Stephen and Mary Tobin’s four sons had a very limited formal education, although they would have received valuable lessons in life from their highly intelligent father and his role as a community leader. Each of them developed strong characters and led interesting lives, involving themselves in their communities.
JOHN CONWAY TOBIN
JOHN CONWAY TOBIN was born in 1866 in Gerringong/Kiama, NSW.[i] He died on 10 Jun 1944 in Shenton Park, WA.[ii] (buried Karrakatta cemetery Perth- Section KC Grave No. 0123).
Married in 1906, ANNIE KIERSE (of Ballarat) in W.A.[iii]
Married in 1906, ANNIE KIERSE (of Ballarat) in W.A.[iii]
No issue.
Before moving to Western Australia with the rest of the family, John Conway Tobin began his working life, taking over his father’s hotel, the Tallebudgera Hotel, in 1888, extending it and renaming it the Victoria Hotel. He transferred the licence to his brother-in-law Adolph Poulsen the following year, although Poulsen and his family soon moved on to Lismore. These changes of ownership seem to follow his father’s financial misfortunes in 1887 when Stephen tried, unsuccessfully, to sell the hotel.
In the 1903 WA Electoral Roll, John Conway Tobin was living in West Northam, district of Swan, occupation listed as a ‘loco storeman’ (for the government railways).
By 1910 he was living at 338 Piccadilly St Hannans, Kalgoorlie with his wife Annie, occupation storeman
In 1916, John and Annie were living in Beach Road Bunbury, occupation storekeeper.
1925 they were firstly living at 66 McCourt St Balkatta, Fremantle, occupation storekeeper. In the same year, they were listed as living at 232 Marmon St Cottesloe, Claremont, Fremantle, occupation storeman.
In 1931, they were still living in Cottesloe, at No. 234 Marmon Street, occupation storeman.
In the 1936 and 1937 electoral rolls, while still at Cottesloe, John was now living at 86 Broome street while his wife Annie was living at No. 140 Broome street. John was still a storeman.
By the 1943 electoral roll, John was listed as living with Annie at 28 Morgan Street, Subiaco, Perth, however, he had died the year before at Subiaco. Annie died three years later.
Sunday Times (Perth) Sun 11 June 1944 p4
Funeral Notice
TOBIN- The friends of the late Mr John Conway Tobin of 28 Morgan-street, Shenton Park, and formerly of the West Australian Government Railways, are respectfully informed that his remains will be privately interred in the Roman Catholic portion of the Karrakatta Cemetery Tomorrow Morning.
Friends are invited to attend Requiem Mass which will be celebrated in St Aloysius’ Church, Henry Street, Shenton Park at 6.50 o’clock tomorrow.
No flowers by request.
The West Australian Thurs 22 May 1947 p1
Deaths
TOBIN- On May 20 1947, Annie dearly loved wife of the late John Conway Tobin, formerly of Bunbury, beloved aunt of Murial and John Genefini, of 62 Palmerston-street, Mosman Park, and baby Pat.
Requiescat in peace
TOBIN- On May 20 1947, Annie, dearly beloved sister of Susan (Mrs Whyte, Mosman Park) loved aunt of Anna, Eileen, Gos and Lily
TOBIN- On May 20 1947. Annie, beloved sister of Jane, (Mrs Montgommery, deceased), loving aunt of Jean and Reg Mahony (Sydney), Stan and Joyce Montgomery, and Bill and Lil Montgomery.
TOBIN- On May 20, dearly loved sister-in-law of Mollie Tobin, and loving aunt of Jack and Fred Tobin (sons of Charles Frederick Tobin)
A life well lived.
John Conway Tobin’s death notice stated he had worked for the West Australian Government Railways, where he was employed as a storeman. He became a storekeeper at Bunbury on the south western coast for a period of time, before returning to his former job as a storeman at Cottesloe Beach Freemantle in the early 1920’s.
The newspaper reports below reveal that, like his father, he was politically active, with strong Trade Union links, - the Amalgamated Workers Association, the Drivers’ Firemen and Cleaners’ Union, the W.A.A. Society of Railway Employees, and the Bunbury Shop Assistant’s Union.
In 1919 he resigned as treasurer of the S.W. District Council of the A.L. F., which appears to consist of a number of unions, such as the A.W.U., the W.A.A. Society of Railway Employees (represented by J.C.Tobin), the Timber Workers Union, the Collie Coal Miners, etc.
He retired as a Councilor for the South Ward in 1917 and was an active member of the elected Labor Party in W.A.
In 1919 he was appointed treasurer of the Bunbury and District Co-operative Society Ltd., and resigned the following year. He was honorary auditor of the Bunbury Shop Assistant’s Union from 1917 to 1921, when he and wife Annie moved to Freemantle where he remained until they retired to Subiaco, a suburb of Perth, where John died.
NEWSPAPER ARTICLES
The West Australian Mon 20 Jan 1902 p5
Meeting of Timber District Branches
Yarloop Jan 19
A largely- attended meeting of delegates of the timber district branches of the Amalgamated Workers’ Association was held to-day at Yarloop. The Canning, Jarrahdale, Waroom, Yarloop, Mornington, Warsley and Karridale branches were represented. On the motion of A J Wilson, seconded by Mr J C Tobin, it was resolved that the Yarloop branch state a case to the Conciliation Board immediately regarding a dispute as to the reduction of the working hours to 48 a week, the payment of overtime at the rate of time and a quarter, Sunday work at time and a half, a minimum wage of 1s. an hour, and the preferential employment of unionists.
It was resolved that Mr A J Wilson the newly elected central secretary, take the necessary steps to organize branches of the Political Labor Party at Swan, Murray, Wellington, Sussex, and Plantaganet immediately.
The secretary was instructed to bring under the notice of Mr Hastie, leader of the Labour Party in Parliament, the serious effect upon the workers in the timber industry of the increased employment of Italians.
