FOSTER of Launceston, Australia, Chapter 5.

The "FOSTER Family" section of this site is divided into 6 chapters and 4 sets of appendices. Please read in sequence by following the links at the bottom of each page or use the "Quick Nav" at top right. If you wish to select individual chapters, please click on the top left link to the Sitemap page.

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This chapter describes George FOSTER's children:

Introduction: George’s Children & Photos

Family PhotographFOSTER Family, 1879(?)
Courtesy: Jill Gooden

After reading this page please also take the time to look at the FOSTER Photo Gallery. The FOSTER gallery contains the outstanding photos originating from Annie STEVENS (née FOSTER), which are kindly shared by Jill Gooden, together with my photos from Thomas FOSTER etc, and Alice Martyn’s photo of her grandfather William McCLURE. Note that Alice died on 26 May 2004 at age 98.

Have a look at one of Jill Gooden’s photos (right), which is included in the photo gallery. This is probably at the time of George’s retirement from the pilot service in 1879, and you will see most of George and Lucy’s family. A detailed caption is included separately in the photo gallery. This is a most important photo for the FOSTER family!

Until April 2006, the only photos found of George’s children were of Thomas . Then in April I received this e-mail from Murray Barclay, which I quote:

I am writing to you on behalf of my mother (Lorna Barclay) who is the granddaughter of Annie Foster who was married to Sydney Pope Stevens. Sydney and Annie had two sons Sydney Foster Stevens and Wyon Vickers Stevens. She is the daughter of Wyon, which of course makes Annie her Grandmother. We were having lunch today and discussing family background and Mum mentioned that her Grandmother was born in Tasmania but she knew little more than that so we decided to look up George Foster on the net and we were absolutely blown away to discover such a detailed site on the Foster family. (You have made an 83 year olds day!). Mum would love to contact you by phone and have a chat.

What marvellous feedback, which makes it all worthwhile!! Lorna then contacted her cousin Jill Gooden who enabled our most significant recent breakthroughs. Now we have photos of George FOSTER, his wife Lucy and most of their children, together with important information. Unbelievable!!

Descendancy Report

The descendancy report below gives an overview of George FOSTER and his children.

Descendancy report for George FOSTER

 

Jane FOSTER

Jane was born at Low Head Tasmania (near Launceston), on 23 Apr 1841, and baptised at Launceston Tasmania by the Presbyterian Minister John Anderson, on 9 Jun 1841. According to the 1842, 1843 and 1848 Censuses she did not live with her parents and thus may have lived with another family in Low Head? In 1859 when Jane was 18, she married James FRANCIS who was a 24-year-old Assistant Light House Keeper at Low Head. In 1859 when Jane was 18, she married James FRANCIS who was a 24-year-old Assistant Light House Keeper at Low Head. See the engraving of the Light House and Tamar Heads in the photo gallery. James continued in this position until at least 1864. His later jobs were Assistant Light House Keeper Swan Island 1872 and Porter in Hobart in 1878 when the family lived at Molle St Hobart.
They had the following children:

  1. James (1860-)
  2. Joseph (1862-)
  3. George (1864-)
  4. Percy (1870-1896)
  5. Isabella (1872-)
  6. Mary Ellen (1878-)

 

Thomas FOSTER

Thomas FOSTER was born on 24 Mar 1842 at Low Head, Tasmania. George’s will made on 10 Apr 1863 referred to his son Thomas as a baker of Launceston. Perhaps Thomas may have worked as a baker, together with his brother John, for his grandfather John HAMMOND and then for Murdock Munro who rented a bakery from the FOSTERs from about 1865 until at least 1892. Thomas and John both left Tasmania for NSW where Thomas married in 1879 at the age of 37 to Grace McNEIL in the Presbyterian Manse, Little Tinonee, near Taree, NSW. He spent about 30 years as baker, in the employ of Mrs. C. Thomson, of Taree, and lived in what is now known as the Baby Health Centre in Taree. Thomas had a serious accident in the bakery and then retired. His obituary said: "After retiring from service as a baker he occupied his leisure time up till a few years ago (before his death) in looking after the Government wharf (as a Tally Clerk), and had many friends among those who frequented that wharf". During 1917 - 1919 there were several newspaper articles referring to Thomas who was awaiting his son’s return from service in the 1st Machine Gun Battalion in WWI. A 1919 article said: "Soldier Tom Foster, of Taree, came back from war scenes on Saturday. His father Mr. Thomas Foster, now well advanced in his eighties, like the patriarch of old, is now prepared to pass on, since his bright young son has returned to the homestead.” Sounded good, but Thomas was only 77 at the time! Thomas died 3 years later in Manning District Hospital, Taree NSW, on 15 Apr 1922; he was 80. An obituary published in the Northern Champion, 26 Apr 1922 said: “In the death of Mr. Foster, Taree loses one of its best citizens, and his friends lose a man who was always ready to give good advice. …..the remains were interred at the Dawson cemetery in the presence of a large number of sympathizers."

