Lawrence Ormond Butler (1812-1856)- The adventurous life of the son of an Irish convict in NSW: Lawrence Ormond Butler- Ch. 5: Issue of Lawrence Butler

LAWRENCE ORMOND BUTLER was born July 20, 1812 in Sydney, NSW, Australia, [i] Christened August 23, 1812 St Phillips Church of England Sydney, and died of consumption on December 24, 1856 in Macquarie St, Surrey Hills, Sydney [ii].

He married (1) CATHERINE GORMAN October 22, 1833 in Presbyterian Church, Sydney, NSW [iii]. She was born 1816 in Parramatta, and died December 6, 1838[iv]. She was the daughter of THOMAS GORMAN (1776-1849), wheelwright from Trim, Ireland (convict on ‘Rolla’ 1803, convicted Dublin of robbery, life sentence, CP) and CATHERINE McLAUGHLIN (1783-1838 ) (convict on ‘Tellicherry’ 1803).

He married (2) AGNES MCPHERSON Dec 31 1839 [v] at the Campbellfield Scotts Church north of Melbourne Victoria. She arrived on the 'Caledonia' on 18 September 1839 from Leith Scotland, having departed on 17th April. Miss Agnes McPherson was listed with a James and Mrs Agnes Simpson on the passenger list, but unknown if related. She later claimed to be the widow of a Scottish clergyman.

He married (3) FRANCES RAINY Abt. 1846-1850 in either Sydney, NSW or Melbourne or Portland Victoria [vi]. (One source states they married in 1848 at Campbellfield Nth Melbourne, but this is unconfirmed. No record has been found of this marriage.) Frances also known as Fanny, was born 21 January 1822 London and was the daughter of GEORGE RAINY and ANN PITMAN

Lawrence’s First family and descendants

As previously outlined Lawrence Butler married Catherine Gorman in Sydney in October 1833. She was born c.1816 at Parramatta and was 18 years of age when she married Lawrence. Catherine died on 6 December 1838, and was buried in Sandhills Cemetery Devonshire, C. of E. section., and later removed to La Perouse.
Her headstone read:

Sacred to the Memory of Catherine Butler who Departed this life the 6^th day of December Anno Domini 1838 aged 22 years.[vii]

(Burial Record- AGCI, Vol.1- B7/11/59 pp. 26, 51)

Their only son George Henry (Ormond) Butler, was born in August 1834 [viii], and baptised at St John's Parramatta on 26 August. Notably he was not baptised with the middle name of Ormond, but by the time of his marriage he was known as George Henry Ormonde Butler.

Catherine Gorman is listed in the 1828 Census, living at Parramatta, a R.C., aged 12, born in the colony, servant to Esther Hendle and her two infant children. Her parents were living at Parramatta- Thomas Gorman (1776-1849), a wheelwright from Trim, Ireland, who arrived on the “Rolla” in May 1803, convicted in Dublin of robbery and given a life sentence, living with his wife Catherine Gorman nee McLaughlin (1783-1838), who arrived on the “Tellicherry” from Ireland in 1803 with a seven year sentence. [ix] Both were Catholic, and Thomas had received a conditional pardon. Thomas's wife, Catherine McLaughlin, died on 15 August 1838, in the same year as her daughter Catherine Butler, and is buried in the Catholic Cemetery, St Patrick's, in Nth Parramatta, in an unmarked grave.

A petition is in the Ireland-Australia Transportation Database: PPC759: re Thomas Gorman
August 1802
To His Excellency Phillip Earl of Hardwick, Lord Lieutenant and General Governor of Ireland
Memorial of the Foreman and Grand Jury of the Manor of Grangegorman and G?
Humbly Shewith
That we are beholding with concern that a Respite has been granted to a person of the name of Thomas Gorman, convicted of a robbery of Mr William Finigan of Sallock's Woods in his Manor, and hearing that a further attempt will be made on Your Excellency's good ...., beg leave to humbly state to your Excellency that said Gorman was convicted on the clearest evidence and also to say that the entire family of Thomas Gorman, are of the most dangerous description and that the Loyal and peaceable inhabitants of said Manor did behold with pleasure a desperate gang dispersed and broken up by the conviction of Thomas Gorman. We therefore call on your Excellency's known goodness and protection towards the loyal and peaceable subjects of His Majesty with every degree of compassion, beg leave to represent, that a public example is necessary to check the many desperate acts which have been committed in the neighbourhood.
The above petition must have been favourably received, as Thomas was shipped out on the 'Rolla' in November 1802, having received a life sentence. On arrival in NSW, he was assigned to the Government Farm at Parramatta, where he met Catherine who was assigned to the Female Factory at Parramatta.

Child of LAWRENCE BUTLER and CATHERINE GORMAN is:

2. i. GEORGE HENRY ORMOND BUTLER, b. 1834; d. Unknown.

A report in the the Hurstville newspaper "The Propellor" 15 June 1945, on the death of Lawrence's grandson, Arthur Ormonde Butler had some interesting information on Arthur’s father George Henry Ormond Butler:

-" Lawrence Butler was the principal superintendent of convicts at Parramatta in the early times of the colony, more than one hundred years ago."

NB. it is difficult to find a time when this could have occurred. It was more likely referring to one of his many “sojourns” in various prisons, which may have been embellished in a more favourable light by either Lawrence himself or by his descendants. At the time of his death in 1856, Lawrence was still described as a “compositor”, an occupation he had followed since the age of 16 years.

-Lawrence's son "George Henry Ormonde was a senior officer of the Government Printing Office. He was married to Marion Elizabeth Gannon, the daughter of James Gannon, and a niece of Michael Gannon, who, a century before, purchased 11,000 acres around what is now Hurstville and it was after him that the district was named Gannon's Forest in pioneer times."

(No death record has yet been found, although there is a record of the death of a George Henry Butler, aged 34, dying in Melbourne in 1868, however, born in Bathurst.)

- Lawrence's grandson, "Arthur Ormonde was one of the district's oldest residents and was best known in the St. George district through his profession as a police magistrate, and for his assistance in the establishment of the St. George District Hospital around 1892. He was connected by marriage with another Hurstville pioneer, the late Henry West, who once owned many acres on the south side of Hurstville railway station. The land included the site of Butler's home between Ormonde Parade, Butler's Road and Butler Lane, which were named after him. Henry West's daughter, Catherine married Arthur in 1888. They had a son and four daughters: Beryl Ormond, Frank Ormond, Katie Ormond, Gladys Ormond and May F. Ormond, between 1888 and 1900.

Although he had lived in the St. George district in the early days, he had in between times, spent some years elsewhere. One of his proudest possessions was an ancient squad roll book of the days when he was a sergeant in the Sudan contingent. That was in 1885. He was then living at Church Hill, Sydney and was 22 years of age.

As a young man, Arthur worked at the Water Police Court, Sydney.

In 1894 Arthur Ormonde was clerk to the City Coroner, Chancery Square, Sydney, earning £256 p.a. At this time he appeared at a "Public Examination before the Registrar in Bankruptcy” and he had a list of debts- "admitted to: 1) Bank of Australasia- £232/ 16 s/ 7 p; and 2) A General Storekeeper, John Garthon- £6/ 3 s/ 11p. He was also a shareholder in the St. George's Hall Co Ltd, holding 100 shares of a nominal value of £100. His City and County Investment Co.'s debt was incurred through buying an allotment of land, Lot 3 Woonoona Parade, Oatley in 1891. Now paying £2 a month off his debts. Date of debts admitted 25th April, 1894." He is quoted as saying, "I could have paid my debts off if it had not been for

sickness and death in my family which cost me a great deal of money".

His 3 year old daughter Beryl had died in 1891.

In 1892, he was elected honorary secretary at the first meeting of subscribers of the original Kogarah Cottage Hospital, from which the present St. George Hospital grew. At one time he took much interest in Freemasonry, holding high office, and published a Masonic journal.

Early in 1900, Arthur left Sydney and spent some time as clerk of petty sessions at Warialda and Albury. The latter period of his life, before retirement at Hurstville, was spent as a police magistrate at Narrabri, Milparinka, Tibooburra and Kogarah. He died at a private hospital on June 18 1945- he was 83. His wife had died a few years before. Arthur was privately interred at Woronora Cemetery."

The Propellor, 15 June 1945

GEORGE HENRY ORMOND BUTLER
was born August 1834, and died Unknown.

He married MARIAN ELIZABETH GANNON 30 July 1860, daughter of JAMES GANNON. She was born c.1837 in Sydney, and died 15 August 1916 at 393 Dowling Street, Moore Park Sydney (now Darlinghurst).

