The Society of Edgar Families

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The Society of Edgar families was founded in Melbourne Australia on 24th February 1937.  The society had two main objectives:

1. To promote and encourage the study of the history Edgar family
2. To make permanent records of all data collected by members

Sadly the society of Edgar families is no longer with us, but one thing that they have left behind for us all is their newsletters, these newsletters are nothing short of a goldmine for those interested in Edgar family history.

The following News Letters were kindly transcribed by Maggie Tucker, Australia (An Edgar descendant). We owe Maggie a massive "thank you" for taking the time and effort to make these newsletters available to us all.

News Letter Number One
Society of Edgar Families
Melbourne, Australia

EDITORIAL
"The Society of Edgar families was formed not only with a view to the investigation and 'vetting' of the pedigree of the various Edgar families but also in order that the results of the researches carried out by the Society, or upon its behalf, should become available to the members and associates in permanent form.

In the period since the Inaugural Meeting in February, 1937, a great deal of data has accumulated. The task of sorting and editing this material has been a considerable one, yet worthwhile because of the interest which so many of us take in the history of the Edgars. The Executive Council of the Society has always kept in mind the fact that it is important that all members should have access to this collection of records. The records of particular branches of the Edgar family will often be of interest to members of other branches because, in some cases, a common origin may be established by an exchange of information.

If it becomes possible to publish more of the material now available, it is certain that many valuable clues indicating the connections between the various Edgar families will be brought to the notice of those who can best make use of them. It will then be open to all our members to take part in the fascinating task of establishing with certainty from whence their families came and with whom they can claim kinship.

The records of the family of Edgar formerly settled at Moffat, in Dumfries-shire Scotland, are made available in this, the first issue of the Newsletter.

Members will see, from a perusal of this genealogy, what can be done to reconstruct the history of any family. Several of these Edgars have contributed the information which has enable the Society to prepare this history of the family and they have thus secured the preservation of many interesting facts for all time. Their industry and co-operation should inspire us to follow a fine example. We may all set out, as some others are already doing, to collect the necessary facts which will enable us to construct our own family histories on similar sound lines."

NEW MEMBERS
Since the last General Meeting we have been pleased to welcome the following supporters:

Members: Mr AD Edgar, Dunedin, NZ; Mrs SL Officer, Toorak, Vic

Associates: Mrs James Daly, Harrow Vic; Miss Agnes C Edgar, Casterton Vic; Mrs H Hobbs, Horsham Vic; Mrs WA Harris, North Canterbury NZ; Mrs AG Stewart, Hamilton Vic; Mrs JH Soper, Lawrence NZ; Dr RW Edgar, Port Chalmers NZ; Mrs WN Taylor, Cromwell NZ; Mrs Robert Mackie, Gore NZ; Mrs AJ Neil, North Invercargill NZ; Mrs EC Edwards, Casterton Vic; Mrs Margaret Preston, Temora NSW; Mrs C Orr, Lake Cargelligo NSW; Mrs Hugh Howat, Dunedin NZ; Mrs Agnes Edgar, Tatanur NZ; Mrs DE Calvert, Harrow Vic

All our Members and Associates can assist the growth of the Society by persuading as many members of their families as possible to join. In this way the Society will become more truly representative of the Edgar families and will rapidly reach a position where it can undertake the compilation and publication of other Edgar family histories and will be enabled also to carry out much necessary research work among public records, especially among those located in Scotland.

News Letter: Members and Associates will receive free copies of all publications which may be issued by the Society from time to time. They will be kept in touch with the operations of the Society by means of the News Letter to be published quarterly from January next. Financial considerations must, of course, govern the size of the News Letter but it is felt that with a lengthening list of subscribers such as we enjoy at present this periodical can become all that could be desired.

All those interested are cordially invited to make use of the opportunity provided by the News Letter to contribute item of "Edgarana" (to coin a description) for use in the sections for Notes and Queries. The Editor will always be pleased to receive any appropriate short article for treatment as a feature of a particular issue.

Notices of Birth, Marriages and Death, is sent for inclusion, will serve to enable relatives to keep the family history up to date and at the same time provide a worth-while permanent record.

Subscriptions: For the convenience of those who may wish to interest others in the work being carried on by the Society of Edgar Families the very reasonable rates of subscription are set out below.

All those who bear the surname of Edgar, or who are married to an Edgar, or who have any Edgar blood, are eligible for either class of membership.

Persons resident at a distance of more than 30 miles from Melbourne may be Members of Associates according to choice. Only Members may vote at Meetings. Associates enjoy all other privileges.

Notes
The Edgar family, of Moffat, records appended hereto are very extensive, embracing as they do a period of about 200 years. Few Australian families have so many members scattered so widely and few are blessed with the longevity which seems to be their special inheritance.

As has been noted elsewhere, the Moffat Edgars are from Troloss, in Nithsdale and cannot be traced earlier than about 1710. Further research may quite well lead to the construction of a more lengthy pedigree. This is a task which the Society hopes to be accorded sufficient support to undertake in the immediate future.

Perhaps some members of the family will be disappointed to know that the Moffat Edgars, so far as can be established at present, have no right to a coat of arms (which, of course, includes a crest). There is nothing which connects the family to other families of the name in Nithsdale or, more distantly, to the Edgar Lairds of Wedderlie, in Berwickshire.

Voyaging: Mr William H Edgar, our Vice President, who, with Mrs Edgar left Melbourne in May last on a tour of Great Britain, has written some enthusiastic letters describing his stay in the Edgar country in the Scottish Lowlands. One of the main purposed of the visit he paid to Scotland was that he might undertake research on behalf of the Society. Mr Edgar has collected many monumental inscriptions and has abstracted entries from local records which will extend our knowledge of various families of the name.

At the invitation of Lady Hersey Baird, Mr and Mrs Edgar, with Lt Col J M Edgar and his wife (the Colonel was one of the three founders of this Society) visited Wedderlie, the ancestral home of the Edgars, which still stands near Westruther, Berwickshire. A ramble through the old house, occupied since 1736 by the Lords Blantyre and their connections, was full of interest for the party. The old stone seat high up in a 14^th century tower upon which the Edgars sat, suitably armed, to guard their cattle from marauders is still to be seen. The tree from which those guilty of cattle thefts were hanged was pointed out. The house, which boasts a ghost known as the Green Lady, has been much altered in the last two hundred years but most of its more ancient features are still discernable. The coat of arms of the former Lairds can be faintly traced upon one wall.

Mr Edgar located two Edgar monuments in Westruther Churchyard and was able to gain access to the Church at Bassendean now owned privately, which is partly ruined but interesting because of old associations with the Edgars.

Before he leaves Great Britain in October our Vice President will have visited the former homes of the Edgars of Keithock, Peffermyln, Newtoun, and Auchingrammont and will have spent much time in Nithsdale in search of information likely to be helpful to the Society. He will bring back photographs illustrating his interesting tour.

Canadian Experiences: Lt Col J M Edgar who is, as has just been mentioned, also abroad was, while in Canada, the guest of Professor Pelham Edgar of Toronto University. Professor Edgar is a son of the late Sir James Edgar KCMG, the Canadian Statesman, and is an uncle of the present head of the Edgar family formerly Lairds of Keithock. It was to this family that Henry Stewart, Cardinal York early last century, remembering the long service of James Edgar of Keithock as Secretary to his father, the Old Pretender, left a valuable collection of miniatures and other Steward relics. Lt Col Edgar was shown many of these heirlooms while in Toronto and also took the opportunity of inspecting the book concerning the extraordinary adventures of Secretary James Edgar, upon which Lady Edgar, the Professor's mother, was engaged at the time of her death in 1910. For the purposes of this work Lady Edgar secured special permission to examine and copy the letters of James Edgar in the king's Library at Windsor. She was an experienced writer on historical subjects and it is deplorable that the work upon which she laboured so patiently and long is still unpublished although it lacks only the concluding chapters originally planned by the author.

The Society of Edgar Families hopes to be able to raise sufficient funds later on to secure a typescript copy of this notable MSS.

Queries

Robert Edgar: Has any reader knowledge, additional to that given in the appended records, of Robert Edgar, son of John and Isabella Edgar of Moffat?

Questionnaire Forms: Will all Members who have retained the questionnaire forms sent to them kindly take a not of such particulars as are still required to complete them and return the forms to the Hon Secretary so that the necessary sketch-pedigrees of their families can be prepared for the Society? The Hon Secretary may be able to suggest how missing details can be obtained.

Limited Offer: A few copies of the News letter, with the records of the Edgars of Moffat appended, are available upon application to the Hon Secretary & Treasurer at 7/6 a copy.

News Letter Number Two
Society of Edgar Families
Melbourne, Australia

Old Wedderlie Today
by William H Edgar, JP

Some ten days spent in the delightful surroundings of Westruther must awaken deep feelings of sentiment, romance and racial pride in the heart of an Edgar who is privileged, as I was, to tread the same paths and touch the same walls as were so familiar to the ancient Lairds of Wedderlie for some four centuries.

Here indeed is the "Cradle of the House of Edgar". The volume dealings with the Edgar history published by the Grampian Club in 1873 tells us that "the territory once in the possession of the Edgars of Wedderlie appears to have extended in a broken chain from the West in Berwickshire to the Solway Firth", and again, "at the opening of the eighteenth century, Edgars were still numerous in the neighbourhood of Wedderlie, and several families of the name still lived, - some of Lairds, others as "kindly tenants" - around the chief of their house." Today no Edgars are to be found at Westruther, but a few of that name, mostly in humble positions, are scattered across the Border counties.

The kindness of Lady Hersey Baird, mother of the young owner of Wedderlie, of Mr Mickle, the lessee of the property at the time of my visit, and of Mr Callen, Minister of Westruther, made possible the viewing of Wedderlie House and permitted access to the parish records and enabled me to tap every possible local source of information.

It is interesting to note, in view of the long period during which the Edgars remained at Wedderlie and their importance as landowners, that not even a gravestone is left to mark the last resting place of any one of them. One stone in Westruther Old Kirkyard, still legible, records the passing of "George Edgar in Evlie (Evelaw) who dyed May 9^th, 1716, his age 74". The same grave contains the remains of his wife Margaret Stot and one Jean Hunter. Another stone is erected to the memory of "Margaret Edgar, the beloved wife of John Boyd, who died at Havering Park, Essex, 28^th January 1863, aged 35 years".

Even the stone referred to in the volume already mentioned "on which the last resident Edgar Laird has left a memorial of himself" - is no longer to be seen. An iron-railed enclosure at the back of the kirk is, however, almost certainly the resting place of at least some of the family. This enclosure is supposed to occupy the site of the former Edgar Aisle, which was a small building joined to the kirk and, traditionally, the Edgar burial place. Of the chapel at Wedderlie no trace now exists. It was there, as Sir T D Saunders recorded in his Rivers of Scotland, that the earliest Edgars were buried in a structure of great antiquity; a number of charters yet preserved testifying to its existence.

The late Mr Silver, of Lauder, a noted antiquary, writing to Major Baird about 1917 says "the burying place of the Edgars is one of the many mysteries connected with them".

I wondered what these other mysteries might be as I emerged from the Fourteenth century tower, complete with its Ghost - the "Green Lady" she is called - and its five-foot-thick rugged stone walls, now modestly clad in ivy, and gazed across the Lammermuir Hills - surmounted at a few miles distance by the Twinlaw Cairns, the traditional scene of the mighty combat in which those Edgar twins fought for Scot and Saxon, so long ago. The villagers still eagerly tell that ancient tale and the Cairns yet mark the spot; old Wedderlie still stands amid its glorious trees and even Evelaw Tower, another Edgar stronghold, suggests its rugged strength, but, alas, the old Edgar Lairds are no more.

