FAMILY SECRETS REPLY #2

A while ago, I posted a reply to “Family Secrets”, 21 December 2022 on this blog that I was going to divulge my research on one particular branch of the Heneker Family. I have not done so, and I apologize for this, but I have had a number of personal issues to deal with and family research was the last thing on my radar. Anyway…….
My research is in relation to James Heneker Jnr (1850-1926), his marriage to Christina Graham (1869-1961) and the children he allegedly fathered.
My connection is via one of those children, Hilda Grace (1904-1991) my paternal grandmother.
Like myself and many Heneker researchers, it has been assumed that James and Christina lived happily in South Australia raising their 8 children.
BUT
A red flag went up for me after I had 2 different DNA tests done by 2 different sources. My DNA did not match that of the owner/author of this blog (Vicki Heneker) who also had DNA tests done. We had both assumed that we were cousins because of our ancestral connections to the Heneker family, but alas we were not DNA related… why?
It all started, when, while researching another child of James and Christina, William Edward Heneker (1907-1976), on Genealogy SA, it gave correct birth date, place, mother and father but said “see also William Edward Dixon“ which also gave the same birth date, place and mother as the Heneker listing…. Again why?
Then on my grandmother’s 1921 marriage certificate BDM VIC. REG No5937 states Hilda Grace “Dixon”, not Heneker, to a Leslie Ernest Boddy (my paternal grandfather) and lists her parents as Christina Graham and Edward Dixon. Note there is no reference to the Heneker name and Christina uses her maiden name not her married name of Heneker on this marriage certificate.
Had Christina remarried?
Trolling through various research sites, I found numerous listings showing Christina living in Fitzroy, Victoria in 1915 with 4 of her 8 children and an Edward DIXON born 1861 in North Adelaide.
I searched on BDM VIC. site and found a marriage certificate REG No 9235 which shows Christina Heneker marrying Edward Dixon, September 1915, he a widower, but this is where it gets interesting, Christina Heneker declares “deserted for 15 years” which appears to suggest that James Heneker Jnr and Christina parted ways around 1900. (Back in those times, if separated for a given length of time, you could remarry)
If this is the case, and it appears so, then it explains why my DNA does not relate to James Heneker Jnr but does to Edward Dixon, the father of my grandmother Hilda Grace born 1904 and the use of the Dixon name by the children born AFTER 1900, the desertion date.
Therefore, you could strongly assume that if Edward Dixon fathered my grandmother in 1904 (DNA proof), then William Edward born 1907, Alfred Claude born 1909 and Harold Keith born 1913 were also fathered by Edward Dixon, but out of wedlock (until the necessary separation time period elapsed between James and Christina and then she and Edward married in 1915)
Further, Edward Dixon died in 1918 and his BDM VIC. death certificate REG No 5291 states as follows: “2nd marriage – Christina Graham formerly Heneker and 4 living children.”
There were a number of Death and In Memoria family notices posted in newspapers. These also given credence to what I have written.
Here are 2 examples from Trove;
1. “The LEADER. June 15 1918, beloved husband of Christina, loved father of Grace (Hilda), Harold, William, and Alfred Dixon of 88 Spring Street, Fitzroy.”
2. “The AGE, June 7 1919, inserted by his loving stepdaughter Violet”
Note the difference between the children calling Edward father and then stepfather by Violet.
Violet was born 1899, the last of James Heneker Jnr’s children to be born prior to the 1900 desertion date given by Christina.
But there is more, Christina married twice again, in 1919 to a James Joseph Flanagan 1857-1938, and circa 1940 to a James Mullan.
At some time, Christina and James Mullan returned to Adelaide as they are buried at Centennial Park Cemetery, Christina with her daughter Jane (1895-1967) and Jane’s husband Frank Harold Kendle, all dates match research notes. Jane’s father was James Heneker Jnr. A photo of their headstone can be found on the Find a Grave website.

On a side note, there are a number of Heneker researchers that have Christina Graham’s and Christina Hill’s death date as the same. This is incorrect. Christina Hill’s death is correct as 1936. Christina Graham’s death is 1961 as per aforementioned headstone. The only thing in common between the two Christinas’ is that they both married a “J”. Heneker.

