WILLIAM SYMINGTON 1840-1929

A grandson of the Inventor. Born in Essex on 1 January 1840, William was the only surviving son of William Symington junior and Eliza Cunningham. He had four sisters.

He married Annie Tanner, who was aged 18 years, with the consent of her mother on 30 November 1871 at the Bacchus Marsh Presbyterian Church (Vic. bdm Reg. No. 4346). On the marriage certificate, the name of her father is withheld "for family reasons".

Annie Tanner was born at sea.  She died on 14 June1931 aged 78 years at her residence, Braeside, at Bacchus Marsh (Reg. No. 3620/1931). Her parents were Henry Tanner and Ann Hampton (1829-1901), who married at Geelong in 1856. Henry Tanner died at the Courthouse Hotel, Bacchus Marsh on 21st June 1874 aged 47 years. Ann died 9th March 1901 aged 72 years at 760 Drummond Street North Carlton. They were licensees of the Courthouse hotel in Bacchus Marsh.Their children were Annie Hampson, Sarah Ellen, Amelia Melody, Priscilla, Margaret Elizabeth, Henry James, Frances and Ellen Jane.

William Symington's properties are listed in the Shire of Bacchus Marsh Valuation Rates for 1880-1881: the brewery and house on five acres of land at Merrimu, valued at £35, and 310 acres of land at Merrimu, valued at £12 (B.M.E. 25 September 1880 page 2).

OBITUARIES AND DEATH NOTICES

Bacchus Marsh Express (Vic.), Saturday 2 November 1929, page 2

 SYMINGTON.—On 28th October (passed peacefully away) at his residence, "Braeside," Bacchus Marsh, William, the dearly beloved husband of Annie and loving father of William (deceased), Henry (deceased), Robert, Eliza, William Henry, Arthur, Walter (deceased), Ellen, Thomas, and Nancy, loving grandfather of Ebenezer, Alfred, William, Francis and Margery. In his 90th year. A colonist of 74 years.

Bacchus Marsh Express 2 November 1929 page 3

Mr. William Symington.

The oldest of the pioneers of Bacchus Marsh valley, in the person of Mr. William Symington, passed quietly away on Monday last at "Braeside," the home where he had resided for 71 years. Born on New Year's Day, 1840, in Brentwood, Essex, England, Mr. Symington was in his 90th year when he died. He was the only son of William Symington, a Civil Engineer, of London, and was the grandson of William Symington, famous in history for being the inventor of the first steamboat, which was launched on the River Clyde. A model of this historic vessel, and a bust of the inventor, were loaned some years ago to the Public Library or Museum, Melbourne, by the Mr. Symington who has just passed away. The late Mr. Symington accompanied his family to Australia in the year 1855, in the good ship, "John Bright," which was not really a passenger vessel, the family party being privileged to travel by it. Mr. Symington, who was then 15 years of age, landed at Melbourne, where he and his father spent three years, the latter engaged in making equipment for a big brewery at Fitzroy. The father and son then came to Hopetoun, in the eastern end of the Bacchus Marsh valley, where they established a brewery, close to the large flour mill (long since closed) which made the eastern end of the valley the business centre at that time. The Woolpack Inn, flourishing in those days, was also not far away. The brewery was built close beside the coach route, and became a landmark to travellers between Melbourne and the Ballarat goldfields, in fact, it is still a landmark on the Western Highway, though it ceased operations 35 years ago, after brewing for 34 years. Mr. Symington's home was close by. Local demand for the liquor kept the brewery busy, and its products were disposed of by local hotels, without it being necessary to send the brew further afield. In 1871, Mr. Symington married Miss Annie Tanner, 13 years his junior, who survives to mourn his loss. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mrs. Tanner, who used to keep the local Courthouse hotel in the coaching days. At Hopetoun, Mr. and Mrs. Symington raised a family of seven sons and three daughters, seven of whom survive, most of them living in the district. The late Mr. Symington, though never prominent in public affairs, took a keen interest in the doings of the day, including politics, right up to the time of his death. For the past year he had been confined to his bed. but, prior to that, he had enjoyed a life free from any serious illness. He was highly respected by all who knew him. The funeral took place at Maddingley Cemetery on Wednesday, when Rev. R. W. McLean, M.A., officiated at the graveside.

