Ernest George ELWORTHY (1868

Ernest George ELWORTHY (1868 - 1931)

OBE

Children	Self + Spouses	Parents	Grandparents	Greatgrandparents
	Ernest George ELWORTHY (1868 - 1931)	James Baker ELWORTHY (1833 - 1889)	George ELWORTHY (1813 - 1878)	James ELWORTHY (1770 - 1837)
				Grace Thirza LEIGH (1771 - 1836)
			Emma BOWCHER (1810 - 1854)	John BOWCHER (1762 - 1828)
				Elizabeth TOWNSEND (1772 - 1858)
		Henrietta Sophia Jane LARGE (1846 - 1915)	William James LARGE (1806 - 1881)	William LARGE
				Martha (LARGE)
			Mary Ann (Marianne) Caroline WRIXON (1819 - 1888)	Arthur J Beecher WRIXON
				Elizabeth BENSON or BENTLEY

b. 27 May 1868 at Tumut, New South Wales, Australia

d. 11 Apr 1931 at Mosman, New South Wales, Australia aged 62

Near Relatives of Ernest George ELWORTHY (1868 - 1931)
Relationship	Person	Born	Birth Place	Died	Death Place	Age
Grandfather	George ELWORTHY	23 Apr 1813	Exeter, Devon, England	24 Feb 1878	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	64
Grandmother	Emma BOWCHER	18 Aug 1810	St Petrock, Exeter, Devon, England	08 Jul 1854	St Thomas, Exeter, Devon, England	43
Grandfather	William James LARGE	abt 1806	Ireland	21 Oct 1881	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	75
Grandmother	Mary Ann (Marianne) Caroline WRIXON	bef 1819		03 May 1888	Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia	69

Father	James Baker ELWORTHY	09 Dec 1833	Exeter, Devon, England	03 Mar 1889	Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia	55
Mother	Henrietta Sophia Jane LARGE	21 Dec 1846	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	05 Jul 1915	Grafton, New South Wales, Australia	68

Self	Ernest George ELWORTHY	27 May 1868	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	11 Apr 1931	Mosman, New South Wales, Australia	62

Half Brother	Male ELWORTHY	1857	Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia
Half Brother	William (Billy) James ELWORTHY	29 Jan 1857	Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia	08 Jan 1909	London, Middlesex, England	51
Half Sister	Emma Maria ELWORTHY	05 Apr 1860	Adelong, New South Wales, Australia	05 Jun 1861	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	1
Half Sister	Elizabeth Helena ELWORTHY	22 Nov 1861	Adelong, New South Wales, Australia	06 Aug 1892	Waverley, New South Wales, Australia	30
Brother	Arthur Ernest ELWORTHY	18 Jan 1866	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	19 May 1935	Cooma, Monaro, New South Wales, Australia	69
Brother	Harold Lewington ELWORTHY	20 Aug 1872	Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia	16 May 1928	Grafton, New South Wales, Australia	55
Sister	Edith Asenath ELWORTHY	17 Sep 1876	Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia	18 Mar 1904	Grafton, New South Wales, Australia	27

