In this post we are looking at the Gabbett family, whose three sons served in the First World War and had an association with Garfield and Pakenham. John and Marion Gabbett were married in Buln Buln on December 25, 1879 and the marriage notice in The Argus of December 29, 1879 states that he was the second son of the late Major R.P Gabbett, Royal Artillery, and she was the only child of Edward Lintott, Esq. (1)
Marriage notice of John and Marian
The Argus, December 29 1879 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5968526
Marion's parents were pioneers of the Brandy Creek (Warragul) area and this is part of her father's 1891 obituary -
Captain Lintott was formerly in the East Indian Service, but relinquishing seafaring life some 42 years ago he settled in the Twofold Bay district of New South Wales, where he owned the Double Creek Station which adjoined that of Brogo, belonging to Mr. S. W. Pollock, now of Warragul. Some years later he left this locality and settled in Riverina, on the Edwards River, joining partnership with his brother Stephen on a sheep station.
After this, we understand, he lived at Schnapper Point [Mornington], and subsequently moved to Brandy Creek, where he has for many years been regarded as the father of the district. He was an old identity, in fact the name of Brandy Creek could not be disassociated from that of Captain Lintott. (2)
Marion's mother came from equally illustrious stock. This is her short obituary from 1897 -
The remains of Mrs. Lintott, relict of the late Captain Lintott, were interred in the Drouin West Cemetery on Tuesday last, Mrs. Lintott passed away at Hastings on Sunday last, at the advanced age of 85 years. She was the daughter of Colonel Skinner, of the British forces, who was at one time stationed in Canada, where Mrs. Lintott was born. Capt. and Mrs. Lintott came to the Australian colonies 50 years ago, and consequently watched their development from the earliest settlement. They were amongst the earliest settlers in Brandy Creek, where Mrs. Lintott resided up to the death of Capt. Lintott, a few years ago. Mrs. Gabbett is the only daughter. (3)
What else do we know about John Norcliffe Gabbett? He was a Captain of D-Company in the Victorian Mounted Rifles, in 1889 he was appointed Deputy Registrar of Births and Deaths in Drouin. (5)
In September 1904, Captain Gabbett, went missing -
Captain Gabbett Missing -
A well-known resident of the Toora district named Gabbett, while staying at Port Welshpool after a
trip to the islands in the strait in the fishing cutter Rosalie, suddenly disappeared on the night of Monday, 12th inst. He was last seen walking down the pier after stating his intention of boarding the Rosalie. This vessel, it appears, had been shifted to another berth, and it is thought that in the dark he fell over in his efforts to get on board, and possibly struck the wood work of the jetty. Efforts have been made with grappling hooks and sweeping at low water with a deep sea seine but have proved futile in discovering any traces of the missing man. (6)
A well-known resident of the Toora district named Gabbett, while staying at Port Welshpool after a
trip to the islands in the strait in the fishing cutter Rosalie, suddenly disappeared on the night of Monday, 12th inst. He was last seen walking down the pier after stating his intention of boarding the Rosalie. This vessel, it appears, had been shifted to another berth, and it is thought that in the dark he fell over in his efforts to get on board, and possibly struck the wood work of the jetty. Efforts have been made with grappling hooks and sweeping at low water with a deep sea seine but have proved futile in discovering any traces of the missing man. (6)
I couldn't find an Inquest record or a death registration for Captain Gabbett so it's all a bit of a mystery. Marion lived in Drouin after her husband's death, until 1913 when the Electoral Rolls list her address as Garfield, she was then in Pakenham and later in Drouin. In 1926 she married Henry St Leger Skinner a farmer from Drouin West and died at the age of 90 on December 24, 1943 and is buried at the Drouin West Cemetery. (7)
We will look at the three sons who enlisted.
Gabbett, Edward Norcliffe Robert (SN 845) Edward, born in 1880, married Lilian Beatrice Lucas in 1910 and they had two children Jack Norcliffe in 1912 and Beatrice Edith Poole in 1915, both children born in Sale. (8) Edward enlisted on July 8, 1915, in the 13th Light Horse, and his next of kin was his wife, Lilian, of Stratford. His occupation was Agent. Edward was wounded in action - gun shot wound to left leg - and had to have the leg amputated. He was sent back to England for recuperation and Returned to Australia November 25, 1917 and was medically discharged. (9) After the War they lived in Sale and then Yarram and his occupation was an Auctioneer with Mathieson, Davis, Macarthur Pty. Ltd. In spite of his severe wound, Edward lived until he was 91 and he died on March 17, 1972 and was buried at the Yarram cemetery. Lilian had passed away December 4, 1968. (10)
Before we leave Edward, I came across this interesting 1946 report about his connection to a tragic incident -
Football Team Drowned. Terrible Mornington Tragedy recalled -
This week, in a phone call from Yarram, where he is a well known citizen and auctioneer, Mr. E. N.
