The Letters of Len Chesser to Betty White
Letters by Len Chesser
Foreword
Len Chesser and his family were well known in early Macclesfield. When he moved interstate in the 1970s, he kept in contact with local people, including Betty White, via mail and occasional visits.
Len and Betty shared a common appreciation of Macclesfield’s history, colourful characters and community activities which connected them through 15 years of letter writing. Reading his letters we gain a better understanding of what life must have been like for many people in Macclesfield during earlier times.
Len’s ancestors include pioneers John and Emma Chesser, William and Sarah Freeman, Samuel Ellis, and Derby and Johanna Leonard. His uncles, John (Jack) and Martin Leonard were Special Constables in Macclesfield in the 1890s.
Some of the locals he refers to in his letters include Harriet Passfield, Wally Tonkin, Fred Berry, Jean Leonard, Martin Purcell, Sam Davis, John Ross, Denny McNamara, John Baker, Frank Donaghey, Paddy Cain, Bill Casey, Harry & John Lemar, Albion Bartlett, Bartley Carey, John & Harry Calaby, Enoch Smith, Jeff Passfield, JJ O’Malley, Talf Gooch, Lance Miller, and Ben Stubbs.
He shared an interest in annual events including the New Years Day Picnic/ Horse Show for which he donated the CHESSER - LEONARD MEMORIAL CUP.
This is now stored in the Display Cabinet at the Macclesfield Institute.
384. D. trophy cup wood base and metal,
Macclesfield Horse Show 1988 to 2013 so far.
Note: Len’s letters were originally hand written and the transcripts have been lightly edited and typed to improve readability.
Letter 1
1 Quarrian Cres,
Beenleigh
Qld 4207
Dear Mrs White,
Pleased to receive your letter, thank you very much.
It's rather a shame people are not interested in Macclesfield history. Its such a lovely old place, where over the years many fine people lived – real Australian Pioneers.
George Chesser was my father and Jim my uncle. My mother was a Leonard. Jean Leonard you would know (now at Goolwa) is my cousin. Perhaps you would be Tom McNamara's daughter. I knew he and George very well.
I have never read “the letter of Samuel Davenport”. I wonder is it possible to purchase them. I know some thing of Macclesfield history. My great grandfather was WILLIAM FREEMAN who came to the Macclesfield – Strathalbyn area about 1840.
You may be able to help me with one or two things, one is the Macclesfield street names. I have a map but names are very indistinct, later I will sent it. You may be able to fill in the names. Also I want to know where was “Tool Flat” it could have been some where between Macc and Strath.
I am also trying to find out the maiden name of a HARRIETT PASSFIELD, who ran a farm for many years at or near Macclesfield. I believe there was a PEARL YATES living in Macclesfield who was her granddaughter.
I thought Harriett Passfield may have been a STACEY, who first married an EDWARDS, then later a Passfield.
A little incident in early Macc history related to a FLINTOFF, a green grocer from Mt Barker. He brought a party over in his van to I believe an EDMOND'S wedding. Someone took a wheel off the van and they could not get back. Some days later a LE MARR (Lemar) found the wheel and was accused of removing it.
A wit made up this ditty
Who did the deed?
Who spoilt the plan?
Who took the wheel off Flintoffs van?
Six months in jail would do him good
Cracking stones or chopping wood
This happened in the 1880s or 1890s.
An old plumber AUGIE DRESCHLER OF Macc made a violin out of galvanized iron. Macc people called it AUGIE'S TIN FIDDLE” but he played many a tune on it. Happened in 1890s.
Thank You again for you letter,
P.S. My only sister is Mrs F. D Dalgleish, 54 NORMA ST, MILE END. If in Adelaide call on her. She would be pleased to see anyone from Macclesfield Phone 352-4847 LC
Sincerely Yours
Len Chesser
P.S. Mr Carthew said a MRS GEMMELLS was writing or collecting material about Macc area do you know her?
Letter 2
1 Quarrian Cres, Beenleigh
Qld 4207
1 – 2 – 78
Dear Mrs White,
Thank you for you letter. No! I was not offended in any way by your previous letter as all you said was fact and I know all the problems. Reason for no answer was, my wife and I have been on an extended holiday in Sydney with our son, only came back 2 days ago.
