An enigmatic character, Charlie Darton was reviled by his Symington cousins who believed he had usurped their inheritance by influencing James Symington of Berringa Park to change his will in Darton's favour.

There is no doubting Darton's accomplishments. He accumulated an impressive curriculum vitae: he was heavily involved in community activities and was an office bearer in a number of sporting clubs and lodges. He was an active member the Presbyterian Church.

Charlie Darton seems to have been a personable character, perhaps even charismatic. Working as a young telegraph operator in Yackandandah, Charlie was found to be "always courteous and obliging." [1] He was commended for "his conduct and the marked courtesy and ability which he had displayed in the performance of his duties" during his time as an exchange telegrapher in Perth. [2] He was described as having "a genial and generous disposition. [3] 

He seemed to espouse high moral principles and gave an impassioned speech to the Debating Club at Yackandandah on the evils of smoking. [4]  He wrote an erudite letter to the McIvor Times in support of a clergyman who had been pillaried in the press, [5] yet near the end of his life he was found guilty of illegally drinking out of hours. There was also a degree of conceit about Charlie Darton. He had done fairly well in his Public Service Board examinations and led his second wife Edie to believe he was "the top Speed Typist in Victoria." [6] 

Charlie gained the confidence of his cousin James Symington.  He had been appointed as postmaster at Wodonga in 1912 and, while holding that position, by 1916 he was living at Berringa Park. [7] When James Symington's health was failing, Charlie assisted in the management of Berringa Park. Ultimately, he would become the master of Berringa Park.

Family legend has it that Charlie Darton influenced his cousin James Symington of Berringa Park to alter his will in his favour when he was lying terminally ill in Dr. Bird's Hospital in Melbourne. James Symington's nephew Peter intimated to his brother Harry, who had lately returned injured from the Western Front, that there was mischief afoot and that they had been deprived of their promised inheritance.  The original will has been destroyed or lost but in his last will, dated 25 January 1920, James Symington revoked his previous will and left the bulk of his property at Berringa Park to Charlie and his spinster sister Aggie Darton. James died on 6th May. Charlie had little time to enjoy his new-found wealth for he also was dead before the end of the following year.

Richard Charles Darton was the youngest surviving son of James Lionel Hill Darton and Agnes Symington. He was born at Yackandandah on 11 May 1870 and died at Wodonga on 23 October 1921. He commenced his primary school education in 1875 at the age of five years and four months. He was pupil number 669 of the Yackandandah Primary School number 694.

In 1885 he qualified as a telegraph operator. In the Public Service Board examinations, he was placed fourteenth in a class of ninety.

In 1897 he was appointed acting Postmaster at Yackandandah. In 1908 he was Postmaster at Heathcote and in 1912 he was appointed to the position of Postmaster at Wodonga.

Charlie Darton and Mary Elizabeth Hailwood had a son, William, who was born on 21 June 1895 in the Melbourne Women's Hospital. However, Charlie married Mary Hailwood as late as 1901, perhaps to legitimise their son. They married on 21 January 1901 in the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Lonsdale Street. The wife's surname is spelled "Heyward" in the marriage certificate. [8] Their address is given as 103 Rokeby Street, Collingwood where stood a small and very old timber house owned by Mary's father.  Charlie's "usual" address was given as "Numurkah".

William Darton's birth was not recorded until 15 August 1913, when it was registered by declaration.  William was not mentioned in Charlie Darton's will and his existence was not acknowledged in Charlie's death certificate.

Charlie's life was not without scandal. Charlie's wife Mary had died unexpectedly after a surgical operation on 17 May 1915. Early in 1916 a young woman of Huon Lane became pregnant. Rose Thomas, a daughter of the local postmistress was delivered of a son on 10 October 1916. The identity of the father was suppressed but the boy was named Ray Darton Thomas and was brought up by his grandparents. Ray Thomas went through life believing that they were his parents, never knowing the identity of his true father.

The indication that Charlie Darton was the father of Ray Darton Thomas is circumstantial and the connection can be confirmed only if genetic evidence is forthcoming from descendants of Ray Darton Thomas. It should be mentioned also that Charlie Darton had an elder brother, James Symington Darton, who took up farming in the Kiewa valley, where he died in 1926. James was married but he and his wife lived apart. His wife lived in Beechworth and went by the name Mary Anne Livingstone Cunningham. She died in 1933. It is noteworthy that they had a son named Roy Thomas Darton who died in infancy in 1892. However, in 1916, when Rose Thomas had her son, James he was 52 years old and the Electoral Rolls for that time have him residing at Lisson Grove in Hawthorn. He did not take residence at his Kiewa property until a decade later. Charlie had taken up residence at Huon Lane, next door to the Post Office.

On 21 February 1921 Charlie married his cousin Edie Ward in St. Andrew's Church, Bendigo. Their marriage certificate records Charlie's conjugal state as "bachelor" whereas it was a requirement to indicate the death of the former spouse, if widowed; Charlie calls himself a "grazier", residing at Berringa Park.