One likes to think that the efforts of our Society will eventually reveal the heir-male of this ancient and honourable house.

Editorial
The Society of Edgar Families is most fortunate in having as Vice-President one who is so keenly interested in the history of the Edgars as Mr William H Edgar whose article an old Wedderlie is featured in this issue of the News Letter.

On his recent visit overseas Mr Edgar spent several weeks in the Scottish Lowlands and has brought back a great quantity of most valuable material relating to the various branches of the Edgar family. He has presented to the Society a number of large-scale ordnance survey maps which will be most useful in solving the difficult topographical problems which some Edgar pedigrees present.

Mr Edgar has made many contacts in Scotland which are likely to result in assistance in our researches there and which have already made our work known to a wider circle.

We look forward to being able to publish further articles from Mr Edgar's pen.

NOTES

Moffat Parish Registers: The Registrar at Moffat, Dumfriesshire, has supplied the following list of the registers now kept in the Register House, Edinburgh. Births, 1723-1819; Marriages and Deaths, 1709-1732; Marriages, 1732-1781; Deaths, 1733-1825; Marriages, 1783-1819; Births and Marriages, 1819-1854; Deaths, 1825-1853.

Origin on the Moffat Edgars: Mr W H Edgar, Vice President, was told, on his recent visit to Moffat that an old identity, now long since dead, used to say that the Edgars around Moffat came from the original Begotten at Howeslack, which is a farm about 1.5 miles north of Moffat.

Moffat Churchyard: Mr Edgar has presented to the Society a photograph of the oldest Edgar tombstone in Moffat Kirkyard. This records the ancestry of David Edgar, the Australian pioneer pastoralist, quite legibly, from about 1717AD. Prints may be obtained from the Hon Secretary, price 1/6 each.

Mr Edgar copied monumental inscriptions on seven tombstones. A pedigree will be compiled incorporating this new material together with further details which are being sought from various sources in Moffat and this will be published in a later edition of the News Letter.

Corrigenda et Addenda:

No. 1 page 1 for Mrs Agnes Edgar, Tatanur should read Mrs Agnes Edgar, Tapanui

No. 2 page 9 for James Huston (Rev) born 19^th July 1872 should read born 19^th August 1872

No. 2 page 8 further information as follows:

Helen Isobel (Mrs L A Kirk, of Tapanui) died 9^th June 1937

No. 2 page 23 (Sub. Lineage) Miss Jane Scott, of Moffat, died on 8^th August 1838.

Wedderlie Photographs: Because Wedderlie is rightly regarded as the "Cradle of the House Edgar" a number of our members may desire to possess prints of some of the fine photographs of the old home brought back to this country by Mr William Edgar and Lieut Col J M Edgar. Sets of half a dozen different prints may be had for 5/-, post free.

Illustrated Lecture: Arrangements are in hand which will, it is hoped, make it possible for Members and Associates to enjoy the privilege of a lecture by Lieut Col J M Edgar on the subject of his recent visit to Scotland and the Edgar Country. Slides prepared by the lecturer will illustrate his tour. A General Meeting of the Society will precede the lecture.

EDGAR OF WEDDERLIE

Authorities: Nisbet's Heraldic Plates (1892); Account of the Surname (sic) of Edgar (1873); Genealogical Collections concerning the Scottish House of Edgar (published by a Committee of the Grampian Club, 1873)

The origin of the Edgar family is obscure but the traditional descent indicates that the Edgars were descendants in the male line from Maldred, brother of King Duncan the First. If such a descent can be accepted then the Edgars form a cadet branch of the Royal House of Scotland.

Crinan, (slain 1045), Lay Abbot of Dunked, a descendant of the Mormaers of Atholl, married Bethoc daughter of King Malcolm the Second (1005-1016). Their younger son:

Maldred, married Algetha, daughter of Ughtred, the Saxon Earl of Northumberland, by his wife Elgiva, daughter of King Ethelred the Second, of England (978-1016). Their son:

Cospatrick (1068) Earl of Northumberland. His son:

Cospatrick, was created Earl of Dunbar (c 1115). His son:

Cospatrick, second Earl of Dunbar, died 11 October 1147. he had issue four sons:

1. Cospatrick, third Earl of Dunbar, ancestor of the later Earls of Dunbar and March.

2. Edward.

3. Edgar, who appears to have adopted the Surname of Edgar; of whom later.

4. Ughtred, the supposed ancestor of the Dundas and Knox families.

Edgar, the son of Cospatrick, second Earl of Dunbar, married a lady with the baptismal name of Alice. They had issue two sons:

1. Patrick.

2. Alexander, of whom below.

Alexander married and had issue at least two sons:

1. Edgar.

2. Walter. This Sir Walter Edgar is mentioned in the Kelso Chartulary. He married and had issue a son:

(a) Patrick. This Sir Patrick Edgar lived at Coldstream. He married, about 1282, Margeta, widow of William, Earl of Home. They are believed to have been the parents of a son:

Richard Edgar, a witness at the second marriage of King Robert, the Bruce; appears to have been the first Edgar Laird of Wedderlie (Reg. Great Seal of Scotland, 1327), an estate formerly in the possession of the Polwarth family. he married Isabella, elder daughter and co heiress of Robert de Rous, Lord of Sanquhar in Galloway. Isabella de Rous was a descendant of William the Lion, King of Scotland and her children were thus nearly related to the competitors for the Scottish Crown. Richard and Isabella Edgar had issue five sons:

1. Richard; renounced succession to Wedderlie in favour of his younger brother Robert (Reg. Seal of Scotland, 1376). He is believed to have settled in Galloway.

2. Robert, second of Wedderlie, of whom later.

3. Douenald (Donald). Settled in Galloway.

4. Dungal, Settled in Galloway.

5. Edgar, only once mentioned in old documents, and often overlooked.

(to be continued)

NOTE: This is a reprint of News Letter number Two which was first published for the Society of Edgar Families in January 1939.

I Trentham-Edgar FSAG, Hon Secretary and Treasurer of the Society of Edgar Families, at 75A Fitzroy Street, Melbourne; 2^nd March 1940

SOCIETY OF EDGAR FAMILIES
Lecture and Annual Meeting

A cordial invitation is extended to all bearers of the EDGAR surname and their immediate relatives, to attend the Third Annual Meeting of the Society of Edgar Families which will take place at 8.00pm (sharp), Wednesday 8 March, 1939 in Room 110, Railways Institute, Railway Buildings, Flinders Street, Melbourne.

At the conclusion of the Meeting, Lieut Col J M Edgar, who recently returned from a tour abroad will deliver an Illustrated Lecture.

The Lecturer explored the Edgar country in Scotland and while in Canada made contact with the ancient family of Keithock Edgars who were so closely associated with Bonnie Price Charlie. He brought back many curious tales and legends concerning the Edgars and their former extensive estates, together with photographs of historic places in Edgar family history. It is interesting to know that the "Screen" which will be used for the projection of photographs at the Lecture is actually a sheet which was spun and woven over a century ago by a lady of the Edgar family.

DO YOU KNOW THAT:

The Twinlaw Cairns, near Wedderlie
by William H Edgar

Not the least of the romantic legends associated with the Scottish House of Edgar is that of the Twinlaw Cairns, a story told in 20 verses by some unknown bard about 200 years ago.

Today the twin cairns stand boldly silhouetted on top of the bleak but wild and picturesque moor land of the Lammermuir Hills - that part of Scotland immortalised by Sir Walter Scott and breathing history from every wind-swept flank.

The tale is said to be common to the folk lore of most countries in some similar form but to an Edgar standing between the two monuments, as the sun sinks below the hills, it is not difficult to watch them fade away and to see two misty figures of fine powerful young men take their place, one the beloved adopted son of the old Saxon who had stolen the boy when little more than a babe on a raid some 20 years before, and now had learnt to love him as his own.

What were the old man's thoughts, as on this occasion the two small armies - raiding Saxon and defending Scot - decided to settle the issue by single combat, the honour going on the Saxon's side to the old man's adopted son and that of the Scots to young Edgar, son of the old Scottish chief?

This mist of centuries rolls away and we see the two armies of sturdy, fearless men facing each other, the chiefs conferring, the two chosen men stepping forward, each anxious and proud to defend his national honour with his life.

Word is given, the fight begins, blow for blow, parry for parry; save the crash of steel on shield and quick drawn breath no sound is heard. Two armies stand and watch in silence as the two young giants engage to the death.

Blood in flowing now from Saxon and Scot but still they fight on; a murmur runs through the ranks of watching men, men who live by feats of arms.

At last a shout "The Saxon falls!" Still fighting the young Saxon, weak with loss of blood, sinks to his knees, then down; it is the end. The old Saxon, heartbroken hastens forward, "He's dead" he cried, "the bravest youth ever spring from Edgar's line".

Aghast, the old Scottish chief now knows the fallen Saxon for his lost son and crying "My son, my son" he falls to rise no more.

Young Edgar, mortally wounded, embraces his father and his brother, tears the bandages from his wounds and expires beside their bodies.

The villagers still tell the story and describe how the two armies formed a long line from the scene of battle to a burn and passed from hand to hand the stones for the two cairns.

In recent years the late Lady John Montague Douglas Scott had a cairn removed and an excavation made to learn if any relic lay below, but the search was fruitless and it is doubtless due to her interested that the two re-erected cairns today stand some 75 yards apart, about 10 feet high, un-cemented, but well built in …** a small tower some 6 feet in diameter, recessed to provide a seat for those who would sit and watch while the evening mist creeps up the Lammermuirs and, who knows? Two ghostly armies may perhaps be seen passing down the hillside laid a lasting memorial to two brave men.

Editorial
So that the material published in the News Letter may become known as widely as possible and be permanently preserved in a number of centres, complimentary copies have been presented to the following libraries:

National Library, Canberra FCT; Mitchell Library, Sydney; Library of the Society of Australian Genealogists, Sydney; Victorian Public Library, Melbourne; British Museum Library, London; Library of the Society of Genealogists, London; Scottish National Library, Edinburgh; Library of Congress, Washington, USA.

All these institutions will continue to receive all the genealogical publications of the Society.

NOTES

Moffat Edgars: Correspondence entered into by the Hon Secretary and members of the Edgar of Moffat family who live in Scotland is still being carried on. The material being collected is being reserved for publication at a later date.

Canadian (Keithock) Edgars: James Keithock Edgar, of Toronto, the representatives of the Edgar Lairds of Keithock and a nephew of Professor Pelham Edgar, FCRS has forwarded a typescript of nearly 200 pages, suitably bound, which represents the labours of his late grandmother, Lady Edgar, in the Royal Library of Windsor Castle. Lady Edgar's considerable experience in historical research enabled her to trace the letters of James Edgar (of the Keithock family), Secretary of State to "James III" the Old Pretender, and transcribe them. It was her intention to publish this interesting collection but death claimed her before the task was done. The letters were written to the Secretary's nephew, the Laird of Keithock, and they are the more interesting because of the fact the Keithock's replies are included in the collection.

Only special consideration has obtained for us the temporary custody of Lady Edgar's unpublished typescript which must soon be returned to Canada and the Executive Council of the Society has, for some time, been earnestly considering what method of copying these letters would be the least expensive and yet satisfactory. It is most desirable, if possible, that all our members should have a copy of this collection of letters.

If it can be arranged a full history of the Keithock Edgars will be issued with the Jacobite letters. At present however the question of raising the necessary funds to finance the publication of this material is receiving earnest consideration.

