This graphic Gransden family history map shows the early days of the Gransdens in Australia, including (top right corner) Edwin and Rebekah Gransden, parents of Edwin James Gransden, departing for the Queensland Goldfield.
Graphic courtesy of Gransden Family Website by Tina Bean.
Graphic courtesy of Gransden Family Website by Tina Bean.
Edwin Gransden 1864 - 1938
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1870 Diamantina Orphanage
When Edwin James Gransden was just six years of age and his sister Ellen three, they were admitted to Diamantina Orphanage in Brisbane. Their parents had been running "Reefers' Hotel" at Crocodile Creek goldfields (between Mt Morgan and Rockhampton) but Edwin's parents died in 1869 and 1870. In 1873 Edwin was adopted by William and Martha Dockrill. Ellen died at the Orphanage in 1874. |
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19 Feb 1873 Adoption by the Dockrills
After seven years of marriage, William and Martha remained childless. In 1873 William Dockrill, always a decisive man, travelled to Brisbane and adopted Edwin Gransden from the Diamantina Orphanage.
There is no blood connection between the Dockrill, Eversden or Gransden families. However, there is a sentimental Cambridge connection: a small village named Gransden is located west of Cambridge, and Edwin's surname may have influenced William's selection.
Edwin Gransden spent over 25 years working at Tartha before joining Queensland Railways as a porter. There he became involved in union matters. He married Catherine Wright in 1893 but they were not blessed with children.
In his later years, Edwin won many horticultural prizes, echoing the interest of his adopted uncle, Lewis Eversden, with whom he spent 14 formative years (1873 - 1886) at Tartha. Catherine was also interested in gardening. Edwin and Catherine lived at Speedy Street, Red Hill.
After seven years of marriage, William and Martha remained childless. In 1873 William Dockrill, always a decisive man, travelled to Brisbane and adopted Edwin Gransden from the Diamantina Orphanage.
There is no blood connection between the Dockrill, Eversden or Gransden families. However, there is a sentimental Cambridge connection: a small village named Gransden is located west of Cambridge, and Edwin's surname may have influenced William's selection.
Edwin Gransden spent over 25 years working at Tartha before joining Queensland Railways as a porter. There he became involved in union matters. He married Catherine Wright in 1893 but they were not blessed with children.
In his later years, Edwin won many horticultural prizes, echoing the interest of his adopted uncle, Lewis Eversden, with whom he spent 14 formative years (1873 - 1886) at Tartha. Catherine was also interested in gardening. Edwin and Catherine lived at Speedy Street, Red Hill.
1873 Diamantina Orphanage record of Edwin Gransden.
This indicates Edwin lived at the orphanage between Jun 1870 to Feb 1873.
This indicates Edwin lived at the orphanage between Jun 1870 to Feb 1873.
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1893 Edwin Gransden's marriage
4 Apr 1893 Edwin Gransden married at West End. 26 May 1893 The Week http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/183114833 A very pretty wedding was celebrated at Brighton road Congregational Church on April 4. Miss Catherine Wright, stepdaughter of Mr. H. Beresford, of West End, was united to Mr. Edwin J. Gransden, adopted son of Mr. William Dockerell, of Tartha station, Moonie River. The ceremony was performed by the Rev. William Bradley. The bride wore a dress of ivory white crepon, and train, trimmed with wide watered ribbon and swans down wreath of orange blossoms and embroidered tulle veil; she carried a shower bouquet of tuberoses, and was attended by four bridesmaids. Two were in white gowns and hats with buttercup trimmings and bouquets to match, and wearing horseshoe brooches, the gift of the bridegroom. The other two were little girls in white frocks, with eau de nil silk trimmings, hats of white velvet and swans down, ostrich feathers to match, each carrying a basket of flowers, with ribbons of the same colour. |
Brighton Rd Congregational Church - now demolished
The bridegroom was also attended by two gentlemen, Mr. Charles Aulsebrook acting as best man. The mother of the bride wore a black crepe dress, trimmed with gray beaver; bonnet to match, and the mother of the bridegroom a handsome navy and cream silk, with bonnet to correspond. Among the quests many other handsome dresses were worn, the buttercup shade predominating. The church was tastefully decorated by the young friends of the bride. As the pair left the church the "Wedding March" was played by Miss McLean, while showers of rice and good wishes came from the many friends assembled.