Bacchus Marsh Express (Vic.), Saturday 20 June 1931, page 2

 SYMINGTON.—On 14th June, at her residence, "Braeside," Bacchus Marsh. Annie, the dearly loved wife of the late William Symington, and loving mother of William (deceased), Henry (deceased), Robert, Eliza, William Henry, Arthur, Walter (deceased), Ellen, Thomas and Nancy, loving grandmother of Ebenezer, Alfred, William, Francis and Margery; aged 78 years.

Bacchus Marsh Express (Vic.), Saturday 20 June 1931, page 3

Mrs. William Symington.

The thinning ranks of the pioneers suffered a further loss this week with the death of Mrs. William Symington who passed away on Sunday last at her residence, "Braeside," Hopetown, Bacchus Marsh, in her 79th year. Mrs. Symington, before her marriage, was Miss Annie Tanner, eldest daughter of the late Mrs. Tanner who kept the local Courthouse hotel for 28 years, including the "coaching days." Mrs. Symington was born here and married at the age of 18. She has lived ever since at Hopetown (eastern Bacchus Marsh) where her husband carried on a brewery, which ceased operations 37 years ago. Mrs. Symington's husband predeceased her 19 months ago, at the advanced age of 90 years. He was the only son of William Symington, a Civil Engineer, of London, and was the grandson of William Symington, famous in history for designing and building the first practical steam vessel (the "Charlotte Dundas") launched on the River Clyde in 1802. The centenary of the death of "the father of marine engineering" was commemorated this year, on 22nd March, at Aldgate, London. The late Mrs. Symington raised a family of 10, of whom four sons and three daughters survive to mourn her death, and all or whom still reside in the district. The funeral took place at the Maddingley cemetery on Tuesday, when Rev. R. W. McLean. M.A., officiated at the graveside. In view of the above bereavement in the Symington family, the following details of the ancestry are interesting: The centenary of the death of William Symington, father of marine engineering, was commemorated on Sunday, 22nd March, at St. Botolph's Church, Aldgate, London. Symington constructed in 1788 the first successful experimental steam-boat, and in 1801-1802 he designed and built at Grangemouth for Lord Dundas the first practical steam vessel, the Charlotte Dundas. Both the engine and model of this vessel are now in the Science Museum, South Kensington. It was the construction of the engine which set the seal on Symington's work, and entitled him to be called the "Father of Marine Engineering." The engine, in the opinion of experts, possessed all the features which are desirable in a marine engine, and nearly thirty years after Symington died an Admiralty committee declared that this type of single piston rod engine, with cross head connecting rod and crank, was the best suited for the Navy. At the time of the invention, however, the project of steam navigation had a set-back, owing, it seems, to the fear that the banks of the Forth and Clyde canal would suffer from the passage of steam-boats. Symington's resources, as a consequence, became exhausted, and he died in poverty, his body being buried, just a hundred years ago to-day, in St. Botolph's church yard. In 1890 his bust was placed in the Royal Scottish Museum Edinburgh, and in 1903 the Lord Mayor of London, the late Sir Marcus Samuel, afterwards Lord Bearsted, unveiled a memorial tablet which he himself had placed in St. Botolph's, Aldgate.

CHILDREN OF WILLIAM SYMINGTON [1] and ANNIE HAMPSON TANNER [2]

William Symington and Annie Tanner had ten children. Several of their family died in most tragic circumstances. There are no living descendants. The last of the line was their youngest daughter, Nancy, who died a spinster in 1987 at the age of 93. Three of their sons died in childhood. The three daughters were unmarried. Others died in most tragic circumstances.

In 1937, Tom, the youngest son, suffered a mortal shotgun wound to the abdomen. The Coroner ruled his death as accidental.

The fourth son, William Henry "Harry" had four sons, three of whom met tragic ends. His youngest son Frank died from a head injury sustained in a head-on collision with his brother Eb when cycling to attend to a fire call.