I finally decided to post my findings as I do not wish descendants of Christina’s and Edward’s children i.e., William Edward, Alfred Claude and Harold Keith any unnecessary wasted time and effort researching a family line that they may not belong to. In my case, I believed that James Heneker Jnr was my great grandfather, (2 DNA tests eventually proved he was not), and I spent a number of years doing research only to find that I am not a Heneker descendant after all, although, for example, Violet and Jane, mentioned above, are my grandaunts.
Those who believe their ancestor is Edward Dixon, there is a rich family lineage that goes back to the “Henry” kings of England, William the Conqueror and Viking Kings…but that is another story.
I am happy to discuss the above with those who have an interest in the Heneker family or believe that I have made an error in my findings…. we all want to get our ancestors information right and we don’t need errors being posted on family trees that are then randomly copied by other researchers which then compounds errors in all trees.
Kind regards
Harold Boddy

JOHN EDWARD HENEKER

John Edward Heneker was the first son born to Joseph Charles Heneker and Christina Hill. He was born 25 July 1889 in Beltana, South Australia.

John married Edith May Grimwood on 23 July 1913 at the residence of the bride’s father, J. Grimwood, at Hawker, South Australia. Edith’s parents were James Grimwood and Lucy Shipway.

This photograph is noted as Edith May Heneker, nee Grimwood, on washing day at Haddy Street, Port Augusta, South Australia. No date.

The photograph below is believed to be John Edward Heneker aged about 20 years.

From 1922 to 1941 John is listed in the Sand’s and McDougall Directories as a Labourer of Hawker, South Australia.

John and Edith went on to have 8 children. Jack Grimwood (1914-1975) Harold Claude (1916-1977) Ivy Lucy Christina (1919- Mavis Ethel Pearl (1921 Elva Florence Lily (1925-1976) Allan James Mabel Edith Gladys (1926-1950) and Lyle Arnold. ( 1932 – 2010),

In 1934 a newspaper article relates the story of John Edward Heneker while out shooting with a party near Mayo’s Gorge, had the top of one of his fingers blown off through the gun exploding. He was attended to at the local hospital by Dr. Martin and is progressing satisfactorily. This article was from the “Quorn Mercury newspaper, Friday 16 March 1934, Page 3, Hawker”

John Edward Heneker died on 13th May 1942 at Port Augusta, South Australia.

CATHARINE FRANCES HENNIKER

Catharine Frances Henniker was the 4th child of Thomas Henniker and Jemima Willis, and arrived with the family on the Hooghly in South Australia in June 1839.

Catharine was born on 12 April 1835 in Westwell, Kent.

On the 08 January 1854 she married James Wesley in St George Church of England, Gawler, South Australia. They went on to have 9 children that I have been able to confirm. The children appear to have been born in Gawler, South Australia, and Wallaroo, South Australia. The last born child I have been able to confirm was also born in South Australia in 1876.

The newspaper article below sets out a rather disturbing assault that appears to have been carried out by James Wesley and Catharine Wesley (nee Henniker) and took place at Wallaroo. The police report is as follows:

POLICE COURT – WALLAROO

Monday, April 8, 1867 (Before Messrs. J.B. Shepherdson, S.M., DR. SHOLL & J. Harvey)

James Wesley and Catharine Wesley, husband and wife were charged with having assaulted Edward Emes on the previous Thursday. Defendant’s had been brought up on warrant on Saturday last, but in consequence of the absence of Prosecutor were remanded till Monday, bail being taken for their appearance. Mr. Taylor for complainant; and Messrs. Emerson and Bloxam for defendant’s.

Complainant said – On Thursday evening last I was at home, taking my horse from the dray. Mr. and Mrs. Wesley commenced calling me humpy back and bald head. I was on my own premises. They continued calling me names. I went over my wall and asked them what they meant by calling me names. He up with a hand saw and struck at my head, knocking my hat off. Mrs. Wesley struck me with a stick on the side of my head producing the mark which you see, and knocked me down senseless. When I came to myself Mr. Wesley was kneeling on my belly and trying to choke me. Mr. Wesley called out to Mrs. Wesley – “Bring the axe”. I will settle him.” She then came with a piece of iron and struck me twice on the head. The iron was about 2 feet long. Some persons then came and tried to get him away from me. He again struck me 3 or 4 times on the back with the piece of iron. Mr. Nolan, and some others came and took me away. As I was going away, Mr. Wesley called out 2 or 3 times he would settle me. The piece of iron produced the marks on my head. Mrs. Wesley used the piece of iron. The doctor ordered me to be brought to the chemist to have my head dressed. I feel very faint from the blows on my back. This evidence was mainly corroborated by witnesses. The evidence of Dr. Sholl was as follow –

I attended Mr. Emes on Friday ad Saturday. He has a few cuts on the forehead, and is a good deal bruised on the back. The wound on the back has been caused by a heavy instrument. The wound on the head might have been caused by a paling. The wound on the head is through the skin to the peri-cranium. To prove the condition in which Emes was in on the afternoon in question, Mr. Emerson called Richard Haselgrove, who said – have known Emes for a long time. When drunk he is quarrelsome. Never saw Wesley quarrelsome. Emes was in my place on Thursday afternoon. There were three men there, and he wanted to fight them. They never spoke to him. Ordered him out 3 or 4 times. He stopped there about half an hour, and was abusing 3 Welshmen the whole of the time.

