George Johnson
George Johnson was born in Lincoln Flatts, Seaton Ross, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, during February 1802. One of four sons, and four daughters of Farmer, George Johnson (born 1769, in Seaton Ross) and Jane Johnson (nee Beilby, born 1774, in Seaton Ross).
George's Parents had been married in Seaton Ross, on the 18th July 1793. The first daughter arrived in 1794. George's mother, Jane Johnson (nee Beilby) died, when George was nine years old, during 1811. It is presumed George stayed on the farm with his father and sister. In 1836, George's father was still at the Lincoln Flatts Farm, in Seaton Ross. The reasons for George to leave Yorkshire, and head halfway around the world, to the new Swan River Colony are unknown. George was aged 27 years old, and classed as a Surveyor, as he set out for the new Swan River Colony from Hull, on Wednesday, the 9th September 1829, on the Tranby. His sister, Elizabeth Johnson was also on board the ship, as an Indentured Servant to the Clarkson brothers who lived nearby. |
George Johnson arrived at the Swan River Colony, on 3rd February 1830, on the Tranby. He was responsible for the Journal on which this web site is based. The completed journal was sent to his father, George Johnson Senior, in Yorkshire, shortly after his arrival in the colony, with a covering letter.
After Arrival at Fremantle
George came ashore with the rest of the Tranby passengers. They may have come ashore directly onto the Fremantle beach or they may have unloaded everything on to Garden Island first.
In the following weeks, after having received permission to stay in the Colony, and an evaluation of his goods that he had brought with him, the party received an initial grant of land. George Johnson then moved up to the Peninsula, from the bleak beach at Fremantle, with the rest of the Tranby party. He settled on the Peninsula, in the present day 'Maylands' area. George was granted Swan Location 'J' of 20.5 acres at what was known as, "Peninsula Farm".
Conditions were not easy for the band of settlers. George settled on the Peninsula with the rest of the community and presumably worked on his grant, growing produce, and improving his holding.
In the following weeks, after having received permission to stay in the Colony, and an evaluation of his goods that he had brought with him, the party received an initial grant of land. George Johnson then moved up to the Peninsula, from the bleak beach at Fremantle, with the rest of the Tranby party. He settled on the Peninsula, in the present day 'Maylands' area. George was granted Swan Location 'J' of 20.5 acres at what was known as, "Peninsula Farm".
Conditions were not easy for the band of settlers. George settled on the Peninsula with the rest of the community and presumably worked on his grant, growing produce, and improving his holding.
The Peninsula
Shortly after arriving, George built 'Ross Cottage" on his grant on the Peninsula. (This was the land grant 'J' adjoining the northern side of current Tranby House. - 'Johnson Road' is actually the road leading to the present Tranby House.)
As a Surveyor, George was also responsible for the agreed Plan on which the Peninsula Farm sub-division was based in 1835. For a more detailed description of the Peninsula Grants [See Here]
As a Surveyor, George was also responsible for the agreed Plan on which the Peninsula Farm sub-division was based in 1835. For a more detailed description of the Peninsula Grants [See Here]
Exploring The Avon Valley George Johnson was a member of the first party to explore the Avon Valley and York area in 1830.
Ensign Robert Dale, a 20-year-old officer of the 63rd Regiment, led a small party in the first exploratory journey over the Darling Range, during the winter months of 1830, into what was later to be known as the Avon Valley. |
On the 25th of April 1833, George Johnson was granted Perth Town Lot 'W85'. This was on Wellington Street. Lot 'W84' next door was, at the same time, granted to Joseph Hardey. Also in 1833, George was involved in the surveying of a proposed canal across the flats on the Swan River. The report was submitted on the 1st of November 1833. James Drummond, Michael Clarkson, and Joseph Hardey comprised the committee tasked by the Agricultural Society, to examine the proposal of improving navigation.
George sold his Peninsula Location 'J' to William Tanner during 1835. (William Tanner was a very talented businessman with a vast knowledge of farming, and he was able to adapt these techniques to suit the climate and conditions in the Colony. William Tanner had arrived on the “Drummore” on 1st February 1831, with his wife Hester, (nee Viveash, b.1805- d.1846) and one male child.)
Around the same time in 1835, George obtained a grant of land in the York district, where he established a flock of sheep.
The Early Years
IGNORANCE
Ignorance of the basic requirements for a pioneering venture handicapped many other emigrants at the Swan River Colony from the start. Most were so unsuitably equipped that they suffered severe privations in the wilderness. They took grand pianos instead of salted beef; dinner suits instead of work clothes, axes and spades. Twenty-nine of the first settlers at Clarence (south of Fremantle) died during the early months from dysentery, scurvy and other diseases. There were not enough fresh vegetables and fruit to go around, and the Surgeon had no means of curing the diseases once they began to spread. Many were reduced to near starvation, and their servants fled to the seaports. Their employers, many of whom had never known manual labour, were compelled to perform "the most menial offices", and their wives and daughters "were reduced to rags".
THE POPULATION DECREASES
Governor Stirling, at wits' end, sailed for London to beg for further assistance. Arrangements were made for regular shipments of food to be sent out. In 1832, however, the British Government abolished the principle of granting land to emigrants according to the amount of property they brought to the colony. Instead, land was to be sold at not less than five shillings an acre. Most colonists left in disgust and sailed to Van Dieman's Land (Tasmania). The population of Western Australia rapidly decreased from around 4,000 to about 1,600.
