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Penguin and South Riana Cemeteries - Stories From The Graves

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Penguin and South Riana Cemeteries - Stories From The Graves

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Stories of people buried in the Penguin General and South Riana Cemeteries.

31/10/2026

(Story 82)

Samuel Hall 1872-1956.
Jessie Laura Hall (nee Robottom) 1878-1962

Penguin Cemetery.

Graves I/J

Samuel Hall was born on the 9th of January 1872 in the Northdown/Wesley Vale area of Port Sorell, the youngest son of Joseph (1835-1904) and Sarah Ann (1831-1912) Hall (nee Stott). (See story 3) Samuel spent the early part of his life in the Northdown/Wesley Vale area where his parents and grandparents (Stott’s) worked on the Northdown Estate. In 1878 Samuel’s father Joseph purchased a 113 acre block of land on the Pine Road behind Penguin, where the family soon moved to. He spent his time on the property at Pine Road and trained in the blacksmithing trade (most likely with his brother Dan Hall, who had a blacksmith shop at Penguin) but soon after changed trade to being a carpenter.
Jessie Laura Robottom was born in the Fingal area on the 1st of December 1878, the eldest child of Joseph (1855-1904) and Marian Lilly Jane (1862-1940) Robottom (nee Smith). Laura grew up at Fingal where her father was a carpenter and married Samuel Hall in 1900.
Daily Telegraph - Tuesday 24 April 1900, page 3.
FINGAL - On Wednesday a pretty wedding was celebrated at St Peter’s Church by the Rev. W. Moriarty Hurburgh, the contracting parties being Miss Robottom, daughter of Mr Joseph Robottom, Fingal, and Mr Samuel Hall, of the Penguin. The bride was becomingly attired in a gown of white cashmere, trimmed with silk and ribbon chiffon; she also wore a long veil and orange blossoms. The bridesmaids, Misses Lily and Rose Robottom, sisters of the bride, wore sea-green cashmere, trimmed with white lace. Mr E. Presnell was best man. After the ceremony the bridal party partook of an excellent breakfast at the residence of the bride’s parents, and in the evening in the council chambers an enjoyable dance was held in honor of the occasion, and about 30 couples tripped the light fantastic until day-light the next morning to the excellent music dispensed by Miss Beatrice Findlay and Mr John Johnson (Hobart). Mr and Mrs Hall left for their new home on the North-West Coast by train on Thursday morning, and took away with them the best wishes of their friends for their dirtier welfare. The wedding presents were numerous and useful.
In 1902 Samuel purchased 2 acres 1 rood and 14 perches from his brother William Hall at Pine Road, part of the original 113 acre block that their father had bought in 1878. In the valuations rolls, Samuel is listed as living in a cottage on Pine Road, so seems likely that he lived on the block that he had bought in 1902. (Now 498 Pine Road). Four children were born to the couple - Rita Mirian Margaret - 1902, Daisy Josephine - 1904, Clarice Sarah -1907 and Ivan Samuel - 1914. In 1916 the 2 acre block was sold to Walter Thomas Dobson. In 1907 Samuel purchases a 49 acre block of Land at Loyetea.
Advocate - Monday 1 June 1908, page 2.
NEW SCHOOL - At a trustee meeting held in the Methodist Church on Thursday evening the tender of Mr. S. Hall for the er****on of a school building for South Riana was accepted, the work to be started at once.
Daily Telegraph - Thursday 9 July 1908, page 5.
RIANA - The framework of the South Riana school building is in position, and a few weeks should see it finished.
The North Western Advocate - Thursday 20 August 1908, page 2.
NEW BUILDINGS AT RIANA - The contractor for the State School and teacher’s house is pushing on with his work; several carpenters are already busy with saws and hammers, and in a short time both buildings will be complete. A large public hall is being built a short distance from the one lately erected near Mr. Osbourne’s store.
