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| Above: A composite image of Harry Blackman's GRO birth entry |
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| Above: The earliest OS map locating Bexley Lane, Crayford in 1896, which is 'round the corner' from London Road'. This is now a development of post war and 1960-70 homes |
Blackman info8a: Henry Blackman - his origins and life |
Harry (Henry) BLACKMAN was John and Charlotte's ninth child.
Harry's (Henry) birth certificate records the family living in Bexley Lane, Crayford in 1857 (GRO ref: Dartford 2a 230). With thanks to Kaye Smith, Harry's great granddaughter.
| REGISTRATION DISTRICT DARTFORD UNION | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1874 Birth in Sub-district of Bexley in the County of Kent | ||||||||
| No | When and where born |
Name | Sex | Name of father |
Name of mother |
Rank or Profession |
Informant | When Registered |
| 274 | Twenty eighth August 1857 Bexley Lane Crayford | Harry | Boy | John Blackman | Charlotte Blackman formerly Claxton |
Agricultural Labourer | Her mark X of Charlotte Blackman Mother Bexley Lane Crayford | Eighth September 1857 |
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| Above: A composite image of Harry Blackman's GRO birth entry |
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| Above: The earliest OS map locating Bexley Lane, Crayford in 1896, which is 'round the corner' from London Road'. This is now a development of post war and 1960-70 homes |
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| Above: Harry Blackman's christening record from Crayford Parish 1857 recording his father, John Blackman a labourer who died 22 February 1865 Source: Ancestry |
1861 Census Sun/Mon. 7/8th April 1861
Source: FHL Film TNA Ref RG09
Piece 466; Folio 129; Page 26; Sched 128
Dwelling: Slades Green [Howbury Farm?]
Place: Crayford, Kent, England
Name Rel Mar Age Occupation Birthplace
Blackman John Head M 43 Ag La Kent, Wilmington
Blackman Charlotte Wife M 45 Essex, Redmdon (?)
Blackman William Son U 16 Ag La Kent, Wilmington
Blackman George Son U 15 La B???kfield Kent, Wilmington
Blackman Mary A Dau U 12 At home Kent, Wilmington
Blackman Lucy Dau U 9 Scholar Kent, Crayford
Blackman Joseph Son U 7 Scholar Kent, Crayford
Blackman Charlotte Dau U 5 Scholar Kent, Crayford
Blackman John Son U 5 Scholar Kent, Crayford
Blackman Henry Son U 3 Kent, Crayford
Blackman Emma Dau U 8 MO Kent, Crayford
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| Above: Howbury Farm 1897 1 said to be the source of Herbert Howbery, William's nephew's second name |
In 1865, following the death of their father, John BLACKMAN, William and George emigrated to Australia arriving on 24 August 1863. Charlotte with eight other children followed, including Harry. They departed the UK on 15 May 1866, arriving at Hobson's Bay, Victoria 1 on 13 August 1866, after a 140 day voyage aboard the clipper Golden Empire of the Golden Line. It is assumed that she followed her sons to the goldfields near Ballarat.
In 1884 Harry, who was living in Ballarat, married Sarah Ann WILKINS who was one of seven daughters and three sons William WILKINS, a farmer who had arrived at Dowling Forest in 1856 from the Eureka Riots and had lived at Shooters Hill(?) ever since. Sarah's parents were William David WILKINS and (H)Ellen McLEAN.
