Lavery family of Kirup
- noellb
- Jun 5, 2023
- 19 min read
Updated: Feb 22
The Lavery family of Kirup are my Maternal family line, John Lavery/Lafferty and Jemima Boyd Hume being my Grandparents.
John Lavery/Lafferty was the son of Charles Lafferty and Margaret Smith, he was born on 2nd Sept 1885, in Bonhill Dumbarton Scotland and passed on 18th May 1944 Western Australia.
Jemima Boyd Hume was the daughter of Thomas Hume and Agnes Donaldson, she was born on 3rd August 1886, in Bonhill Dumbarton Scotland and passed on 24th Feb 1941 at the Home of Pease Subiaco Perth Western Australia.
The marriage of John and Jemima took place on 13th Sept 1910 in Bonhill Dumbarton Scotland. John's occupation at his time of marriage is Gardener, his parents are living but Jemima's parents have passed at the time of her marriage to John.
John's last name on marriage registration is Lavery not Lafferty demonstrating that he changed his last name during or before Sept 1910. Family speculation is that he changed his name, to prevent his grandmother from seeing his true name in local Boxing match results. He and his brothers were bare fist boxing for a financial reward at the time in the local area.
The Lavery family immigrated to Western Australia in 1913 the family consisted of, Jemima and daughter Agnes Nans Donaldson aged 2 years, Husband John had sailed out to Fremantle before Jemima and her first daughter Agnes. Jemima was expecting a second child, Margaret Smith Lavery at the time of her arrival in Fremantle. The ship they sailed out on was the Gothic, of the Aberdeen Line. The second daughter Margaret was born in Pinjarra on 10th Dec 1913, Western Australia, the family was travelling by train to their new home in Kirup after they arrived in Fremantle; when Margaret (Meg) decided it was time for her to arrive in the world. Wilest the train was making its scheduled stop at the Pinjarra Railway Station. All went well apparently after the initial surprise of an unplanned birth and the Lavery family was able to exit the train onto the platform and into the Cafe where staff and passengers attended to Jemima's delivery of her daughter. The family continue their journey down to Kirup after some time in the care of the Pinjarra nursing post staff.
Over many years as the son of Margaret Smith Lavery / Bond, I was aware that the Pinjarra railway station was a very special place, and I distinctly remember stopping off at the station many times for refreshments during our road trips up to Perth from Bunbury. My mother Margaret also recognised this as her special place.
Children of John and Jemima Lavery:
Agnes Nans Donaldson Lavery, 1911 - 6th Nov 1997 m Kostas Leonidis Lavas.
Margaret Smith Lavery, 10th Dec 1913 - 28th Sep 2006 m Cyril Leonard Bond.
Jemima Hume Lavery, 12th Jan 1915 - 22nd Jun 1991 m Walter Raymond Warner.
John Lavery, 12th Sep 1922 - 27th May 2017 m Joyce Leatrice Smith.
Dorothy Emily Lavery, 4th Jan 1924 - 20th Mar 1984 m Francis Bernardine Ignatius Stjohn.
Hume Smith Lavery, 1930 - 1930.
At the time of their immigration to Western Australia John's siblings were also on the move immigrating to Canada and America, I have found no explanation in my research for why John and Jemima chose to come to W.A. when others in the family were moving in another direction.
Jemima Boyd Hume grew up with her family in the Bonhill Dumbartonshire area of Scotland.
In the 1910 electoral roll living at 44 Napierston Terrace Jamestown Bonhill with her parents and siblings at the age of 24 years.
In comparison to Western Australia her life stile and community social life would have been in stark contradiction to the other at the time of her immigration.
John was bringing her and their babies out to dirt, roads, bush tracks and largely undeveloped scrub, bushland and infrastructure. (rough living)
Jemima of all my ancestors has my greatest admiration for her strengths.
My grandmother, Jemima Boyd Hume was born on 3rd August 1886 in, Bonhill Scotland.
The squealing of happy children, so much surrounded Jemima as she went about her day at the Kirup family home. Since Immigrating to Western Australia with her husband John Lavery, she has continued to keep some of her Scottish heritage alive through her children’s upbringing.