Offers of assistance and donations towards the cost should be sent to the Hon Secretary.

SECOND ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
There was a good attendance of Members and Associates at the Annual General Meeting on 8^th March, 1939 at the Railways Institute Rooms. In the absence of the President, the Hon W H Edgar, MLC, who was prevented from attending by the illness of Mrs Edgar, the Vice President, Mr William H Edgar, took the Chair. The retiring Office-bearers were all re-elected.

Lt Col JM Edgar, with the aid of a projector, delivered a delightful lecture in which he told us of his visit to Toronto and his meeting there with the Keithock Edgars who own many most valuable family relics and paintings. Professor Pelham Edgar and his nephew, the titular Laird of Keithock "were very interested in the work of the Society" said Colonel Edgar, "and were keen to have anything which we might publish from time to time". Lt Col Edgar was shown the Chair which Sir James David Edgar, KCMG occupied from 1896-1899 as Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons.

At Westruther, in Berwickshire, Colonel Edgar was joined by our Vice President, Mr William H Edgar, and with their respective ladies, a happy re-union was enjoyed on the very threshold of Wedderlie itself. With the Colonel's son Mr Allan Edgar (who has since joined the RAF) making a third, the male members of the party explored the Westruther Churchyard and engaged in excavation work which might have been expected to yield at least the long lost family vault, but didn't. After the Colonel's departure our Vice President remained in the Wedderlie district for more than a week for the purpose of "pumping the old identities" as he put it. He was able to collect quite a number of worth while notes for our files.

Lt Col Edgar made his references to the Keithock Lairds very clear to his audience by means of a carefully prepared pedigree which he projected on the screen.

A vote of thanks to the lecturer was moved and was seconded by acclamation.

Corrigenda et Addenda
No 2 page 27, Edgar of Wedderlie for "Brinan" read Crinan"

No 2 page 27, Edgar of Wedderlie (Sub Authorities) after "Account of the Surname of Edgar, (1873)" read "by J H Lawrence-Archer"

Obituary
Mr Walter Birmingham Edgar (born 23 March 1856, at Pine Hills Station, Harrow, Vic), third son of David Edgar, the pioneer pastoralist, died at Portland, Vic on 22 February, 1939. (see News Letter No 1, page 16). Mr Edgar disposed of the Pine Hills estate to the late Mr R Ellis, in 1936 and had, since that time, visited England with Mrs White, his daughter.

Although it is now just four months more than a century since David Edgar landed from Scotland, his eldest son Mr John Thomas Edgar, formerly of Kadnook Station, still survives as does his daughter Miss Isabella Edgar, of Babba Mia Estate, Harrow. The former, with Mrs Edgar attended the inaugural meeting of this Society and still retains a keen interest in its work.

Edgar of Wedderlie (Part Two)

Robert Edgar, 2^nd Laird of Wedderlie, married …; their son,

John Edgar had a Charter of confirmation of the resignation of the Wedderlie estates in favour of his father, (circa 1384). He married …;

Adam Edgar, 4^th Laird. In 1476 he claimed the land of Knockfield from the Abbot and Convent of Dryburgh. It is presumed that he stood in the relationship of a son to John Edgar (above) but it should be recognised that the succession to Wedderlie in the 15^th and 16^th centuries is still obscure.

Robert Edgar, 5^th Laird. He had a grant of the ward and marriage of William Redpath, 16^th November 1497. Supposed by most authorities to have been a son of Adam Edgar, (above). Lawrence-Archer suggests that he may have been a brother of George Edgar, of Swinton, or a nephew of Adam Edgar.

Robert Edgar. He was a witness to a Charter by Gilbert Grierson, of Dalton to John Lindsay, the younger, of Barclay, 2^nd December, 1552. Lawrence-Archer states that this Laird's name was Richard, who married Ailsone …, (her Will proved at Lauder, 1564). Robert, (as given by Nisbet, 1892) or Richard, had issue as follows:

1. Robert, circa 1585-1586

2. James, ancestor of the Edgars of Grueldykes (Dunse)

3. Oliver, ancestor of the Edgars of Newtoun de Birgham, (Eccles-Newton), Berwickshire

4. John. He is usually identified as the John who is noticed below.

5. Richard, witness to a Charter, 26^th October, 1557.

1. Margaret, married firstly William Spottiswoode; secondly Walter Scott, of Harden

John Edgar, Laird of Wedderlie. He found caution to appear at next Assize, 19^th November, 1556. Granted a Charter in consideration of a sum of money in name of dowry paid to George Hoppringle, of Torwoodlie, in favour of Elizabeth, daughter of the said George, his future spouse, 26^th October, 1557. Acquitted of the charge of slaughtering John Ullasone and two others, 9^th December, 1561. He had issue:

1. Robert, Laid of Wedderlie, of whom later.

2. Oliver.

3. William

1. Elizabeth

Robert, Laird of Wedderlie was served heir to his father in 1596. Had a Charter of the lands of Wedderlie and Bassendean, 28^th January, 1606. By his wife, Mary Douglas, he had issue:

1. John, Laird of Wedderlie, of whom later.

2. James, he was witness to a Charter, 11^th March, 1619.

(to be continued) 

News Letter Number Four
Society of Edgar Families
Melbourne, Australia

Lawrence-Archer's Notes on the Edgar Coat of Arms
by William H Edgar, JP

Some three year's efforts to obtain a copy of Captain JH Lawrence-Archer's work, "Account of the Surname of Edgar and particularly of the family of Wedderlie," 1868-1873, have proved unfruitful to our Society, but through the courtesy of Mr John Macleod of Edinburgh, an unsigned manuscript of some thirty pages came into the writer's possession, in which appears a marginal note in the same handwriting over the initials "JHLA", from which it may be safely assumed the author was none other than Lawrence-Archer.

In this mms it would appear that he scholarly writer has taken a short flight of fancy and woven a most interesting and picturesque theory as to the possible circumstances that brought about the inclusion of the legend "Maun do it" in the armorial device of Edgar of Wedderlie.

Lawrence-Archer, a painstaking and careful investigator, makes no claim to fact, but from the many authorities he quotes, he draws clever deductions and presents a convincing case and a fascinating picture with a ready appeal to the reader's imagination.

He takes us back to that tragic incident, the slaughter of the Red Comyn, and quotes the crest and motto of the Kirkpatrick family, "a hand grasping a dagger with gouts of blood," and the motto "I make sure," and draws attention to the similarity between this heraldic device and that of Edgar of Wedderlie, remarking that there are "equal, if not superior grounds for attributing" the Edgar motto to this incident than that of Kirkpatrick. Space permits no lengthy quotation, but after painting out the circumstances in which Sir Richard Edgar stood at that time and his relationship with Bruce, he graphically describes what may have taken place at the slaughter of Sir John Comyn at the high altar of the church in Dumfries in February 1305-1306.

"Hastening with his retainers on that cold morning in February 1306 to the castle of Loshmaben to ascertain the cause of the Bruce's sudden return from the English Court, we may readily picture the sombre Knight of Wedderlie, Lord of Nithsdale, in earnest consultation with the hero and his brother on the urgency of the occasion … There stands the knight in his linked coat of mail, plated gauntlets and triangular shield suspended round his neck. It is sable and bears the white lion rampant of Dunbar with the legend "Salutem disponit Deus." His helmet of steel, conical and covered with a hood and collar of mail, does not yet bear a crest. From his hauberk downwards, his stalwart limbs are shoated in flexible armour. On one side, secured by the knightly belt, is a long, broad falchion and on the other is a short dagger.

His black surcoat is embroidered with his armorial insignia and contrasts strongly with those of his companions.

Deeply attentive to the Bruce's recital of his wrongs and account of the deceit of "Longshape" (the injustice of whose pretensions must have been so familiar) and while the illustrious brothers earnestly debated the question and yet hesitated to incur the peril of renouncing their enforced allegiance, the taciturn knight, deeply impressed with the importance of a speedy decision, may have turned the scale by involuntarily clutching his dagger and muttering with deep emotion "Maun do it."

Or … Edgar, at first horror stricken and standing alone, may have been suddenly struck (since the deed could not he undone) with the duty of throwing all his energies into the cause of the future King, and already penitent friend, and, with the fierce exclamation "Maun dir it" (although abhorrent of murder), may have rushed into the church and joined the fray.

At all events, we know sufficient to be assured that, after the slaughter of the Red Comyn, Sir Richard Edgar was regarded with especial consideration by the Bruce."

The truth will never be known, but Lawrence-Archer says there is every reason to believe that the motto and crest of the family "originated during the heroic struggle of Robert the Bruce," and we are indebted to him for throwing much light on the age and probable origin of the armoury of the Edgars of Wedderlie.

NOTES

Life Members: It was resolved at the Meeting of the Executive Council which took place on 17^th May 1939, that the following persons should be admitted to the Society as Life Members:

Pelham Edgar, FRSC, PhD, BA, Professor of English Literature at the University of Toronto, Canada

James Keithock Edgar, of Toronto, Canada, Chief of the House of Keithock

We delight to honour both these gentlemen for the real interest they have taken in the work of the Society of Edgar Families, and for the great assistance which they continue to give in the preparation of a full history of the Keithock Edgars.

Jacobite Letters: Lieut-Col JM Edgar was able to arrange for the photographing by a miniature camera of the notable collection of Edgar letters of the Jacobite period which was loaned to us by Mr JK Edgar of Toronto. The file will be cared for by the Hon Secretary until such time as it becomes possible to publish the letters in the News Letter. Lieut-Col Edgar has presented the films to the Society free of cost and his most generous action is another and striking proof of his interest in our work.

Badges: Mrs Keith Nicholson has made the interesting suggestion that a special badge be made for sale to Members and Associates. Enquiries made so far seem to suggest that there would be considerable support for the idea. It would be necessary to ensure that the badge would be acquired by all those who would be eligible to wear it.

The cost of a suitable badge of neat design would approximate 2/6. All those who would like to have a visible token indicating their membership of the family Society should advise the Hon Secretary (I Trentham-Edgar, 75 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, Melbourne S2) by letter. No money should be forwarded pending a further announcement in the News Letter.

Picnic Outing: Members, Associates and their families will be invited to attend a picnic outing at a place within easy reach of Melbourne when the weather is warmer. Private transport will be provided without charge where necessary. This outing should prove a happy one and all who can do so should attend, so that the various families of Edgar may become better acquainted. Details will be announced at a later date.

Photographs: Although stocks of views of Wedderlie House have been exhausted, two difference views of the Twinlaw Cairns (see Mr William H Edgar's interesting article in the May issue of the News Letter) are available at 9d each; postage 2d.

At a later time it is hoped to offer prints of other historic Edgar homes - Keithock, Peffermiln, Elshieshields and Evelaw.

Edgars in the Australian Imperial Forces – Victoria

The Secretary to the Trustees of the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, has kindly supplied the following list of Edgars who served in the Great War. Names, Regimental numbers and decorations are given.

There are thirty four names listed: Messrs CA, JM, LC and OS Edgar are Members or Associate Members of this Society.

Origin of the Surname Edgar

"This name might be considered Saxon in origin, but it is not so, claiming a Glaswegian source (Celtic). The Edgars may look with interest on the Dovenald who, still a youth, was killed when fighting as one of the leaders of the "Wild Scots of Galloway" at the Battle of the Standard in 1138, when they lost heavily. According to the Historian of Sanquhar, he was one of the three grandsons of a Scoto-Irish chief called Dunegal of Stranith, who received Sanquhar. A son named Edgar appears in the reign of William the Lion, and it may not be improbably that David interested himself in the family of one of the leaders, victims of that battle, for which he was responsible".