| SCHEDULE D. |
|
1884 MARRIAGES solemnized in the District of Miners Rest |
| No. in Reg. | When and Where Married. | Name and Surname of the Parties | Condition of the Parties | Birthplace | ||
| Bachelor or Spinster | Children by each former Marriage. |
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| Living. | Dead. | |||||
| 18 | At the house of William Wilkins Dowling Forest 26th Feb 1884 | Harry Blackman Sarah Ann Wilkins |
Bachelor Spinster |
Al---y County Kent England Dowling Forest |
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| I, Frederick Souter
being Presbyterian Minister, Miners Rest do herby certify that I have this day, at the home of William Wilkins, Farmer, Dowling Forest duly celebrated the Marriage between Harry Blackman, Ballarat, Brick Maker and Sarah Ann Wilkins, Dowling Forest, Domestic Servant after Notice and Declaration duly made and published, as by law required Dated this Twenty Sixth day of February 1884 Signature of Minister, Registrar-General, or other Officer Frederick Souter Minister |
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| SCHEDULE D. |
|
in the Colony of Victoria |
| Rank or Profession | Age | Residence | Parents | ||
| Present. | Usual. | Names. (Mother's Maiden Name.) |
Father's Rank or Profession. | ||
| Brick Maker Domestic Servant |
24 21 |
Ballarat Dowling Forest |
Miners Rest Dowling Forest |
John Blackman Charlotte Claxton William Wilkins Ellen McLean |
Farm Labourer Farmer |
| Marriage, after notice
and dedication was solemnized
between us {Harry Blackman
according to the rites of the Presbyterian Church of Victoria {Sarah Anne Wilkins Witnesses {William Wilkins { Annie ---e |
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| Right: Harry Blackman as a young man Courtesy: Llyris Hill |
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In the 1909 Electoral Roll the couple were living at:
Embling Road has been redeveloped.
At her golden wedding Mrs Wilkins said that she was gratified that all her children, with the exception of one unmarried boy were all 'comfortably situated'. A full report of the golden wedding can be read in The Ballarat Star of Saturday 17 October 1903. (Accessed: 20 May 2020) This would include Harry and Sarah.
From 1913 to 1928 the Australian Electoral Roll from 1903-1977 records Harry BLACKMAN's living at 44 Osborne Avenue, Malvern East with a variety of children living with them. Herbert stayed the whole time with others coming and going. Ella remained until her marriage in 1920. This list records those at 44 Osborne Avenue, as they gained the age of majority, other than Harry, Sarah Ann and Herbert. In 1913 they had moved house and Harry had a different job:
In 1914 George was recorded:
Then in 1916 Edith was recorded following her mother's trade:
Stanley Ernest is recorded at 44 Oborne Street as a clerk/public servant from 1922 to 1927 with Leslie John joining the house in 1922:
before leaving in 1925 and Cecil Robert being recorded until 1927:
when Arnold Floyd became of age:
| Apart from 1927 and 1928, for some reason Stanley Ernest is recorded twice in each
year, with different occupations,
Left: The much altered 44 Osborne Road now with units |
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| Above: A family gathering for Harry and Sarah's
golden wedding in 1934 Courtesy: Kaye Smith |
Harry and Sarah's death
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Harry's funeral cortège left his home of 'Sonoma' 44
Osborne Avenue, East Malvern (now Glen Iris) at 11.30 on Tuesday 28
May 1940, for internment at Burwood Cemetery. Members of the
United
Ancient Order of Druids (UAOD) 2
Loyal Canterbury Lodge No. 32 were invited to attend.
He is buried at Burwood Cemetery in the Methodist 2 Plot Row Y Grave 406. (Vic BMD ref: 4807/1940) Left: Page 6 of The Argus of 27 May 1940, which records his children and grandchildren of 1940. Source: Trove (Accessed: 12 April 2020) |
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| Sarah Ann's will was dated 15 June 1942 when she was living at 44 Osborne
Avenue.
She was buried in Burwood Cemetery, Melbourne on 23 July 1942 in the same plot as
Harry. (Vic BMD ref: 11718/1942)
Right: The Argus of 23 July 1942 announcing Sarah's death. Source: Trove (Accessed: 12 April 2020) |
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Harry and Sarah's children
Harry William BLACKMAN - Harry and Sarah's first child
Harry was born in 1885 in Charlton, Victoria (Vic BMD ref: 1478/1885) and died on 13 November 1936 in Heidelberg, Victoria, Vic BMD ref: 10122/1936. He married Lily ASHMAN in 1919 (Vic BMD ref: 8003/1919). Harry was buried on 14 November 1936 in Springvale Botanical Cemetery in Joshua Jordan Lawn, Row AT, Grave 41. Lily died on 16 December 1939 was buried on 18 December 1939 in Springvale Botanical Cemetery in the same grave.
| They lived in La Trobe Street until their respective death. There is no obvious
record of La Trobe Street in Oakley in 2020.
Right: 166 Napier Street, South Melbourne |
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The Australian Electoral Roll 1903-1977 records their 1922 home as:
In 1925 there was a change of address and occupation:
Herbert Howbery,- Harry and Sarah's second child, has his own chapter.