“Boosh, Boosh, why so much bloody boosh,” was a common exclamation from Jemima when talking of her new Australian home. There are always reminders of the stark differences between Bonhill her old home and her new home in Kirup, “flies, flies, why so many flies?” Jemima often asked.
Summer in Western Australia was a huge contrast, to the Scottish summers that she was used to, Jemima coped by wearing light loose, puffy dresses, outdoors; and when indoors the home was kept closed up in the day's heat.
Polishing the floorboards, in the hallway; was a game for the four girls as they pulled, young brother John up and down on an old sheet. Sweet sounds of Jemima’s voice; songs from the homeland, sung in a combination of Gaelic and English float through the home.
As she did with her four daughters Jemima took special responsibility in teaching her granddaughters how to sword dance in the lounge at the Kirup home. Indeed she had a willingness to teach any young lady the art of sword dancing if they had an interest.
Jemima was a family-loving, community-spirited member of the Southwestern town of Kirup. She was actively involved with organizing community events including the annual Christmas tree in the 1930s-1940s.
Dewing the years that Jemima's husband John Lavery was away serving in Egypt with the 10th Light Horse regiment, she endured four long years of being the all-loving carer in both her family and the community of Kirup. Organiser of the community Christmas tree each year, bringing the sights and sounds of stage entertainment to fellow residents.
Apart from being a dedicated family man dedicated to their well-being, John Lavery was also a military man. He served in the British military alongside his brother Hume Smith Lafferty DCM.MM, during the beginning of the 1st w.w.
On the 18th Dec 1915, John enlisted into the 10th Light Horse Regiment and on the 1st of April 1916 his wife Jemima and 3 young daughters are key side at Fremantle bidding bon voyage to the man in their lives.
Their father was embarking on board HMAT A38 Ulysses with his regiment that formed the 15th Reinforcement in the battles in Egypt for the 10th Light Horse.
This was a huge event by anyone's reckoning all the soldiers and equipment being loaded and the families present saying their goodbyes. On this day Margaret of all days suddenly goes missing and holds up embarkation until found sitting on the back of a cart watching all the fuss, by a Police officer.
Prv John Lavery was away serving in Egypt for 4 years, his family received a portion of his army paying for their upkeep. Additionally, the family were receiving an income from the lease of the family potato farm (Dumbarton)in Kirup. The property became known in our family as the Kirup Syrup property. The lease of the farm to Alberto Vince who became the new owner of the property in 1944 after the passing of John, began making moon shine known locally as Kirup Syrup after taking up ownership. The drink became very popular in the South West and was no doubt responsible for many vary saw heads after a night of indulging.
Trove Fri 19 Mar 1920 Balingup News
The Greenbushes committee will be asked to inspect Mr Carroll's
property, applied for by Mr Constant Messrs Rose, Ellis and
Wringe agreed to insect at an early date, Mr G Ryall's property, Kirup:-
Applied for by Mr H.E Rose and Mr John Lavery, for development loan.
Trove Teu 16 Aug 1921
His Excellency the Governor in Executive Council has appointed under the
previsions of the Parks and Reserves Act, the following gentleman to be a
Board to control and manage Recreation Reserve 15023 at Kirup :- Messrs
Charles Edward Dore, John Lavery, Walter William Maumill, William Murphy,
and William Dawson Scott.
Trove. Fri 23 Jun 1922.
Stock Notice
Lost. - Bay Gelding Light M.D.
Brand J9K. Aged. White Stave forehead, off hind foot,
white fender,
please communicate, Jack Lavery,
Kirup.
Trove. Western Mail Thur 29 Apr 1926.
Mother Makes Her Girls Links
Dear Aunt Mary._ I inclose 2s in stamps for my two girls.
Maggie Lavery and Mima Lavery. To become members of
the Silver Chain. Maggie is 12 years old, and Mima is 11 years old.
Yours faithfully
(Mrs) J. Lavery
Dear Mrs Lavery._ We are so pleased when mothers bring their
children into the great circle of the chain. We welcome Maggie
and Mima heartily.
With love
Aunt Mary
Trove.
Mrs J. Lavery would be very grateful if any Virgilians could send her some flowers to Mae into wreaths for Anzac Day. She would like to have the flowers
by Thursday afternoon or Friday morning by the latest.