See the Photo Gallery for a photo of Thomas with his eldest son George, as well as a photo of Thomas with George’s son Eric as a baby. What was Thomas like? Perhaps descriptions of members of Thomas’ family might give us an idea. Thomas’ son George died early on 12 Aug 1933, from lead poisoning resulting from his trade as a painter. One obituary of George had this description….. "He lived the quiet, industrious and peaceable life and was most conscientious in all his actions. In years gone past he took an interest in band matters (played the bass drum), and he was always keenly interested in football, from the first day a jersey was donned in Taree." Another said: "Personally, he was a man of cheerful demeanour, and friendly by nature. He was essentially a home lover, and his death is a serious loss to his widow and his three children. The funeral, which was one of the largest seen in Taree for some time, moved from his late home …. for the Dawson Cemetery. In the presence of a large and representative gathering which was an eloquent tribute to the popularity of the deceased, Rev. Walter Latham conducted a solemn service at the graveside." When Thomas’ wife Grace died on 1 Dec 1944 at age 88, her obituary said: "She was a lady of generous disposition, and her home was always noted for its hospitality, and every worthy cause won her practical support."

Thomas and Grace had the following children:

  1. George (1880-1933)
  2. William Manning (1881-1942)
  3. John Delamore (Jack) (1884-1966)
  4. Thomas Oswald (1886-1964)
  5. Lucy May (May) (1889-1962)
  6. Janet E. G. (1892-)
  7. Sydney Herman (Sid) (1894-1959)
  8. Edward (1897-1897)

 

George FOSTER

George was born on 18 Jun 1843 George Town Tasmania, which was the main centre nearest to Low Head. He was a seaman. He was accidentally drowned at sea at the age of 18 on 5 Aug 1861 and his death was registered in Launceston Tasmania.

 

John FOSTER

John was born on 3 Dec 1845 at Low Head Tasmania. He may have worked as a baker together with his brother Thomas for his grandfather John HAMMOND and then for Murdock Munro who rented a bakery from the FOSTERs from about 1865 until at least 1892. John left Tasmania for NSW in 1869, and continued as a baker there. In 1875 he married Mary Jane HELLENRICH at the age of 29. John died at 83 Lennox St., Newtown, NSW on 26 Nov 1915 at the age of 69.
They had the following children:

  1. Margaret (1876-)
  2. Annie Constance (1879-1880)
  3. Lucy I. (1891-)

 

William FOSTER

William FOSTER was born on 1 May 1847 in Low Head, Tasmania. He accidentally drowned on 1 Mar 1856 at the age of 8 years and 11 months. The "Examiner" describes a "melancholy accident" in 1856 when George's 8-year-old son William accidentally fell off the Launceston wharf, and was drowned. A little boy said he was playing with William and saw him in the water holding up his hands a few feet from the wharf. His friend ran for help, but by that stage William had disappeared. The tide was running out at the time, and the water was about twelve feet below the wharf. Another witness said: "it was impossible to save the boy, as he sank immediately - he could not swim". The inquest was held in the hotel next door to George's home. Sadly, 5 years later, George lost another son - "drowned at sea". These two drownings and George’s dangerous job as Senior Pilot must have had a lasting effect on the family. In younger sister Annie’s scrap book there was a handwritten piece of paper with a harrowing extract from a poem about drowning at sea. 