"Goldie" Gabbett, formerly of Mornington, recalled the terrible football tragedy of 1892, when 15 members of the Mornington team were drowned while returning in a sailing boat from Mordialloc, after the match. The boat was caught in a storm.
Mr. Gabbett, then a boy of 15, went to the match by train. He was a champion goal sneak later, with the Yarram team, and lost a leg in the first world war. Mr. Gabbett also reveals the luck of an aboriginal member of the team, who sailed down by boat, but changed places with another player for the return journey, and came by train. The transfer player was drowned. (11)
Edward Goldie remembers the Mornington tragedy.
Frankston Standard, September 12, 1946 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article75059343
Gabbett, Ernest Poole Remington (SN 2846) Ernest, born in 1882 in Drouin. He served in the Boer War in the 6th Australian Commonwealth Horse. In 1913 he married Eveline Victoria MacKay and in the same year he opened a store in Garfield, the first advertisement for which I could find was in March 1913. (12)
Gabbett's General Store, Garfield
Bunyip & Garfield Express, March 25, 1913, p.5
On April 23, 1914 Ernest Gabbett's store and the adjoining Iona Hotel, in Main Street, Garfield were destroyed by fire. The Bunyip and Garfield Express of April 28, 1914 had this report -
A disastrous fire occurred on Thursday morning between three and four o'clock at Garfield, which resulted in the total destruction of the Iona hotel and Mr E. Gabbett's grocery store. Between the hours mentioned some employes at Bird's bakery, which is further along the street, observed a fire in the direction of the hotel, Investigation satisfied them that the building was burning and the alarm was raised.
There were between 20 and 30 inmates of the hotel at the time amongst whom were a number of ladies, but fortunately all escaped from the burning building. The fire appeared to some observers to start outside the eastern wall of the building while others declare it came from the kitchen. However, it had a good hold when first noticed and no time was lost by the lodgers and the family and friends of Mr Cryan, licensee, in leaving the doomed structure.
The fire spread with great rapidity, and was favored by a north westerly breeze. A salvage party however, made good use of the little time at their disposal and succeeded in saving a piano and a few other articles of furniture, but there was no time to rescue the heavy furnishings from the building and over £500 worth was destroyed. Miss Cryan, daughter of the licensee lost £14 in gold and notes which she left in the building.
From the hotel the flames spread to Mr Gabbett's store, which adjoins it and soon the two structures were a seething mass of flame. The grocery stock was completely destroyed and the dwelling portion of the building, which is at the rear of the shop. The household furniture was destroyed. The insurances on the Iona hotel are as follows :-Mr T. Donohue, owner, £1500 on the building, furniture £500, Mr C.J. Cryan licensee, £600 on the stock. The amount of Mr Gabbett's insurance is not available, but it is understood that his stock was only lightly insured. All concerned are heavy losers. The business of the hotel is being carried on in a building next to the old premises, whilst Mr Gabbett has opened his store in Mr Bird's premises, pending building operations. (13)
There were between 20 and 30 inmates of the hotel at the time amongst whom were a number of ladies, but fortunately all escaped from the burning building. The fire appeared to some observers to start outside the eastern wall of the building while others declare it came from the kitchen. However, it had a good hold when first noticed and no time was lost by the lodgers and the family and friends of Mr Cryan, licensee, in leaving the doomed structure.
The fire spread with great rapidity, and was favored by a north westerly breeze. A salvage party however, made good use of the little time at their disposal and succeeded in saving a piano and a few other articles of furniture, but there was no time to rescue the heavy furnishings from the building and over £500 worth was destroyed. Miss Cryan, daughter of the licensee lost £14 in gold and notes which she left in the building.