Kalgoorlie Miner Sat 17 July 1909 p.9
Level Crossing Fatality
Thomas Sackett’s Death
“Nobody to Blame”
The inquest into the death of the old man, Thomas Sackett who was killed by a train at the Williamstown level crossing on the night of July 12, was held in Kalgoorlie yesterday morning, etc
The inquest was told that Sackett waited for a train to pass before stepping onto the line and was hit by a train from the opposite direction. One of the witnesses, John Conway Tobin, storeman on the Government railways, deposed that he examined the engine that was reported to have injured a man, to find stains of blood. That was about half an hour after the return of the train from Kamballie. With the assistance of the foreman he examined the engine, and found no blood stains or any foreign substance on the engine.
The jury returned a verdict that Thomas Sackett came to his death by injuries received by the 7:10 p.m. train to Kamballie on July 12 at Williamstown crossing, no blame being attachable to anyone.
Bunbury Herald Thursday 24 Oct 1912 p7
W.A.A.S. Railway Employees
Bunbury Branch Annual Smoke Social
The annual smoke social in connection with the Bunbury branch of the Western Australian Amalgamated Society of Railway Employees took place in the Rechabite Hall on Saturday evening. Mr W.L. Thomas M.L. A. presided and was supported by Messrs…… Shanahan (secretary of the local AIF), Yeldon (stationmaster at Picton), J. Tobin C. Murton representing Drivers’, Firemen and Cleaner’s Union…
Mr J.C. Tobin, in proposing the toast of ‘Parliament’, said at last after many years of hard work they had succeeded in getting a workers’ had succeeded in getting a workers’ Parliament and there was every prospect of it being a benefit to the people in general. Mr Thomas then spoke and said he felt it a great privilege to be a member of the first Labor Parliament of Western Australia.
Bunbury Herald Wed 7 Nov 1917 p.2
Municipal Elections- Nominations for positions of Mayor, and one Councillor for each of the three Wards will be received until 20th November, and the elections will take place on the 28th November.
The retiring councilors are… South Ward Mr J.C. Tobin
Bunbury Herald Sat 24 Nov 1917 p.3
Municipal Elections
No Opposition
Bunbury will be spared the excitement of Municipal Elections this year. Wednesday last was nomination day, and the Town Clerk who acted as Deputy Returning Officer had the pleasure of declaring that all the retiring officials who nominated had been re-elected unopposed…. Mr J.C. Tobin who retired for the South Ward, did not seek a further term of office.
Bunbury Herald Sat 5 July 1919 p6
SW District Council A.L.F.
Annual Meeting
On Sunday, the 29th ult., the annual meeting of the S.W. District Council of the A.L. F. was held, the president Mr F. Withers being in the chair. Others present included Messrs H. McCulloch, and D. Higgon, vice-presidents, representing the A.W.U., J. C. Tobin, treasurer, R. Oates and J.B. Williams (W.A.A. Society Railway Employees), etc. etc. (other union groups affiliated with the AIF such as the Timber Workers Union and Collie Coal Miners). Credentials for various delegates were received and accepted.
Business matters discussed, including Financial Position, Election of Officers: The following officers were elected for the ensuing year- etc. treasurer R. Maslin (elected in place of Mr J. C. Tobin who declined to re-nominate). The salary was fixed as before, viz. £2/2 per annum; auditors, Messrs J. B. Williams and J.C. Tobin, the fees to be 10/6 each for the half year audit, and £1/1 each for the yearly.
Signing cheques- authority was given to R. Muslin to sign cheques as treasurer, vice J.C. Tobin.
Mr J.C. Tobin- It was decided to record in the Minutes an appreciation of the services of Mr J.C. Tobin as treasurer.
Bunbury Herald and Blackwood Express Wed 3 Sept 1919 p3
CO-OPERATION
A meeting of the shareholders of the Bunbury and District Co-operative Society Ltd., was held in the Rechabite Hall on August 31st at 2.30 p.m. 30 shareholders being present. The hon. Secretary read the report of the provisional committee on the work done in connection with the forming and registration of the Society under the Friendly Society’s Act, 1903. Considerable difficulty was experienced, as after applying to the Registrar, the committee were informed that the consent of the Federal Treasurer had to be obtained. This took 5 weeks to get, and other technicalities took some four months before the registration came to hand, on August 20th. The report shows that 203 shares have been applied for, 71 of which have been fully paid, leaving 132 partly paid. Cash received £103. The provisional committee was appointed a committee with instructions to commence business as soon as a stipulated amount was in hand. Mr J.C. Tobin was added to the Executive Committee, as treasurer, and with the committee to hold office until the general meeting in December. Etc.
Bunbury Herald & Blackwood Express Fri 23 July 1920 p4
Municipality of Bunbury
Extraordinary Election
South Ward
The following nominations have been duly received for the extra-ordinary vacancy in the South Ward caused by the resignation of Councillor John Conway Tobin, etc.
Bunbury Herald and Blackwood Express Fri 24 June 1921 p5
Bunbury Shop Assistants
Half-Yearly General Meeting
A Presentation
A well attended meeting of the Bunbury Shop Assistant’s Union was held at Kalgoorlie House on Tuesday evening, when Mr G. Blythe (President) occupied the chair.
(after business) The occasion was utilized for the presentation of a handsome briar-wood pipe to Mr J.C. Tobin, as a recognition of his services as honorary auditor to the Union since its inception in 1917.
In returning thanks to members for their kindly action, Mr Tobin expressed his pleasure at the appreciation of his services. It had given him great satisfaction to do all he could for the Union in the past, and he hoped to make his work valuable in the future.
