| [Index] |
| Ernest George ELWORTHY (1868 - 1931) |
| OBE |
| Children | Self + Spouses | Parents | Grandparents | Greatgrandparents |
| Ernest George ELWORTHY (1868 - 1931) | James Baker ELWORTHY (1833 - 1889) | George ELWORTHY (1813 - 1878) | James ELWORTHY (1770 - 1837) | |
| Grace Thirza LEIGH (1771 - 1836) | ||||
| Emma BOWCHER (1810 - 1854) | John BOWCHER (1762 - 1828) | |||
| Elizabeth TOWNSEND (1772 - 1858) | ||||
| Henrietta Sophia Jane LARGE (1846 - 1915) | William James LARGE (1806 - 1881) | William LARGE | ||
| Martha (LARGE) | ||||
| Mary Ann (Marianne) Caroline WRIXON (1819 - 1888) | Arthur J Beecher WRIXON | |||
| Elizabeth BENSON or BENTLEY |
| b. 27 May 1868 at Tumut, New South Wales, Australia |
| d. 11 Apr 1931 at Mosman, New South Wales, Australia aged 62 |
| Parents: |
| James Baker ELWORTHY (1833 - 1889) |
| Henrietta Sophia Jane LARGE (1846 - 1915) |
| Events in Ernest George ELWORTHY (1868 - 1931)'s life | |||||
| Date | Age | Event | Place | Notes | Src |
| 27 May 1868 | Ernest George ELWORTHY was born | Tumut, New South Wales, Australia | 17060/1868 | ||
| 03 Mar 1889 | 20 | Death of father James Baker ELWORTHY (aged 55) | Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia | 9866/1889 | 2 |
| 05 Jul 1915 | 47 | Death of mother Henrietta Sophia Jane LARGE (aged 68) | Grafton, New South Wales, Australia | 11474/1915 | 22 |
| 11 Apr 1931 | 62 | Ernest George ELWORTHY died | Mosman, New South Wales, Australia | 6725/1931 | |
| Personal Notes: |
|
During 1914-18 war, Mr Elworthy filled the position of honorary Red Cross Commissioner in Egypt for two years, and was made a member of the Order of the British Empire.
Grafton and Mosman Born at Tumut on 27 May 1868, James and Henrietta's second son was baptised Ernest George. This was the last year of convict transportation. In the preceding 80 years 160,500 people had been sent to the colony, of these 24,700 were women. A team of Aboriginal cricketers - the first Australian team to make an overseas tour, played in England; Sydney's St Andrew's Cathedral was consecrated and opened and the first Christian Brothers arrived in Melbourne; my great-grandmother's neighbour Maria Smith, propagated a unique apple, the soon-to-be-famous Granny Smith. Ernest's initial education was at Gundagai and Wagga, then as a boarder at Sydney Church of England Grammar School when it was located at Church Hill and had only 97 pupils. Ernest was a high achiever gaining prizes in a variety of academic subjects, sports and music. Fees were paid in advance and the senior boarders were charged 18 guineas per quarter - with an extra guinea for the laundress and five shillings for 'church sitting'. The school boarding house was at Snail Bay where the boys had full use of the cricket ground and swimming baths. Health was very important ... "unless barred by infirmity, every boy goes through the Physical Education Curriculum." An extra 7/6 per quarter was charged for the privilege plus another 5/- for stationery and school needs such as exercise books, examination paper and pencils. Music was three, four or six guineas extra, depending on the teacher. If parents wished to withdraw their son from the school a quarter's notice was required or a half-quarter's fee paid in lieu. The prize list for 1884 when he was 16, shows Ernest took out seven first prizes for Grammar and Composition; Geography; Commercial Arithmetic (Division 1); Writing; Shorthand; Book-keeping; and British History. He did well on the sporting field too, in that same year winning the high jump and hurdle race as well as coming second in the 100 yard champion race. Ernest was the ONLY boy awarded a music prize in 1884. The Principal's Report for Christmas 1884 said, in part, "The year which is just drawing to a close has been characterised by hard work and steady improvement on the part of the pupils. At the November Civil Service examinations, six boys were sent up, five of whom - E Elworthy, C Morgan, G Eames, M Olson and H Dance passed. At the Junior Examination four were sent up, three of whom McIntosh, Elworthy and Olsen passed". The report goes on to say that businessmen often complain that boys intended for commercial life are not satisfactorily