In July 1921 Charlie was charged and found guilty of being on licensed premises during prohibited hours. It was alleged he was drinking at the Union Hotel at Tangambalanga with several friends, including his cousins Peter Symington and Bob Ward. The others pleaded guilty admitted but Charlie professed his innocence.  Charlie maintained that he was "just taking a spin" (in his car, presumably) but the Police Magistrate saw through his feeble excuse and accordingly applied a fine which was double that of his co-offenders. This incident was a portent of Charlie's demise several months later. [9] [10] 

CHARLIE'S LARGESSE

Charlie was soon spending his new-found wealth, and his generosity seemed boundless.  He donated a valuable silver trophy the "Darton Cup" for the local tennis tournament. He made a very generous donation towards the building of a new billiards room and gymnasium at the Kiewa Club. Only a month before he died, Charlie attended a meeting at Tallangatta, in which the funding of a new Athenaeum was under discussion. The committee was desperately short of funds but, from the floor, Charlie Darton came forward to pronounce that he would act as guarantor for the whole amount required to build a new Athenaeum and soldiers' club rooms.

THE DEATH OF CHARLIE DARTON

After inheriting a considerable fortune from his cousin James Symington of Berringa Park, Charlie Darton married his cousin Edie Ward on 23 February 1921 but by 24 October that year he was dead. Edie was the sole beneficiary of Charlie's estate. She moved to Perth with her mother and sister where she had a comfortable life. She studied fine arts and taught ceramic painting at the Maylands School of Art. In that refined environment, there was a pervasive belief that Charlie had been killed in a riding accident but that was far from the truth. The actual cause of Charlie's demise is revealed in his death certificate. Charlie died in Sister Browne's Private Hospital, in High Street, Wodonga, from alcoholism, myocarditis, delirium tremens and heart failure of several months' duration. The cause of death had been certified by Dr. Rudolph Herbert Schlink who was an astute clinician. Dr Schlink had studied medicine in Berlin in Berlin and received his degree from Professor Virchow, the renowned pathologist. [11] 

His widow Edie did not erect any memorial to Charlie. His grave site in the Yackandandah Cemetery is marked only by a rough metal sheet which lies loose on the ground at the foot of his father's gravestone.

[1] Yackandandah Times, Saturday 29 November 1890, page 2 

[2] The West Australian Friday 28 November 1902 page 5

[3] Albury Banner 28 October 1921 page 27

[4] Yackandandah Times 23 August 1890 page 4 

[5]

[6] Mattie Hodgson, Letter to Frances McCabe 19 October 1996

[7] Attestation papers dated 3 February 1916 of William Darton. AIF serial number 26701, naming as his next of kin Richard C. Darton, Berringa Park, Huon

[8] BDM Victoria Registration Number 564/1901

[9] Sentinel 1 July 1921 page 2

[10] Albury Banner and Wodonga Express Friday 8 July 1921 page 31

[11] The Catholic Press 30 September 1937 page 17

PROBATE IN THE WILL OF RICHARD CHARLES DARTON

PROV VPRS 28/3/1209

Late of Berringa Park, Huon, Grazier

Executrix Edith Rebecca Trumbull Darton Widow of Berringa Park

No Real Estate but personal estate of £18,770, which includes:

£14,000 half interest of lands sold at auction, and half interest in land sold to J. McKoy (£360) 21 acres, part allotment 6 Section 4 and part Allotment 7 Section 4 Parish of Beethang

ADDRESSES FROM THE AUSTRALIAN ELECTORAL ROLL

1903 Richard Charles Darton, 21 Lennox Street, Hawthorn, telegraph operator

      Mary Elizabeth Darton, same address, home duties

1909 Richard Charles Darton, Heathcote, postmaster

      Mary Elizabeth Darton, Heathcote, home duties

1914 Richard Charles Darton, Wodonga, postmaster

      Mary Elizabeth Darton, Wodonga, home duties

1919 Richard Charles Darton, Wodonga, postmaster

1919 Richard Charles Darton, Berringa Park, Huon, grazier (Supplemental Electoral Roll Indi)

CITY OF HAWTHORN RATE BOOKS

1905-6 Yarra Ward

Number 436 ratepayer Richard C. Darton Civil Servant 21 Lennox Street Brick 4 rooms 3 persons in residence

Also 1906-7 Number 489 3 people and 1907-8 Number 444 4 persons; no Darton in 1908-9

(Note 1901-2 21 Lennox Street Owner Barry Allen, city. Brick 4 rooms. Number of persons nil. Allen owned numbers 17, 19, 21, 23, 25 and 27).

POSTMASTER

(From the Victorian Government Gazette)

1885 Public Service Board Results of Examinations R. C. Darton Order of merit 14/90 Total marks 466 Qualified for Telegraph messenger VGG 1 May No. 46 page 1161

1897 Appointment as Acting Postmaster Yackandandah VGG December 17 No. 121 page 4744

1898 Acting postmaster Yackandandah April 7 (during the absence of Miss A. Frost through illness) VGG April 7 1898 No. 32 page 1299

1908 Receiver of Revenue and Paymaster (Postmaster) at Heathcote VGG September 16, No. 111 page 4617

1911 Vice Postmaster Heathcote VGG No. 52 April 12 1911

1912 Receiver of Revenue and Paymaster (Postmaster) at Wodonga VGG October 16, No. 153 page 4194

1913 Postmaster Wodonga VGG August 13 No. 125

CURRICULUM VITAE R.C. DARTON

1885 Qualified as a Telegraph Messager; passed the examination on 31 March 1885 for the non-clerical Division of the Public Service, 14/90 in the order of merit [1]

1890 Third top marks as a telegraph operator in the Public Service examinations [2]

1894 Hon. Treasurer Electric Telegraph Rowing Club [3]

1897 Appointment as Acting Postmaster Yackandandah [4]

1898 Acting postmaster Yackandandah [5]

1907, 1908 President Victorian Post and Telegraph Officers’ Association [6] [7]

