Thomas Lutton and Elizabeth Susannah née Lawrence - Great great grandparents and their descendants
Thomas and Elizabeth née Lawrence (from Betty Lahiff)
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| Elizabeth Lutton née Lawrence |
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| Elizabeth Lawrence age 15 |
- Nellie Lawrence, born 29 December 1878 in Surry Hills Sydney, died 4 September 1950 at 1 Walker St, Merrylands;
- Charles Herbert, born 30 September 1879 at Paddington, died 1941 at Hurstville. He married Emma Louise Myers in 1916 and had two children;
- John Hubert (great grandfather), born 10 January 1882 in Paddington, died 1933 in Armidale. In May 1903 he married Helen Amelia (Nellie) Cathie - great grandmother; they had seven children
- Florence Margaret, born 20 March 1884 in Paddington, died 1964 at 1 Walker St, Paddington. In 1912 she married John Patrick Lahiff in Sydney. They had 2 children;
- George Gordon, born 20 March 1885 in Paddington, died 10 December 1972 at West Pennant Hills. On 18 September 1915 he married Mabel Ruth Robertson (born 16 May 1895 at Waverly), and they had 5 children;
- Auffray Collis (Col), born 29 January 1888 at Paddington, died 1960 in Sydney. He married Frances Veronica (Vera) Ryan in Armidale in 1928;
- Gilbert Baldwin, born 6 September 1892 in Paddington, died 4 September 1954. He married Henrietta Mary Stuart on 22 December 1915. They had eight children.
She adds: "The second daughter, Florence Margaret, was born in March 1884, by which time the family had moved to Verona Cottage, Hopewell Street, Paddington. Elizabeth was very ill after the birth, supposed to be pneumonia, but probably a tubercular infection as she was in bed for 3 months. Her mother lived with the family during this time. In March 1885 George Gordon was born. It is not certain whether his christian names were after George Gordon (Lord Byron) the poet, or General Gordon, probably the latter. He was a tiny baby, and a very small man, who lived to be almost 90."
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| The family of Thomas Lutton, 1888 in Sydney |
Thomas's employment and family life
Thomas was employed by the City of Sydney. He is listed in the City of Sydney List of Employees 1842 - c1900 as a Traffic Officer; Transit Officer 1893-1895; Inspector Eastern Markets, Manager Markets, 1896-1917.
He also managed a newspaper called the Protestant Standard. It was first published in Sydney on 1 May1869 by Samuel Goold, under the title: The Protestant Standard. It changed its name to The Protestant Banner and continued under this later title from 31 August 1895 to 28 July 1906. It can be read on the National Library of Australia's historical website, Trove. Thomas was an enthusiastic Orangeman, ie anti-Catholic.
Thomas sang in the choir at St John’s Church, Darlinghurst. This church was for the wealthy and middle class people of the district. A few business people and tradesmen were permited to join the congregation. Apparently the Lutton boys were in this privileged group.Nearby Woolloomooloo, in the middle of the 19th century, was a residential area for working class people, with much drunkenness around the hotels. The story was that the hotels were open until late at night, the men spent most of their money there and very little was left for th wives and children. Rev Langley, later Bishop Langley, spent much time working among these people and was instrumental in building St Peter’s Church in “the Loo” to “save the people.” The real reason for building the Church was most of the residents were barred from St John’s Darlinghurst.
Betty Lahiff:
"It appeared that Thomas was employed most of the time by the “Protestant Standard”, a weekly paper published by the Loyal Orange Lodge, whose members came mainly from Northern Ireland. He was manager until the paper ceased publication in 1895. To read the paper today in 1990, the main impression is how narrow and bigotted were the articles. However, one cannot judge people by the standards of today. Thomas was an ardent Orangeman. In Sydney 100 years ago, feeling was very intense on religious matters, especially with people from Irish descent. He was also a Mason but resigned from the Lodge which was too expensive for a man with a large family to support. At one stage he was “offered” a seat in the N.S.W. Parliament, but declined owing to family responsibilities. Parliamentarians received no salary at that time.