Sydney Morning Herald Tues 7 Aug 1860 p1 reported:

MARRIAGE On the 30^th July, by special license, at St. Mary’s Cathedral, by Rev. A.J. Forde, Mr George Henry Ormonde Butler to Marian Elizabeth, only daughter of Mr James Gannon, Surrey Hills.

Marian Elizabeth Butler nee Gannon's death certificate (10167/1916 NSW BDM- courtesy of Karen Whiley) gives the following information:

Name: Marian Elizabeth Gannon
Date of Death: 15 Aug 1916
Place: 393 Dowling Street, Sydney NSW
Age: 79 years
Conjugal Status- left blank ( a widow perhaps, or separated?)
Place of birth: Sydney NSW
Father: James Gannon
Mother: Mary Phelps
Place of Marriage: Sydney
Age at Marriage: 24
Name of Spouse: George Henry Ormonde Butler
Children of Marriage: Arthur O 52, Ernest O 51, living, none dead
Informant: A. Ormonde Butler, son of deceased, Cootamundra
Cause of death: 1. diarrhoea, heart failure; 2. carcinoma of uterus
Length of illness 1:7 days 2:P 5 years
Date of burial: 14 August 1916
Place of burial: Roman Catholic Cemetery Rookwood (Location: Sec M2 L 172)
Minister & Religion: W. McDonald, Roman Catholic
Witnesses: Philip Sommer, Walter Leslie Dixon
Registered 16 Aug 1916 Sydney

The Sydney Morning Herald Wed 16 August 1916 had the following funeral notice:

Terrace Houses at No. 393 Dowling Street

Marian Elizabeth Gannon was described as the niece of Michael Gannon of Gannon's Forest. The Gannon brothers, Michael Gannon (1800-1881) and his younger brother James Gannon (1803-1871) were born in Mulligar, Westmeath, Ireland, sons of John Gannon, joiner and his wife Alicia nee Gelshin. In 1820 Michael and his younger brother James, both carpenters, were sentenced in Meath, Michael for life and James for fourteen years. The arrived in Sydney in December 1820 in the Almorah.
Michael worked as a carpenter and joiner in Sydney, married Mary Parsonage and lived in The Rocks. By 1829 he had a ticket of leave, and a conditional pardon in 1836. He prospered as a builder, and accumulated real estate, and obtained a publican's licence for an inn at Newtown. He had financial problems in the 1847, becoming bankrupt, but became active in Sydney politics after 1848. In 1850 he bought 1905 acres which became known as Gannon's Forest, later Hurstville. He continued buying and selling property, and left a valuable estate in his will valued at £9581.

His brother James Gannon also worked as a carpenter in Sydney, then drifted into inn-keeping and sporting activities, notably pigeon shooting. He married Mary Phelps (daughter of George Phelps who was buried 20 January 1862) at Sydney in 1829. Declared insolvent in 1843, his landed property was valued at £100 and personal assets were valued at £6. 2s. and included his treasured fowling piece and two dogs; his debts amounted to £892.

Morning Chronicle, Wed 11 Oct 1843, p2

In 1857 he was issued with an auctioneer's licence.
On the fringe of politics in 1865 he was fined £50 for personation and double voting but was pardoned by the governor. As a labourer, he died aged 68 at Paddington on 19 February 1871 leaving three children. Four of his children had died in infancy.
(Source: Philip Geeves, Gannon, Michael (1800-1881), Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 4, (MUP), 1972.)

DEATH NOTICE- Empire Tues 21 Feb 1871 p1:

James Gannon was quite a character, and there are numerous articles in the newspapers. He was quite literate and had several run-ins with journalists over his activities and opinions. He also acted as an officer of St Mary's Catholic Cathedral in Sydney for many years.

As an example of the standing of the Gannon family:

The Sydney Morning Herald Fri 3 Oct 1924 p7 had an obituary for the LATE MR GANNON K.C. At WORONA CEMETERY:

The chief mourners were: (lists Gannon family members, including A. Ormonde Butler, cousin)… The Premier (Sir George Fuller) was represented by Mr W.E. Finney (Premier’s Office). Members of the Government present were the Attorney General (Mr Bevis), Sir Joseph Carruthers (Vice President of the Executive Council, and Mr E. Farrar (Minister for Labour and Industry) The president of the Legislative Council was represented by Mr Clapin (Usher of the Black Rod) and the speaker of the Legislative Assembly by Mr Barnett (Sergeant at Arms). The list then names the Members of the Legislative Assembly and the Judiciary, and Bar present.

Children of GEORGE BUTLER and MARION GANNON are:

3. 1. ARTHUR ORMONDE BUTLER, b. December 28, 1862, Cleveland Street, Chippendale, Sydney, NSW; d. June 18, 1945, Butler's Road, Hurstville, Sydney.

2. ERNEST GEORGE ORMONDE BUTLER, b. 1864, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; d. June 24, 1946 Adelaide S.A.

1.ARTHUR ORMONDE BUTLER was born December 28, 1862 in Cleveland Street, Surrey Hills/Chippendale, Sydney, NSW, and died June 18, 1945 in Butler's Road, Hurstville, Sydney. Buried in family plot in Presbyterian section at Woronora Cemetery. He married CATHERINE WEST 1888 in Petersham, Sydney, New South Wales, daughter of HENRY WEST (grazier) and MARY FRAZER. She was born 1866 in Kingston, Sydney, and died 22 March 1941 at Sydney (1941/1292). Buried in family plot at Woronora Cemetery.

Death notice for Catherine in the Sydney Morning Herald Tues 25 March 1941 p8:

See above for the informative obituary for Arthur Ormonde Butler.

The Sun (Sydney) Sunday 3 Sept 1916 p3.

Arthur acted as a magistrate in the Albury Wodonga area for many years and his cases were reported in the newspapers. His dismissal was reported in the Albury Banner & Wodonga Express, Fri 1 Aug 1924:

The Tumut Advocate & Farmers & Settlers Advisor, Tues 2 Sept 1924 p.6 (repeated in numerous papers) followed up with this notice:

Children of ARTHUR BUTLER and CATHERINE WEST are:

i. BERYL ORMONDE BUTLER, b. 30 November 1888, Ravenswood, Hurstville NSW; d. 1891, Hurstville, Sydney.

ii. FRANK ORMONDE BUTLER, b. 1890 Hurstville, d.25 March 1952 at 16 Dunlop Street Epping (4959/1952). He was an accountant and unmarried. Ashes interred at Woronora Cemetery Wall of Memories.

iii. KATHLEEN ORMONDE BUTLER, b. 1892 Hursteville, d.17 January 1969 Hornsby (1969/15197), ashes interred at Woronora Cemetery Wall of Memories; unmarried at time of mother's death in 1941 as she was the informant, still living with parents at 9 Butlers Road Hurstville, and unmarried when named in sister Gladys' will in 1950.

iv. GLADYS ORMONDE BUTLER, b. 10 February 1895Hurstville (at Towalle), d. 2 June 1950 (10925/1950), unmarried (see Will below), buried in family plot in Presbyterian Section of Woronora Cemetery.

v. MAY FRASER ORMONDE BUTLER, b. 1900, m.10 Feb 1923 Walter Keith Campbell (known as Keith, eldest son of Malcolm Campbell of Langholm Scone (Sydney Morning Herald. 16 Feb 1923 p5). Keith was a banker with the Commercial Bank. May died 11 July, 1933 Wollongong (15321/1933). Buried in family plot in Presbyterian section of Woronora Cemetery. Issue: Betty West Campbell.
M
Gladys left her considerable estate to her sister Kathleen, in the following will:

May F. Campbell nee Butler, Arthur Ormonde's youngest daughter, died unexpectedly at the young age of 33, leaving her 10 year old daughter and husband. Several obituaries paid glowing tributes to her, including the Illawarra Mercury Wollongong Fri 14 July 1933 p6:

Further obituaries are in the Sydney Morning Herald, Wed 12 July 1933 p12; The Scone Advocate Fri 14 July 1933 p2; South Coast Times and Wollongong Argus Fri 14 July 1933 p7.

(My grateful thanks to Karen Whiley for generously sharing her research on Arthur Ormonde Butler's family and the Gannon family with me.)

2. ERNEST ORMONDE BUTLER was born in 1864 Sydney and died in Kent Town, Adelaide, S.A., on 24 June 1946 aged 83 years. He married Ann Alice Lunn, daughter of Abraham and Martha Lunn, in QLD in 1885.