Roads through the bush connecting Perth with Fremantle, Guildford and Kelmscott were commenced by the end of 1830, but shortage of funds retarded their construction. The road from Perth east to Guildford, the only one completed by March 1831, was financed totally from public subscriptions. The road to York was not completed until October 1835. Only three additional towns were proclaimed during 1832 --those of Kelmscott, Kingston, and Albany. Kingston, which was on Rottnest Island, never got beyond that stage. Several allotments were taken up, but no attempt at building a township was ever made. With the single exception of Perth, very little progress was made in any of the townships. Fremantle as the port displayed a certain amount of activity, but not in the direction of erecting permanent buildings. Being the distributing centre for supplies, it boasted some large stores, the principal of which were those of Messrs. Leake, Shenton, and Samson, through whose energies a monthly service of boats was inaugurated between the port and Guildford. This was for many years the cheapest and safest mode of transport for goods, though there existed, from early in 1831, a reasonably good road between Perth and Fremantle.
George became a trustee of Methodist Church and a Sunday School teacher in 1834. He was also the Secretary of the Wesleyan Society and was involved in the raising of money to build the second Wesleyan 'Subscription' Chapel, in Perth.
George's Avon district grant was later sold to the Burges brothers. (Lockier Burges (b.1814 - d.1886), emigrated to Western Australia with his two brothers William Burges and Samuel Evans Burges. They took up 5,600 acres (2,300 ha) of land at York in 1837, which they named Tipperary after their birthplace.)
George had been Assistant Stock Superintendent, with Revett Bland (the Resident Magistrate), at York, for a short time.
By 1837, George had formed a partnership with a fellow Tranby settler Marmaduke Hutton and was trading as JOHNSON, HUTTON & Co. and they were importing goods for sale in Wellington Street, at Hutton's premises.
Ignorance of the basic requirements for a pioneering venture handicapped many other emigrants at the Swan River Colony from the start. Most were so unsuitably equipped that they suffered severe privations in the wilderness. They took grand pianos instead of salted beef; dinner suits instead of work clothes, axes and spades. Twenty-nine of the first settlers at Clarence (south of Fremantle) died during the early months from dysentery, scurvy and other diseases. There were not enough fresh vegetables and fruit to go around, and the Surgeon had no means of curing the diseases once they began to spread. Many were reduced to near starvation, and their servants fled to the seaports. Their employers, many of whom had never known manual labour, were compelled to perform "the most menial offices", and their wives and daughters "were reduced to rags".
THE POPULATION DECREASES
Governor Stirling, at wits' end, sailed for London to beg for further assistance. Arrangements were made for regular shipments of food to be sent out. In 1832, however, the British Government abolished the principle of granting land to emigrants according to the amount of property they brought to the colony. Instead, land was to be sold at not less than five shillings an acre. Most colonists left in disgust and sailed to Van Dieman's Land (Tasmania). The population of Western Australia rapidly decreased from around 4,000 to about 1,600.
Roads through the bush connecting Perth with Fremantle, Guildford and Kelmscott were commenced by the end of 1830, but shortage of funds retarded their construction. The road from Perth east to Guildford, the only one completed by March 1831, was financed totally from public subscriptions. The road to York was not completed until October 1835. Only three additional towns were proclaimed during 1832 --those of Kelmscott, Kingston, and Albany. Kingston, which was on Rottnest Island, never got beyond that stage. Several allotments were taken up, but no attempt at building a township was ever made. With the single exception of Perth, very little progress was made in any of the townships. Fremantle as the port displayed a certain amount of activity, but not in the direction of erecting permanent buildings. Being the distributing centre for supplies, it boasted some large stores, the principal of which were those of Messrs. Leake, Shenton, and Samson, through whose energies a monthly service of boats was inaugurated between the port and Guildford. This was for many years the cheapest and safest mode of transport for goods, though there existed, from early in 1831, a reasonably good road between Perth and Fremantle.
George became a trustee of Methodist Church and a Sunday School teacher in 1834. He was also the Secretary of the Wesleyan Society and was involved in the raising of money to build the second Wesleyan 'Subscription' Chapel, in Perth.
George's Avon district grant was later sold to the Burges brothers. (Lockier Burges (b.1814 - d.1886), emigrated to Western Australia with his two brothers William Burges and Samuel Evans Burges. They took up 5,600 acres (2,300 ha) of land at York in 1837, which they named Tipperary after their birthplace.)
George had been Assistant Stock Superintendent, with Revett Bland (the Resident Magistrate), at York, for a short time.
By 1837, George had formed a partnership with a fellow Tranby settler Marmaduke Hutton and was trading as JOHNSON, HUTTON & Co. and they were importing goods for sale in Wellington Street, at Hutton's premises.
In 1838, George Johnson's father, George Johnson senior, died in Lincoln Flatts, Seaton Ross, Yorkshire, England. By the Census of 1841, George's older brother, Matthew Johnson (born 1796, at Seaton Ross) seems to be running the farm at Lincoln Flatts with older sisters, Zellah Johnson (aged 40 years) and Rebecca Johnson (aged 45 years) living on the farm.
In February 1838, George had advertised that he was intending to leave the colony. He did not leave at that time as he was still dealing with property in late 1839.
In February 1838, George had advertised that he was intending to leave the colony. He did not leave at that time as he was still dealing with property in late 1839.