STEPHEN WILLIAM TOBIN was born on 23 Dec 1870 in Queensland.[iv] He died 13 February 1924 at the Albert Park Hotel, Albert Park, South Melbourne VIC.[v]
Married MARY ANN (Minnie) AUSTIN nee HARTSTONGE in 1911 VIC.[vi] (1863-1943)
Married MARY ANN (Minnie) AUSTIN nee HARTSTONGE in 1911 VIC.[vi] (1863-1943)
No known issue
Stephen was born in Tallebudgera 23 December 1870.
The following newspaper reports reveal some information on his life.
The Daily News Perth Thurs 19 Oct 1911 p.5
FAREWELL to OLD FREMANTLE RESIDENT
After nearly 17 years service with the well-known hardware firm of John Church and Co. Fremantle, Mr Syd. W. Tobin, the accountant, is leaving on Saturday week per the s.s. Kanowna for the Eastern States. He is about to commence business on his own account in the State of Victoria, and he will also become a benedict at Christmas time. Mr Tobin is one of the most popular business men in the town of Fremantle, and his friends feel that they cannot allow him to depart without giving him some mark of the esteem in which he is held by them. Consequently a dinner will be given in his honor at the P. and O. Hotel next Thursday evening. Mr Tobin will spend his honeymoon in touring New South Wales and New Zealand.
The Daily News Perth Tues 31 Oct 1911 p5
Valedictory
The employees of Messrs John Church and Co. met at the invitation of the firm on Friday evening at the ‘Cabin’ Tea Rooms, to bid farewell to Mr S.W. Tobin who, after some sixteen years service as accountant, has severed his connection with the firm to enter into business on his own account in Victoria. An excellent repast was provided, and a choice programme of songs and elocutionary items rendered throughout the evening by the Messrs Church Bros., and members of the staff. Miss Atwell kindly acting as accompanist. The toast of ‘Our Guest, Mr Tobin’, was proposed by Mr John Church, whose words of high eulogy of Mr Tobin’s marked ability, and expressions of good wishes for his future, happiness and prosperity met with applause from all which left no doubt as to his popularity. Mr Taplin, on behalf of the employees warmly supported the toast and presented him with a handsome suit-case and set of brushes, as a mark of the esteem in which he was held by them. Mr Tobin feelingly responded, and said he keenly felt the breaking of the ties that had bound him for so many years to his employer and fellow employees, and heartily thanked them for their gifts and kindly words concerning him and especially for the letter with cheque enclosed that he had received from the firm. Mr Tobin sailed for the East on Saturday per s.s. Kanowna.
Stephen married Mary Ann (Minnie) Austin nee Hartstonge in 1911. She was born in December 1863 in Sunfort, Liscarroll, Co. Cork, Ireland.
In Melbourne, Stephen was manager of the Village Belle Hotel in the suburb of Coburg for the first five years. The following newspaper report shows how he was an important member of the community.
He then became manager of Loyer's Windsor Hotel at Albert Park until at least 1920.
The licence was transferred from Loyer to Mary Ann Tobin in 1917, although it would appear that Loyer still owned the hotel
Mary Ann then became the licencee of the Albert Park Hotel nearby, which she continued to run after her husband's death.
Saturday, 20 March 1926, p.7
Stephen died in Sth Melbourne in 1924 at the Albert Park Hotel, aged 54.
CHARLES FREDERICK TOBIN
CHARLES FREDERICK TOBIN was born on 16 May 1873 in Tallebudgera Creek, Queensland.[vii] He died 9 January 1925 Darwin N.T.[viii]
Married MARY MANFORD (1877-1956) on 6 Nov 1907 at Coolgardie WA.[ix] It would appear that Mary Manford was an alias for Grace Emily Mitchell.
Married MARY MANFORD (1877-1956) on 6 Nov 1907 at Coolgardie WA.[ix] It would appear that Mary Manford was an alias for Grace Emily Mitchell.
Issue: 1.John Eric b.25 December 1907 at Menzies W.A., d. 28 May 1979 at Northam W.A. (burial record Northam Cemetery), m. 1945 Eileen unknown- issue 2 daughters;
2.Frederick Charles Anthony b.1910 d.1995 (buried Karrakatta Cemetry), m. 1943 Carola Aloyisa Folly (1910-1989).
2.Frederick Charles Anthony b.1910 d.1995 (buried Karrakatta Cemetry), m. 1943 Carola Aloyisa Folly (1910-1989).
The true name of the wife of Charles Frederick Tobin is difficult to sort out.
The official marriage record at the W.A. Registry of BDM has Charles Frederick Tobin married to Mary Manford in 1907 at Coolgardie, one of Western Australia's gold mining towns.
She signed her name 'Mary Manford', and was a 'spinster' so no previous husband. Her father is named as 'Charles Manford' and, significantly, her mother is 'Emily Jane Eland'.Some records have Charles Tobin married to Grace Emily Mitchell. Curiously there are no records of a marriage of a woman of this name in W.A., and Electoral Rolls and most newspaper articles, name Charles Tobin's wife as 'Mary' or ‘Mollie’. However, son John Eric’s death notice names his mother as 'Grace' and father as 'Jack'.
Her grave in Karrrakatta Cemetery Perth, names her as ‘Mary Tobin’ and the gravesite grantee is named as her son Frederick Charles Tobin. Mary Tobin’s death index names her parents as Charles and Emily.
However, going by other records, it would appear that Mary Manford was in fact Grace Emily Mitchell.
The Mitchells were wealthy pastoralists from the Geraldton District of W.A. Charles and Emily Jane Mitchell nee Eland emigrated to West Australia from England in 1888.
Their daughter Grace Emily was born in England on 18 June 1877 to Charles Mitchell and his first wife Emily Jane Eland who were married in London in 1876. The Mitchell family appear on the 1881 English Census in Benthall Rd Hackney, where Charles’ occupation is a mercantile shipping clerk. Charles Mitchell was born in 1849 in Hinton St George In Somerset. His father was a mason employing 2 men (1851 UK Census).
The Mitchell family left Albany WA in 1888 for Fremantle, so possibly the ship they arrived on called into Albany first.
