Cooke, Norma Jean

George married Michelly, Malvine May on 17 Jul 1909 in Potts Point, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Malvine was born in 1886 in Wanaganui, New Zealand; died on 25 Mar 1978 in Chatswood, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Station Master and Railway Traffic Inspector

Obituary, The Toowoomba Chronicle, 25th May, 1916.
Mr. John S. Cooke
A well known railway official Mr John Seaward Cooke, of Iona, Russell Street, passed away at an early hour yesterday morning at a private hospital in Toowoomba. The deceased, who was a son of the late Mr Richard Cooke, of Mossdale Station, is survived by his widow(daughter of Mr. G. Stewart of Wilston) and a family of sons and daughters. He was formerly station master at Gympie and Hendon, and latterly had been a railway inspector, with his headquarters at Toowoomba. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock, to the Toowoomba Cemetary.

John married Stewart, Harriet Turnbull on 14 Mar 1882 in Wesleyan Methodist Church, Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. Harriet (daughter of Stewart, George and Smart, Elizabeth) was christened on 28 May 1864 in Perth, Perthshire, Scotland; died on 30 Oct 1942 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Arrived prior to 1874 as listed as a student at Oakey State School, Queensland in the early 1870's.

Harriet Turnbull Stewart married John Cooke in 1882. She lived in various location including Gympie. Later in life lived in "Iona", Russell Street, Newtown, Toowoomba after her marriage. In 1928 she went to live in Arden Street, Codgee, Sydney, then moved to Elizabeth Bay, end of Kings Cross, Sydney.
She had 13 children and adopted 3 other young family members-children of her daughters.

Notes:

Immigrant List for the "Anglia", departed Plymouth 14.02.1848. Arrived Australia 22.02.1850.

Shipping Index:
COOKE, Richard, 24 years, Farm Labourer, Dundrum, Co. Tipperary, Parents John and Elizabeth living in Dundrum, Church of England, Can read and write, no relations in the colony, in good state of bodily health, no complaints.


Richard lived in Sydney for a time then became oversea at "Byron Planes", a property near Inverall. Four children born in New South Wales, then family moved to Queensland finally settling in Goombungee.

Same Family?
Also a son Richard in the indexes of 1857 son of Richard and Mary Cooke born Sydney?

Darling Downs Gazette; 16.07.1900
The Late Mr Richard Cooke
As a means of affording the many town friends of the late Mr. Richard Cooke an opportunity of expressing their sympathy with the members of his family a resident in this and other places, a service of somewhat special character was conducted last evening in the Baptist Church by the Minister, Rev. A.G. Weller. The musical portion of the service was appropriate to the occassion - favourite hymns being chosen. The preacher selected his text from John 17,24. After an interesting exposition Mr Weller concluded his sermon by saying - Surely no words that he could utter could be more expressive to the last desire and prayer of their late friend Mr Cooke, than the words of the Master concerning his dearest friends.
As a father, friend and neighbour the memory of the deceased would be long cherished for the consistency and concentrated service both at home and abroad. He (Mr Cooke) might be counted amongst the founders of this rising nation. Leaving his home in Ireland during the ever memorable potato famine early in 1848, he arrived a few months later in Sydney, where for a number of years he resided. Eventually he came to Queensland and took up one of the first selections in the Goombungee district, where he made his home and remained till the time of his death. As a public man he was ever to the fore in anything that made for comfort of his fellows or welfare of the community in which he lived. It was largely due to his untiring energy that the State schools at Bergin, Goombungee and Dr. Creek owe their existence. Whilst he was also an earnest advocate for the extension of the railway from Meringindan to Goombunge. As an employer he was respected by those who served under him and highly esteemed by many for his profound reverence for the sanctuary of the Sabbath. Upon his shelves were arranged some of the choicest books, but to his mind the Bible was the God of books.
In the home he was methodical to the smallest detail. He was fondly attached to his own family. He loved his home and it was pleasing to remember that his last wish was gratified, namely to die at home for at the dawn of Sabbath morning, June 3rd, 1900 the spirit of Richard Cooke entered into rest.


June 9th, 1900 Death Notices:
Cooke-Richard Cooke, at his residence "Mossdale", Goombungee, on June 3rd aged 73 years and 6 months. Deeply regretted.