A large number of guests afterwards met at the residence of the bride's parents, where an excellent wedding breakfast was served, and the customary toast was honoured. Mr. and Mrs. Gransden left by the 4 o'clock train for Southport*, where they make a short stay previous to returning to Tartha. * The honeymoon was at Cambridge House - probably a gift from Lewis and Jane Eversden. |
THE BERESFORD FAMILY
Henry Beresford - Catherine Wright's step-father - a man with religious connections
28 Sep 1887 Brisbane Courier - farewell to the pastor, Reverend E. Moore:
Mr. Henry Beresford, on behalf of the British and Foreign Bible Society, The Social Purity Society, and the members and adherents of the Brighton-road Congregational Church, presented Mr. Moore with a purse containing fifty-five sovereigns; .....
1918 Death of Catherine Wright's mother
5 Nov 1918 Brisbane Courier
BERESFORD.-The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. GRANSDEN, and Mr. and Mrs. W. C. HERBERT are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of their deceased Mother and Mother-in-law, Mrs. E. A. Beresford, to move from her late residence, Cleveland, THIS (Thursday) AFTERNOON, at 3 o'clock, to the Cleveland Cemetery.
K. M. SMITH, Undertaker.
1921 Death of Catherine Wright's step-father
25 Feb 1921 Courier Mail
BERESFORD. The Friends of Mr HENRY BERESFORD, deceased, late of Cleveland, are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, to leave the residence of Mr. W. C. Herbert, Ekibln-road, Annerley, THIS (Friday) AFTER- NOON, at 2 o'clock, for the South Brisbane Cemetery.
JOHN HISLOP & SONS, Funeral Directors.
Henry Beresford - Catherine Wright's step-father - a man with religious connections
28 Sep 1887 Brisbane Courier - farewell to the pastor, Reverend E. Moore:
Mr. Henry Beresford, on behalf of the British and Foreign Bible Society, The Social Purity Society, and the members and adherents of the Brighton-road Congregational Church, presented Mr. Moore with a purse containing fifty-five sovereigns; .....
1918 Death of Catherine Wright's mother
5 Nov 1918 Brisbane Courier
BERESFORD.-The Friends of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. GRANSDEN, and Mr. and Mrs. W. C. HERBERT are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of their deceased Mother and Mother-in-law, Mrs. E. A. Beresford, to move from her late residence, Cleveland, THIS (Thursday) AFTERNOON, at 3 o'clock, to the Cleveland Cemetery.
K. M. SMITH, Undertaker.
1921 Death of Catherine Wright's step-father
25 Feb 1921 Courier Mail
BERESFORD. The Friends of Mr HENRY BERESFORD, deceased, late of Cleveland, are respectfully invited to attend his Funeral, to leave the residence of Mr. W. C. Herbert, Ekibln-road, Annerley, THIS (Friday) AFTER- NOON, at 2 o'clock, for the South Brisbane Cemetery.
JOHN HISLOP & SONS, Funeral Directors.
THE DEATHS OF EDWIN GRANSDEN AND CATHERINE WRIGHT
1937 Death of Catherine Wright
Catherine was admitted to Goodna Mental Hospital - where she may have been nursed by Clara Eversden's son, Donald Eversden McLaran - and died there 13 days later. She was 68 years old.
15 Nov 1937 Brisbane Telegraph
GRANSDEN.— The Funeral of the late Catherine Gransden, Wife of E. J. Gransden, of Speedy Street, Red Hill, will leave the Funeral Parlour, 45 Adelaide Street, City, Tomorrow (Tuesday) Morning, at 10 o'clock, for the Cleveland Cemetery. Private interment. CANNON & CRIPPS. Funeral Directors.
1938 Death of Edwin Gransden
Edwin passed away following a stroke in July 1938. He was 74 years old. His estate of over £400 was left to the daughter of a Queensland Railways workmate.
5 Jul 1938 Brisbane Telegraph
GRANSDEN.— The Friends of the late Edwin James Gransden are invited to attend his Funeral, to leave the Funeral Parlour, 45 Adelaide Street, City, This (Tuesday) Afternoon, at 2 o'clock, for the Crematorium. Mt. Thompson. CANNON & CRIPPS, Funeral Directors.
GRANSDEN.— Loyal Prince George Lodge., M.U.l.O.O.F.Officers and Members of. above Lodge are Invited to attend the Funeral of Brother Edwin James Gransden, to leave the Funeral Parlour, 45 Adelaide -Street, City, This (Tuesday) Afternoon, at 2 O'clock, for the Crematorium, Mt. Thompson. By Order, N.G. LODER.