Mr S. Hall has nearly completed the school at South Riana, and several other buildings are on the way for new settlers in this district.
The Mercury - Tuesday 1 September 1908, page 4.
RIANA’S PROGRESS - ………At South Riana also there is a building being erected by the Methodist body, close to the Methodist Church, to be used by the Educational Department, and there will be a large number of children attending it.
Examiner - Saturday 28 November 1908, page 9.
SOUTH RIANA -………The new state school which has been recently erected was opened last week, and the newly-appointed head teacher, Mr. H. H. McLaren, has taken charge. The attendance of children is very good, and will be no doubt greatly increased after the Christmas holidays. Mr. McLaren has the honour of being the first appointed teacher at South Riana.
In circa 1911 Samuel, Jessie and the three girls moved to Waratah where Samuel worked as a carpenter; in a 1921 land record for the Methodist Church at Waratah Samuel is listed as a trustee with several others to, 2 blocks of land; one in Smith Street and one in Ritchie Street. Ivan was listed as being born in Penguin in 1914, so I can only assume that Jessie returned to Penguin to give birth to her son.
In 1918 Samuel purchases 38 acres from Joseph James Kenner at Loyetea adjoining the 49 acres that he had purchased in 1907. In 1941 Jessie purchases 26 acres adjoining the 2 blocks. Samuel and Jessie lived on the farm named “Sunshine” until 1945 when they retired down to Penguin. (The “Sunshine” farm is now 155 Loyetea Road, South Riana)
According to Samuel and Jessie’s Golden Wedding write up in 1950, they spent 11 years at Pinewood, and then moved to Waratah and in 1918 moved to South Riana, which means ; 1900-1911 at Pinewood, Pine Road ; 1911-1918 at Waratah ; 1918-1945 at South Riana/Loyetea and 1945-1956/1962 at Penguin.
Advocate - Thursday 28 September 1933, page 4.
OF SOCIAL INTEREST - Mrs. S. Hall, of South Riana, and her small niece, Jessie Barrett, (Jessie is her grand daughter) are spending a holiday with Mrs. Hall’s mother at Mathinna.
Advocate - Wednesday 25 October 1933, page 4.
OF SOCIAL INTEREST - Mrs. S. Hall, of South Riana, has returned found holiday at Mathinna, accompanied by her mother, Mrs. Rowbottom.
Examiner - Wednesday 11 January 1939, page 5.
TOWN AND SOCIAL NOTES - Mrs. J. Ashton, of Melbourne, is staying with her parents, Mr. And Mrs. S. Hall, South Riana.
Advocate - Wednesday 11 January 1939.
Mrs. H. J. Ashton and her two little children, Gladys and Ivan of Horsham (VIC) are holidaying with Mrs. Ashton’s parents, Mr. And Mrs. S. Hall “Sunshine”, Loyetea.
Advocate - Wednesday 25 January 1939, page 4.
A birthday party was given to little Ivan Ashton by his grandparents, Mr. And Mrs. S. Hall, Loyetea, on January 14, before his return to Horsham, Victoria. Those present were Viola Wakeford, Jessie and Elvie Barrett, Gladys Ashton, Lloyd Barker, Milton and John Walker, Mr. And Mrs. Wakeford, Mrs. Shann, Mrs. Barrett, Mrs. Barker, Mrs. Ashton and Mrs. F. E. Ling, a great aunt of the guest of honor.
Mrs. Ashton, with her daughter Gladys and son Ivan, returned to Melbourne on Wednesday last after a month’s holidays with her parents, Mr. And Mrs. Hall, Loyetea.
Samuel and Jessie retired from the farm in 1945 and moved to Penguin where they bought 2 adjoining blocks (lot’s 2 and 3) of land in Panton Court and built their new home on lot 3. The 113 acre farm at Loyeteao was sold to Keith Henry Fuller. The land was bought from Robert Kidd and Frank Hedley Fielding and is now 5 Panton Court. The new home was named “Roseview” and overlooked the western end of Main Street and Johnson’s Beach. In 1953 Samuel sold lot 2 (now 3 Panton Court) to Cornelis Toet a painter.
Advocate - Thursday 20 April 1950, page 5.
