Fearless Females - Aunty Tilly (Matilda Holman -nee Taylor) 1900- 2001

Matilda Marion Taylor

 Over the past month I have been enjoying reading the blogs by Lisa Alzo, The Accidental Genealogist , Fearless Females, in honour of National Women’s History Month, and the other blogists who have also joined to tell the stories of the Fearless women in their family tree.  As this theme fits so well with the central theme of my blog The Other Half of My Tree - stories of my female ancestors, I thought I should honour some of the women from my family tree with the title of Fearless Females. 

The first to spring to mind was my husbands great Aunty Tilly. I was privileged to meet her in her later years, and found her to be an amazing lady.  There are many stories that highlight her independence, stubbornness, resourcefulness, charity and acceptance of others. Tilly was the grand daughter of Elizabeth Taylor (nee Rushworth)  and she certainly mirrored the tenacity of her grandmother living for over 100 years, and even into her late years  was continually involved in community organisations.

Taylor Family

Matilda Marion Taylor was born on the 14 November 1900 to Richard Taylor and Marion Millar McNair.  Her parents hand immigrated from England and Scotland (respectively) in the late 1870’s. They met and married at St Peters Church, Marrickville on the 1st August 1981. 

Matilda was the fifth child born, her siblings were William (1892-1976), Elizabeth Annie (1894-1896), Richard (1895-1965), Jessie (1898-1975). Unfortunately, her oldest sister Elizabeth drowned on the family property at the age of two. Her youngest brother Robert (1905-1981) was born when she was five. In the late 1920's the family moved from Arncliff to Moon's Avenue, Lugano, in the Marrickville area.



Tilly (RHS) in school uniform with sister Jessie



Tilly's (as she liked to be called) father Richard was a stone mason.Tilly  attended St George High School. She was a bright student and  went on to study at the Sydney Teachers’ College. Following her graduation in 1920, she was appointed to the teaching staff of the Brewarrina School in far western NSW. This posting must have presented quite a few challenges to the young girl who had been brought up in the city. 

Brewarrina was about 800 kms north-west of Sydney and was very much a frontier town, with very few amenities. In these times young teachers were expected to take on postings in the country and most took it in their stride as part of the learning process.  On one of my visits to Aunty Tilly’s house in Cowra I remember her relating the story of her first weekend in the town of Brewarrina.One of the local pastoralist's sons took her and another new teacher on a trip out into the country side to show them a little of the surrounds.  Unfortunately, there was a mishap with the car’s fan belt and the young gentleman had to ask if one of the ladies would mind providing one of their stockings to make up a makeshift fan belt to get them home.  Her face was so funny when she told the story, reminiscing on an event that she considered a little risqué.

At about the same time as Tilly moved to Brewarrina, her future husband, Harold Vincent Holman, moved to Gunnedah (just over 400 kms away) to take up the position of Town Clerk.  Harold was a WWI veteran, who had joined the army at the age of 16 and was shipped to Europe to serve in France.  When he returned from the war he studied to become a town council officer and his first posting was in Gunnedah.  During this time, despite the distance between Gunnedah and Brewarrina Tilly and Harold met and courted each other.

Harold and Tilly Holman

Three years later,(1923) they were married in Marrickville, Sydney and moved to a small village outside of the NSW town of Dubbo, called Geurie.  During their time here, Tilly and Harold were blessed with three children, Vincent, Harold and Joan.  Shortly after Joan's birth in 1928 Harold was appointed Town Clerk at Cowra. Harold remained this position until his retirement. 

Soon after their arrival in Cowra, Harold and Tilly build a home in 2 Carleton Street, Cowra and this house remained as Tilly’s home until she reluctantly agreed it was time to move into a nearby nursing home, (at the age of 99). Even though Tilly had her hands full with a young family, and settling her husband into his new position as Town Clerk, she quickly became involved in many local community affairs, joining the local Red Cross, which she remained an active member for the rest of her life. Harold was very active in the returned soldiers affairs and Tilly was keen to follow his interests in helping ex-serviceman, particularly those who fell on hard times during the long years of the Depression.  In 1987 Tilly received the Red Cross Long Service Medal with first and second bars and then in 1990 she received the Red Cross laurel wreath for 50 years service.  