1908 Receiver of Revenue and Paymaster (Postmaster) at Heathcote [8] [9]

1908 President of Commonwealth Public Service Associations [10]

1908-1911 Postmaster Heathcote [11]

1908 Electoral Registrar for Heathcote polling place of Bendigo Electoral Division [12]

1909 Vice president St. Andrews Presbyterian Church football club [13]

1909, 1910 Committee Heathcote Cricket Club [14] [15]

1909 Vice president Heathcote Bowling Club [16]

1910 Elder and treasurer St. Andrews Presbyterian Church Heathcote [17] [18]

1910 Committee St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church Tennis Club [19]

1910 Committee Boy Scouts Heathcote [20] [21] [22]

1910 Committee The Heathcote Mechanics’ Institute [23]

1910 Member Heathcote Rifle Club [24]

1912 Postmaster Sandringham [25]

1912 -1919 Receiver of Revenue and Paymaster (Postmaster) at Wodonga [26] [27]

1914 Committee Wodonga Football Club [28]

1915 Committee Wodonga Turf Club [29]

1915 Wodonga Freemasons Lodge No. 156 [30]

1918 President Huon Lane Tennis Club [31]

[1] Victorian Government Gazette 1 May 1885

[2] Victorian Government Gazette 1890 page 83

[3] The Argus Friday 26 October 1894 page 3

[4] Victorian Government Gazette No 121 page 4744

[5] Victorian Government Gazette No 32 page 1299

[6] The Argus Tuesday 3 December 1907 page 7

[7] The Argus Thurs 6 February 1908 page 10

[8] Victorian Government Gazette No 111 page 4617

[9] The McIvor Times and Rodney Advertiser Thursday 20 August 1908 page 3

[10] The McIvor Times and Rodney Advertiser Thursday 20 August 1908 page 3

[11] The McIvor Times and Rodney Advertiser Thursday 16 March 1911 page 2

[12] The McIvor Times and Rodney Advertiser Thursday 8 October 1908 page 2

[13] The McIvor Times and Rodney Advertiser Thursday 6 July 1911 page 2

[14] The McIvor Times & Rodney Advertiser Thursday 9 September 1910 page 2

[15] The McIvor Times & Rodney Advertiser Thursday 9 September 1909 page 3

[16] The McIvor Times & Rodney Advertiser Thursday 28 October 1909 page 3

[17] The McIvor Times & Rodney Advertiser Thursday 3 February 1910 page 2

[18] The McIvor Times & Rodney Advertiser Thursday 22 December 1910 page 3

[19] The McIvor Times & Rodney Advertiser Thursday 23 June 1910 page 3

[20] Randell, J. O., McIvor A history of the Shire and the Township of Heathcote page 193

[21] The McIvor Times & Rodney Advertiser Thursday 19 May 1910 page 2

[22] The McIvor Times & Rodney Advertiser Thursday 2 June 1910 page 3

[23] The McIvor Times & Rodney Advertiser Thursday 20 October 1910 page 3

[24] The McIvor Times & Rodney Advertiser Thursday 1 December 1910 page 10

[25] Albury Banner and Wodonga Express Friday 9 August 1912 page 31

[26] Victorian Government Gazette No 153 page 4194

[27] Albury Banner and Wodonga Express Friday 22 November 1912 page 30

[28] Wodonga & Towong Sentinel 26 June 1914 page 2

[29] Wodonga & Towong Sentinel 26 November 1915 page 2

[30] Wodonga & Towong Sentinel 29 October 1915 page 2

[31] Wodonga & Towong Sentinel 8 November 1918 page 2

NEWSPAPER REPORTS RE CHARLIE DARTON

AFTER HOURS MISCHIEF AT THE UNION HOTEL

Sentinel 1 July 1921 page 2

ILLEGALLY ON LICENSED PREMISES. John Edward Ballard, John Henry McKoy, Robert Ward, Peter James Symington and Richard Charles Darton were charged by Constable Martin, with being found on the licensed premises of the Union hotel, Tangambalanga, during prohibited hours. All the defendants, except the last named, pleaded guilty. The P.M. (addressing McKoy): If you can’t stop winking and grinning in court I’ll give you 24 hours. J. T. Martin, constable of police, Kiewa, stated: As I was walking along the road, towards White’s hotel, I saw four of the defendants in the hotel yard, while Mr. Darton was standing in front. I approached the four men in the yard and asked them what they were doing there. They all made excuses. I did not walk into the hotel with Mr. Darton, but saw him talking to the licensee’s wife in the passage. Philip Joseph White, licensee of the Union hotel, Tangambalanga, stated: I was not home when the incident occurred. The place was in charge of my wife at the time. Richard Charles Darton, of “Lisson Grove,” Hawthorn, stated: On 12th inst. I visited Tangambalanga, in company with some friends, with the expressed intention of getting some bread. On arrival some of the party went to the urinal on the hotel premises. I met Constable Martin in the street, and he asked men to go in and see the licensee. The P.M.: That’s queer; either you or Constable Martin is committing perjury. Witness: I don’t suggest that Constable Martin would do such a thing. To the P.M.: Constable Martin did definitely suggest that I should go into the hotel with him. Symington and Ward were close to me when he made the suggestion, but I don't know if they heard him. The constable also said, “the boys have been making it too hot.” I had not been in the place for a month previously, neither were my associates. Mr. Edmondson: I was only instructed in the case this morning, and don’t know much about it. Constable Martin (recalled): I first met-Mr. Darton in front of Ballard's shop; he spoke to me. I saw the other four defendants in the hotel yard, and went to them and took their names. Later, I saw Mr. Darton in the passage of the hotel talking to the licensee’s wife. I asked him what he was doing there, and he said he was out for a run, and was there to see Mr. Ballard.” Mr. Edmondson: In reference to the persons who pleaded guilty, I wish to point out that they were standing in a right of way, between the urinal and the hotel, and could easily be on the premises and not know they were committing an offence. The P.M., in summing up, said that while the Bench believed the constable’s evidence, they did not think that defendant Darton came there to wilfully commit perjury. He was probably not very clear as to what happened. He will be fined £1, with 6/4 costs. The other defendants were each fined 10/, with 6/4 costs.