1881 UK Census- The Mitchell family- Grace Emily 3 yrs of age
In the 1906 Western Australia Electoral Roll, Charles Mitchell is a grazier on a sheep station called 'Gullewa' in the Division of Coolgardie. His daughter Grace Emily is listed with him, occupation 'domestic duties'.
Charles Mitchell’s Will left a bequest of £1000 to his daughter Grace Emily Tobin. Notably, this was the largest monetary bequest in his will to any of his daughters and even to his second wife, which indicates that Mary/Grace was finding it tough going. His estate was valued at £62,000.
(West Australian 23 July 1932 p.16)
The West Australian newspaper ‘In Memoriam’ notices for Charles Mitchell for at least 5 years, has "loving father and grandfather of Grace and Jack and Fred".
(thanks to Noelene Newman for her help in finding this information).
West Australian, Perth, Sat. 5 March 1910- Birth of Frederick Charles Tobin
BIRTHS
TOBIN- At Nurse Lloyd's Maternity Home, 23 Coolgardie Avenue, to Mr and Mrs Chas. Tobin of Vivian Gold Mine, Harris- a son. Both doing well.
Records and newspaper reports of Charles F. Tobin:
In the 1910 Electoral Roll, Charles Frederick Tobin was a carpenter, living in Vivian, district of Mount Leonora, Coolgardie, with 'Molly' Tobin.
1916 Electoral Roll- Charles Frederick Tobin, carpenter, and Mary Tobin, living in new mill, Barrabupp.
Shortly after 1916, Charles left his family and disappeared from their life. He set up business in the Northern Territory.
In the 1922 Northern Territory Electoral Roll, Charles Frederick Tobin was living at Batchelor, 98 kms south of Darwin, occupation fisherman. Batchelor's population is about 50% indigenous.
He is next heard of in Darwin where he is taken into custody as an insolvent. He had apparently been working as a carpenter in his own business as a carpenter in Darwin prior to going down to Batchelor.
The following newspaper reports report on his insolvency and death.
(thanks to Noelene Newman for her help in finding this information).
West Australian, Perth, Sat. 5 March 1910- Birth of Frederick Charles Tobin
BIRTHS
TOBIN- At Nurse Lloyd's Maternity Home, 23 Coolgardie Avenue, to Mr and Mrs Chas. Tobin of Vivian Gold Mine, Harris- a son. Both doing well.
Records and newspaper reports of Charles F. Tobin:
In the 1910 Electoral Roll, Charles Frederick Tobin was a carpenter, living in Vivian, district of Mount Leonora, Coolgardie, with 'Molly' Tobin.
1916 Electoral Roll- Charles Frederick Tobin, carpenter, and Mary Tobin, living in new mill, Barrabupp.
Shortly after 1916, Charles left his family and disappeared from their life. He set up business in the Northern Territory.
In the 1922 Northern Territory Electoral Roll, Charles Frederick Tobin was living at Batchelor, 98 kms south of Darwin, occupation fisherman. Batchelor's population is about 50% indigenous.
He is next heard of in Darwin where he is taken into custody as an insolvent. He had apparently been working as a carpenter in his own business as a carpenter in Darwin prior to going down to Batchelor.
The following newspaper reports report on his insolvency and death.
Insolvency Notice
Declaration
I the undersigned Charles Frederick Tobin, formerly of Darwin, but now a debtor in actual custody for debt in His Majesty’s Gaol at Fanny Bay, do hereby declare that I am unable to meet my engagements with my creditors.
Dated this 9th day of February 1923
Charles Tobin
Northern Territory Times and Gazette, Sat 10 March 1923 p.3
Insolvency Notice
Adjudication
In the Local Court of Insolvency Darwin
Whereas adjudication in insolvency has been made against the undermentioned person on the date and manner given hereunder:
Notice is hereby given that the said Court has appointed the following days for the meetings in the estate to be held at the Local Court House, Darwin, at the first of which meetings, the insolvent is required to make disclosures of his estate and effects, and the creditors are to come prepared to prove their debts, and to vote in the choice of a Trustee or Trustees, and at the last meeting the insolvent is to finish his examination.
Charles Frederick Tobin of Darwin, Carpenter, adjudicated February the 17th 1923 on his own petition. First hearing Monday February 26th 1923 at 10 o’clock. Final hearing Wednesday March 28th 1923 at 10 o’clock in the forenoon.
F.G. Burt
Clerk of Court.
Northern Territory Times Fri 29 Feb 1924 p3
In the Local Court of Insolvency Darwin
The under-mentioned dividend is payable at my office, Court House Darwin, to those persons who have proved their debts Charles Frederick Tobin of Darwin, Carpenter, first and final dividend of Twenty shillings in the pound
F.G. Burt, Registrar
Darwin February 27th 1924
The following obituary gives us an excellent summary of Charles' interesting life.
Northern Territory Times & Gazette (Darwin) Friday 9 January 1925 p. 4
Northern Territory Times & Gazette (Darwin) Friday 9 January 1925 p. 4
DEATH OF MR. C. TOBIN.
The death took place at the General Hospital this morning at 7 a m of the above well known carpenter and builder. The deceased had been under medical care for some months past and had undergone an operation during December, making a good recovery he was discharged on the first of the present month, but was re-admitted on Wednesday another operation being performed yesterday morning. He was apparently doing alright up to the evening when malarial and heart trouble supervened and the patient collapsed and passed away as stated quietly this morning. The deceased was a native of Wallangarra, Queensland, 51 years of age, married and leaves a widow with two grown sons who reside in Perth, Western Australia. The finished (sic) tradesman, Mr Tobin followed his calling throughout the goldfields of the West for many years, erecting many of the larger mills of the fields. Coming to the Territory some 10 years ago he stuck closely to the coast, having a great faith in the fishing industry in which he spent a good deal of his time and earnings. He was the contractor for the erection of the Inland Mission Hospital at the Victoria River, turning out a very creditable job. Lately being employed by contractor Harold Snell. The funeral will take place this evening. To his relatives we tender our sincere sympathy.