GOLDEN WEDDING AT PENGUIN - Mr. And Mrs. S. Hall celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on Tuesday at their home in Penguin. They were married at the Church of England, Fingal, by Rev. Hurburgh in 1900, Mrs. Hall being the eldest daughter of Mr. And Mrs. J. Robottom of Fingal. Their first home was at Pinewood, where they resided for 11 years. The next years were spent at Waratah, and in 1918 they moved to South Riana, where they lived until four years ago, when Mr. Hall purchased a block of land at Penguin, on which he built a home. There are four children - Rita (Mrs. Nobes), Clarice (Mrs. Ashton) and Daisy (Mrs. Barrett) all of Melbourne, and Ivan (Hobart) - seven grandchildren and one great grand-daughter. Mrs. Hall’s two sisters, who were her bridesmaids at the wedding 50 years ago were unable to attend the celebrations because of sickness. A surprise party was tendered Mr. And Mrs. S. Hall on Tuesday night and guests included Mrs. Barrett and daughter Jessie, Mrs. R. Sice (Sydney), Mr. And Mrs. Ivan Rowbottom(should read Hall) and family (Hobart), Mrs. Vincent (sister of Mathinna), Mrs. L. Rowbottom (sister-in-law, of Launceston) and Mrs. F. Ling (South Riana). The guests-of-honor were presented with many gifts and three wedding cakes by Mrs. J. Summers (Penguin), Mrs. Barrett and Mrs. Hall received numerous posies. Telegrams were received from friends and relatives all over Australia. Mr. And Mrs. Hall enjoy good health and said yesterday they had never had an argument in their 50 years of marriage. Mr. Hall still follows his trade as a carpenter.
Mr Samuel Hall - contributed by the Rev. C. K. Warren - 1956
Many people gathered at the home of the late Mr. Samuel Hall to pay their last respects to one of the coast’s pioneers. Born at Wesley Vale, he was the youngest son of the late Joseph and Sarah Hall, who went to live in the Penguin municipality 30 years ago, first farming in the South Riana district, where they were worshippers in the Church of the Ascension, which has since been moved to West Pine. In his early days he was apprenticed to a wheelwright, but with the advent of the motor vehicle the trade declined and he turned his hand to carpentering. He was a craftsman of no small ability, and his art and tools were eagerly sought after when he left his farm to retire at Penguin. Here he built his own house. “Roseview”, on the side of the hill overlooking Bass Strait. He and his wife were both keen hardened and almost throughout the year their flowers are a picture to capture the eye of visitors. Until a few years ago his constant delight was to visit the blacksmith’s and help Mr. Matt Yaxley tyre the wheels that came to his shop. However advancing years and failing sight restricted his activities, but he continued to attend divine service each Sunday at St Stephen’s Church, where he was a regular communicant. He was a devout Christian and was able to quote scripture verse and passage. His favourite text was from Islam 18: “It is God that forgets me with strength), which he firmly believed to be true. His Masonic life began at Waratah and he continued it at Penguin, where he was a member of Peace Lodge. He was also a member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows. He is survived by his widow and four adult children, all of whom attended the funeral. Pallbearers were Messers. Lionel and Mortimer Ling, William Dobson and George Benham. Services at the home and graveside were conducted by the Rev. Charles K. Warren. Included among the floral tributes were those from Mr. And Mrs. L. Chellis, Mr. And Mrs. T. Chellis, Mr. And Mrs. J. Spotswood, Mr. And Mrs. M. Rowe, Mr. And Mrs. C. Hale, Mr. And. Mrs. G. Hawkins, Mr. And Mrs. J. Owens, Mr. And Mrs. C. Evans, Mr. And Mrs. Richardson, Mr. And Mrs. Inglis, Mr. Allan, Mrs. Gillard, Mrs. Robinson, Mr. And Mrs. L. Ling, Mr. And Miss. Hampson, Miss. E. Hall, Mrs. E. VonBibra, Mrs. Lea Ling and family, Mr. And Mrs. L. Stubbs, Mr. And Mrs. H. Clarke, Mr. And Mrs. A. Short, Mr. And Mrs. W. Rowsthorn, Mr. And Mrs. Sushames, Mr. A. Smith, Mr. And Mrs. Alan King, Worshipful Master, officers and brethren of Peace Lodge No. 7 Tasmanian Constitution.

