Walter Edgar 1815-1896

Walter Edgar, born 11 January 1815 at Moffat and baptised 20.1.1815 in Raecleugh. Arrived at Port Phillip in the sailing ship "Ivanhoe" in September 1853, after a voyage of three months from Glasgow (15 June 1853). He proceeded with his family to Portland and from there travelled to Pine Hills Station, the property of his brother David Edgar, by bullock dray. Until 1874, when he selected Woodacres, Walter Edgar managed his brother's properties, Bogalara, Tallangour, Kadnook and Mullagh. He married on 31 October 1845, Grace Murray Williamson, who was born at Glenorcher, Lanarkshire, Scotland on 11 September 1826. She died at Woodacres 24 November 1918, aged 92 years. Walter Edgar died at Woodacres, 3 February 1896 when aged 81 years (see page titled Grace Murray Williamson for more information about Mrs Walter Edgar).

They had issue five sons and six daughters.

THE EDGAR FAMILY OF WOODACRES[1]

Walter Edgar, the founder of this Australian branch of the Edgar family, was born at Harthope, Moffat, Scotland on 12th January 1815. He arrived at Port Phillip with his wife and three children from Glasgow in the sailing ship "Ivanhoe" in September 1853, the voyage having accupied three months. Shortly after his arrival Walter Edgar proceeded with his family to Portland, and then travelled to Pine Hills by bullock dray, where his brother David, who had arrived in 1838, had acquired Mullagh Station, adjoining Pine Hills, also Bogalara, Tallangour and Kadnook and Walter Edgar was manager of these stations at various times until 1874, when he selected Woodacres, which is still in the hands of the Edgar family and adjoins Cuyuac, the home of R H Edgar.

Walter Edgar married Grace Murray Williamson, who was born at Glenocher, Lanarkshire, Scotland, on 11th September 1826. She died at Woodacres on 24th November 1918 at the age of 92. Walter Edgar died at Woodacres on 3rd February 1896 at the age of 81 years, having had issue:-

1 John Edgar, born Annamullah,Beauly, Inverness, Scotland, 17th February 1847. Arrived Port Phillip with his parents 1853. Educated Mr Hawkins' private school, Portland. Engaged in pastoral pursuits Mullagh. At the age of 19 went to Western Australia with McKenzie Grant (brother-in-law) and purchased deGrey Station, over one million acres; afterwards bought an interest in Cherrita Station Western Australia. 120,000 acreas, carrying 20,000 sheep. Later acquired an interest in Cheriton Estate, Gin Gin Western Australia, 20,000 acres. Appointed JP in 1883. Died at Perth 28th September 1897. Unmarried.

2. Jane Hunter Edgar (Deceased) married McKenzie Grant of deGrey Station Western Australia and had issue six sons and one daughter.

3. Isabella Aitcheson Edgar, born Annamullah Beauly, Scotland. married 9.4.1884 Alexander McArthur of Chetwynd Victoria and later of Ashburton New Zealand. She died at Christchurch New Zealand 5.9.1917, aged 66, without issue.

4. Mary Georgina Williamson Edgar, born Pine Hills, Harrow Victoria. Died Woodacres 14.7.1927, aged 74. Unmarried.

5. Alexander Williamson Edgar born Mullagh Station, near Harrow, Victoria 16.10.1856. Educated Mr Hawkins' private school, Portland. Gained pastoral experience at Tallangour, Kadnook and Woodacres. Went to Western Australia when 21 years of age as jackeroo and later manager of the deGrey Station, partly owned by his brother John and McKenzie Grant and in which he later became the largest shareholder. In 1899 he purchased the Strathalbyn property, 2500 acres, 50 miles from Perth, Western Australia where he settled and established studs of Shorthorn cattle, Merino, Shropshire and English Leicester sheep. Many years President of the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia. His other properties in Western Australia were Glencoe, 9000 acres; West Point and Glentromie, 15,000 acres, near New Norcia, the latter being one of the oldest settled stations in Western Australia. married Myra Bateman of Fremantle Western Australia. He died 11.11.1927 having had issue:-