The newspapers The Advertiser Adelaide Thurs 14 June 1906, and The West Australian Thurs 14 June 1906 p3,described:

Ernest Ormonde Butler petitioned for a divorce from Ann Alice Butler. The petitioner said he married the respondent in Brisbane in October1885. They lived together about 6 years in Queensland. Subsequently they proceeded to Sydney where they remained about 6 months. They lived a cat-and-dog life. He came to Western Australia in 1893, leaving his wife in Sydney. Before that time he had disputes with his wife about her behavior, and he had taxed her with misconduct on the occasion of a visit she made to Sydney. On her return from a trip to England he received information which aroused his suspicions regarding her conduct, during her absence. When he took his departure for the West in 1893 he left the furniture of their house in his wife’s possession, and also a sum of ₤50. He had promised to afterwards remit more money to her. She raised no objection to him leaving Sydney. This was the last he had seen of the respondent. There were three children born of the marriage. Since he came to WA he had been engaged in the business of auctioneer at Perth and on the goldfields and at Northam. He had also kept hotels on the Eastern Goldfields. He had sent over money periodically to his wife up to the year 1898. About that time he heard from Sydney that his wife was misconducting herself. He then made arrangements with his mother to look after the children. Delay in taking these proceedings had been occasioned by advice ha had received that to do so he would have to proceed to NSW or QLD. He had been without the means to enable him to do this. He had sent up to 1898 from 30s. to 35s. per week to his wife. He had not seen his children since 1893. He telegraphed money to her up to 1898. His honor expressed the opinion that on the facts admitted by the petitioner it appeared as if the case was one of desertion. If that was so the plaintiff was not entitled to the relief sought. Mr Thomas argued that the petitioner had not deserted his wife, but that they had separated by mutual consent. His Honour said the case presented some extraordinary features. He would reserve his decision to allow him to consult the authorities.

The Western Argus Tues 7 Aug 1906 p31, reported from Perth:

Ernest Ormonde Butler was granted a decree today for a dissolution of his marriage with Ann Alice Butler on the grounds of adultery. The parties were married in 1885 in Brisbane, and had four children, but had led a cat and dog life. The court found that the respondent had committed adultery with one Brown in William St Wooloomooloo, Sydney in December 1901, and on divers other dates up to February, 1906, with other persons in Sydney and elsewhere in NSW.

The Western Mail Perth Sat 4 Aug 1906 p41 reported:

After reviewing the evidence taken on commission, his Honour declared his conviction that the petitioner’s allegations of adultery on the part of the respondent were true. He thought that the plea of lack of means was sufficient justification for the delay that had occurred in the filing of the petition, and that there having been no desertion within the legal meaning of the term on the part of the petitioner, he was entitled to relief. Etc.

The Western Mail Perth Fri 16 Oct 1896 p23, reported APPOINTMENTS APPROVED_ Ernest Ormond Butler, Justice of the Peace, N.E. Coolgardie Magisterial district.

The Sydney Morning Herald Tues 5 Nov 1929 p9 reported the death of Ann Alice McLeod (23497/1929 Waverley), wife of Mr Norman McLeod, and mother of Mr William Ormonde Butler, Mr Arthur Ormonde Butler, and Mrs E.H. Corbett.

Ann Alice McLeod nee Butler nee Lunn was 69 years of age at her death. She was born in London, Middlesex, and had married Norman McLeod after her divorce. According to family sources, Ernest had paid for a one-way ticket for his wife and children to visit England. Although the newspapers reporting the divorce case indicate that Ernest's wife was at fault, there are two sides to every story and it would seem that Ernest was also guilty of infidelity- a marriage of two people who were unsuited, and unfortunately the newspapers of the day reported all the unseemly details of divorce cases.

Ernest Ormonde Butler remarried in 1907 in Perth to Ethel M Saunders (425/1907). Ernest was an auctioneer, but was also a gambler on horse races, and was caught up in a horse racing scandal in Western Australia in 1904 which was reported in detail in the Western Mail (Perth) Saturday 3 December 1904, pp36-37. As a result of the scandal Ernest was found guilty at an enquiry and along with another man named McKay, "was disqualified for life for improper practices in 'ringing in' two horses at the last meeting of the Northam Race Club". Declaring his innocence, Ernest stated his intention of appealing the decision. The results of his appeal are unknown.
Ernest was a very wealthy man but lost all of his wealth gambling.

At a time unknown, Ernest left Western Australia and moved to Adelaide, where he died in Argas Street Kent Town, Adelaide in 1946. His death notice is in the family Bible and says:
BUTLER-the friends of the late Mr Ernest George Butler of 15 Angas Street, Kent Town, are respectfully informed that his funeral service was conducted privately on Wednesday afternoon at the West Terrace Cemetery.
It was dated 24 June 1946, aged 83.
The S.A. death record has the name Ernest George Joseph Aloysius Ormonde Butler ( SA. BDM Reg No. 701/2770).

Ernest's son William Ormonde Butler lived at 89 Cook Rd, Centennial Park, Waverley in Sydney until his death in 1957. William had lived at that address with his wife Adelia Louise McPherson since at least 1930 (Electoral Rolls). His wife's niece, Ruby Salter was married to Ernest Edwards of Waverley Sydney in St Stephen's Anglican Church in Bellevue Hill on 21 December 1929, and the bride was given away by her uncle William O. Butler and his wife Adelia was matron of honour. The reception was held at Mrs Butler's residence, Cook's Road, Centennial Park. The bride was the third daughter of Mr and Mrs Garnet Salter of New Lambton. (Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners Advocate, Thurs 9 Jan 1930 p2; The Newcastle, Sun Thurs 9 Jan 1930 p3).
William is described in the Electoral Rolls as ‘traveller’, although he spent most of his career running a barber/cigarette shop in George Street, Sydney. Adelia was born in Clarence Town in 1891 and died 4 February 1955. They had one son named after William's father.

(My thanks to descendant Sue Guggenheimer nee Butler for sharing her family research with me.)

Children of ERNEST O BUTLER AND ANN ALICE LUNN:
i. WILLIAM ORMONDE BUTLER, b. 7 November 1885, Brisbane QLD; d. 22 March 1957 Sydney (1051/1957); married Adela L McPherson in 1918, NSW.(3135/1918)
issue- one son

ii. ARTHUR ORMOND BUTLER, b.1887, QLD (1887/B38045); d. 12 June 1946; m. 2 Sept 1907 (6761/1907) Lillian Mitchell (1891 Pittown-1973 St Vincents) in Sydney; Arthur Ormond's marriage record describes him as a 'driver' of Surreyhills, and his wife Lillian Mitchell, a 'boxmaker', was the daughter of William O'Brien of Sydney storekeeper.

- issue- 4 sons who died at childbirth or in early infancy, plus 5 daughters:
Alice Lillian Isabel, b. 1908 Sydney (654/1908); d.1942; m. Terry Luke Winders 1939 Sydney (1939/6151)- no issue
Myrtle Irene., b.1909 Sydney (32879/1909); d. 1973; m. Fredrick Corridan (1910-1984)- 2 issue
Dorothy Edna May Ormond (Dolly), b.1912; d.1994; m.1. John G. (Jack) Schmack (1903-1944) in 1932 Sydney (1932/332)- 2 issue; m.2. Thomas Patterson Muir in 1953 Sydney (1953/20733); m.3. Edward Heaton in ?
Ivy Rubena Ormonde, b.1914; d.1983 Bondi Junction; m.1. Louis William Crowe (1908-1956) in 1940 Sydney (1940/8055)- 2 issue; m.2. Roy Mack in ?
Lillian Elizabeth Ormond (Lilly), b.? d.?; m. Arthur David Boyd - 4 issue

iii. DOROTHY ORMONDE BUTLER, b..1891, QLD (1891/C1579); d.1891

iv. RUBINA A. BUTLER, b. ?; d. ?; m.1. Ernest H. Corbett in 1927 at Sydney (NSW 1927/5238); m.2. Greto Rochelle in ?

Lawrence Ormond Butler’s family by his third wife and their descendants

It is unknown when Lawrence Ormond Butler married Frances Rainy. Their son William’s death record indicates that he was born in March 1846, and was therefore conceived in June 1845 while Lawrence was still married to Agnes McPherson. Frances' father died in 1845 so it was an eventful year for her.
In February 1845 Lawrence applied unsuccessfully for a job with the government printing office. His wife Agnes MacPherson applied for a job with the government printing office as a matron five months later, in July 1845. There is no record of her death.
Lawrence then travelled on the schooner Martha and Elizabeth to Port Phillip in August 1845. (The Australian, Thurs 14 Aug 1845 p2- Shipping Intelligence.) Agnes is not on the passenger list, nor is Frances. Either Agnes died, or Lawrence left her which may explain why she was applying for a job. She may have returned to her homeland of Scotland.

In mid 1847 Lawrence was once again in prison for absconding from his employer at the Portland Gazette, so he was probably employed in Portland sometime in 1846. Whether Frances joined him there or stayed in Sydney is unknown.
The Port Phillip, Victorian Directory for 1849 has BUTLER Lawrence, printer off Collins Street east.
(Port Phillip/Victorian Directories 1839-1867 State Library of QLD, MFCB 994.5, 1986)
And Lawrence was in named in a civil suit, Forrest v Lawrence Butler, (Geelong Advertiser 6 November 1849 p2), in which he was described as the overseer of the Victorian Colonist office.

