PART 2 Thomas and Elizabeth Towers Thomas Towershome.exetel.com.au/bigbarry/Part 2 Bignall Notes - Towers.pdf · PART 2 Thomas and Elizabeth Towers Thomas Towers ... George Fletcher?

PART 2 Thomas and Elizabeth TowersThomas Towers

Stonemason at Morpeth, later farmer at Tilligra, Bendolba. Worked on construction of Christ Church, Dungog (1849-58)

1826 Married at Beetham, Westmoreland. Jane born in the area.1830 John and Mary baptised at Our Lady & St Nicholas, Liverpool. Address "Back Leeds St, Liverpool"1830 Elizabeth Towers had been present at the opening of the Liverpool to Manchester Railway.1832 Liverpool Poll Book: “Towers,Thomas,Mason,Pleasant Hill St,Toxteth Park.,E & T”1833 Thomas, Elizabeth, Jane and Elizabeth arrived at Sydney on the Cabolia, £20 assisted passage.1841 Electoral claim disallowed 1848 Elector, County of Northumberland (resident at Morpeth)1848 Campaigns (Maitland Mercury 19/7/48) for Henry Dangar for Legislative Council.1848 Richard Windeyer's financial collapse affects Charles Windeyer's estates, Tilligra and Bendolba.1849 Thomas Jr buried at Morpeth. Christ Church under construction. 1855 !st children married, in Dungog district (Isabella and Sarah)1862 Tenant of a farm on the eastern Fosterton side of the estate; neighbours were William Potter and Benjamin Cox.1871 Documented as resident at Bendolba, Durham County. 1874 Will made to divide his property into 17 parts – 3 parts each to sons, 2 parts to most of the daughters. 1882 Thomas' death certificate (informant: Thos Irwin) records his parents as unknown.1892 Dungog Chronicle obit. records Elizabeth as having 75 grandchildren and 86 great grandchildren.

Born: 23 Nov 1805 Place: near Beetham, Westmorland (Cumbria)Baptised: 5 Jan 1806 Place: St Michael's, BeethamDied: 21 Nov 1882 Place: TilligraBuried: 23 Nov 1882 Place: St Peter's Bendolba churchyard (near gate)Arr: 19 Sep 1833Married: 31 Dec 1826 Place: Beetham Parish Church (St Michael's), Westmorland Father: John Towers , yeoman, of Whasset d 1830, son of John.Mother: Isabella Clark, b 1776, Beetham, daughter of John and Agnes.Brother: John, ca 1811-1876, whose son was John 1839-1876, both of Whasset, both bur BeethamSister: Margaret b 1807

Spouse: Elizabeth FletcherBorn: 1805 Place: probably WestmorlandDied: 26 Dec 1892 Place: Tilligra Buried: Place: Bendolba churchyard Father: George Fletcher? No record foundMother: Mary Hudson? (Ann Hudson was ancestor of Thomas)

In affectionate remembrance of John Towers of Whasset. B. February 19th 1839. died June 23rd 1876.

Also of John his Father who died May 5th 1876 aged 65 years. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord.

Inscription in St Michael's church, Beetham.It is not known why Thomas left, leaving his younger brother as heir.

Children:Jane Towers

b 15 July 1827 Beetham Eng m 1) 1842 James Thompson, Maitland (d 1861) d 1902 C'galla bur BendolbaChildren:

m 2) 1866 Joseph J Atkins of Canningalla (transported from Oxford for housebreaking) The first Mrs Atkins d 1865 in childbirth – 12 children from the marriage.

Children: 3 all at CanningallaMargaret Anne b 1867 d Canningalla 1868 (child)Alfred Thomas b 1868 m 1890 Emma Irwin (dau of Elizabeth) d 1930 Dungog bur Bendolba

Noel b 1891Harry b 1892 d 1978Oswald b 1895Arthur b 1897Olive b 1900Hubert b 1903Thomas b 1905 d 1980 DungogAlfred b 1908Cecil b 1911

Isabella Jane b 1871 m 1890 H Baker, Dungog d 1955 Dungog bur Bendolba

Children: 14

Bignall Notes – Towers 2.1

John Towers

b ca 1830 Liverpool Eng baptised 1830 Our Lady and St Nicholas, Liverpool d before 1833 England (child)