Samuel Hall died at Penguin on the 12th of June 1956 and was buried in the Penguin Cemetery on the 14th of June.
Jessie Laura Hall (nee Robottom) died at Penguin on the 27th of September 1962 and was buried with Samuel in the Penguin Cemetery.

17/10/2026

Story (81)

Ella Muriel (Muriel) Henty (nee Downward) 1873-1911.

Penguin Cemetery.

Grave - 357.

Ella Muriel Henty (nee Downward) was born in Launceston on the 1st of February 1873 a daughter of Henry Hutton (1832-1908) and Esther Ann (1840-1889) Downward (nee Davis). Ella was Christened at St John’s Church in Launceston on the 5th of March 1873. Henry Downward was a Teller at the Union Bank in Launceston at the time of Ella’s birth. On the 6th of July 1893 Ella married Arthur Leslie Johnstone in Melbourne.
Launceston Examiner - Saturday 31 March 1894, page 1.
JOHNSTONE-DOWNWARD - on the 6th July 1893, at Melbourne, by the Rev. Mr Strickland, of St. Kilda, Arthur L. Johnstone, son of the late Wm. Johnstone, Esq, of Launceston, Tasmania, to Ella Muriel, Youngest daughter of Mr H. H. Downward, late of the Union Bank of Australia, Latrobe and Launceston.
Hamilton Spectator - Tuesday 9 August 1904, page 3.
A BRIEF HONEYMOON - (wire from our correspondent) MELBOURNE, Monday.
Ella Muriel Johnstone obtained a divorce from her husband Arthur Johnstone fruit grower at Mildura, on the ground of desertion. The respondent, while a clerk in the Bank of Australasia, in Tasmania, married the petitioner 11 years ago, and went to Mildura after a week’s cohabitation. He had only sent her 60 pounds during 11 years.
The Argus - Tuesday 9 August 1904, page 9.
DIVORCE COURT - MONDAY, AUG, 8. (Before Mr. Justice A’Beckett)
JOHNSTONE V. JOHNSTONE.
Parted a week after marriage, Ella Muriel Johnstone, of Gordon-buildings, Little Flinders street, applied for a divorce from Arthur Leslie Johnstone, of Mildura, fruit-grower, on the ground of desertion. The parties were married by the Rev. F. P. Strickland, at 345 Swanston street, on July 6 1893. Petitioner’s case was that it was arranged that respondent should go back to his selection alone to make a home. He went a week after marriage, and they corresponded, but he neither made her a home nor supported her, his total contributions to her maintenance in eleven years being about 60 pounds. She did not see him till February, 1899, when he told her he could not make a home for her. In April, 1900, he went to South Africa with the fourth contingent, after telling petitioner he would not return. He came back, and she saw him again in 1901, when he again refused to make a home for her. Petitioner said she would go with him now if he gave her a home.
A decree nisi was granted, with costs.
Ovens and Murray Advertiser - Saturday 13 August 1904, page 3.
DIVORCE - Ella Muriel Johnstone obtained a divorce from her husband, Arthur Johnstone, fruit-grower, of Mildura, on the ground of desertion. The respondent, while a clerk in the Bank of Australasia in Tasmania, married the petitioner 19 (11) years ago and went to Mildura after a week’s cohabitation, and only sent her 60 pounds during 11 years.
In Ella’s divorce paper’s, it says - That prior to my marriage with the Respondent I was a spinster living with my father at Latrobe in the said state of Tasmania and was dependent upon my said father for my livelihood till about July 1892 when I came to the said state of Victoria and earned my livelihood as a lady help…….
That since the date of my said marriage after living with my husband for about one week I have maintained myself by obtaining employment in various ways as a needlewoman, lady help, companion and waitress with very slight and irregular sums of money sent me by my said husband amounting in all to less than Sixty pounds in nearly eleven years………
That for some time prior to the said marriage the Respondent had been a Clerk in the Bank of Australasia at Latrobe in the said state of Tasmania but immediately prior to the said marriage he took up land at Mildura………
That since the said marriage after cohabiting with me for about one week the said Respondent has been earning his living at Mildura aforesaid as a Fruit grower…..
There are no children of such marriage……
That after marriage the Respondent and I cohabitated for about one week at St Kilda Road, St Kilda……. On the thirteenth day of July 1893 went back to Mildura……
I never saw him again until February 1899 nearly six years after when I met him in Melbourne and on my asking him to take me back with him to Mildura he refused to do so saying he could not afford to keep me, had no house to offer me and did not intent to have one and that he would never live with me again…….
That in the month of April 1900 I heard that the Respondent was going to South Africa with the Fourth Contingent (Imperial Bushman’s Contingent) and on the thirtieth day of April 1900 the night before this contingent left the said state of Victoria I went to Flemington Race Course where the contingent was encamped and saw the Respondent. He said he had no intention of ever living with me again and intended to remain in South Africa. He returned with the contingent and I met him in Parkville where I was living shortly afterwards. He stated that he was then going to Tasmania about two months later he called at Rialto where I then lived with good friend Miss Jane Grimes and stated that he had ceased to care for me………..
After her divorce Ella, more commonly known as Muriel married Dr. Whitfield de Witt Henty in 1906.
Whitfield was born on the 12th of February 1880 at “Mount Pleasant”, Campbelltown, N.S.W., a son of Edward (1850-1880) and F***y Emma (1852-1880) Henty (nee Jebb).
He was named after his maternal grandmother Eliza Whitfield (1808-1893) and his paternal grandfather Cornelius de Witt Jebb (1816-1898).