October 10th, 1900 Letters of Administration
Richard Cooke of Mossdale, Goombungee, grazier to Graham Cooke, Goombungee, farmer and grazier and George Wright Hurford, Toowoomba, coach painter, death occured June 3rd. Probate granted September 28th. Realty and Personage £2160.


"Kilburnie State School Centenary 1899-1999"
The Cook family selected "Mossdale" which comprised 10000 acres and ran along the edge of the Great Dividing Range. This is near the Haden/Maclagan Road. Portion 204? The tallest peak is named Mt Cook.
See also Haden State School 75 Anniverary by Alan Gersekowaki


LATTIN tip Mooresfort
Moore 1750+
A seat of the Moores. Large library. M. Bence-Jones, A Guide to Irish Country Houses, London, 1988.


Is there a connection?
Inscriptions found in Lattin graveyard, Tipperary, Ireland:
To the memory of Robert Cooke of Tipperary died 1799 aged 54 years.
Another to Elizabeth Earngey alias Cooke, died 1785.
To Margaret alias Cooke died 1768 aged 24 years. Erected by her husband James Earngey.

Richard married Browne, Mary on 15 Mar 1853 in St. Peters, Armadale, New South Wales, Queensland. Mary (daughter of Browne, Thomas and Jennings, Elizabeth) was christened on 19 Mar 1833 in Ballina, Mayo, Ireland; died on 2 Apr 1898 in Goombungee, Queensland, Australia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

?
Several "Mary Browns" arrive in Australia between 1845-1853.
Possibly arrived per "Panama", at Sydney 12.01.1850. Listed as an Irish Orphan aged 17, nursemaid. Another entry down is Mary Brown of Ballina, Mayo nursemaid aged 16.
Parents given as Thomas Brown and Bridget Jennings

BROWNE Mary 17 Panama 1850 Sydney and/or Newcastle Reel 2136, [4/4786] Page 531; Reel 2461, [4/4919] Arrived 12 January 1850.
Entry no. 10 on Panama is Mary Browne, aged 17 years nursemaid from Ballina, Ireland, Church of Rome and cannot read or write.

Browne Mary 17 Ballana, Mayo Thomas & Bridget (both dead) RC Relations in colony: sister Bridget Browne per ship - Empl. C A Anderson, New England, £7-8, 2 yrs. State Records Office of NSW, Register and applications for orphans SRNSW 4/4715-4717 (hereafter, Register). Register 2 No 455, 12 Jan 1850 indentures with Jeemiah Donovan, Sydney.

Brown Mary 16 Ballana, Mayo Anthony & Bridget (both dead) RC Empl. W A Wright, 326 Pitt St., £6-8, 3 yrs. State Records Office of NSW, Register and applications for orphans SRNSW 4/4715-4717 (hereafter, Register). Register 2 No 1339, 11 Oct 1850 Bathurst. Im. Cor. 50/792 Bathurst

Darling Downs Gazette, 09.04.1898.
Death of an Old Pioneer, Mrs Cooke, of Goombungee.
Gradually the pioneers of Queensland are dropping off, and the last to go is Mrs Mary Cooke, of Goombungee, after a residence of 49 years in Queensland, 28 of which were spent in Goombungee. This aged and much respected lady has left a large circle of friend and many - both settler and Traveller who can refer to a time her generosity and kind-heartedness helped them in time of need. Generous to a fault and ready to sacrifice herself for others the deceased claimed the respect and love of all in the district. Her experiences in the colony would serve as interesting subject matter for a book. Nearly fifty years ago she was one of the few white women who braved the dangers of station life in the West, and many an interesting adventure could she narrate. From the suffering and bravery of such as Mrs Cooke are due to the comforts of civilization and settlement now enjoyed by Western settlers. With her husband they were the first settlers in Goombungee district, and during their residence in that district has earned the respect of all. She has a family of five sons and three daughters. Of her married sons, Mr. J. Cooke is stationmaster at Gympie, Mr. G. Cooke, J.P. resides at Goombungee and the only married daughter is Mrs G. W. Hurford, of Toowoomba.