Mary Towers

b ca 1830 Liverpool Eng baptised 1830 Our Lady and St Nicholas, Liverpool d before 1833 England (child)

Elizabeth Towers

b 1832 Liverpool bap St Peter's Liverpool 10 Sep 32 m 1857 John Irwin (b 1835 Ire), Bendolba, d Tilligra bur Bendolba Children: 11 All children born at TilligraThomas b 1858 m 1885 L Middlebrook d 1951 Goomeri Qld

infant b 1886 DungogAmy b 1886 DungogRaymond b 1892 MorpethHazel b 1904 Morpeth

James b 1860 m 1895? A Middlebrook, divorced 1904Mary b 1882 Winifred b 1884James b 1886Bernard b 1888Catherine b 1891William b 1894Frederick b 1897 d 1901 (child)Albert b 1899 d 1901 (child)Cecil b 1892Ellen d 1903

Jane b 1862 (m Alfred S Bignell) d 1890 Band Gr bur Bendolba Mary b 1864 (m Alfred S Bignell after Jane's death) d 1942 Stockton

(see under Alfred Bignell)John Valentine b 1867 m 1898 O Low, Uralla d 1944 Inverell

Mabel b 1899 HillgroveLeslie b 1901 HillgroveOlive b 1906 Hillgrove

Emma b 1869 m 1890 Thos Atkins (s Jane Towers), Dungog d 1952 Dungog bur BendolbaNoel b 1891Harry b 1892 m 1921 C Flahety d 1970 DungogOswald b 1895Arthur b 1897 m 1921 P RedmondOlive b 1900 m 1920 W Jones, WaratahHubert b 1903 Thomas b 1905 m 1928 C Martin, Dungog d 1982 DungogAlfred b 1908 m 1928 C Pardella, Dungog Cecil b 1911 m 1942 P Bishop, Parramatta

William b 1874 m 1903 N Muddle, Dungog d 1951 Tilligra, bur BendolbaEric b 1903 m 1928 W Ready d 1980 DungogKenneth b 1905 m 1926 Mary F Bignell, Waratah d 1973 Newcastle


Margaret Towers

b 24 Nov 1834 Sydney m 1852, William Robinson (b1811 London), Maitland d 1914 Dungog bur BendolbaChildren: All reg DungogSarah b 1855 m 1876 Samuel Atkins (s Joseph Atkins) d 1891 Kendallchidren: 9

Samuel b 1877 d 1899 DungogGertrude b 1878daughter b 1879 d 1879 (child)Beatrice b 1880Frank b 1883Herbert b 1884 m 1912 V Hayward, Pt MacquarieMargaret b 1886 Taree d 1877 (child)Edith b 1887Alfred b 1889 Taree

Ann b 1857 m 1890 T McLeod d 1891 FostertonJohn b 1858Jane b 1859Elizabeth b 1861Henry b 1863Edward b 1864 d 1921 DungogLouise b 1864 m David Crowfoot d 1937 ThalabaMary b 1866Alfred J b 1868Walter b 1869Edith b 1871Charlotte b 1874Samuel b 1875Isabella Jane b 1851 m G Neil d 1935 Dungog

Isabella Towers

b 1837 Morpeth m 1855 Thomas Irwin JP (b 1830 Ire), Presb Dungog d 1912 DungogChildren: 11 all children born at Tilligra John b 1856 m 1979 E Cox, Dungog d 1953

Edward b 1880 Evelyn b 1882Elsie b 1884Walter b 1886 d 1905

Elizabeth Jane b 1857 unnamed infant b 1860 d 1860 (child)

George Henry b 1861 m 1884 A Hancock d 1944 Newcastle Eva Isabella b 1885 m 1907 James Alma Bignall of Manilla (See under Henry Bignall)Vennie C b 1887 d 1933 in motor accident, Liverpool Range (driving with J A Bignall)Florence M b 1889 did not marryGeorge Stanleyb 1891 d 1969 GoulburnHorace F b 1894 m 1923 A ZajonskowskiLeslie Herbert b 1898 Commonwealth MP for Mitchell 61-72 d 1985

Thomas b 1864 m 1909 S Wheatley d 1927 DungogHenry b 1866 m 1896 M Crook, Newcastle d 1940 Perth WA

