Petherick, Edward Augustus
Birth Name | Petherick, Edward Augustus |
Gender | male |
Relationship | second cousin three times removed |
Common Ancestor | Press, James |
Events
Birth | Edward Augustus Petherick, 6 April 1847 at Burnham, Somerset, England |
Census | Edward Augustus Petherick, 1851 at Victoria Street, Burnham, Somerset, England |
Emigration | Edward Augustus Petherick, March 1853 at England |
Immigration | Edward Augustus Petherick, March 1853 at Victoria, Australia |
Marriage | Edward Augustus and Mary Agatha Petherick, 1 April 1892 at Dorset, England |
Occupation | Bibliographer & Author, before 1901 at England |
Death | Edward Augustus Petherick, September 1917 at Fitzroy South, Victoria, Australia |
Burial | Edward Augustus Petherick, 1917 at Victoria, Australia |
Map
Parents
Families
Married | Wife | Skeats, Mary Agatha |
Narrative
Notes for EDWARD AUGUSTUS PETHERICK:
Notes from Manuscript Collection National Library of Australia, Canberra
Petherick Collection MS 760/1
Matters concerning the PRESS FAMILY in Burnham, Somerset Eng.
compiled from letters written by Edward Augustus PETHERICK from
LONDON to his family in MELBOURNE during the period 1870 - 1877.
Compiled by Pirrie K (Petherick) Shiel Jan 1994
All the letters were addressed to his father Peter John Petherick unless
otherwise stated. Compiler's comments eg [Press]
E A Petherick had worked for the book seller George Robertson in
Melbourne for 8 years, when at the age of 23 year, he was sent to England
to manage the London office.
MS 760/1/50 June 1870
EAP left from Hobson's Bay, Victoria aboard the "GREAT BRITIAN" on
15th June 1870. Uncle [Alfred Press ] came with EAP's father Peter John
Petherick and EAP's younger brothers Ernest and Edgar to say good-bye.
MS760/1/57 Sept 1870
EAP went to Burnham, it cost 2 pound, visited PJP's mother's house [Mary
Phillips Petherick] in Salmon Parade, near archway at Searle's.
Sarah Ann, Bessie and Mariane Press went with him to Bridgewater.
MS760/1/60 Nov 1870
Henry Press' ship was wrecked but all hands saved.
MS 760/1/68 Jan 1871
Edwin and Jim [Press] have had a falling out. They have bought a boat
together. Jim is enterprising. Edwin won't go out to look [for ships]. Jim goes
to sea for a week looking for ships coming in. Jim makes up accounts
regularly but Edwin doesn't. They take it in turns to pay the man they
employ but Edwin is lax in keeping accounts. They are doing well but have
difficulties over who is boss. Jim sacked the deckhand, Edwin said he could
stay. Edwin was annoyed that Jim gave two guineas for repairing the
Chapel. Jim wants to give up his share of the boat and is negotiating to sell
off the "Dorset and Devon" and the adjoining house. He is thinking of going
alone to Australia and to send for the others later. Jim and Sarah may go but
SarahAnn will go into the shop with Richard. [?]
Jim's son Tom is a good looking young fellow and it's a pity to see him and
William shut up in Burnham and Wedmore.
Henry has as much as he can do to look after and attend upon his wife.
[Louise] He's very kind and 'soft'. He talks of Australia only his wife has fits
so often. She had two or three severe attacks while EAP was in Burnham but
should be better now for a month. The young Henry is very rough in his
manner and courser in tone of voice than any of the family.
Sarah Ann is very nice, kind and homely, too good.
Edwin's two girls Mariane [Mary Ann] and Bessie [Elizabeth] are nice too.
Mariane is most lady like, homely, thoughtful and diligent. EAP's favourite
not excepting Charlotte. He feels at home with them.
Aunt Sarah [Jim's wife] is sweet, speaks as if she is out of breath. Aunt Ann
13 24 Oct 2006
[Edwin's wife] is motherly, has to "talk to the boys when necessary". [scolds]
"Uncle Nicholas" is getting rich with lots of houses.
MS 760/1/74
Copy of James Press Senior's will sent. [To PJP?]
MS 760/1/83 May 1871
[EAP refers to] Aunt Annie and Uncle Alfred [Press] in Melbourne.