Tragically Edward never knew his son as he had died at “Merino Downs”, Portland, Victoria just 16 days earlier on the 27th of January. More tragedy was to follow with the death of Whitfield’s mother on the 20th of May at Campbelltown. It is not clear where he was raised after this terrible time, it does seem though that he may have been first raised by a Mrs. Grey.
The Sydney Morning Herald - Friday 8 December 1882. Page 5.
LAW NOTICES - re W. He Witt Henry (an infant), petition of J. Henty for custody of infant.
The Sydney Daily Telegraph - Thursday 28 June 1883, page 2.
In the Equity Court yesterday, before Mr. Justice Faucett, Mr. F. Barton made an application re W. He Witt Henty, and infant, for his custody to be transferred to his natural guardian. His Honor made an order that on Mrs Henty removing to Campbelltown, say within a fortnight, the child should be handed to her care, Mrs Grey, the present custodian of the infant, to have the privilege of seeing it daily.
By 1896 Whitfield is listed in attending the Caulfield Grammar School in Melbourne and had passed his second year of Medicine in 1899 at Ormond College.
In 1905 Whitfield returned from Edinburgh after his training as a doctor.
The West Australian - Friday 24 November 1905, page 6.
PERSONAL - Among the passengers on board the R.M.S. Oruba, which arrived at Fremantle yesterday from London, were - the Rev. R. Buddha, Mr. And Mrs. Munster, Mr. Chas. McLeod, Dr. B. Nairn, Dr. De Witt Henty, and Mr. And Mrs. S. Doust.
The Australasian - Saturday 20 January 1906, page 60.
HENTY-JOHNSTONE - On the 4th of January, at “Eudia”, Avondale Road, Armadale, by the Rev. A. J. Wade, Whitfield de Witt, younger son of the late Edward Henty, of “Mount Pleasant”, Campbelltown, N.S.W., to Muriel, youngest daughter of Henry Hutton Downward.
“Eudia” on the Avondale Road was owned by Whitfield’s spinster aunts - Margaret Meares Henty and Susan Goldsmith Henty daughters of John and Eliza Henty (nee Whitfield) Merino Downs, Portland, Victoria.
The Henty’s played an important role in the foundation of Victoria back in 1830’s.
State Library of Victoria - January 10, 2019 - What about the women?.
The Henty Brothers Edward, Francis, Stephen and John have been credited with establishing Victoria’s first permanent European settlement in Portland, Western Victoria. Edward first visited the area from Van Diemen’s Land in 1832, in search of pastoral land and returned in November 1834 on board the “Thistle” to permanently occupy land and farm sheep. By 1837 he had been joined by his three brothers, who began importing merino sheep and fruit trees, and also became involved in whaling.
Whitfield and Muriel moved to Mathinna in Tasmania soon after their marriage in 1906.
Daily Telegraph - Saturday 30 June 1906, page 5.
MATHINNA - After a stay of six months Dr. He Witt Henty has returned to Victoria. During his stay here he has performed some clever operations, which have turned out very satisfactorily……..
The North Western Advocate - Saturday 15 September 1906, page 4.
PENGUIN - Mr Jas. Kaine, Sen, is suffering from an attack of congestion of the lungs. His medical attendant, Dr de Witt Henty, considered his condition so critical that a consultation was recommended, and Dr. Gillan, of Burnie, on Thursday consulted with Dr. Henty regarding the case.
The Henty’s first rented a house from Clara Ann Kenner, then rented from the Church of England the new Rectory while the Doctor’s Surgery House was being built in Main Street in circa 1909. Whitfield purchased the block of land from William Henry Davis Archer of Longford.
In circa 1907 Henty supposedly flew a cycle plane from Cann’s Hill onto Watcombe beach. The plane was financed by Henty and built by Penguin Inventor Goshen Swain Richardson who had his bicycle shop in the Main Street. On landing it is said that Henty broke some ribs and his collar bone. A photo held by the Penguin History Group show’s Richardson with his plane on Watcombe beach. The problem is their just aren’t any historical records, eg. newspapers to substantiate the story. You would think after such an event taking place that a newspaper article could be found. So far after many years of trying, I’m still to find such an article, I’m not saying it didn’t happen, I just would like more evidence of the flight taking place. Maybe one day I will find it.
The North Western Advocate - Saturday 18 February 1911, page 4.
PENGUIN - Great gloom was cast over the town late yesterday afternoon when it became known that Mrs. De Witt Henty had breathed her last. Deceased, who was extremely popular, and deservedly respected by all classes, had not for some time past enjoyed good health, and about a month ago underwent a very serious operation. From this, however, she rallied, and appeared her usual self, but on Thursday last it was found necessary to perform a second operation, from which she never regained consciousness, and passed away as stated at 7 o’clock. The funeral will leave her late residence at 3 o’clock to-day for the Penguin cemetery.
The North Western Advocate - Monday 20 February 1911, page 2.
PENGUIN - The funeral of the later Mrs. De Witt Henty took place on Saturday afternoon. Although the notice given was short a large number gathered to pay their last respects to the memory of the deceased. The Pall-bearers were Messers. J. Thomas, F. McCarthy Clerke, R. T. Pullen and E. McKenna. The Rev. F. Taylor (Anglican) officiated at the grave whilst the funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. N. Hall.
On account of the death of Mrs. De Witt Henty the band did not play on the rotunda on Friday night, as announced, but will do so to-night.