But I do say Bill Moodystack missed a good opportunity to put out something really good for Macclesfield. Of course, being a priest, his only concern is the church. What he and others do not realize is that were it not for people including our pioneers there would be no church or anything else for that matter.
Now “A History of Macclesfield” your idea of getting all material together is really excellent – the history can come later the collection of the material is the important thing. The school “Newsletter” is very good and should be kept going.
Incidently, I know Tonkins shop well. Went there as a child. Wally Tonkin was the father of VIN and Reg. I know Jean (Mrs Squires) well, she's now gone, I liked her very much when we were younger. Saw her at Goolwa few years before she died. Cannot recall the name of old Wally Tonkins Father?
Look! I do not think it matters much if one collects fact of legend and providing you get anything in good faith it is ok to my way of thinking – and do not forget many people thing that stories good or bad of their ancestors, reflect on them so they deny it.
Its a terrible thing people steal things as you say – but with the lust for antiques (my niece has a shop at Magill) it goes on all the time.
Do you know the story of LOCKETT'S haunted house – you can find a number of people (Jean Leonard (WOODROW) for one) who swear it true. This was said to be the site of the first murder in S.A. not a thing to be proud of, but that is what they say.
One of the Murphys went to Mt Barker in the very early days to buy a pair of trousers for his son. When asked what size he took in pants said “Divel of one of me knows, but he takes tins in boots” in a broad Irish brogue.
Many thanks to your letter and cuttings,
Sincerely Yours
Len Chesser
PS Many years ago there was on old chap NED WHITE in Macclesfield LC
Letter 3
1 Quarrian Cres, Beenleigh
Qld 4207
27/5/78
Dear Mrs White,
Many thanks for your letter and pleased to know you had such a nice time up here Queensland. Certainly has some thing to offer to tourists.
Many thanks for your note re PASSFIELD. I would think this report was correct as by that 1887 time Passfield would be dead. He died some time before 1883. It does appear that she carried on a farm for some years after she was widowed for the second time.
What I have been endeavouring to find out was her maiden name. It could have been Harriett STACEY who an EDWARDS later she married. CHARLES PASSFIELD he must have died some time prior to 1883 as far as know.
I assume you got that part from “the Southern Angus” is that the paper published at Strath?
When you are down there again would you mind looking up the issues on or about 18th JAN 1880, or maybe few days later regarding a drowning of SARAH JANE CHESSER aged 5. I thought there may be a report of it.
Regarding the Macclesfield Centenary, I will be happy to supply any information I have.
Our ancestor's the FREEMAN'S were there very early about 1840. The LEONARDS came in 1856. DERBY LEONARD was sponsored by Samuel Davenport and JOHN O'LOUGHLIN. The latter paid two pounds towards his passage money.
The CHESSERS arrived there in 1866, needless to say I have a lot of data on them. Chesser came from Scotland and married a Freeman: LEONARD came from Tipperary Ireland and his wife a McDONOUGH from ENNISTYMON in CLARE.
FRED BERRY was a local hero, he went to the SOUTH AFRICAN WAR and returned, possibly he went to the 1914-18 war. Am not sure of this but believe his brother JACK did. In a spare moment could you let me have the names of 1914-18 men on the WAR Memorial.
Also do you know what records exist of burials in the old Church of England Cemetery. I am trying to trace buriels of WILLIAM FREEMAN, SARAH FREEMAN, and another FREEMAN name not known. Also JOHN CHESSER, SARAH JANE CHESSER, and JAMES CHESSER. This last one I believe was buried some time in the 1930's but others are back from about 1899 when WILLIAM FREEMAN would have been buried there.
Are there any R.C. Church records available baptismal etc.
Is Martin Purcell still going. He should have a deal of local knowledge.
Something about the Golden Goblet should also be interesting – did you know it was brought about as a bit of fun to stop vandalism and senseless jokes on New Years Eve.
The place next to the P.O. ie toward the school was used for many different things but my Dad told me it was originally used as a small chocolate factory.
When I was a very small boy the Butter Factory run by DAVIS was known as “THE CREAMERY”. Cheese was made there a good deal of it and I recall seeing it – the big round cheese. The area just near the War Memorial where they played football cricket etc years ago was always called “THE FLAT” but I understand they changed this over the years.