Albury Banner and Wodonga Express Friday 8 July 1921 page 31

Phillip Joseph White, licensee of the Union Hotel, Kiewa, was charged with having persons on his premises during prohibited hours. In conjunction with the same charge, John Edward Ballard, John Henry McKoy, Robert T. Ward, Peter James Symington, and Richard Charles Darton were charged with being on the premises during prohibited hours. McKoy, Ballard, Ward, and Symington were fined 10/, and Darton £1, with costs of 6/4 in each case. The licensee, White, was fined £2, and costs 7/5.

CHARLIE'S LARGESSE

THE DARTON TENNIS CUP

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 8 October 1920 page 3

TANGAMBALANGA A tennis association has been formed in this district, and the probable competitiors for Mr. Darton’s 20 guinea cup will be Tallangatta, Osborne’s Flat, Tangambalanga, Bethanga, Berringa and Wodonga. The contest is expected to be a close one. The club that wins the cup twice - not necessarily in succession - will hold it permanently. The first round of matches commences on 16th inst.

Argus Thursday 8 March 1923 page 5

WODONGA -The final of the tennis competition for the Darton trophy was played at Berringa on Saturday and was won by Wodonga. The scores were: -Wodonga 56; Bethanga 44. Wodonga therefore retains the cup which was presented by the late R. C. Darton of Berringa Park. A suggestion has been made that Wodonga should now present the cup for competition in perpetuity, and this matter will be decided at an early date.

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 8 May 1925 page 3

Four years ago Wodonga entered a competition for a beautiful silver cup donated by the late R. C. Darton, and, by winning the premiership for two consecutive years, became the owners of the trophy.

A GENEROUS DONATION TO THE KIEWA CLUB

Sentinel 10 September 1920 page 2

The members of the Kiewa Club intend to erect a billiard room and gymnasium adjoining the Kiewa public Hall, and in connection therewith Mr. R. C. Darton has very generously assisted with the fine sum of £52 10/.

CHARLIE OFFERS TO SHELL OUT FOR A NEW ATHENAEUM AT TALLANGATTA

Argus Friday 3 September 1920, page 8

TALLANGATTA. -Mr. R. C. Darton, of Beringa Park has consented to act as guarantor for the whole amount necessary to erect the new Athenaeum Buildings with soldier's club rooms. Mr. Darton, who is a large property holder, addressing a meeting, stated that he wished to do his duty to the diggers who had made it possible for him to continue the possession of his land and stock. He contributed £10/10/ to pay preliminary incidental expenses.