Notes:

Listed as a teacher at the time of his marriage in 1856

1861 Census: Perth, Scotland:
Name: George Stewart
Age: 30
Estimated birth year: abt 1831
Relationship: Head
Spouse's name : Elizabeth
Gender: Male
Where born: Midmar, Aberdeenshire
Registration Number: 387/1
Registration district: Perth Burgh
Civil parish: Perth Burgh
County: Perthshire
Address: 49 51 53 Pomarium
Occupation: Railway Pointsman
ED: 28
Page: 28 (click to see others on page)
Household schedule number: 192
Line: 2
Roll: CSSCT1861_51
Household Members: Name Age
Ann Stewart 2
Elizabeth Stewart 28
George Stewart 30
William Stewart 8 Mo



Occupation: Station Master
Name: Elizabeth Stewart
Age: 28
Estimated birth year: abt 1833
Relationship: Wife
Spouse's name : George
Gender: Female
Where born: Tough, Aberdeenshire
Registration Number: 387/1
Registration district: Perth Burgh
Civil parish: Perth Burgh
County: Perthshire
Address: 49 51 53 Pomarium
Occupation: Railway Pointsman
ED: 28
Page: 28 (click to see others on page)
Household schedule number: 192
Line: 3
Roll: CSSCT1861_51
Household Members: Name Age
Ann Stewart 2
Elizabeth Stewart 28
George Stewart 30
William Stewart 8 Mo


Probably left Scotland between 1861-1871. Not on 1871 census? Arrived from Scotland to Ipswich, Australia some time before 1874. About 1865 according to Eliz's death certificate

Southern and Western Queensland Railway employee appointments, 1866-1876: Stewart, G. 13 May 1868 page 678

Official Appointment The Brisbane Courier March 1st 1875
...George Stewart, .Inn., to be operator, Oakey Creek railway station ....

Worked for the Railway Department for 25 years retiring as Station Master in Dalby in 1902. See newspaper article. The Brisbane Courier, Thursday November 20, 1902

Our Dalby correspondent, writing on 17th instant, says :-Mr. Geo. Stewart, Stationmaster, who Is leaving Dalby, and has.'also retired from the railway service' after a perlpd of a quarter of a century (the last fifteen years as 'stationmaster in Dalby);' was tendered a suppér and smoke concert' at the Grand Hotel'on Saturday night. Mr. J. T. Bell, M.L.A., was present and there was a very, representative gathering. Mr. Bell, on behalf of Mr.Stewart's Dalby friends, presented him with a handsome and costly tantalus spirit stand; . inscribed as follows: "Presented to Mr. George Stewart, Station master, by his Dalby friends, as a mark of their esteem and respect on his retiring from the public' service, Dalby, 15th November, 1902. In making the presentation Mr. Bell spoke in very eulogistic terms of Mr. Stewart's good qualities, both as a citizen and public servant. Mr. Stewart feelingly responded. An adjournment was afterwards made to the balconies, where the remainder of the evening was spent in songs and social intercourse. Mr. Stewart has built for himself a comfortable home at Wilston, near Brisbane, and will shortly take up his residence there.


The Brisbane Courier 1919
By PUBLIC AUCTION, THIS DAY (Wednesday), 16th April, at 11 a.m.
On the Premises "ATHOL," Mars street, Wilston. On account of Mr. George Stewart, we having sold his property, Valuable Furniture, comprising:
Two Tester Double Bedsteads, One Tester Single Bedstead, with Kapok, Fibre, and Wire Mattresses, HAND SOME BEDROOM SUITE, Toilet Ware, Fine Cane Rocking Chair, Occasional Tables, Whatnot, Ornaments, Splendid Rattan Ware, CARPETS, Window Curtains aid Blinds, LINOS., A.B. Chairs, Pictures, Tapestry Table Cloth, SIDE- BOARD, Couch. Perfection Heater, Bevelled Mirror, DUCHESSES, Marble Top WASHSTAND, Dining Table, Glass Ware, SILVER WARE, Kitchen Table. DRESSER, Large quantity Kitchen Utensils, Bread Crock. Mincing Machine, Meat Safe, ICE CHEST, Lawn Mower, Garden Tools, Crosscut Saw, Filter, Tubs, splendid LAMPS," Veranda Chairs, Fine Cane Veranda LOUNGE, quantity Bed Linen, Sundries.
WITHOUT RESERVE.
J. DOWN. & CO., AUCTIONEERS, &c,
LONGREACH BUILDINGS,
NORTH QUAY.