trained to perform the duties required of them, but that the curriculum of the school's commercial department was designed to remove the cause of this. Thorough tests were set by leading businessmen of the day and the examination was conscientiously conducted. "Eight candidates were sent up but, partly in consequence of the papers embracing a much wider range of work than those of last year, I regret to say that all failed - except Ernest Elworthy." It is interesting that Ernest studied shorthand - perhaps an indication he intended to join his father on the "Gundagai Times". Instead he went into the Australian Joint Stock Bank where he quickly rose to managerial status. In 1889, aged only 22, he was appointed manager of the branch at Byrock, a small town northwest of Nyngan. Later he held similar positions at Bourke and Grafton. Records show that Ernest was still at Byrock in 1893 and was also secretary of the Jockey Club. The year 1899 saw him as manager at Grafton and when his sister Edith wed a local dentist, Charles Attwater at Christ Church Cathedral in April 1900, Ernest gave away the bride and held the reception at his home. In 1905 he resigned from the bank, forming a partnership with Joseph Spencer in the firm Gerard & Co, general merchants, who conducted operations at both Grafton and South Grafton. When war was declared, Ernest was anxious to do his bit and at the end of 1915, applied to the military authorities for a posting. He was then 47 and sadly, they declined his offer. Nothing daunted, Ernest then offered his services to the Red Cross. He presented his letters of introduction on 19 April 1916 and from a large number of applicants, was duly accepted as their Representative. Files of the Red Cross are marked "appears to be the right kind of man", and later "a well known New South Wales gentleman and has the highest testimonials". High praise indeed! The Gundagai Times of 28 April 1916 quotes Ernest "I take my appointment seriously, and feeling that it is my duty to do what I am able to do for the Empire, I am prepared to serve the Red Cross and our brave Australian soldiers wherever I am sent, be it Egypt, France or any other country, while the war lasts." Travelling to Melbourne, he embarked on the "Karoola" and sailed on 25 May en route to Egypt, arriving on 20 June 1916. He was placed in charge of the Australian Red Cross Society's Cairo Store. Located in comparative comfort at Shepheard's Hotel in Cairo, Ernest (with other personnel) was responsible for the distribution of comforts such as biscuits, chocolate, fruit, garments and blankets to Australian servicemen. Ernest "served admirably" in this post until 09 Oct 1916 when he was appointed Assistant Commissioner of the Australian Red Cross Contingent in Egypt. This quite senior administrative position entailed frequent communication with Lady Helen Munro Ferguson, wife of the Governor-General and President of the Australian Branch of the Red Cross. On 27 Dec 1916, Ernest cabled Lady Helen: "Due business partner's sudden death, necessitate returning Australia earliest opportunity" and sailed from Egypt aboard the "Euripedes" on 21 Jan 1917. Although much briefer than had been anticipated, this voluntary service was apparently well appreciated. On 19 March 1918, the Gundagai Times proudly declared: "Amongst the honours approved of by His Majesty the King is the appointment of Mr Ernest George Elworthy as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in recognition ofhis service as Red Cross Commissioner." Following Mr Spencer's death Ernest carried on the two businesses for some time but finally sold the store in Grafton to Cummins & Hannigan who in tum were absorbed by Lipman Bros. However he continued the South Grafton business trading as Noel Russell & Co, under the managership of Mr Russell. Ernest obviously thought a good deal of Mr Russell as his will decreed that first offer of purchase of the store, payable over three years, be made to Noel Russell. If not purchased by him, then the store was to be sold as a going concern with half the proceeds divided between Arthur's children (Fred, Eileen, Jim, Doris and Jack) and the other half held in trust for Alice Elworthy for