"The family moved to a larger house in Gordon Street in Paddington near St Mathias Church, into an area which seemed to be the “Protestant section” of Paddington. Paddington had a big Irish-Catholic population and was a middle-class suburb, not a poor area as many people thought.
"At one Orange Lodge function in the Sydney Town Hall, Elizabeth wore a dark green frock which occasioned some nasty comment, another example of the narrow mindedness of the times. Historians state that the early Orangeman’s Society in Northern Ireland was a very reactionary organisation but it is very doubtful if any of the Australian members were aware of this. Certainly not the younger members who were born in Australia. It was a Lodge to them, similar to the Oddfellows and Manchester Unity Lodges.
"Living conditions were still very close to pioneering. Houses were very solid but lacked any real conveniences and there was no sewerage system. One of the joys of Elizabeth’s life was to move into a house with a colonial oven. The children were well dressed, especially the girls, who had frocks made from women’s long dresses by careful sewing. It was not so easy to clothe the boys in home-made suits and one brother in particular complained and said when he had his family, he would see his boys were well dressed, and he did this with his sons. They were a happy family with proud parents.
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| Paddington Public School from 1871 |
"The eldest daugter, Nellie, suffered from asthma. She had very little schooling and was needed at home to help with the younger children. A piano was purchased and Nellie became a capable pianist. She enjoyed working in the home and looking after her younger brothers and sister.
Thomas at Sydney Markets
Thomas at Sydney Markets
"Thomas was unemployed for a time in the 1890’s probably after the closure of the “Protestant Standard”. Hard times were experienced an the eldet boys left school. Some years before Thomas had opened a tobacconist shop in the city but it was not a paying concern and was abandoned. For a while he worked as a collector on the toll gates on Anzac Parade, then obtained employment at the Sydney Fish Markets [at Woolloomooloo]. In 1900 he was appointed Clerk-in-Charge of the Belmore Markets, owned by the Sydney Municipal Council. The markets were later moved to their present site and now known as Paddy’s Markets.
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| Fish markets at Woolloomooloo |
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| Fish markets at Woolloomooloo |
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| Fish markets at Woolloomooloo |
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| Fish markets at Woolloomooloo |
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| Fish markets at Woolloomooloo |
Notice of the appointment was conveyed to him in a handwritten letter signed by the Town Clerk:
“Thomas Lutton esq
Eastern Fishmarkets
Woolloomooloo
Sir
I have to inform you that the Right Worshipful the Mayor, Sir Matthew Harris M.P., has been pleased to appoint you to the position of Clerk-in-Charge of the Belmore Markets, with a salary at the rate of Two Hundred Pounds, per annum.
I am, Sir,
Yours faithfully,
………………
Town Clerk “
This was a very good appointment and the family was once more in a sound financial postion.
"Thomas was keen sportsman, very interested in swimming, cricket and football and was a member of the Sydney Cricket Ground. He participated in Lodge and other community organisations, was well respected and popular with the agents and employees at the Belmore markets. Apart from his regular duties, he was a good friend and confidant to the Chinese people associated with the markets, arranging for passports and other business and legal assistance.
"Paddington had begun changing from a middle class to a lower grade suburb and was no longer considered a suitable place for a growing family seeking employment. However, because it was conveniently situated for Thomas to walk through Surry Hills to the markets, the family remained there, only moving to different houses in Moore Park Road.