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel 10 September 1920 page 2

NEW TALLANGATTA ATHENAEUM

A GUARANTOR FOR THE WHOLE AMOUNT “According to notice of motion,” said Mr. Lyne at the adjourned meeting of delegates (Mr. A. P. Thomson presiding) to consider the erection of a new hall and soldiers’ club room; “I move that all resolutions dealing with the £3000 scheme be rescinded, and that, the delegates adopt the smaller scheme to cost half the amount.” “I second,” said Mr. Pearce. Then Mr. George Taylor dropped a bombshell “I protest,” said he. “The trouble is lack of guarantors, is it not!”  “That and the lack of cash,” replied Secretary Elston, “And the up-keep,” added Mr. Lyne. “Well, I have a guarantor,” continued Mr. Taylor, “who is willing to sign up for half the £3000, put in £10 10/ as a donation, and cover any cheque up to £100 donated by any resident of town or district.” The committee gasped, and, when members recovered their shattered senses, someone said, “Name?” “Mr. R. C. Darton, of Berringa Park,” answered Mr. Taylor, “I interviewed him yesterday; he is for the digger every time, and this will be a diggers’ club.” Mr. W. Reid strongly supported proceeding with the bigger scheme, as Mr. Darton’s munificent offer would solve all difficulties.   Mr. Geo. Phillips pointed out that, under the new scheme, soldiers would have better facilities. Were the club’s prospects of such a nature as would warrant its inclusion at such an enormous expense in the scheme. Mr. A. O’Leary urged that the big scheme meant borrowing £2300. Interest alone would be an annual £140; the smaller scheme meant borrowing only £400, with consequent £24 interest. Rev. D. Dow argued that the larger idea meant getting together a weekly amount of at least £3 as interest. Could a caretaker, librarian, &c., for the extensive buildings be obtained for less than another £3? Was it fair to ask townspeople to take this on? Mr. B. Cavanagh said that since last meeting he had gone into the whole matter with Mr. Elston, and had regretfully to change his opinion. The smaller scheme was the only practicable one. Mr. Elston argued that the larger building would entail £420 per annum interest and instalments to pay off debt, besides current expenses, which would materially increase with the bigger scheme. Mr. Lyne: At present, hall revenue does not pay expenses; there are only 24 subscribers, and we owe £30 on the piano, and must refund £30 borrowed from the hall fund. Mr. T. B. Pearce: This is an Atheneum. For two years we have been too poor to buy any books. Remember, under the new scheme, the institution must he more than a dancing saloon, a poor quality picture show hall or a billiard room-and books will cost money. Mr. W.V. Anderson was in favor of the now scheme, but another room should be erected for the club. It was agreed to invite Mr. Darton, who was in the town, to attend the meeting.   The Chairman welcomed, introduced and thanked Mr. Darton. Mr. Lyne, by request, placed the whole matter before the generous visitor. Acceptance of his fine offer would still leave them to find guarantors for the remaining amount, and a debt of £2000. The smaller scheme, providing better accommodation for the “diggers,” would incur a debt of only £800. Would he (Mr. Darton) help in the latter? They were all under a deep debt of gratitude to him. Mr. Darton, who was received with applause, said he would most decidedly help in any scheme to “house” the diggers. What he had he owed to the men who fought. He was not a soldier, so he owed an especial debt to those men who had made it possible for him to hold his property and stock. Had the Germans taken Australia, how many Britishers would hold their land now? Mr. Geo. Taylor had been very pronounced on the matter the previous day, had made out an excellent case and asked him straight out to help. Of course he could only say “yes.” He always appreciated Mr. Taylor’s public spirit, besides he (Mr. Taylor) was a first class judge of a dog-a fine proof of a man’s level headedness. (Laughter.) Joking apart, he never came to Tallangatta but he made money; he had pleasure in returning a trifle. (He here handed £10 10/ to the chairman. Applause.) The district was a grand one, and, even after they had drowned out some of the grandest land farther down, he hoped there would still be plenty of good country for him to work, and, finally, for his bones to be laid in. Mr. Lyne: Would you allow us, Mr. Darton, to define the position. You kindly offered to guarantee one half of the £3000. Are you willing to guarantee one half of the smaller scheme, or do you wish to adhere to the original £1500?   Mr. Darton: Most certainly the larger amount. (Applause.) The wants of soldiers must be attended to. They, in fact, the Empire, owed a debt, which could never be repaid, to those who fought for the whole generally, and for the landed proprietor particularly. Besides, his stake was in the district, and he was anxious to do his duty. (Applause.) General regret was expressed at the non-inclusion of the club in the smaller scheme.   Mr. Noel Walker, club representative, said that the larger scheme was a financial impossibility, so his club must accept the inevitable. There was the best of feeling on both sides. It was unanimously decided to consider ways and means to provide, if possible, another room for the club's use. Hearty votes of thanks to Mr. Darton and to Mr. Taylor for introducing him were carried unanimously.   The meeting then closed. -Tallangatta “Herald.”

 MARY ELIZABETH HAILWOOD 1875-1915

CHARLIE DARTON'S FIRST WIFE

Mary Hailwood was born in Alexandra on 17 July 1875. Her parents were Joseph Hailwood, born in Manchester c.1834, died 5 August 1912 aged 78, and Ellen Connor, born Tipperary c.1839, died in 1916.  Ellen was illiterate.  They married at Gulgong on 12 August 1854.

Mary Darton died intestate. At her death she held real estate in her own name, comprising a property at in Bay Road, Sandringham valued at £175,  which she had purchased in 1911. Charlie Darton stated, in the Grant of Administration, that he had given her the money to buy the property. (PROV VPRS 28/P3/138/893)

Argus Wednesday 19 May 1915 page 1

DARTON. — On the 17th May, at private hospital, East Melbourne, Mary Elizabeth, the beloved wife of Richard Charles Darton, Wodonga, aged 39 years.

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 21 May 1915 page 3

DEATH. DARTON. - On 17th instant, at St. Ives Private Hospital, Melbourne, Mary Elizabeth, the dearly beloved wife of Richard Charles Darton, Wodonga, aged 39 years.

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 21 May 1915 page 2

Genuine regret was expressed in Wodonga on Monday when it was learnt that Mrs Darton, wife of Mr. R. C. Darton, postmaster, had died in St. Ives private hospital, Melbourne, that morning. Mrs. Darton enjoyed first-class health until a few weeks ago, when she was attacked by an internal complaint. She went to Melbourne for an operation which was performed and appeared in every way successful. On Saturday information was received that she was doing well and practically out of danger, this news being confirmed by an even more encouraging message to Mr. Darton on Sunday evening, and the information of her death on Monday was totally unexpected. Deceased was 39 years of age, and a daughter of Mr. Hailwood, Lygon Street, Carlton. She was of an unassuming disposition, but took a keen interest in various public and social movements, and was held in the highest regard by all with whom she was acquainted. She leaves one son, Mr. William Darton, State Savings Bank, Kew and sincere and general sympathy is expressed for her family and relatives. The funeral took place at Sandringham cemetery on Tuesday afternoon.

EDITH REBECCA TRUMBULL WARD 1888-1981

CHARLIE'S SECOND WIFE

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 26 November 1920 page 2

ENGAGEMENT The engagement is announced of Miss Edith Trumbull Ward, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Ward, Bendigo, and Mr. R. C. Darton, of “Berringa Park,” Huon, youngest son of the late J. H. Darton and Mrs. Darton, Lisson Grove, Hawthorn.