Aunt	Elizabeth Harriet ELWORTHY	04 Nov 1835	Exeter, Devon, England	abt 16 Sep 1855	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	19
Uncle	male DONALDSON
Uncle	George Gregory Townsend ELWORTHY	16 Aug 1837	Exeter, Devon, England	26 Dec 1905	Mt Perry, Queensland, Australia	68
Aunt	Marion (Mary Ann) SUGDEN	18 Jun 1837	Southwark Christchurch, London, Surrey, England	24 Jan 1907	Mt Perry, Queensland, Australia	69
Aunt	Eliza Grace ELWORTHY	26 Jun 1839	Exeter, Devon, England	15 Oct 1922	Paddington, New South Wales, Australia	83
Uncle	John Edmund HOLLOWAY	abt 1832	Whittlesea, Cambridgeshire, England	07 Jul 1906	Paddington, New South Wales, Australia	74
Aunt	Emma Louisa ELWORTHY	14 Apr 1841	Exeter, Devon, England	1920	Waverley, New South Wales, Australia	79
Uncle	Philip DONALDSON	07 Oct 1837	Wakefield, Yorkshire, England
Aunt	Isabella Bowcher ELWORTHY	20 Oct 1842	Exeter, Devon, England	16 Jul 1921	Auckland, New Zealand	78
Uncle	Henry St.John MADDEN	30 Jun 1840	Rollands Plains, New South Wales, Australia	12 May 1922	Balfe's Creek, Queensland, Australia	81
Uncle	Charles Henry ELWORTHY	bef 06 Jun 1844	Exeter, Devon, England	20 Sep 1859	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	15
Aunt	Alice Mary ELWORTHY	1845	Exeter, Devon, England	14 Jan 1854	New South Wales, Australia	9
Aunt	Maria Elizabeth LARGE	abt 1837	Ireland	27 Jul 1899	Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia	62
Uncle	Charles Frederick SMITH	10 Nov 1834	Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia	21 Oct 1915	Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia	80
Uncle	William LARGE	1839	Ireland	06 Apr 1856	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	17
Uncle	John Seward LARGE	13 Mar 1842	Melbourne, Victoria, Australia	11 Sep 1923	Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia	81
Aunt	Emily Vine WHITE	1858	Bethungra, New South Wales, Australia	14 Mar 1935	Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia	77
Aunt	Marion LARGE	15 Jun 1842	Belfast, Co Antrim, Ireland	05 Aug 1919	Molong, New South Wales, Australia	77
Uncle	Henry Vale LEATHEM	05 May 1843	New South Wales, Australia	09 Jul 1879	Molong, New South Wales, Australia	36
Uncle	Godfrey Bace LARGE	1843	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	14 Nov 1862		19
Uncle	Richard William LARGE	abt 1844	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	16 Jul 1882	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	38
Aunt	Isabella Rhoda RATLIFF	26 Jan 1858	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	1924	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	66
Aunt	Cecilia LARGE	02 Oct 1848	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	14 Jun 1932	Forbes, New South Wales, Australia	83
Uncle	John JENKINS	1847	New South Wales, Australia	19 Sep 1872	Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia	25
Uncle	John Thomas WILLIAMSON	1850	Auckland, New Zealand	27 Nov 1905	Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia	55
Uncle	Thomas George LARGE	1850	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	1927	Granville, New South Wales, Australia	77
Aunt	Georgina Alice PLUNKETT	1862	Richmond, New South Wales, Australia	1936		74
Aunt	Maria Leonard LARGE	18 Jun 1852	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	25 Apr 1914	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	61
Uncle	John Stanley LOWE	1854
Aunt	Matilda Wrixon LARGE	1854	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	1933	Griffith, New South Wales, Australia	79
Uncle	Thomas Ascott BASSETT			04 Dec 1916	Hay, New South Wales, Australia
Aunt	Alice LARGE	21 Mar 1858	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	1924	Griffith, New South Wales, Australia	66
Uncle	William Henry GLOVER	1853	Co Cork, Ireland