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| Belmore Markets |
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| Belmore Markets |
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| Belmore Markets |
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| England v Australia at SCG 1883 |
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| Lutton residence 326 Moore Park Road, Paddington |
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| 326 Moore Park Rd, Paddington |
Florence, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth
"Florence, the second daughter, remained at school at Paddington until she was 17, then spent one year in a commercial school in the city at the Victoria Arcade (now demolished) in Elizabeth Street. She was one of the first trained shorthand typists in Sydney but unfortunately did not use her training and skills. One reason for this was the very low wages paid to girls. She worked for one month at a photographer’s studio at The Rocks for the princely sum of 2 shillings and 6 pence a week. Her mother considered it was better to remain at home and asist with the housework than work for a few shillings a week. It was common practice for girls to work for 6 months without wages while they were “being trained”. Often at the end of this period they would be dismissed and aother group of girls employed to take their place. Florence applied to join the Post Office staff but because of a dispute with her father, the necessary form was not signed by him and the appplication was not finalised.
The boys' lack of employment
"Florence, the second daughter, remained at school at Paddington until she was 17, then spent one year in a commercial school in the city at the Victoria Arcade (now demolished) in Elizabeth Street. She was one of the first trained shorthand typists in Sydney but unfortunately did not use her training and skills. One reason for this was the very low wages paid to girls. She worked for one month at a photographer’s studio at The Rocks for the princely sum of 2 shillings and 6 pence a week. Her mother considered it was better to remain at home and asist with the housework than work for a few shillings a week. It was common practice for girls to work for 6 months without wages while they were “being trained”. Often at the end of this period they would be dismissed and aother group of girls employed to take their place. Florence applied to join the Post Office staff but because of a dispute with her father, the necessary form was not signed by him and the appplication was not finalised.
The boys' lack of employment
"Australia was fast becoming an agricultural country and employment in the city was not readily available. Many young men sought work in the country. With the exception of Jack and Gordon, the sons did not seek regular employment. It was said the father, who was busy in the political and business life of Sydney, did not bother enough about employment for the boys. More likely it was a lack of co-operation between all the family. Elizabeth and Thomas had drifted apart, possibly because of Elizabeth’s refusal to enter into public life with her husband. There was a good comfortable home, so why should the boys bother about permanent employment.
Elizabeth and social change
Elizabeth and social change
"Social conditions were changing. Elizabeth had been influenced very much by the wealthy Hill family and tried to use their standards with her own family, particularly the girls. She considered hers was a lady’s place in the home, and that she shouldn’t concern herself with business maters, which was the province of men. By the turn of the century, women were beginning to participate in business, professional and political life.
"Somehow, she did not realise this change and although her daughters were well dresssed and capable, they were restricted. Nellie, the eldest accepted this and was happy working in the home, playing the piano and going to the theatre and local social functions. Florence desired a wider horizon and should have had a career.
"Elizabeth, in real Victorian style, organised her home but resisted entering into the wider world outside. Her home was well furnished and organised. All housework had to be completed by 12 noon when the father came from work and the family had a midday dinner. The afternoons were spent reading, shopping, sewing or walking.
Marriages
Marriages
"In 1903, John married Helen (Nellie) Cathie - great grandparents - in Brisbane and brought his wife back to the family home where their first child Dorothy was born in 1904.
"Florence married John Lahiff in May 1912, against the wishes of her father, who objected to his daughter marrying a Roman Catholic. [For such a staunch Orangeman, this must have been quite a rift.]
"Charles married Emma (Emmie) Myers in circa 1916.
World War One
World War One
"Family life continued smoothly until the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914. Youths and young men, in a wave of patriotism rushed to enlist in the Australian Infantry Forces (A.I.F.). Gordon was the first son to enlist in 1915. He married Mabel Robertson and sailed soon afterwards for the second landing at Gallipoli. Gilbert (Bert) enlisted in 1916 and married Henrietta (Hetty) Stuart about a week before going overseas. Collis was rejected as medically unfit. However, a few months later he re-applied under the name of James Lawrence and was acepted. By 1917, 3 sons were overseas. The 3 boys returned from the war in good health.