A story is told about a fellow called ANDERSON, licencee of the Davenport Arms Hotel years ago. He was usually under the weather and more than a bit off handed. One day a fellow complained saying "This is no way to treat customers". “Customers said Anderson, I bought this pub for myself, not for the customers”.
Father Adamson, a one time priest who used to come from Strathalbyn, was the first person anywhere around to own a motor cycle. In fact he was one of the first in SA. He also had some lovely red setter dogs of which he was very fond.
Years ago, I seem to recollect, I do not know first when some one ran a week column in the Strath paper relating incidents that happened years ago. Before there should be some very interesting facts in it.
In my Mother's day it was quite the thing to walk regularly to a popular dance held at Flaxley Hall – and of course it was the era of the “Fancy Dress Ball”, all dresses and costumes being home made of course.
About 1890, DERBY LEONARD my grandfather on Mothers side, was Poundkeeper and when he died in 1909 my Dad George Chesser carried it on.
There was a MISS G MANUEL who made available a foolscap sheet setting out the memories of a MR JACK HOLTHAM - these seem to refer to a period about 1870 to about 1905. Refers to property and people. One part says “then in my time there was SAM DAVIS, JOHN ROSS, DENNY MCNAMERA, JOHN BAKER, PADDY DOROUGHTY, PADDY CAIN (I wonder if this should be KAIN), Billy CASEY, HARRY and JOHN LEMAR, ALBION BARTLETT, BARTLEY CAREY, JOHN and HARRY CALABY, ENOCH SMITH, JOE JOHN, and JEFF PASSFIELD, TONKINS and others” - quite lot of others also mentioned. It does seem to me this period “my time” must be from about the 1890's to about 1908.
Hope some of this may help. Anyway, let me know if there is any special way I can help again. Thanking you for information.
Sincerely Yours LEN CHESSER
P.S. Don't know if I mentioned I have a cassette recorder. Could tape some stuff if it were any help. LC
P.S. Sorry I overlooked you mentioned my sister Dean (Deanne?), well she is quite hopeless in remembering anything, dont know why as only 2 yrs between us. LC
Letter 4
1 Quarrian Cres, Beenleigh
Qld 4207
18/6/78
Dear Mrs White,
Received your letter couple of days ago – we had been to Sydney for a few days as our son had returned from Brazil.
First ie KAIN who was the person inquiring do you know? I believe there is a memorial window in the RC church for Kains. Also there are Kains at Mt Gambier who are related to us through my mother's people ie the Leonards of Mt Gambier. A Kain from Macc married a Leonard.
Now O'Loughlins, there was a JOHN O'Loughlin in Macclesfield in Nov 28 – 1856. He paid two pounds towards the fare of my grandfather DERBY LEONARD who arrived on the sailing ship LORD HUNGERFORD. The land owner also named (I believe this was some sort of sponsor) was SAMUEL DAVENPORT.
On the same ship was another JOHN O'LOUGHLIN aged 26 and a THOMAS O'Loughlin aged 29, both from CLARE in Ireland as was my Grandfather – although he was born in Tipperary it does appear most of the emigrants on this ship came from Clare and Tipperary.
I also recall my Mother and all the Leonards (she was a Elizabeth Leonard) were alway very friendly with the O'Loughlins.
It seems to me that as the Italians and Greeks do today, the Irish did in the early days, formed groups in Australia from the Irish County they came from. Any the JOHN Oloughlin (O'Loughlin?) 1856 would be one of the early ones.
Here again bears out what I say, you state your fathers family came from ENNISTYMON CLARE. Well my Grandmother who married the above DERBY LEONARD her name was JOHANNA McDONOUGH, sometime spelt McDONAGH, came from ENNISTYMON.
Now re FRED BERRY, maybe it was JACK BERRY who went to the South AFRICAN WAR - ask him. I recall meeting a BERRY in Adelaide in the 1930s, and again later in the Macclesfield Hotel. This would probably be the one you mentioned, if so JACK could have been his elder brother.
The one I met was in the police force and I believe he had been to the FIRST World War. When I met him in MACC the second time he had retired.
Yes, James CHESSER would be the Jim Chesser you knew, he was Dad's youngest brother and I believe he is buried to the left hand side of the gate as you say ie in the old C of E Cemetery.
Strangely enough I do not recall the cemeteries you mention in LUCK St, or the other private one.
Re Holthams memories the sheet was made available by this MISS MANUEL. I think MARTIN PURCELL may know something about it.