Cousin	Adelaide Elizabeth (Ada) ELWORTHY	03 May 1868	Calliope, Queensland, Australia	08 Aug 1933	Brisbane, Queensland, Australia	65
Cousin	Ellen Augusta (Nellie) ELWORTHY	abt Oct 1869	Calliope, Queensland, Australia	06 Apr 1950	Brisbane, Queensland, Australia	80
Cousin	George Gregory Townsend ELWORTHY	abt Oct 1869	Calliope, Queensland, Australia	04 Oct 1929	Mt Perry, Queensland, Australia	60
Cousin	Alice May Mary Maud ELWORTHY	23 Aug 1872	Gladstone, Queensland, Australia	09 Nov 1957	Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia	85
Cousin	Charles Henry (Charlie) ELWORTHY	18 Nov 1874	Mt Perry, Queensland, Australia	30 Aug 1953	Mackay, Queensland, Australia	78
Cousin	Olivia Marion ELWORTHY	16 Dec 1879	Mt Perry, Queensland, Australia	15 Aug 1958	Bundaberg, Queensland, Australia	78
Cousin	Henry St.John (Harry) Boucher ELWORTHY	26 May 1882	Mt Perry, Queensland, Australia	09 Oct 1969	Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia	87
Cousin	Florence Louisa (Dolly) SIMMONDS	1861	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	01 Feb 1944	Mt Perry, Queensland, Australia	83
Cousin	Alfred William SIMMONDS	11 Jan 1864	Queensland, Australia	05 Mar 1897	Queensland, Australia	33
Cousin	Edmond Searle HOLLOWAY	20 Jan 1860	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	11 Apr 1860	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	0
Cousin	Martha Emma (Patty) HOLLOWAY	1861	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	1924	Lambton, New South Wales, Australia	63
Cousin	Charles Edmund HOLLOWAY	1864	Maitland, New South Wales, Australia	29 Sep 1935	Hamilton, New South Wales, Australia	71
Cousin	Alexander William HOLLOWAY	1866	Maitland, New South Wales, Australia	1930	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	64
Cousin	Helen HOLLOWAY	1868	Maitland, New South Wales, Australia	1868		0
Cousin	John Robert HOLLOWAY	1868	Cungewoi, New South Wales, Australia	11 Dec 1917	West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia	49
Cousin	Edith L HOLLOWAY	1869	Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
Cousin	George Elworthy HOLLOWAY	1870	Maitland, New South Wales, Australia	15 Mar 1872	Maitland, New South Wales, Australia	2
Cousin	James Sextus HOLLOWAY	01 Jul 1871	Maitland, New South Wales, Australia	24 Nov 1911	Ipswich, Queensland, Australia	40
Cousin	Grace HOLLOWAY	Apr 1873	Maitland, New South Wales, Australia	06 May 1873	Maitland, New South Wales, Australia	0
Cousin	Asenath Elworthy HOLLOWAY	1875	Maitland, New South Wales, Australia	1950	Auburn, New South Wales, Australia	75
Cousin	Harold Septimus Pierce HOLLOWAY	1877	Maitland, New South Wales, Australia	1885		8
Cousin	Nina Florence HOLLOWAY	1879	Maitland, New South Wales, Australia	1915	Newtown, New South Wales, Australia	36
Cousin	Elsie Maud HOLLOWAY	1881	West Maitland, New South Wales, Australia	1907	Newtown, New South Wales, Australia	26
Cousin	James George DONALDSON	15 Nov 1862	Murrurundi, New South Wales, Australia	1932	North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	70
Cousin	Emma R DONALDSON	1864	Murrurundi, New South Wales, Australia	1917	Paddington, New South Wales, Australia	53
Cousin	Robert Charles DONALDSON	1867	Murrurundi, New South Wales, Australia	1955	Boorowa, New South Wales, Australia	88
Cousin	Amelia Jeanetta (Et) DONALDSON	1869	Murrurundi, New South Wales, Australia	1954	Burwood, New South Wales, Australia	85
Cousin	Alice Mary DONALDSON	1870	Murrurundi, New South Wales, Australia	1923	Manly, New South Wales, Australia	53
Cousin	Philip A DONALDSON	1872	Murrurundi, New South Wales, Australia	1877	Gunnedah, New South Wales, Australia	5
Cousin	Ellen Annie DONALDSON	1875	Murrurundi, New South Wales, Australia	1875	Murrurundi, New South Wales, Australia	0
Cousin	William Knowles DONALDSON	1876	Murrurundi, New South Wales, Australia	1877	Gunnedah, New South Wales, Australia	1
Cousin	Leslie Sinclair DONALDSON	1879	Gunnedah, New South Wales, Australia	1947	Newtown, New South Wales, Australia	68
Cousin	Isabella Honora MADDEN	16 Jul 1860	Port Macquarie, New South Wales, Australia	05 Dec 1860	Surry Hills, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	0
Cousin	Henry St John MADDEN	12 Jun 1862	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	14 Apr 1863	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	0
Cousin	Adelaide Louisa MADDEN	28 Apr 1864	West Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia	1864	West Kempsey, New South Wales, Australia	0
Cousin	Alice Evelyn MADDEN	28 Dec 1866	Cape River, Queensland, Australia	05 Mar 1926	Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia	59
Cousin	Julian John Edward MADDEN	16 Jun 1869	Cape River, Queensland, Australia	25 Aug 1954	Ayr, Queensland, Australia	85
Cousin	Florence Amelia MADDEN	23 Mar 1873	Millchester, Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia	24 Oct 1929	Chilligoe, Queensland, Australia	56
Cousin	Lillian May MADDEN	27 Sep 1875	Millchester, Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia	28 Apr 1889	Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia	13
Cousin	Henry George MADDEN	09 Feb 1878	Millchester, Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia	03 Sep 1942	Brisbane, Queensland, Australia	64