Source: "anglo-Norman Peaceful Invasion of Scotland, 1057-1200, Origin of Great Scottish Families: 91922) by James Coutts

Edgars in Parliament

Alexander Edgar, provost; Haddington 1696-1702, 1703-1707

Edward Edgar, merchant; Edinburgh, 1640-1641; 1646-1647

John Edgar of Wedderlie; Berwickshire, 1681-1682; son of John Edgar of Wedderlie

Source: from Members of Parliament - Scotland, 1357-1882, by Joseph Foster, 1882

In the Parliament on Monday, 4^th November 1706, Alexander Edgar voted with the No's on a division taken on the religious consequences of the Union of the two countries - England and Scotland.

Source: from History of the Union, Daniel Defoe (1709) reprinted in part in the Dundee Magazine, February 1799

Subscription Rates

For the convenience of those desiring to renew their membership of the Society, we set out the rates again. Members outside Australia should remit by International Money Order.

Associate members may not vote at Meetings of the Society. Only those residing more than 25 miles from Melbourne may become Associate Members.

Edgar of Wedderlie (part three)

John Edgar, Laird of Wedderlie (Reg Gt Seal, Privy Seal, etc), married Elizabeth, dau of William, 1^st Lord Cranstoun (marr. contract C.1619). They had issue:

1. James, who died before 1643, unmarried

1. Elizabeth. She married John Edgar and the Wedderlie estates were settled upon them. She died before 1664.

2. Margaret. She was, about 1668, accepted as the heir of her brother James and sister Anna.

3. Anna, died unmarried.

Nicol Edgar, merchant and burgess of Edinburgh. His descent from the Wedderlie Edgars has not been ascertained. He had issue:

1. Nicol, merchant and burgess of Edinburgh. Tutor (or guardian) of Wedderlie. Buried 18 April 1667, at Edinburgh. He married at Edinburgh on 13 December 1655, Helen (buried 13 May 1697), dau of James Gillies, merchant, of Edinburgh, by his wife Helen Aikman. They had issue:

I. James, bapt 15 February 1657

II. John, bapt 26 June 1664

III. Samuel, bapt 16 June 1665

I. Joan, bapt 25 June 1667

2. John Edgar, in right of his wife Laird of Wedderlie, of whom later.

3. William, buried 1 January 1668. He married and had issue:

I. Richard

II Ninian

I. Isabella

II Bessie

John Edgar (d. 1657), married Elizabeth (Testament 22 October 1664), dau of John Edgar, Laird of Wedderlie (see previously). They had a charter of confirmation in the lands of Wedderlie dated 5 July 1643. Issue:

1. John, Laird of Wedderlie, of whom later.

2. Alexander, apprenticed to Samuel Chieslie, Surgeon and was appointed Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, Edinburgh, 1 July 1697, and Provost of Haddington, 1696. MP for Haddington, 1696-1702; 1703-1707. He died in November 1714. By his wife Agnes …, he had issue:

I. John (d. 1722). Admitted a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, 11 April 1712. He married Christian, dau of William Brown, Surgeon. They had issue a daughter (1) Christian, who married Thomas Sinclair

3. Nicol, bapt 27 July 1658, at Westruther. Minister of Hobkirk, 28 September 1694; died 31 May 1724. He married Susanna (d. 30 June 1713), dau of John Veitch, Minister of Westruther. They had issue:

I. John, d January 1715, aet 17

I. Susanna

II Elizabeth, married Robert Blyth

1. Alison (Testament dated 1654)

2. Mary Executrix of her father's Testament, Comm of Lauder, 18 October 1664

3. Agnes (or Jean). Married 8 April 1652, James Achisone of Ugstone, in the Stewartry of Lauderdale

4. Margaret, bapt 14 June 1657, at Westruther

John Edgar, Laird of Wedderlie, was served heir to his father, 28 May, 1663. He was MP for Berwickshire, 1681-1682. He was declared a rebel in 1679. Married 17 March 1679, Jean, dau of Thomas Robertson of Lochbank, merchant and burgess of Edinburgh. They had issue:

1. John, Laird of Wedderlie, of whom later

2. Thomas, bapt 18 November 1680; bur 24 October 1694

3. Henry, bapt 5 January 1684; bur 6 November 1720

4. Alexander

5. William, bapt 19 June 1701, wright, merchant and burgess of Edinburgh (admitted 1726); Testament 14 October 1746 - 8 June 1753

1. Margaret. Married John Marhoribanks of Dedrige, par. Gordon

2. Mary, bapt 23 September 1681

3. Jean, bapt 30 March 1694

John Edgar, Laird of Wedderlie, bapt 25 September 1682. Merchant and burgess of Edinburgh, 4 February 1736. he was the last of his family to own Wedderlie. The estate was sold to Robert, Lord balntyre, 1733-1736. On 25 July 1736, John Edgar presented a handsome Bible to the church and congregation of Westruther to mark the departure of the Edgars from the parish. This Bible was still (1938) in use, but the Laird's inscription in it has been removed by some vandal. John Edgar married Mary, dau of George Home of Chirnside. They had issue:

1. John, b 25 October 1720

2. Henry, b. 25 December 1721

3. Joseph, b 30 August 1724

4. Michael, b 1 November 1728

5. Alexander, of whom later

1. Mary, b 5 July 1719

2. Jean, b 30 April 1723

3. Marion, b 26 January 1726

4. Katherine, b 23 February 1733

Alexander Edgar, b 17 August 1736, was the eldest surviving son of John Edgar, last Edgar, Laird of Wedderlie. He was appointed Rear Admiral of the Red on 20 February 1799, and after living for some years at Great Yarmouth he died without male issue at Bedford Street, Bedford Square, London, on 20 February 1817. (Will, 123 Effingham, Perog Ct of Canterbury). Admiral Edgar married, in January 1773, Sophia Margaret, (d. 21 January 1807, aet 47), dau of James Johnstone, MD RN. They had an only child:

1. Sophia Bethia Edgar (d. 1856). She married firstly, in 1806, Robert Campbell, Captain RN; and secondly in 1819, Alexander Tait LL.D of Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. There was issue only of the first marriage, (1) William Huntly *1808-1844). Captain, 20^th Regiment; (2) Robert Edgar; and two daughters, (1) Sophia, married major Starkey, EICS, (2) Marguerite, married JJ Russell

Upon the death of Rear Admiral Alexander Edgar in 1817, Thomas Edgar, at that time head of the Edgars of Keithock, made application to the Lord Lyon for recognition as the head of the Wedderlie family. It is not now known what proofs Mr Edgar offered in support of his claim, but as he was deeply interested in the history of the Edgars, it is likely that he possessed some evidence illustrating the connection between the Wedderlie and the Keithock Edgars. Unfortunately, upon Mr Edgar's death on 7 September 1831, his extensive genealogical collections were neglected and when his brother, James Edgar, came to examine them about a year later, he found that most of the papers had been destroyed by the depredation of mice.

News Letter Number Five
Society of Edgar Families
Melbourne, Australia

Sir Edward Mackay Edgar, Baronet, the "Man with a Load of Millions" died in London on October 7, 1934. Broken in health and utterly disillusioned, Sir Edward Edgar passed away in a tiny cottage in the Buckinghamshire Village of Chalfont St Giles, famous for its association with John Milton. There was a time when he was the biggest and bravest gambler in the City of London. He earned the nick-name of the "Man with the Load of Millions". Any venture which he promoted was safe for a million pounds, if the amount was needed. Yet he faces two bankruptcies and died in relative poverty.

A Canadian by birth, he made his first fortune by organising big hydro-electric combines. Coming to London, he carried through even larger deals in cotton, iron and steel, and shipbuilding, in association with the financial house of Sperling and Company. But a day came when his luck turned, and in 1925 he was unexpectantly declared bankrupt, his liabilities being 80,000 pounds. Sperling and Company helped him to pay his debts, but the shock to his credit proved too great. henceforward he was a spent force. He was obliged to give up his home in Park Lane, and his country house, Merton Hall, Thetford. In 1931 he filed a petition in bankruptcy for the second time. After that time he lived very quietly at Chalfont St Giles, more or less forgotten by the City associates who followed his financial lead so eagerly, and even by those who used to enjoy his generous hospitality. Sir Edward said of the City of London in a moment of insight "If you win you're marvellous, and you will have friends standing in a queue a mile long. If you lose, it means facing the punishment - or death."

This prophetic pronouncement was made by Edgar in 1927, when he learned that his one time friend and associate "Jimmy" White, had poisoned himself. James White and "Mike" Edgar were both struggling to resuscitate waning fortunes, and they came into conflict over British controlled oilfields. White had large holdings, but was desperately in need of money for other projects. On a sudden, Edgar, who had seemed to be helping White to keep up the price of the shares, changed his tactics. He unloaded all his shared and White could not raise another pound on his own holdings owing to the depreciated price. White went down to his country house and put a pad soaked in chloroform over his face. "Mike" Edgar was fool enough to boast of his victory to a party of journalists in his flat in Mount Street, "It was a two years battle between "Jimmy" White and myself," he said. "And the one to lose was "Jimmy! It was rotten fighting an old friend, but it wasn't my fault. I didn't make the rules of the game."

The City of London didn't forget this ill-advised boasting, and it did not forget Edgar. For him finance was always a game, as he said on another occasion, "the greatest game in the world, this fighting with millions at stake." As a big gambler, he will long be remembered, but he did no real service in return for the immense sums of money which he took from the public and his influence was vicious, even if he did play the game of finance within the riles as he understood them. He showered costly gifts upon his friends, and his hospitality was unbounded, but he lacked the qualities which make for abiding success, even in financial juggling. His first big error was made early in the world war, when he sold out his holdings in the hydro-electric companies, which he really understood. They finally appreciated to about 4,000,000 pounds but he did not benefit. In the post-war boom he made more than one fortune, but he suffered huge losses. He was a leading figure in a syndicate which amalgamated cotton spinning companies, and his firm issued 3,000,000 pounds worth of debentures for Workman, Clark, and Company, of Belfast. But Edgar was mixed up in a deal which involved the purchase of Baldwins Ltd, for 3 pounds a share in cash. It plunged him and Sperling and Company into long and expensive litigation, in the course of which 845,000 pounds damages were paid to Baldwins. Mackay Edgar was a good shot, a fair tennis player, and a moderately successful owner of race horses. His only son was killed in a motor accident, so there was no heir to the baronetcy which he received in the height of his power.

Source: The Argus, Melbourne, 10 November 1934

Sir Edward Mackay Edgar was a son of Frank Edgar, of Montreal, Canada, and was born 27 February 1876. He married on 6 June 1902, Ethel Beatrice (CBE), daughter of John Pindar of Montreal. They had issue"

1. John Fewster Mackay, born 10 June 1903, Killed 3 July 1925

1. Catherine Beatrice, born 18 January 1905. Married on 8 April 1926, Edward Harvey, of the Manor House, West Tofts, Brandon, Suffolk, a son of WR Harvey of Ullington, Thetford, Norfolk. They have issue:

On 25^th March 1920, the College of Heralds, London, recorded the arms of Sir Edward Mackay Edgar as follows:

Arms: Sable on a bend between two lozenges or each charged with and escallop gules a lion passant of the field. Mantling: Sable and or Crest: on a wreath of the colours, in front of a cross patea or, a dexter cubic and grasping in the hand a dagger, proper.

Badge: a sword and a pen, the points downward … … proper unveiled with a circlet… .