MRS MAG JORDAN was MAG DALY, she was my sisters godmother and a great friend of my mother who always referred to her as “MAG DALY”.
No I never ever heard there were any blacks at or ever near MACC. Of course the murder alleged to have happened at LOCKETT'S was said to be very early about 1838 – 39, said to have been first in South Australia.
I will make up a tape for you as soon as I can (we are thinking of moving to Sydney but I will certainly keep in touch). I'll make it partly on our family and partly on people I knew or knew of in Macclesfield.
I recall the HOLLOMBYS family but cannot recall who was who.
My mother was friendly with MRS BEN STUBB'S who lived just over the hill going to STRATH.
The Careys, that is MICK CAREY'S family, were my mother's cousins, and I think the other CAREY family (Black Bid and Red BID) were in turn then cousins. That would make them my Mother's second cousins.
Re the street names I would rather think that DAVEREAUX St (Devereux?) was named after Sir Samuel Davenport's mother whos maiden name was JANE DAVEREUX DAVIES.
Is there a GEORGE or FRANCIS street in MACC as Samuel had an elder brother George Francis Davenport who came out to South Australia before Samuel: Samuel arrived in 1842 and died in 1906 aged 88.
I was very interested in those slips “Gems of Macclesfield”. I am sure quite a few interesting items will come out of them.
One little thing in the early days there was a chap in MACC, a little bit mental, called HARRY HART. Later it became custom to refer to any “who acted strangely or was unconventional" as “He's a HARRY HART”. Another eccentric (not mental) was EMMA MILLER who lived in CUNLIFFE St.
Is the bridge still called MARKERS BRIDGE, the further down, not the one near the Wesleyan (Methodist) Church – has this one got a name? MARKERS lived on corner (N/W Cnr) near the bridge as you turned out of CUNLIFFE St.
Has anyone written up the storey of the boy McNamera (McNamara?) (“who will work for Mother now”). Maggie Moore and a lot of actors of the time helped raise money for Mrs McNamera. It was a real sensation at the time. Was he the brother of ANNIE and HILDA?
Thank you for names from war memorial. Why not put your father's name on the MEMORIAL now? I thought MARTIN MANSER enlisted from MACC in World War 1 but, come to think of it must have been WW2.
I knew the DONAGHYS, ARTHUR, JACK, SADIE and LOU, also FRANK, have seen him in later years worked with him at one time. Last saw him in Melbourne about 10 – 12 years ago he was over for the Melbourne Cup.
If you get to Adelaide any time call and see my sister, I believe I gave you her address – if not shes on the phone F.D. DALGLEISH.
Will try to look up an article I wrote for an RSL Magazine (“Bugle Call”) about the Golden Goblet, if not will endeavour to put it on cassette tape.
Do they have an R.S.L Branch in Macclesfield. If so would you let me know the Sectys name. I am a Life Member of the RSL.
Also could you get me one to last years NEW Year Day Picnic programme – both my Mother and Aunt Georgina (MRS JACK LEONARD) attended the first picnic ever held. I have a ticket some where for one shilling entrance fee dated 1920.
I hope some of this stuff has been useful to you. My problem always is I have note here and there – and for some time now I have been trying to collate them.
Of course I am at a disadvantage not living in S.A.. I am a member of the Pioneers Assoc but they are little if any use, so much so I am considering dropping out.
You spoke of a tape from MARTIN PURCELL. I would get that if I were you as he must be one of the older people who should know quite a bit.
Last time I saw George McNamera before he died his memory had gone almost completely. He was a nice chap so was TOM who helped the GOLDEN GOBLET for years, he was a great chap.
Well enough of the scribble hope you can, decipher it.
Regards and many thanks for you help,
Len Chesser
Letter 5
1 Quarrian Cres, Beenleigh Qld, 4207
26 – 7 – 78
Dear Mrs White,
Your letter to hand and many many thanks for the part from the “Angus”. I was delighted to get it as it's the first and only authentic record of the incident I have. The young girl who drowned was or would have been my Aunt. She was one of two of my fathers sister's. She was drowned just south of Markers Bridge, name was mistake in spelling.
Re the “book” on old “Maccie” you speak of – a suggestion would be to start as far back as you can which would be 1836 to say about 1846, perhaps endeavour to work in 10 years a chapter until perhaps 1900 then it would be necessary to have fewer years per chapter. I would certainly not forget the “legends”, many would be true but all are interesting.