education and maintenance of her little daughters. This will was made in May 1928, just two weeks after the death of Alice's husband Harold. As well as brother Arthur from Gundagai and Harold's widow, Ernest also appointed Mr Russell an executor of his estate. The Great Depression was not yet in full swing but it was a difficult time to be selling a business. Aletter dated 24 Oct 1931 from Sargood Gardiner Ltd stated: "We say unhesitatingly that if the business under review was placed on the market for sale at the present time, it would be practically impossible to interest buyers, unless a very substantial discount was allowed on stock and a very moderate value placed on the working plant, fixtures and fittings." There were also many outstanding small debtors. From a nett estate of more than 12 thousand pounds Ernest made a number of bequests, including 1000 pounds to his cousin Lil Stuart (nee Williamson) and between one and two hundred pounds to various nieces, nephews and godchildren. Noel Russell & Co employed 26 people and Ernest also left legacies to all employees who had been with the firm for seven years. After his death, the Daily Examiner said he 'enjoyed the esteem and respect of the whole of his employees to an extraordinary degree and it was generally recognised that as an employer, he had few equals'. Like other members of his family, Ernest had wide ranging interests. He took an active interest in anything to do with the advancement of the district and generously supported any worthy public movement. Actively associated with the Chamber of Commerce and other public bodies, he also keenly promoted many of the district's sporting activities. Horseracing was his special interest. For a long period he was on the committee of the Clarence River Jockey Club and its president for a number of years. As a tribute to him the Club named the principal race of the July annual carnival "The Elworthy Handicap". During the rest of his life Ernest never missed attending the carnival. He was also a trustee of Grafton Racecourse. Ernest was a director of the Grafton Daily Examiner which advocated policies to enhance the district's progress, and also president of the Grafton Club. He was a prominent member of the local Golf Club - the Elworthy Trophy for the Grafton Golf Club Associates was donated by him. By 1921 he had left the town and was living at Clifton Gardens Hotel at Mosman, although he visited Grafton often for business meetings and sporting functions. In Sydney Ernest had numerous business interests and directorships including that of Permewan Wright & Co. On the afternoon of 11 April 1931 he attended his beloved races at Randwick and appeared to be in his usual good health. Soon after midnight he died from a coronary thrombosis. The funeral two days later was conducted by an old friend of the Elworthys, the Rev Moseley, once rector at Gundagai and who, 23 years before had also conduded the funeral service of Ernest's brother Billy Elworthy in London. His brother Arthur, cousins Percy Williamson, Frank Howes and brother-in-law Charles Attwater were pall-bearers at his funeral at Northern Suburbs Cemetery. As well as Ernest's many friends and relatives, the list of mourners at the burial read like a "Who's Who" of the Sydney business world and also included judges, members of Parliament, eminent public servants, doctors and insurance brokers. Through his medical practice and as a politician, Leader of the Country Party, Sir Earle Page, who later became Prime Minister of Australia, had been closely associated with Ernest for more than 30 years in public movements and he too expressed his deep sense of loss. Perhaps though, the tribute which most sincerely showed the esteem in which Ernest was held by the residents of Grafton was the closing of their premises by members of the Grafton and South Grafton Retailers Association during the time of Ernest's funeral. "His broad views, genial nature, universal kindness and open-handed generosity won him many friends who will feel his passing greatly." From SMH 21 April 1916 " FOR EGYPT ASSISTANT RED GROSS COMMISSIONER. MR. ELWORTHY'S APPOINTMENT Yesterday a telegram was received from Melbourne confirming the