If any Virgilians are able to send flowers could they please address them to
Mrs J. Lavery, Hon, Secretary, R.S.L sub-branch, Woman's Auxiliary
Kirup.
Trove. Balingup News Fri 4 Jun 1926.
Wanted - At once, A few potato diggers, top rates paid.
Apply John Lavery, Kirup 4-6
Trove. Balingup News Sat 10 Jul 1926.
Balingup Roads Board
The Board's monthly meeting was held on July 1, Mr J.L Rose (Chairman,) presiding over MSSRS H. Wansborough, O. Ryall, A. Wauchope, D. Honey, CEO. Lindsay, (Secretary).
A tender to construct a culvert over Mill Brook, at a cost of £10, was submitted by Mr H.E Payne and accepted by the Board.
Mr John Lavery wrote asking for a culvert over the Ravenscliffe Road, about three chains from the railway crossing. Often his children had to wade through a stretch of water about two chains wide and in places two feet deep, in going to school. Mr Honey considered the request should be given consideration, and 4 ft culvert constructed. It was decided that the foreman should do the work.
Trove. South Western Times (Bunbury, WA: 1932 - 1954), Wednesday 3 May 1933, page 1
KIRUP SERVICE
Standing at the junction of the Bridgetown and Upper Capel roads is the Kirup War Memorial erected and dedicated a few years ago. The site is felt by Kirup residents to be holy ground. When it was found that pedestrians were making; a shortcut across this triangular: piece of. ground, it was fenced and a gate erected. Through this gateway towards the close of the Anzac Day service passed a little procession with floral tributes. | Punctually at 11 a.m. the two., minutes silence were observed with the rest of Australia and 'other parts of the British Dominions. No mere ceremonial silence, but a silence with defep thought broken only at the close-by prayer for the fallen. The memorial itself, with the Cross in bold relief, created the right atmosphere for that silence, hence its impressiveness.. At the close of the prayer, sounded the Last Post, then "Lead Kindly light," followed by Reveille. The Rev. E. J. T. Atwell conducted] the service. Mrs T. C. Davis presided at the piano; Mr F. Taylor of Donnybrook sounded the "Last Post" and "Reveille." Major R. A. Geddes, M.C., in the course of his address, vividly described the landing oh the Gallipoli Peninsula and the'climbing of those stupendous heights. He touched upon .tha hardships endured on all battle fields and referred sympathetically to The Fallen, saying there was rarely a family to 1 which'the Great War had not brought deep sorrow, He-had been told that an Anzac ser at the Memorial, and said that he hoped that hereafter Anzac Day would not pass without its service of commemoration. The Rev. E. J. T. Atwell referred to the self-seeking instinct which crept into everything; this, he contended was prominent in the life of nations as well as individuals. He further said ; that no lasting peace could be expected till that self-seeking instinct made room for God to be enthroned in the heart. Belief in God, he said, was a day of memories; soirowful memories of those whose graves were dug in foreign soil. "Could' we do so, we would gather around those graves and let the solemnity and peacefulness of the scene further inspire us—so inspire as to make us all the more worthy t)f their great and wonderful deeds. „ At the conclusion of the service, 1 a suitably framed certificate of ser^ vice was presented to Major R. A. Geddes, the late President of the "Kirup sub-branch of the R.S.L., and, Mr. John Lavery, secretary of the same sub-branch for upwards of three years, in appreciation of valuable services rendered! The certificates were signed by officers of the Returned Sailors and Soldiers' Im-1 perial League pf Australia, West. Australian branch.
Trove 11 May 1933 page 34 Anzac Day Anomaly
Anzac Day Anomaly
Major Dick Geddens, of the 3rd battalion, gave a fine address at the Anzac Day ceremony at Kirup. after the service a Luncheon was tendered to visitors, and the opportunity was taken to present certificates to the Major and Mr John Lavery the sub - branch secretary.
Trove. 14 May 1933 page 3 Lacrosse.
The function organised by Donnybrook sub - branch of the R.S.L. brought over 50 diggers to the local Memorial Hall last week - end. When Mr J.W Harding presided, and extended a welcome to Representatives from R.S.L headquarters.
