong
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Category:St_Patrick%27s_and_St_Brigid%27s_Catholic_Cemetery%2C_Cooranbong%2C_New_South_Wales

16 Profiles categorised in The Dudley Colliery Disaster 1898
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Category:Dudley_Colliery_Disaster%2C_New_South_Wales%2C_1898

16 Profiles categorised as Members of the Lake Macquarie Family History Group
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Category:Members_of_the_Lake_Macquarie_Family_History_Group

65 Profiles categorised in Morisset Cemetery
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Category:Morisset_Cemetery%2C_Morisset%2C_New_South_Wales

119 Profiles categorised in Toronto Cemetery
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Category:Toronto_Cemetery%2C_Toronto%2C_New_South_Wales

109 Profiles categorised in West Wallsend
https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Category:West_Wallsend%2C_New_South_Wales

On this day - Boat Launch at Marmong Point

1944 'Veteran's Launching', The Newcastle Sun (NSW : 1918 - 1954), 9 November, p. 3. , viewed 16 Sept 2025, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article156596205

 

Meet our New President

At the LMFHG Annual General Meeting in August we welcomed a new President, Cheryl-Ann Leggatt, to our Group. She follows Past President, Dr Patrick Bradbery. We thank Patrick for his commitment and contributions to our Group.

Cheryl-Ann has been researching her family history for over 30 years, beginning in the time of microfiche; microfilm and letter writing to get answers.

She has been learning formally about genealogy since 2010 beginning with an Australian/New Zealand Genealogy course through the National Institute for Genealogical Studies and, more recently, was amongst the first intake for the Diploma of Family History offered by the University of Tasmania graduating from that in 2018.

Cheryl-Ann at Australasian Congress - Brisbane, March 2025

Cheryl-Ann has strong commitment Lifelong Learning that is demonstrated by her attendance at many online and in person family history events.  She has attended annual State Conferences since 2012, only missing one or two.  She has participated in two Australasian Congresses, the latest being in Brisbane this year. Cheryl-Ann is a supporter of many online and in-person family and local history events in the Hunter area. Cheryl-Ann has further demonstrated her commitment by being involved in local and regional family history organisations.

Among her ancestors Cheryl-Ann has members of the First Fleet and several other convicts.  Two of her  grandparents' ancestors were born on Norfolk Island.

In 1991 Cheryl-Ann, who was born in the Blue Mountains, moved to the Hunter area where she and her husband have raised three children aged 33, 25 and 17. 

As one of the newer members of the Lake Macquarie Family History Group Cheryl-Ann is keen to get to know members and learn about their family histories and ideas. She says "I am approachable, love new ideas and if I do something wrong or you think something can be improved, please speak to me."

We wish Cheryl-Ann a happy and fruitful term as our President.

Festive Fun

Who will take home the delicious hampers?

It was smiles all round at the Lake Macquarie Family History Group meeting today as members gathered to celebrate a successful year. 

Our day started with a lively Discussion Group led by Committee Member, Jan. Jan supplied members with a Christmas themed prompt and, in turn, we dived into the recesses of our memory to share our responses. We all enjoyed our trip down memory lane.

Some of the prompts were:
What smell conjures up Christmas memories for you?
What is your first Christmas memory?
What did you do on Boxing Day?
What is your resolution for next year?

While the catering ladies set up our buffet lunch we had a very short formal meeting.

President Patrick and Secretary Valda lead our meeting

Librarian Linda prepares the Punch

Lunch is ready

During our very long lunch our photographer took the opportunity to record some of our members' smiling faces.

After some time to clean up President Patrick called for order so that the draw for the hampers could proceed.

Patrick playing Santa

A lucky winner draws the next prize

Winners are grinners

Thanks to all who contributed to the success of this event. 

We wish you and your loved ones a Joyous Holiday Season and a Bountiful New Year. 

Vale Elspeth

 

Elspeth was an active member of the Group for 22 years who served in many executive roles and on the committee.

Meetings at Marmong Point

On the third Saturday of the Month (except for December when it is the second Saturday of the month) The Lake Macquarie Family History Group holds its regular meeting at The Marmong Point Community Hall. Following are a few photos from last weekend's meeting. 

Checking a new addition to the library

When Covid came along we held regular meetings via zoom but our members were thrilled when we went back to face-to face events earlier this year. These gatherings provide opportunities for fellowship, learning and research. 