In 1942, privates Henry Ebenezer Symington (Eb) VX29906 and his brother William Arthur John (Bill) VX29892 were members of the ill-fated Gull Force, the 2/21st Battalion, which was sent on an ill-conceived and poorly planned mission. Gull Force was deployed to defend the island of Ambon in the Dutch East Indies. The operation was a total debacle which sent the men to their deaths. The Australian troops were poorly prepared and vastly outnumbered by the Japanese. The Symington brothers were among the prisoners who were cruelly and mercilessly murdered by beheading. (Maynard, Roger, Ambon, Hachette Australia 2014)

1.  WILLIAM born Bacchus Marsh 4 April 1874; died 19 November 1879 aged 5 years 9 months

2.  HENRY JAMES born Bacchus Marsh 29 January 1876; died 10 February 1877 aged 12 ½ months

3.  ROBERT GEORGE “Bob” [3] [4] born Bacchus Marsh 13 January 1878; died 10 August 1940 in St. Vincent's Hospital (Reg No 7579) after an illness of seven month's duration. Single

4. ELIZA ANNIE "Liza" [5] born 14 September 1879 (Reg No 12853); died 16 October 1954 (Reg No 11927)  Single

5. WILLIAM HENRY “Harry” [6] [7] born Hopetoun brewery 25 April 1881; died 25 June 1971 at Oakleigh (Reg No 15313) 

Married Mary Jane Lakeman 1905 (born 1882, died 1967 aged 85)

Children: Alfred George, carpenter, WW2 VX31678; born Benalla 18 September 1906, married 1940 Winifred Neta Battams, died Prahran 1968; Henry Ebenezer "Eb", orchardist, WW2 VX29906; born at Benalla 29 June 1905, died at Ambon 2 February 1942, 2/21 Inf. Bn.; William Arthur John, salesman, WW2 VX29892;  born at  Richmond on 3 February 1909, died at Ambon 2 February 1942, 2/21 Inf. Bn.; Francis Edward "Frank" born at Bacchus Marsh in 1913, died 7 April 1937 

6.  ARTHUR JAMES born Bacchus Marsh 28 January 1884; died at Maryborough 1 September 1957 (Reg No 22461). Married Caroline Evelyn Lakeman 1929 (Reg No 1670). Born in 1893, she was a daughter of George Ash Lakeman (c. 1849-1922) and Anna Field. She died in Ballarat on 14 August 1973.

1946 185 High Street, Maryborough, labourer (AER)

7.  WALTER BOWIE [8] born Bacchus Marsh 8 June 1886 (Reg No 15333); died 26 January 1888 aged 19 months

8.  ELLEN VICTORIA “Nellie” [9] born Bacchus Marsh 28 August 1889 (Reg No 28002); died at Braeside 7 December 1948 (Reg No 21961) Single

9.  THOMAS PINKERTON [10] born Bacchus Marsh 14 May 1891 (Reg No 18944); died at Bacchus Marsh 7 June 1937 (Reg No 13556) Single

10.  NANCY MAY born Bacchus Marsh 29 October 1893 (Reg No 28301); died 20 February 1987  Single

Nancy provided some of the personal details recorded below:

[1] See Obituary Bacchus Marsh Express November 2 1929

[2] See Obituary Bacchus Marsh Express June 30 1931

[3] See death notice Bacchus Marsh Express August 17, 1940. Died from cancer. Coffin bearers included his nephews Ptes. F., E.   and W. Symington, A.I.F.  

[4] Victorian Directory 1912 listed as farmer

[5] Piano teacher. She drove the car but had poor vision. Nancy, who could not drive, could see and she navigated.

[6] Victorian Directory 1912 records him as a manager at Badaginnie

[7] Commemorated in the Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour

[8] Nancy pronounced the name “Boowie”

[9] Looked after the cows.

[10] See death entry Bacchus Marsh Express June 12, 1937. He died of a gunshot wound to the stomach, found to be accidental-see Magisterial Inquiry below. He kept bees and sold honey and toffee at the gate at Braeside.

ROBERT GEORGE “Bob” SYMINGTON

Bob was born Bacchus Marsh 13 January 1878. He was unmarried. He died on 10 August 1940 in St. Vincent's Hospital (Reg. No. 7579). 