MS 760/1/94 Aug/Sept 1871
EAP in Burnham again and discribes the view from Aunt Ann's window.
He writes in her accent, Bessie and Mariane are reading and he is writing.
MS 760/1/129 Sept 1872
Uncle Jim [Press] told how Harry lost the Cardiff steamer- not his fault but
he was the captain. The engine-driver was drunk, she turned on her side and
broke into pieces. Henry nearly drowned. 'Another misfortune for young
Henry!' Uncle Edwin is now piloting the boats across. Don't know what
Henry does.
Harry [Captain Henry] lost the "FLORA" [is Flora the Cardiff ateamer?]
Uncle James' broken rib has mended.
Polly (Mariane) has gone to Bridgewater, Aunt Lousie [Uncle Henry wife]
has introduced her to the large drapery warehouse there. A L is a good
business woman in spite of her attacks. [?]
MS 760/1/131
To Mother
EAP in Burnham and Bridgewater again visited Aunt Eliza Press [?] and
Aunt Nicholas with Tom. Her son was a grocer, now a carpenter. EAP
called at 2 Julia Terrace and talked with Mrs Walter Board upstairs in the
drawing room over looking the sea.
MS 760/1/136
Uncle Edwin away on the Cardiff steamer. Uncle Jim obliged to stay home
idle as there is no second pilot boat. No-one will work for jim as it is not
perminent because the boat is shared with Edwin.
Uncle Jim Aunt Sarah, Tom and Sarah to have a bootshop.
Uncle Henry still works as a pilot and must go out at least once or twice a
year to keep his certificate.
The Press family has started a Good Temple of total abstainers and they
want to enforce it on others. The Lodge is called "Resque of Burnham"- the
edge of the bottomless pit.
EAP jokes about it [not suprising since his father owns a hotel in
Melbourne] and refers to
the PRESS GANG
Henry Press -president
Tom Press -secretary
W J Press -worthy right-hand supporter [g.g.grandfather to Kate's husband]
Bessie Press -worthy left-hand supporter
Charlotte Press -something else
Mary Ann press - removed to Bridgewater
Sarah Ann won't have anything to do with it.
"But the Press' aren't all Burnham, happily so, and Aunt Ann do have her half
pint."
14 24 Oct 2006
Oct 1872
Tom Press has come to London and gained employment at a grocer house as
an assistant at Kingsland London Nth at 20 pound per anum with board and
lodging. Its a first class place with no drudgery, storemen grind the coffee
and break the sugar.
MS 760/1/149 Dec 1872
Christmas in London with Tom. He shared my bed. [!!!] A turkey was sent
to the office [EAP'S] by William Mitchel, steel pen manufacturers of
Birmingham.
April 1873
Visited the Crystal Palace with Tom. [Press]
MS 760/1/164 Sept 1873
EAP holidayed at Burnham and went to Watchet for the first time to see St
Andrews, the castle and park, the model farm of Sir Alex Hood at eve and by
night to Williton. The Old Cleeve Abbey now rotting as a piggery then
around the seashore by the Blue Anchor. John and Thomas Press entertained
me during the Watchet trip. The air was clear between showers and I could
see the Welch coast. Also I could see Burnham from Minehead about 23
miles and was able to distinguish Uncle Edwin's house on Royal Parade. In
the evening the reflection on his windows was as brillant as the nearby light
house on 'The Holmes.'
Mrs Kingsbury ( nee Slocombe of Watchet) was with Charlotte who was
nursing a tiny twin several months old. The baby was even smaller than at
birth according to Aunt Sarah and died within afew days [Aug 1873]
He put up [stayed] with Aunt Lou's with Uncle Henry as valet. Henry took
EAP out in the boat as did Uncle Edwin and Jim in the 'Petrel'.
While at Watchet he saw Mrs Woodland and she talked of the twin born
girls. [ Were these Charlotte's ?]
Aunt Nancy's husband, who ever he maybe was in Thomas Press' shop in
Watchet.
Mariane was home Sunday to attend the Temple tea-meeting.
Henry has built the Templer Hotel at Burnham. Uncle Edwin has taken the
pledge and Uncle Henry is the only brother "untied". He doesn't drink but
won't sign the pledge. Aunty Ann still has her 'two penneth'.
Bessie is going out [?] as soon as possible and Aunt Ann and Uncle Edwin
will be left alone with only servants.