Northern Territory Times & Gazette, Tues 22 June 1926 p.3
Will any friends who knew my late husband Charles Frederick Tobin and anything about his death in Darwin on Jan. 9th 1925 please write to me, (Mrs) Mary Tobin, 480 Hay Street, Perth. Fuller particulars this office.
Northern Territory Times & Gazette, Fri 7 Jan 1927 p3
IN MEMORIUM
TOBIN- In ever loving memory of our dear husband and father Charles Frederick Tobin, who passed away at Darwin on January 9th 1925.
“Come back” we cry, all sad and broken hearted
The angel Death replies, “It is too late”.
Inserted by his ever sorrowing wife and sons, Jack and Fred.
Find-A Grave (Memorial #61006456) has the following information on the burial of Charles F. Tobin:
CHARLES FRANK (sic) TOBIN
Birth: 1873
Death: 9 Jan 1925
Note: b. QLD; s/w Jean Dargie; carpenter
Burial: Darwin Gardens Cemetery Reserve
Plot: Row 634
Charles Tobin is buried in the same plot as Jean Dargie, the 7 year old daughter of Charles and Emily Dargie who must have been a close friend of Charles Tobin. The cement gravestone holding the plaque is topped by a large statue of Jesus.
Jean Dargie, who had been ailing for some time, died just a couple of weeks after Charles Tobin. Maybe Dargie felt sorry for Tobin who had no family to take care of his burial, and buried his friend in the same plot as his daughter.
The memorial plaque has: Jean Dargie (with C.F. Tobin) 1918- 21/1/1925, Daughter of Charles and Emily Dargie.
Charles Dargie died just four years later. His obituary in the Northern Standard, Darwin, Tues 23 July 1919, described Dargie as a well-known resident of Darwin, and that, "as is well known, the deceased has been a sufferer for some years from an acute nervous condition which has practically incapacitated him, and for some years, he has been the recipient of an invalid pension. The deceased had been an engineer of exceptional ability and was for some years employed in the workshops of the Victorian Railways.He had left for employment with a broom manufacturer and that he had designed and manufactured many improvements to the machinery. Responding to the Gilruth boom in the Territory, he, with a number of others, arrived in the Territory and immediately took up land on the Daly River, losing no time in putting a portion of his area under broom millet from which he manufactured a great number of brooms of exceptional quality which were disposed of on the local market. He then moved to Darwin where he has lived since 1919."
Charles Dargie and wife Emily are buried in the same cemetery, Row 692, with an identical statue of Jesus, and the plaque has: Daly River Settlers 1913; Charles Dargie 1864-1929, Emily Bantz Dargie 1874-1955 and Wallace Wilfred (Son) 1915-1933
The exact nature of the relationship between the Dargies and Charles Tobin, which finds them joined in death, remains a mystery.
(Again, my thanks to Noelene Newman who found the above information.)
Records of MARY TOBIN, wife of Charles Frederick Tobin:
1925-1937 Electoral Rolls- Mary Tobin, home duties, was living at 480 Hay Street, Perth. The year before, in January 1924, Frederick Tobin, aged 13, was knocked down by a car near his home. After dodging a tramcar, he ran in front of the motor car, and was treated at Perth Hospital for severe lacerations of the left leg.
1943 Electoral Roll- Mary Tobin, home duties, living with her son John Eric Tobin, traveller, at 16 Helena Street East Guilford.
1949 Electoral Roll- Mary Tobin, home duties, living with her son Frederick Charles Anthony Tobin, railway employee, at 16 Helena Street East Guilford.
1954 Electoral Roll- Mary Tobin, home duties, living in Fulham Street, Kewdale.
Mary Tobin died Perth in 1956, aged 79 (WA Registry No. 1967)
She was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery Perth, gravesite grantee, Frederick Charles Tobin.
Find-A Grave (Memorial #61006456) has the following information on the burial of Charles F. Tobin:
CHARLES FRANK (sic) TOBIN
Birth: 1873
Death: 9 Jan 1925
Note: b. QLD; s/w Jean Dargie; carpenter
Burial: Darwin Gardens Cemetery Reserve
Plot: Row 634
Charles Tobin is buried in the same plot as Jean Dargie, the 7 year old daughter of Charles and Emily Dargie who must have been a close friend of Charles Tobin. The cement gravestone holding the plaque is topped by a large statue of Jesus.
Jean Dargie, who had been ailing for some time, died just a couple of weeks after Charles Tobin. Maybe Dargie felt sorry for Tobin who had no family to take care of his burial, and buried his friend in the same plot as his daughter.
The memorial plaque has: Jean Dargie (with C.F. Tobin) 1918- 21/1/1925, Daughter of Charles and Emily Dargie.
Charles Dargie and wife Emily are buried in the same cemetery, Row 692, with an identical statue of Jesus, and the plaque has: Daly River Settlers 1913; Charles Dargie 1864-1929, Emily Bantz Dargie 1874-1955 and Wallace Wilfred (Son) 1915-1933
The exact nature of the relationship between the Dargies and Charles Tobin, which finds them joined in death, remains a mystery.
(Again, my thanks to Noelene Newman who found the above information.)
Records of MARY TOBIN, wife of Charles Frederick Tobin:
1925-1937 Electoral Rolls- Mary Tobin, home duties, was living at 480 Hay Street, Perth. The year before, in January 1924, Frederick Tobin, aged 13, was knocked down by a car near his home. After dodging a tramcar, he ran in front of the motor car, and was treated at Perth Hospital for severe lacerations of the left leg.
1943 Electoral Roll- Mary Tobin, home duties, living with her son John Eric Tobin, traveller, at 16 Helena Street East Guilford.