Ella Ruby BLACKMAN - Harry and Sarah's third child
Ella Ruby BLACKMAN was born in 1888 in Malvern Victoria (Vic BMD ref: 22147/1888) and died on 14 April 1983 in Shepparton, Victoria, (Vic BMD ref: 08562/1983). She married James (Jim) Thomas COE in 1920 (Vic BMD ref: 14314/1920). He was born in 1885 and died in 1955. They lived on a property with an orchard, where Jim was an orchardist for the whole of their married life.
From the start of their marriage the Australian Electoral Roll 1903-1977 records their home in 1922 as:
where they lived until 1954, which was the last year James Thomas was recorded. Whilst Ella spent the majority of her married and post married life in a rural setting to the east of Shepperton, in 1963 she was recorded in a hotel:
then in 1967 she moved to Baldwyn North, a suburb of Melbourne.
before returning to Shepparton in 1972 until the final record in 1977:
George Charles BLACKMAN - Harry and Sarah's fourth child
George Charles BLACKMAN was born in 1891 in Malvern, Victoria (Vic BMD ref: 24974/1891) and died on 24 January 1967 in Malvern, Victoria, (Vic BMD ref: 1958/1967). George was cremated on 25 January 1967 at Springvale Botanical Cemetery with his ashes placed at Cassia, Garden 12, Bed 6, Position 42. He was a member of the Church of Christ. He married Elizabeth Mitchell ELLIS in 1914 (Vic BMD ref: 7093/1914). She was born in 1885 in Ballarat East and died in 1974 in Armadale. She too was cremated at Springvale Botanical Cemetery on 29 January 1974 with her ashes placed at Cassia, Garden 12, Bed 6, Position 43.(Vic BMD ref: 2766/1974)
The Australian Electoral Roll 1903-1977 records their homes in 1917 as:
and the couple remained at that house, which has been redeveloped, and in that occupation .
until the Roll of 1931 when they moved 6km and George changed his occupation:
By 1963, whilst still at the same address, George had retired. Elizabeth remained at the family home until her death after the 1972 Roll.
| Right: George Blackman's 65 Cawkwell Street |  |
Edith Margaret BLACKMAN - Harry and Sarah's fifth child
Edith Margaret BLACKMAN was born on 20 September 1893 in Malvern, Victoria (Vic BMD ref: 33210/1893) and died on 17 October 1980 at Ringwood, Victoria, (Vic BMD ref: 23792/1980). Edith was cremated on 17 October 1980 at Springvale Botanical Cemetery with her ashes placed at Melaleuca, Garden M4, Bed 3, Rose 13. She married Ernest Lawson GILMOUR on 23 February 1921 in Malvern (Vic BMD ref: 2934/1921). He was born in 1893 at Barringhup (Vic BMD ref: 24199/1893) He too was cremated at Springvale Botanical Cemetery on 25 January 1973 with his ashes placed at Melaleuca, Garden M4, Bed 3, Rose 13. (Vic BMD ref: 2421/1973).
The Australian Electoral Roll 1903-1977 records their homes in 1922 as:
where they lived until the Roll of 1972 when Glencourse became number 3 Willow Street. For all this time Ernest was a clerk. No 3 Willow Street has been redeveloped into an architectural ' Grand Designs'.
In the final entries Edith was alone. In 1977 she was still at:
until 1980 when it is assumed Edith died perhaps at the home of one of her children.
| Right: The modern replacement of Edith Gilmour's home at 3 Willow Street for 55 years |  |
Leslie John BLACKMAN - Harry and Sarah's sixth child
Leslie John BLACKMAN was born on 24 January 1896 in Malvern, Victoria (Vic BMD ref: 4958/1896) and died on 23 November 1965 at Camberwell, Victoria, (Vic BMD ref: 25680/1965). He was cremated at Springvale Botanical Cemetery on 25 November 1965.
| Leslie, in uniform, married Gertrude Ivy WATTS on 11 January 1919 at Horfield
Parish Church, Bristol, England (GRO ref: Bristol 6a 159). The bride and groom
both listed their address as 77 Thornleigh Road, Horfield, Bristol. Gertrude was the
daughter of William Henry and Frances Elizabeth WATTS of 13 Oxford Street, Cotham,
Kingsdown, Bristol. In 1911 six of their seven living children were at home.