Mr Wiggins [?] is well and keeps a shop to eke out his existance, in our old
shop. [PJPetherick's shop in Burnham]
EAP called on old Mrs Press [formerly Lovern ?] She intends going to
Australia in the near future. Uncle Henry spoke to her the other day, the only
time since grandfather died [James Press?] She is not on visiting terms with
either Aunt Sarah or Aunt Ann now that neither one ask her to have a beer.
Uncle Edwin and Jim's old house is in a disgraceful state having not been
done up for years, the walls are black.
MS 760/1/171
EAP send peacock feathers from Uncle Jim's peacocks, home to the girls.
MS 760/1/173 Oct 1873
Old Mrs Press is leaving on 24th Oct aboard the "Great Britian".
EAP went to Manchester for five hours and spent time with Ernest Press
then returned to Liverpool. Ernest had just dissolved his partnership with
Miss Murphy having no prospects of keeping a wife.
15 24 Oct 2006
MS 760/1/175 Dec 1873
EAP was glad to hear that the "Great Britian" had arrived safely in
Melbourne because 'that naughty old lady Mrs Lovern [Press] had a a big
bag of sovereigns sewn around her neck.' He spoke of being alive to the
interests of old Mrs Press and her daughter Mrs Westcott who receivied a
bundle of bedding. [Sarah Westcott?]
He had been given two turkeys this year and a Stilton cheese, also five
pounds which he returned at once. The smaller turkey he gave away to the
Young mens. No days off for Christmas but an early finish.
MS 760/1/208 May 1874
Uncle Alfred and Auntie Annie [Press in Melbourne] are not well EAP
suggests the need for a quieter life [They owned the Yorkshire Hotel in
Collingwood but he had already died by the time this letter arrived.]
MS 760/1/235 1875
Aunt Annie retired from public [or should that be publican] life.
MS 760/1/236 March 1875
EAP received a note from George Rich and Mr Edwin Press informing him
that they were coming to London as witnesses for the Parlimentry
Committee on the Bridgewater Railway. Bridgewater to Edington [?] thence
over the Somerset line to Wells. EAP met them at Waterloo Station along
with ten or twelve other witnesses.
Sunday he went with Uncle [Edwin?] and Hobbs to hear Baldwin's discourse
on Future Life.
MS 760/1/238 March 1875
Affairs between Edwin, James [Jim] and Henry have improved.
Bessie Rich's baby was buried the day after EAP arrived [ at Burnham?].
Poor Bessie very weak. He went to Bridgewater by one of Harry's ships.
George Rich went with me to Church [as distinct from chapel] Polly Lilly
there, later stopped of at his shop"York House".
Stopped with Uncle Edwin and Aunt Ann at Esplanade House. Needed two
strong cups of tea to help digest a large sole and bread and butter.
MS 760/1/243 June 1875
Ernest Press spent a few days with EAP in London. He was there regarding
business in Manchester. EAP enjoyed the companionship. [ Rarely mentions
any friends or occupations except family and long hours of work.]
MS 760/1/247 June 1875
Dear Mother [Ann Press]
A chatty letter to his mother honouring the job she has done, what she has
faced and put up with, the privation she has suffered for her family. He
reports that in London they complain over very little things and no-one has a
good word to say of servants. They should know how to do for themselves!
He tells her of a croquet party and high tea at Lichfield House. He didn't
care to dance as he doesn't know how but he looked after the two Miss
Sangsters who were dressed alike. Several actors were there and Mr
Creswick Buckstone leasee of the "HAYMARKET". [theatre?] EAP wore
an ordinary frock coat, white vest, light grey pants, dress boots and shirt with
gold studs, light blue tie, lavender kid gloves which he had worn to Jessie
Petherick's wedding.
He also went to the theatre and sat in the two shilling seats.
[I'm sorry there are not more letters to his mother he gives more personal
details to her.]
Thank Aunt Annie for the leaves and flowers from Uncle Alfred's grave.
He sent the views[?] on to Burnham. Uncle Henry thinks of framing them
before forwarding them to Edwin. He thinks of a doing many things, they all
16 24 Oct 2006
do! The albums for Rosa and Bessie [EAP'S sisters] are still in the shop
unbought and probably will remain so!