1949 Electoral Roll- Mary Tobin, home duties, living with her son Frederick Charles Anthony Tobin, railway employee, at 16 Helena Street East Guilford.
1954 Electoral Roll- Mary Tobin, home duties, living in Fulham Street, Kewdale.
Mary Tobin died Perth in 1956, aged 79 (WA Registry No. 1967)
She was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery Perth, gravesite grantee, Frederick Charles Tobin.
The Carnamah Historical Society and Museum's Biographical Dictionary of Coorow, Carnamah and Three Springs has the following biography on 'Jack' John Eric TOBIN (eldest son of Charles Tobin and Mary Manford):
Born 1908
Arrived in Carnamah on Tuesday 22 January 1935
Representative and Salesman for the Shell Oil Company in Carnamah in 1935
Donated £1/1/0 to the Benefit Fund to assist Miss Dorothy Dial of Three Springs who had been injured in a car accident.
Member of the Carnamah Golf Club in 1935.
In June 1935 purchased a new Oldsmobile mobile six sedan car, which was "the latest thing in modern car construction".
Vice-President of the Carnamah Rifle Club in 1935.
Donated a trophy for one of the sections at the Three Springs Agricultural Society's Annual Show in 1935.
Left Carnamah in mid August 1935 after being transferred to Cue.
Traveller in Mullewa in 1936, during which time he lived at the Club Hotel in Mullewa.
HERBERT PATRICK TOBIN
HERBERT PATRICK TOBIN was born on 02 Jun 1875 at Tallebudgera Queensland.[x] He died on 17 Jun 1956 in Perth, W.A.[xi]
Married 21 Oct 1899 EVA MADELINE MACFARLANE in W.A.[xii]
Both buried at Karrakatta Cemetery Perth Sect. AA Grave No. 0218A
Issue: Dorothy Louise b.1900 d.1988, mx3- 3rd Alan Breeze- no issue;
Married 21 Oct 1899 EVA MADELINE MACFARLANE in W.A.[xii]
Both buried at Karrakatta Cemetery Perth Sect. AA Grave No. 0218A
Issue: Dorothy Louise b.1900 d.1988, mx3- 3rd Alan Breeze- no issue;
Alfred Herbert (aka Ralph) b.1901 d.1930, unm.;
Theodore Harold Victor b.1906 d.1993 m1. Veronique Truslove; m.2. Jean Breeze; no issue;
Stephen William b.1913 d.1970 (aka Cedric William) m.1. Lilian Zoe Wilkin- 2 issue, m.2. Daphne Jean Alcorn- 3 issue;
Lillian May Josephine b.1918 d.? m. Joseph Flynn- 2 issue;
Eva Jean b.1919 d.?, m.1. Alan Richards 1935- 2 issue, m.2.Barney Bain- no issue.
In 1903 Electoral Roll, Herbert Tobin was living at Ferguson Mill, Harvey in the district of Swan. His occupation was labourer.
In 1906, he was living with his wife Eva at Ferguson Mill, Cookerup, district of Swan, occupation labourer.
In 1910, he was living with wife Eva at Lion Mill, district of Swan, occupation mill hand.
In 1916, he was still at Lion Mill, with wife Eva, occupation mill hand
In 1925, he was still at Lion Mill, occupation mill hand, living with wife Eva and son Alfred Herbert Patrick Tobin, also a mill hand.
That same year, Herbert is listed as a mill foreman, living in Argyle, subdistrict wellington, District of Forrest, his wife Eva not listed.
In 1931, Herbert, wife Eva are living at 11 Stone Street, West Perth, occupation mill hand. Living with them are his son Harold Victor, engineer, and Harold’s wife Veronique May, home duties. Wife Eva died in 1933.
In 1937, Herbert is living at 70 Charles street West Perth, occupation labourer. He is living alone.
In 1943, Herbert is living at Lady Mary Group, Norseman, subdistrict Dundas, District of Kalgoorlie, occupation prospector.
He is still there in 1949.
In 1954, he is living at 14 Sunbury Road, Victoria Park, district of Swan, no occupation. He is 79 years of age. He died two years later.
NEWSPAPERS REPORTS
The Queenslander Sat 6 June 1891 p.1061
Tallebudgera- On Friday 22nd May the juvenile cricketers of Nerang accompanied by a number of their friends, arrived at Tallebudgera to play a match with the boys of this town. The day proved a disagreeable one, the rain descending in heavy showers at frequent intervals; but, although it damped their coats, it did not damp the ardour of those youthful ‘knights of the willow’. They took their places in the field with a courage that speaks volumes for their future manliness. The visitors, however, were doomed to suffer defeat. Tallebudgera winning the match by an innings and 45 runs. The member for the district (Mr Plunkett) presented a bat to the highest scorer on each side. Master J. Dunne of Nerang, and Master Herbert Tobin of Tallebudgera, secured the coveted prizes. At the conclusion of the game, the visiting team and their friends were invited to the State school where they were feasted. A number of ladies wee there, with willing and capable hands, paying every attention to the ‘boys’. Much interest was taken in the proceedings throughout, and the return match is anxiously looked forward to.
Western Mail (Perth) Sat 8 Oct 1910 p21
STATE NEWS
Herbert Tobin had his jaw badly lacerated in an accident at Lion Mill last week. He was brought to the city and the wound was dressed at the Public Hospital.
The Daily News (Perth), Wed 21 Sept 1921 p7
LION MILL HOTEL
Dealing with the Lion Mill Hotel (for the owner of which, Mr.A.F. Abbott appeared), Constable Gannon said the building consisted of wood and iron, and was solely used by the mill hands, who totaled about 300. The house was very clean, and was well conducted. The accommodation, which included seven bedrooms and a spacious dining-room, was ample.
Frank Mills, the licensee, said he had been in the hotel for 13 months. There were about 300 adults within two miles of the house. Although it was not on the main road, the hotel was frequently patronized by the travelling public. His average weekly turnover had been £50. The house was absolutely necessary.