Cousin	James MADDEN	11 Sep 1880	Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia	16 Sep 1880	Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia	0
Cousin	Ernest Charles MADDEN	29 Nov 1881	Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia	07 May 1928	Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia	46
Cousin	Ida Eleana MADDEN	05 Dec 1883	Millchester, Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia	14 Mar 1938	Townsville, Queensland, Australia	54
Cousin	Eva (Ivy) Rosina MADDEN	10 Apr 1887	Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia	10 Nov 1927	Auckland, New Zealand	40
Cousin	Mary Ann SMITH	1862	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	25 Jul 1948	Gadara, New South Wales, Australia	86
Cousin	Charles Frederick SMITH	1863	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	25 Oct 1874	Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia	11
Cousin	Godfrey William SMITH	1865	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	1942	Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia	77
Cousin	Philip Thomas SMITH	1866	Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia	1956	Ashfield, New South Wales, Australia	90
Cousin	Archer Broughton SMITH	1868	Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
Cousin	Ernest SMITH	31 May 1870	Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia	1940	Bulli, New South Wales, Australia	70
Cousin	Arthur Wrixon SMITH	1873	Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
Cousin	Mabel Edith SMITH	1874	Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
Cousin	Clarence Hamilton SMITH	1876	Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia	1962	Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia	86
Cousin	Fanny Clayton SMITH	1878	Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia	1902	Penrith, New South Wales, Australia	24
Cousin	Frederick SMITH	1879	Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia	1961	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	82
Cousin	William Seward LARGE	1887	Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia	1967	St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia	80
Cousin	Myra LARGE	1889	Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia
Cousin	Stephen Oscar LARGE	1891	Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia	1961	Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia	70
Cousin	Emmeline LARGE	1893	Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia
Cousin	John Jack (Juggler) LARGE	11 Jul 1895	Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia	20 Jul 1966	Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia	71
Cousin	Lillian (Lillie) LARGE	1900	Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia	1953	Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	53
Cousin	Reginald LARGE	1904	Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia	1982		78
Cousin	Alice Vale LEATHEM	1867	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	18 Apr 1947	Parkes, New South Wales, Australia	80
Cousin	Grace LEATHEM	1867	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	abt 1867	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	0
Cousin	Charles James Vale LEATHEM	1869	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	1936	Molong, New South Wales, Australia	67
Cousin	William Herbert LEATHEM	1870	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	27 Jun 1953	Blaney, New South Wales, Australia	83
Cousin	John (Jack) Henry Vale LEATHEM	1873	Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia	17 May 1924	Molong, New South Wales, Australia	51
Cousin	Helen Isabel (Nellie) LEATHEM	1875	Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia	1944	Coonamble, New South Wales, Australia	69
Cousin	Frederick Percy LEATHEM	11 Jan 1878	Molong, New South Wales, Australia	24 Mar 1953	Molong, New South Wales, Australia	75
Cousin	Richard William LARGE	May 1882	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	10 Jan 1967	Taree, New South Wales, Australia	84
Cousin	Frances Lillian JENKINS	1873	Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia	30 Nov 1890	Cootamundra, New South Wales, Australia	17
Cousin	Ethel Mary WILLIAMSON	1879	Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
Cousin	Gertrude Alice WILLIAMSON	1880	Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia	1957	Forbes, New South Wales, Australia	77
Cousin	Lillian Annie WILLIAMSON	1882	Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
Cousin	John Stanley WILLIAMSON	1883	Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
Cousin	Arthur Osmond WILLIAMSON	1885	Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
Cousin	Percy William WILLIAMSON	1888	Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia	1959	Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia	71
Cousin	Cecil Wrixon WILLIAMSON	1890	Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
Cousin	Norman Barre WILLIAMSON	1894	Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
Cousin	William Godfrey LARGE	1886	Junee, New South Wales, Australia	1958	Ashfield, New South Wales, Australia	72
Cousin	Frederick C Plunkett LARGE	1888	Junee, New South Wales, Australia	1959	Ashfield, New South Wales, Australia	71
Cousin	Cyril John LARGE	20 Dec 1893
Cousin	Edith Murial GLOVER	25 Mar 1894	Narrandera, New South Wales, Australia