OBITUARY

Melton Express 17 August 1940 page 3

After an illness of seven months' duration, the death occurred last Saturday in St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, of Mr. Robert Symington, of Bacchus Marsh, aged 62 years. A son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Symington, early settlers in the district, deceased, who was unmarried, spent his lifetime at the family's Hopetoun homestead and with quiet industry occupied himself with general farm-work. He is survived by two brothers and three sisters. At the funeral in Maddingley Cemetery on Monday afternoon three of the coffin-bearers were deceased's nephews, Ptes. F., E. and W. Symington, together for the first time since joining the A.I.F. Rev. W. G. Lewis officiated at the graveside.

ELIZA ANNIE "Liza" SYMINGTON

Liza was born on 14 September 1879 (Reg No 12853). She was single and lived her whole life at Bacchus Marsh, where  she died on 16 October 1954 (Reg No 11927).

She taught piano forte: 

Bacchus Marsh Express (Vic.), Saturday 31 May 1902, page 4

Miss SYMINGTON, TEACHER OF PIANOFORTE. Terms: £1/1/ per quarter. Address-Hopetoun, or Mrs. Bailey, opposite National Bank, Bacchus Marsh.

Bacchus Marsh Express (Vic.), Saturday 21 December 1907, page 2

Two pupils of Miss Symington have been successful in gaining honours at the recent examinations conducted by the Royal Academy and Royal College of Music. Miss Eileen Edwards passed the elementary, and Miss Doris Lovelock the primary. Miss Symington also passed the advance grade examination. Miss Symington has been studying under Mr. J. A. Johnstone, Licentiate in music, Trinity college, London. 

In the 1920's she was teaching piano in the Presbyterian School Hall. (BME 11 February 1928 page 2)

OBITUARY

Express, Bacchus Marsh (Vic.), Saturday 23 October 1954, page 1

MISS E. A. SYMINGTON

After a long illness, the death occurred last Saturday of Miss E. A. Symington, who had lived all her life in Bacchus Marsh where her parents were early settlers. She was the eldest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Symington, who established a brewery at the east end of the valley in the days when the coaches and goldfields traffic passed the door. Of a quiet and gentle disposition, the late Miss Symington was for many years a teacher of pianoforte. She is survived by two brothers, Henry (Bacchus Marsh) and Arthur (Maryborough) and one sister, Miss Nancy Symington, of Bacchus Marsh, to whom friends offer sincere sympathy. The funeral took place at Maddingley Cemetery on Monday afternoon, Rev. W. B. Hastie officiating.

WILLIAM HENRY "Harry" SYMINGTON 1881-1971

Born 25th April 1881; died 25th June 1971 at Oakleigh [1]

Commemorated in the Bacchus Marsh Avenue of Honour

Married in 1905 (Reg No 3475) Mary Jane Lakeman (born 1882 Benalla; died 23rd September 1967 Reg. no. 26241), the daughter of George Ash Lakeman 1849-1922 and Ann Field who married on 7 August 1875 at Benalla.

Pte. William Henry Symington A.I.F. Service number 5750 7th Battalion.

Enlisted aged 34 on 9 March 1916. Occupation butter maker.

29th December 1916 accidentally injured on the parade ground (fractured fibula).

On 26th October 1917, he was wounded in action in Belgium. He suffered a severe injury to his right shoulder.

CHILDREN OF HARRY SYMINGTON AND MARY JANE LAKEMAN

HENRY EBENEZER "EB" SYMINGTON born Benalla 29th June 1905 (Reg. No. 15523)

Private VX29906 2/21 Battalion AIF; executed at Ambon on Friday 20th  February 1942 aged 36

ALFRED GEORGE SYMINGTON born Benalla 18th September 1906 (Reg. No. 24154); died at Prahran 1968 (Reg. No. 19076); married Winifred Neta Battams in 1940

WILLIAM ARTHUR JOHN "BILL" SYMINGTON born Richmond 3 February 1909 (Reg. No. 5963)