On the 1st of January 1839, Henry Chapman entered into a 'Deed of Conveyance of Building Allotment and Premises in Perth. No. 16 Section Q' to George Johnson. (Henry Chapman had just arrived per the Egyptian in 1839.) This long section of land (100 x 560 yards) extended from Gooderich and Howick Street. (Now renamed Murray and Hay Street). It is not known if he lived on the property. In May 1839, George was selling a Perth property on behalf of John Wall Hardey. |
George Returns to England
George sailed back to England in 1841 (ten years after having arrived in Western Australia). He was aged 38 years and single. The reason for his return to England is unknown but his father had died a few years previously. When George had arrived on the Tranby in 1830, the European population in the Colony was 1,859 persons. By the time he left it had only grown to 3,027 persons. This slow growth may have been one of the reasons.
It is unknown where George stayed for the first two years on his return to England. His brother, Matthew Johnson was still running the 234-acre Lincoln Flatts farm, with his unmarried sister, Rebecca Johnson, four labourers and two servants. Unmarried sister Zillah Johnson (aged 40 years) was living with them.
George was married at the Kirby Misperton Church, on the 15th of August 1843. The village of Kirby Misperton is in North Yorkshire, located north of Market Weighton. George married the 30-year-old, Jess (Jane) Oustan. Jess was the daughter of William & Jane (nee Snowball) Oustan. She had been born at 38 Little Barugh, Yorkshire, in 1813. |
The next year, Jess gave birth to a son:
The next year, on the 29th of April 1845, George's older sister, Zillah Johnson (born during 1797, in Seaton Ross) married John Buttle (born during 1784, at Holme). John Buttle was a 60-year-old farmer. They were married in Seaton Ross. John and Zillah went to live in Holme upon Spalding Moor.
The same year, the 32-year-old Jane (Jess) Johnson gave birth to another son:
- 1. William George Johnson was born in Manchester, Lancashire, England, on the 13th of September 1844. He was baptised on the 15th of December 1844 in the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, in George Street, Hulme, in Lancashire. William sailed to Australia on the Aerolite, aged 9 years old, with his parents. (See below).
The next year, on the 29th of April 1845, George's older sister, Zillah Johnson (born during 1797, in Seaton Ross) married John Buttle (born during 1784, at Holme). John Buttle was a 60-year-old farmer. They were married in Seaton Ross. John and Zillah went to live in Holme upon Spalding Moor.
The same year, the 32-year-old Jane (Jess) Johnson gave birth to another son:
- 2. Beilby Johnson was born on the 24th of November 1845, in Manchester, Lancashire, England. [His first name was the same as his grandmother's surname on his mother's side (Beilby)]. He was baptised in the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, in George Street, Hulme, in Lancashire, on the 15th of February 1846. Beilby is then recorded in the English 1851 Census, as being 5 years old, and living with his parents in the parish of Newchurch, Lancashire. Father George Johnson was then 48 years old, and his mother Jane was 38 years old. Beilby sailed, at the age of 7 years old, out to Australia with his parents. Beilby was to die five years later, in Guildford, on the 9th of April 1858, aged just 12 years old. His body lies in what is now the Guildford Grammar Cemetery.
The 1850's
George and Jess remained in England for the next fourteen years but what he was doing is not entirely clear. In the English Census of 1851, they were living in the Parish of Newchurch, Lancashire, in '96 Long Hulme Buildings'. Previously, when their son William Johnson was born, in September 1844, they were living at 54 Clopter Street, Hulme, near Manchester. Hulme was a centre for the cotton industry at the time. It is now a southern suburb of Manchester. George Johnson is listed as a Bookkeeper. George's younger brother, Beilby Johnson (born during 1808, in Seaton Ross) and his family, was also living in Hulme for the 1851 Census. He was a Commercial Traveller with four children and a servant.
At some stage, George and Jess decided to re-emigrate to Western Australia. Again, their reason for returning and bringing their two young children to WA is unknown. George, Jess and the two children returned to Fremantle, on 17th of December 1853, in the clipper ship AErolite. (James Downie, as Master)
West Australia's European population was about 6,000 at the time, so it had doubled since George had left Fremantle in 1841. It is believed George still owned 'Seaton Ross' a property of 1,760 acres, in the Avon Valley, and was under lease to another farmer. |
It is unsure where the family initially stayed in the Colony but, two years later, George and Jess then established a family home at the riverside town of Guildford, during 1855. George opened a Store there and sold imported goods. As the furthest navigable point on the Swan River, Guildford became an inland port, providing the main link between Perth and the country districts.
On 13th May 1855, George Johnson, a 'Yeoman', raised 350 pounds with an indenture of mortgage, on 'the Southern half of Guildford Building Lot No. 140 and containing one acre more or less', along with some other properties at York and Perth to the Reverend Samuel Hardey.
Johnson raised an additional 400 pounds by the same means, bringing his debt to Hardey to 750 Pounds. (Y2020 value about $53,500) George Johnson was elected to the York Agricultural Society on the 1st of October 1856. |
The town of Guildford, in 1851, had become a convict ticket-of-leave hiring depot and steamboats on the river made their debut in 1857. Guildford became a thriving market town and commercial centre. On the 23rd of September 1856, Perth was declared a 'Bishop's See' by Queen Victoria. This automatically raised Perth to the status of a city, but it was two years before the Perth Trust formally changed its name to the Perth City Council under its first chairman, Mr H.C. Cole.
George built first, a three-horse mill for grinding grain at Guildford Building Allotment No. 140, in 1855-56; and by mid-May 1857, he had obtained a revolutionary 'Steam Power for his Mill at Guildford'. He then sold the horse powered mill. Nearby, he built a two-story residence for his family, at 38 Ellen Street. This residence had stables and a separate Managers Office. He named it 'Seaton Ross' after his birthplace in Yorkshire. (Ellen Street, Guildford had been named after Govenor James Stirling's wife Ellen Stirling). |
Tragically, George and Jess's second born son, Beilby Johnson died in Guildford, on the 9th of April 1858, aged only 12 years old. His body was buried at what is now the Guildford Grammar Cemetery. The cause of death is unknown.