Words: "… … …"

Source: Vide Burke's "Peerage and Baronetage " and "Amorial Families" (1929) Fox-Davies

Editorial
All our members will be sorry to know that Lieut Col JM Edgar has been very gravely ill. His friends are pleased at the steady recovery he is making and hope that it may not be long before he is quite restored in health. Pilot Officer Allan Edgar, a son of Lieut Col Edgar is at present on active service with the RAF and is probably the first of his surname called to active duty. We wish him many victories in the splendid Royal Air Force tradition.

The Future: The outbreak of War and its effects on the activities of the Society of Edgar Families was discussed at a meeting of the Executive Council on 7 October. It was decided to carry on the full work of the Society for the time being. The Executive Council believes that it is in the national interest that as little dislocation as possible should occur in the affairs of the individuals and associations. The slogan "Business as Usual" seems the best one for the present. If necessary, further decisions will be taken at a later date.

General Meeting: The next General Meeting will take place on Tuesday evening 24 October. Details will be advised by circular.

Keithock Edgars: Further large collections of material relating to the Edgar Lairds of Keithock have come forward from Canada. The genealogy of the family is nearing completion, but it is possible that the declaration of war may make it necessary to hold up publication for some time.

Mr JK Edgar, of Toronto (Life Member) has loaned a number of excellent photographs of Keithock House, the seat of the Edgars in Forfarshire, Scotland. A set of three prints is available to interested members and associates, price 1/6. Application should be made to the Hon Secretary, 75a Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, Melbourne S2.

America hears of us: Mr Robert Munro Erwin, a descendant of Thomas Edgar, a cadet of Keithock, who journeyed to New Jersey, in 1718, and founded the family, settled at Edgarton, has joined the Society as a full member. Mr Erwin resides in New York and is a keen student of genealogy. With his help it may be possible to collect and publish a full history of the Edgars of USA at some future time. Our new member is connected to President Roosevelt's family by marriage.

NOTES

Gilbert Harold Edgar, Lieut RFA, of the "Thatched House," Solihill, Warwickshire, married, 18 September 1923, Eileen Victoria (born 18 April 1897), younger daughter of Sir Stuart Montague Samuel, Bart, MP JP (1856-1926).

Source: Burke's "Peerage and Baronetage"

The actual derivation of the name Edgar is given by Alfred Wilfred Dellquest in his book "The Names of Ours" (1938)

ead = happy, blessed

gar = a spear, warrior

The origin is, of course, Saxon, and the name was often bestowed "with the hope that the bearer would grow up to be a distinguished warrior"

Source: Vide "News Letter (Number Four)

Edgar of Moffat

Mr David M Edgar, Belhaven, Brailfauld Gardens, Tollcross, Glasgow, supplies some further information regarding Robert Edgar, sixth son of John Edgar of Moffat, and brother of David Edgar of Pine Hills Station, Victoria, Australia.

Robert Edgar, (see news Letter No.1 p.23), born 17 June 1825; died aged 65 years. He married Anne Porteous, and had issue four sons and one daughter:

1. James

2. John

3. Walter

4. David. He married in 1884, Mary Macfarlane (aged 76 in 1939), and had issue one son and two daughters:

I. David Macfarlane. He married Annie Howie. Issue, Winifred

I. Isabella, d. unmarried

II. Annie (deceased). Married … Issue: Robert (RN), and Hazel

1. Grace

 QUARTERLY MEETING

A small gathering of Members enjoyed the hospitality of our President, the Hon WH Edgar MLC, on the night of 24 October 1939. Mr Edgar made his room at Parliament House available for the General Meeting and afterwards conducted those who attended to witness the proceedings in the Executive Council Chamber.

The General Meeting agreed that:

1. Arrangements for an outing be further discussed at the next General Meeting

2. Thanks be expressed to the President for offering to entertain members and their families at his lovely Upper Macedon home on the afternoon chosen for the outing.

3. That the duplicating machine purchased by Messrs William H Edgar and I Trentham-Edgar be acquired by the Society under the special terms of repayment offered.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

New Zealand Members and Associate Members, because the Government of that Dominion has found it necessary to restrict the right of its citizens to buy overseas exchange, they recently found it difficult to remit subscriptions as they fall due.

The Society of Edgar Families is very proud of the support of the Edgars and their connections in New Zealand and hopes that it will long continue. Negotiations are now in hand which should result in an arrangement whereby all New Zealand subscriptions shall be invested in the Dominion until such time as the present difficulties are resolved.

A statement of the new position will be made in the January issue of the News Letter. Remittances may still be made by International Money Order but a declaration may be required from the sender.

Edgar of Longtown: The history of the Edgar family, formerly of Longtown, Cumberland and Riddings, will be appended to the next issue of the News Letter. William Edgar, a member of this family, became the sole proprietor of the world-famous firm of Swan&Edgar, located in Piccadilly, London for more than a century. The Vice-President of the Society of Edgar Families, Mr William H Edgar, who is the great-grandson and heir-male of William Edgar, has spent much time in recent years on the interesting task of collecting material relating to members of his family. From his notes a very worthwhile genealogy has been prepared for publication.

Edgar Family Badges: It has been decided to defer until a later date any decision to issue, or not to issue, membership badges.

Subscription Rates:

Associate membership is available only to those residing at a distance of more than 25 miles from the GPO Melbourne. Associates may not vote at Meetings of the Society.

THIS CANADA OF OURS
Song written by Sir James David Edgar KCMG MP

Let other tongues in older lands
Loud vaunt their claims to glory
And chaunt in triumph of the past
Content to live in story.
Tho' boasting no baronial halls
Nor ivy-crested towers
What past can match thy glorious youth
Fair Canada of Ours
Fair Canada
Dear Canada
This Canada of Ours.

We love those far-off ocean isles
Where Britain's monarch reigns
We'll ne'er forget the good old blood
That courses through our veins;
Proud Scotia's fame, old Erin's name
And haughty Albion's powers
Reflect their matchless lustre on
This Canada of Ours
Fair Canada
Dear Canada
This Canada of Ours.

May our Dominion flourish then
A goodly land and free
Where Celt and Saxon hand in hand
Hold sway from sea to sea
Strong arms shall guard our cherished homes
When darkest danger lowers
And with our life-blood we'll defend
This Canada of Ours
Fair Canada
Dear Canada
This Canada of Ours.

Published in "This Canada of Ours and Other Poems" (1893) 

News Letter Number Six
Society of Edgar Families
Melbourne, Australia

Editorial
It has been necessary to publish the News Letter on this occasion without the usual special article. This decision was made because it was desirable to include the complete history of the Edgars of Riddings in this issue. Our readers will appreciate the importance of this record and will not regret the use made of the space usually devoted to less important items.

Lawrence-Archer's Book

Ever since the foundation of the Society of Edgar Families, three years ago, strenuous efforts have been made by members of the Executive Council to obtain a copy of Lawrence-Archer's book on the Surname of Edgar which was published privately in 1873. The work is a most important one and is now extremely rare.

None of the large retail booksellers in Great Britain who were approached were able to locate a copy for us, and it seemed that the Society would have to remain in ignorance of Lawrence-Archer's contribution to the published history of the family. However, our member, Mr James Keithock Edgar, of Toronto, Canada, was aware of our disappointment and he, with the wonderful assistance of his wife, copied out the whole of Lawrence-Archer's work, carefully checked the copy, and forwarded it to Melbourne by registered mail. The copy is a fine production and is enhanced by the copies of the pedigrees in the original book and Mrs Edgar's pencil sketches of the original illustrations. The task which Mr and Mrs Edgar have completed would have daunted most of us, and we must all admire such patience. We greatly appreciate the thoughtful kindness behind their fine action, and extend our grateful thanks.

New Zealand Members: Enquiries made for us in New Zealand since our last issue indicate that subscriptions may still be remitted to Australia by money order, although a declaration may be required by the Post Office. Should any of our members experience special difficulty in forwarding subscriptions, the Hon Secretary should be advised so that another arrangement can be made.

Annual General Meeting: The third Annual General Meeting will take place on 5 march 1940, in Room 110, Railways Institute Building, Flinders Street, Melbourne. One of the subjects listed for discussion is a proposal by Mrs Keith Nicholson at the Meeting of the Executive Council on 18 January 1940, that the Society make plans to provide comforts for Edgars who are giving their services for their King and Country.

Edgar of Moffat
(see NL No.1, pp4a-24; No.5, p43)

DAVID EDGAR, a younger brother of John Edgar (1778-1868) of Moffat, Dumfries-shire (see NL No.1, p23), died at Millgreen, Moffat, 17 August 1859, aet 73. He married Jane Fleming, who died 18 July 1878, aet 85. They had issue:

I. George. Died at Ballarat, Victoria, January 1841. Unm

II. John. Died at Moffat, 27 August 1873, aet 77. Married Helen Johnstone (died Claremont, Shandon, 24 October 1876, aet 79). At his death there was a legal dispute. They had issue:

1. Alexander Johnstone. Married Jane McLellan. They had issue:

a. Jessie. Died young

b. Jeanie Salmond. Married her cousin, Johnston Edgar (see this genealogy)

2. another son

1. Janet, unmarried

2. Jeanie. Married … Kean

3. Elizabeth. Married … Mr Proudfoot

III. David, died at Edinburgh, Scotland, 16 July 1892, aet 81. He married Janet Ewatt, who died 9 December 1893, aet 86. They had issue:

1. Carlyle. Died at Moffat, 11 July 1848, aet 16

2. William, died 1862, aet 26

3. John, Died 1864, aet 25

4. Thomas. Died in New Zealand, without issue

5. Johnston. Married Jeanie Salmond Edgar, daughter of Alexander Edgar, who was a grandson of David and Jane [Fleming] Edgar. They had issue:

I. Alexander Johnston. Married Margaret Marter. No issue

II. David, of Beliskene, Moffat. Married Catherine Fraser Mackay, and has issue:

i. Johnston Mackay

ii. Janet Fraser

III. Johnston. Lives in Ottawa, Canada, unmarried

I. Jessie. Died young

II. Jeanie McLellan. Married William Waddell, and has issue, a son, William Edgar Waddell, of Vancouver, Canada

III. Margaret, unmarried

IV. Isabella. Died young, Twin of Helen Somerville

V. Helen Somerville, unmarried

1. Isabella. Married Mr Parker

2. Marion. Married Mr Hogg

3. Christine

IV. James, of Moffat. Flesher. Died 8 June 1889, aet 72. Married Mary Hastie, who died 4 September 1848, aet 31. They had issue:

1. John, died in infancy

2. James, of Cragbeck, died April 1938

1. Margaret, died aet 15

2. Jane, died 1897, aet 53

V. Peter, He married and had issue. There is a grandson in Canada

VI. Robert, died unmarried

I. Margaret, died at Crossmichael Village, 28 February 1827 aet 4

II. Jessie, died at Cappergill, in March 1838, aet 2

III. Margaret, died 17 July 1905, aet 73

The Editor is indebted to Mr Edgar of Boliskene, Moffat, for an outline of this pedigree. Monumental Inscriptions in Moffat Kirkyard have confirmed several relationships, and supplied a number of dates. The ages given, from the same source, are in some cases likely to be wrong. It cannot be said that the order of aenisrity is correct or that the names of all children of the various marriages are recorded. The genealogy as given above is presented as a basis for further research.