Members enjoying a catchup

Between 10pm and 4pm members and visitors are welcome to drop into the hall for a few hours or the day.  There are opportunities to get research help, borrow a book from our extensive library collection, join a discussion group, hear a guest speaker and have a cuppa with friends.

Cuppas and chats - an important activity

In our discussion group facilitated by our President, Anne, last Saturday members commented that what they most liked about our Group was the warm, friendly environment at our events. 

Two heads are better then one - Solving a research problem

A quiet moment perusing the library's journal collection

There is a good stock of secondhand books for sale

Our Guest Speaker on Saturday was local trainer Anthony Tietze who gave an interesting and informative talk on First Aid and CPR. Members enjoyed the practical components of Anthony's presentation and the opportunities to use equipment and act as patients. 

Terry Tietze with President Anne. 

Anthony demonstrating a defibrilator on Saturday

Our next meeting will be held on Saturday 12th December. There will be a $5 fee to cover catering expenses for the lunch provided. As we need numbers for the catering please contact the Secretary by email, secretary@lmfhg.org.au,  if you would like to join us. 

Welcome to our new President.

Congratulations and best wishes to Anne Gleeson who has accepted nomination for President of the

President, Anne Gleeson

LMFHG at the Committee Meeting held on 11th November 2022. This position had remained vacant since the last President stepped down at our Annual General Meeting in August.

Anne writes: "I am married to Terry and we are the parents of 4, grandparents of 8 and great grandparents of 2. Terry and I have lived in Lake Macquarie for the past 25 years and my family has strong ties to the Newcastle area. Dad's family settled in Newcastle from Ireland in 1865.

 
Whilst I have been researching for the last 20 years my approach has not really been focused until the last little while. I am almost finished the University of Tasmania’s Diploma in Family History and this has assisted in organising my efforts.

I have a strong interest in writing family stories and some of these I share on my blog http://thehouseoflostvintage.blogspot.com/

It is my hope that I will be able to provide leadership to the Association which is pro-active and based on the needs of the members. I am keen to look at current processes and procedures to ensure they are effective and in keeping with the Aims and Objectives of the organisation."

Trove Tuesday - St Joseph's Convalescent Home

 St Joseph's Convalescent Home in Morisset is mentioned several times in Trove. 

Worker injured at the home.

1935 'WORKMAN INJURED', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 9 February, p. 8. , viewed 08 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136851313

The following poem was published in 1938.

1938 'Rest Home by the Lake Side.', Catholic Freeman's Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1932 - 1942), 7 April, p. 14. , viewed 08 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146422894

Former Chaplain passes away.

1941 'Of General Interest', Advocate (Melbourne, Vic. : 1868 - 1954), 22 May, p. 6. , viewed 08 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article172192002

An obituary for one of the residents

1945 'OBITUARY Two Senior Members of the Little Company of Mary', Southern Cross (Adelaide, SA : 1889 - 1954), 19 January, p. 9. , viewed 08 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article167786883

Obituary for a resident.

1946 'Father Hilly Dies In Retirement', Catholic Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1942 - 1954), 10 January, p. 5. , viewed 08 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146485510

In 1947 plans were put forward to use the property as a Boys' Home.

(Read full article from link below)

1947 'NEW CATHOLIC TRAINING CENTRE FOR SUB-NORMAL BOYS', Catholic Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1942 - 1954), 25 December, p. 1. , viewed 08 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article146600513

Film of activities at the boys' home.

1952 'NEWCASTLE', Catholic Weekly (Sydney, NSW : 1942 - 1954), 3 April, p. 10. , viewed 08 Nov 2022, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article147083371

Is this property still standing? Is it still owned by the Catholic Church?

Trove Tuesday - Doug Saxon

 Local historian and author Doug Saxon will be the guest speaker at our monthly meeting next Saturday, 20th February, at 2pm. Due to Covid rules being relaxed to the 2 square metre per person requirement we will be able to accommodate more people at this meeting. Please join us and bring your pennies with you as Doug will have copies of some of his books for sale. We will also be broadcasting this talk via zoom for members unable to attend in person.

Doug has indicated that his talk will be in two parts:

1. Some aspects of Eraring’s history and my efforts to preserve it  based on my book published last year ‘Eraring’s History- Farming, Monkeys and Electricity.’
2. Dora Creek - John Douglass and his family. This is from my book recently published ‘Dora Creek Memories 1870-2020’  to celebrate 150 years of public education at Dora Creek. John Douglass was the first teacher and lived at Dora Creek for more than 50 years.
   