In reply to Mr. Emerson, his worship said there was no evidence of a felonious assault.

A cross-information was then heard against Emes – James Wesley said on the 4th April was working on y allotment saw Eme’s horse and cart come along. Emes got out of his cart and came into the yard and commenced calling me and wife names – b- strawfoot, and my wife a b- long ghost. He also accused me and my wife of stealing stones, and then challenged me out to fight. He said – “If you come out into the road, I’ll give you a damn good punishing.” Said I did not want to fight. With that I stooped down to saw a piece of wood. He then jumped over the fence, came to me and hit me on the side of the head. I shoved the hand saw up to defend myself. He caught me by the hair of the head. I dropped the saw. We had a scruffle and he went under. Two men came and parted us. I got up and they too Emes part of the way home, and I went back to my work. He then came back and tackled me again. We had another scruffle and he went under again. He went under twice. He had me by the hair and would not let me get up. The 2 men came and parted us again. After I came to the port to give him in charge. The police did not take him in charge. Mr. Byrne told me to lay an information. Witnesses gave evidence on behalf of Wesley – one of them stating that he hit Emes with the flat of the saw only. The information against Emes was dismissed.

Wesley’s wife was fined £1 and costs – in all, £4 2s; and all 3 parties were bound over to keep the peace towards each other.

[The Wallaroo Times & Mining Journal/Wed 10 April 1867/Page 3/Police Court-Wallaroo]

Further legal woes

“DRUNKS”

On the 19 August 1881 the following article’s were published in the newspaper.

James Wesley and Thomas McLean, charged with being drunk in a public place, at Port Augusta, on the 13th. inst., pleaded guilty. Fined 5s each.

The Port Augusta Dispatch newspaper of the same date, 19 Aug 1881 sites also sites the following Court Case.

“ASSAULT”

James Wesley was charged upon the information of his wife, Catherine Wesley, that he did, at the Port Augusta Extension, assault and beat her, on the 13th inst. Defendant pleaded not guilty. Catherine Wesley and two others proved the assault. The Bench considered that the matter was the result of a squabble. Fined 20s and costs 15s.

[POLICE COURT—PORT AUGUSTA. (1881, August 19). Port Augusta Dispatch and Flinders’ Advertiser (SA : 1880 – 1884), p. 4. Retrieved August 23, 2023, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article195907105

Catharine Wesley nee Henniker passed away on 11 November 1908 at Childlow’s Well, Western Australia. It appers that she was either visiting or living with her son Arthur Wesley, who was living at Chidlow, WA.

WESLEY.—On November 11, at Chidlow’s Well,

the dearly beloved wife of James Wesley

aged 73 years late of Aldgate, South Aus-

tralia. Landed in South Australia 1838.

South Australian papers please copy.

[Note: the Henniker family including Catharine landed in South Australia in June 1939]

[1908 ‘Family Notices’, Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885 – 1954), 28 November, p. 31. , viewed 23 Aug 2023, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37816567%5D

Family Secrets Reply

Hi Vicki (cuz), thank you for your post. I immediately recognised the DNA person involved ….ME (hehe). As you know, I have done a lot of research on one particular branch of the Heneker family which involved myself directly ie my grandmother named a Heneker at birth but fathered by someone else which may also involve some of her siblings born after her, thus the DNA anomalies (2 separate DNA tests from 2 different sources gives substance to this comment). After many conversations between us, and I appreciate you respecting my privacy, you are aware why I have stayed private/silent on my research on this branch of the Heneker family for the following reasons, 1. not to offend or to sully the Heneker name 2. there are some researchers amongst the Heneker clan who refuse to acknowledge any new research which may differ from their own (stubborn head in the sand attitudes and a little precious) and 3. there are some researchers amongst us that then claim said research as their own, a form of plagiarism, and I’m sorry, that gets right up my nose.
But, now after reading your blog, its time for me to let go and to put it all out there for the reasons you state and also from Chas’s comments. If you are happy with what I am about to propose, I will proceed as follows,
I will post my research on your blog in regards to this branch of our family which will include a summary, sources (ie marriage and birth certificates, death records, photos etc so as to prove facts) and any other information that I have found in Victoria as this family moved there in 1915, possibly to be out of sight from their South Australian origins and to avoid a scandal.
Talk soon cuz.
best regards
Harold Boddy (Geelong Victoria)

Family Secrets

It has been nearly a year since I have blogged on here. Many reasons, family, health, and just other things happening.