Ella Muriel Henty (nee Downward) died at Penguin on the 17th of February 1911 and was buried in the Penguin Cemetery on the 18th of February.

The North Western Advocate - Thursday 12 September 1912, page 3.
A PENGUIN BANQUET - DR. HENTY FAREWELLED.
There was a large and representative attendance at the farewell banquet to Dr. De Witt Henty, who is returning to Melbourne after a stay of six years in Penguin, held at the Neptune Grand Hotel, Penguin, last night. Mr. F. McCarthy Clerke presided and had the guest of the evening on his right. Dr. J. E. Smellie (who is succeeding Dr. Henty at Penguin) was on his left, and next were Dr. L. Fulham and Dr. F. M. Garrick’s respectively. Amongst others present were Messers. J. D. McKenna (vice chairman), H. Thomas, Jas. McHugh, E. O. Button, W. C. Stuart, H. C. Piercey, G. Andrews, A. E. Spotswood and J. McCauliffe. After the toast of loyalty had been duly honoured the chairman proposed “Our Guest”. Apart from his undoubted popularity Dr. Henty was known as a student in his profession. His kindness to the poor of the district would ever be remembered after he had left the district to fresh fields. The faces that he saw round the festive board were a sufficient and an eloquent testimony to his popularity. (Applause) The guest was a gentleman who had gained during his six years stay amongst them friendships that would last while life endured. (Hear, hear.) His qualities as a man is a professional adviser and as a friend shone out in bold relief. He was expressing the thought uppermost in the minds of all present when he said that Dr. Henty left the district with the general and genuine regret of all. And he left them leaving scattered throughout the municipality many instances which testified to his skill as a medical man. (Applause) The toast was musically honoured, and “For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow,” was sung. The chairman said that his next pleasing duty was to extend a welcome to Dr. Smellie. They trusted that his stay amongst them would be to the advantage of all. He offered Dr. Smellie the freedom of their grand old city, which carried the privilege of permission to ring the firebell, and stop the town clock. (Laughter and applause) In reply, Dr. Henty said that he was very pleased to see such a large and distinguished gathering. It brought home to him that he had made many good friends. He offered them his hearty and sincere thanks. He did not in one way regret leaving Penguin, but hoped to see many of those present again. (Applause) He felt their kindness deeply. He commended Dr. Smellie to the people of Penguin. The people in the district who were “worth while” would give a man a fair deal. (Applause) He would give the people this advice - that in time of sickness they could with safety trust their lives in Dr. Smellie’s hands. (Applause) He trusted that his successor would have a pleasant stay with them. (Applause) Other toast’s honour was were “The Medical Profession” (proposed by Mr. H. C. Piercey, responded by Dr’s. Harricks, Gollan, and Smellie), “Commercial and Agricultral” (Mr. T. J. Crisp, responded to by Messers. W. C. Stuart and McHugh), “Banking” (Mr. J. D. McKenna, responded to by Messers. Pullen, Andrews and Spotswood), “The Ladies” (Mr. E. McKenna), and the “Chairman” (by the guest). During the evening musical items were rendered by Messers. J. W. Preece (song), C. Reynolds (song), H. Wilkins (song), F. A. Batman (recitation), and G. L. Andrews (song). The tables were artistically arranged and decorated, and reflected credit on Mrs. McAuliffe, under whose supervision the arrangements were carried out.
After his return to Melbourne Dr. Henty joined the 2nd Light Horse, Field Ambulance as Captain on May 1st 1915. His postal address was 13 Avondale Road, Armadale and his next of kin was his aunt Margaret Meares Henty. He embarked with his battalion on May 18th per RMS “Mooltan” and arrived at Gallipoli per “Itonus” on the 5th of August. He suffered from Bronchitis while serving and spent several months in hospital, he was finally ordered back to Australia after suffering Pulmonary Tuberculosis and sailed from Suez per “Argyleshire”, disembarking at Melbourne on the 30th of March 1916.
The Argus - Monday 24 January 1916, page 8.
A cable message has been received from Captain W. De Witt Henty, of the Third Australian General Hospital, who was reported seriously ill at Heliopolis in the last casualty list, that he is quite well again.

Whitfield De Witt Henty died on the 21st of June 1953 at a private hospital in Melbourne and was cremated at the Springvale Crematorium on the 24th of June. His ashes were scattered.

10/10/2026

Story (80)

Bertie Charles Barrett 1882-1932

South Riana Cemetery.

Grave - section 4, grave 21.

Bertie Charles Barrett was most likely born on the 14th of May 1882 at Turner’s Marsh (according to Ancestry). There are no birth records in the Tasmanian Archives for him.
His parents were most likely John (jnr) (1845-1916) and Anna Mercy (1844-1909) Barrett (nee Knight).
The articles below concern Bertie’s grandfather John Barrett.

The Tasmanian - Saturday 31 March 1885, page 23.
On Monday there also passed away at Turner’s Marsh Mr. John Barrett, aged 75 years, who was for many years a well known business resident in Launceston. “Barrett’s timber yard”, in the premises next to the Volunteer Hotel, now occupiers by Messers. J. & T. Gunn, was for many years as well known as the town clock, and the profits from it were spent in clearing and improving a property at Turner’s Marsh, Upper Piper, for years before Mr. Barrett, about 1870, removed from town to reside on the farm. He was an unassuming, kind-hearted and upright man and many of our numerous readers will regret to learn that Mr. John Barrett has “passed over to the majority”. He leaves several sons and daughters, all grown up.