You mention the 1939 bush fires. I was in SA at the time and went through the area around Macclesfield – and what of the 1859 fire commenced Sun 6 Feb 1859 near Hindmarsh Valley. This was probably the worst fire ever in the South.
I recall the Millers and Jarvis Boy who always came to the Golden Goblet. Lance Miller was first President I think, both Berry's went to Second W War but would assume Jack being the elder would be the S.AFRICAN war veteran.
Yes this would be old Ben Stubbs wife. I think he had a wooden leg, had forgotten this until you mentioned it. Anyway I am sure in about 1910 they lived on west side of main road going to Strath and some distance beyond EDMONDS old place. Incidently, we lived on that “blind” road running alongside of EDMONDS'S.
I always had the impression that COOCHIN or POOCHIN St was the name of a ship. I have some data on Robert Davenport, but only a bare mention of Frances. Don't know if you have anything on the Hon F.E.H.W. KRICHAUFF MLC JP who lived at Bugle Ranges from about 1848, was chairman of both Macclesfield and Strath District Councils, they were separate bodies.
I did not know early name of “Goats Head” Hotel – when I was small there was a second hotel at Echunga on opp side of main road. I believe it was called the BRIDGE Hotel - coach stopped there.
There was no “Methodist” Church in my day, it was the “Weselyan”.
Did Allen Myren come from Glen Osmond area? That name was connected with ambulance work I recall.
JJ O'Malley was always called “JJ” as distinct from JOHN O'Malley whas “JO”.
Do you have the pamphlet “Centenary of the (Macclesfield) Congregational Church”, also there is one on “Early Mt Barker” by Geo Morphett. If you do not have these let me know I have couple spares.
If at any time you happen to run across any reference to Chesser or Chester Freeman or Leonard in the “Angus” please let me have it, also location of “TOOL FLAT”.
I have not forgotten what I said regarding a tape and will let you have one in due course. There was an elderly man in Strath writing up local history, do you know anything about him or the history?
I recall that MRS JOHN KAIN was always called “MARY SHAUN FOTHER”, part Gaelic of course. I believe the Kain's in Ireland were “KEAN'S”.
I may have mentioned that in my young days “TALF” GOUCH (Gooch?) was one of the blacksmiths, the other was JACK Cameron. MRS GOUCH was related to the SUPPLE'S of Thebarton, we knew them all very well. On of the sons was murdered by a man in Hindley St called MACKSAD, I believe he was a Lebanese, dumped the body on Memorial Drive, Adelaide.
The old people used to speak Gaelic between themselves (I know quite a few words and sentences) but would never teach the children, said “they will speak broken English”. My mother had a “brogue” but we did not know it, strangers picked it at once – but to us it was just well - “Mum always spoke that way”.
Michealmores were prominent people in my day, and I may have mentioned AUSTIN KELLY who lived to 104 years or 105.
My Uncle Jack Leonard was a very successful “WATER DIVINER”. Jean could also operate the “ROD” but I could not. Uncle Jack on many occasions found water in unexpected places, once on the side of a hill. When we get settled in Sydney, hopefully before Christmas, we will be thinking of a trip to SA and will certainly come to Macclesfield.
Did I ask you if there was a RSL Branch in Macclesfield? If so, who is the Secty or President. It was Martin Manser's dream to get a branch going there – I am very interested in RSL affairs both local, state and Australia wide.
I knew Jean (Squires) Tonkin very well years ago when I used to stay at Uncle Jacks. I was very sorry to learn of her passing. I saw her at Goolwa with Jean a few years ago.
Are there any pictures available in the records of the rededication of the RC Church in 1927 (I believe I have the correct date). My mother and I were there, also I recall a photo of Jean Tonkin there: There was a photographer at this function who took a lot of photos.
Have you any knowledge of any other families who ancestors came from Clare? Also does the name BIRMINGHAM ring a bell? I believe there was a family of that name in Maccy years ago. I think the last brewer at the Macc Brewery was a MUSTARD. There were people of that name in Macc in my time. Possible the brewery sold out to JOHNSONS of Oakbank.
My Uncle MARTIN who died 1901 worked in one of the marble quarries ie MARTIN LEONARD. He was also an entertainer at the Macc Institute – singer- comedian, he died 1901.