I have thought for a long time, about some of the family “secrets”?, scandals, and generally sad events, and behaviours that may upset or offend some readers.

The way I think of these issues is that most of them happened well over 100 years ago, or at least in the late/early part of the 1800’s and early 1900’s.

Some of these events could make a difference to who someone thinks they are within the Heneker clan. One person in particular is a cousin and friend, or at least we thought he was, now it turns out that due to a marital break and re-marriage, he is actually part of a totally different family. Part of this was noticed when he had his DNA done via Ancestry and we did not match, yet believed we were both from the Heneker clan. He now has found a totally different family, and has met many relatives. At first, it was very difficult for him, and also, he had done an amazing job of building his family tree, and with a lot of research and referencing involved. The way I look at it, as we talked about it is, the person who was his relative was still connected to the Heneker family originally via marriage, so we have a connection through history and family members.

I am at the stage in wanting to add other stories to this blog. As I previously mentioned, I am unsure if printing this information will offend some people. However, as I have already stated, many of these events took place 80-100 years ago. And my thoughts are, would you rather know the truth?? as continuing on thinking we are part of a particular family group, when in fact we are not connected by blood at all, is actually counter intuitive. And just not the truth. I know I would want to know if I have a blood family out there that I had no idea about.

So my concern over the last year has been what to do? I am now at a point where I feel that the information I have found out, has all come about via newspaper articles on Trove. Whilst they have often taken a lot of further research to come to the truth, the fact is that information printed on Trove should start us thinking, if we recognise that “what is all this about, I didn’t know any of this”? As Trove is public and freely open for anyone to read, keeping it all a secret, or at least not making it known, will only be a matter of time before someone/somewhere will find information they weren’t aware of, and might be unpalatable to them.

Therefore, I think I will now start to write up sometimes not palatable information. But truthful, insightful and also, for us to remember, much of what happened was also part of the times these people lived in. We now live in a more open society. Also, I see that many younger people are now turning to genealogy, and I believe they are more open about things that in the past, were considered secretive and needed to be kept hidden.

My aim is not to offend or upset anyone. If anyone who reads this has any thoughts, either way, I would love to hear them. I am very open to this. As a Librarian, we were expected to be non judgemental in books etc that often told stories that many found offensive. I would never intend to offend anyone.

Also I believe much of what was a scandal back in the day, is not such an issue now. Times have changed and people’s thoughts and ideas have changed.

Vicki Heneker

Remembrances by Mary (Jemima) Henniker (nee Willis) and her early life with Thomas Henniker

On 15^th January 1875 the Mudla Wirra South District Council met. It was agreed the Clerk would apply to the Destitute Board for continuation of rations for Mary Henniker[1].

Mary was embarrassed but grateful for the assistance. Mary recalled their excitement, anxiety and determination as Thomas, Mary and their six children boarded the emigrant ship Hooghly[2].

Times were harsh for settlers of the young colony of South Australia with Mary and Thomas living on the banks of First Creek with four more children being born there[3]. Mary fossicked for firewood, food and kept an eye out for snakes.

Moving to the thriving area of Gawler, they started market gardening. The children grew strong, eventually moving far and wide. Thomas and Mary grew even closer in their joint love of gardening, the warm summers and cool winters, the beautiful native birds.

Gawler c1860

In 1867 Thomas succumbed to illness and died[4]. Mary was strong, and continued to grow vegetables for sale. As time wore on though, Mary’s body started to tire, the birth of ten children and a lifetime of hard back breaking work was taking it’s toll. Eventually the cottage and land had to be sold.

Living in a rough hut giving little shelter to the climate, Mary had to rely on assistance from the Destitute Board to continue to live. In 1880, Mary passed away at Gawler, South Australia.[5]

---

[1] 1975 ‘DISTRICT COUNCIL’, Bunyip (Gawler, S.A.: 1863-1954) Fri 15 Jan 1875, p.3. Viewed 10 Jan 2019, http://nla, news-articles97220508

[2] www.slsa.gov.au/BSA/Shiplists, Henniker, 1939. South Australia Passenger Lists, 1836-1851

[3] George Heneker, Genealogysa.or.au. Australia, Birth Index, 1788-1922 [database-on-line] Unley, SA

[4] Thomas Heniker. Ancestry.com. Australia, Death Index 1787-1985 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010

[5] Mary Henniker. Ancestry.com. Australia, Death Index 1878-1985 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010

Joseph Spencer

Joseph Spencer (1803 – 1886) was born in Shipton, Bellinger, Hampshire England.The town of Shipton Bellinger lies about 7 miles from Stonehenge World Heritage Site in the UK.