The 1860's
George Johnson repaid £150 of his debt by the 21st of December 1861, when the mortgage for the sum of £600 was assigned to Joseph Hardey in consideration of £200 paid to Reverend Samuel Hardey. The mortgage was transferred to Joseph Hardey on the 17th of October 1863.
In February 1862, George imported and advertised the arrival of a 'PATENT SMUT MACHINE' with a complete set of sieves to help with the though cleaning of wheat at the Town Steam Mill. He was still selling ploughs and winnowing machines. A small, four room cottage of brick with a shingle roof was constructed on the lot to the south of Johnson's mill and house circa 1860, the current 32 Johnson Street.
During the convict period, George employed 16 Ticket-of-Leave men, on various occasions, from 1867 to1875, including engineers.
During the convict period, George employed 16 Ticket-of-Leave men, on various occasions, from 1867 to1875, including engineers.
George Johnson was a trustee of the Wesleyan Church at Guildford, and he oversaw the construction of the Wesley Chapel (during 1883) in James Street, Guildford, which was located close to his Mill and their residence in Ellen Street (now named in his honour).
George was also a Trustee for the new Wesleyan Church in Hay Street Perth, with the Foundation Stone laid by the Governor, on the 29th of October 1867.
George was active in public affairs in the town, assisting in the formation of the Town Trust, of which he became a member; the Municipal Council, with which he held office as Chairman (in 1869, 1870, and 1871), and Treasurer; and he was also a founder of the Guildford Mechanics' Institute. The Municipality of Guildford was declared in 1871, and the telegraph extended to the town in the same year.
George was also a Trustee for the new Wesleyan Church in Hay Street Perth, with the Foundation Stone laid by the Governor, on the 29th of October 1867.
George was active in public affairs in the town, assisting in the formation of the Town Trust, of which he became a member; the Municipal Council, with which he held office as Chairman (in 1869, 1870, and 1871), and Treasurer; and he was also a founder of the Guildford Mechanics' Institute. The Municipality of Guildford was declared in 1871, and the telegraph extended to the town in the same year.
The mill was in operation in Guildford for more than two decades, and most of the district's grain was gristed there in that period.
The 1870's
The town of Guildford was declared a municipality in 1871 and granted its own crest of an anchor, sheaf and grapes. At this time, the population of the colony was 24,785 with the population of Perth being 5,244 (comprised of 3,007 males and 2,237 females). The population continued to increase very slowly until the gold discoveries of the 1890s. The population more than trebled between 1891 and 1902.
In December 1878, George Johnson advertised that he wished 'to retire from the millering business' and would receive tenders. However, the
mill was not sold.
On Wednesday, the 30th of April 1879, George and Jane's only son, William George Johnson, [1. see below] married Elizabeth Victoria Hardey. Elizabeth was the eldest daughter of Robert Davey Hardey, of The Grove, near Perth [i.e., Elizabeth was grand daughter of John Wall Hardey that came out on the Tranby with George]. William and Elizabeth were married in St. Mathews Church, Guildford (Reg No. 4669/1879).
The same year, George was reported ill with bronchitis and resigned from the Swan District's Road Board on the 5th of August 1879, and a public meeting was held to elect his replacement.
In December 1878, George Johnson advertised that he wished 'to retire from the millering business' and would receive tenders. However, the
mill was not sold.
On Wednesday, the 30th of April 1879, George and Jane's only son, William George Johnson, [1. see below] married Elizabeth Victoria Hardey. Elizabeth was the eldest daughter of Robert Davey Hardey, of The Grove, near Perth [i.e., Elizabeth was grand daughter of John Wall Hardey that came out on the Tranby with George]. William and Elizabeth were married in St. Mathews Church, Guildford (Reg No. 4669/1879).
The same year, George was reported ill with bronchitis and resigned from the Swan District's Road Board on the 5th of August 1879, and a public meeting was held to elect his replacement.
Later that year, George Johnson died, early on Saturday evening, on the 23rd of August 1879, aged 77 years, at Guildford. He had been ailing for some time with acute bronchitis. George was very highly respected in the town. Over 100 persons were in the cortege as it passed through the town. R.W. Hardey was one of the pall bearers.
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George had maintained a lifelong friendship with the Methodist preacher and friend from his school, back in Yorkshire, in Mr George Lazenby.
George's body was buried in Guildford, in what is now the Guildford Grammar Cemetery. The cemetery was located next to an early 1836 church built by the Missionary Society, which was first permanent church ever erected in WA. Nothing remains of this early building. The earliest burial is believed to have been in 1830 and the last in 1918. When the road was widened most of the graves were moved and re-interred at the newer Guildford Cemetery.
George's body was buried in Guildford, in what is now the Guildford Grammar Cemetery. The cemetery was located next to an early 1836 church built by the Missionary Society, which was first permanent church ever erected in WA. Nothing remains of this early building. The earliest burial is believed to have been in 1830 and the last in 1918. When the road was widened most of the graves were moved and re-interred at the newer Guildford Cemetery.
On 18 August 1885, following the death of Joseph Hardey, Jane Johnson, the widow of George Johnson, and their son, William George Johnson, (the Executrix and Executor of George Johnson's estate), paid £120 to the Executors and Devisees in trust named in Joseph Hardey's Will to discharge the Johnson mortgage, which was then re-conveyed to Septimus Burt.