Herbert Tobin, acting manager for Bunning Bros.’ mills at Lion Mill, said the hotel was a necessity. People who travelled on the log train had to remain at Lion Mill overnight on their way to Perth. He lived close to the hotel and had always found it to be well conducted.
History of Lion Mill
The suburb was known as Lion Mill until it was renamed Mount Helena in 1924.
The area is hilly and largely covered by bushland, left to naturally re-vegetate since it was milled for building timber and railway sleepers. The old railway line embankments for the 2nd Perth to Goldfields railway alignment(made of mainly sand) can still be seen in the town (they are cycle/walking/horse trails now), but the old railway station site has been bulldozed for a new road alignment (Sawyers Rd). The current alignment of the road cuts through the area where the goods shed and eastern end of the platform once stood. The house just to the southwest of the intersection of Sayers Rd and Johnston St is the old station masters house, and is itself a repurposed wood mill barracks building. An older 1st Goldfields railway alignment embankment has been removed entirely, however it was located where 'Pioneer Park' now stands and ran roughly north east, starting approx 50 metres south of the south eastern end of the Mt Helena hotel (as it was in 1973). The first railway alignment was used for a line that ran from Sawyers Valley, across the main town ship valley (nearly 60 degrees to the still standing railway embankment behind the hotel), and into a cutting (just north of George St) before running parallel to, and about 100metres south of, Keane St. Both of these old railway alignments meet near the Primary School. The old railway cutting running roughly north/south and approx. 100metres to the south of the hotel was made by the wood mill company, the railway alignment further west of this cutting was the old Sawyers valley - Mount Helena - Chidlows Well part of the first Goldfields railway line. The Stoneville - Mount Helena - Chidlows railway line was part of the second Goldfields railway alignment. The timber mill was located where the current football fields are located. (Wikipedia)
Bunning Brothers mills at Lion Mill:
Australian Dictionary of Biography- Robert Bunning (1859-1936) by Jenny Mills:
A boom during 1896-97 in the export of jarrah turned Bunning's attention to timber. Although his income of £156,756 for the year came partly from four brickyards, he was anxious to sell them. He bought his first sawmill at North Dandalup in 1897 and was involved with his friend Frank Wilson in the newly formed Timber Merchants and Mill Owners' Association. He was also on the executive of the Sawmiller's Association from its formation in 1913. Despite a constant shortage of capital, Bunning established sawmills throughout the south-west, imported the first band-saw in Western Australia to Lion Mill and was the first to install a timber-drying kiln. He also imported a unique locomotive known as 'Dirty Mary' for use on steep grades, and was one of the first to use a tractor for log-hauling in the bush.
Ref: Jenny Mills, "Bunning, Robert (1859-1936)", Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University,
http:??adb.anu.edu.au/biography/bunning-robert-5421/text9193 accessed 27 March 2013
A boom during 1896-97 in the export of jarrah turned Bunning's attention to timber. Although his income of £156,756 for the year came partly from four brickyards, he was anxious to sell them. He bought his first sawmill at North Dandalup in 1897 and was involved with his friend Frank Wilson in the newly formed Timber Merchants and Mill Owners' Association. He was also on the executive of the Sawmiller's Association from its formation in 1913. Despite a constant shortage of capital, Bunning established sawmills throughout the south-west, imported the first band-saw in Western Australia to Lion Mill and was the first to install a timber-drying kiln. He also imported a unique locomotive known as 'Dirty Mary' for use on steep grades, and was one of the first to use a tractor for log-hauling in the bush.
Ref: Jenny Mills, "Bunning, Robert (1859-1936)", Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University,
http:??adb.anu.edu.au/biography/bunning-robert-5421/text9193 accessed 27 March 2013
The Daily News (Perth) Mon 30 Jan 1933 p.14
FUNERAL NOTICES
TOBIN- The Friends of the late EVA TOBIN, dearly loved wife of Herbert Patrick Tobin of 11 Stone Street, West Perth, are respectfully informed that her remains will be interred in the Roman Catholic Cemetery Karrakatta at 11 o’clock Tomorrow morning. The Funeral is appointed to leave the Service Chapel of Messrs C.H> Smith and Co., 281 Newcastle-street Perth at 10:30 o’clock per motor. Friends wishing to attend the Funeral may proceed by the 10:40 train leaving Perth.
The West Australian, Tues 31 Jan 1933 p1
Deaths
TOBIN- On January 30, 1933, at her late residence, 11 Stone Street, West Perth, Eva,. The dearly beloved wife of Herbert Patrick Tobin; loving and devoted mother of Dorothy, Harold, Cedric, Lilly, Eva; aged 53 years.
She is gone, and how we miss her,
Mother’s love will always stay;
We can love her, though departed,
To her Maker, there to pray.
May her soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
TOBIN- On January 30, 1933, at her late residence 11 Stone-street, West Perth, Eva Tobin, the dearly beloved and devoted daughter of Mrs L.V. Craggs, fond sister of Joe and Peter McKihosie (?) aged 53 years.
Rest in peace.
NB. Children of Herbert and Eva Tobin named in the paper as Dorothy, Harold, Cedric, Lilly, and Eva.
Son, Alfred Herbert Tobin (known as Ralph), had predeceased his mother dying in 1930 of tuberculosis and buried at Wooroloo cemetery, no.342. Alfred stayed single. He went to the North West where he was employed by a whaling company until his illness became serious and he was sent south to a sanatorium.