Mr Norman Ryder (president) and secretary, Arthur Murray from Bunbury were there; also Mr Frank Tutton (president) and Mr John Lavery secretary of Kirup sub - branch. Mr J Egan, the chairman of the road board, was given an enthusiastic welcome in appreciation of his service to diggers and for permitting the R.S.L and the Romans Auxiliary the use of the local hall at a peppercorn rent of 1./ per year. The sub - branch securely Mr F.C Dallow, who served with the 5th Worsestshire Regiment, in making an appeal to all diggers and nominees, gave a very fine description of the ideals of the R.S.L and it wonderful work on behalf of all men, irrespective if they were in it or out of it.
Trove. 12 Nov 1936.
Red Cross Society
Dear Aunt Mary,_ This is the first time I have written to you for a long time.
I have had a bad cold. The children of our schools are going to have sports on
the 24th of this month, and I think it will be rather nice, because we get money even if we don't win anything. Around our district we have had lots of rain, and
lots of mornings I get wet going to school, and I do not like it. We have a Red Cross society at our school and it is very handy if anyone gets hurt.
Every morning I walk 2 miles to school.
It is lovely to smell the scented bush with all its lovely flowers.
Your loving niece
DOROTHY LAVERY
Trove. Thur 9 Mar 1939 page 43 Kirup Ball.
Dear "Martingale," -I am pleased to inform you that the Cot Funds Ball held
here on February 25 was a great success. Over a hundred people were present and came from far and near. The "Four Swingers" orchestra from Donnybrook provided exultant music which everyone enjoyed. The hall was decorated in black and gold streamers and provided a gay scene. I want to thank Mr Sutton
who acted as M.C., Merrs Hitchcock and Lavery who were our doorkeepers, Mrs
Sadler, who did much splendid work in the kitchen, and all those who helped make the function such a success.
I was sorry that none of the local Virgilians could attend. I arrived home tiered out when the roosters were crowing, but we all had a wonderfull evening.
"Wee Sandy" will doubtless tell you all about it. He won the Turkey.
After all expenses were paid we cleared £7, the cheque for which is inclosed.
I will say cheerio now, and here's hoping we will all meet at the next October
rally. Don't forget to include the Lambeth Walk on the program. Best wishes to
"Virgilia".
Best wishes
J.B. Lavery
Virgilian was a term used in Western Australia from the 1930s to the 1950s to describe some volunteer groups in Western Australia. Virgilia had a regular section in the Western Mail newspaper. Local groups seem inspired to engage in community service through the articles published in Virgilia's section. Reporting on the activities of various branches of Virgilians was a regular feature of the section.
25 February 1941 The West Australian (Perth, WA
Death Notice
LAVERY.---On February 24. 1941. at Subiaco. Jemma Boyd. dearly beloved wife of John .Lavery of Kirup. loving mother of Nancy (Mrs. C. Lavtas. Perth). Meg (Mrs L. C. Bond. Cowarmu). Mami (Mrs. W: R. Warner. Buselton). Johnnie (Kirup) and Dot. Lavers (Perth) and fond grandmother of twelve grandchildren; aged 55 years.
We extend our Deepest sympathy to Mr. John Lavery and family, Kirup in their recent sad bereavement. From Glesca, Keelie and Millbay and all Scotch Virgilians. Vale ... Loch Lomond.
No18674 Pvt Lavery. J Ward 15
6.5.44 118 AGH Northam.
Dear Meg, I received your letter the other day, the same having been forwarded from Hollywood. I promptly answered Aunt Meg's letter with a seven-page effort which cost me 2/1 this morning to post it to her per Air Mail & I sincerely trust that she receives it safely. I asked her to forward it to Aunt Joan as soon as she is finished with it. I also requested that any letters which she intends in future to send to me be addressed through your address because I don't think that I am likely to have a permanent address for some time. I am pleased to have met Len Whilst he was around town & I am sorry that he has left for the North, However, he will be fairly safe there & that is a consolation. I suppose he told you about us meeting Tom Poy in the pictures on the Sunday Night, funny.