George's wife, Jane Johnson (nee Oustan) died 24 years after her husband George, in Guildford, on the 18th of March 1903. She had been living at her son William's house, in Ellen Street, Guildford, in a separate cottage (called 'Jane's Cottage'). Her body is with her husband's, in what is now the Guildford Grammar Cemetery.
Their headstones are at position 14 and 15 on the memorial cross set in the ground, outside the church. |
George and Jane's Two Children
1. William George Johnson
William George Johnson was born in Manchester, Lancashire, England, on the 13th of September 1844. He was baptised on the 15th of December 1844, in the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, in George Street, Hulme, in Lancashire. William sailed to Australia on the AErolite, aged 9 years old, with his parents and his brother Beilby Johnson. William was educated at Guildford.
William was 14 years old when his younger brother Beilby, died aged just 12 years old, in April 1858.
William worked for a period at his father's flour mill in Guildford after leaving school, before joining the Government Service within
the 'Imperial Convict Department' during 1867. William resigned from the Service, with a pension, during 1877 and joined the mercantile office of John Henry Monger for two years. For years, Monger was the leading exporter of sandalwood which then ranked second among the colony's exports.
William was 14 years old when his younger brother Beilby, died aged just 12 years old, in April 1858.
William worked for a period at his father's flour mill in Guildford after leaving school, before joining the Government Service within
the 'Imperial Convict Department' during 1867. William resigned from the Service, with a pension, during 1877 and joined the mercantile office of John Henry Monger for two years. For years, Monger was the leading exporter of sandalwood which then ranked second among the colony's exports.
The 34-year-old George, married the 19-year-old Elizabeth Victoria Hardey, (born during 1860, at Mt. Hardey). Elizabeth was the eldest daughter of Robert Davey Hardey & Maria Jemima (Stone) Hardey of 'The Grove', (now in Belmont).
George and Elizabeth were married on Wednesday the 30th of April 1879, at the St. Matthew's Church, Guildford. (Marriage Reg: 4669/1879) Elizabeth was grand daughter of John Wall Hardey that came out on the Tranby with William's father, George Johnson. They had six children. |
1.1 Jane Constance Johnson was born on the 12th of September 1880, in Guildford. (Birth Reg: 21282/1880)
Jane married Walter Herbert Davis, (born during 1879, at Geraldton)
Walter was the third son of John Murray Thomson Davis & Mary Ellen (Sewell) Davis of Geraldton.
They were married on the 28th of March 1906, in the Wesleyan Church, in Guildford. (Marriage Reg: 8/1906)
Jane and Walter lived at ‘Wootacarra’ in Victoria Street, Guildford. Walter was a Ledger Keeper.
They had two children.
1.1.1 Victoria Mary Constance Davis was born during 1910, at Guildford. (Birth Reg. Swan: 6100268/1910)
Victoria married Ernest Eric Lee, in West Perth, during 1945. (Marriage Reg. Perth: 102367/1945)
Ernest Eric Lee, died in Hollywood, during 1974, aged 76 years. (Death Reg. Perth: 101406/1974)
1.1.2 Edwyna Blanche Davis was born during 1914, in Guildford. (Birth Reg. Swan: 6100168/1914)
She was two years old when her father enlisted.
Jane married Walter Herbert Davis, (born during 1879, at Geraldton)
Walter was the third son of John Murray Thomson Davis & Mary Ellen (Sewell) Davis of Geraldton.
They were married on the 28th of March 1906, in the Wesleyan Church, in Guildford. (Marriage Reg: 8/1906)
Jane and Walter lived at ‘Wootacarra’ in Victoria Street, Guildford. Walter was a Ledger Keeper.
They had two children.
1.1.1 Victoria Mary Constance Davis was born during 1910, at Guildford. (Birth Reg. Swan: 6100268/1910)
Victoria married Ernest Eric Lee, in West Perth, during 1945. (Marriage Reg. Perth: 102367/1945)
Ernest Eric Lee, died in Hollywood, during 1974, aged 76 years. (Death Reg. Perth: 101406/1974)
1.1.2 Edwyna Blanche Davis was born during 1914, in Guildford. (Birth Reg. Swan: 6100168/1914)
She was two years old when her father enlisted.
The 37-year-old Walter, enlisted on the 20th of February 1916. (Service No. 5682)
He joined the 18th/11th Infantry Battalion AIF, as a Private. He was one of five Davis brothers to serve. Brothers Reginald and Frederick also died. Walter left Australia on the 'Suevic' and arrived in Plymouth on the 21st of July 1916. He joined the Battalion in France on the 17th of September 1916. Walter Herbert Davis was Killed in Action on the 10th of April 1917, in what became known as the Third Battle of Ypres. Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux, Picardie, France. |
His wife received his British War Medal on the 24th of April 1922.
His widow, Jane Davis was hospitalized at Claremont Home for the Insane during 1922.
Widow Jane Constance Davis (nee Johnson) died on the 21st of June 1938, aged 57, at Claremont. (Death Reg: 1092/1938)
His widow, Jane Davis was hospitalized at Claremont Home for the Insane during 1922.
Widow Jane Constance Davis (nee Johnson) died on the 21st of June 1938, aged 57, at Claremont. (Death Reg: 1092/1938)
1.2 Ethel Marion Victoria Johnson was born during 1882, in Guildford. (Birth Reg: 23030/1882)
Ethel married Frank Bertram Tory, (born 1873, in Blandford, Dorset, UK) the son of John Edward Tory & Elizabeth (Saunders) Tory.