1938 Probate notice Edwin Gransden
6 August 1938 Brisbane Courier
THE SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND. IN the WILL of EDWIN JAMES GRANSDEN, late of Red Hill, Brisbane, In the State of Queensland, Retired Railway Employee, Deceased. Notice, Is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen days from the date of the publication hereof application will be made to this Honourable Court that PROBATE of the WILL of the abovenamed Edwin James Gransden deceased may be granted to ALICE TYRRELL of Herston Road Herston Brisbane in the State of Queensland wife of Ernest William Tyrrell of the same place englne driver and Leonard Mervyn Stemp of Hemmant Brisbane In the said State solicitor the Executors named In the said will. Any person interested who desires to object to the application or to be heard upon may file a Caveat In the Registry at any me before the grant is made. Dated this Third day of August. 1938. W. H. BELL & STEMP. Solicitors for the executors. Inns of Court, Adelaide Street, Brisbane.
1937 Death of Catherine Wright
Catherine was admitted to Goodna Mental Hospital - where she may have been nursed by Clara Eversden's son, Donald Eversden McLaran - and died there 13 days later. She was 68 years old.
15 Nov 1937 Brisbane Telegraph
GRANSDEN.— The Funeral of the late Catherine Gransden, Wife of E. J. Gransden, of Speedy Street, Red Hill, will leave the Funeral Parlour, 45 Adelaide Street, City, Tomorrow (Tuesday) Morning, at 10 o'clock, for the Cleveland Cemetery. Private interment. CANNON & CRIPPS. Funeral Directors.
1938 Death of Edwin Gransden
Edwin passed away following a stroke in July 1938. He was 74 years old. His estate of over £400 was left to the daughter of a Queensland Railways workmate.
5 Jul 1938 Brisbane Telegraph
GRANSDEN.— The Friends of the late Edwin James Gransden are invited to attend his Funeral, to leave the Funeral Parlour, 45 Adelaide Street, City, This (Tuesday) Afternoon, at 2 o'clock, for the Crematorium. Mt. Thompson. CANNON & CRIPPS, Funeral Directors.
GRANSDEN.— Loyal Prince George Lodge., M.U.l.O.O.F.Officers and Members of. above Lodge are Invited to attend the Funeral of Brother Edwin James Gransden, to leave the Funeral Parlour, 45 Adelaide -Street, City, This (Tuesday) Afternoon, at 2 O'clock, for the Crematorium, Mt. Thompson. By Order, N.G. LODER.
1938 Probate notice Edwin Gransden
6 August 1938 Brisbane Courier
THE SUPREME COURT OF QUEENSLAND. IN the WILL of EDWIN JAMES GRANSDEN, late of Red Hill, Brisbane, In the State of Queensland, Retired Railway Employee, Deceased. Notice, Is hereby given that after the expiration of fourteen days from the date of the publication hereof application will be made to this Honourable Court that PROBATE of the WILL of the abovenamed Edwin James Gransden deceased may be granted to ALICE TYRRELL of Herston Road Herston Brisbane in the State of Queensland wife of Ernest William Tyrrell of the same place englne driver and Leonard Mervyn Stemp of Hemmant Brisbane In the said State solicitor the Executors named In the said will. Any person interested who desires to object to the application or to be heard upon may file a Caveat In the Registry at any me before the grant is made. Dated this Third day of August. 1938. W. H. BELL & STEMP. Solicitors for the executors. Inns of Court, Adelaide Street, Brisbane.
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Photo 1: Goodna Mental Hospital admission record of Catherine Grandsden.
Photo 2: The inventory of Edwin Gransden's estate. Photo 3: Edwin's will - page 1. Photo 4: Edwin's will - page 2 Photo 5: Part - Edwin's death certificate. Photo 6: Complete death certificate. |
Questions and (possible) Answers:
Q1. Why did William Dockrill not adopt Edwin's sister along with Edwin in 1873?
A1. William Dockrill was a man who made decisions to better his economic outcome. He was probably seeking a source of cheap labour rather than a girl who may be a burden on the family group at Tartha. Sadly, Edwin's sister, Ellen, died at the Lady Bowen Orphanage in 1874. Perhaps she was unwell when Dockrill reviewed prospective adoptees in 1873.
Q2. How would Edwin, who was living and working at Tartha, have met his future bride who lived in Brisbane?