I think that I will be some time in hospital as in an interview with one of the heads recently I was informed that my case was fairly rare but not exceptional, that I could be cured but the process would take time, so that's that. I understand I will be moving into the Surgical ward shortly & that it's a good home so I feel quite elated & feel confident & can say that since being on I feel slightly better in health & 50 % of the pain seems to be gone & I trust it keeps away it was getting me down. The day I left Hollywood Nancy called & she was just in time to have a few words, she told me that Bub is home with her & that she will be entering the Edward Millen Hospital in two months' time, so that one's worries never cease. I wonder how John will receive this news, life seems more complicated every day & the longer one lives the more experiences we run into. I am really sorry for Bub & I told Nancy to shield her as much as possible & try to make things as easy for her as she could, I will try to get along to see them as soon as I am well enough & can get out on leave. The mornings here are cold & of course, we have good beds & plenty of blankets & it's hard to get out, but... once we get going things are not bad it's still dry up here & the days are nice when the sun shines. You see I am not a bad patient, not yet, though I can't foresee what treatments in store for me at my next move but as I said I feel confident I must say you have a good holiday at Kirup & that you see some of our old friends remember me to George & -- & Mrs Satori. Wishing your self & the boy's all good things with fondest Love From your Dad
xxxxxx
A letter to his family
John Lavery
5 May 1944
W 18674
Pvt Lavery, J
ward 15
118 A.G.H.
Northam
Australia.
Dear Sisters,
I at last have summoned up sufficient courage to write you and must say that I am dreadfully sorry not to have been more punctual in answering Joan's letter.
So now we will say no more on this subject, only to mention that it's now nearly twenty five years since I have seen or heard from you, entirely my fault.
I don't quite know how much news my daughter Margaret has forwarded to you but I notice she has not informed you regarding Nancy. Well, Nacy is married and is living only about forty miles from here and I saw her exactly a week ago and she is in good health and spirits, and her oldest girl is twelve years old and she has altogether five children four girls and one boy and one could not strike a more boisterous and healthy crowd of youngsters in a day's travel.
I often go there whilst on leave because she is quite near the metropolitan area and I have been around this area ever since I joined the Army over two and a half years ago. Young John has a couple of months service more than me and he is a fine chap, he is engaged to be married to a good stamp of a girl whom we have known for years and they are both pretty steady and think the world of each other, in fact everybody is in their way when they are together. I expect him to leave very shortly and he reckons he has fifty days due to him. He is like me at present he is in hospital, having received a bad cut on his knee and this had him worried because he had the same knee broken together with his ankle about one year before he enlisted, through a horse falling on him whilst stock riding. He now informs the doctors recon his leg will be 100% when they are finished with him. He is at present in Queensland and it takes him about two weeks to get home from there. He has been in PNG with the Commandos but he informs me he won't be fit for this crowd for quite a long time, consequently, he has applied for a transfer to the A.S.C as a driver a job at which he is an expert.
Young Dorothy has been a waitress in Perth ever since her mother died and is at present staying with Nancy. She is quite an independent type of kid and fond of the boys and has me a little worried at times. She is just twenty and our is our baby.
Meg is a fine woman and tough I have not seen her since before Xmas her husband who is in the army and who I saw a month ago, assures me she is in good health as are all her boys.
Mami, the third daughter, is married to a timber worker and they are in the bush down near our old home in Cirup and seems to be getting along ok.
And now something regarding myself: I have been busy making a farm nearly all my life, and it's some battle, I can assure you, although it's great satisfaction to know that one has made some good use of our life. We have a nice home and of course, since the girls got married, John enlisted and Mima died. I was not in the position to work a farm and I consequently leased it for five years and half of the lease is up now. The fellows who are working it have an option of buying it if John don't want it after the war and at present he is not too keen, but I have great hopes that he will change his mind when the war is finished and he is a little older wants to settle down. You see he won't be 22 until September and he will have three years service behind him and now after being in the army all this time I am in hospital and think I puzzled the doctors for a time but since starting this letter I have had an interview with one of the powers that be in this institution and he recons that my case is rare but not exceptional, that it will take some time further that they will affect a cure. Consequently, I feel quite elated - something forren in my tummy and if they shift that, I will be like a two-year-old again.
This thing has troubled me for some years but I could always previously get relief by taking alkaline powder until recently when this proved a failure.
However, it's nothing serious and I have every hope of surviving- they say only the good die young.
I am sorry to hear of Mum's and Peter's demise, and these things hurt at this distance, you know one could have kept up some sort of correspondence (I never hear from Harry).