They were married on the 4th of October 1911, in the Wesleyan Church, Guildford. (Marriage Reg: 58/1911)
Frank was a legal manager and an estate agent. They had one child.
1.2.1 Ethel Elizabeth Troy was born on the 27th of July 1912, in Turnworth, Keightley-road, Subiaco.
(Birth Reg. Subiaco: 5900246/1912) Ethel was educated at the University of WA and then in the UK and France.
During the Second World War, she was employed in the Censor's Office in the Department of Information.
In 1946, she was appointed Tutor in French at the University of Western Australia and then lecturer in Latin in 1947.
From 1948, she stayed in France for ten years teaching and translating and undertaking research.
Ethel moved to Canberra. Acting Head of the Department of Modern Languages in 1969 and again from 1974 to 1975.
Ethel retired in 1977 but continued to teach French and to support drama studies at the ANU through donations.
Ethel Elizabeth Troy died on the 10th of July 2003, at age 90, in the Batemans Bay Hospital, NSW.
Ethel Marion Victoria Tory (nee Johnson) died on the 18th of May 1946, at Subiaco. (Death Reg: 1023/1946)
Frank Bertrum Tory died on the 4th of July 1949, at age 76 years in Healesville, Victoria.
Ethel married Frank Bertram Tory, (born 1873, in Blandford, Dorset, UK) the son of John Edward Tory & Elizabeth (Saunders) Tory.
They were married on the 4th of October 1911, in the Wesleyan Church, Guildford. (Marriage Reg: 58/1911)
Frank was a legal manager and an estate agent. They had one child.
1.2.1 Ethel Elizabeth Troy was born on the 27th of July 1912, in Turnworth, Keightley-road, Subiaco.
(Birth Reg. Subiaco: 5900246/1912) Ethel was educated at the University of WA and then in the UK and France.
During the Second World War, she was employed in the Censor's Office in the Department of Information.
In 1946, she was appointed Tutor in French at the University of Western Australia and then lecturer in Latin in 1947.
From 1948, she stayed in France for ten years teaching and translating and undertaking research.
Ethel moved to Canberra. Acting Head of the Department of Modern Languages in 1969 and again from 1974 to 1975.
Ethel retired in 1977 but continued to teach French and to support drama studies at the ANU through donations.
Ethel Elizabeth Troy died on the 10th of July 2003, at age 90, in the Batemans Bay Hospital, NSW.
Ethel Marion Victoria Tory (nee Johnson) died on the 18th of May 1946, at Subiaco. (Death Reg: 1023/1946)
Frank Bertrum Tory died on the 4th of July 1949, at age 76 years in Healesville, Victoria.
1.3 Helena Maria Johnson was born on the 14th of September 1884, in Guildford. (Birth Reg: 25539/1884)
Helena grew up in Guildford.
Helena married Robert Henry Habgood, (born 1883, in Fremantle)
Robert was the only son of Robert Henry Habgood (born 1852) & Blanche Mary Eliza (Brown) Habgood.
They were married on the 30th of December 1915, in the Wesley Church, Guildford. (Marriage Reg: 1/1916)
They moved to Sandstone and had two children.
1.3.1 Robert Mace Habgood was born on 21st of June 1920, in Miss Harvey's Private Hospital, Aberdeen Street, Perth.
His parents were still living in Sandstone when he was born. (Birth Reg. Perth: 101790/1920)
Robert received a Junior Certificate and became a Bank Clerk. His mother was then living in West Perth.
Helena grew up in Guildford.
Helena married Robert Henry Habgood, (born 1883, in Fremantle)
Robert was the only son of Robert Henry Habgood (born 1852) & Blanche Mary Eliza (Brown) Habgood.
They were married on the 30th of December 1915, in the Wesley Church, Guildford. (Marriage Reg: 1/1916)
They moved to Sandstone and had two children.
1.3.1 Robert Mace Habgood was born on 21st of June 1920, in Miss Harvey's Private Hospital, Aberdeen Street, Perth.
His parents were still living in Sandstone when he was born. (Birth Reg. Perth: 101790/1920)
Robert received a Junior Certificate and became a Bank Clerk. His mother was then living in West Perth.
He joined the CMF and AIF for a time. Trained at Northam as a Seargent.
At 22 years old, Robert enlisted in the Australian Army on the 26th of September 1941. (Service Number WX25325) He applied for and became a Lieutenant in December 1942. He served with the No.3 Aust. Field Regt. (AIF) in Sydney, and then Victoria. |
Robert married during 1946, Mary McDonald, daughter of Hertley James McDonald & Marjorie Beatrice (Davis) McDonald.
They were married in Victoria. (Victorian BDM Marriage Reg: 15274/1946)
On the 13th of August 1946, Mary's address was given as 38 Outriam Street, West Perth.
Robert was discharged from the Army and appointment terminated on the 5th of December 1946, at Karrakatta.
They had three children.
1.3.1.1
1.3.1.2
1.3.1.3
Robert Mace Habgood died peacefully at Box Hill Hospital, Victoria on the 11th of April 2002, aged 81 years.
Buried in the Nagambie Cemetery, Victoria.
1.3.2 William Henry Habgood was born on the 17th of November 1921, in Perth. (Birth Reg. Perth: 102987/1921)
William became a Bank Clerk and lived for a time, with his parents at 38 Outram Street West Perth.
At 23 years old, he enlisted in the Army on the 9th of October 1941 at Kellerberrin. (Service No. WX28372)
William served with the 25 Recce Battalion at GinGin and Northampton, before NSW, and Townsville.