[Ed: Full service records for anyone interested can be obtained here: Australian War Memorial website. George - Service Number 4202. He embarked on the HMAT Aeneas A60 on 20 December 1915; Gilbert - Service Number 4544. Embarked on HMAT Wandilla A62 on 3 February 1916; Collis aka James Lawrence - Service Number 7885. Embarked on 28 February 1918 on HMAT Nestor A71. He was listed as a Horse Trainer of Paddington, next of kin an 'aunt', Mrs E Lutton, 326 Moore Park Rd, Paddington]
[Ed: Full service records for anyone interested can be obtained here: Australian War Memorial website. George - Service Number 4202. He embarked on the HMAT Aeneas A60 on 20 December 1915; Gilbert - Service Number 4544. Embarked on HMAT Wandilla A62 on 3 February 1916; Collis aka James Lawrence - Service Number 7885. Embarked on 28 February 1918 on HMAT Nestor A71. He was listed as a Horse Trainer of Paddington, next of kin an 'aunt', Mrs E Lutton, 326 Moore Park Rd, Paddington]
"Australia was pledged by its Prime Minister “to the last man and the last shilling”. Conscription was proposed. Large sections of the population, while very patriotic, opposed conscription. Ausralia had a volunteer army and public feeling was very intense. Thomas advocated conscription and spoke in its favour. Elizabeth and the sons and daughters opposed it. Letters from the sons in the A.I.F. overseas urged an anti-conscription vote, which was adopted in 2 referendums.
"Sydney Agricultural Showground was converted to an army camp and many soldiers left “for the front” overseas from this base. This had an upsetting effect on many of the nearby residents of Paddington whose homes overlooked the showgrounds.
Death of Thomas
Death of Thomas
"In September 1917, Thomas developed pneumonia and died within 3 days. His death was truly an end of an era in the family.
"When funeral arrangemnts were organised it was decided the funeral should leave from the family home at No.326 Moore Park Road, Paddington. Representatives of the Chinese community at the markets requested permission to hold a special service at the home. Permission was granted and the Chinese service took place in the home before the funeral left for Waverley Cemetery. In true Victorian style, no woman attended the funeral. It was a large funeral with the men from the markets marching. A marble memorial was erected in the City Markets in his honour and was inscribed as follows:
“In memory of Mr Thomas Lutton
Clerk of these Markets since their
establishment. Died 24th Sept 1917.
Erected by the Municipal Markets staff
as a mark of esteem.”
(It is hoped that the memorial plaque will be placed on the wall of the new Paddy’s markets)
Elizabeth after Thomas's death
"There was little income then. Aged pensions were very inadequate and social services almost non-existent. Granny [Elizabeth] would not apply for a pension until her money was almost exhausted. Later she realised the need for adequate pensions for the aged, invalid and other socially deprived people. She became one of the early members of the newly formed Merrylands Branch of the Old Aged and Invalid Pensioners Association.
"The family were great readers and Granny was very keen on the works of Charles Dickens. She enjoyed reading poetry, especially the poems of Henry Lawson, and was very upset when he died. When a very old lady, her Bible, prayer book and a small dictionary were beside her bed and were read each day.
"Elizabeth was a complex person very much loved by her family. She had a great love of literature and poetry and a real feeling for history, which was unusual in most Australians. Although born in England, she considered herself an Australian, and was very proud of her connection with the English gentry through her father, Luke Lawrence, whose family were wealthy and influential in Berkshire. It is not known if the family had any connection with the Australian relatives. Her concern and sympathy were for very poor people probably accounted for her support for the Australian Labor Party while her husband was very conservative in politics. She would often say, “the Lawrences had the money, but the Freeman and Franklin families were very well connected”. An absorbing interest for her was the life of the Royal Family and princes and princesses.