Thomas b 1896 Mary Emma b 1869 m 1890 J Dickson, Dungog d 1918 Mosman

Evarina b 1891Isabel b 1894Frank b 1896

Isabella b 1872 m 1910 J Howell, Dungog d 1922 HamiltonRichard Leslie b 1874 m 1906 G Lakeman, Parramatta d 1959 Manly

Ian b 1907 MillthorpeGerald b 1909Lindsay b 1912Alison b 1918 Bombala

Frederick William b 1878 m 1904 Florian Kingston (dau S S Kingston) d 1949 ManlyFrederick b 1905Lester b 1906Irene b 1908Marion b 1911

Frank Alma b 1881 m 1907 A Caldwell, Redfern d 1946 Mayfield bur Band. GrJohn b 1910 GoulburnFrank b 1913 Goulburn


Sarah Anne Towers

b 1840 m 1855 E Donkin, Dungog d 1923 WinghamChildren: 13Jane b 1856 Bandon GrRobert b 1857 Bungay Bungay (nr Wingham)William b 1859 WinghamEdward b 1861 Manning RFrancis b 1863 Manning RSarah A b 1865 Manning RAllan b 1867 Manning REllen b 1870 Manning RThomas b 1872 Manning R Samuel b 1874 Manning RJohn E b 1877 Manning RGeorge D b 1881 WinghamHarold H b 1884 Wingham


Mary Emma Towers

Emma in middle age

(called Emma) b 19 July 1842 Morpeth m 1860 Henry Bignall, Bendolba d 1907 Arlington bur ManillaChildren: 13 See separate listing under Henry BignallAlice Evelyn b 1862 d 1944 bur SomertonAdelaide Emily b 1863 d 1865 (child) bur Bandon GrAlma Edward b 1865 d 1875 (child) bur Sandy CkGeorge Thomas b 1966 d 1927 bur ManillaAmelia Mary b 1868 d 1962 bur ManillaAdelaide Elizabeth b 1870 d 1950 bur ManillaElizabeth Towers b 1872 d 1955 bur Old TamworthKate Emma b 1874 d 1952 bur ManillaWilliam Henry b 1876 d 1944 Arlington bur ManillaAda Gertrude Florence b 1878 d 1912 bur KIngswoodJames Alma b 1880 m 1907 Eva Irwin (gd Isabella Towers) d 1957 bur ManillaArthur R b 1882 d 1882 (child) bur Sandy CkMaud Lillian b 1884 d 1954 bur Manilla


Thomas Towers

b 1846 Morpeth d 1849 (child) Buried Morpeth

Henry Towers

b 1848 Morpeth m 1869 Isabella Jane Bignall, Bandon Grove d 1935 Coopernook 1885 return of landholders has them at Mt Oliver, Bandon Grove

Children: 12 See under Isabella BignellFrancis b 1870 m Annie Maria Bignall (d of Robert Bignell) d 1926 Taree bur Coopernook

(For children See under Isabella Bignall)Edith b 1871 William Henry S b 1873 d 1908 Taree bur CoopernookElizabeth b 1875 Bandon Gr Alfred Stanley b 1877 d 1906 Taree bur CoopernookThomas b 1879 Bandon Gr d 1953 Pt Macq bur CoopernookAmelia b 1881 m 1906 W Gill d 1960 Pt Macquarie Melita Jane b 1884 Bandon Gr m 1906 A Gill, Cattai (Cooprnk) d 1971 Pt Macq bur Kendall James b 1921 LorneEmily Frances b 1886 Arthur Ernest b 1888 Henry b 1891 d 1973 bur Dawson RClarence Bignell b 1893 d 1982 bur Coopernook


William Towers

b 1851 Bandon Grove m 1880 Ellen Bignall, Bandon Grove (d 1942) d 1922 St Leonards1885 Parliamentary Return has William farming at Munni, Underbank.1887 Settlement has them farming at Underbank.Casilda Cunningham (gd of Emily Bignell) remembered that Ellen lived near Bowthorne on a MCPherson propertyThey lived with Lila and Gladys at Mosman in their last years 1922 William described as Grazier on death certificate

Children: (Gen 3)Violet Ethel b 1881 reg Dungog m J Cole 1908 Morpeth d 1959 SutherlandAlfred b 1883 reg DungogAda Ellen b 1884 Underbank m 1928 W Armour, NZ d 1948 Penrith