He then served in Lae in the 43 Aust. Landing Craft Coy. RAE and became a Sergeant.
William was discharged on the 15th of March 1946, at Karrakatta.
William married Evelyn Mary Jean Bessen during 1947, in Perth. (Marriage Reg. Perth: 100496/1947)
William Henry Habgood died on 17 November 2013, in Victoria, Australia, at the age of 92.
He was buried in Sorrento, Victoria.
Robert Henry Habgood died on the 10th of December 1936, at age 53 years in the Northam Hospital after a two-week illness.
(Death Reg. Northam: 4900159/1936)
Helena Maria Habgood (nee Johnson) died on the 6th of September 1957, in Northam. (Death Reg: 2311/1957)
They were married in Victoria. (Victorian BDM Marriage Reg: 15274/1946)
On the 13th of August 1946, Mary's address was given as 38 Outriam Street, West Perth.
Robert was discharged from the Army and appointment terminated on the 5th of December 1946, at Karrakatta.
They had three children.
1.3.1.1
1.3.1.2
1.3.1.3
Robert Mace Habgood died peacefully at Box Hill Hospital, Victoria on the 11th of April 2002, aged 81 years.
Buried in the Nagambie Cemetery, Victoria.
1.3.2 William Henry Habgood was born on the 17th of November 1921, in Perth. (Birth Reg. Perth: 102987/1921)
William became a Bank Clerk and lived for a time, with his parents at 38 Outram Street West Perth.
At 23 years old, he enlisted in the Army on the 9th of October 1941 at Kellerberrin. (Service No. WX28372)
William served with the 25 Recce Battalion at GinGin and Northampton, before NSW, and Townsville.
He then served in Lae in the 43 Aust. Landing Craft Coy. RAE and became a Sergeant.
William was discharged on the 15th of March 1946, at Karrakatta.
William married Evelyn Mary Jean Bessen during 1947, in Perth. (Marriage Reg. Perth: 100496/1947)
William Henry Habgood died on 17 November 2013, in Victoria, Australia, at the age of 92.
He was buried in Sorrento, Victoria.
Robert Henry Habgood died on the 10th of December 1936, at age 53 years in the Northam Hospital after a two-week illness.
(Death Reg. Northam: 4900159/1936)
Helena Maria Habgood (nee Johnson) died on the 6th of September 1957, in Northam. (Death Reg: 2311/1957)
1.4 George Hardey Johnson was born on the 23rd of August 1886, at Guildford. (Birth Reg: 29219/1886)
He became a Land Agent and was living with his parents, in Johnson Street, Guildford by 1916.
He became a Land Agent and was living with his parents, in Johnson Street, Guildford by 1916.
At 30 years old, on the 2nd of September 1916, George enlisted in the AIF for service
as a Private (Service No. 32621) He went to Albany and then to Melbourne for training as a Gunner. George embarked, from Melbourne, via the Osterley, on the 14th of February 1917. George landed in Plymouth on the 11th of April 1917, and sailed for France on the 8th of August. He served in France with the 110 Battery but went to hospital in England a number of times. George returned to Fremantle on the 8th of April 1918. Discharged in 1918 suffering from Sinus tachycardia. |
George married the 49-year-old Gladys Dorothea Hannah Richter, (who had been born 1893, in South Aust.)
Gladys was the daughter of Albert Wilhelm Richter & Elizabeth Hannah (Linthorne) Richter.
They were married during 1942, in Perth. (Marriage Reg: 2764/1942)
The couple then lived in Shenton Park.
George Hardey Johnson died on the 25th of July 1957, aged 70 years, in Perth. (Death Reg: 1787/1957)
Buried at Karrakatta.
Gladys Dorothea Hannah Johnson (nee Richter) died on the 26th of December 1988, at about age 95 years.
Gladys was the daughter of Albert Wilhelm Richter & Elizabeth Hannah (Linthorne) Richter.
They were married during 1942, in Perth. (Marriage Reg: 2764/1942)
The couple then lived in Shenton Park.
George Hardey Johnson died on the 25th of July 1957, aged 70 years, in Perth. (Death Reg: 1787/1957)
Buried at Karrakatta.
Gladys Dorothea Hannah Johnson (nee Richter) died on the 26th of December 1988, at about age 95 years.
1.5 Maud Beilby Johnson was born on the 15th of May 1889, in Guildford. (Birth Reg: 736/1889)
Maud grew up in Guildford.
Maud married Linnell William Athol Carter, the son of Charles Herbert Carter & Sarah Mildred (Square) Carter.
They married on the 16th of March 1921, at the Methodist Church, Guildford. (Marriage Reg: 37/1921)
The couple went to live in Narrogin.
Maud Beilby Carter (nee Johnson) died on the 9th of July 1927, aged 36 years, at Cottesloe Beach (Death Reg: 935/1927.)
Buried in the Wesleyan section of Guildford Cemetery.
Maud grew up in Guildford.
Maud married Linnell William Athol Carter, the son of Charles Herbert Carter & Sarah Mildred (Square) Carter.
They married on the 16th of March 1921, at the Methodist Church, Guildford. (Marriage Reg: 37/1921)
The couple went to live in Narrogin.
Maud Beilby Carter (nee Johnson) died on the 9th of July 1927, aged 36 years, at Cottesloe Beach (Death Reg: 935/1927.)
Buried in the Wesleyan section of Guildford Cemetery.
1.6 Evelyn Louisa Johnson was born on the 19th of August 1893, at Guildford. (Birth Reg: 1553/1893)
Evelyn married Ralph Walker Taylor, (born 1894, Trowbridge, UK) the son of Ebenezer Taylor & Laura Maria (Walker) Taylor.