The couple met when Leslie was serving in London. Right: 77 Thornleigh Road, Bristol |
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Gertrude Ivy WATTS was born on 02 September 1898 (GRO ref: Barton Regis 6a 38). The Barton Regis district is part of South Gloucestershire and boarders Bristol. Gertrude died on 25 November 1964 (Vic BMD ref: 25482/1964). and was cremated Springvale Botanical Cemetery two days later.
1911 Census: Sun/Mon 2nd April/3rd April 1911
Source: TNA Ref: RG14 PN
Reg. Gen. Ref: RG78 PN 14858; En.Dist: 33; Sched: 93
RegDist: Bristol SubDist: Clifton
Dwelling: 13 Oxford Street
Place: Cotham, [Kingsdown, Bristol,] Gloucestershire
Rooms in dwelling, other than scullery, landing, lobby, closet, bathroom: 7
Years married: 23
Children: Alive 8, dead 1
Name Rel Mar Age Occupation Status Birthplace
William H Watts Head M 46 Window cleaner Own a/c Bristol
Elizabeth Watts Wife M 44 Surrey, Epsom
Sidney Watts Son S 20 Window cleaner Worker Bristol, Clifton
Violet Watts Dau S 18 Dressmaker Bristol, Redland
Dorothy Watts Sau S 15 Dressmaker Bristol, Redland
Gertrude Watts Dau S 12 School Bristol, Redland
Kingsley Watts Son S 11 School Bristol, Kingsdown
John Watts Son S 6 School Bristol, Kingsdown
A summary of Leslie John BLACKMAN's service record
Leslie began his military service on 13 July 1915 when he enlisted, in Maribryong, as number 13151 in the 4th Reinforcements for 12th Battery of 4th Australian Field Artillery Brigade. He gave his trade on enlistment as a telephonist. Having achieved the rank of Temporary Sergeant he reverted to his substantive rank of gunner. He ended military service on 5 October 1919 when he was discharged as a Temporary Sergeant.
Right: RMA Malwa |
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Right: HMHS Western Australia |
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| Hoverbox Photo Gallery - 1st Eastern General
Hospital This feature does not function correctly on phones and tablets |
| Source: From the Front to the Backs: Story of the First Eastern Hospital (Accessed: 17 May 2020) |
| 1. | 2. | 3. |
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| Above: 3/Australian General Hospital Abbeville, by Arthur Streeton 1918 AWM Art03529 |
| The postcard from Bert to Les supports his posting to Larkhill in September 1917.
It reads: I hope this will do for the time being, till I can get a decent one in
Blighty Dont forget to send yours as soon as you get it News for your next letter Au
Revoir Bert It was sent to Bom LJ Blackman Hqrs RBAA Camp No 21 Larkhill
Sailsbury Plane England Right: Postcard from Bert to Les dated 09 September 1917 from 'Somewhere in France' - actually from Campagne near St Omer (War Diary) Courtesy: Kaye Smith - with thanks |
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| Above: Map locating Larkhill Camp 21 |
Right: Konigan Luise |
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In a letter, dated 10 September 1919 from 44 Osborne Avenue, Leslie applies for a replacement certificate confirming his hospitalisation in 1st Easter General Hospital Cambridge – built on the cricket ground of King’s and Clare College, between January and March 1917, for trench foot. It was required as it 'affects his lodge' or Friendly Society. This suggests he too was a member of the fraternal United Ancient Order of Druids. There is no obvious letter of confirmation in his service file.
When the couple first returned from England after the war they lived with Leslie's parents at Osborne Ave. The Australian Electoral Roll 1903-1977 then records their homes in 1922 as:
| where they lived until the last Roll of 1963. They had moved to a typical and
humble two bedroom Californian Bungalow on Barina Road with the help of a War Services
Loan. Originally, there were just fields around the place. But another bedroom was
built on as the family grew.