Douglas Waldene Edgar, born deGrey Station, Western Australia 29.9.1895. Educated Scotch College, Claremont Western Australia. On outbreak of the Great War enlisted in the Field Artillery AIF and served for the duration of the war. Engaged in pastoral pursuits on the family properties in Western Australia. married Charlotte Marchjorie Tickell. Has issue three daughters, Patricia Mary, Grace Elizabeth and Suzanne Jessie.

Alexander Bateman Edgar, born Est Perth, Western Australia 10.10.1898. Educated Scotch College Western Australia and St Peter's College South Australia. Followed pastoral pursuits. Enlisted for service in the Great War; demobilised December 1918. Three years' experience in various steel works, USA and Canada. Returned to Aaustralia 1921 and engaged in pastoral pursuits at Gin Gin Western Australia. married in February 1923 Marchie Kathleen, daughter of Robert Piper, Tamworth New South Wales and Amy (nee Von Bibra). Has issue two sons Ronald Piper, born 12.10.1924 and Alexander Murray born 23.12.1933 and one daughter Shiela Mary.

Ian Murray Edgar, born Perth Western Australia 25.6.1901. Educated St Peter's College, Adelaide. Followed pastoral career at father's Strathalbyn Station, Western Australia; on latter's death took over the property, where he is engaged in sheep and cattle breeding. married Thelma, eldest daughter of the late F Cairns-Hill of Perth Western Australia. Has issue two daughters Robin and Joan Williamson.

Grace Edgar, born Roebourne Western Australia. married P H Harper. Died Perth Western Australia 26.9.1928, leaving issue two daughters, Alison Grace and Jean Fanny.

Mary Edgar, born Perth Western Australia. married P H Harper, grazier. Has issue one daughter, Judith Mary Harper.

6. Walter Edgar, born Mullagh, Harrow Victoria, 13.5.1859. Resided at Woodacres with his parents, until his death on 15.2.1929. Unmarried.

7. Jessie Williamson Edgar, born Mullagh, Harrow, Vic. married Roderick Mathieson, whoSeptemberarents came from Campbelltown, Argyllshire, Scotland. Roderick Mathieson was owner of Riverton Western Australia and later purchased Glengarry, Casterton. He died in 1910 without issue.

8. David James Edgar, born Kadnook, Harrow Victoria 23.8.1863. Educated Hamilton Academy. On his way to join his brothers at deGrey Station, north-west coast of Western Australia., was lost in the ship "Aerial" which foundered in a storm between Cossack and Roebourne with all hands. Unmarried.

9. Elizabeth Catherine Grace Edgar, born Pine Hills, Harrow, Vic. married Alexander Gordon Stewart of Lyne Stations, Hamilton and has issue two sons and one daughter.

10.1Agnes Christina Edgar, born Bogolara, near Casterton, Vic. Resided with parents at Woodacres during their lifetime. Now resides Edgarley, Casterton."

11. Robert Hamilton Edgar, born Tallangour Estate, Victoria, 26.6.1872. Educated Hamilton and W D College. Followed pastoral pursuits on his father's property Woodacres over 20 years, then purchased Cuyuac, near Nareen, remaining there 15 years, subsequently acquiring Chetwynd Estate from A Johnson, and carries on the two latter properties at the present time. married Eliza May, daughter of William Moodie, at one time owner of Wando Dale Station, Coleraine, Victoria and Panjee and Mount Margaret Stations New South Wales and has issue:-

Keith William Edgar, born Casterton 25.12.1908. Educated Hamilton and W D College and Geelong College. Engaged in pastoral pursuits on his father's properties, Cuyuac and Chetwynd.