Their first ‘officially’ registered child is Fanny who was born in Sydney in 1850.

Once again Lawrence applied for a job at the government printing office in 1850, so he/they had returned to Sydney from Victoria. One of his testimonials in his job application stated that Lawrence had had the management of a printing office for the previous two years, presumably in Melbourne.

Daughter Emily was born three years later, and Lawrence died of consumption three years after that, in December 1856.

Fanny must have been recently pregnant when her husband died and gave birth to daughter Sarah Jane sometime after July 1857. Sarah Jane is not included as one of his children on his death certificate. His certificate states that Fanny was his wife, but where and when that took place is unknown. Son William’s death certificate states that he was born in Morpeth NSW (near Maitland), however, that seems unlikely. William was working in Morpeth when he married a Morpeth girl, so that probably led to a mix-up. The informant of his death was a friend named Zucker who may not have known where William was born. There is no record of Frances or Lawrence living in Morpeth.

Children of LAWRENCE BUTLER and FRANCES RAINY are:

i.WILLIAM BUTLER, b. March 1846, Sydney NSW (as stated on his daughter Florence's birth certificate); d. 18 Sept, 1885 , Redfern, Sydney , NSW, buried Rookwood Cemetery; m. Elizabeth Rodford 9 July 1867 Morpeth NSW; issue: Emily J. b.1867 Morpeth, Anne A. b.1869 Morpeth, Herbert W. b.1872 Redfern, Florence Edith b.1874 Redfern, Edward Victor b.1876 Redfern, Arthur George b.1879 Redfern.
(See below for full details about William)

(NSW Registry of BDM- 5718/1885)

ii.FANNY BUTLER, b. September 15, 1850; d. 1936, buried December 17, 1939 C. of E. Cemetery Manly. Fanny married Aug 1, 1874 to James Killian son of William Killian of Ryde, at St Andrew’s Cathedral. (in the Syd Morning Herald 5 Dec 1874, she is described as eldest dau. of the late Lawrence Ormond Butler, compositor of this city; issue Edith Emily Killian b.1876 Sydney, d. 1959, m. John Gibson 1899 Sydney (her cousin, son of Sarah Jane Gibson nee Butler perhaps?) Percy Ormond James Killian b.1885 Balmain, d. 1956, m. Mary E. O'Rourke 1909 Balmain. Fanny’s husband James Killian was a civil servant and for many years a messenger in the State Lands Department. He died December 29, 1913 Manly (SMH 30 Dec 1913 p.8) and devised his estate valued at £9311 to his widow and children [x]

(NSW Registry of BDM- 7243 V45C/1850; 724/1874; 21845/1936)

iii.EMILY BUTLER, b. February 3, 1853; d. 5 October 1929 Auburn Sydney, m. William O’Toole 29 July 1884 at Balmain.
Issue: Elsie May O’Toole b. 14 January 1893 at Balmain (5249/1893) and d.1981. Elsie married Clifford C. Atkinson from Manly on 12 February 1916 at St Clements Church of England at Marrickville and they had a son William Atkinson named after her father. William died flying a spitfire during WWII. (read William's story on Megan Hitchen's blog:
http://edermine.blogspot.com.au/2014/04/anzac-stories-william-james-atkinson.html )

The marriage certificate of Emily and William showed the marriage was conducted at the District Registrar's Office Balmain, William's occupation: hairdresser of Darling Street Balmain, and Emily's occupation: tailoress of Balmain. (1884/002095)

William O’Toole was the son of Lawrence O'Toole of Co. Wexford Ireland and Ann Groves Leonard of Kingsland Middlesex, who both arrived from London on the Syria in March 1854 (Lawrence was a crewman, a boatswain aged 35). William was born in The Rocks in 1858, and died under tragic circumstances in June 1919. William started O'Toole Brothers Tobacconists and Hairdressers at 273 Darling Street Balmain in c.1880-84. Sadly, he was admitted to Callan Park Mental Hospital in 1894/95 where he remained until 1917 when he was transferred to Parramatta Mental Hospital, dying there in June 1919. In 1896, William attacked another patient with a broom, fracturing his skull from which he died. Although the Coroner's inquest returned a verdict of "willful murder", William remained in the custody of the asylum authorities, and in 1917, it was decided not to proceed with the case due to the ongoing state of his mental health.

At the time of her husband's death, Emily was living in a Church of England home at Glebe Point. For some unknown reason, Emily's daughter Elsie was living with her aunt Fanny in 1913, although her death certificate (below) may answer that question. Emily survived her husband by ten years, and both are buried at Rookwood Cemetery (Anglican Section 4 Graves 4375 & 3039- unmarked). William's life and his mental illness and the tragic consequence of his illness, is outlined in the interesting and well researched blog of O'Toole family researcher Megan Hitchens at:
http://edermine.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/tobacco-and-madness-william-otoole.html

http://edermine.blogspot.com.au/2014/03/william-otoole-antic-dispositions.html

(refs: NSW Registry of BDM- 855 V35/1853; 2095/1884; 19492/1929; SMH 9 Oct 1929 p.16; SRNSW: Police Gazettes 9 Dec 1898 p.431 & 28 March 1917 p.143)

Notably there were three women named Emily O'Toole in this area of Sydney at the time: William O'Toole's brother Thomas was married to Emily Donohue in Balmain in 1892; and another William O'Toole (son of a Tobias O'Toole) married an Emily Pulbrook in 1884, so records relating to 'Emily O'Toole' are difficult to sort out, as are the children of 'our William and Emily O'Toole'.

Emily's death certificate reveals the sad ending to her tragic life. She died in Newington State Hospital and Asylum from the effects of chronic alcoholism. Opened in 1882 on the banks of the Parramatta River as a State asylum for women, Newington operated essentially as an asylum on the workhouse principle for destitute or aged women, although it had hospital wards for very feeble or chronically ill aged women. A test of indigency was applied as a pre-requisite for admission. The matron of the hospital was named as the informant on her death certificate, and Emily was buried in an unmarked grave at Rookwood Cemetery, a few rows from her husband. As her given age and even Emily's daughter's name was incorrect on the certificate (viz. Eliza not Elsie) and her father's surname was omitted, it would indicate that Emily's daughter Elsie and sister Fanny were not on hand at the time of her death to supply such details. Emily's alcoholism was no doubt a coping mechanism brought on by her husband's long term mental illness and the resultant financial position in which she found herself after his admittance. Her whole life had been blighted by tragedy and hardship.

iv. SARAH JANE BUTLER, b.1857; d. July 24, 1910 Balmain Nth (aged 51, viz. born after father’s death in Dec. 1856- parents named as Lawrence Butler and Fanny)[xii] ; m. 1874 John Gibson (death cert. states she was 16 when married); issue John William Gibson b.1875; Mary Jane Gibson b.1878 d. July 1879[xiii], Joseph Gibson b.1886, all at Balmain. John Gibson died at their home Fitzroy House 44 Louisa Road Balmain on Dec 31, 1920 aged 72 years.[xiv] Sarah Jane buried at C. of E. Cemetery South Head July 26, 1910.[xv]

(NSW Registry of BDM- 1012/1874; 8331/1910)

FRANCES RAINY (third wife of Lawrence Ormond Butler)

Frances Rainy (known as Fanny) b. January 21, 1822 Westminster (London), baptized October 4, 1833 along with her brothers Alexander Henry (b. April 29, 1825, d. 24 July 1907 Balmain, buried Rookwood Cemetery, married 1872 Eliza J unknown) and George (b. Dec 25, 1832 London- d. June 24, 1841 Sydney) in the Parish of Paddington; father George Rainy, mother Ann, father’s trade/occupation: smith/blacksmith, abode Paddington (north of Hyde Park). [xvi]

Her sisters Sarah, Emily, and Anne Maria were all baptized at St George Hanover Square Westminster on Nov 26, 1821, and sister Julia was baptized on Feb 21, 1831 at St Marlebone Westminster (d. 28 Feb 1922 Balmain Nth and buried St Thomas C. of E. Enfield); father George Rainy, mother Ann, father’s occupation/trade: smith, abode Swallow Street (off Piccadilly, near the Quadrant Regent Street).

Another brother William was born in Sydney in 1835 and died soon after.

