Rookwood Cemetery Discoveries

 As you know I love a beautifully sculptured headstone. Many in Rookwood stop me in my tracks and the one that I would never have seen, unless pointed out, is why I investigated the man who it pays tribute to. WILLIAM JAMES GOWANS William was born on the 16th of October 1890, the eldest son of William and Eliza (nee Elms). William (Senior) arrived in Australia from Scotland in 1884, Eliza was born in Collingwood Melbourne to parents formally from England. The couple had four children before marrying in 1896. This may have been due to Eliza having previously been married twice, firstly at the age of fifteen. It seems that both men deserted her and died in other States of Australia. None the less it seems that Eliza was lucky at the third attempt, and they went on to provide William with six siblings, most living long lives. William (Senior) was involved with the Sydney Scottish Borderers Association which aimed to promote interest in Scottish music, literature and sports. William (S...

  Today's blog pays tribute to a Master of Architecture whose name has been forgotten somewhat in the pages of time. Many of his creations still stand proudly. JOHN FRANCIS HENNESSY (SNR) John was born on the 21st of April 1853 in Leeds England, the son of Bryan Hennessy and his wife, Ellen who had moved to Leeds from Cork in Ireland. The family were relatively well off as they could boast a domestic servant in a subsequent census. After passing the Oxford senior local examination in 1868, John was articulated to William Perkin & Son, architects and surveyors of Leeds. He completed his articles in 1875 and won a three-year studentship at the Royal Institute of British Architects which allowed him to study in London under the tutorage of many distinguished architects of the day. William Burges, a leading figure in Gothic revival, was obviously a strong influence as that style became Hennessy's trademark. After six month's study in Spain, he worked in leading archit...

 Here in Australia, we live amongst many inspirational women but the ones that draw our attention at the moment are those that don shorts and boots and play football - the beautiful game! Roaming around Sydney lately I have seen many groups of young ladies in sports gear often carrying a football and speaking in excitable tones, often in a different language. The Women's World Cup is and will continue to be absolutely amazing with a huge legacy! So, thinking of strong women, over the next few weeks I will be honouring those women who were trailblazers in their fields, inspiring others to follow in their stead. Today's blog is honouring ... MARGARET LILLIAN JEFFREY (nee HINES) Margaret was born in Moss Vale in the Southern Highlands of NSW in July 1896, the second child of Thomas Hines, farmer, of Bundanoon, and his wife Susan. Margaret had four brothers. Not much is known about Margaret's early life but no doubt she received at least rudimental education and was groomed in ...