Why are thy billows still rolling on
With that wild and sad, and musical tone?
Why is there never repose for thee?
Why slumberest thou not, O mighty sea?
Then the ocean’s voice I seemed to hear,
Mournfully, solemnly sounding near,
Like a wail sent up from the caves below,
Fraught with dark memories of human woe,
Telling of loved ones buried there,
Of the dying shriek and the dying prayer;
Telling of hearts still watching in vain
For those who shall never come again;
Of the widow’s groan, the orphan’s cry
And the mother’s speechless agony

The full poem as well as details about the author can be seen in this section of the Appendix. The poem was initially published in the Naval and Military Gazette, and as such would have possibly been routinely sent to the Low Head Pilot Station, and read by the FOSTER family. Annie was a 5 year-old when William drowned and may have even been playing with him on the wharf at the time. She was aged 10 when George drowned.

 

Catherine (Katharine) FOSTER

Catherine was born on 25 Jan 1849 in Tamar Heads (Low Head), Tasmania. In 1872 she married 40-year-old Dr. William George McCLURE in Melbourne, Victoria when she was aged 23. William was a medical practitioner in New Zealand. The family lived in NZ until 1885. They subsequently settled in Sydney NSW in 1885, where William registered to practise Medicine. He continued his practice in Sydney to a good age. Catherine died in Stanley St., Randwick, NSW, on 20 Jul 1913 at the age of 64. They had the following children:

  1. Beatrice (1873-)
  2. Gwendoline Lucy Harrison (1875-1919)
  3. Alexander William (1876-1968)
  4. James Moreland (1876-1955)
  5. Constance Georgina Annie (1878-1974)
  6. Sidney Robert Le Messurier (1880-1915)
  7. Arthur John Harold (1884-)
  8. Charles G. (1887-)

 

Ann (Annie) FOSTER

Ann (Annie) was born on 10 Nov 1850 in the District of George Town, probably at Low Head, Tasmania. She married Sydney Pope STEVENS in 1876 at the age of 25 at Invercargill, New Zealand. A marriage notice in the Launceston Examiner said: MARRIAGES. STEVENS - FOSTER— On the 1st March (1876), at St. Johns Church (Invercargill), by the Rev. W.F. Tanner, Sydney Pope, youngest son of Francis W Stevens of Dunedin, to Annie, second daughter of George Foster of Tamar Heads, Tasmania.

We have been fortunate in photos and information about with this section of our family. This is due to three reasons. Annie collected family photos and kept a scrapbook. Annie’s husband Sydney Pope STEVENS held public positions, which were a matter of public record. Finally, Annie’s grandchildren Lorna Barclay and Jill Gooden have kindly shared Annie’s information and photos, assisted by Lorna’s son Murray. In addition, Lynette Hill has kindly photographed Annie’s grave. Please browse some of these photographs in the Annie STEVENS (née FOSTER) Photo Gallery while the continuing story of Annie and her STEVENS family can be seen in Chapter 6: Annie FOSTER.

 

Harriet FOSTER

Harriet was born on 6 May 1854 in William St., Launceston and died in Low Head on 14 Oct 1861 from diphtheria at the age of 7. I photographed her grave, with a brass plaque embedded in a concrete block, in George Town General Cemetery in Apr 1999. I photographed her grave , with a brass plaque embedded in a concrete block, in George Town General Cemetery in Apr 1999.

 

William Wood FOSTER

William was born on 27 Jul 1856 in William St., Launceston Tasmania. The Cyclopedia of Tasmania (1900) contains a 337 word article about William with a photo of his foundry:

"Mr. W. FOSTER, Brassfounder and Finisher, (136) Cimitiere Street, Launceston. This old established firm was started by Mr. (Robert) Ikin, who came from Sydney, and carried it on for eighteen months, when Mr. FOSTER became a partner in the business. On the death of Mr. Ikin, Messrs. Bond and Carr managed the business for the trustees to the estate, and finally in 1893 Mr. FOSTER purchased it. The business is in a very flourishing condition, and a large increase of accommodation and an extensive addition to the plant have been necessary in order to meet the wants of customers. Mr. FOSTER has erected new premises close to the old ones in Cimitiere Street, at a cost of about £800, and has laid out £200 in additional machinery, including a new Otto gas engine working up to 31/2 horsepower. Six hands are constantly employed, but as the business is still increasing, more assistance will be necessary in the immediate future. The firm supplies the fittings, main water cocks, etc., for the Government, Gas Company, Corporation of Launceston, and the Electric Light Company, and is now supplying one ton of bolts for the new steel yacht being built for Messrs. Gunn and Stephenson, while an order has just been completed for Mr. G. Harrap for bolts, port lights, and all fittings connected with ship work and engineering of a new steamer built by Mr. Moore. The firm also manufactures engineers' and plumbers' fittings for steam and water of every description to order; also sluice nozzles for mines, etc. Mr. FOSTER's endeavour is, by constant attention to customers and turning out good work, to compete with foreign markets. He has followed this rule successfully in the past, and there is every reason to believe that even more satisfactory results will be obtained in the future. Mr. FOSTER is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He has little time for pleasure, his business occupying the greater part of his time: but he has been fond of the gun as well as hunting."

Source: Mr. W. Foster, brassfounder. Cyclopedia of Tasmania. 1900; 2:120-121.

Information from other sources shows that the foundry was known as FOSTER’s in 1902, then CT Stephenson's in 1912, and Rankin & Bonds from 1924 onwards. On 16 Jul 1901 when William Wood was 44, he married Elizabeth Barbara ANNEAR, in Launceston Tasmania. The newspaper accounts are worth reading:

WEDDING BELLS
FOSTER—ANNEAR.
Yesterday at 1 o’clock a quiet wedding took place at the residence of the Rev. D. Annear, Brisbane-street, when his daughter, Miss E. Barbara (Lizzie) Annear, was married to Mr W. Foster, son of the late Captain Foster, of William-street. Only the families were present. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore her travelling dress—a fawn coat and skirt, with vest of ivory, tucked silk, and point lace collar. Her toque was of panne velvet, in two shades of heliotrope, with paste buckles. The bridegroom’s gifts were a lovely bouquet of choice white flowers and asparagus fern, tied with white satin ribbon, and a gold watch and chain. Miss Jeannie Annear was bridesmaid, and wore a navy gown, the bodice being of tucked silk; large black hat, with plumes and buckle. She carried a basket of cream roses and wore the bridegroom’s gift—a gold and opal bangle. Mr. D. Milton Annear supported the bridegroom as best man. Mr. and Mrs. Foster left by the afternoon train for Devonport for the wedding trip.

MARRIAGES.
FOSTER—ANNEAR.—on the 16th of July, 1901, at the bride’s residence, Brisbane Road, by the Rev. James Haslam, Wesleyan minister, William Wood Foster, son of the late Captain Foster, to Elizabeth Barbara (“Lizzie”) Annear, daughter of Rev. D. Annear.

William lived at Tennyson St, Sandringham Victoria at the time he died on 24 Mar 1909 at age 52.The value of William's estate in Tasmania was £2,138, which was all bequeathed to his wife Elizabeth. His assets included property at No. 55 High St Launceston £880. Since the foundry was not mentioned in his assets, it was probably sold prior to his death for health reasons. In 1905 he was diagnosed with disseminated sclerosis and then in the final year of his life he contracted Addison's disease with heart disease. Did his occupation cause any of these health problems?

They had one child:

  1. Winifred Jean (1902-1903)

 

Emily FOSTER

Emily was born on 16 Feb 1862 and her birth was registered in George Town. She died in Launceston, Tasmania on 21 Nov 1915 at the age of 53. Emily was unmarried and left a net estate of £1,282.17.00, mostly in shares.

 

Fanny FOSTER

Fanny was born on 8 Jan 1864 and her birth was registered in George Town. She married an accountant, Hermann Rupp LAKIN on 16 Nov 1889 when she was aged 25. Fanny died at her home at 82 Arthur Street in Launceston, Tasmania on 27 Jun 1914 at the age of 50. She had no children.

The Story Continues