MS 760/1/253 Aug 1875
EAP went for a trip to Belgium, Germany, the latest battlefields, and Paris
He was invited to the Isle Of Wight [by Sangsters?]but felt he couldn't go
because Miss Cable was going and she is a very nice girl could not have her
name mixed up with Edward. People 'talk' more in England than in Australia.
MS 760/1/257 Oct 1875
This is a letter were EAP remember things from his early life in Burnham and
Melbourne. He claims he never forgets anything, although he does admit to
not remember much about his grandfather [which one?] except that when
they were leaving he gave them pence and EAP fancies new shoes as well.
MS 760/1/265 Dec 1875
EAP did jury service from 1st -7th Dec1875 and earned three guineas which
rightly belongs to George Robertson his employer, as he EAP, belongs to
Robertson. EAP doesn't wish to earn any other money but does decice to
keep it. He was impanelled on three cases but had little to do as two cases
were unsuited. [Uncontested?]
One was a breach of promise and the plaintive got 500 pounds and the
lawyer 100 pounds.
Miss Cable engaged, [EAP missed again] she was very suitable and much
admired by Edward. "Another chance lost! Such is life!" he wonders if he
should have gone to the Isle of Wight. he does not intend marrying before he
is thirty but perhaps if he had told her maybe she would have waited.
Regrets.
MS 760/1/280 June 1876
Uncle James and Aunt Sarah [Press] came to London. Uncle James gave
evidence to Comm. of House of Commons on the Highbridge Dock.
Aunt Sarah has a sister Mrs Wood.
Regards to Aunt Mary, [Press] Aunt Annie, [Press] and her mother [Mrs
Lovern Press] Aunt Consty, [?] and Aunt Hetty.[?]
MS 760/1/292 Aug 1876
EAP speaks of photos of Edward and the little one [ Vernon, these are sons
of Ernest James Petherick, EAP 'S younger brother] Miss Cable married.
MS 760/1/301 Oct 1876
He askes for Miss Caroline (Carrie) Bunney's hand in marriage. [She is in
Melbourne and he hasn't seen her for six years. He may have asked sooner
but didn't out of respect to the Foggo family and Sarah his first love who
died in 1874 after a long illness. EAP had planned for her to join him.]
MS 760/1/304 Nov 1876
EAP'S family not in favour of the marriage but Edward doesn't know why.
He gives Julius [ A younger brother who is a jeweller] instructions and
twenty pounds, to make a ring for Carrie with five stones set in a plain band .
Emerald Amethyst Pearl [EAP] Carbuncle Emerald [Caroline E]
Aunt Louisa and Mariane know the secret.
MS 760/1/320 May 1877
After a lot of problems both personal and business, concerning Robertson,
Mr Bunney [another employee of Robertson and Carrie's father] and his
father [PJP] EAP asks for permission to go home to Australia.
MS 760/1/326 June 1877
17 24 Oct 2006
EAP is confused and frustrated about his family's attitude to his well being
and compares it to the families at Burnham where there is disagreement and a
failiure to work together. They have as good as, lost their claim on the ship
they saved, to the owner and Insurance company. [ Details about the
salvage/ Court of Admiralty court case followed.] Harry, Uncle Edwin,
Uncle Jim and their men only got 350 pounds covering expenses.
MS 760/1/330 July 1877
EAP withdrew his proposal at Carrie's suggestion. He is very upset. Family
failed to inform him of the "true state of her mind and habits [What could
they be.] and I was obliged to withdraw from a most irksome engagment."
There is alot of confusion with his father, over the money he has sent home
during the last seven years, which he now wants to put into a partnership.
There is not nearly as much available as he was led to believe.
MS 760/1/341 Sept 1877
EAP finally starts for home aboard the "CUZCO"
My Dear Father 27th Sept 1877
Mr William Petherick came down from Gravesend with the steamer to see
me off. I left Burnham yesterday for Highgate, there was a large party in the
afternoon at Uncle Jim's. Sarah Ann [Press] very unwell and unable to
walk, I fear she may not recover -lungs. I arrived at Plymouth and stayed at
the "Duke of Cornwell" hotel.
With all the love I can express to all and for all,
I remain your most affectionate son,
Edward.
I will telegraph to you via Adelaide upon my arrival at that Port.
[Peter John Petherick died on 26th Oct 1877 before this letter or Edward
arrived in Melbourne.]