Two [sic] Monumental Inscriptions at Moffat which relate to Edgars as yet unidentified are given:

1. In memory of Daniel, youngest son of John Edgar, Mason, of Moffat, who died at Singapore, East Indies, 16 July 1857, aged 26 years; also Ellen, his daughter, who died 5 December 1854, aged 17 years; also Robert, his son, who died 6 August, aged 9 months; also Thomas, his son, who died 8 October 1864, aged 43 years.

2. In memory of Thomas Edgar, who died 22 May 1845, aged 59 years; also Carlyle Bell Edgar, his son, who died 29 June 1832, aged 18 years; also Marian Edgar, his daughter, who died 5 May 1836, aged 15 years; also Marian Richardson, his wife, who died 23 January 1854, aged 78 years; also Robert Edgar, his son, who died 12 May 1885, aged 80 years; also Jane Edgar, who died 1 October 1890, aged 80 years.

3. In memory of William Edgar, who died at Caldwell, 9 September 1848, aged 51 years; also Thomas and Jane; also Thomas, his son, who died 27 May 1869, aged 43 years

Corrigenda

No3, page 30 for "Professor Pelham Edgar, FCRS, should read "Professor Pelham Edgar, FRSC

No4, page 33 for "In this mss…" should read, "In this manuscript …"

No6 page 48 The reference to Burke's Baronetage should be read after the paragraph dealing with the PEEK family

Edgars of Riddings and Canonbie

William Edgar was born in 1791 at or near Longtown, in the parish of Arthuret, which is in the Diocese of Carlisle. Family tradition asserts that he served a draper in Longtown in his early youth. When still a lad, he set out on foot for London, with a letter of introduction to Mr Swan (d. 26 November 1821), a London draper with a small shop in Ludgate Hill. There he found congenial employment, and when it was decided to open a branch shop in Piccadilly, young Edgar was admitted to partnership and given charge of the new undertaking. Swan died within a few years, but William Edgar, possessed of an unusual aptitude for business, rapidly made the name of Swan and Edgar known throughout London, and indeed, throughout Great Britain. He was greatly assisted in the expansion of his undertaking by the financial assistance which his cousin, David Edgar, of Longtown, gave him. At his death, he left one of the most substantial fortunes which had, up until that time, been amassed by any person engaged in the soft goods trade. He died at his mansion home, Eagle House, Clapham Common, Surrey, on 25 September 1869, and was, until he disposed of it to the Duke of Buccleuch in 1872, the owner of a shooting box called Kirklands, which he built in 1850, at Closeburn, Dumfries-shire, Scotland. He was buried in the family vault in Norwood Cemetery. Will dated 21 February 1867. Estate sworn at under 300,000 pounds.

William Edgar married Frances Heyburn, daughter of George Heyburn (d. 17 December 1834, aet 64), by his wife, nee Skinner (1769-1851). He was actively associated with the construction of Old Waterloo Bridge and Highgate Archway. Mrs Edgar died at Eagle House, on 19 February 1889, aged 78 years. They had issue two sons and three daughters:

I. William Schindler, born 17 March 1824, of whom presently

II. George Henryk born in 1826, probably at East Hill, Wandsworth, London. Married Lucy Lowis. No issue

I. Margaret Maria, born at Eagle House. She married on 20 July 1848, Sir Henry William Peek (1^st baronet created 13^th May 1874) (DJ, Devon Conservative, MP for Mid Surrey, 1868-1884). He was born 26 February 1825 and died at his seat, Rousdon, Devon, 26 August 1989. Lady Peek died 2 May 1884. They had issue an only child - Sir Cuthbert Edgar Peek, 2^nd Baronet, born 30 January 1855. He married 3 January 1884, the Hon Augusta Louisa (d. 3 November 1934), daughter of William, 8^th Viscount Midleton. Sir Cuthbert Peek died 6 July 1901, leaving issue

II. Ellen, b 17 March 1827. Married Edwin Caldecott (see Burke's Baronetage), of Cheapside, wholesale merchant, and had, with other issue, a son, Andrew Edgar. She died 29 March 1882

III. Lucy, born 1835, probably at Eagle House. She married Alexander Mackintosh. He, who had two brothers in business in Melbourne, Australia, in 1835, had issue. A daughter, Dorothy, married Mr Macdonald, who is stated in one pedigree to have been "the son of Lord Kingsburgh." Mrs mackintosh died 20 March 1864.

William Schindler Edgar, born 17 March 1824, in London. He was educated at Totteridge. Upon his father's death he became proprietor of the family business. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace and resided at Coombe Warren, a fine Gothic mansion (sold in June 1884) at Kingston Hill, Kingston-on-Thames, Surrey. He died on 18 August 1885.

William Schindler Edgar married on 20 March 1850, at St Peter's Church, Belper, Derbyshire, Eleanor, daughter of Thomas Ingle, solicitor, of Belper and Derby.

Mrs Edgar died on 18 July 1897, aged 89 years, at 51 Cavendish Road, Clapham Common. They had issue, five sons and six daughters:

I. Henry Ingle, born 7 March 1851, at Clapham Common. He joined the Royal Navy and was trained on HMS Victory and saw service in Australian waters. Lieutenant RN died in mysterious circumstances at Coombe Warren on 13 March 1876. Unmarried.

II. Alfred, born 16 July 1855, at "The Limes", Clapham Common. He died, unmarried, on 20 July 1890, at 51 Cavendish Road, Clapham Common.

III. Lewis, born 28 March 1858, at "The Limes", Clapham Common. On 6 July 1878, he married one of his father's employees (Ann Carruthers). She died 25 June 1885, at Wanganui, New Zealand, without issue. He died 21 March 1899.

IV. Oswald, born 12 August 1860, at Hollywood, Clapham Common. He died at Bournemouth, on 7 December 1897, unmarried.

V. Herbert, born 8 October 1864, at Hollywood, Clapham Common, of whom presently.

I. Edith, born on 18 May 1852, at "The Limes", Clapham Common. She married on 9 August 1876, at the parish church, Clapham Common, Robert Clotworthy, of 8 Highfield Hill, Upper Norwood, London. She died, without issue on 24 October 1937, at her residence, 4 Clorane Gardens, Hampstead, London.

II. Margaret, born on 26 June 1853, at "The Limes", Clapham Common. She married on 3 November 1881, at Norbiton, Kingston-on-Thames, Thomas Hale, of Sevenoaks, Kent. She died at Victoria, BC, Canada, on 3 September 1924, without issue.

III. Mary, born on 21 July 1854, at "The Limes", Clapham Common. She married, on 4 June 1884, at Malden Congregational Church, Rev Charles Frederick William Wood, MA (d. 22 August 1927), of New Malden and afterwards of "The Maisonette", Clapham Common, son of the Headmaster of "Totteridge School". She died 6 January 1922. They had issue:

1. Paul Bernard, b. 5 October 1885. Killed in action on France, 23 April 1917

2. Keith Eric, b. 19 March 1888. Died of wounds in France, 27 May 1915.

1. Ivy Cicely Katherine, b. 5 July 1887

2. Violet Rosemary, b. 17 February 1892. Married 10 June 1920, James Berthon Sparke.

3. Phyllis Mary Eleanor, b. 12 August 1894

IV. Annice, born 27 May 1859. She died aged three years

V. Katherine, born 12 January 1862, at Hollywood, Clapham Common. She married 10 February 1886, at the parish church, Clapham Common, William Francis Hune (d. 25 January 1894), of Croydon, Surrey. No issue.

VI. Lillian, born 6 June 1863, at Hollywood, Clapham Common. She married on 15 January 1896, at Grafton Congregational Church, the Rev Edward Peter Rice, BA, of Bangalore, India. They had issue:

1. Ernest Edgar, b. 20 May 1898. Died 30 January 1921.

2. Llewelyn Cuthbert, b. 21 October 1903. Lieut 4^th Batln, Nigeria Regt. Married in 1932, Doris Gwendoline Gilbury.

1. Grace Dorothy, b. 4 November 1899. Married 30 June 1931, Dr Dudley Proctor

2. Irene Katherine, b. 6 May 1901

3. Ursula Edith, b. 13 March 1909

Herbert Edgar, born 8 October 1864, at Hollywood, Clapham Common. He received his education at Windlesham House, Brighton, and at Uppingham. For a time he joined the family business. He served in the HAC as a Driver. About 1885 he came to Melbourne, Australia, in the ship "Cusco" to go on the pastoral property, Greenhills Station, Keilor Plains, which was owned by cousins of his mother, William Brown, Ingle Brown and Walter Brown. Herbert Edgar subsequently went to Bargrove, South Gippsland, to a property owned by Ernest Harriss, who had married his wife's sister, Isabella Mair.

Herbert Edgar married at Brighton Beach, Victoria, on 30 October 1889, Helen, daughter (and in her issue, co-heiress) of Lieut Colonel William Mair, of Mair Street, Brighton Beach.

(William Mair was born in Glasgow, on 31 August 1806, and died at Myora, South Gippsland, on 15 January 1904. He was a son of Hugh Mair, Captain 42^nd Highlanders, who served under Abercrombie at Alexandra and also at Waterloo. William Mair held the following appointments: Marshall of St Lucia, 25 June 1830; Ensign 99^th Regt. 26 November 1830 to October 1836; Lieut 1^st West India Regt 23 April 1836; Lieut 99^th Regt 29 July 1836; Paymaster, 99^th Regt and Adjutant and Paymaster of NSW Mounted Police, 1842; Commander Port Phillip Mounted Police, 1846 to 1849; Commissioner of Disputed Boundaries, Gippsland District, 1849; Police Magistrate, Western District, 1849; Gold Commissioner and Police Magistrate for Buninyong and Ballarat, 1 September 1851, for four months (Mair Street, Ballarat); Commander Gold Fields Mounted Police, 1851 to 1853; Captain 99^th Regt 7 July 1854; Paymaster and Commissioner of Police of Victoria, 1853 to 1872, when he retired on a pension. Lieut Colonel, Volunteer Force, 14 October 1863; Lieut Colonel, Victorian Military Forces, 20 April 1886. Lieut Colonel Mair arrived at Port Jackson on 22 March 1842 in the ship "Richard Webb" having earlier, 126 days out from Dublin, handed over to the Hobart Town penal authorities, his charge of 200 convicts. Lieut Colonel Mair was primarily responsible for the creation of the Moorabbin Roads Board and was chairman of the Board for nearly five years. He married Catherine Lyons, of Sydney, NSW.)

Herbert Edgar returned to England about 1896. His death occurred at Maidstone, Kent, on 2 September 1905.

Mrs Edgar married secondly, Charles Maffey (deceased) of Melbourne.

Herbert and Helen Edgar had issue an only child:

I. William Herbert, born at Melbourne, 23 May 1891. Educated at Maidstone Grammar School, Kent, England. Returned to Australia with his mother in 1908. Until 1924 he farmed property at Myora and Woodleigh, Gippsland. He was, for some time, a member of the Phillip Island and Woolami Shire Council, and was President in the Shire's Jubilee Year, 1924. From 1924 until 1935, Mr Edgar was the proprietor of a motor garage at San Remo, Victoria. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace, 29 May 1934. A convenor of the inaugural Meeting of the Society of Edgar Families on 24 February 1937. Elected first President of the Society. Now Vice-President of the Society, and Assistant Hon Secretary. Mr Edgar has several times visited Great Britain, and, in 1932, and 1938, undertook pilgrimages to the Edgar districts of Scotland. Mr Edgar was appointed Air Raid Precautions Instructor, 1939, and Post Administrative Officer, 1940.

William Herbert Edgar married on 18 February 1914, at the Australian Church, Melbourne, Elsa Margaret, daughter of Henry Keeble Aird, of Caulfield, Melbourne, and formerly of Nalong Station, near the border of Victoria and South Australia. Mr Aird, who was a brother of the late Sir John Aird, 1^st Baronet, of London, married Margaret McCrae.