Tilly's insatiable appetite for community involvement had her next join the Country Women's Association and the Hospital Auxiliary and she worked for both until quite recent times. In 1939 she was elected president of the Church of England Ladies' Guild and joined the Croquet Club, serv­ing as a committee member for many years. When the Second World War broke out and the military training camp was established near the town, Tilly added to her activities by joining the Women's Voluntary Service and on most days attended their shop and then worked in the canteen during the evenings, preparing food and giving support to the many soldiers who passed through the town. 

 Her 'spare' time was spent on the back verandah of their home, knitting for those who were posted overseas. With both of her sons in the Boy Scouts, Tilly found time to keep their uniforms in top condition and to provide food and drink for the many who called at her home.  After the war, Tilly assisted in the formation of the Cowra Meals on Wheels service and remained actively involved until 1980. In later years, she became a thankful recipient of its ben­efits. She also found time to help form the Cowra branch of the RSL Women's Auxiliary and was its president between 1948 and 1951, remaining: a member until her death. She also helped form the Torch Bearers for Legacy in Cowra, was its first president and later was made a life member

Tilly and Family

A continuing interest in education had her send her three children to private schools, to complete the last two years of their high school education. Vince and Harold want to St Patrick's in Goulburn, which was renowned for its strong discipline, and Joan to St Catherine's in Sydney. In 1956 Tilly became a Foundation Member of the Cowra Women's Bowling Club and undertook a range of responsibilities on its executive committee for many years, including its secretary, later vice-president and its Official Delegate to the National Conferences. She was elected a Life Member in 1971. Her love for sport was never diminished and although a diminutive woman, she played a fair game of golf in the years before the war and later became devoted to bowling and the many social activities that came from membership of the club.

She relished the annual bus trips to Melbourne to attend the Melbourne Cup and joined in the many activities on the way. She continued to make the annual bus trip to Melbourne until she was in her late 80's.  Her husband and three children predeceased her, but her days of sadness quickly passed as she found comfort in her countless activities, many friends, and her pet dog, cat and budgerigars. The grandchildren and their children became a vital part of her life and she took every opportunity to visit them and to enjoy their company. She thought nothing of travelling 100's of kms for a family event. Sometimes she travelled by air and on others by bus and train. She was quite undaunted by the difficulties old people encounter as they attempt to climb in and out of vehicles and find their way around in the push and shove in getting from place to place, but if in any trouble, she had no hesita­tion in asking, sometimes demanding, that a passing stranger provide the necessary assistance. Having to leave her pets behind could have been a hin­drance to her many trips but neighbours were brought into play and, willingly or not, agreed to mind them until she returned.

Aunty Tilly in her later years.

Before the war, her husband kept a car in the little shed behind their home, which was a joy for his children's friends to inspect and, if not seen, to climb into and admire the brass fittings and imagine driving it away. Tilly didn't learn to drive until quite late in life and rarely went on her own, which may have been a blessing in disguise, as she was always very positive in her dealings with others, never considering that what she wanted was difficult or impossible to deliver, and if that had been trans­lated to the road, to often it could have created problems. She handed in her licence when she turned 80 and joined the Senior Citizens' Club, probably believing she could help the younger members, and ten years later the Arthritic Club, which awarded her Grandmother of the Year in 1992. 

AuntyTilly Holman was an quite a local icon.  She gave an enormous amount to the community, never wanting or expecting any recognition or benefit.  She always accepted people for who they were, without any prejudice or bias.  It would not be possible to count the number of people who in some way or another benefited from her work. When she reached her late 90's she realised that it was becoming too difficult for her to live by herself, so she agreed to move into a Nursing Home.  She was the proud recipient of a letter from the Queen when she reached 100 years.  It was not long after this that Aunty Tilly passed away in 2001.

Elizabeth Taylor (Rushworth) - Part 4

William and Elizabeth Taylor - 1918

Diamond Wedding Anniversary and  Honorary Serving Sister of St John

The year 0f 1918 was a big year for the residence of No. 9 Duke Street, Colne.  On 17th July William and Elizabeth celebrated 60 years of marriage and just prior to this celebration Elizabeth received the honor of being awarded the Honorary Serving Sister of St John of Jerusalem. Elizabeth describes this auspicious occasion with a little excitement in her journal. 
To start with she talks about receiving a medal for 15 years service in 1909 with a number of other nurses.