Nephew	Charles Baldwin ELWORTHY	04 Oct 1887	Glebe, New South Wales, Australia
Nephew	Frederick Arthur ELWORTHY	31 Jan 1891	Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia	23 Jan 1967	Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia	75
Niece	Eileen Christian ELWORTHY	19 Oct 1892	Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia	10 Sep 1956	Canberra, ACT, Australia	63
Nephew	James Baker ELWORTHY	07 Jul 1894	Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia	01 May 1965	Balmain, New South Wales, Australia	70
Niece	Doris Henrietta (Dobbie) ELWORTHY	17 May 1896	Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia	21 Nov 1975	Gunnedah, New South Wales, Australia	79
Nephew	John Douglas ELWORTHY	15 Jun 1898	Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia	01 Mar 1942	Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia	43
Niece	Marion ELWORTHY	22 May 1919		Y
Niece	Edith ELWORTHY	27 Jun 1920		24 Sep 1940	North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia	20
Niece	Gladys ELWORTHY	12 Sep 1923	Grafton, New South Wales, Australia	Sep 1994		71
Niece	Betty ELWORTHY	26 May 1925		04 Dec 2005	Northbridge, New South Wales, Australia	80
Niece	Merlyn Edith ATTWATER	14 Jun 1901	Grafton, New South Wales, Australia	28 May 1989		87
Nephew	Leicester Charles Wrixon ATTWATER	10 Mar 1904	Grafton, New South Wales, Australia	14 Aug 1972	Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia	68