William Herbert and Elsa Margaret, who live at Canonbie, 6 St John's Avenue, Mont Albert, Melbourne, have issue two sons:

1. William Henry Ingle, born 13 January 1915. Educated at box Hill Grammar School, Victoria. Engineer. Foundation Member of the Society of Edgar Families. Unmarried.

2. David Herbert Harris, born 4 June 1922. Educated at Box Hill Grammar School, Victoria.

NOTE: The Lineage of William Edgar (1791-1869) will be published at a later date.

Edited for the Society of Edgar Families by I Trentham-Edgar

SOME SIDELIGHTS ON THE HISTORY OF THE EDGAR FAMILY

Walter Scott, second Laird of Harden, who died in 1629, was a famous character in the Lowlands in his day and was known far and wide as "Auld Wat". He was twice married, first to Mary Scott ("the Flower of the Yarrow"), daughter of Philip Scott, of Dryhope, and afterwards to Margaret Edgar, daughter of the Laird of Wedderlie. By his first wife he had a son who was ancestor to Sir Walter Scott Bt, the famous novelist.

"Auld Wat's" only child by Margaret Edgar was named after her mother and became the wife of David Pringle, younger of Gallasheils. Upon his death she married Sir William Macdougall, of Mackerston.

John Edgar, Laird of Wedderlie, married (Marr. Contract C.1619) Elizabeth, daughter of William, first Lord Cranstoun and had issue. The Cranstoun peerage is considered to be dormant, an heir not having been found. By the terms of the remainder to the patent the descendants of the marriage of John and Elizabeth Edgar would stand in the line of succession.

Consult "Complete Peerage", second edition

THIRD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE SOCIETY OF EDGAR FAMILIES

A cordial invitation is extended to Members and Associates of the Society of Edgar Families to attend the Third Annual General Meeting which will take place at 8.00pm on Tuesday 5 March 1940 in Room 110, Railways Institute, Flinders Street, Melbourne (take the lift to the Third Floor).

Business:

The President, the Honourable WH Edgar MP, has signified that he will take the Chair if he finds it possible to be in Melbourne on the night of the Meeting.

Hon Secretary: I Trentham-Edgar FSAG
Telephone: Windsor 3369
75a Fitzroy Street, St Kilda S2 

News Letter Number Seven
Society of Edgar Families
Melbourne, Australia

Third Annual Report

We have come together once more, this time to celebrate the third birthday of the Society. The three years gone by have been a time of achievement. We have made progress which it will be a pleasant duty to accelerate in this difficult time of national emergency.

The Society's work and influence did not stop on the 3 September 1939; indeed, our task of welding the Edgars together into one body had found a further justification. All the British peoples need unity, and any organisation which serves to keep the citizens of the sister democracies together is one worth supporting.

We have entered upon our new year with a substantial monetary surplus - for the first time. That we are serving the interests of our Members and Associates satisfactorily is shown by the splendid loyalty of our old members and the eagerness with which others continue to join our ranks. If our financial position remains healthy, I feel that we should seek to make contact with every bearer of the surname whose address we can obtain from directories and other reference books. Our work deserves to be more widely known and to that end we must advertise the Society as widely as possible. This can be done most effectively by the publication of attractive booklets and leaflets which would clearly indicate to a recipient the advantages of membership of the Society.

Through the work of the Vice-President, we have been able to acquire, at a reasonable price, a full range of stationery supplies sufficient to last the Society for about three years at the present rate of consumption. As it is likely that the continuance of the war will force a rise in current prices, this action may be the means of saving the Society an appreciable sum.

One of the real highlights of the year has been the wonderful co-operation which we have had from our honorary member in Toronto, Canada - Mr James Keithock Edgar. Mr Edgar, capably aided by his wife, has copied for our library the whole of Lawrence-Archer's authoritative book, published in 1873, on the Edgar family. This work is extremely rare and the many efforts made by this Society to obtain a copy had proved unavailing; but now, thanks to our Canadian friends, both of them young people, we are no longer obliged to work without this indispensable reference book.

The News Letter continues to justify its publication and already more than fifty pages of Edgar material has been made available to our members. Now that we have our own duplicating machine, it should be possible to average at least twenty-five pages a year. This figure may be raised by some issues having appended to them the history of particular families. The full family history of the Keithock Edgars has now been completed, but publication will be delayed until the manuscript can be safely mailed to Canada for approval. Efforts are now being made to interest the branch of the Keithock family which settled in New Jersey, about 1719, in this work. It is hoped that the co-operation of some of the members of this United States family will lead to the publication of the history of their interesting branch. The late General CG Edgar, of Detroit, USA, left a valuable collection of Edgar records and relics at his death a few years ago.

General Edgar was a keen student of genealogy and, being a wealthy man, he was able to acquire many family treasures. One wing of his summer residence on the shores of one of the northern lakes was constructed to the exact plan of Old Keithock, in Scotland - once the home of the General's ancestor, Thomas Edgar, brother of James Edgar, the Secretary to James Stewart (the Old Pretender).

In closing this Report, I should like to say that I believe that the Society of Edgar Families is doing all that can be done successfully with the funds at present at its disposal. We must continue to aim at increasing our influence and therefore our membership. If possible, too, we should endeavour to secure a permanent headquarters to serve as a repository for the necessary accumulation of family papers, pedigrees, books, maps and pictures which continue to come to us by presentation or upon loan.

(Extracts from the Third Annual Report of the Society of Edgar Families read by the Hon Secretary at the Annual Meeting at Melbourne 5 March, 1940).

ANNUAL MEETING

Appointment of Patron: On a Motion of Mr Robert Halbert Edgar, seconded by Mr Otho Swan Edgar, and carried by acclamation, Mr James Keithock Edgar, of 44 Glen Road, Toronto, Canada, was appointed PATRON of THE SOCIETY OF EDGAR FAMILIES. The Meeting thus recognised the sterling work which Mr JH Edgar, who is head of the House of Keithock, has done for the Society. Our Patron is very interested in the history of the Edgar family and has made many valuable contributions to the files of the Society.

Selection of Office-Bearers: Although Mr William H Edgar JP, believing that the honour should be enjoyed on this occasion by another, at first declined re-nomination as Vice-President, he was persuaded, after a resolution had expressed the Meeting's unanimous wish that he should withdraw his objection, to continue to give his helpful guidance to the Executive Council in that capacity for another year. Mr Edgar will also continue to act at Assistant Hon Secretary. The other retiring office-bearers were re-elected.

Holiday Outing: It is regretted that it has not proved possible to arrange a suitable date for the visit which our Members and Associates hoped to pay to the gardens of the Hon WH Edgar MLC and Mrs Edgar at Upper Macedon. Mr and Mrs Edgar had undertaken to entertain at Macedon the members of various charitable organisations on the dates submitted by this Society. In expressing disappointment that the outing could not take place on those dates, Mr Edgar cordially renewed his invitation to our members to visit "Duncraggan" at some future time.

COMFORTS FOR EDGARS SERVING KING AND COUNTRY

The Hon Secretary will be pleased to receive from Members and Associate Members the names and addresses of those members of their families who are serving with the Navy, Army or Air Force at home or abroad. Full Service address should be sent to the Hon Secretary, I Trentham-Edgar, 75a Fitzroy Street, St Kilda, Melbourne S2, as soon as possible. When sufficient names are available, a Committee of the Society will arrange for the regular despatch of comforts to these men. Those who would be willing to send newspapers and magazines or other useful articles under the Society's scheme are invited to help.

This is a worthwhile cause and one which deserves the support of all our Members. Send names and addresses and offers of assistance NOW. Notifications already received are as follows:

NX3753, L/Cpl Edgar SK, Unit HQ, Sigs, 6^th Aust Divis AIF, Abroad [younger son of Bertram Kinmond Edgar, of Mosman, Sydney, and grandson of John Coupar Edgar, of Tasmania]

CORRIGENDA ET ADENDA

Page 44, Error in Notation, page 43 is followed by page 45.

Page 49, NL No.6 - sub. Mary Edgar (Mrs Wood) for "… son of the Headmaster of "Totteridge School" read "… grandson of the Headmaster of Totteridge School".

The Rev CFW Wood MA, of "The Maisonette," Clapham Common, was the son of a Doctor of Law.

(Information supplied by Mrs Helen Maffey, mother of Mr William H Edgar JP)

OBITUARY

Flying Officer AM Edgar
We extend heartfelt sympathy to Lieut Col JM Edgar and Mrs Edgar in the loss of their second son, Allan Matheson Edgar, who was killed on Active Service in France on 26 March 1940, when serving as a Pilot Officer with the Royal Air Force.

Flying Officer AM Edgar was born on 5 November 1912 and was formerly an officer of the State Saving Bank, and was stationed at Sunshine. He first offered his services to the Royal Australian Air Force, but was not accepted, and so, in 1938 he went to London and became a pilot of the Royal Air Force. While awaiting advice of his acceptance he spent some time travelling in Great Britain, first with his parents and afterwards with Mr and Mrs WH Edgar, of Mont Albert, Victoria.

Lieut Colonel JM Edgar VD, is a former Commanding Officer of the 58^th Battalion, which has its headquarters at Moonee Ponds. He is Secretary of the Essendon Rotary Club and a foundation member of the Society of Edgar Families. Lieut Col Edgar is a native of Ballarat and is the only child of the late Mr John Edgar (d. 1929), a native of Onchan, Isle of Man, who came to Victoria in "The Lightening" in 1867. (The earliest known ancestor of the family was the grandfather of Mr John Edgar. He was born at Whitehaven, Cumberland, Eng, on 31 May 1791. He was married at Whithorne Scotland, on 21 January 1812, to Agnes Maxwell (born at Whithorne, 12 October 1791), and by her had a numerous issue).

EDGAR OF RIDDINGS, CUMBERLAND LINEAGE
(Vide News Letter No. 6)

This family of Edgars were for long settled at Riddings, Cumberland, England. Two tombstones in Arthuret, Cumberland, Churchyard, bearing the lion rampant within heraldic shields, are known to mark the graves of ancestors of William Edgar (1791-1869). The inscriptions on those stones record the deaths of David Edgar, on 13 February 1654, aet 53, and his wife Ann Edgar, on 9 September 1676. With Ann is also buries David Edgar, in Riddings (d. 26 March 1691, aet 53), presumed to be her son.

Agnes Armstrong, the eldest of the three sisters of John Armstrong of Greive (he was a descendant of the famous "Kinmont Willie" … of ballad fame … and died before 1752, when a Decreet of the Lords of Session declared his three sisters to be his heirs), married a David Edgar of Riddings. They had a son, David Edgar, whose eldest son, David Edgar, is described in 1865 (in a sasine on Charter of Adjudication granted to William Elliot, Writer in Edinburgh, who had purchased, the estate of Greive, co. Dumfries, of John Rae, who had bought it before 1731, of John Armstrong), as a mariner. (Vide, the Dumfries-shire and Galloway natural History and Antiquarian Society. Vol XVIII).

WILLIAM EDGAR, in Rowanburnfoot, co, Dumfries, was buried at Canonbie in the same county. He died 12 October 1788, aet 85. His widow, Margaret Graham, died 27 February 1800, aet 84, it is considered probably from the evidence that this William Edgar is to be identified as the William Edgar, lawful son of William Edgar and Joan Murray, who was baptised at Canonbie, 27 November 1703. The same parents had two older sons: John, bapt 14 September 1694, and James, bapt November 1699; and two daughters: Janet, bapt March 1696, and Agnes, bapt 9 March 1702 (Parish Register).