They were married at Kalamunda, during 1923. (Marriage Reg. Swan: 6100074/1923)
Ralph Walker Taylor died on 22 July 1932, in Subiaco, at the age of 38, and was buried in Guildford.
Evelyn Louisa Taylor (nee Johnson) died on the 2nd of March 1971, aged 78 years, at Yokine, Perth. (Death Reg: 882/1971)
Buried in the Guildford Cemetery.
Evelyn married Ralph Walker Taylor, (born 1894, Trowbridge, UK) the son of Ebenezer Taylor & Laura Maria (Walker) Taylor.
They were married at Kalamunda, during 1923. (Marriage Reg. Swan: 6100074/1923)
Ralph Walker Taylor died on 22 July 1932, in Subiaco, at the age of 38, and was buried in Guildford.
Evelyn Louisa Taylor (nee Johnson) died on the 2nd of March 1971, aged 78 years, at Yokine, Perth. (Death Reg: 882/1971)
Buried in the Guildford Cemetery.
Following the death of his father (George Johnson) in 1879, William returned to Guildford and took up residence at the two-storey home built for his father circa 1855-56, taking over the management of his late father's mill, farming property, and vineyard.
William demolished the original house in Ellen Street, Guildford, in the mid 1890s and built the current 'Federation Queen Anne' style house for his wife, Elizabeth Victoria Johnson (nee Hardey) and their six children. His mother Jane Johnson, moved into the Managers cottage behind.
This became known as the 'Johnson Complex' with 'Seaton Ross' as the main building. This 'Johnson's Complex' is still a fine example of a Federation Queen Anne residence, Victorian Georgian residence and Victorian Georgian stables in a cultivated landscape, featuring a number of fine mature trees. |
William, like his father, took an active part in public affairs. He was elected a member of the Guildford Municipal Council in 1880, returned as chairman in 1881, a position he held for the next three years.
Guildford's status changed dramatically with the establishment of the railways in the 1880s. River transport declined rapidly and with the rise of Midland Junction in the 1890s, Guildford's commercial importance eroded.
In 1887, William was elected Mayor of Guildford then elected again in 1892, 94, 95, and from 1897 – 1898 and finally, in 1906 to 1908.
Guildford's status changed dramatically with the establishment of the railways in the 1880s. River transport declined rapidly and with the rise of Midland Junction in the 1890s, Guildford's commercial importance eroded.
In 1887, William was elected Mayor of Guildford then elected again in 1892, 94, 95, and from 1897 – 1898 and finally, in 1906 to 1908.
William served as a Justice of the Peace, a Licensing Magistrate, a member of the Swan Roads Board, and its chairman for some years, and the President of the Guildford Mechanics’ Institute.
The section of Ellen Street south of the railway line and James Street, was renamed Johnson Street in the mid 1890s. William's other positions in the Swan district included President of the Swan District Building Society from its inception in 1895, and the Hon. Secretary of the Swan District Board of Education for thirty years. Many of the stately Sugar Gum trees that still line the streets of Guildford were planted in the late 1890s, in part as a celebration of Queen Victoria's Jubilee in 1897. |
On 10 January 1906, the 'Johnson's Complex' in Johnson Street was transferred to William George Johnson, as the sole surviving executor of the Will of his father George Johnson.
William George Johnson JP died on the 30th of July 1917, at his residence in Johnson Street, and he was buried in the Guildford Grammar Cemetery. (General A, Old Section 0102) "The funeral of the late William George Johnson took place on the 1st inst, moving from the deceased's late residence, 'Seaton Ross,' Guildford, to the Methodist Church, where the first portion of the service was conducted. The cortege then proceeded to the Methodist portion of the Guildford Cemetery, where the remains were interred."
Probate was granted to his widow, Elizabeth Victoria Johnson, and Frank Bertram Tory, (daughter Ethel's husband) two of the Executors named in William's Will. The Johnson Street property remained in the Johnson family until 1925. Elizabeth Johnson continued to reside at the place following her husband's death. William's wife Elizabeth Victoria Johnson (nee Hardey) died on the 23rd of August 1922, in Perth, aged 62 years old. (Death Reg: 1065/1922) Elizabeth was buried with her husband at Guildford. |
2. Beilby Johnson
Beilby Johnson was born on the 24th of November 1845, in Manchester, Lancashire, England. [His first name was the same as his grandmother's surname on his mother's side (Beilby)]. He was baptised in the Wesleyan Methodist Chapel, in George Street, Hulme, in Lancashire, on the 15th of February 1846. Beilby is then recorded in the English 1851 Census, as being 5 years old, and living with his parents in the parish of Newchurch, Lancashire. His father George Johnson was then 48 years old, and his mother Jane was 38 years old.
Beilby sailed, at the age of 7 years old, out to Australia with his parents and older brother William, arriving at Fremantle, on 17th of December 1853, in the clipper ship AErolite. (James Downie, as Master)
Beilby Johnson was to die five years later, in Guildford, on the 9th of April 1858, aged just 12 years old.
His body lies in what is now the Guildford Grammar Cemetery.
Beilby sailed, at the age of 7 years old, out to Australia with his parents and older brother William, arriving at Fremantle, on 17th of December 1853, in the clipper ship AErolite. (James Downie, as Master)
Beilby Johnson was to die five years later, in Guildford, on the 9th of April 1858, aged just 12 years old.
His body lies in what is now the Guildford Grammar Cemetery.
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