The Tasmanian - Saturday 7 April 1888, page 12 - ECHOES OF THE STREET.
ECHOES OF THE STREET - [By Tommy Trot]
“Our echoes roll from soul to soul.” - TENNYSON
The last of a faithful band of Christian’s has passed away. In the summer of the year 1849 a number of workmen’s employed by G. P. Ball, Esq., at Montford, were getting a midday meal, when a gentleman on horseback rode up and greeted them with the compliments of the day. One of the party asked if he would take a drink of tea and have something to eat. Being very weary, he gladly assented, and after this repast he asked them if they would object to his saying a few words to them. They all acquiesced, and discovered that he was a clergyman. He addressed them from these words - “ Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” That preacher was the Rev. Nathaniel Turner, and those twelve men who heard the word that day resolved one and for all that they would seek the Lord. The anniversary of that day was kept for a number of years by them, when they used to meet for prayer and to encourage each prayer. Their number gradually lessened with the flight of time, and now the last has gone. Their names were John Keyleck, Joseph Clayton, Thomas Blackleach, Thomas Turner, George Oliver, John Clarke, Robert Batt, William Hills, Henry White, John Tongs, John Smith, John Barrett. They were known amongst the crowd as the “Twelve Apostles”, and if ever twelve men adorned the Christian church they did. They possessed all the ingredients which constitute the Christian character, and as far as possible they tried to follow the footsteps of their Master. The last of them, familiarly known as Johnny Barrett, was borne to the grave on Wednesday last. He was a kind parent, an excellent neighbour, at one time a large employer of labour, and a liberal paymaster. When trying to promote his adopted country’s interests he organised parties to search for gold at his own expense, and he was the first to send a number of men to the Denison to search for gold. This took place in the year 1853. Those various efforts cost him over 500 pounds. No old hand or bushman ever applied to him for assistance in vain, and such men would journey to the farmhouse on Turner’s Marsh well knowing that there was a square meal awaiting them. He was universally spoken of as honest John Barrett.

Launceston Examiner - Thursday 8 August 1889, page 3.
The district of Turner’s Marsh derives its name from a fine flat on the east bank of the Piper. This flat was originally known as”Slasher’s Hole”, and the name was changed to Turner’s Marsh when it was taken up by Mr. Turner, formerly Police Clerk at Launceston, from whom it passed into the possession of Mr. John Barrett.

Bertie most likely grew up around Turner’s Marsh and most likely moved with his family to North Motton by 1895.

Daily Telegraph - Tuesday 30 April 1895, page 3.
Journeying through the North Motton district one notices improvements on all sides, but none more striking than on Mr John Barrett’s farm. The whole of the estate is now well fenced with post and rail, while on the road through the property and leading to the homestead the slip-panels have given way to gates, which, together with the gate posts, are painted, giving the whole a very finished appearance, I might add that the whole of the property has been scrubbed and burnt off, Mr Barrett being now busily engaged in clearing off the timber.

According to the Tasmanian Valuations Rolls Leonard Frank Barrett was leasing 49 acres of land at South Riana for a term of 14 years from 1890, Bertie Charles Barrett was leasing 95 acres of land at South Riana for a term of 14 years from 1901 and Thomas Walter Barrett was leasing 25 acres of land at South Riana for a term of 14 years from 1903. In 1909 Bertie buys the 49, 95 and 25 acres blocks of land which are consolidated as 2 properties which he sells as Soldier Settlement Blocks in 1920. Joseph John Howard leases the western 85 acres and Thomas Chilcott leases the eastern 87 acres. Bertie moved to the Sassafras/Virginstow area where he bought 153 acres of land from Linden George Shadbolt, before moving back to South Riana in 1923, buying 441 acres from Edwin Jones at Loyetea, the property being named Peak Hill Farm.

Daily Telegraph - Wednesday 20 June 1923, page, 7.
Riana - Mr. E. Jones, of South Riana is leaving shortly for Sassafras, He will be greatly missed as he was most prominent in every movement for the welfare of the district. He has disposed of his property to Mr. B. Barrett of Sassafras. Mr. Barrett is coming back to Riana, to where he resided prior to going to Sassafras.

In 1927 Bertie married Daisy Josephine Hall of South Riana; Daisy was born on the 17th of June 1904 at Penguin, a daughter of Samuel (1872-1956) and Jessie Laura (1878-1962) (nee Rowbottom). The Hall family first lived at Pinewood, Pine Road from 1900 until circa 1911 before moving to Waratah until circa 1918 when they moved to South Riana.