Son, Stephen William aka Cedric William Tobin, is often named in the newspapers under the name Cedric in his role as a Dairy Inspector. (Notably there are no birth or death records for a 'Cedric Tobin'. In a newspaper dated March 1929, Cedric was involved in a bike accident and was aged 18. He is listed in various electoral rolls as Cedric William Tobin. He married Lilian Zoe __ in 1934. She died in 1953 and is buried in Karrakatta Cemetery in the same grave as Stephen William Tobin who died in 1970, notably grantee of the gravesite named as Cedric William Tobin, so undoubtedly they are one and the same person. Cedric’s second wife Daphne Jean died in 2005. In the electoral rolls: 1931 Cedric at Busselton, a cream tester; 1937 at Margaret River, cream tester; 1943 dairy instructor, at Denmark, Albany; 1954, an agent, in Sth Perth; 1958 stock inspector at Katanning with new wife Daphne Jean; 1968 stock inspector at Katanning. He died 2 years later.
Son Harold Victor Tobin became an engine driver with the railways. Harold is buried with his parents. His wife Veronique May Tobin was also buried at Karrakatta cemetery following her death in 1986.
Son Harold Victor Tobin became an engine driver with the railways. Harold is buried with his parents. His wife Veronique May Tobin was also buried at Karrakatta cemetery following her death in 1986.
.
Herbert Patrick Tobin, wife Eva, and son Harold Victor are buried in a family grave in the R.C. Historical Section of Karrakatta Cemetery, Section AA, gravesite No. 0218A.
GOLD MINING
Many years after Herbert’s wife Eva died, Herbert decided to try his luck at prospecting. He is listed as a prospector at Norseman in the 1943 electoral roll.
The following articles report the position of his mining lease. Whether he found any gold is unknown.
Kalgoorlie Miner Wed 19 April 1944 p1
The Mining Act 1904. Notice of Application for a Gold Mining Lease, No. 1661. Notice is hereby given that Herbert Patrick Tobin, of Norseman, the undersigned, has made application this day for a Gold Mining Lease under the provisions of the Mining Act, 1904, of ground to be known as O.K. South, situated one mile south of Norseman, containing six acres, commencing at south-east corner of G.M.L. 1588 (formerly G.M.L. 903), thence 6 chains south-south-east, thence 10 chains west-south-west, thence 6 chains north-north-west, thence 10 chains east-north-east to D.P. Includes portion of conditionally surrendered P.A. 1922. Dated at Norseman this 14th day of April 1944. Signature of Applicant: H. Tobin. Objectives against the application above referred to must be lodged at the Warden’s Office on or before the 15th day of May 1944.
K.H. Hogg, Mining Registrar, Dundas Goldfield
Kalgoorlie Miner, Fri 27 May 1949 p1
WARDEN”S COURT NORSEMAN
Norseman May 26- In the Warden’s Court -Two prospectors, Herbert Tobin and Arhtur Chapman, were granted a further six months’ registration of their prospecting areas at the Cumberland Group, two miles south of Norseman.
History of Norseman
The Shire of Dundas is a local government area in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia between Norseman and the South Australian border generally along the Eyre Highway, between 700 and 1,500 kilometres (430-930 mi) east of the state capital, Perth. The Shire covers an area of 93,179 square kilometres (35,977 sq mi) and its seat of government is the town of Norseman.
In 1894 Laurie Sinclair, whilst prospecting about 4 miles north of Dundas, discovered a rich gold reef which he named "Norseman".
In 1935 Western Mining came to Norseman which began a new era for the town. Money was put into improving the town and by 1936 the pipe-line from Coolgardie was continued to Norseman. The company also gave the town electricity and with the backing of the company the Roads Board began work on footpaths and roads.
© B A Butler
Email contact- butler1802@ hotmail.com (no spaces)
© B A Butler
Email contact- butler1802@ hotmail.com (no spaces)
Link back to introduction:
http://tobinfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/stephen-tobin-ch1-introduction.html
Links to all other chapters in this blog:
Tobin and Driscoll family in Tipperary Ireland
http://tobinfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/stephen-tobin-ch2-tobins-in-tipperary.html
Tobin family settle in Gerringong, NSW, Australia in 1857
http://tobinfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/stephen-tobin-ch3-settlement-in-nsw.html
Tobin family settle in Tallebudgera Queensland in 1870
http://tobinfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/stephen-tobin-ch3-settlement-in-Tallebudgera.html
Life at Tallebudgera for the Tobin Family until 1892
http://tobinfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/stephen-tobin-ch5-life-at-tallebudgera.html
Tobin family move back to NSW and Western Australia- deaths of Stephen and Mary
http://tobinfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/stephen-tobin-ch6-return-to-nsw.html
Stephen Tobin's sister Catherine Tobin- marriage to Timothy Guinea
http://tobinfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/stephen-tobin-ch7-sister-catherine-tobin.html
Bushrangers in the family
http://tobinfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/stephen-tobin-ch8-bushrangers-in-family_15.html
Stephen Tobin's sister Ellen Tobin- an Irish female orphan immigrant in 1850
http://tobinfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/stephen-tobin-ch9-sister-ellen-tobin.html
Stephen Tobin's daughter Katherine Tobin- marriage to Adolph Poulsen
http://tobinfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/stephen-tobin-ch10-daughter-katherine.html
Sons of Stephen Tobin and Mary Driscoll
http://tobinfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/stephen-tobin-ch11-sons-of-stephen-mary.html
Daughters of Stephen Tobin and Mary Driscoll
http://tobinfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/stephen-tobin-ch12-daughters-of-stephen.html
Irish Roots of Tobins, Driscolls, O'Briens, and Whites
http://tobinfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2013/03/stephen-tobin-ch13-irish-roots.html
[i] NSW 9637/1866
[ii] WA 1184/1944
[iii] WA 387/1906
[iv] QLD 1871/B12063
[v] VIC 2681/1924
[vi] VIC 9603/1911
[vii] QLD 1873/C1768
[viii] Northern Territory Times and Gazette, 9 Jan. 1925, p.4
[ix] WA 14/1907
[x] QLD 1875/C1878
[xi] WA 1829/1956
[xii] WA 1626/1899