Sunday Times Sunday 12 December 1920 page 65

Amongst the passengers travelling per Trans-train tomorrow evening is Miss Edith Trumbull-Ward, who has been spending a six months’ holiday in Perth and Kalamunda with her sister, Mrs. E. H. Hodgson, of Perth. Miss Ward is returning to her home in Bendigo, where her marriage to Mr. R. C. Darton, of Huon, Victoria, is to take place at an early date.

Edie was the sole beneficiary of Charlie's estate. After Charlie died, she moved to Perth to live with her mother and sister where she had a comfortable life after Charlie's inheritance was settled. She studied fine arts and taught ceramic painting at the Maylands School of Art.

Edie Ward was a niece of Rebecca Symington of Teviotdale. Born at Clifton Hill in 1888, Edie was the second daughter of Alfred Trumbull Ward and Emma Hodgson, Rebecca Symington's sister. She was raised in Bendigo, where she lived the life of a lady, singing, painting and sewing. She played piano and had a lovely soprano voice. [1] Edie Ward met Charlie Darton at Teviotdale.

After Charlie died, Edie lived at Berringa Park for a short time, after which she lived in Wangaratta with her parents and when her father Alf Ward died in 1923, she and her mother Emma followed her sister Nellie Hodgson to West Australia. According to Mattie Hodgson, Edie's niece, it was eight years before Charlie Darton's estate was wound up and her life was not easy. For several years, Edie and Nell Hodgson worked in the dressmaking section of Moores Department store in Perth.

In 1931 Edie Darton was a student of Flora Landells at her Maylands School of Art. She exhibited in the 1931 exhibition organized by Flora in the Industries Hall, Barrack Street. In 1936 she was teaching china painting at the Young Women’s Christian Association. (The West Australian Friday 27 March 1936 page 7) An amateur photographer, she introduced her niece Mattie Hodgson to photography.

From the Australian Electoral Roll: in 1936 her address was 21 Kirkham View terrace, Maylands, and her occupation "home duties."

She died at home at Maylands on 7th May 1981 aged 93 years. [2] She was buried in the Presbyterian Section at Karrakatta Cemetery. [3] 

THE FAMILY OF EDITH WARD

Edith Ward's parents were Alfred Trumbull Ward and Emma Hodgson, who was the sister of Rebecca, wife of Peter Symington of Teviotdale, Huon Lane. Alfred Ward was an inspector of public works who was born in Bendigo. He died at Rowan Street, Wangaratta on 26 May, 1923.  

EMMA HODGSON (1859-1930) The elder Sister of Rebecca Symington, she was born in Collingwood in 1859.  She married Alfred Trumbull (or Trumble) Ward in 1880 at Castlemaine. 

Edie's sister was Martha Ellen "Nellie" and her brother was Robert "Bob", an architect. Nellie married her first cousin, Edward Henry Hodgson, son of Henry William Hodgson, elder brother of Rebecca.

Children of Emma Hodgson and Alfred Ward:

Martha Ellen (born 1881) “Nellie”. She married her first cousin Edward Henry Hodgson (the son of Henry William Hodgson, elder brother of Rebecca).

Robert Trumbull (1882) "Bob".

Edith Rebecca Trumbull “Edie” born 1888 (ref no 10079), the second wife of Charlie Darton

Wodonga and Towong Sentinel Friday 1 June 1923 page 3

OBITUARY MR. A. T. WARD The death of Mr. Alfred Trumbull Ward, district inspector of the Public Works Department, occurred at his residence, “Toolanga,” Rowan-street, Wangaratta on Saturday last. About three weeks ago he caught a chill at Mount Buffalo, and, on returning to Wangaratta, he went to bed. His condition became more serious as time went on, pleurisy and pneumonia supervened, and he sank rapidly. Born at Bendigo, the late Mr. Ward, who was aged 61 years, joined the service of the Railway Department, and rose to the position of inspector. He resigned the position, and went to West Australia for a period. On his return to Victoria he secured a position as inspector in the Public Works Department. He was stationed at Bendigo for 12 years, and, two years ago, he was appointed to the Wangaratta district, and was stationed at Beechworth. He is survived by his wife, one son (Mr. Robert Trumbull Ward), and two daughters-Mrs. Hodgens (sic) (Perth) and Mrs. Darton (Wangaratta). The funeral took place on Sunday, the remains being interred at Wangaratta. Rev. W. W. Ingram conducted the   burial service of the Presbyterian Church, and Chaplain Canon Wray read the Masonic service.

The Argus Monday 12 November 1934 page 1

WARD -On the 4th November, at the residence of her daughter, Kirkham Hill Terrace, Maylands, Western Australia, Emma, relict of the late Alfred Trumble Ward loved mother of Nellie (Mrs E. H. Hodgson), Robert Trumble Ward and Edith (Mrs E. R. T. Darton), loved grandma of Marjorie and Mattie Hodgson, aged 75 years

THE HODGSON SISTERS

MARJORIE EDITH ELLEN HODGSON  1907-1983

DAUGHTER OF NELLIE WARD AND NIECE OF REBECCA SYMINGTON

Born on  5th May 1907, Marjorie was the elder daughter of Nellie Ward and Edward Henry Hodgson. She was a niece of Rebecca (Hodgson) Symington of Teviotdale and niece of Edie (Trumbull Ward) Darton. Her younger sister was Mattie Hodgson, artist and photographer. The Hodgson sisters had fond memories of taking holidays at Teviotdale.  Marjorie married Nigel Haines in 1936.