 "I was appointed Lady Superintendent in 1894 and resigned in 1922.  In 1909 for 15 years service a medal that was pinned me by the Hon. Prince of Wales, now King George the 5th.  After this ceremony, I with other Ladies, who attended Head Quarters for the same purpose had a first class lunch and a Waggonetee drive to view the principle sights of London.

On being made an Honorary Serving Sister of St John of Jerusalem, in 1918 I was met by the Chaplain, who Prayed, and went through all the Services appropriate for the occasion"

Her rather formal summary of what must have been two amazing experiences makes me smile.
I think I shall finish this blog by sharing with you an article that was posted in the Colne Times on the occasion of William and Elizabeth's Diamond Wedding anniversary.

"Hearty Congratulations will be extended this week by many people in Colne and district, and particularly by those connected with the ambulance movement, to Mr and Mrs William Taylor of 9 Duke Street, Colne, who celebrated their diamond wedding on Wednesday.  Both Mr and Mrs Taylor are well-known and highly-respected in the town, in which they have lived for about 32 years. 

The aged couple were married at Gill Church, Barnoldswick on July 17th 1858, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. J.C. Miller.  Mrs Taylor was born Greenbank, Barnoldswick and was the daughter of the late George Rushworth, of Whitemoor, Barnoldswick.  Mr Taylor was born at Burnley and is the son of the late Mr Richard Taylor of Lower Hood House, Burnley.  Mr and Mrs Taylor have had 16 children, six of whom are still living and they also have nine grandchildren.  Mr Taylor is now 85 years of age and his wife is 77.  They have been connected with the Colne Parish Church and the Mission Churches - St James, Waterside and St George's, Alkincoates - since they came to Colne and it is an interesting link to the past to recall the fact that Mrs Taylor's parents were married in the Colne Parish Church over 100 years ago.

Despite their advanced ages Mr and Mrs Taylor both enjoy fairly good health and although the later has recently had a severe illness we are pleased to state  that she has now recovered.  Mr Taylor was formerly in the employ of the Colne Corporation and prior to the incorporation of the borough, of the old Colne Local Board as Building and Streets Inspector. He held that position for a period of about 20 years, retiring about 10 years ago.

Mrs Taylor worked for the ambulance movement in Colne - of which fuller particulars will be found below - is well-known.  She has been connected with the association for 28 years  and for 20 years has been lady superintendent of the Nursing Division. 

Mr and Mrs Taylor will entertain a number of relatives and friends in the Ambulance Hall tomorrow, when a social evening will be held to celebrate the notable event.  we feel sure our readers will join with us in wishing Mr and Mrs Taylor a happy and pleasant time during the remaining years of their married life.

AMBULANCE HONOUR FOR MRS TAYLOR

It is surely a happy coincidence that we are able to announce Mrs Taylor has received a well deserved ambulance honour at the same time as we record the 60th anniversary of Mr and Mrs Taylor's wedding anniversary.  The secretary of the Colne Ambulance Association has received information that Mrs Taylor has been elected an Honorary Serving Sister of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in England, which is one of the highest honours that can be granted for Ambulance work.  It will be remembered that Alderman Hewitt-Dean, President of the Colne Association and Mr  E. Scott, the superintendent of the Brigade were elected Honorary  Serving Brothers of the Order sometime ago.   Some years since, Dr Dickey was elected an Honorary Associate of the Order, so that it will be seen that the Colne Centre of the St Johns Ambulance Association has been highly honoured by the recognition given by the headquarters of the Association to the valuable work done for the movement by several  local stalwarts.

Amongst these Mrs Taylor, along with Superintendent Scott and Miss Hartley, has played a prominent part.  she joined the ambulance movement in Colne in 1891, and has an unbroken membership down to the present.  She has passed all the inspections and re-examinations.  She served in the capacity of First Officer and Inspector of Stores for two or three years before she was appointed Lady Superintendent in 1898.  She has held that position since and had taken a prominent part in the development of the movement in Colne, including the organising of work and collection of funds for the new Hall in Swan Croft, and in all the social efforts arranged by the Association for the purpose of raising funds to carry on its work.