Sister in Law	Leah Christian ISAAC	15 Aug 1865	Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia	03 Feb 1930	Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia	64
Sister in Law	Marion Adelaide Alice SHROPSHIRE	14 Aug 1893	Hay, New South Wales, Australia	02 Jan 1990		96
Brother in Law	Charles Edward ATTWATER	1865	Grafton, New South Wales, Australia	1940	Grafton, New South Wales, Australia	75

Events in Ernest George ELWORTHY (1868 - 1931)'s life
Date	Age	Event	Place	Notes	Src
27 May 1868		Ernest George ELWORTHY was born	Tumut, New South Wales, Australia	17060/1868
03 Mar 1889	20	Death of father James Baker ELWORTHY (aged 55)	Gundagai, New South Wales, Australia	9866/1889	2
05 Jul 1915	47	Death of mother Henrietta Sophia Jane LARGE (aged 68)	Grafton, New South Wales, Australia	11474/1915	22
11 Apr 1931	62	Ernest George ELWORTHY died	Mosman, New South Wales, Australia	6725/1931

Personal Notes:

During 1914-18 war, Mr Elworthy filled the position of honorary Red Cross Commissioner in Egypt for two years, and was made a member of the Order of the British Empire.

Grafton and Mosman

Born at Tumut on 27 May 1868, James and Henrietta's second son was baptised Ernest George.
This was the last year of convict transportation. In the preceding 80 years 160,500 people had been sent to the colony, of these 24,700 were women. A team of Aboriginal cricketers - the first Australian team to make an overseas tour, played in England; Sydney's St Andrew's Cathedral was consecrated and opened and the first Christian Brothers arrived in Melbourne; my great-grandmother's neighbour
Maria Smith, propagated a unique apple, the soon-to-be-famous Granny Smith.
Ernest's initial education was at Gundagai and Wagga, then as a boarder at Sydney Church of England Grammar School when it was located at Church Hill and had only 97 pupils.
Ernest was a high achiever gaining prizes in a variety of academic subjects, sports and music. Fees were paid in advance and the senior boarders were charged 18 guineas per quarter - with an extra guinea for the laundress and five shillings for 'church sitting'.
The school boarding house was at Snail Bay where the boys had full use of the cricket ground and swimming baths. Health was very important ... "unless barred by infirmity, every boy goes through the Physical Education Curriculum." An extra 7/6 per quarter was charged for the privilege plus another 5/- for stationery and school needs such as exercise books, examination paper and pencils.
Music was three, four or six guineas extra, depending on the teacher. If parents wished to withdraw their son from the school a quarter's notice was required or a half-quarter's fee paid in lieu.
The prize list for 1884 when he was 16, shows Ernest took out seven first prizes for Grammar and Composition; Geography; Commercial Arithmetic (Division 1); Writing; Shorthand; Book-keeping; and British History.
He did well on the sporting field too, in that same year winning the high jump and hurdle race as well as coming second in the 100 yard champion race. Ernest was the ONLY boy awarded a music prize in 1884.
The Principal's Report for Christmas 1884 said, in part, "The year which is just drawing to a close has been characterised by hard work and steady improvement on the part of the pupils. At the November Civil Service examinations, six boys were sent up, five of whom - E Elworthy, C Morgan, G Eames, M Olson and H Dance passed. At the Junior Examination four were sent up, three of whom McIntosh,
Elworthy and Olsen passed". The report goes on to say that businessmen often complain that boys intended for commercial life are not satisfactorily trained to perform the duties required of them, but that the curriculum of the school's commercial department was designed to remove the cause of this.
Thorough tests were set by leading businessmen of the day and the examination was conscientiously conducted.
"Eight candidates were sent up but, partly in consequence of the papers embracing a much wider range of work than those of last year, I regret to say that all failed - except Ernest Elworthy."
It is interesting that Ernest studied shorthand - perhaps an indication he intended to join his father on the "Gundagai Times". Instead he went into the Australian Joint Stock Bank where he quickly rose to managerial status.
In 1889, aged only 22, he was appointed manager of the branch at Byrock, a small town northwest of Nyngan. Later he held similar positions at Bourke and Grafton. Records show that Ernest was still at Byrock in 1893 and was also secretary of the Jockey Club.
The year 1899 saw him as manager at Grafton and when his sister Edith wed a local dentist, Charles Attwater at Christ Church Cathedral in April 1900, Ernest gave away the bride and held the reception at his home.
In 1905 he resigned from the bank, forming a partnership with Joseph Spencer in the firm Gerard & Co, general merchants, who conducted operations at both Grafton and South Grafton.
When war was declared, Ernest was anxious to do his bit and at the end of 1915, applied to the military authorities for a posting. He was then 47 and sadly, they declined his offer.
Nothing daunted, Ernest then offered his services to the Red Cross. He presented his letters of introduction on 19 April 1916 and from a large number of applicants, was duly accepted as their Representative. Files of the Red Cross are marked "appears to be the right kind of man", and later "a well known New South Wales gentleman and has the highest testimonials". High praise indeed!
The Gundagai Times of 28 April 1916 quotes Ernest "I take my appointment seriously, and feeling that it is my duty to do what I am able to do for the Empire, I am prepared to serve the Red Cross and our brave Australian soldiers wherever I am sent, be it Egypt, France or any other country, while the war lasts." Travelling to Melbourne, he embarked on the "Karoola" and sailed on 25 May en route to Egypt, arriving on 20 June 1916. He was placed in charge of the Australian Red Cross Society's Cairo Store.