From the hotel the flames spread to Mr Gabbett's store, which adjoins it and soon the two structures were a seething mass of flame. The grocery stock was completely destroyed and the dwelling portion of the building, which is at the rear of the shop. The household furniture was destroyed. The insurances on the Iona hotel are as follows :-Mr T. Donohue, owner, £1500 on the building, furniture £500, Mr C.J. Cryan licensee, £600 on the stock. The amount of Mr Gabbett's insurance is not available, but it is understood that his stock was only lightly insured. All concerned are heavy losers. The business of the hotel is being carried on in a building next to the old premises, whilst Mr Gabbett has opened his store in Mr Bird's premises, pending building operations. (13)
Ernest enlisted on August 24, 1914 in the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade. He was wounded in action - shot in the arm - and after a time spent recuperating in England he Returned to Australia October 7, 1918. (14). Ernest together with some of his colleagues, were welcomed home at a function on December 10, 1918 - they received a nice box of chocolates and a gold medal. (15)
Ernest is welcomed home
Dandenong Advertiser, December 12, 1918 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88817321
I am not sure if Ernest Gabbett actually re-opened his Garfield store before he enlisted and his address on enlistment was Errol Avenue in Brunswick; however around May 1917, Eveline opened a Drapery shop in Pakenham. (16)
Eveline Gabbett's first advertisment
Pakenham Gazette, May 25, 1917 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article92153107
Ernest and Eveline remained in Pakenham and their occupations in the Electoral rolls were a tailor and a draper, respectively. They had a stillborn baby in October 1913 and then two sons - Colin Esca Poole born in 1921 and Ivan Norcliffe in 1922. (17) Both the boys served in the Army during World War Two; Colin remained in the Army, reaching the rank of acting Lieutenant - Colonel, retiring in 1971. Ivan became a house painter and also had a band which played at local functions. They are both commemorated on the Pakenham War Memorial. (18)
Ivan Gabbett's Band
Bunyip & Garfield Express, July 2 1948 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article282210473
Ernest died in November 14, 1962 and Eveline on November 27, 1953. They were both cremated at Springvale Cemetery. (19) The Pakenham Gazette of November 16, 1962 published the following obituary -
Late Mr. Ernest Gabbett was Veteran of Three Wars
With deep regret we record the death of Mr. Ernest Poole Gabbett, which occurred at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital last Wednesday morning. He was 80 years of age.
Mr. Gabbett was a veteran of three wars. As a young man he served as a bugler with the Australian Contingent in the Boer War. He was one of the first to enlist from this district in the First World War. In the Second War War he served with a garrison battalion.
Prior to the First World War he was at Garfield, and on his return from overseas he conducted, with his wife, a drapery business in Pakenham – first in Station Street in premises now occupied by Mrs. Sayers, and later in what is now Wintel’s Café , in Main Street.
He resided in Pakenham until a few years ago and took an active part in all local movements. He was very interested in all the sporting clubs and in his youth was a keen participant in several branches of sports.
Probably the most talented amateur actor this district has known, his services were keenly in demand for various entertainments. He was a prominent member of the Pakenham Dramatic Club and in the early days of the Pakenham Fire Brigade organized a minstrel troop which over period of years raised a considerable sum to help equip the brigade at a time when money was a very scarce commodity.
“Gabby” as he was affectionately known to a wide circle of friends, was a generous favorite, and will be sadly missed. His wife pre-deceased him several years ago, but he is survived by two sons, Colin and Ivan, who have the heartfelt sympathy of all in their loss. (20)
With deep regret we record the death of Mr. Ernest Poole Gabbett, which occurred at the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital last Wednesday morning. He was 80 years of age.
Mr. Gabbett was a veteran of three wars. As a young man he served as a bugler with the Australian Contingent in the Boer War. He was one of the first to enlist from this district in the First World War. In the Second War War he served with a garrison battalion.
Prior to the First World War he was at Garfield, and on his return from overseas he conducted, with his wife, a drapery business in Pakenham – first in Station Street in premises now occupied by Mrs. Sayers, and later in what is now Wintel’s Café , in Main Street.
He resided in Pakenham until a few years ago and took an active part in all local movements. He was very interested in all the sporting clubs and in his youth was a keen participant in several branches of sports.
Probably the most talented amateur actor this district has known, his services were keenly in demand for various entertainments. He was a prominent member of the Pakenham Dramatic Club and in the early days of the Pakenham Fire Brigade organized a minstrel troop which over period of years raised a considerable sum to help equip the brigade at a time when money was a very scarce commodity.
“Gabby” as he was affectionately known to a wide circle of friends, was a generous favorite, and will be sadly missed. His wife pre-deceased him several years ago, but he is survived by two sons, Colin and Ivan, who have the heartfelt sympathy of all in their loss. (20)
Gabbett, Norcliffe Esca Fitzgerald (SN 1167) Esca, as he was known, was only 18 when he enlisted on March 15, 1915 in the 23rd Battalion. His next of kin was his mother, Marion, of Pakenham. Sadly, only 8 months after he enlisted Esca Died of Wounds on the Gallipoli Peninsula on November 5, 1915. (21)
Drouin State School Roll of Honor
Gippsland Independent June 18, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article136653646
Flag at half-mast at the Drouin State School
West Gippsland Gazette, December 7, 1915 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article68620435
There were also two daughters in the family - Aimee Auriol Yule and Eda Marion Lintott.