My greatgrandfather WILLIAM FREEMAN must have been a very early farmer in the district about 1839 – 40.
First of the LEONARD'S arrived in 1856, CHESSER 1866.
Is the spring still running near the old Brewery – Creamery?, it was said this was the reason the MACC. Beer was so good.
Thanks again for the par from the “Angus”.
Every good wish in your efforts to record old “Maccie” history.
Sincerely Yours
E.L.Chesser
Letter 6
1 Quarrian Cres,
Beenleigh, Qld 4207
8/8/78 and 14/8/78
Dear Mrs White,
Many many thanks for your newspaper cutting – I or any of us were completely unaware of the fact there were two James Chessers. It now appears that after the baby died the next child was called Edwin James, he was of course the Jim Chesser you knew.
Yes my Uncle Martin was a very big and powerful man, his feats of strength were remarkable – in fact these probably caused his early death on 13 Nov 1901 aged 36. Have you any idea when he was appointed a District Constable? Uncle Jack Leonard was also appointed, you may recall he carried on for many years – until maybe the office was abolished. I have made a comment on back of photograph you may find interesting.
Yes I would certainly like to read STOWE'S book, and the one on ECHUNGA.
Your references to J O'Mally (O'Malley), would of course be “J.J”, he was always in strife over some thing or an other – he was quite overbearing in many ways but really amusing on others.
No I do not think the fire got into the town 1939. I toured the whole area by car soon after and there was no damage in the town – of course Meadows had buildings burned in the main street.
Am enclosing the two pamphlets, you can have them. I recall there was a family McGRATH in Macc but have no details.
I know that in 1880 Marker was the local undertaker. I thought he was also a carpenter and was he also the District Clerk - NO Ive just discovered he was a councillor in 1866. Hartley Dixon was the Clerk I recall the COSGROVES mail contractors one was TOMMY in latter years there were some members of the family NORWOOD area – one was a WAAF with me in the RAAF in 1944 at Adelaide.
You mention ADDISON'S. I knew JACK he was a carrier, always said as he was T.T. “Ill have a tender one” instead of a “soft drink”.
My Dad was associated with the Calabys on and off all his life. “ADDIE” CALABY, was she Jack Calabys daughter or sister, she kept company with Horace Smith for many years. Calaby were in the area very early. I think a THOMAS HENRY CALABY lived at “GLEN LEA” Bugle Ranges in 1850. He was born at Mt Barker his father also THOMAS came to area in 1839. “TH” mother was JANET FRAME of Mt Barker, she carried farming and dairying for many years after she was widowed.
Captain DASHWOOD was police commissioner in 1850 I dare say this was 'Dashwoods Gully”.
LEEDHAMS were prominent in early days of MACC. Lived at “WATER GATE” wherever that was?
Regarding epidemics there was one about 1906-8. Diptheria children had to be vaccinated but if the parent signed some type of declaration then child could be excused. This date may not be accurate but it was between 1904 and 1910 and I believe the 1906-8 would be close.
Cameron's blacksmith shop was on the corner going to the Wesleyan Bridge ie the N/W corner. The Macc coach was kept just opposite on the eastern side of the street.
It does appear that some early settlers in Macc were Irish and, encouraged by the Davenports, induced friends and relations to come there. At one time there must have been a very large percentage of Irish in the town – and most of these were poor. CONSODINE (not sure of spelling) had Macc Hotel about 1890. At that time BRUCE Jacksons father “INK” Jackson had the DAV ARMS "Davenport) and just after this JOHN LOGAN had the Macc. Later again HUGHIE MACGUIRE had it this would be about 1908-10 I think.
I have never seen the old Macc Council minutes or the “Southern Angus” files. Had it been possible I am sure I would have got a lot of family history from these sources, so I am really very thankful to you for those two items if at any time you run across anything that needs photostat I will gladly meet any cost.
I have very little on my Uncle MARTIN LEONARD or my grandfather JOHN CHESSER, sometimes as in the case of his daughter's drowning its given as CHESTER. Also anything on my great grandfather WILLIAM FREEMAN I feel he must have been in a lot of trouble from time to time as he was a most ill tempered and violent man. He died in 16 April 1899 at Macc, was a butcher there for many years from 1860's to 1870's.