Located in comparative comfort at Shepheard's Hotel in Cairo, Ernest (with other personnel) was responsible for the distribution of comforts such as biscuits, chocolate, fruit, garments and blankets to Australian servicemen.
Ernest "served admirably" in this post until 09 Oct 1916 when he was appointed Assistant Commissioner of the Australian Red Cross Contingent in Egypt. This quite senior administrative position entailed frequent communication with Lady Helen Munro Ferguson, wife of the Governor-General and President of the Australian Branch of the Red Cross.
On 27 Dec 1916, Ernest cabled Lady Helen: "Due business partner's sudden death, necessitate returning Australia earliest opportunity" and sailed from Egypt aboard the "Euripedes" on 21 Jan 1917.
Although much briefer than had been anticipated, this voluntary service was apparently well appreciated. On 19 March 1918, the Gundagai Times proudly declared:
"Amongst the honours approved of by His Majesty the King is the appointment of Mr Ernest George Elworthy as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in recognition ofhis service as Red Cross Commissioner."
Following Mr Spencer's death Ernest carried on the two businesses for some time but finally sold the store in Grafton to Cummins & Hannigan who in tum were absorbed by Lipman Bros. However he continued the South Grafton business trading as Noel Russell & Co, under the managership of Mr Russell.
Ernest obviously thought a good deal of Mr Russell as his will decreed that first offer of purchase of the store, payable over three years, be made to Noel Russell. If not purchased by him, then the store was to be sold as a going concern with half the proceeds divided between Arthur's children (Fred, Eileen, Jim, Doris and Jack) and the other half held in trust for Alice Elworthy for education and maintenance
of her little daughters. This will was made in May 1928, just two weeks after the death of Alice's husband Harold. As well as brother Arthur from Gundagai and Harold's widow, Ernest also appointed Mr Russell an executor of his estate.
The Great Depression was not yet in full swing but it was a difficult time to be selling a business. Aletter dated 24 Oct 1931 from Sargood Gardiner Ltd stated:
"We say unhesitatingly that if the business under review was placed on the market for sale at the present time, it would be practically impossible to interest buyers, unless a very substantial discount was allowed on stock and a very moderate value placed on the working plant, fixtures and fittings." There were also
many outstanding small debtors.
From a nett estate of more than 12 thousand pounds Ernest made a number of bequests, including 1000 pounds to his cousin Lil Stuart (nee Williamson) and between one and two hundred pounds to various nieces, nephews and godchildren.
Noel Russell & Co employed 26 people and Ernest also left legacies to all employees who had been with the firm for seven years. After his death, the Daily Examiner said he 'enjoyed the esteem and respect of the whole of his employees to an extraordinary degree and it was generally recognised that as an employer, he had few equals'.
Like other members of his family, Ernest had wide ranging interests. He took an active interest in anything to do with the advancement of the district and generously supported any worthy public movement. Actively associated with the Chamber of Commerce and other public bodies, he also keenly promoted many of the district's sporting activities.
Horseracing was his special interest. For a long period he was on the committee of the Clarence River Jockey Club and its president for a number of years. As a tribute to him the Club named the principal race of the July annual carnival "The Elworthy Handicap". During the rest of his life Ernest never missed attending the carnival. He was also a trustee of Grafton Racecourse.
Ernest was a director of the Grafton Daily Examiner which advocated policies to enhance the district's progress, and also president of the Grafton Club. He was a prominent member of the local Golf Club - the Elworthy Trophy for the Grafton Golf Club Associates was donated by him.
By 1921 he had left the town and was living at Clifton Gardens Hotel at Mosman, although he visited Grafton often for business meetings and sporting functions. In Sydney Ernest had numerous business interests and directorships including that of Permewan Wright & Co.
On the afternoon of 11 April 1931 he attended his beloved races at Randwick and appeared to be in his usual good health. Soon after midnight he died from a coronary thrombosis.
The funeral two days later was conducted by an old friend of the Elworthys, the Rev Moseley, once rector at Gundagai and who, 23 years before had also conduded the funeral service of Ernest's brother Billy Elworthy in London.
His brother Arthur, cousins Percy Williamson, Frank Howes and brother-in-law Charles Attwater were pall-bearers at his funeral at Northern Suburbs Cemetery.
As well as Ernest's many friends and relatives, the list of mourners at the burial read like a "Who's Who" of the Sydney business world and also included judges, members of Parliament, eminent public servants, doctors and insurance brokers.
Through his medical practice and as a politician, Leader of the Country Party, Sir Earle Page, who later became Prime Minister of Australia, had been closely associated with Ernest for more than 30 years in public movements and he too expressed his deep sense of loss.
Perhaps though, the tribute which most sincerely showed the esteem in which Ernest was held by the residents of Grafton was the closing of their premises by members of the Grafton and South Grafton Retailers Association during the time of Ernest's funeral.
"His broad views, genial nature, universal kindness and open-handed generosity won him many friends who will feel his passing greatly."