Late of Como, Marjorie died at Northam on 28th July 2003 aged 95 years and 11 months.

The mother of Michael, Anne (Letch, husband Michael), Peter and Brian. [4] . She was cremated at Karrakatta Cemetery.

MARTHA MURIEL "MATTIE" HODGSON 1909-1988 ARTIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER

Mattie Hodgson was the niece of Edie Darton. Martha Muriel Hodgson was born in Perth on 6th April 1909. She was the younger daughter of Nellie Ward and Edward Henry Hodgson and the niece of Rebecca (Hodgson) Symington of Teviotdale and niece of Edie (Trumbull Ward) Darton.

Her engagement to John Frederick Corke was announced in the Perth Daily News on 19 August 1937 but she ended up marring Rev. Alexander Wesley Bateman in 1959. They had no children.

She died at Subiaco on 2nd November 1988 aged 89 years [5] and was buried at the Fremantle Cemetery.[6]

ARTIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER

Mattie's family encouraged her to pursue her creative endeavours in the arts. Her aunt, Edith Ward, had been an amateur photographer in Bendigo and introduced her to photography. She acquired her first camera at the age of fifteen. In 1925 she began working as a receptionist and retoucher at the Ruskin Studios in Perth.

Mattie Hodgson studied art at the Perth Technical College where she was an outstanding student. [7] 

From Hall, Barbara and Mather, Jenni, Australian Women Photographers 1840-1960 Greenhouse Publications 1986 page 70:

She commenced work as a receptionist and retoucher with the Ruskin Studios in 1925.

“I learnt retouching in my own time from a Mrs. Lethbridge and colouring from Mrs. Wilmot, who were not from any studio. I went from retouching to portraiture fairly early early-that was considered the pinnacle by people I knew in the photographic societies. Yet I still considered photography as a provider of pocket money for my interest in art."

Mattie went on to work for some of Perth's large photography studios Studios-Ruskins, Webb and Webb and John Hallam until sailing for London in 1936 where she worked as a colourist for Lenare Studios, one of the top society photographers. Mattie later recalled Lenare's distinctive style: "their trademark was all-white studio walls, never painted backgrounds, and they relied on lighting for effect. We made up our own highly secret colouring medium formulas, which were guarded very jealously from other studios, using Winsor and Newton oils, not the inferior Kodak ones." 

On evolving changes in technology and technique Mattie observed: “I saw the end of the use of daylight in portraiture. In the 1920’s, daylight for studio work was almost at an end. The introduction of electric lighting meant new techniques had to be learnt. I also saw the beginning and end of hand colouring methods. I think of the early portrait photographers, the generation who ended in the 1920s, as dedicated artists, colouring their own pictures with water colours, using washes and stippling. Later on women like myself used this method for a short time until the Kodak oils came on the market."

She had returned to Perth by 1938, freelancing from a studio shared with sculptor Karen Tulloch. In 1939, she ran Susan Watkin's studio for six months. During this time Mattie developed her own freelance photography business. During World War 2, Mattie Hodgson was in high demand as a retoucher, colourist, camera operator and negative developer.

[1] Mattie Hodgson, letter to Frances McCabe, letter dated 19 October 1996 

[2] Death notice in The West Australian 9 May 1981 Classified lift-out page 79

[3] Section HA gravesite 172

[4] Death notice, The West Australian 30 July 2003 page 68

[5] Death Notice The West Australian 5 November 1988 page 47

[6] Congregational Area, Section MON D grave site 84

[7] (he West Australian Monday 14 October 1929 page 13

NEWSPAPER REPORTS

The Daily News (Perth) Tuesday 23 April 1935 page 8

Haines-Hodgson    

ONE of the few of yesterday’s brides who did not wear a wreath and veil was Marjorie, the elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Hodgson, of Kirkham Hill-terrace, Maylands, who chose a peach-bloom hat with mushroom brown quill, to wear with her frock of parchment lace over mushroom pink satin, trimmed with mushroom brown velvet sash and hand-made flowers. Her bouquet was of pink and cream roses. The bridegroom was Mr. Nigel Haines, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Haines, of Bridgetown. The bride’s sister, Miss Mattie Hodgson, was the only bridesmaid. Her frock was of wine-colored marocain, worn with a parchment hat and wine-colored quill. She carried a bouquet of autumn-tinted roses. The wedding was at St. Andrew's Church, where the Rev. J. W. Eddleston officiated. Mr. R. Duncan was best man and the bride’s father gave her away.  After the ceremony a reception was held at Mr. and Mrs. Hodgson’s home. Mrs. Hodgson chose a tunic frock of navy silk marocain, with a navy velour hat, and the blue-black bloom of virginia creeper berries gave the unusual appearance of a navy bouquet. This was allied with cream roses. Mrs. E. Haines wore navy silk marocain, with matching felt hat, and carried a posy of bright pink roses. To carry out the charming autumnal scheme, the bride’s going-away frock was of rust-colored silk and wool, with a   narrow gold stripe. She wore a felt hat   to tone, and a brown fur coat.  

Daily News (Perth, WA), Wednesday 18 September 1935, page 4

AWARDS BY ART SOCIETY … Arts and crafts prize presented by Mrs. Yorke Pepper: Miss Mattie Hodgson.

The Daily News (Perth) 9 May 1936 page 12

Miss Mattie Hodgson will leave for a holiday trip to England in the Baradine on May 18.  