selection of Mr. Ernest George Elworthy by the council of the Australian branch of the Red Cross Society as one of the honorary assistant commissioners in the East. Born at Tumut, Mr. Elworthy is the third son of the late James Barker Elworthy, of Gundagai. Educated at St. Philip's Grammar School, Church Hill, Sydney, he entered the service of the Australian Joint Stock Bank, and at the ago of 22 was appointed manager of the branch at Byrock, afterwards filling similar positions at Bourke and Grafton. An association of 10 years with the A.J.S. Bank terminated when Mr. Elworthy resigned 11 years ago and joined Mr. Joseph Spencer as a partner In the firm of Gerard and Co., merchants, Glutton and South Grafton. The firm is still carried on as Gerard and Co. Apart from his activities as a business man, Mr. Elworthy is president of the Clarence River Jockey Club and president of the social club in Grafton. He is unmarried. The new assistant Red Cross Commissioner, who is on a visit to Sydney, stated yesterday that in his desire to serve the Empire he sent in an application to" the military au- thorities six months ago. Not being success- ful in that direction, he offered his voluntary services to tho Red Cross Society. Mr. El- worthy, who returns to Grafton next week to fix up his business affairs, hopes to be ready to start for the East early in May.. "I take my appointment seriously," he said yester- day, "and feeling that it is my duty to do what I am able to do for the Empire. I am prepared to serve the Red Cross Society and our brave Australian soldiers wherever I am sent, be it Egypt, France, or any other country while the war lasts." " Obit from SMH 14 Apr 1931 " MR. E. G. ELWORTHY. Mr. Ernest George Elworthy, O.B.E., who died suddenly at Mosman on Saturday even- ing In his 64th year, was a resident of Grafton for many years. Born at Tumut Mr Elworthy was the third son of the late Mr and Mis J B Elworthy of Gundagai He entered the service of the Australian Joint Stock Bank, and at the age of 21 years was appointed to the management of the blanch at Byrock Later he was pro- moted to Bourke and Grafton Mr Elworthy left the service of the bank at Grafton and entered into partnership with the late Mr Spencer, and they carried on business as general merchants. At Grafton he was presi- dent of the Clarence Jockey Club, and presi- dent of the Grafton Club. He was a director of the "Daily Examiner," Grafton. During the war Mr Elworthy filled the position of honorary Red Cross Commissioner in Egypt for two years, and was made a member of the Order of the British Empire. For the last 10 years he had resided at the Clifton Gardens Hotel. He was unmarried. Two brothers and his only sister pre-deceased him, and the remaining brother, Mr Arthur El- worthy, is the proprietor of the ' Gundagai Times " which was established by his father 70 years ago. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon from Wood Coffill's funeral parlours, North Sydney to the Northern Suburbs Cemetery, where the burial service was read by the Rev A C Mosley, of the Church of England The chief mourners were Mr Arthur Elworthy (brother), Mr P W Williamson (cousin), Mr F Housi (cousin), and Mr E E Attwater (brother-in-law) Others present were -Mr E B Harkness (Under- secretary, Chief Secretary s Department) Judge Sheridan Messrs R T McKay (Sydney Harbour Trust) Branthwaite Clarke nnd W E ChadwicK (Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Co Ltd) J H Gosling (Central Insurance Co , Ltd ) Bruce Mackenzie (Royal Empire Society), A W Wedderburn (Sydney Ferries Ltd ) Dr O R P Muller Dr O Dietholm Messrs F F Crouch A C Crouch G A Den- ning A J Devenish Meares S E Stoning, G S Sterling C E Barnes W H Mackenzie J H S Angus S Henry M L A, F Q Underwood W S Douglass E T Blaxland F W C Mann, H J Brown Marshall Jones A J Peisley Stanley George Q H Booth A P Penman J A Mackenzie, Dr Sinclair Messrs R H Newman P Heath Q McGlll A C Chandler H H Attwater F Trauton D M Terry, W R Doyle G Booth and W 0Macansh" |
| Source References: |
| 2. Type: Book, Abbr: Devon to Downunder, Title: Devon to Downunder, Auth: Bettie Elworthy, Publ: Bookbound, Date: 1997 |
| - Reference = 114, 184-187 (Name, Notes) |