"She often said that she married the wrong man, claiming that she married her husband because “he was good looking”. She thought that if she had married Jack Ramsay, who was in a good government position, she would have been financially better off. This thinking was pobably an illusion and she may not have had any more happiness, because she really enjoyed her childen and family life. It may have been a complex she developed from marrying into a poor Irish family. Much poverty was caused by the very large families in Victorian days when Government assistance for children was unknown. There were 14 children in grandfather Lutton’s family. When any of her sons, whom she idolised, acted in a manner contrary to her ideas, she would say, “they can’t help it, its the mad Irish blood in them”.
"Grandfather died without making a will. It took some time for any money to be divided amongst the family as Gordon, Col and Bert were with the AIF in Europe and they had to be consulted.
"When the family settled down after the father’s death, Elizabeth decided to leave Paddington and buy a small cottage. Houses were in short supply due to the War. Eventually it was decided to buy a small cottage, No 1 Walker Street Merrylands, in the outer western suburbs of Sydney for herself and her unmarried daughter Nellie. The house was purchased in Nellie’s name, as her mother who was 69 years old, thought she had only a few years to live.
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Left: 1 Walker St, Merrylands is now a brick McMansion. No 3 next door has the remains of the small cottage it was originally, probably similar to the cottage Elizabeth bought.
"By this time, Jack Lahiff was ill and spent much time in hospital and Florrie and her 2 children (Betty and Grace) had returned to the family home in Paddington. Charles was married and was also living at home with his wife and daughter and they remained there for some years after the family moved to Merrylands on 1 July 1918. Florence and her 2 small children accompanied her mother and sister Nellie to the new home. Jack Lahiff died in July 1919 and his family remained at Merrylands.
"By this time, Jack Lahiff was ill and spent much time in hospital and Florrie and her 2 children (Betty and Grace) had returned to the family home in Paddington. Charles was married and was also living at home with his wife and daughter and they remained there for some years after the family moved to Merrylands on 1 July 1918. Florence and her 2 small children accompanied her mother and sister Nellie to the new home. Jack Lahiff died in July 1919 and his family remained at Merrylands.
"Life in the small cottage at No 1 Walker Street Merrylands was very different to city life in the large house at Paddington. Granny enjoyed her “little cottage in the country” but her daughters were not so happy and missed the city life.
"Collis retuned from the First World War and joined his mother and sisters at Merrylands. He remained there until 1926 when he obtained employment in the New South Wales Railways at Armidale. In 1927 (or 1928) he married Veronica (Vera) Francis Ryan.
"Merrylands was a bush village at the end of the Sydney blue gum forest in those days. Unfortunately, the forest has now disappeared, chopped down for firewood and to make way for houses as part of the expansion of Sydney westwards. In keeping with the aim of “a little cottage in the country”, a garden was planted, incluluding fruit trees. The fruit from the peach trees was enjoyed for a few years hbut some local residents advised against pruning the trees, so they gradually detriorated. The orange tree turned out to be a common orange and the apple tree was a very sour Christmas apple. Fowls were kept for some years. lack of experience resulted in the abandonment of plans for a rural life. The garden had a wide variery of plants and one rose bush with a deep cream flower is still flowering, nearly 75 years later. Elizabeth was always happy in the garden, growing herbs and lanting trees. The pepperina tree has grown huge and is really too large for a suburban garden.
"A couple of years after moving to Merrylands, Elizabeth became very ill and entered Auburn Cottage Hopital for an operation to remove her gall bladder. The local doctor gave her a 100 to 1 chance of survival. Fortunately she recovered and lived on for almost 20 years.
"Elizabeth had a very long and useful life, helped very much by the support of her 2 daughters. She did very little housework after her 2 daughters grew up but she was never idle, embroidering, reading, gardening and going for short walks. Her health was good until the last year of her life. She died in September 1938, 3 months before her 90th birthday. Her family was grateful that she died before the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939. They remember how agitated and upset she became when her sons and other young Australians enlisted for overseas service, many of them never to return.
"Elizabeth Susannah has been remembered with deep respect and affection by her family and friends."
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