Private VX29892 AIF 2/21 Battalion; executed at Ambon 20th February 1942

FRANCIS EDWARD "FRANK" SYMINGTON born Bacchus Marsh 1913 (Reg No 18284) ; died 7th April 1937 aged 23 (Reg No 2966) [2] as a consequence of a head-on bicycle collision with his brother Ebenezer in responding to the fire bell. Both were members of the Bacchus Marsh Fire brigade. He was found unconscious the following morning and died in the Royal Melbourne Hospital. [3]

MARJORY ANNA "MARJE" SYMINGTON [4] born on 18th December 1916 at Bacchus Marsh; died at Ferntree Gully 24th March 1989. She was in fact the daughter of Ruby Lakeman, the youngest sister of Mary Jane Lakeman, (1898-1982) of Benalla who gave birth in Bacchus Marsh at the age of eighteen. [5]  The father is not named in her birth certificate.

[1] Buried Maddingley Cemetery Presbyterian Row E with his wife and son Frank

[2] Inquest Francis E. Symington Reference 458 inquest date 21/4/1937 Push bike accident

[3] Bacchus Marsh Express 10 April 1937

[4] According to Nancy, she was adopted

[5] Victoria BDM Reg. Number 26245/1916

NEWSPAPER ARTICLES RELATING TO THE FAMILY OF HARRY SYMINGTON

Bacchus Marsh Express (Vic.), Saturday 20 January 1917, page 

THE EMPIRE'S CALL. Mrs. Harry Symington, Bacchus Marsh, was officially informed this week that her husband had been accidentally wounded whilst on parade, and had his ankle fractured. He had previously been in action in France. He is now in hospital in London.

Melton Express (Vic.), Saturday 8 December 1917, page 3

Mrs. W. H. Symington, of Bacchus Marsh, has been informed that her husband has received serious gunshot wounds in the right shoulder. In January last this soldier had the misfortune to fracture one of his ankles, whilst engaged in exercise. This set him aside for six months; but since that time he has been engaged with pack horses transporting food to the front lines.

Bacchus Marsh Express (Vic.), Saturday 12 April 1924, page 2

An unfortunate accident happened to a boy named Frank Symington, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hy. Symington, of Bacchus Marsh, a few days ago. His elder brother, William, was cutting green maize with a scythe, and, unknown to him, the younger boy came up behind him, and, whilst stooping down to pick up some of the maize stalks, the scythe blade came in contact with his face, and made a "very nasty gash from the eye across the cheek to the chin, in which 14 stitches had to be inserted; and some days later an artery burst in the wound, from which he lost a large quantity of blood. Fortunately, the eye escaped injury. The boy is still an inmate of Kelvin Grove Private Hospital under medical care.

Age (Melbourne), Thursday 8 April 1937, page 12

FIREMAN FATALLY INJURED.

Brothers in Collision.

A member of the Bacchus Marsh fire brigade was fatally injured when his bicycle collided with that of his brother, while they were riding to a fire that had occurred in an unoccupied house near their home on Tuesday afternoon. The victim was Frank Symington, 23 years, Lake-street, Bacchus Marsh. He was admitted to Royal Melbourne Hospital yesterday morning, and died about 5.30 p.m. His brother, Ebe Symington, of the same address, escaped with abrasions.

Argus (Melbourne), Thursday 8 April 1937, page 12

INJURED ON WAY TO OUTBREAK 

Fireman Dies Later 

While he was riding on his bicycle to a fire in an unoccupied house in Bacchus Marsh on Tuesday night, Frank Symington, aged 23 years, a member of the Bacchus Marsh fire brigade, came into collision with a bicycle ridden by his brother, Ebenezer, who was riding home to warn him of the outbreak.

Both men were thrown heavily to the roadway, Frank Symington receiving severe head injuries. He was brought to Melbourne by car yesterday morning, but died in the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Weekly Times (Melbourne), Saturday 17 April 1937, page 8

Frank Symington, 23, butcher and volunteer fireman, was fatally injured when a bicycle he was riding to a fire at Bacchus "Marsh collided head-on with another bicycle ridden by his brother, Ebenezer Symington. 

Argus (Melbourne), Saturday 1 December 1945, page 2

SYMINGTON. -In February, 1942. Privates H. E. and W. A. (Ebb and Bill), 2/21st Bn., who lost their lives at Laha (Amboina) dearly loved sons of Mr. and Mrs. H. Symington, loving brothers of Fred, Frank (deceased), and Marjorie, Blake street, Bacchus Marsh. -Greater love hath no man than this that a man lay down his life for his friends.