They were the children of GEORGE RAINY of St James Parish Westminster and ANN PITMAN who were married at St Pancras Camden London on January 12, 1813.[xvii]

George Rainy was Chr. Oct 31, 1790 at Westminster and his brother Alexander was born September 26, 1788 and baptized October 19, 1788 at Westminster, the sons of Alexander Rainy and Janet.[xviii]
Alexander Rainy (Senior) married Janet Raeburn on September 10, 1778 at St Martin in the Fields Church Westminster (near Trafalga Square). Both were from that parish and signed the register in an educated hand.

George’s brother Alexander was a prominent estate agent and auctioneer in Regent Street London for over 25 years before he was declared bankrupt in 1847. Alexander is mentioned several times in The Times (London) newspaper. One of his creditors was Lord Spencer to whom he owed £3000, although Rainy made a counter claim that Lord Spencer was his debtor to the extent of £1050. A second claim against Rainy by Admiral Charles Ogle was for £1750. The previous day Alexander Rainy wrote a letter to the editor to “communicate to those noblemen and gentlemen who have estates and other property in my hands for sale”. He stated that "pending the winding up of my affairs under a commission of bankruptcy, suddenly issued at my own instance, for the purpose of stemming a torrent of vindictive legal persecution, and to preserve my freedom, to do justice to others and myself, etc..." (The Times Wed Jan 27, 1847 p.8 issue 19457; Tues Jan 26, 1847 p.6. Issue 19456).

In March 1847 the assignees of Mr Alexander Rainy, a bankrupt, directed to Sell by Auction at the Gallery and Premises, No. 14 Regent-street Waterloo Place… the elegant furniture of the residence and professional offices, manufactured in the first style, a considerable portion by Messrs W. and E. Snell and part by Messrs Dowbiggin and Co., noble Glasses, 30 Gallery and Cabinet Pictures, Prints, Clocks, Bronzes, rare Etruscan Vases, a Library of 1000 volumes including many standard works in general literature and illustrations, choice Wines, bed and table linen, China, Glass, a clever model of intended Houses of Parliament, a model of Trafalgar-square, and miscellaneous effects…etc. (The Times, Mon Mar 15, 1841 p.12 issue 19497).

In July 1847 the Assignees directed to “Sell by Auction a valuable Old Policy in the Provident Life Assurance Office, Regent-street upon the Life of Mr Alexander Rainy, a bankrupt, late of 14 Regent-street and now of No. 2 St. James-square, for £2000, and another policy in the same office for £1000”. (The Times, Mon July 26, 1847, p12, issue 19611)

The address No. 14 Regent Street deserves further explanation. This was the final home of the famous London architect John Nash who designed and built it in 1819-23. The adjacent building No. 16 was built for his cousin and personal lawyer John Edward.

14-16 Regent Street

Located in lower Regent Street, near Waterloo Place, both houses formed a single design around an open courtyard, Nash's drawing office was on the ground floor, on the first floor was the finest room in the house, the 70 feet long picture and sculpture gallery, this linked the drawing room at the front of the building with the dining room at the rear. The house was sold in 1834 and Nash died the following year.

Regent Street was considered the most handsome street in the metropolis. It was designed and carried out by Nash under an Act of Parliament obtained in 1813. The street was intended as a communication from Carlton House to the Regent’s Park. Nash was responsible for much of the layout of Regency London under the patronage of the Prince Regent who then succeeded as George IV. From 1810 onwards, he would largely work for the Prince Regent, and his first major commission was Regent Street and the development of the area then known as Marylebone Park. With the Regent’s backing Nash created a master plan for the area that stretched from St James’s northwards.

Quadrant Regent Street

engraved by J. Woods after J. Salmon, 1837

(Wikipedia)

Nash was responsible for the famous designs of the Royal Pavilion Brighton, Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, the Royal Mews, Marble Arch, Cumberland Terrace, Park Crescent, amongst many other terraces and crescents of elegant townhouses and villas. He planned Regent’s Park and re-landscaped St. James’s Park. The Quadrant Regent Street was an arcade or colonnade which covered the whole footway supported by 145 cast-iron pillars, and was considered the most beautiful and most original feature in the street architecture of London. However, the arcade was removed in December 1848 as it cast too many dark shadows, and attracted undesirables. Regent Street was considered the most fashionable street of shops in London, and supplied the wealthier class of customers.

(information on John Nash and Regent Street sourced from Wikipedia,

and http://www.victorianlondon.org/districts/regentstreet.htm)

Regent Street

Illustrated London News Mar 31, 1849

Alexander Rainy was obviously not impoverished by his bankruptcy. He moved from No. 14 Regent Street to No. 2 St. James's Square which was one of the most fashionable residential addresses in London. The Georgian and neo-Georgian architecture of the buildings in the only square in the exclusive St. James' district of the City of Westminster, had a private garden in the centre, numbering starting with No. 1 to the north of Charles Street on the eastern side of the square. No. 31 was the London residence of the Dukes of Norfolk for generations; No. 19, the London home of the Dukes of Cleveland. Nos. 9. 10. 11 were built in the 1730's on the site of the former Duke of Ormonde's home Ormond House, once the largest house in the square. (The 2nd Duke of Ormond being exiled and attainted for treason for supporting the restoration of the Catholic James III instead of George I of Hanover in 1814 following the death of Queen Anne.) In 1845 the trustees for the 4th Earl of Dartmouth sold No. 1 to the London and Westminster Bank for £10,000. No. 2 was owned and largely occupied by the Boscawen family, Viscounts Falmouth from 1752, and was sold to the bank in 1864, along with No. 3, and Nos. 4-8 in 1875. Nos. 1 and 2 have since been demolished.

No. 2- north side of Charles Street

J. Bowles view of St James's Square 1752 (Wikipedia)

(No. 1, with nine windows across, 3rd building mid right after street entrance,

with No. 2 in Charles Street off to the right)

When George Rainy placed an announcement in The Australian (Tues 22 Aug, 1837) of his daughter Sarah's marriage to William Barrett, he described her as "niece to Alexander Rainy esq. of Regent-street London".
Therefore Alexander Rainy was living and had his business in Regent Street not long after John Nash left his home in 1834. Before George Rainy left Westminster, he was living in Swallow Street which is behind the Quadrant Regent Street and off Piccadilly Street, and all of his children were baptised in this area of Westminster, so the Rainy families were long term residents of this fashionable and wealthy area of London.

Westminster 1850- Regent Street (near Waterloo near Pall Mall end), St James Square and Charles Street, Swallow Street (next to Sackville St off Piccadilly, behind the Quadrant)

George Rainy and his family emigrated to Sydney between October 1833 when three of the children were baptised, and 1835. They probably left London shortly after the baptisms in October 1833, arriving in Sydney about 5 months later in early 1834.

In 1839 when his daughter married, George was described as ‘of George Street’. By 1842 George was described as a ‘dealer’ in Brickfield Hill, but was declared insolvent in that year. Since his arrival, he was employed by government as the clerk of the Corn, Hay and Cattle Market at a salary of just under £60 p.a. but resigned in 1843.

George Rainy died 5 May 1845 aged 55 at his ’Chippendale Residence’. (SMH 7 May 1845 p.2)

Sarah Rainy married William Barrett of Minto

Anne Maria Rainy married 1.? Thomas Rattray? of Goulburn May 19, 1838 , m.2. Alexander Cook Sept 27, 1839 (both records from newspaper reports)

Julia Rainy remained unmarried

Emily Rainy- unknown

Another daughter named Janet Rainy married Henry Buckingham of Burwood. She died in 1887 and he died in 1891.

Fanny Butler nee Rainys' life following the death of husband Lawrence:

Following the death of her husband Lawrence Ormond Butler in 1856, Fanny was left with four infant children.

The Assessment Books City of Sydney Archives[xix] which records details of ownership, occupation, construction and value for buildings in the city of Sydney has Fanny Butler living in the year 1858 in Clarence Street, landlord Thos. Lawleys, a dwelling, annual value £20.

Fanny Butler remarried to John George in 1859 in Sydney, however he must have died (NB. death of 'Joseph George', son of John J. George, in Paddington in 1860- NSW BDM).

Fanny George married Alfred Henry on July 27, 1863 at Scots Church Sydney (Presbyterian) by the Rev. John Dunmore Lang. She was described as a widow, birthplace Sydney (sic.), 35 (b.c.1828?), father George Rennie and mother Anne Pitman. Alfred Henry was described as: born London, aged 29, residence Bathurst Street, occupation mariner, father Charles George Henry shoemaker, mother Margaret Menzies. (1863/590) As she is described as Mrs G.A. Henry in the obituary below, he must have been George Alfred Henry. Fanny must have lied about her age (41) as her husband was considerably younger.
George A. Henry, mariner, is listed in the Sydney and NSW Sands Street Index 1865 (p.87) in the Liverpool Street Nth side (Darling Harbour to West Street), Number 50.
He was a member of the Temperence Movement (Dayspring Division) and he died 19 January 1896 (SMH 20 Jan 1898 p.1) and was buried at Balmain Cemetery.