Several Ships arrive Brisbane from Glascow 1864-1868
"Naval Reserve" April 1865
"Samarang" July 1865 and November 1865
"Maryborough" August 1866
However may have left from a London port??

George married Smart, Elizabeth on 22 Sep 1856 in Montrose, Angus, Scotland. Elizabeth (daughter of Smart, George and Maitland, Hannah) was born about Aug 1831 in Montrose, Angus, Scotland; died on 17 Jun 1910 in Wilston, Queensland, Australia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

James Maitland listed at time of marriage as witness. Uncle or grandfather??

Age at marriage given as 23 years eg: bith 1833??

The marriage in 1856 occurs at Castle Street, Montrose see 1841 census but residence given as Upper Buige Street(see 1851 census)

1841 Census Montrose Angus Castle Street, Montrose(Living with her Grandparent?? Why not called Smart??Illegimate? Parents not married??)
Maitland, James M 65, Shoemaker, Outside Census area
Maitland, Sarrah F 60 Angus
Maitland, George M 18, Angus
Maitland, Elisa F 15, Angus
Maitland, Elizabeth F, 8, Angus

1851 Census Montrose, Angus
Possibility: Upper Buige Street, Montrose, Angus, 1851 Census 310/000 06/00 030(Living with her grandparent. James already deceased??)
Maitland, Sarah, Head 74, Wid, Dometic Duties, Montrose, Forfarshire
Maitland, Eliz 24 Dau, 25, Un Hay(Stay) Maker, Montrose, Forfarshire
Smart, Eliz, 19, Niece, Un
Maitland, Charles, 18, son, seaman, Montrose, Forfarshire
Maitland, James, 2 nephew, Montrose, Forfarshire
Name: Elizabeth Smart
Age: 19
Estimated birth year: abt 1832
Relationship: Niece
Gender: Female
Where born: Montrose, Forfarshire
Parish Number: 312
Civil parish: Montrose
Town: Montrose
County: Angus
Address: 3 Upper Craigo St Ina Court
ED: 6
Page: 30 (click to see others on page)
Household schedule number: 157
Line: 18
Roll: CSSCT1851_68
Household Members: Name Age
Charles Martland 18
Eliza Martland 25
James Martland 2
Sarah Martland 74
Elizabeth Smart 19

1861 Census:
Name: Elizabeth Stewart
Age: 28
Estimated birth year: abt 1833
Relationship: Wife
Spouse's name : George
Gender: Female
Where born: Tough, Aberdeenshire
Registration Number: 387/1
Registration district: Perth Burgh
Civil parish: Perth Burgh
County: Perthshire
Address: 49 51 53 Pomarium
Occupation: Railway Pointsman
ED: 28
Page: 28 (click to see others on page)
Household schedule number: 192
Line: 3
Roll: CSSCT1861_51
Household Members: Name Age
Ann Stewart 2
Elizabeth Stewart 28
George Stewart 30
William Stewart 8 Mo

IGI-Montrose, Angus
Elizabeth Margaret Smart daughter of George Smart and Margery Young christened in 1836. Possibility or parent married twice?? Siblings Agnes 1834, Robert christened 1839, Willemeniah 1841, William christened 1843, George christened 1845. This couple marry Montrose in 1834. Could Elizabeth be the illegimate daughter of George Smart and Hannah Maitland and she died giving birth or when child was young??

The Brisbane Courier 17th July, 1911
IN MEMORIAM.
STEWART.-In loving memory of my dear mother, Elizabeth Stewart, who departed this life 17th July, at Athol, Wilston. Inserted by her loving daughter.
STEWART.-To the loved memory of Elizabeth Stewart, who passed away on 17th July, ltilfl.
??
26/08/1828 SMART ELIZABETH JOHN SMART/ANN MEARNS F MONTROSE /ANGUS 312/00 0100 0165