On the 4th February 1826 at Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, UK Joseph Spencer married Elizabeth Sheppard Phillips. To be honest, I am not sure where this information has come from, other Family Trees also quote the same marriage date with no references. I have tried a few other searches and will continue to try to find out  the reference to this date, which at present is unconfirmed. 

Joseph , his wife Elizabeth Shepard Phillips [spelling of surname varies] and their children,  Sarah (1827-), Harriet (1828-1853), Mary Ann (1829-1916), Eliza (1832-1839– died at sea), Maria (1834-1902), John (1836-1838), Joseph (1838-), William (1841-1932), Jane (1844-1928), Charlotte (1828-1853), Thomas (1850-1906) emigrated to Australia in 1839. Their ship the Prince Regent left London on 6 June 1839 and landed in South Australia on 25 September 1839. (Note: William 1841, Jane 1844, Thomas 1850) were all born in South Australia.

Joseph Spencer lived at Nairne and other area’s of the Adelaide Hills area of South Australia for many years. He appears to have been very involved in the annual Nairne Fair. A number of articles appeared in the newspapers of the day. James Heneker is also often mentioned in these newspaper articles, so it appears the families were friends and neighbours, considering that James married Joseph Spencer’s daughter Mary Ann, and they also lived in the same area. Nairne is about 32 km from Scott Creek, where some of  James Heneker’s first children were born, and also apparently in the Mount Barker/Scott Creek area. Therefore these places were all in the same area and the pioneers probably knew each other quite well.

Joseph Spencer lived most of his later life in South Australia in the Scott Creek/Nairne area. From newspaper articles it seems he was quite active in the life of the community, and respected by his peers. Joseph was active in the community, being part of a committee that established the Nairne Fair in 1864, and was active in participating in the fair, with cattle and other farm animals being shown at the annual Fair. The article below relates to the initial meeting which was held by locals to form the Fair.

[MEETING TO ESTABLISH A FAIR AT NAIRNE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN REGISTER/MON 14 NOV 1864/PG 3]

Joseph’s wife Elizabeth Phillips Shepherd died at Scott Creek on 30 April 1866.

Joseph Spencer later married Catherine Jackson on the 5th May 1883 at Woodside, South Australia. Both parties are listed as Widowed on their marriage record. Catherine was aged about 52 years when she married Joseph. Joseph was aged 80 years when he married Catherine. On the marriage record Catherine’s father’s name is given as William Cox. [genealogysa.org.au/marriagesdatabase]. I have checked a number of records trying to find out more about Catherine, but haven’t been successful. Some ancestry.com.au trees show her as being born in Ireland, however I can’t find any source materials given to prove that, and I am still researching her. There are a couple of sources showing a Catherine Jackson born in Ireland in 1831. However her father is listed as William Jackson, not COX as appears on her marriage certificate to Joseph Spencer. And I can find no spouse to her named Jackson at this stage. Also I can find no death recorded for someone named Jackson who may have been her husband, at the time or place I would expect. However someone else may know more about her and her past family connections.

Joseph Spencer died on the 9th May 1886, at his residence Scott’s Creek. [note at times Scott Creek is also written out as Scott’s Creek. On current modern maps it is shown as Scott Creek.] 

His obituary from The South Australian Advertiser/Friday 14 May 1886/Page 4 reads:

‘SPENCER – On 9th May at his residence, Scott’s Creek near Nairne, Joseph Spencer the beloved husband of Catherine Spencer, aged 86 years. Respected by all who knew him, A colonist of 45 years, He is lost from us forever, And we look for him in vain, He is gone and we shall never, See his dear face again.’

[Also note that some records state he was aged 80 years, however BDM database records held by the Genealogy Society of SA also state 86 years.]

View of rusting equipment and typical land in the Scott Creek Area.

Catherine Spencer (nee Jackson) died on the 26 June 1896 at Dawesely, South Australia.

The Children of Joseph Spencer and Elizabeth Phillips Shepard were:

Sarah Spencer born: 1827 at Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, UK., and baptised/christened on 18 March 1827 in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, UK. Sarah married Henry Jordan on the 24th March 1848 at St. John’s Church, Adelaide, South Australia. Their children were: Joseph Jordan b: 10 Feb 1860 at Scott Creek, nr. Nairne, South Australia – Mary Jordan b: 9th May 1849 at New Tiers, South Australia – Harriet Jordan b: 27 Jan 1856 at Hurtle Vale, South Australia.