From SMH 21 April 1916 " FOR EGYPT
ASSISTANT RED GROSS
COMMISSIONER.

MR. ELWORTHY'S APPOINTMENT

Yesterday a telegram was received from Melbourne confirming the selection of Mr. Ernest George Elworthy by the council of the Australian branch of the Red Cross Society as one of the honorary assistant commissioners in the East.

Born at Tumut, Mr. Elworthy is the third son of the late James Barker Elworthy, of Gundagai. Educated at St. Philip's Grammar School, Church Hill, Sydney, he entered the service of the Australian Joint Stock Bank, and at the ago of 22 was appointed manager of the branch at Byrock, afterwards filling similar positions at Bourke and Grafton. An association of 10 years with the A.J.S. Bank terminated when Mr. Elworthy resigned 11 years ago and joined Mr. Joseph Spencer as a partner In the firm of Gerard and Co., merchants, Glutton and South Grafton. The firm is still carried on as Gerard and Co. Apart from his activities as a business man, Mr. Elworthy is president of the Clarence River Jockey Club and president of the social club in Grafton. He is unmarried.

The new assistant Red Cross Commissioner, who is on a visit to Sydney, stated yesterday that in his desire to serve the Empire he sent in an application to" the military au- thorities six months ago. Not being success- ful in that direction, he offered his voluntary services to tho Red Cross Society. Mr. El- worthy, who returns to Grafton next week to fix up his business affairs, hopes to be ready to start for the East early in May.. "I take my appointment seriously," he said yester- day, "and feeling that it is my duty to do what I am able to do for the Empire. I am prepared to serve the Red Cross Society and our brave Australian soldiers wherever I am sent, be it Egypt, France, or any other country while the war lasts." "

Obit from SMH 14 Apr 1931 " MR. E. G. ELWORTHY.

Mr. Ernest George Elworthy, O.B.E., who died suddenly at Mosman on Saturday even- ing In his 64th year, was a resident of Grafton for many years.

Born at Tumut Mr Elworthy was the third son of the late Mr and Mis J B Elworthy of Gundagai He entered the service of the Australian Joint Stock Bank, and at the age of 21 years was appointed to the management of the blanch at Byrock Later he was pro- moted to Bourke and Grafton Mr Elworthy left the service of the bank at Grafton and entered into partnership with the late Mr Spencer, and they carried on business as general merchants. At Grafton he was presi- dent of the Clarence Jockey Club, and presi- dent of the Grafton Club. He was a director of the "Daily Examiner," Grafton.

During the war Mr Elworthy filled the position of honorary Red Cross Commissioner in Egypt for two years, and was made a member of the Order of the British Empire. For the last 10 years he had resided at the Clifton Gardens Hotel. He was unmarried. Two brothers and his only sister pre-deceased him, and the remaining brother, Mr Arthur El- worthy, is the proprietor of the ' Gundagai Times " which was established by his father 70 years ago.

The funeral took place yesterday afternoon from Wood Coffill's funeral parlours, North Sydney to the Northern Suburbs Cemetery, where the burial service was read by the Rev A C Mosley, of the Church of England

The chief mourners were Mr Arthur Elworthy (brother), Mr P W Williamson (cousin), Mr F Housi (cousin), and Mr E E Attwater (brother-in-law)

Others present were -Mr E B Harkness (Under- secretary, Chief Secretary s Department) Judge Sheridan Messrs R T McKay (Sydney Harbour Trust) Branthwaite Clarke nnd W E ChadwicK (Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Co Ltd) J H Gosling (Central Insurance Co , Ltd ) Bruce Mackenzie (Royal Empire Society), A W Wedderburn (Sydney Ferries Ltd ) Dr O R P Muller Dr O Dietholm Messrs F F Crouch A C Crouch G A Den- ning A J Devenish Meares S E Stoning, G S Sterling C E Barnes W H Mackenzie J H S Angus S Henry M L A, F Q Underwood W S Douglass E T Blaxland F W C Mann, H J Brown Marshall Jones A J Peisley Stanley George Q H Booth A P Penman J A Mackenzie, Dr Sinclair Messrs R H Newman P Heath Q McGlll A C Chandler H H Attwater F Trauton D M Terry, W R Doyle G Booth and W 0Macansh"

Source References:

2. Type: Book, Abbr: Devon to Down Under, Title: Devon to Down Under, Auth: Bettie Elworthy, Publ: Bookbound, Date: 1997

- Reference = 114, 184-187 (Name, Notes)

Created on a Mac™ using iFamily for Mac™ on 2 May 2025