The West Australian Monday 16 August 1937 page 7

The engagement is announced of John Frederick Corke, of Kalgoorlie, younger son of Mrs. and the late R. Corke, of Upton, England, to Martha Muriel (Mattie), younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Hodgson, of Maylands.

WILLIAM DARTON 1895-1965

William was the only child of Richard Charles Darton and Mary Elizabeth Hailwood.

Employed as a bank officer, he married Merle Jean Mayne in 1921.

AER 1936 368 Glen Eira Road Caulfield Bank officer

World War 1 A.I.F. Summary

Regimental Number 26701

Occupation Bank clerk

Date of enlistment 6 February 1916

Address 63 Lisson Grove, Glenferrie (with aunt Agnes Darton)

Next of kin R C Darton, Berringa Park, Huon

Unit Field Artillery Brigade 12, Reinforcement 5

Embarkation details Unit embarked from Melbourne on HMAT A15 Port Sydney on 7 September 1916

Argus, Saturday 27 February 1926, page 11

DARTON (nee Merle Mayne). —On the 22nd February, at Henty private hospital, Caulfield, to Mr. and Mrs. Will. Darton—a daughter (Jean Merle).

The Argus Friday 27 February 1948 page 7

DARTON-WICKENS. - At Littlejohn Memorial Chapel Scotch College, this evening, Jean Merle only child of Mr. and Mrs. W. Darton, Gleneira Road, Caulfield, to James Frederic, younger son of Dr. and Mrs G. H. Wickens, of Glenferrie road, Hawthorn.

RAY DARTON THOMAS 1916-194

RAY DARTON THOMAS was born at Huon Lane on 10 October 1916. I have included him in this extended lineage of the Symington family of Huon Lane because there is compelling circumstantial evidence that he is a Symington descendant in the Darton line.

Ray was the son of Rose Thomas, the second daughter of Richard Francis Thomas and Mary Louisa Dosser. Ray's birth certificate confirms that his mother was Rose Elizabeth Thomas but his father is not named. When Ray was born, Mary Louisa Thomas was the postmistress at Huon Lane and the caretaker of the Huon Lane railway station. Rose was 23 years old and single when Ray was born. Soon thereafter, the Thomas family departed Huon Lane for Grovedale, near Geelong, where they lived the rest of their lives. Ray Thomas was brought up by his grandparents, Richard and Mary Thomas, as their own son. It seems that Ray was never aware of this subterfuge. He was told that Rose was his sister. Ray met a tragic end in a railway shunting accident in 1949. The deception of his parentage was perpetuated even in his death notices and his death certificate records Richard Francis Thomas and Mary Louisa Dosser as his parents. [1] However, the immediate family of Rose Thomas always assumed that the middle name given to Ray Thomas was the surname of his father.

In World War 2, Ray Darton Thomas served with the RAAF (Service Number 18517). His attestation record names his grandfather Richard Thomas as his next of kin. He enlisted at Grovedale on 16 September 1940 and served in the Middle East with 450 squadron as a fitter and armourer. Prior to enlisting he was working as a cycle mechanic at Grovedale. He had attended Gordon Technical School. In 1946, Ray married Lillian Mary Wilde and they had a son named Adrian in 1948. Ray met a tragic end in a railway shunting accident and died on 18 May 1949.  He is buried in the Eastern Cemetery at Geelong. [2] 

ROSE ELIZABETH THOMAS was born at Baddaginnie on 27 March 1893 [3] She married Herbert “Bert” Hartwich in 1921 [4] but was ever a figure in the background in Ray's life and led an unhappy existence. In 1922 she had a child, Leonard, who had Down syndrome. Her husband was less than supportive and cruelly subjected her to emotional abuse in blaming their misfortune as retribution for her previous misdemeanour.  Rose died at Geelong on 14 May 1981, and with her passing, the full significance of the name Darton was lost to her surviving family.

MARY LOUISA THOMAS born 1865 died on 4 July1936 at Heyers Road, Grovedale. Her children were Ivy, Rose, Alan, Myrtle, Marguerite (Dollie) and Lily. Her death notice named Ray as one of her children. RICHARD FRANCIS THOMAS was born on 10th June 1863 at Dog Trap Creek; he died on 27 June 1947.

DEATH NOTICES

The Argus Thursday 19 May 1949 page 5

SHUNTER CRUSHED TO DEATH Raymond Thomas, 33, of Fenwick st., Geelong, railway shunter, was caught between the buffers of carriages in the railway yards at Geelong yesterday. He died from head injuries soon after admittance to hospital.

The Argus Thursday 19 May 1949 page 9

THOMAS. On May 18 (result of accident), at Geelong, Raymond Darton (late R.A.A.F.) beloved husband of Lilian Mary, of 8 Ormond rd., East Geelong, and loving father of Adrian, aged 32 years. In the midst of life we are in death.

[1] BDM Victoria Registration Number 18632/1949

[2] Register 21912 MET *9***192

[3] BDM Victoria Registration Number 9217/1983

[4] BDM Victoria Registration Number 13137/1921

PHOTOGRAPHS-ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I gratefully acknowledge the following for the photographs which I have entered below:

Anne Letch of Clackline, W.A., daughter of Marjorie Hodgson for pictures of Edie Darton and Mattie Hodgson.

Virginia Reed, great grand-daughter of Charlie Darton, for portraits of her father William.

Beryl Ingles of Geelong for family photographs including Ray Thomas and his mother Rose.