Frances Henry (nee Butler nee Rainy), death certificate states: died in Cove Street Balmain on December 1, 1885 aged 62, born London (ie.b.1823), parents are named as ‘Alexander and Janet Rainy’ which were actually the names of her father’s parents and of two of her siblings; 52 years in NSW (arrived 1833/34); buried Balmain cemetery Dec 3, 1885.

1^st marriage: Lawrence Ormond Butler at Sydney, age 18 (? ie. m.1840?), children Fanny, Emily, Sarah living and William deceased;

2^nd (sic.) marriage: George Alfred Henry, in Sydney aged 34 (? ie. m.1856?); nil children;

Informant: son-in-law William O’Toole. [xx]
(Notably much of the information supplied by William was incorrect.)

When son William Butler died in 1885 the following notice was placed in the Sydney Morning Herald Tues 22 September 1885, p.1:

Deaths- HENRY- September 18, at his residence Florence House, Golden Grove, Mr William Butler, only beloved son of Mrs G. A. Henry (Fanny Rainy) of Cove-Street Balmain, aged 39, and beloved brother of Mrs James Killian (Fanny) (sic. had ‘Rilliam’), of the Lands Office, Mrs William O’Tool (Emily), of Prosper Street Balmain, Mrs John Gibson (Sarah Jane) of Reuse-street Balmain; and beloved nephew of Mr Alexander Rainny of 40 Begg Street Paddington; also nephew of Mrs H. Buckingham (Janet Rainy) of Burwood Road Burwood, and Mrs William Barrett (Sarah Rainy), of Randwick Sydney. Left them all in sorrow.

A second notice in the Sydney Morning Herald 19 Sept 1885 p.1.:
Deaths- BUTLER- September 18, at his residence, Abercrombie-street, Golden Grove, William Butler, in his 40th year, leaving a loving wife and six children to mourn their loss; regretted by all who knew him. "Thy will be done".

William’s death certificate has the following information:

William Butler[xxi]

Died: 18/9/1885

Place:Abercrombie St., Redfern

Occupation: foreman carriage builder, Hudson Brothers

Age: 39 and 6 months ie born March 1846

Place of birth: Morpeth NSW (sic.- Sydney)
Father: Laurence Norman (sic. Ormond?) Butler

Mother: Fanny

Place of Marriage: Morpeth NSW

Age at marriage: 20

Name of spouse: Eliza (no surname)—Elizabeth Rodford??

Chn of marriage: 3 males 3 females living

Informant: William Zucker friend, 31 Redfern St. Redfern

Cause of death: pneumonia, consolidation of lung- 14 days

Date of burial: 20/9/1885

Place: C of E. Rookwood Cemetery

Marriage certificate:

William Butler[xxii]

Occupation: Millwright

Usual residence- Morpeth

Parents not listed

Elizabeth Rodford dau of James Rodford- age under 21

Usual residence- Morpeth

Witnesses Duncan Sim, Sarah Blandford

Church of St James Morpeth NSW

9 July 1867

NB A millwright originally was a specialized carpenter who had working knowledge of driveshafts, bearings, gearing and mechanical belts. The “mill" in millwright refers to the genesis of the trade in building flour mills, sawmills, paper mills and fulling mills powered by water or wind. Millwrights executed every type of engineering operation in the construction of these mills. They designed the patterns of the water wheel systems, carved their gear mechanisms and finally erected the mill machines. Sir William Fairbairn, a millwright of the late 19^th Century, wrote in his “Treatise on Mills and Millwork”…. “the millwright of the late centuries was an itinerant engineer and mechanic of high reputation. He could handle the axe, hammer, and the plane with equal skill and precision”. The millwright of yesteryear was generally trained in arithmetic and geometry and his occupation demanded application of such principles. The Millwright of past centuries performed the work of a civil engineer. (Millwright History- www. unionmillwright.com/history.htm)

William’s death certificate states he was a foreman working for Hudson Brothers at Botany Street Redfern. His residence at Abercrombie Street Redfern was nor far from his workplace, and as his daughter Anne was born at Morpeth in 1869 and his next child Herbert was born at Redfern in 1872, his employment at Hudson Brothers must have occurred between these dates, c.1870.

HUDSON BROTHERS:

Henry Hudson, engineering contractor and manufacturer from London has an entry in the Australian Dictionary of Biography:

“Henry Hudson established a small joinery works at Botany Street Redfern in 1860 with his father, and by July 1870 they employed 87 men and boys. His brothers Robert and William and George all joined the firm. Initially the company specialised in woodworking. The first major contracts undertaken included woodwork for the 'Great Hall' at Sydney University , and building the Sydney 'Garden Palace' in 1879. In 1876-77 the Hudson Brothers completed a government contract for 200 railway wagons at £70 each. They also built passenger carriages and in 1881, after Henry visited the United States in connexion with bogie cars, began to produce them too. In 1881-86 Hudsons built the Coast (Prince Henry) Hospital and carried out many large contracts for timber and joinery. In July 1883 the rolling-stock plant was moved to Granville (Clyde). In the 1880s Hudson became chairman and managing director of a new company, Hudson Bros, which embraced the Redfern and Clyde workshops and sawmills at Pyrmont, Bathurst and the Myall Lakes. The company's report for 31 December 1883 revealed a net profit of £30,000. In 1884 they employed about 1000 hands, and incorporated the firm of Robert Ritchie of Parramatta and Wickham.

In 1885 the government accepted 'Hudson's Temporary Scheme' to ameliorate Sydney's grave water shortage. It required about 1100 men and was completed in January 1886 for about £78,000

The government was often criticized for accepting the contracts of Hudson Bros without calling for tenders, but the quality of their engineering was never questioned. Hudson Bros also manufactured mining, refrigerating and all types of agricultural machinery. Henry Hudson was an alderman for Redfern in 1868 and mayor in 1873 and 1880, and the government sought his opinion on municipal engineering and labour questions. The Hudsons were important pioneers in the engineering and construction industries and their relations with labour were generally good, though they did not introduce the eight-hour day for fitters and turners until November 1882. Henry Lawson who worked for them at Clyde in the 1880s for 30s. a week and at their Newcastle branch, praised them in his Fragment of Autobiography: 'Hudson Brothers were not Grinders. If they had been they mightn't have failed … They imported the best mechanics they could get, treated and paid them well … Their work for Australia deserves to be … credited to them. '” [xxiii] Henry Lawson, the famous poet, balladist and short story writer, became apprenticed at the age of 16 yrs to the Hudson Bros in 1883 as a coach-painter, and was therefore probably apprenticed to William Butler. However, “his daily routine exhausted him, his workmates persecuted him and he failed his examinations.” (ADB)

1872 - Hudson Bros. carriage builders, Redfern Sydney built a mill at Neranie (Survey Map 1874 John Hall). Robert Hudson established and had it operating before George Hudson married in 1873 and took over

1884 - Hudson Bros built an extensive tramway. Tracks brought logs from the Wallingat State Forest to Tarbuck Bay, Droghers to take the logs across Smiths Lake to the Tramway Beach and finally another tramline (1.6 km) to Neranie Mill - horse drawn wagons on brushbox rails, steam engines came later. The vertical boilers were affected by steep inclines so that the train ran backwards, replaced by a horizontal boiler steam engine. The rail cutting is still visible today.

The timber from Neranie Mill was shipped direct to Hudson Bros. wharf, Murray street, Pyrmont - ready cut homes and carriage building business in Regent street, Redfern. One ship used was “The Brothers’, an ex North Sydney ferry taken over by Hudson Bros in 1975 and broken up in 1891.

William is listed in several Sands Directories. He is variously described as a coach builder, truck builder, or carriage builder. In 1876 (until 1885), he was living in Wells Street Redfern, south side between George and Pitt Streets, 4^th house from Pitt St Corner. By the time of his death in 1885, he was living in Abercrombie Street Redfern, east side, between Codrington and Golden Grove Streets, 6^th house from Codrington corner, not including the pub on the corner. This would appear to now be either No 382 Abercrombie St Darlington (the central townhouse of three), or the adjacent unpainted brick townhouse to the left.

It is interesting that William would follow in the footsteps of his grandfather Laurence Butler, cabinet-maker. William’s cousin Thomas Charles Butler (grandson of Walter Butler's first son Francis) was also a carriage builder in Newcastle.