Children (Gen 4)Jean b 1924 NZLeila b 1925 NZ d 2008 PerthWilliam b 1926 NZBetty b 1927 NZ

Lila b 1886 reg Dungog never marriedWilliam b 1890 reg Dungog m 1909 d 1968 Taree

Children (Gen 4) 8William b 1910 d 1941 Egypt accGrace b 1911Audrey b 1913Iris b 1918Lance b 1921John b 1925Dallas b 1926 d 1950 Taree gun acc Stanley b 1916 d 1942 Taree

Gladys Ellen b 1892 reg Dungog never married d 1972 Sydney

William and Ellen Towers


Newspaper Accounts for the Towers Family

Death - it is with feelings of regret that we record the death of Mrs Alfred Bignell, which took place on Tuesday last at Bandon Grove. Deceased who had been in a delicate state of health for some time past, was confined on the previous Wednesday and appeared to be doing well until Saturday morning when she took a sudden turn for the worse, and gradually sank, despite the most skillful and assiduous attempts of Dr McMath and her relatives. The late Mrs Bignell was a daughter of Mr John Irwin of Tillegra. The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon, her remains, which were interred at the Church of England cemetery at Bendolba, being followed to their last resting place by a very large number of people. The Rev JW Upjohn conducted the burial service. Much sympathy is expressed for Mr Bignell who has four young children to care for.

Dungog Chronicle 20th May, 1890

Orange Blossoms - Mr A Atkins of Canningalla, led Miss Irwin of Tillegra to the hymeneal altar on Wednesday last, the Rev J W Upjohn performing the marriage ceremony.

Dungog Chronicle, 5th August, 1890

Death - It is our painful duty to have to chronicle the death of the wife of Mr Grey McLeod, of Croom Park, which took place of Thursday at child birth. Deceased lady was a daughter of Mr W Robinson, of Bendolba, and had only been married eleven months. Her kind and generous disposition made her much beloved by all with whom she came in contact, and the news of her early demise was received with feelings of profound sorrow. Her last mortal remains were interred in the Church of England cemetery at Bendolba, the Rev J W Upjohn, performing the burial service, and a very large number of persons forming the funeral cortage. General sympathy is expressed for Mr McLeod, and the deceased's parents, in their sad bereavement.

Dungog Chronicle 23rd April, 1891

Death - It is with sincere regret that we have to announce the death of an old and highly respected resident of this district in the person of Mrs Towers, sen., who passed away at her residence, Tilligra, on Monday 26th ultimo, in her 86th year. Deceased came to the district 44 years ago, with her husband and family, and at her death left 8 surviving children, 75 grandchildren and 86 great grandchildren. The deceased lady was buried at Bendolba Church of England Cemetery on Tuesday last, her funeral being largely attended by friends and relatives. The Rev J Vosper officiated at the grave. The deceased was present and recollected vividly the opening of the first railway line between Liverpool and Manchester in 1830, and witnessed the accident whereby Mr W Huskinson MP lost his life, when the Duke of Wellington and many other notables were present. Although she thus saw many wonderful advantages of railway communication she was never in a railway carriage in this country having never left the district after she had settled here.

Dungog Chronicle 2nd January, 1893

Bendolba - A pleasing ceremony took place at Canningalla last week, which unmistakingly shows the happy relationship existing between the respected squire of Canningalla & his tenancy. Mr Dowling is justly looked upon here as a model landlord; he grants long leases at moderate rates, with the pleasing results that distraint warrants for rent or bailiffs are unknown on the estate. The ceremony alluded to consisted in Mr Dowling presenting Mr Joseph Atkins snr with a silver cup as a token of his esteem, Mr Atkins being the oldest tenant on the estate. The cup is of pure silver; of beautiful design & richly ornamented with flowers, foliage &c., & bears the following inscription "This cup is presented to Mr Joseph Atkins, the oldest tenant on the Canningalla Estate, by his landlord, Mr Vincent Francis William Dowling, as a token of esteem, Date of first lease July 1, 1849 to May 6, 1896.

This presentation being over, the cup was filled with generous wine passed round & made to do duty for the first to the good health of the donor & recipient.