Advocate - Friday 19 August 1927, page 2.
Barrett-Hall
The Anglican Church, South Riana, on July 27, was the scene of a pretty wedding, when Bertie Charles, youngest son of the late Mr. And Mrs. J. Barrett, late of Dulverton and Daisy Josephine, second eldest daughter of Mr. And Mrs. S. Hall, were united in the holy bonds. Archdeacon Atkinson performed the ceremony. As the bride entered the church on the arm of her father, by whom she was given away, Miss A. Barker played “The Bridal March”. The bride looked charming in a frock of pale blue georgette, with overdress of radium lace. She wore a beautiful veil and wreath of orange blossom, which was loaned by the bride’s friend, Mrs. G. Docking, Avoca, and she also carried a shower bouquet of asparagus ferns, camellias and stocks, tied with white satin streamers. The bouquets were nasty by Mrs. J. Hales, Penguin. The bride was attended by Miss Clarice Hall as bridesmaid, who was daintily attired in a mauve crepe-de-chyme ?trimmed with radium lace, and carried a posy of violets and asparagus ferns, tied with mauve streamers. She also wore the bride-groom’s present, a gold bangle. Little Miss Doris Oliver attended the bride as maid of honour, and wore a dainty little ?of shell pink crepe-de-chyme, with post at waist to match, and carried a beautiful pen-painted white satin cushion, which was the gift of the bride’s aunt (Mrs. H. Vincent, Mathinna). She wore the bridegroom’s gift, a gold bangle. Mr. M. Mahoney, jun., attended the bridegrooms as best man. After the ceremony intimate friends and relatives of the bride and bridegroom were entertained at a wedding breakfast at the bride’s mother’s home. The tables were very nicely decorated, and a feature was a three-tier wedding cake, very neatly decorated, made and presented by Mrs. F. Oliver. The presents received were both costly and numerous. After the breakfast the happy couple left for their honeymoon, which was spent touring the North-West Coast. The bride travelled in a fawn woollen repp frock, trimmed with fur, and hat to match. The future home of Mr. and Mrs. B. C. Barrett will be at South Riana.

Bertie and Daisy had two children - Jessie Anna in 1928 and Elvie Rose in 1931, but tragically Bertie dies at “Peak Hill Farm” Loyetea in 1932 at the age of fifty.

Advocate - Tuesday 28 June 1932, page 2.
Mr. Bert. Barrett, South Riana.
The death occurred at his residence, Loyetea, yesterday of Mr. Bertie Charles Barrett at the age of 50. Mr. Barrett had just recently recovered from a serious illness and suffered a relapse on Friday evening. He was attended at his home by a doctor and nurse. Mr. Barrett was well known in the Riana district. He. Leaves a widow and two daughters. The funeral will take place at the South Riana cemetery to-morrow afternoon.

Bertie Charles Barrett died at “Peak Hill Farm” Loyetea on the 27th of June 1932 and was buried in the South Riana Cemetery on the 29th of June.

Daisy leased the property to James Ray in 1933 for a term of five years, finally selling it to him in 1938. As her parents were living close by to Daisy I can only assume that she moved back to the Hall farm with her 2 young daughters. In 1943 she is living in Wilson Street, Burnie and by 1949 is living at 304 Malvern Road, Prahan, Victoria with an occupation as Laundress. In 1951 Daisy married widower, Reginald Arthur Hay a Bookbinder from Queensland in Sydney and by 1954 they are living 394 Pacific Highway, Lane Cove, NSW. In 1958 they are living at 45 Thomas Street, Ashfield, NSW where Reginald dies in 1961. By 1972 Daisy has moved to unit 17, 53 Alice Street, Lakemba and on the 7th of July 1990 Daisy passes away at the Trinity Gardens Retirement Village in Southport QLD; she is buried in the Southport Lawn Cemetery - section 4, Position 00283.

Just a side note on the Peak Hill Farm at Loyetea; my uncle Darryl Barker owned the property in the past and in the mid 1980’s I remember visiting/working at the property and staying in the old farmhouse. We camped on the floor of the old house, it had no power connected to it at that stage and as an early teenager I remember it to be quite scary at night time, especially with the wind blowing. It was in the middle of nowhere and could only be reached driving up the back paddocks, the road in was just a poor gravel road, past the old sheds and stockyards. My uncle sold the property and it was to be replanted into plantation forest in the middle to late 1980’s and I helped to pull down the old house. We cut the walls into sections and loaded them onto Sandy Radford’s truck, while doing this we started to lose one wall with us all underneath it, it started to fall and we all had to run out from underneath. As the dust settled we looked around to make sure we all got out safe; but where was Sandy? We panicked as we thought he was crushed underneath, when he tapped us on the shoulder from behind we breathed a sigh of relief. Sandy still tells this story of how we thought we’d crushed him, so if you know Sandy, ask him about the house at Loyetea that nearly fell on him.

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Main Rd, Penguin TAS, Australia/Pine Road, South Riana
Penguin, TAS
7316

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