When William died, he was buried in Rookwood Cemetery- Anglican Section

- Section CC, grave 362 (CC is in the Heritage section)- William Butler interred 20 Sept 1885 and Elizabeth O'Grady interred 4 July 1910 (NB. Elizabeth remarried- see below)
-Section CC, grave 363- Emily J. Butler interred 28 Sept 1893 (daughter) and Winifred Butler interred 6 Nov 1905 (granddaughter- dau of Victor E. Butler)

Headstone of William Butler, daughter Emily and wife Elizabeth

(photos courtesy of Megan Hitchens)

Transcript of headstone of WILLIAM BUTLER

Sacred to the memory of

WILLIAM BUTLER

Who died 18^th September 1885

Aged 39 years and 6 months

Dearest husband how I miss thee,

Miss thee more than tongue can tell.

Earth has lost thee, Heaven has found thee

Dearest Husband, sad Farewell.

Erected by the officers and

Members of the Naval Brigade

As a token of esteem in memory of

Their late comrade.

Also EMILY

Eldest daughter of the above

Died 27^th Sept 1893

Aged 25 years

Also Elizabeth

The dearly loved wife of the above

Who died 3rd July 1910

Aged 63 years

William’s association with the Naval Brigade is uncertain at this stage. The NSW Naval Brigade was formed 19 May 1863, consisting of 20 officers and men. On 5 June 1866 the Govt Gazette proclaimed: The whole of Garden Island is now permanently dedicated as a Depot for the use of Her Majesty's Ships.

On 13 Aug 1869 Fort Denison was garrisoned by the NSW Naval Brigade. On 16 January 1882 HMS Wolverine (a screw corvette) was presented to the NSW Government as a 'royal gift'. The ship was used for training the NSW Naval Brigade. By 2 June 1885, the strength of the NSW Naval Brigade reached 640 in all ranks. (The history of the NSW Naval Brigade can be found at www.navyhistory.org.au)

Following William's death, his widow Elizabeth remarried to Patrick O'Grady in 1893 (301/1893 & 561/1893). She died 3 July 1910 aged 63, daughter of James and Jane Rodford, district of Hamilton (Newcastle). (9565/1910). She had been living in Lincoln Street Dulwich Hill in Sydney, but would appear to have died visiting her daughter in Hamilton. (SMH 4 July 1910 p8 & p14) Her husband Patrick O'Grady died just three months before her at their Dulwich Hill home, called Rockleigh (SMH 18 April 1910 p12). The notice said 'late of Golden Grove' which was the residence of William and Elizabeth at Redfern. It is interesting that Elizabeth was buried with her first husband rather than her second.

Sydney Morning Herald, Mon 4 July 1910 p.14

- death of Elizabeth O'Grady nee Butler nee Rodford, naming children

Issue of William Butler and Elizabeth Rodford:

(A) EMILY BUTLER b.1867 d.1893

(B) ANNE A. BUTLER b.1869 Morpeth, m. Thos W. Blandford 1900 at Redfern, d.1955 at Pymble Nursing Home.

Thomas Walter Hall Blandford, b 1869 Morpeth, died 17 Jan 1931 ‘aged 62 at Drummoyne, late of Woolwich’ (SMH 19 Jan 1931- Ryerson Index). They lived next to Anne's sister Florence Dumbarton.

(C) HERBERT WILLIAM BUTLER b.1872 m. Amelia Horsdy 1895 at St Peters , near Marrickville (1895/1758); died 1947 (20487/1947) at Drummoyne. Amelia, dau. of Edward and Ellen Horsdy.

Listed in the 1930, 1931 Electoral Rolls living in Duncan Street, Maroubra Bay, occupation clerk; living with wife Amelia, and sons Herbert Hardy Butler, clerk, and William Herbert Edward Butler, electrician.

Listed in 1932 and 1933 Electoral Rolls, living at 341 Marrickville Road, Marrickville/Dulwich Hill, Sydney, clerk, with wife Amelia and sons William Herbert, and Herbert Hardy.

Not listed in the 1934 or 1935 Electoral Rolls, but wife Amelia is living at 7 East Esplanade, Manly, Home Duties, with son Herbert Hardy Butler, clerk

By 1937, Amelia appears to be living in Bellevue Hills at 601 New South Road, Rose Bay, and son Herbert Hardy Butler is living near her at 146 Bellevue Road, Bellevue, traveler
Amelia died at Manly in 1950 (4492/1950)

Issue:

1.WILLIAM HERBERT EDWARD BUTLER b 1895 St Peters (1895/36615); died 1 August 1944 at Western Suburbs Hospital, late of Croydon, aged 48 (SMH 2 Aug 1944- Ryerson Index) NSW (1944/15484);

married Linda Irene Johnson in 1933 at Redfern NSW (1933/5493), Linda, born 1898 (15747/1898), district of St Leonards, Sydney, daughter of William James and Mary Jane Johnson.
Linda married 1.) George Lucas 1919 (3465/1919) at Sydney; m.2) William Herbert Edward Butler 1933; married 3.) Frederick Jacob Davis in 1950 (475/1950) in Sydney; she died in 1980 (16508/1980).

In the 1930 to 1933 Electoral Rolls, William is living with his parents, occupation electrician.

1934 Electoral Roll, William is living at 26 Larkin Street, Crows Nest, electrical fitter.

1936 Electoral Roll, William is living at 6 Croyden Ave, Croyden Park, electrician, with wife Lindsay (sic) Irene Butler

By the 1943 Electoral Roll, William is still living at 6 Croyden Ave, Croyden Park, electrician, with wife Linda Irene Butler. He died the following year.

2.VERA HOPE BUTLER b.1901 Marrickville NSW (1901/4899); married Horace John Mongan 1925 (1925/5702) at Newtown Sydney; died 29 March 1990 aged 89 Sydney (SMH 31 March 1990). Horace died 30 April 1976 at Turramurra (SMH 1 May 1976).

3.HERBERT HARDY BUTLER b.1905 Marrickville NSW (1905/5098); married Phyllis Seltzamvon Mallesch in 1937 at Woollahra (22718/1937)

Herbert Hardy Butler died 27 June 1988, aged 83, late of Chittaway Point, formerly of Lane Cove (SMH 29 June 1988- Ryerson Index)

In the 1930-33 Electoral rolls, Herbert is living with his parents

1934-35 Electoral Rolls, Herbert is living with his mother at Manly, clerk

1937 Electoral Roll, Herbert is at 146 Bellevue Road, traveler

1943, Herbert Hardy Butler is at 17 Dalmeny Rd, commercial traveler, living with wife, Phyllis Seltzam Butler

1949- Herbert and Phyllis living at Smithtown as a storekeeper

1954- Herbert and Phyllis living in Shirley Street, Byron Bay, shopkeeper

1958- Herbert and Phyllis living at 41A Northwood Rd, Lane Cove Sydney, both storekeepers

1963 and 1968, Herbert and Phyllis living at 105 Longueville Rd, Lane Cove, draper- also living with their son John Herbert Butler, salesman

1977 and 1980, Herbert and Phyllis living at 89 Geoffrey Road, Chittaway Point, no occupation (retired)

By 1972, son John Herbert Butler is living with wife Patricia Ann.

(D) FLORENCE EDITH BUTLER b.1874 m. Charles H Dumbarton in 1896; died 28 July 1937 late of Rodford, Woolwich (SMH 29 July 1937). They called their property 'Rodford' after their mother's maiden name.

(E) VICTOR EDWARD BUTLER (reg as EDWARD VICTOR) b.1876 m. Helena Constance Logan 1902 (1902/10008) at Redfern Sydney, died 30 May 1971, late of Church Point (SMH 1 June 1971)

1913 Electoral Roll- living Gregory Street, Clayfield Brisbane, public servant, with wife Helena Constance

1930 Electoral Roll, living at 20 Mary Street, Longueville, Lane Cove, public servant with wife Helena son Stanley Newsome living at No 25 Mary Street, engineer

By 1933 Electoral Roll, Victor and Helena living at No 25 Mary Street, and still there in 1937 with Stanley living nearby at 12 Sarner Rd Lane Cove with wife Beryl.

After retirement, in the 1943 Electoral Roll, Victor and Helena living at Trikala, Olympian Pde, Leura near Katoomba- still there in 1954 Roll.

1958 Electoral Roll, Victor and Helena living at 2111 Pittwater Rd, Church Point, Pittwater

Issue:

1.WINIFRED E BUTLER b. 1904 Newtown Sydney NSW; married John H Falconer 1922 (9891/1922) at Redfern; died 24 Sept 1995 aged 92, late of Belrose formerly of Oatley (SMH 26 Sept 1995)

2.STANLEY NEWSOME BUTLER b. 1907 Petersham, Sydney (1907/27977); married Beryl Beatrice Browne 1934 Sydney (1934/15148); Sydney Morning Herald Wed 26 Dec 1934 p4 “Floral Ropes-Scarlet Geraniums” describes their wedding at St Philip’s Church Hill (Beryl dau of Mr and Mrs H Browne of Longueville, and sister of Mrs G. Burtinshaw). Groom, son of V.E. Butler of Longueville.

