the family of james belcher of waterford, ireland - University of ...
the family of james belcher of waterford, ireland - University of ...
the family of james belcher of waterford, ireland - University of ...
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44 CHAPTER 4. FOURTH GENERATION 1869 - 1907<br />
1706. By 1916-17, she was teaching at Geelong, where various members <strong>of</strong> her <strong>family</strong><br />
visited her. Her mo<strong>the</strong>r also stayed with her from time to time. During this period<br />
she saved enough money to pay for her bro<strong>the</strong>r Jack’s education in wool-classing at<br />
Melbourne Technical School. Her photo was published in <strong>the</strong> Geelong paper in July<br />
1916. During 1917 she managed to transfer to Tamleugh West School near home at<br />
Moglonemby. In February 1918, she took over <strong>the</strong> local school at Rigg’s Creek, where<br />
she was to teach until she retired in marriage in 1921.<br />
She married Richard Horace Lloyd Williams - son <strong>of</strong> Richard and Emma Williams<br />
- at <strong>the</strong> Presbyterian Church in Euroa on 1st September 1921. The Reverend Fred<br />
Robinson <strong>of</strong>ficiated at <strong>the</strong> marriage. Her husband was an Ex-8th Light Horseman<br />
from <strong>the</strong> 1914-18 War.<br />
On his return from Service overseas, he had been attracted to <strong>the</strong> Mildura district<br />
as a result <strong>of</strong> meeting Robert Gordon, an early resident <strong>of</strong> that area, on <strong>the</strong> boat<br />
returning from <strong>the</strong> war. He first bought land at Nichol’s Point. He was unable to<br />
obtainassistanceunder<strong>the</strong>SoldierSettlementSchemeashehadsavedmoneyfromhis<br />
service pay. Before his marriage, he sold that land and purchased a 10 acre vineyard<br />
property on Deakin Avenue, Mildura South, on which he built a dwelling. Alice<br />
assisted in building <strong>the</strong> house by using her money, inherited from her fa<strong>the</strong>r William<br />
Belcher, to make <strong>the</strong> house comfortable. They named <strong>the</strong> house “Belcaire”. While<br />
getting established Lloyd worked <strong>the</strong> neighbouring Brewster’s vineyard and ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
vineyard own by Jack Giles, as well as his own. Jack Giles was an employee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Merbein Research Station. Mr Brewster was crippled from polio, and later died.<br />
When Mrs Brewster moved to Melbourne, Lloyd purchased her 10 acre property,<br />
which was situated next door. This property was bought in Mary Alice’s name, as<br />
a way <strong>of</strong> acknowledging her contribution to <strong>the</strong> <strong>family</strong> house. A fur<strong>the</strong>r 10 acres,<br />
adjoining <strong>the</strong> original property, but facing Walnut Ave had already been purchased,<br />
making a combined holding <strong>of</strong> 30 acres. Currants, sultanas, Gordos (Muscatel) and<br />
Walthams were grown and dried to produce dried fruit. Alice and Lloyd had three<br />
daughters: Jean Alison, born 5th March 1923; Margaret Helen, born 2nd January<br />
1927; Noela Betty, born 26th December 1928.<br />
Alice was committed to her Presbyterian faith and continued membership at St<br />
Andrews Presbyterian Church, Mildura. She was instrumental in having a Presbyterian<br />
service established in <strong>the</strong> Mildura South School, which was conducted by <strong>the</strong><br />
Rev. W.E. Blackwood - Presbyterian Minister at Mildura. A Mrs. Evans conducted<br />
a Sunday school along <strong>the</strong> lines <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Church <strong>of</strong> England faith. The children began<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir religious education at Mrs.Evans Sunday School. learning <strong>the</strong> Church <strong>of</strong>