(A) John Edgar, born 17 February 1847 at Beauly, Inverness, Scotland. Educated at Mr Hawkin's Private School, Portland. Engaged in pastoral pursuits at Mullagh. When 19 years of age went to Western Australia with his brother-in-law, McKenzie Grant and purchased de Grey Station, over 1,000,000 acres; afterwards acquired Cherrita Station, Western Australia., 120,000 acres, carrying 20,000 sheep. Later he bought an interest in the Cherriton Estate, Gin Gin, Western Australia., 20,000 acres. Appointed a J.P. in 1883. Died 28 Dep 1897 at Perth, unmarried.

(B) Jane Hunter Edgar, born 29 March 1849, died 21 October 1933. married on 17 June 1875, McKenzie Grant of Newmanacana Station, Gerladton and de Grey Station, Western Australia. They had issue six sons and one daughter.

(1) Walter McKenzie Grant, born 1876

(2) David Edgar Grant, born 1877. Died 1879

(3) David Edgar Grant, born 1879

(4) John Gordon Grant born 1881

(5) Craigellachie Murray Grant born 1883. Died 1900

(6) Margaret Jane Edgar born 1885. Died 1887

(7) Alexander Edwin Grant born 1887

(C) Isabella Aitcheson Edgar, born 25 September 1851 at Annamullah Bay, Beauly, Scotland. married on 9 April 1884, Alexander McArthur of Chetwynd, Vic and afterwards of Ashburton, New Zealand. She died, without issue, on 5 September 1917 at Christchurch, New Zealand

(D) Mary Georgina Williamson Edgar, born 25 November 1853, at Pine Hills Station. Died 14 July 1927 at Woodacres Station. unmarried

(E) Alexander Williamson Edgar, born 16 November 1856, at Mullagh Station. Educated at Mr Hawkin's School, Portland. Had pastoral experience at Tallangour, Kadnook and Woodacres before going to Western Australia at the age of 21 years as a jackeroo. Became Manager of de Grey Station in which he became subsequently the largest shareholder. He purchased the Strathalbyn Estate of 2,500 acres, 50 miles out of Perth, in 1899. There he settled and established studs of Shorthorn Cattle, Merino and English Leicester Sheep. For many years he was President of the Royal Agricultural Society of Western Australia. He acquired other properties in the West: Glencoe, 9,000 acres; West point and Glentromie, 15,000 acres, near New Norcia, the latter being one of the oldest settled stations in the State. He married 23 July 1890, Myra Bateman of Fremantle. he died 11 November 1927.

They had issue four sons and three daughters.

(1) Alexander de Grey Edgar, born 28 June 1891. Twin of Grace. Died when aged 6 months.

(2) Grace Edgar, born 28 June 1891. Twin of Alexander, died at birth

(3) Grace Williamson Edgar, born 10 December 1893, at Roebourne, Western Australia. married Prescott H. Harper of Guildford, Western Australia. She died 26 September 1928, leaving issue two daughters.

(4)Douglas Waldene Edgar, born 29 September 1895 at de Grey Station. Educated at Scotch College, Claremont, Western Australia. Enlisted and served in the Field Artillery for the duration of the Great War. Is now engaged in the management of the extensice family pastoral interests. he married Marchjorie Tickell of Perth and had issue three daughters.

Snippets forwarded by Ian and Jan Howell of Western Australia, on 12 January 1987 about their ancestors:

Douglas was one of the first farmers to introduce sub clover to the district. Was a member of the Victoria Plains Land Board, an exhibitor in local shows and a cattle judge. He was a Royal Agricultural Society councillor for a number of years and a Justice of the Peace. Sold "Glentromie" about 1955 and retired to live in Nedlands, Perth, Western Australia.

married Charlotte Marchjorie Tickell (born 11 September 1895 at Caulfied, Vic, daughter of Windsor Tickell and Susannah Hallows, died 9 October 1985 at Claremont, Western Australia), on 26 April 1922 at Fremantle, Western Australia. Died 12 July 1966, Nedlands, Western Australia. Had issue three daughters:

(i) Patricia Mary Edgar, born 13 December 1923 at Fremantle, Western Australia. married Robert Theodore Ingham on 13 February 1948 at West Perth, Western Australia. Nurse. Issue one son and two daughters

(ii) Grace Elizabeth Edgar, born 20 August 1926 at Fremantle, Western Australia. married Cecil Barrington on 4 May 1948 at Mt Lawly, Western Australia. Issue one son and two daughters (one of whom is the writer of this piece of history: Janice Anne Edgar born 6 September 1949 at Subiaco, Western Australia. and who married Ian Arthur Howell on 15 December 1972; they have two sons). Ian and January have included additional details of the families of Douglas Waldene Edgar and if we Decemberide to go ahead with those generations - check it out.

(iii) Suzanne Jessie Edgar, born 8 August 1931 at Fremantle, Western Australia. married Michael Brooksby Crabbe on 26 November 1955 at Nedlands, Western Australia. Librarian. Issue two daughters.

(5) Alexander Bateman Edgar, born 10 October 1898 at East Perth. Educated at Scotch College and at St Peter's College, Adelaide. Pastoralist at Gin Gin, Western Australia., since 1921. Served in the Great War. had experience in various steel works in Canada and the USA 1918-21. married in February 1923, Marchie Kathleen Piper of Tamworth, New South Wales. They had issue two sons and a daughter.

(6) Ian Murray Edgar, born 25 June 1901 at Perth. Educated St Peter's College, Adelaide. Pastoralist on his father's Strathalbyn Estate, of which he is now the owner. married Thelma Cairns-Hill of Perth. They had issue two daughters.

(see Edgar family recollections elsewhere in this manuscript)

(7) Mary Alison Edgar, born 18 August 1905 at Perth. married on 21 April 1932, her Deceased sister's widower. Prescott H. Harper, grazier. They had issue a son and two daughters.

(F) Walter Edgar, born 13 May 1859, at Mullagh Station, Vic. Resided at Woodacres with his parents until his death on 15 February 1929, unmarried.

(G) Jessie Williamson Edgar, born 10 June 1861 at Mullagh Station. married on 30 December 1891, Roderick Mathieson of Campbelltown, Argyll, Scotland. Roderick was the owner of Riverton Estate, Western Australia, and later bought Glengarry, Casterton, Vic. he died in 1910. no issue.

(H) David James Edgar, born 23 August 1863, at Kadnook Station, Vic. Educated Hamilton Academy. Was lost on 6 February 1883 in the ship "Aerial" which foundered with all hands in a storm between Cossack and Roebourne, when on his way to de Grey Station, North Western Australia. unmarried.

(I) Elizabeth Catherine Grace Edgar, born 14 May 1866, at Pine Hills Station. married 30 October 1895, Alexander Gordon Stewart, of Lyne Station, Hamilton and had issue two sons

(1) Walter Edgar Stewart, married Dulce Murch of Hamilton

(2) William Gordon Edgar Stewart, married Jean Finlay Fraser of Hamilton

(J) Agnes Christina Edgar, born 6 November 1868 at Bogalara, near Casterton, Vic. resided with parents at Woodacres, then at Edgarley, Casterton.

(K) Robert Halbert Edgar, born 26 June 1872 at Tallangour Estate, Vic. Educated at Hamilton and Western District College. Pastoralist at Woodacres for over 20 years, then bought Cuyuac, near Nareen, remaining there for 15 years before acquiring the Chetwynd Estate, from A. Johnson. Both properties are carried on by him at the present time. He married on 19 December 1907, Eliza May Moodie. They had issue one son.

(1) Keith William Edgar, born 25 December 1908 at Casterton, Vic. Educated at Hamilton and the Western District College, and at Geelong College. Pastoralist at Cuyuac and Chetwynd.

[1]The Pioneer Families of Victoria (page 180)