Do you have the story that the Macclesfield Willows came from ships taken from the Trees Napoleon's Grove at St Helena? These were said to be all that were planted in the Town area.
It is possible we may come to Macc for the picnic this New Year – have not been to one for about 10 years. I think we will be going to Melbourne for Christmas if so will come through to Adelaide for the New Year. There were leaflets printed each year advertising the Golden Goblet, one may turn up some where.
Have enclosed copy of RSL magazine I edited in Vic with article on the Goblet. I usually wrote under the N. D P of “COROMANDEL”. It is the name of Captain WILLIAM CHESSER'S ship that he came to S.A. on in early 1837. Chesser St Adelaide and COROMANDEL Place are called after him and his ship – he died in Melb 1840, had first Naval Funeral in that city. I guess from time to time I will repeat myself but I guess this cannot be helped.
Years ago, I just cannot recall when, the “S Angus” (Sourthern Argus") ran a column each week, something like the Advertiser “50 years ago”, in which it recalled people and events years previously. I may have asked you previously but are there any records of the old C of E (Church of England) cemetery still about, if so how far back do they go?
Many thanks again for your help and your most interesting letter and photograph.
Sincerely Yours,
E. L. Chesser
N.B. Note new address 23 MONTEREY RD. We sold house Qld BILGOLA PLATEAU. This is now permanent N.S.W. 2107.
RE GOLDEN GOBLET – CONSTABLES
Dear Mrs White,
Many many thanks for your letter, particularly for your information re Emma Chesser and Billy Freeman, anything you come across at any time I would appreciate. Any reference to Freeman at or near Macc would be my great grandfather and of course all CHESSERS are my relations no matter where they are.
I really meant you to keep all 3 pamphlets so I am returning the other one. It may find a place in your records. I am also enclosing names of originators of Golden Goblet, which I may have given you previously but no matter.
I was rather dissapointed in the Strathalbyn book – surely there were many colourful characters over the years that could have been mentioned, Bruce Jackson is one that comes to mind.
Re the “District Constables”, no they were no police but “Special Constables”, to help out the regular police who were very short handed. “Special constables” were used during the wars and at other times. Sworn in “with police powers", my uncle JOHN LEONARD was a D.C. for many years, and uncle MARTIN LEONARD until he died in 1901.
I would very much doubt if there was ever a blacksmiths shop at EDMOND'S place, only two were “TALF” GOOCH'S near the MACC Hotel just north of it same side, he also lived there, JACK CAMERONS shop was C/N main street and street going up to “Wesleyan Chapel” N/W corner.
Yes, the COSGROVES were related directly to those at MACC – one or more had the mail contract. At one time I believe the KLABSCH/ KRABSCH (not sure of spelling), they were called “CLAPES”, had some connection with the CALABY family.
Yes, Harry Calaby was at “Temple Bar” Macc. I do not recall Tom and I believe Jack was Addies father. I remember the BARNETT'S FRED in particular saw him some years ago at Bordertown, but I believe he later came to Adelaide – they were baker's I remember the “Town that never was” just vaguely some where near “BATTUNGA”. I understood there were very ambitious plans that never came to anything.
Yes, Jack Leonard's wife was GEORGINA ELLIS. I was very fond of “AUNT GEORGE”.
Yes, COROMANDEL Valley came from the sailors who deserted C/t William Chesser's ship of that name. Coromandel Place, Adelaide, runs off Chesser St – I have all the details.
Yes, I would like to get some thing on the old Church of England cemetery, but am afraid old records have been lost. However, I am hopeful there would be a record of the Jim Chesser burial which was in the 1930's as far as I can recall.
Re the book, it does appear it depends a good deal on the material. 10 year periods should be ok but then you could strike a period of unusual interest or a lot of material when it may be necessary to sub divide that period. The important thing seems to be to get as much material as possible from the very early period as the further you have to go back the greater the problems.
It does appear from Stowes book that it was JACK BERRY who went to the South African War. I can recall my Mother saying he was quite a local hero at the time and was given a great reception on his return.
Re the Donald McLean in the book, I think there is some connection with his decendants and the YATES - TONKIN families, but it goes back a long way, also the STACEY family I believe all three families had some link with the McLEAN'S – another thought the Passfields also come in somewhere.