Harriet Spencer was born in 1828 in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, England. She married Richard West at Holy Trinity Church, Adelaide, South Australia on the 18th December 1849, the same date that her sister Mary Ann Spencer married James Heneker. Harriet West nee Spencer died on the 17th November 1853 aged 26 years, in Adelaide, South Australia. No children to have been born of the marriage. [genealogysa.org.au/death database]

Mary Ann Spencer was born in 1829 at Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, England. She married James Heneker on the 18th December 1849 at Holy Trinity Church, Adelaide, South Australia. Their children were: James Jnr. Heneker, born 1850, Jane Heneker, born 1851, Martha Heneker, born 1852, Elizabeth Ann Heneker, born 1855, Joseph Charles Heneker born 1857, Mary Heneker born 1858, Thomas Heneker, born 1860. William Heneker born 1866 and died 1872, Abel Richard Heneker born 1870 died 1872.

Eliza Spencer was born in 1832 at Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, England. Eliza died onboard the ship Prince Regent in 1839 whilst the family were emigrating to South Australia.

Maria Spencer was born in 1834 in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire, England. She married Robert Henry on the 27th December 1852 at the St. James Church, Blakiston, South Australia. Maria died in 1902

Joseph Spencer was born in 1838

William Spencer was born in 1841 at Glen Osmond, South Australia. He married Mary Ann Henstridge on the 6th October 1859 at Blakiston, South Australia.

Jane Spencer married Robert Stafford on 6 August 1861. St James Church, Blakiston, South Australia. The family eventually moved to Nyah, Victoria. Jane passed away in 1928 aged 87 years at Nyah, Victoria and Robert passed away in 1918 in Nyah, Victoria.

Jane Spencer married Robert Stafford

Charlotte Spencer was born on the 25th October 1846 “on the Torrens”, South Australia. She married Richard Jones on 5 January 1864 at the St James Church, Blakiston, in the district of Mount Barker, South Australia. Charlotte died at Gayndah, Queensland on the 27 August 1933.

THOMAS SPENCER

THOMAS SPENCER

Thomas Spencer married Martha Pope (4th daughter of George Pope of Blinman and late Nairne, South Australia) on the 29th April 1875 at St Paul’s Church, Adelaide, South Australia. Thomas Spencer died on the 24th July 1906 at the Port Augusta Hospital of pleurisy and heart failure. [Express & Telegraph/Wed 29 Aug 1906/Pg 1/Family Notices]

Their children were:

1. Thomas Albert Spencer (1876-1964) . Thomas was born at Blinman on the 8th May 1876.Thomas Albert married Hilda Menpes Whitbread on the 12th April 1898, at the residence of the bride’s parents at Blinman, South Australia. [Express & Telegraph/Wed 20 April 1898/Pg 2/Family Notices] They went on to have 11 children. Thomas Albert Spencer died on the 6th January 1964 aged 87 years. He died at College Park and his usual residence was Quorn, South Australia

2. Herbert Henry Jospeh Spencer (1878-1882) He was born on the 28th April 1878 at Blinman, South Australia. His death appears in the SA BDM database on genealogysa.org.au/death index as Hubert Henry Spencer, death on 23 June 1882 aged 4 years. Place of death: Blinman and Residence: Patterson near Blinman, South Australia. His father is recorded as Thomas Spencer.

3. George Arthur Spencer (1882-1958) was born on the 11th June 1882 at Blinman, South Australia.

George married Anne Cahir on the 23 April 1908 at the Residence of his father, Thomas Spencer of South Blinman, South Australia. The bride’s father was John Cahir.

George died on the 1st December 1958 aged 76 years at Hyde Park, South Australia.

4. Hilda Blanche Ethel Spencer (1887-1952)was born on 30th July 1887 at Parkside, Adelaide. Hilda married Maynard Hardo [Harold] Hart on the 9th July 1913 at the residence of A. Hart, Strathalbyn, South Australia. His father was Andrew Hart.

Hilda Blanche Ethel Hart nee Spencer died on the 21st September 1952 in Bordertown, district of Robe, South Australia

5. Alan Meiton Spencer (1891-) was born on the 16th March 1891 at Adelaide, South Australia. There are no obvious records after this date for Alan spelt Allan on his birth record [genealogysa.org.au/birth database]

Thomas Henniker (1799-1867)…. the cottage and land at Kanmantoo in 1875.

Back on the 6 February 2015 I wrote a post about Thomas Henniker advertising a “cottage for sale”. At that time he appeared to be the owner as he was the contact person regarding interest in the cottage.

[South Australian Advertiser/Thu 6 January 1859/Page 4/Classified Advertisements]

Clearing out old paperwork, I came across a newspaper article I had copied regarding another property for sale, in which Thomas Henniker appears to have been a tenant. (Not an owner when one reads the actual text.).