Beryl Beatrice Butler, probate of will dated 16 Sept 1949 (SMH Sat 1 August 1953 p14) executors: husband Stanley Newsome Butler & Mr George Burtinshaw.

1943 Electoral Roll, living at 11 Milner Cres, Crows Nest, but moved to 27 Turner Ave same year.

1943, 1954 and 1958 Electoral Rolls- Stanley Newsome Butler at 27 Turner Ave, Haberfield, Ashfield Sydney, an engineer.

Stanley Newsome Butler died 21 May 1959 late of Church Point (SMH 21 May 1959- Ryerson Index)

Beryl Beatrice died 5 June 1953, late of Haberfield (SMH 6 June 1953

3.GWENDOLINE CONSTANCE BUTLER b. 1911 at Norwood Street Toowong, Brisbane (1911/C11324); married James Alexander in Sydney 1934 (10560/1934)

4. VICTOR GORDON BUTLER b.13 May 1916 at Longueville Sydney (Staff Captain AIF- Nat Archives- Service Record NX12156); engaged to Catherine Isabella MacKinnon 6 Dec 1941 (SMH Mon 8 Dec 1941 p5); married 1945 North Sydney (1945/23227).

Victor Gordon Butler died 12 Feb 1992, late of Mona Vale (SMH 15 Feb 1992- Ryerson Index). Catherine Isabella died 6 Nov 1970, late of St Ives, Sydney SMH 9 Nov 1970

1958, living at 57 Clissold Rd Wahroonga, bank officer with wife Catherine

1963, living at 56 Stanley Rd, St Ives, bank officer, with wife- still living there in 1972 when also living with son Ian Gordon Butler, student

1977, Victor and Catherine living at 2/26 Seaview Ave, Newport, retired, while son Ian Gordon is living in Mona Vale, occupation-operator- possibly the Ian Gordon Butler living in 1978 and 1981 at Western Hutt, Wellington, New Zealand, fireman.

More information on:

VICTOR EDWARD BUTLER joined the NSW Military- Corps of Australian Engineers to be 2^nd Lieutenant (provisionally) supernumerary to the establishment pending absorption (Evening News Sydney Tues 18 Jan 1910 p7

Mr Victor Edward Butler to act as chief officer in NSW Post Office (Daily Commercial News and Shipping Lists Sydney Wed 19 June 1935 p4)

King’s Birthday Honours Lists Thurs 8 June 1939

(several newspapers including the Maitland Daily Mercury Thurs 8 June 1939 p15

ISO (Companion of the Imperial Service Order)- Victor Edward Butler, Acting Deputy Director, Posts and Telegraphs, NSW

Sydney Morning Herald Fri 8 March 1940 p.10:

48 YEARS IN POST OFFICE- Mr V. Butler Retiring

When Mr Victor Edward Butler, Deputy Director of the Postal Department, who retires on March 15, joined the service as a switch attendant in Sept 1892, there were 1400 telephone subscribers in the City of Sydney, all connected to the one exchange.

Mr Butler has seen the service grow until to-day there are more than 118,000 telephone subscribers in Sydney.

In 1892, Sydney had a population of 107,652, and less than 2% of the people used a phone. Nine percent of the people of Sydney are telephone users today, and, in the metropolitan area alone, there are 47 exchanges.

Since the war began, a great part of Mr Butler’s time has been devoted to work associated with defence- communications, censorship, and intelligence. He said yesterday that, after his retirement, he would offer his services to the Federal Government.

In 1908, Mr Butler was appointed assistant manager in Sydney. Two years later, he re-organized the telephone administration in Queensland. Then he was appointed chairman of the staffing committee, which secured a saving of more than £30,000 a year in the working of the Sydney telephone branch.

“I know of nothing finer, after all these years, than the comradeship in the postal service.” He said.

The staff of the Postal Department will entertain Mr and Mrs Butler at a farewell party on the evening of March 15. The Postmaster-General, Mr Harrison and the Director-General Mr D McVey will be present.

(F) ARTHUR GEORGE BUTLER b.1879 m. Florence Dixon 1920

Arthur George Butler died 20 Sept 1946 aged 67 (born 1879) at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, late of Vaucluse (SMH 23 Sept 1946)

Sunday Times, Sun 11 March 1929 p.30: The many Sydney friends of Mr and Mrs Arthur G. Butler of Vaucluse, will be interested to learn they have returned to London from a visit to Germany. It is the intention of Mr and Mrs Butler to make London their headquarters until September next.

Sydney Morning Herald Fri 20 Nov 1914 p.7

Probate has been granted of the will of the late Mr James Robinson Love, merchant, of Sydney, who died at his residence, Lane Cove road, Wahroonga on August 25 last. He bequeathed….£250 to Arthur George Butler, etc. (The net value of the estate was sworn at £33,219 of which £23,758 represented shares in public companies, the bulk being shares in J.R. Love and Co. Ltd.)

Sydney Morning Herald Sat 3 May 1919 p.17:

SUGAR INDUSTRY- Cuba’s Great Mills- A Striking Comparison

The Royal Commission appointed to enquire into the sugar industry continued the hearing of evidence in Sydney.

Mr Thomas Hughes, one of the Colonial Sugar Refining Company’s administrative staff, undertook to submit a complete statement relative to the comparative conditions affecting the industry in Australia and elsewhere. Etc…. Mr Arthur George Butler, secretary of J. R. Love and Co. Ltd, wholesale grocer, said that distribution of supplies from the C.S.R. was efficiently carried out. The company had found no difference in sales since March 1918.

Sydney Morning Herald Thurs 12 June 1924 p.10

The Vaucluse Progress Association celebrates its tenth anniversary at Reid’s Hall, Parsley Bay, last evening, the chair being occupied by Mr Arthur G. Butler, the president.

Sydney Morning Herald Fri 27 Sept 1946 p.12-

In the will of Arthur George Butler, late of Vaucluse in the State of NSW. Retired Accountant, deceased. Application will be made after 14 days from the publication hereof that Probate of the last Will and Testament dated 24 March 1942 of the above-named deceased may be granted to Alice Elizabeth Butler, the Executrix named in the said Will.

(My grateful thanks to Amelia and John Crawford [Dumbarton line] for sharing their formation on William's descendants.)

[i] NSW Registry of BDM- V1812407 6/1812- birth- Lawrence Butler

[ii] Ibid, 1047/1856- death- Lawrence Ormond Butler

[iii] Ibid, V1833348 73A1833- marriage- Lawrence Butler, Catherine Gorman

[iv] AGCI Record held by SAG Ref B7/11/38 p26; B7/11/59 p51 Record No 914 (S-F)

[v] Ibid, V1840623 75/1840- marriage- Lawrence Ormond Butler, Agnes McPherson; and IGI Record

[vi] Ibid, 1047/1856- death Lawrence O. Butler

[vii] AGCI Record held by SAG Ref B7/11/38 p26; B7/11/59 p51 Record No 914 (S-F)

[viii] NSW Registry of BDM- V183499 18/1834- birth George Henry Butler

[ix] The Monaro Pioneers Project- Pioneers and Settlers database- Thomas Gorman- www.monaropioneers.com

[x] Sydney Morning Herald Fri 13 Feb 1914 p6

[xi] Sydney Morning Herald Fri 6 Nov 1925 p10

[xii] NSW Registry of BDM- 1910/8331

[xiii] Sydney Morning Herald Tues 8 July 1879 p1

[xiv] Sydney Morning Herald Mon 3 Jan 1921 p4

[xv] Sydney Morning Herald Tues 26 July 1910 p12

[xvi] Ancestry.com- London Births and Baptisms 1813-1906

[xvii] Ancestry.com- London Marriages and Banns 1754-1921

[xviii] Ancestry.com- England and Wales Christening Records 1530-1906

[xix] The Assessment Books 1845-1948 City of Sydney Archives http://photosau.com.au/CosRates/scripts/home.asp (p.26)

[xx] NSW Registry of BDM- 1885/2979

[xxi] NSW Registry of BDM- 1885/5718

[xxii] NSW Registry of BDM- 1867/2439

[xxiii] Walsh, G.P. ‘Hudson, Henry (1836-1907), Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, http://adb.anu.edu/biography/hudson-henry-3810/text6045, accessed 5 Sept 2012

Thanks to Megan Hitchens for her information on this Rainy family and for generously sharing her research with me.

Tuesday, 4 September 2012

Lawrence Ormond Butler- Ch. 5: Issue of Lawrence Butler

Lawrence’s First family and descendants

Lawrence Ormond Butler’s family by his third wife and their descendants

FRANCES RAINY (third wife of Lawrence Ormond Butler)