Left: What may be the closest representation of an original Californian Bungalow in Barina Road, Glen Iris The estate was one of the first to get built up |
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Gradually all the old homes that are close to 100 years old are being pulled down. In their place are detached two storey homes, as the price of land is high, or two or three storey town houses on the larger blocks
Stanley Ernest BLACKMAN Harry and Sarah's seventh child
Stanley Ernest BLACKMAN was born in 1898 in Malvern, Victoria (Vic BMD ref: 33210/1898) and died on 18 January 1981 in Windsor, Victoria, (Vic BMD ref: 1562/1981). He was cremated at Springvale Botanical Cemetery on 20 January 1981 and his remains were scattered. He married Flora Isabel MACDONALD in 1929 (Vic BMD ref: 1028/1929). She was born in 1889 in Richmond (Vic BMD ref: 1899/1899) and died probably on 13 September 1954 in Richmond (Vic BMD ref: 10400/1954). She too was cremated at Springvale Botanical Cemetery on 15 September 1954 and her ashes were placed at Pittosporum, Wall 3B, Niche 67.
On 11 June 1917 the 18 year and ten month Stanley Ernest with acne and his parents consent, enlisted from Prahran as number 20450 in the 16/3rd Australian Corps of Signal. He gave his occupation as a civil servant. After further training in England, Stanley proceeded overseas to France on 1 April 1918 and, after UK leave, returned to Australia on 06 July 1919.
The Australian Electoral Roll 1903-1977 records their homes in 1931 as:
|
where the couple remained until the Roll of 1943. Although the corner site has been
redeveloped, there are several bungalows in the style of number 100. This may have
been the style of number 98.
Right: 100 Belford Road |
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In 1943 they had moved home:
In 1954, Flora was registered here for the last time at 22 Severn Street before it became Stanley's home, in 1963 as a widower. Throughout he remained a clerk until the final Roll of 1972.
| Stanley Ernest's bungalow at 22 Severn Street. There are several bungalow of this
style along the road so this could have been Stanley's.
Right: 22 Severn Street |
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Cecil Robert BLACKMAN Harry and Sarah's eighth child
Cecil Robert BLACKMAN was born in 1902 in Malvern, Victoria (Vic BMD ref: 11861/1902) and died on 03 July 1972 in Nobel Park, Victoria, (Vic BMD ref: 14655/1972). He was cremated at Springvale Botanical Cemetery on 07 July 1972 and his remains were scattered in the Banksia cemetery area. He married Louie Clara DEAN(E) on 11 December 1926 (Vic BMD ref: 13060/1926) in Wesley College, Melbourne. Lou was born in 1905 in Port Melbourne (Vic BMD ref: 28418/1905) and registered as Clara Louisa DEANE. She died as Clara Louisa née DEANE in about 21 October 1972 aged 67 in Berwick (Vic BMD ref: 24859/1972). She too was cremated at Springvale Botanical Cemetery on 23 October 1972 and her ashes were placed at Banksia, Garden 4, Bed 18, Position 61.
The Australian Electoral Roll 1903-1977 records their home in 1928 as:
In 1931 they had moved hose and Cecil had been promoted:
and they remained in Laver Street until their final 1967 entry in the Roll. This appears to be an exclusive street on a large secluded wooded plot.
Arnold Floyd BLACKMAN Harry and Sarah's ninth child
Arnold Floyd BLACKMAN was born on 16 March 1905 in Malvern, Victoria (Vic BMD ref: 11924/1905) and died on 11 April 1974 in Malvern, Victoria, (Vic BMD ref: 8279/1974). He was a printer by trade. He was cremated at Springvale Botanical Cemetery on 16 April 1974. He married Winifred Alice CROSSLEY on 31 March 1934 (Vic BMD ref: 3447/1934). Win and Arnold's marriage, witnessed by both sets of parents, was at the home of Arnold's parents. Winifred was born on 22 March 1913 in Port Melbourne (Vic BMD ref: 28418/1905). She died on 31 October 2003 and was cremated at Springvale Botanical Cemetery on 05 November 2003 and her ashes were placed in the Church of England plot.
One of their children recorded "Mum actually started work for Dad, who had his own small printing business, when she was 16 and they married 10 days after her 21st birthday. (Cliff, worked for Arnold at sometime after the war - I have a photo of him with Dad and my cousin George outside the shop George was Uncle George's eldest).