Since the opening of the Colne Military Hospital,  Mrs Taylor has done much useful work in connection with that institution, and has done a great deal to make the lot of the patients as happy and pleasant as possible during their stay in the town.  During her ambulance career Mrs Taylor has rendered first aid in over 100 cases, some of which were very serious.  In onc instance the promptitude and skill of Mrs Taylor and Drill Sergeant Burrell of the Colne Association undoubtedly saved the life of a boy at Morecambe who had his arm run over by tramear, and who would probably have bled to death but for their timely assistance.  

The honour accorded to Mrs Taylor is certainly well merited, and reflects credit not only on herself, but also on the organisation with which she has been connect so long."

Elizabeth Rushworth - Part 2

St Mary Ghyll Church, Barnoldswick

It is hard to imagine what life for Elizabeth would have been like.  Her mother Martha Halstead (1805-1845) passed away when she was only four years old.   The large family of nine children all had to pull their weight to support the family.  In the 1851 census five children including Elizabeth worked in the weaving industry, while her elder brothers worked as quarry men.

At the age of 17 Elizabeth married William Taylor (1833-1928) at St Mary le Ghyll Church, Barnoldswick on 17 July 1858. William was the son of Richard Taylor (1802-1868) (Road Surveyor) and Peggy Halstead (1802-1876).  Peggy was sister to Elizabeth's mother Martha Halstead, so William and Elizabeth were not only cousins, they had probably known each other through their childhood. Their first child William was born later that year.  He was the first of 16 children born to Elizabeth and William between the years of 1858-1885.  As was common in these times many of the children died in in infancy or at a young age.

Elizabeth's Note Book: family members laid to Rest

The evidence of the deaths of many of her children is clear to see in her note book, where she lists family members she has laid to rest.  The list includes, among other family members, six sons and four daughters.

The 1861, census shows William and Elizabeth and two children living at Nicholas Folly, Spotsland (near Barnoldswick) and her father George Rushworth and some of her brothers and sisters were living next door.  William is described as being a farmer and cotton weaver who employed four laborers.

The family continued to live in the Spotsland, Barnoldwick district until sometime in 1885 when they moved the family to 31 Boundary Street Colne. (Their daughter Lucy was born in Colne on 16 September 1885).  William took up a new position as Assistant Survey to the Social Board in Colne.

We can only suppose what influenced Elizabeth's interest in nursing.  Perhaps her skills came from caring for so many children and her elderly father and parents in law. Perhaps it was a skill that was passed down through the family, we do not know.  However, her note book gives details of many years of nursing and caring for family, neighbours and others who were in need.  The respect and place that she had in the community is reinforced by the number of Doctors in the nearby districts that she supported and worked with while caring for the sick.

Nursing Division 1894, Elizabeth is 2nd from Left in back row

Not long after moving to Colne, (1888) Elizabeth joined the joined the 4th Division of the St Johns of Jerusalem Nursing Division that was based in Colne. Elizabeth thrived in this environment and was keen to learn and add to her nursing skills.  In 1891 she gained her First Aid Course Certificate for Instruction and was appointed Inspector of Stores and First Aid Officer.  Despite her commitments to a large family Elizabeth continued to study and in 1892 received her Certificate for Efficiency in First Aid.  Her aptitude and untiring support of the St Johns Movement saw her appointed Lady Superintendent for the 4th Division of St Johns and she held this position for 25 years until she resigned at the age of 81 in 1922.  Elizabeth took a prominent role in the development of the St John's movement in Colne, including organising work and collection of funds in order for the movement to continue to carry out its work in the community.

The 1901 census tells us that William and Elizabeth were living in 9 Duke Street, Colne with five of their children.  William was employed as a clerk at the Corporation Yard (what we call the Town Council today). You would think at the age of 60 Elizabeth would be looking to start taking things a little easier. No!!  with the threat of War, life was about to change for all of England and Elizabeth did not sit back and watch it happen.  Stay tuned to hear more of Elizabeth's story.