Re Golden Goblet I believe I've given you this before but it commenced under the big tree on “THE FLAT” where it was always held over a couple of dozen beer. LANCE MILLE, JIM JARVIS, JACK STANWAY, DENNY McNAMERA, TOM McGRATH, TALF GOOCH and MARTIN MANSER. Following year HARRY WEBB (of not sure which hotel) donated a five gall keg.
I have some letters from MARTIN Manser in which he mentions a few people in Macc. “Doc” and SYLVIA NAGEL said MRS RODNEY Mc's brother was with him in the Repat Home at Myrtle Bank and had died at Daws Road Repat Hospt. He spoke of ANDY Mc and MAUD MARRA his wife. I was wondering which of the Marra's she was I may have it some where. Possibly one of Fred or Jim's children.
He mentions Andrew McNamera (McNamara?), George Gilbert a carrier, Leo Beatty (he would be the late Mrs Brennans brother I think), MEL MELLIGAN, the Fitzgerald's Kate Jim Tom and Clarrie.
Jim JARVIS, Martin Purcell, CLEM O'BRIEN, DOLL SIMS (cannot recall her married name), JACK BURNS, JIMMY DUGMORE, JACK MALONE. The latter went to WA years ago with one of Jean Leonards uncles who was murdered by an AFGAHN. Lance Miller's Sister WINNIE, Mrs Rodney Mc who came from Semaphore, her brother was a Cpt in A.I.F, a decorated soldier.
Many thanks again for your information re Freeman and Chesser's, I was very pleased to get it.
Sincerely Yours,
E.L. Chesser
Letter7
23 Monterey Road, Bilgola Plateau, NSW 2107
Dear Mrs White,
Your letter to hand, many thanks for the information re “TOOL FLAT”. I have been endeavouring to get its location for a long time. I believe James Stacey was the father of my great grandmother SARAH STACEY who married William Freeman, my G/G/Father.
Sorry to hear about your loss. My sister Dean met your mother at the Church Commemoration, and although I cannot really recall her I am sure I met her several times years ago.
It seems reasonable to assume that it was JACK BERRY who went to the S.African war. You will note on page 21 History of Strath mention is made of CORPORAL JACK BERRY returning from the S.A. War. The D.C.M. rather puzzles me, it seems likely he enlisted again in W War 1. and probably won his D.C.M there. Do you know which one was in the Police Force? No I have not seen the Echunga Book.
I had really forgotten the name “SABE” Mc but of course I knew him by that name years ago.
Some of the younger MARRA'S could have been sons of JIM MARRA. There were two Marra Families having the same father, but the mothers were sisters maiden name “SABEY.” The last of them died in MAR this year, Margaret who was MRS HAROLD CHIILTON of BERRI.
Re the 1883 from requesting a police “trooper”, it would appear the request was not granted, but certainly about 1900 the “DISTRICT CONSTABLES” were appointed, JOHN and MARTIN Leonard, my uncles, possibly there were others – but I do know they went as far afield as GOOLWA to assist the regular police.
Do you recall the “STATE BOYS”? There were a lot of them at Macclesfield boarded out to families at five shillings a week. My mother had two at different times, JOHN McMAHON and JOSEPH ROWAN, the first named joined the A/F W WAR I, came to see us on his return and stopped for a short time. Martin MANSER and others were “STATE BOYS”.
Re the “old police station”, mentioned this must have been established every early and it seems doubtful if any other premises other than Jack Leonards place (including the barred cell) were used for this purpose. Years ago “Stone Breakers” or “Stone Knappers” were an occupation in Macc and of course other places - it was “piece work” and paid by the yard – the yard was measured by a queer triangle contraption. This was the days of the "BOWYANGS" and many men worked in waistcoats with an extra flap on the back so they would not get a cold in the back.
(Insert: - Bowyangs are pieces of cord, rope, or leather that are tied around the wearer's lower legs. A "bowyang" is a single piece of the tie. See Wikipedia.)
Quite a number of men left Macci for the Victorian Gold Diggings. I do not know any names but my Uncle Pat Leonard told me about them, and the devices they used for hiding their gold, both from thieves and bushrangers. I never heard of anyone coming back with a fortune.
Thanks again for your information and I hope to see you in JAN all being well.
Petrol is a problem here all the time now production is down about 50%.
Sincerely Yours, Len Chesser.
PS My sister sent me the cutting of your ad in the paper ELC.