Gabbett, Aimee Auriol Yule. Aimee was born in 1885 in Drouin. She married Henry Mitchell Scales in 1907 and had five children - Maurice, Betty, Dora, Brian and Patricia. The marriage didn't last and around 1928 she married Leonard Short. (22) That same year in the January, there had been a court case where Aimee took Henry to Court, claiming he had left their daughter, Dora without adequate means of support. Amongst the evidence presented was the claim that her husband had found an unposted letter she had written to Leonard Short, of Cowes, and part of the letter read - I want you. I would like to kiss you until I had no breath left. (23) I am not sure if they divorced and she did actually marry Leonard, however on her 1972 death certificate it stated that she had been married to him when she was 43, which is about 1928. At some time, Aimee changed her name to Denise; and when she died on July 8, 1972, she was living at Bartlett Avenue, Croydon. Henry Scales died in 1951, I have no other information about Leonard Short. (24)
Gabbett, Eda Marion Lintott Eda was born in 1892 in Hastings. She married William Frederick Furhmann in 1912 and they lived in Drouin, where William was a carpenter. They had a number of children, but I cannot confirm the exact number. William died March 1, 1954 and Eda died October 28, 1976. They are buried at the Drouin Cemetery. (25)
Footnotes
(1) The Argus, December 29 1879, see here.
(2) Warragul Guardian, May 12, 1891, see here.
(3) Warragul Guardian, September 17, 1897, see here.
(4) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages
(5) Warragul Guardian, October 23, 1891, see here; Warragul Guardian, August 20, 1889, see here.
(6) Western Port Times, September 30, 1904, see here.
(7) Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com; Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Death notice - The Argus, December 28, 1943, see here, Find a Grave https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/210822811/marion-auriol-skinner
(8) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages
(9) Edward - Service record from National Archives of Australia
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4001699
(10) Electoral rolls; The Argus, November 11, 1939, see here; Death notice - The Age, March 18, 1972. p.98 on Newspapers.com; Lilian death date from Probate Record at the Public Records Office of Victoria (PROV)
(10) Electoral rolls; The Argus, November 11, 1939, see here; Death notice - The Age, March 18, 1972. p.98 on Newspapers.com; Lilian death date from Probate Record at the Public Records Office of Victoria (PROV)
(11) Frankston Standard, September 12, 1946, see here.
(12) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Boer War service listed on his WWI Attestation file, see footnote 14; Bunyip & Garfield Express, March 25, 1913, p.5
(12) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Boer War service listed on his WWI Attestation file, see footnote 14; Bunyip & Garfield Express, March 25, 1913, p.5
(13) Bunyip and Garfield Express, April 28, 1914, p. 2.
(14) Ernest - Service record from National Archives of Australia
(14) Ernest - Service record from National Archives of Australia
https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4001700
(15) Dandenong Advertiser, December 12, 1918, see here.
(16) Pakenham Gazette, May 25, 1917, see here.
(17) The Argus, October 25, 1913, see here; Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages
(18) Ferry, Patrick Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat: remembering the Pakenham District's WW2 Service Personnel, 1939-1945 (Berwick Pakenham Historical Society, 2020.)
(19) Pakenham Gazette, November 16, 1962, p.1; The Argus, November 30, 1953, see here.
(15) Dandenong Advertiser, December 12, 1918, see here.
(16) Pakenham Gazette, May 25, 1917, see here.
(17) The Argus, October 25, 1913, see here; Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages
(18) Ferry, Patrick Blood, Toil, Tears and Sweat: remembering the Pakenham District's WW2 Service Personnel, 1939-1945 (Berwick Pakenham Historical Society, 2020.)
(19) Pakenham Gazette, November 16, 1962, p.1; The Argus, November 30, 1953, see here.
(20) Pakenham Gazette, November 16, 1962, p.1
(21) Esca - Service record from National Archives of Australia https://recordsearch.naa.gov.au/SearchNRetrieve/Interface/ViewImage.aspx?B=4001701
(22) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Denise Short's Death certificate - lists children and notes she married Leonard Short when she was 43, hence c. 1928.
(22) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Denise Short's Death certificate - lists children and notes she married Leonard Short when she was 43, hence c. 1928.
(23) The Argus, August 30, 1928, see here.
(24) Denise Short's Death certificate; Henry death date from Probate Record at PROV.
(25) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com;
Find a Grave
(24) Denise Short's Death certificate; Henry death date from Probate Record at PROV.
(25) Indexes to the Victorian Births, Deaths and Marriages; Electoral Rolls on Ancestry.com;
Find a Grave
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