When plans were made to build a new church at Bendolba, Joseph raised around 300 pounds of the 700 pounds required to build the church. In 1898 the Bishop of Newcastle presented him with an illuminated address in appreciation of his efforts.

Dungog Chronicle June 5th, 1896

Death - On Friday morning last Mr John Irwin, of Bendolba passed peacefully over to the great majority. The late Mr Irwin was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1831, and came to this colony with his parents when he was 4 years old. He had resided at Bendolba for very many years and was highly respected. He was 63 years of age, and his remains were interred at the Bendolba Cemetery, the Rev D Baird conducting the burial service. The funeral was largely attended, He leaves a grownup family of 4 sons and 2 daughters to mourn their loss.

Dungog Chronicle 18th May, 1897


Death - On Monday morning last there passed away at Bandon Grove one of the oldest residents of the district in the person of Mrs J Atkins, snr. The deceased lady, who was 70 years of age, had been on a delicate state health for some time, and her demise was not unexpected. She leaves a grown up family of sons and daughters to mourn their loss and to them we extend our sincere sympathy. The funeral, which was very large, took place on Tuesday, when the remains of the good old lady were laid to rest in the Bendolba cemetery, the Rev FA Cadell officiating at the grave. Mr JS Boots was the undertaker.

Dungog Chronicle 21st April, 1902

Wedding - The marriage of Miss Nellie Muddle, youngest daughter of Mr H Muddle of Bendolba, & Mr William Irwin, the youngest son of the late Mr John Irwin of Tillegra, was celebrated at the residence of Mr FJ Muddle of Dungog on Wednesday 11th inst, the ceremony being performed by Rev R Mowbray. The bride, who was given away by her brother Mr FJ Muddle, was gowned in white floral silk, with a fichu of lace & chiffon & wore a chiffon hat trimmed with feathers & orange blossoms. The bridesmaid, Misses Alice Muddle (sister of the bride), & Clara Flaherty, were prettily attired in cream muslin. Mr Harry Muddle brother of the bride, acted as bestman.

The many friends of the young couple recognising the occassion presented them with numerous valuable & useful gifts, besides which numerous letters & telegrams of congratulations were also received.

Dungog Chronicle 17th March, 1903

Death - On Sunday afternoon last, at her residence, at Tillegra, the widow of the late Mr. John Irwin passed peacefully away, the cause of death being an affection of the heart, from which the deceased lady had been suffering for some time past. The late Mrs. Irwin, who was of a kindhearted disposition, was 70 years of age, and leaves a grownup family of four sons and two daughters to mourn their loss. and to them we extend our sincere sympathy. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, and was attended by a large number of relatives and friends, the remains of the deceased being interred in the Church of England cemetery at Bendolba, the Rev. F.A. Cadell officating at the grave.

Dungog Chronicle January, 1904

Obituary, Joseph Joshua Atkins - It was only last issue we mentioned that the ranks of the old residents were rapidly growing thinner, and today we have to record the death of, at once, the eldest person in the district and one of the very oldest resides of same, in the person of Joseph Joshua Atkins, senr., which event took place at the residence of his son-in-law Mr H M Baker, Dungog, on Wednesday morning last. The deceased was born in Herefordshire 91 years ago, and came to this locality in 1837, residing at Canningalla Estate for a continuous space of 58 years. He was twice married and was the father of 15 children, 13 of whom survive, in addition to which his descendants number 62 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren. The old man who died suddenly after dressing himself, was an ernest church worker, and a highly esteemed member of the community leaving behind him a very respectable family. The remains were interred yesterday at Bendolba alongside those of his second wife, a large number paying their last respects to the worthy old pioneer. The Rev FA Cadell conducted the service at the grave.