The Australian Electoral Roll 1903-1977 records their homes in 1936 as:
This was Harry Blackman's home and Arnold and Win stayed at Arnold's home until the last Roll record of 1972.
End notes
Sources:
| More information 1 |
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The manor of Howbury - Slade Green, Bexley
This was formerly the manor of Howbury, recorded simply as Hov in Domesday Book, from the Old English hōh, a heel of land. Slade Green was first mentioned in the 16th century, but the name is probably of earlier origin. A 'slade' was "a little dell or valley; or a flat piece of low, moist ground" and it was certainly the latter meaning that applied here. The ruins and moat of the house called Howbury constitute a scheduled ancient monument, and a Jacobean tithe barn survives, but in deteriorating condition. The structures are on private land and are not generally accessible to the public but can be seen from a nearby footpath, from which the photograph above was taken. Howbury’s surroundings were fields on the edge of Crayford Marshes until industrial development began here in the late 19th century, mainly in the form of brickmaking and barge-building. The bulky church of St Augustine was built in 1900, and the station opened in the same year, followed by locomotive sheds and carriage sidings. The South East and Chatham Railway Company built a small estate of railway workers’ homes and a matching public house on Oak Road.
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| More information 2 |
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United Ancient Order of Druids (UAOD)
The United Ancient Order of Druids (UAOD) is a fraternal organisation founded in England in 1833. Its motto is United to assist. Members travelling abroad created a new lodge in Melbourne in1851. The movement grew in popularity and, at its peak, boasted more than 70,000 members throughout Australia. In the days before government benefits, the UAOD operated in Melbourne, and other Australian cities, as a secular fraternal benevolent society. A society of men, associated in brotherly union, received mutual aid and benefits in exchange for paying a regular contribution. Regular meetings were held at schools and public halls where they could enjoy each other's company and discuss current events. The Druids organised social gatherings, including regular dances and took part in various fundraisers for charitable causes. Newspaper reports from 1920s declared the UAOD had raised £100,000 for charity over 40 years, much of that donated to local hospitals. When a new wing of the St Vincent's Hospital was opened in 1913, it was named the Druid's Wing. The Druid's Wing was demolished in 2015. In the days before government benefits, getting sick or being injured at work could mean financial disaster for a family, so people without considerable family wealth needed a safety net. In the 1880s, members of the UAOD were entitled to sick pay of £1 per week (equivalent to £800 in 2018 or A$1,500 at April 2019 rates) and received free medical treatment from a doctor, who was also obligated to inform the Druids if a member was trying to scam the system. In the event of death, Druids members were entitled to a £20 (equivalent to £15,800 in 2018 or A$3,400 at April 2019 rates) funeral benefit to ensure they were not buried in a pauper's grave. Widows were also entitled to a £10 (equivalent to £8,000 in 2018 or A$15,400 at April 2019 rates) benefit if their husband met an untimely end. In the 1920s, the Victorian government even put a temporary ban on the Druids' fundraising bazaars, categorising them as gambling.
The introduction of sick leave and other employer provided benefits, combined with the gradual introduction of government subsidised medicine, caused the need for the UAOD to diminish. Eventually, they stopped running their regular gatherings and moved into the retirement village industry. |
| More information 1: cont |
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United Ancient Order of Druids (UAOD)
The Druids also had enough wealth to erect their own national head office, Druids House, at 407 Swanston Street, Melbourne, opened by the Lord Mayor in 1927 at a cost of £19,000 (equivalent to £6.1 million in 2018 or A$11.7 million at April 2019 rates). An old bearded statue still stands atop the building, looking down at the street below with considerable seriousness. A sign urging people to "Join The Druids" once adorned the south-facing side. Druids House, now houses the Druids Cafe Bar on the ground floor. In August 1914, the Loyal Canterbury Lodge no. 32 held their quarterly meeting at the
Dispensary Hall, Cecil-place, Prahran, where 'It was resolved that any members of the
lodge that volunteered their services and were accepted by Great Britain in the war
against Germany be kept financial on the books, and derive full benefits until they
return. (Trove. Prahran Chronicle Saturday 29 August 1914, p.4 Accessed 29 April 2020)
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| This page was created by Richard Crompton and maintained by Chris Glass |
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Version A10 Updated 12 October 2023 |
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