   
   

Doug Saxon (Photo supplied by D. Saxon)

 

In a search on Trove we found several references to Doug. Please take a look at some of these items and have your questions ready for Doug on Saturday.

One won't find mention of Doug in the popular Newspapers and Gazettes Category on Trove as this mostly covers the period up to 1954 when Doug was not yet writing on history. 

 

Listed in the Magazines and Newsletter category there are several articles mentioning Doug. In a 1978 letter to the Education magazine Doug outlines the difficulties he faced with furniture removal when he was transferred from Newcastle to a teaching position at Yanco.

In 2009 Doug featured in several issues of Education as he sought contributions for a booklet he was writing. Doug posted on 16 March 2009

"YANCO   PUBLIC   SCHOOL   celebrates   its  

  centenary   on   the   June   long   weekend  

  2009.   Former   Principals,   teachers,   stu-  

  dents   [or   their   descendants]   are   invited  

  to   contribute   to   the   centenary   book-  

  let.   Contact   Doug   Saxon.''
Source: http://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-707329048

For more current references to Doug from the Websites Category on Trove follow this link:   https://trove.nla.gov.au/search/category/websites?keyword=%22doug%20saxon%22 which shows that he is well represented on the internet.

The Books and Libraries Catalogue lists many of Doug's works and provides the location of libraries that hold copies of the items. Click on the links below to see the records and locations for these works.

An Anzac from Hamilton / Doug Saxon

Bark hut or horse to Toronto : Awaba School, 1891-1991 / by Doug Saxon

Bonnells Bay Public School (formerly Morriset East) : celebrating the centenary 1912-2012 / compiled by Doug Saxon

A brief history of Yanco / by Doug Saxon

Companion Credit Union : the first twenty years, 1974-93 / Doug Saxon

Companion Credit Union : 30 years of community service 1975-2005 / Doug Saxon

Dora Creek memories 1870-2020 : celebrating 150 years of public education at Dora Creek / written by Doug Saxon

The East enders : some memories of East Cessnock and its school 1928-88 / compiled by Doug Saxon, Principal

Eraring's history : farming, monkeys and electricity / Doug Saxon

The gateway to the M.I.A. : a history of Yanco, N.S.W. / Doug Saxon

Hamilton : memories of life & school in the 1950's / by Doug Saxon

A history of Eraring and its school / Doug Saxon

The history of Morundah Public School, 1886-1977 / by Doug Saxon

'The Jurd' : Margaret Jurd Learning Centre : celebrating twenty five years, 1985 - 2010 / by Doug Saxon

Michael Scott : an artistic life / written and published by Doug Saxon

Morisset Memories 1891-2016 / Doug Saxon

Pit props and sleepers : the story of Awaba / by Doug Saxon

Valentine Primary School : fifty years of community service, compiled by Doug Saxon

Welcome to Holland : the story of Hunter Orthopaedic School / compiled by Doug Saxon

Yanco Public School : the first irrigation school in the M.I.A. 1909-2009 / compiled by Doug Saxon

Doug Saxon's latest book

A Shark Attack

141 years after this attack we remember 13 year old Theresa Bond. This event near Dora Creek was widely covered in newspapers of the time. 

1880 'Extraordinary Escape from a Shark.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 5 January, p. 2. , viewed 01 Dec 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article133860346

Update: Thanks to reader, Colin, on Facebook, who has added more information to this story since I posted in on the Lake Macquarie Then and Now Facebook Group. 

Colin said "It was actually Theresa Bonnell in this attack, and a letter written by Bonnell family members in the early 1940s about them doing a tour of their old homestead identifies the spot as what we now call Bonnells Bay."

Colin kindly added a link to the post from 1880 that correctly names the victim. You can read it here: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article108734225.

The lesson here is - You can't believe everything you read. We should check multiple sources!

Trove Tuesday - Natives of Scotland

November 30th, St Andrew's Day, is Scotland's National Day. Many early arrivals in  the Lake Macquarie District had roots in Scotland. 

The following eleven persons from our area were recorded in the newspapers on Trove as being a "Native of Scotland. If these images are difficult to read you can access the articles from the links that follow each clipping.

These articles contain many gems of information for descendants and family historians.

Mrs Grace Bower of Toronto

1908 'TORONTO.', Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate (NSW : 1876 - 1954), 28 November, p. 2. , viewed 01 Dec 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135608496