A2. Both Lewis Eversden and Henry Beresford were prominent in the Congregational Church in the 1890's. It is probable that the Eversdens met the Beresfords through church activities and a marriage was subsequently arranged. Jane was probably the driving force behind this marriage - perhaps expecting Edwin would inherit Tartha and future heirs would be needed.
Q3. Did Edwin Gransden inherit from either William or Martha Dockrill, his adoptive parents, and if not, why not?
A3. William Dockrill sold Tartha around 1899 and he and Martha retired to Southport. They were forced to abandon Tartha due to both advancing old age and unsurmountable prickly pear infestation. Martha inherited from William when he died. George Daw, carpenter (and suspected "professional inheritor" from unrelated persons) received all of Martha's estate. Clara Eversden was involved in various documents associated with Martha's estate, but there was no involvement or mention of Edwin. Perhaps there was a falling out between the Dockrills and Edwin, despite Edwin's faithful service over 25 years. Martha, who was certainly disliked by Clara after Matha's death - refer to documentation of Martha's estate - may have been a vindictive person.
Q4. Who inherited from Edwin Gransden?
A4. Edwin died without an heir. He appointed Alice Tyrrell (the wife of his Queensland Railway workplace friend, engine driver Ernest Tyrrell) as trustee with the proceeds to be given to her daughter, Zena Tyrrell, on her attaining the age of 21. Zena subsequently married and her children survive her to this day.
Q5. Was there a bond between Lewis Eversden and Edwin Gransden?
A5. Edwin's lifelong hobby of gardening and flowers coincided exactly with that of Lewis Eversden. Between the ages of nine and 22, Lewis would have been a major influence on Edwin, so their common bond certainly supports an argument for nurture over nature. Between nine and 15, Edwin would have been the only young lad at Tartha, joined in 1880 by William Joseph Brown (7), son of Lewis Eversden and Jane Rider. (There is no proof that William ever became interested in gardening or flowers, so who knows what the driving influences are?)
Q1. Why did William Dockrill not adopt Edwin's sister along with Edwin in 1873?
A1. William Dockrill was a man who made decisions to better his economic outcome. He was probably seeking a source of cheap labour rather than a girl who may be a burden on the family group at Tartha. Sadly, Edwin's sister, Ellen, died at the Lady Bowen Orphanage in 1874. Perhaps she was unwell when Dockrill reviewed prospective adoptees in 1873.
Q2. How would Edwin, who was living and working at Tartha, have met his future bride who lived in Brisbane?
A2. Both Lewis Eversden and Henry Beresford were prominent in the Congregational Church in the 1890's. It is probable that the Eversdens met the Beresfords through church activities and a marriage was subsequently arranged. Jane was probably the driving force behind this marriage - perhaps expecting Edwin would inherit Tartha and future heirs would be needed.
Q3. Did Edwin Gransden inherit from either William or Martha Dockrill, his adoptive parents, and if not, why not?
A3. William Dockrill sold Tartha around 1899 and he and Martha retired to Southport. They were forced to abandon Tartha due to both advancing old age and unsurmountable prickly pear infestation. Martha inherited from William when he died. George Daw, carpenter (and suspected "professional inheritor" from unrelated persons) received all of Martha's estate. Clara Eversden was involved in various documents associated with Martha's estate, but there was no involvement or mention of Edwin. Perhaps there was a falling out between the Dockrills and Edwin, despite Edwin's faithful service over 25 years. Martha, who was certainly disliked by Clara after Matha's death - refer to documentation of Martha's estate - may have been a vindictive person.
Q4. Who inherited from Edwin Gransden?
A4. Edwin died without an heir. He appointed Alice Tyrrell (the wife of his Queensland Railway workplace friend, engine driver Ernest Tyrrell) as trustee with the proceeds to be given to her daughter, Zena Tyrrell, on her attaining the age of 21. Zena subsequently married and her children survive her to this day.
Q5. Was there a bond between Lewis Eversden and Edwin Gransden?
A5. Edwin's lifelong hobby of gardening and flowers coincided exactly with that of Lewis Eversden. Between the ages of nine and 22, Lewis would have been a major influence on Edwin, so their common bond certainly supports an argument for nurture over nature. Between nine and 15, Edwin would have been the only young lad at Tartha, joined in 1880 by William Joseph Brown (7), son of Lewis Eversden and Jane Rider. (There is no proof that William ever became interested in gardening or flowers, so who knows what the driving influences are?)