It is very interesting in regard to the property and landscape and also the area and type of dwelling he and his family were living in, in 1859. I am using the capital letters and layout as much as possible as the advertisement was written at the time.

“On WEDNESDAY, January 12, 1859.

FOR POSITIVE SALE

WICKSTEED BOTTING, TOWNSEND & CO. are instructed to sell by auction, at their MART, on Wednesday January 12 1859 at 12 o’clock.

All that SECTION of LAND, numbered 5309, in the HUNDRED of KANMANTOO, containing 122 acres.

This is a beautiful Section, for the most part good Land, lightly wooded. It is situated not the main road to Kanmantoo, about a mile from NAIRNE. The Section is well fenced (except a small portion of one line), and on the Land is erected an unfinished Stone RESIDENCE intended to contain Eight Rooms, with Verandahs, Cellars &c, &c. There are also a GARDEN AND SHRUBBERY fenced in and planted; Well of Water, &c. On another portion of the Section is a COTTAGE of Stone and Cob now occupied by Thomas Hawthorne; and in the eastern corner of the Section are a 10 Acre Paddock (mostly fenced and ploughed), COTTAGE, GARDEN, and WELL of excellent WATER (within four feet of the surface). This portion is now in the occupation of Mr Thomas Henniker.

The entire property is well known as lately belonging to Mr. W.B. Dawes. It is one of the best situated Sections in the district, commanding a fine view from Mount Barker to the MURRAY and the Lake. It adjoins the townships of DAWESLY, and is close to the SCOTT’S CREEK SMELTING WORKS. For Further particulars, apply to the Auctioneers.”

The above map of Cadastral map of the Kanmantoo area, shows Section Numbered 5309 in the Hundred of Kanmantoo, containing 122 acres. It can be found just below areas 508 and 5207 which are outlined in green. This map was produced by the Surveyor General’s Office – Adelaide – Alfred Vaughan Photo-lithographer. December 1875. It is available from the State Library of South Australia and is in the Public Domain. [Kanmantoo_1875_(23266779295)_j.peg. This copy was obtained from commons.wikimedia.org via the State Library of South Australia Public Domain. on 21 December 2021.

It will need to be enlarged to see it, or alternatively if you go to the wikimedia.org site you would be able to see it easier or print it out if you prefer.

Elizabeth Ann Heneker & the Yandell family

Elizabeth Ann Heneker was the 3rd daughter of James Heneker and Mary Ann Heneker nee Spencer.

Elizabeth was born on the 5th April 1855 in the District of Adelaide.

Not much is known of Elizabeth’s early years.

In 1865 information about Elizabeth and her siblings Martha and Joseph Heneker appear in the December 1865 the [Border Watch/ Saturday 30 December 1865/pg. 2/Mosquito Plains] which reports that Elizabeth and Martha Heneker in the Fifth Class were awarded prizes as the most deserving students, and also in the Sixth Class Joseph Heneker was also awarded a prize.

The family were living at Scott’s Creek for some time, and then on 13 June 1863 Charlotte Heneker was born at Avenue Range, in the South East region of South Australia. In 1865 it must have been a remote and fairly barren area (people wise). The area was purchased by a John ‘Jacky’ White who acquired a run of 134 square miles spanning Ready Creek, Keilira and Lucindale. The traditional owners are the Wathatonga people of the Bunganditj/Boandik nation. In 1864 James returned to the UK to visit family and returned on the maiden voyage of the City of Adelaide ship.

In Penola (South East area) on 10 October 1865 it is recorded that James was issued a half yearly Timber Licence by the Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration Office, Adelaide. [Government Gazette, October 12, 1865, pg. 922]

Another son, William was also born during this time, on the 19 April 1866, at Avenue Range, South Australia. By 1872 the family appear back in the Blinman Area, with the death of their young sons, Abel Richard and William both dying in January of 1872.

On the 1st September 1872 at the Elizabeth Ann married Thomas Mansell Yandell, at the home of Mr. Heneker of Patterton, South Australia. ([genealogysa.org.au/marriages database] Patterton lays about 10 km from Blinman, near the Gum Creek, which was a watering area for travellers and bullocky teams.)Thomas Mansell Yandell was a Welshman whose experience working as a smelter at Wallaroo’s smelting works would have been gratefully accepted. Wallaroo’s smelting works were constructed in 1861 by the owners of the Wallaroo Mine to process the ore and to export it. The smelting works were at one time the largest smelter outside of Swansea in Wales. Initially using the reverberatory method of smelting, over time the smelter adopted newer processes and remained at the forefront of smelting techniques.