Dungog Chronicle Sept, 1905

Death of Mrs H. Bignall The home of that staunch and true man, Mr H Bignall, has been touched by the icy hand of Death. Mrs H Bignall died at her residence, on Wednesday afternoon, after a protracted illness. She bore her six months' suffering with great fortitude and strength, and passed peacefully away, surrounded by many members of her family. The deceased lady was 65 years of age; and was born at Morpeth. For thirty years she lived in the Tamworth and Manilla districts, and has always borne the honoured name of a motherly, kind-hearted woman. Some few years ago affliction pressed heavily on the family, owing to Mr Bignall's loss of sight, followed later by a very serious illness, and Mrs Bignall never seemed to thoroughly recover from the shock. The direct cause of death was paralysis. The family is well and widely-known, and a number of messages of condolence were received. The deceased leaves a husband and 10 children - Mrs George Woolaston (Somerton), Mrs Athel Baldwin, Mrs W Veness, Mrs C Norris, Mrs Len MacDonald, Mrs W Martin (South Coast), Miss Maud Bignall, Messrs George, William and James Bignall. The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon, the body, which was placed in a polished cedar coffin with gold mountings, being first taken to the Church of England, where the opening part of the burial service was conducted, Rev H C Barnes officiating. The pall bearers were Messrs G Woolaston, Athel Baldwin, W Veness and C Norris (sons-in-law). A number of wreaths were placed on the coffin.

Manilla Express 16th November 1907


Mrs Thomas Irwin - Death removed another unit from the fast thinning ranks of the early pioneers of this district, when on Friday afternoon last, the soul of Mrs Irwin, wife of Mr Thomas Irwin sen, of Bandon Grove, was called over the Great Divide. Mrs Irwin had reached the advanced age of 74 years, most of which were spent on the Williams River. She was born at Morpeth, on the Hunter, her father being Mr Towers, one of the most prominent settlers of that district. At the age of 12 she arrived on the Williams, and was married to her husband, Mr Thomas Irwin in 1855. She was well-known among the settlers in the locality in which she resided for her hospitable and charitable disposition, and will be mourned by a host of sorrowing friends, Meeting all the trials and troubles of a pioneer, she faced the fight with nature with a spirit of fortitiude and courage, which characterised those sturdy settlers who carved themselves homes out of the wilderness. She leaves three daughters, Mrs Dixon (Mosman), Mrs Howell (Newcastle) and Miss Irwin (Bandon Grove), and 7 sons, Messrs George (Newcastle), Harry (Westralia), Rd (Junee), Fred (Sydney), and John E, Thomas and Frank (Bandon Grove). She also leaves 30 grandchildren and 2 greatgrandchildren. The funeral took place at the Bendolba cemetery on Saturday afternoon, a large crowd following the cortage to the graveyard. The obsequies were carried out by the Ven Archdeacon Luscombe and the Rev D M Benjamin was also present. The "Chronicle" tenders its most sincere sympathy to the bereaved relatives and family in their time of trouble.

Dungog Chronicle 26th March, 1912

Obituary There passed away at Dungog on Monday last, a very old and highly respected resident of the district, in the person of Mrs William C Robinson. Deceased was 79 years of age and was born at Morpeth. She came to Bendolba with her parents Mr & Mrs T Towers and had resided there until the Bendolba Estate was subdivided and sold a few years ago. Her husband predeceased her sixteen years. She leaves a grown-up family of 13 sons and daughters to mourn their loss. Recently she had been residing with her daughter Edith, who is a school teacher at the Dungog S P School, and who nursed her mother during her last illness. The funeral took place on Tuesday, her remains being laid to rest beside those of her husband, in the pretty little cemetery at Bendolba. The Ven Archdeacon Luscombe read the burial service in the presence of a large gathering of mourners. Deceased, who was of a gentle disposition, had little interest beyond her home and family. She leaves 88 grandchildren, and 50 great grandchildren.

Dungog Chronicle 30th October, 1914

Thomas Irwin.. The pioneers of this district are one by one passing to the great beyond. On Friday last Mr Thomas Irwin, of Bandon Grove, passed peacefully away after a long life in the district. He was 87 years of age and was born in county Antrim, Ireland, and came to Bandon Grove with his parents nearly 70 years ago. He took a lively interest in the progress of the district, and with the late Mr James Barns was one of the founders of the local Agricultural Society of which he was vice president and an active worker for many years. He was a member of the local licensing bench, and sat with the late Mr Geo Mackay on the bench for nearly 40 years. He was also a prominent member of the Orange fraternity. He leaves 7 sons and 3 daughters. The former being George (Wickham), Frederick (North Sydney), R L (Bombala), Harry (West Australia), John, Thos and Frank (Bandon Grove) The daughters are Mrs Dixon, Mrs Howell and Miss Irwin. The funeral took place on Sunday last and was very largely attended, mourners coming from far and near to pay their last tribute of respect to deceased. His remains were interred beside those of his late wife in the pretty little cemetery at Bendolba, the Rev. D. M. Benjamin conducting the service. The funeral was a very large one and was headed by Messrs W Lees and Perry with the bagpipes playing 'Lord Loveth (Lovat's) Lament'. Behind them came members of the orange lodge.