Somehow since Mima died I seemed to lose touch and haven't written a decent letter since, only urgent business letters or a few lines to someone hurriedly or by wire, although previously I had been Secretary to the local R.S.L for seventeen years and Mima was for years secretary to the Womans Axilary and we were at different times quite busy organising and writing etc. But I promise you I will keep you posted regarding progress in the future. I sincerely trust the war is not treating you too rough and that you are not missing too many meals, we live in a quiet spot and the only shooting we hear is practice, soldiers of all sorts around and of course sailors too.
I had the good fortune to meet quite a number of Clydesiders on different ships frequently and I assure you it's good to hear the old tongue again and I can still pick them out when I hear them talk.
(Remember me to Charlie)
When writing again, send the letters to Margaret's (Mrs Bond's) address at Busselton, and she will forward them on to me because this is a big coast and I may be posted any were along same and I will get letters quickly this way. Don't forget to forward this to Joan and in your next letter let me know how sister Kathy is getting along. I like your remark regarding Joan's mothering properties - I can just see her. I'll bet she is a dear little soul. I am greatly pleased to know you have both been blessed with a healthy family and Joan has my deepest sympathy, one doesn't get over these bereavements lightly; they hurt badly.
Now my love and kind regards to you all and may we meet again someday.
My regards to my brothers Louis and Charlie, If you have Hume's address please forward.
Chireo from your affectionate bro Jack XXXXXXXX
Sent to Mrs J. Doyle 37 Mansfield Road Whitby, Wirral, Cheshire, England.
IN THE SUPREME COURTS
Of WESTERN AUSTRALIA
PROBATE JURISDICTION
In the matter of the Will and Estate of John Lavery Formerly of Kirup in the state of Western Australia Dairy Farmer, but late a Privet ( No. W, 18674 ) of the Australian Military Forces, deceased testate.
Be it known that John Lavery formerly of Kirup in the state of Western Australia Dairy Farmer, but late a Privet ( No. W, 18674 ) of the Australian Military Forces, deceased who died on the 18th day of May One thousand Nine hundred and forty-four while engaged on war service made and duly executed his last Will and Testament ( a copy whereof is hereunto annexed ) and did therein appoint his son John Lavery a member ( No. WX 16475 ) of the Australian Imperial Forces also Executer of his said Will And Be It Further Kown that on the 3rd day of October One thousand nine hundred and forty-four letters of Administration with the said Will annexed of all the singular the real and personal estate of the deceased were granted by the Supreme Court of the said State to the Public Trustee in and for the state of Western Australia on the Authority of the said John Lavery the above-named executor John Harold Glynn having first sworn that the said Public Trustee would well and faithfully administer the same.
This grant is made upon the condition that no portion of the estate shall be distributed or paid during the war to any beneficiary or creditor who is an enemy subject wherever resident or to anyone on his behalf or to or on behalf of any person of whatever nationality resident in an enemy country or in any country or territory in the occupation of the enemy without the express sanction of the Crown and if any distribution or payment is made contrary to this condition this grant will be forthwith revoked.
Given at Perth in the said State of Western Australia this 3rd day of October One thousand nine hundred and forty-four.
By the Court
(1)Full name, This is the last will of me (1) John Lavery
sir name last.
(2)Privet No. W, 18674 Unite camp staff of (2) Kirup WA.
address.
I hereby revoke all former wills and other testamentary dispositions
Heretofore made by me. I appoint (3) my son John Lavery No. WX 16475
5th Independent Commando Unit A.I.F
Executor (s) of my will.
(3) Full name and address, John Lavery
Of executor or No. WX 16475, 5th Independent Commando Unit A.I.F. executors.
(4) Set out here (4) I give all my property to my son, Pte John Lavery of the above
The names and address.
Addresses of the
persons to whom
you wish to leave
your property and
how you wish it to
be divided.
(5) Fill in date. (5) As witness my hand this 4th day of June 1942.
(6) Useral signature (6) John Lavery
of person making
will.
(7) Useral signature (7) T.D. Sutcliffe Sgt
of 1st witness. Melville
(8) Useral signature (8) D. Wardle Sgt
of 2nd witness. Melville
Copyright © Noel Bond. Researched and written by Noel Bond, No written part of this Blog may be reproduced in any form, by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author.
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