SYMINGTON. -In February, 1942, Privates H. E. and W. A. (Ebb and Bill), 2/21st Bn., who lost their lives at Laha (Amboina), dearly loved brothers and brothers-in-law of Marjorie and George Cock.

Advocate (Burnie), Saturday 16 April 1949, page 2

GENERAL SIR THOMAS BLAMEY talking with two delegates from Bacchus Marsh to the annual meeting of the Fathers' Association being held in Melbourne. Mr. Symington (left) served with the 1st A.I.F. and lost two sons killed in the last war. Mr. A. H. Holliday served in both wars. Two sons, four sons-in-law, two daughters and one grandson served in World War II.

THOMAS PINKERTON SYMINGTON 1891-1937

The youngest son of  William Symington and Annie Tanner, he was born at the Hopetoun Brewery, Bacchus Marsh 14th May 1891. He died tragically at Hopetoun on 7th June 1937

From the Australian Electoral Roll, he was working as a farmer at Bacchus Marsh from 1914 t0 1916. From 1919 until 1924 he was employed as a motor driver.

A single man, in his later years he lived in a shed at the rear of the Symington's house at Hopetoun. He kept bees and sold honey and toffee at the gate at Braeside.

He died tragically from a gunshot wound at Braeside. Although the Coroner reached a verdict that his death was accidental, he had his will drawn up on 21 May 1937, only a fortnight before his death. [1] His only asset was a "Life Policy & bonus in the National Mutual Insurance Company" valued at £201. [2]

His executor was his sister Eliza Anne Symington; he decreed that his estate be converted to money and divided between his surviving sisters. He owned no real estate.

Probate was granted to his sister Eliza Anne Symington on 9 September 1937. 

Addresses (AER):

1914 Bacchus Marsh farmer

1917, 1919 68 Church Street, Albert Park

1921, 1922 172 Bank Street, South Melbourne

1924 46 Howe Crescent, South Melbourne

Argus (Melbourne), Tuesday 8 June 1937, page 4

Old Gun Causes Death

BACCHUS MARSH, Monday. - While clearing lumber from a shed at his home this morning Thomas Pinkerton Symington, an apiarist, aged 46 years, received a mortal gunshot wound.  The rusty old gun which caused his death had apparently been standing in a corner of the shed for years cocked and loaded with one cartridge. Symington, who is believed to have accidentally dropped the gun or bumped it, received the full charge in the stomach. He died within an hour. 

An inquest was opened this afternoon by the deputy coroner (Mr. H. M. Hodgson) and adjourned.

Age (Melbourne), Tuesday 8 June 1937, page 9

MAN FATALLY SHOT. Cartridge Left in Old Gun.

Fatal wounds were sustained by Thomas Pinkerton Symington, 40 years, Bacchus Marsh, apiarist, yesterday morning. when a shot gun, discharged accidentally at point-blank range, and he received the full charge in the stomach. He died before an ambulance arrived to convey him to hospital. Symington, who was unmarried, and lived three miles on the Melbourne side of Bacchus Marsh, was cleaning out a lumber room, when he knocked over on old shot gun, which had not been used for several years, but had apparently been left with a cartridge in the breach. Dr. Adamson, of Bacchus Marsh, hastened to the scene of the accident, and an ambulance was sent from Melbourne to convey the wounded man to hospital, but he died before it arrived.

Also reported in Bacchus Marsh Express 12 June 1937

A Magisterial Inquiry was held into the tragic death of Thomas Pinkerton Symington who died at Hopetoun, Bacchus Marsh on the 7th day of June, 1937. [3] He was found to have died from “shock and internal haemorrhage due to a wound in the abdomen from a cartridge which was accidentally discharged from a shot gun.” 

[1] PROV VPRS 7591/P2/1018 289/532 his will dated 21 May 1937

[2] PROV VPRS 28/P3/2985

[3] Thomas P Symington Reference 729 inquest date 11/6/1937 Shot

Alfred George Symington 1906-1968

WW2 VX31678