Dungog Chronicle, 13th March 1917.

Death - We regret to report the death of Edward Robinson, 57 years, third son of the late William Robinson, of Bendolba. Deceased has been ailing for four months. He was born at Bendolba but spent the greather part of his life in Sydney. For the past 5 years he has been living in retirement in and around Dungog, and his death occurred on Saturday at the residence of his niece Mrs Oakham, Eloiza Street. The late Mr Robinson wa of a very quiet disposition and was a keen enthusiast in cricket being conversant with the deeds of the greats of the game from the earliest days. As a fisherman he was well known and seldom missed a day in the season without a rod. Deceased was a member of the Masonic brotherhood. There are left to mourn the loss seven sisters and three brothers, The funeral took place on Monday and deceased was laid to rest at Bendolba, Rev Luscombe officiating.

Dungog Chronicle 24th June, 1921

Bendolba - Death - We record with regret the death of Mr William Towers, of Mosman on June 17th. The cause of death was heart disease, from which he suffered for a number of years. Deceased was born at Bendolba, the youngest son of the late Mr & Mrs Thomas Towers, pioneers of the district, and was 70 years of age. He is survived by his widow, two sons and 4 daughters, and several grandchildren. A sister, Mrs Donkin (Wingham) and a brother, Mr H Towers also survive. The internment on the 19th at the Northern Suburbs Cemetery ( C of E) was largely attended. We offer bereaved our sympathy.

Eastern Telegraph 5th Sept, 1922


St Michael's Church, Beetham, Cumbria

Beetham, Cumbria, top, and Whasset, below. Most of the structures s in Whasset are farm buildings.


19th century and recent maps showing Beetham, and Whasset to the north.


A small 17th century cottage at Whasset in 2009, owner in 1826 not known.

The first floor bedroom, 2009, with a modern bed and floor covering.


The river Bela near Beetham

Beetham village, with St Michael's churchyard on the right


.The hamlet of Whasset.

Approaching Whasset from the south.


Whasset. The lane from Beetham

Whasset. The lane from Beetham.


A lane at Whasset, looking towards Beetham.


The southern edge of Liverpool in 1801. Pleasant Hill St would be built at the bottom of the map, between Stanhope and Hill Streets. Most of Toxteth Park is still open space.

The 1905 Ordnance Survey. By 1905, Pleasant Hill St, off the Liverpool waterfront in the old Toxteth Park (bottom centre) had become a heavy industrial centre with docks and iron foundries.


Liverpool ward boundaries in 1832. North Toxteth was then a new subdivision at the edge of an extremely crowded city.


Christ Church at Dungog, where Thomas Towers was stonemason from 1849.


St Peter's churchyard, Bendolba (church consecrated in 1885), near Bandon Grove, where Thomas and Elizabeth Towers and several of their descendents were buried. Thomas and Elizabeth lived nearby at Tilligra.

Inside Old St Peter's, Liverpool

Old St Peter's Church, Liverpool. Consecrated to serve the newly growing town in 1704, and demolished in 1922


The grave of Thomas and Elizabeth, first to be interred at St Peter's churchyard. The cast iron fencing matches that on the Bignall grave at Bandon Grove. The road in the background leads to Bandon Grove.


Bendolba showing Tillegra (present house) on the Williams River, and St Peter's Churchyard. The former house, destroyed by fire, and spelt Tilligra, was on the river side of the present building. The Salisbury Road past Munni and Underbank runs east-west at the bottom of the image.

An advertisement from the Maitland Mercury, 27th Nov 1847, (one of a series), reflecting Windeyer's need for funds.


The Williams River at Tilligra


Documents

PART 2 Thomas and Elizabeth Towers Thomas Towershome.exetel.com.au/bigbarry/Part 2 Bignall Notes - Towers.pdf · PART 2 Thomas and Elizabeth Towers Thomas Towers ... George Fletcher?