At some stage they moved to Wallaroo, as Thomas was a smelter, coming originally from Wales, were smelters were trained and worked.

Wallaroo Smelters 1870

Courtesy of the State Library of South Australia Photographic Collection.

In 1874 on the 17th April, Elizabeth died of “Cerebro-spinal meningitis” at the age of 19 years. She died at her home at Wallaroo, South Australia. She had given birth to her daughter Amy Victoria Yandell on the 12 July 1873 at Wallaroo. After the untimely death of her mother, Amy Victoria died on the 27 April 1874. It is not known at present what Amy died of, I have ordered a copy of her death certificate. I wonder if Amy also died of the same condition. If it was caused by a virus, cerebrospinal meningitis is contagious. It could be assumed that Elizabeth was still breastfeeding Amy in which case she would have caught it, or starved. Whichever it is a very sad and uncomfortable situation.

Information regarding the death of Elizabeth Ann Heneker is obtained from [GenealogySA District Death Certificate Transcript/C19735YandellElizabeth nb jn(1) PDF]

[Information regarding the births of the other Heneker children listed above are also obtained from GenealogySA Births Transcipts.]

It is believed that Elizabeth was buried at the Wallaroo Cemetery along with Amy Victoria. I originall had found the information online however it no longer appears under any cemetery searches however Amy Victoria still shows as being buried in the Wallaroo Cemetery, Moonta Road, Wallaroo, South Australia in plot/grave 247, Last residence: Wallaroo, Age at death 19, Date of burial next to her daughter Amy Victoria age 10 m. in plot 248. These stories are the only ones I could glean in relation to Elizabeth and Thomas. I have been able to learn quite a bit more about the Yandell family and I will probably write another post on them. Although the relationship of the Yandell’s and Heneker’s appears to be a tentative one, due to both of Thomas’ family members passing away together in the same year, and him not seeming to have married again, the story of his family in general is interesting. It also appears that at times they intertwine with the Heneker family over the years.

James Heneker (1826-1917)

Again today, whilst sorting through some old files, I have come across a copy of a South Australia Land Tax Return for James Heneker of Beltana, South Australia, 1885.

Back when I bought this copy there was no internet (how did we manage!!) and it is printed out on a large A3 yellow piece of paper, which I think I actually did when I worked at the State Library of S.A.

I have had to take a photo of it on my phone, as my printer can’t do A3 copying. This should be able to be enlarged, I hope. It certainly can be on my phone.

So I will record what the Return states, in case it isn’t too clear when publishing the copy of the document.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA – TAXATION ACT, 1884

LAND TAX RETURN for the Year ending the first day of January, 1885.

No. of Assessment 166.

In pursuance of the Taxation Act, 1884, every Taxpayer is required to fill up the following Form of Return, and to deliver the same at my office, Victoria-square, Adelaide, on or before the 21st day of March, 1885 under a penalty of £20 and treble the amount to Taxpayer who wilfully furnishes any false return, or makes any false declaration in reference to a return, is guilty of a misdemeanour, punishable on conviction in like manner as wilful and corrupt perjury. J.G. RUSSELL, Commissioner. Taxpayers are requested to read the Observations and Directions on the back hereof.

RETURN of the LAND OWNED by James Heneker of (residence) Beltana (occupation) Labourer in Fee-simple required to be furnished in pursuance of the Taxation Act, 1884.

Hundred, City or Township: Hd. of Beltana. No. of Section, Town Acre, or Allotment, and Registration Reference to Title. vol. cccx1x No. 109 Folio 1/2. Street or particular Locality. Fifth Street, South Terrace. Area or Measurement; 200 ft x 250 ft. Name of Occupier (if any) James Heneker. Name of Mortgagee (if any), and Amount of Mortgage. – -. Actual Value, Land and Improvements, on January 1, 1885.. £10. Value of Improvements. £10 Unimproved Value on January 1, 1885 £5 Amount of Tax, being 1/2d. in the pound on Unimproved value. 2 1/2.

(Wilfully furnishing false Return, or making false Declaration, punishable in like manner as wilful and corrupt perjury.)

DECLARATION

Signed by James Henneker (in his own hand) do hereby declare that all the particulars and statements in the above Returns are in every respect justly and truly state to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, and according to the requirement 1884, and of the Regulations made thereunder.

Dated this Seventeenth day of March 1885. at capacity Return is made “self” (Name in full) James Heneker, (Description)Labourer (Postal address) Beltana.

JAMES HENEKER LAND TAX 1885 BELTANA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Sorry that this is difficult to see, if you would like me to send a photo from my phone (which can at least be enlarged a bit, I am happy to do so. It is an A3 form and I haven’t been able to work out how else to copy it for download.