It should be remarked that on the tombstones erected to the memory of Edgars, the place-names – Riddings, Canonbie, Rowanburnfoot and Longtown frequently appear in association and are indicative of the common descent of the Edgars buried there from the Edgars of Riddings.

William and Margaret (Graham) Edgar, had issue, three sons:

I. David Edgar, in Riddings, of whom presently

II. James Edgar, in Riddings. He died 13 April 1813, aet 73. (MI Canonbie). He married Margaret Wilson, who died 6 February 1825, aet 82 (MI Canonbie). They had issue, a son, and two daughters:

1. David. Died at Longtown, 4 June 1845, aet 69. (MI Canonbie). His Will, dated 23 April 1842, was proved at Carlisle, 9 July 1845, and describes him as "David Edgar of Longtown, gentleman, formerly of Longleat in the county of Wiltshire …". From his note books (now, together with two grandfather clocks which he also owned, in the possession of William Herbert Edgar, of Melbourne), it is clear that he assisted his cousin, William Edgar, of Swan and Edgar, to finance his business. David Edgar married Juliet Forbes. (Mr WH Edgar has a gold tie-pin with her hair and a picture of Napier, which she once owned). There was no issue of the marriage.

1. …, a daughter. She married firstly Mr Holliday, and secondly Mr Losh. By her first husband there was issue, two daughters:

a. Ann Holliday, of Longtown, residuary legatee in the Will of her uncle, David Edgar, and Executrix of the Will

b. Hannah. Married John Beaty, of Longtown, and had issue:

2. Mary. She married Mr Graham, of Hobbiesburn. They had issue, a son, James, and a daughter.

III. William Edgar, tenant in Rowanburnfoot. He died 21 June 1823, aet 71 (MI Canonbie). His family Bible gives the dates of birth of his children by his wife Margaret Carruthers (who died 13 August 1816, aet 63 - MI Canonbie). They had issue, five sons and four daughters:

1. Richard, born 17 August 1774.

2. John, born 16 December 1777; farmer in Inch. He died 30 August 1836, aet 59. (MI Canonbie). His widow, Margaret Hill, died at Slack, 26 January 1862 (MI Canonbie). They are believed to have been the parents of a son:

I. Joseph Marshall, of Millees; died 14 September 1876, aet 71 (MI Canonbie). His wife, Tamar …, died 11 February 1876, aet 76 (MI Canonbie). They had issue, one son and two daughters:

a. John Henry, died at Baten Bush, 4 may 1914, aet 69. Upon his death a property at Baten Bush passed, after some dispute, to maternal cousins named Fisher.

a. Mary Ann, died at Baten Bush, 2 May 1914, aet 75

b. Margaret, died at Baten Bush, 5 May 1902, aet 60.

3. William, Born 28 April 1782. He was a surgeon at Brampton, Cumberland, and died 23 January 1813, aet 30 (MI Canonbie). He married, and had a son:

I. William. He died 7 May 1816, aet 9 (MI Canonbie)

4. Charles, born 8 January 1794. He married Mary …, and had issue, three sons and four daughters:

I. William

II. James

III. David. He married Jessie Campbell. They had issue, four sons and four daughters:

1. Charles, born 1867. Has issue.

2. John, born 1869. Post Master at Canonbie, Dumfries-shire, 1938

3. William, born 1870; died 1928. He married Margaret Regan. They have issue, three sons, and two daughters:

a. David, born 1899, in South Africa. Married Anna Schultz. Issue, two daughters, (1) Noreen, b. 1933; (2) Margaret Iona, b. 1936.

b. John, born 1900; died 1924

c. David Regan, born 1912 in South Africa. Unmarried

a. Margaret. Member of Society of Edgar Families. Resides in Melbourne.

b. Mary. Member of Society of Edgar Families. Resides in Melbourne.

4. David, born 1877, died 1882

1. Janet Johnson. Married Robert Calvert. They have issue.

2. Mary, born 1872; died 1874

3. Mary Isabella, born 1875

4. Helen, born 1881. Married T Morrison.

I. Aggie

II. Jenny

III. Marion

IV. Margaret, born 1829, died 1910. She married Mr Armstrong, and had issue, a son, Isaac, born 1870

5. Robert, born 11 January 1796, of Rowanburnfoot; farmer. He died at Langholm, co. Dumfries, 12 February 1863, aet 67 (MI Canonbie). His father's Bible records the dates of birth of his children. He married Mary …, who died 28 October 1857, aet 59 (MI Canonbie). They had issue, five sons and five daughters:

I. William, born 5 December 1822. He died 26 November 1853 aet 51 (MI Canonbie)

II. Archibald, born 25 August 1824

III. John, born 17 March 1830. He died 22 February 1855, aet 22 (MI Canonbie)

IV. Robert, born 10 January 1840

V. Joseph, born 24 April 1842

I. Margaret, born 16 June 1826

II. Jane, born 4 August 1823

III. Thomasine, born 17 August 1834. She died 6 May 1860, aet 25 (MI Canonbie)

IV. Frances, born 1 June 1836. She died in infancy

V. Frances, born 15 February 1838. She died 18 March 1854, aet 16 (MI Canonbie)

1. June, died 5 October 1781, aet 4 (MI Canonbie)

2. Janney, born 2 February 1780. Died in infancy

3. Janney, born 5 December 1784.

4. Menney, born 29 March 1788. She married Christopher McGlasson. They had issue, a daughter, Margaret, who married Walter Kean (now o "The Nurseries", Longtown, but formerly of Scotchdyke), and had issue, a son, Thomas (who married an Edgar), and a daughter, Mrs Cochrane, who died 7 December 1939. Mr Thomas Kean assisted Mr WH Edgar, of Melbourne, to make local enquiries about the family 1934 and 1938.

DAVID EDGAR, son of William and Margaret (Graham) Edgar, was born in 1736, and lived at Riddings until his death on 3 October 1809, aet 73 (MI Canonbie). He married Helen Warde, who died 6 June 1839, aet 87 (MI Canonbie). They had issue, three sons and one daughter:

I. David Edgar, in Riddings, Scotch Draper. He died 1 January 1834, aet 54 (MI Canonbie). He married Margaret Grindley, who died 11 December 1862, aet 66 (MI Canonbie). They had issue, three sons and two daughters:

1. David, died aet 1 (MI Canonbie)

2, David, born at Riddings; died in London, 30 April 1863, aet 32. He is buried at Norwood Cemetery, London.

3. William, born 25 April 1833, at Riddings. Educated at the Dumfries Academy. Scotch draper. He married on 29 April 1862, at St Bartholomew's Church, London, Catherine Grierson, (died 24 March 1898, at Longton, Preston, Lancs), daughter of John and Peggy Curle. William Edgar died on 20 November 1920, at Liverpool. They had issue, three daughters:

a. Frances Curle, born 27 January 1865. Unm (resides with her sister, Hannah Curle Edgar, at Torville, Sedburgh Park, Ilkley, Yorkshire)

b. Hannah Curle, born 9 January, 1865. Unm

c. Eleanor Ann, born 9 January 1867. She died unmarried at Ilkley, Yorkshire, on 9 August 1939.

1. Frances, born 2 February 1829, at Riddings. Married at Kirkland, in December 1857, James Jardine, of Blackburn. She died on 24 January 1912 at New Longton, Preston, Lancs. They had issue, a son, Alexander, and a daughter, Mary Ellen.

2. Helen, died when aged 5 years (MI Canonbie)

II. John Edgar, died 9 September 1834, aet 48 (MI Canonbie).

III. WILLIAM EDGAR (1791-1869), proprietor of the firm of Swan and Edgar, Piccadilly, London (see News Letter No. Six - January 1940)

I. Hannah Edgar, died before 1867. Married James Little, who managed his brother-in-law, William Edgar's shooting box and farm called Kirklands, at Closeburn, co. Dumfries. They had issue, two sons and a daughter:

1. David Little. Received a legacy of 1,000 pounds under his uncle William's Will

2. James Little, Received a legacy of 1,000 pounds under his uncle William's Will. He died in 1872, leaving a son, George Lewis Little, born at Kirklands, in 1868 (resides at Carronbank, Thornhill, Dumfries)

Mary. She received an annuity under her uncle William's Will.

ABBREVIATION: MI Canonbie (Monumental Inscription at Canonbie)

Compiled for the Society of Edgar Families by I Trentham-Edgar, FSAG, Melbourne, April 1940

News Letter Number Eight

Society of Edgar Families

Melbourne, Australia

SIR WALTER SCOTT'S CORRESPONDENCE WITH MISS EDGAR

edited by the late Lady Edgar (courtesy of JK Edgar, of Toronto, Canada)

Now that almost everything relating to the "Great Wizard of the North" has been exploited, a few more lines from his pen will no doubt be welcomed by his devotees.

The following letters, hitherto unpublished, show his kindness of heart, his tender sympathy for young and unknown authors, and his willingness to help them. The letters are not dated - "a family failing" - as Sir Walter remarks in one of his letters to his son, but it is easy to determine the time at which they were written by the reference to the marriage of young Walter Scott, which took place on 3 February 1825. "Feb 25^th" is on one letter, without the year. "Monday" is on another. Castle Street is the address. As is well known, he loved for part of the year in Edinburgh while attending the sessions of the Court in that "grey city of the North," in which his name is enshrined. No place that his footsteps trod is left unvisited and his letters have been a precious heritage to posterity. Let us gather up the fragments that remain that nothing be lost.

The occasion of this correspondence is, that a Miss Edgar had written a book of poems called "Tranquility," which she wished to have reviewed by Sir Walter. Her first letter evidently remained unanswered, and she wrote again - probably in a hurt manner. Instead of seeming to be annoyed at the importunity, the great master writes:

"Sir Walter Scott's most respectful compliments to Miss Edgar and begs to assure her that he had not the least intention of incurring her displeasure. It happened that he was called to the country after Miss Edgar's first letter was sent to him and only returned last week. Sir Walter Scott is unfortunately subjected to receive and answer the letters of an almost incredible number of literary projectors; sometimes ten or twelve in one week, and it is not easy to maintain such a correspondence with punctuality. Sir Walter Scott is afraid Miss Edgar has greatly over calculated any power he possesses of assisting her wish to make her works more public - he has not for many years written a single article in any review or other literary publication, and his private circle is almost exclusively domestic.

But Sir Walter has no desire to decline what may be in his power and hopes, if furnished with a paper, to add a name or two to the subscription of Miss Edgar, to whom he regrets much undesignedly given pain. If the weather admitted his coming out he would wait upon her to make his personal apology."

This was probably written during the winter of 1824. The next letter refers to some Stuart miniatures which Miss Edgar had sent to his house for him to examine.

"Sir Walter Scott regrets he was abroad when Miss Edgar's friend called and now returns by a trusty person the box with the miniatures, who has orders to deliver it into Miss Edgar's own hand. Sir Walter Scott encloses Mr Oliphant's letter and begs to express his thanks to Miss Edgar for the great interest he has received from these curious portraits.

Castle Street, 25^th Feb

After this correspondence evidently became more friendly, and the formal third person was dropped for the more familiar address. The next letter in the packet is written immediately after the marriage of his son, which is referred to in it. It was on January 7, 1825, that a great ball was given at Abbotsford, the first and last large entertainment ever held there, to celebrate the announcement of the engagement of Walter Scott of the 18^th Hussars, to Miss Jobson, the "pretty heiress of Lochare," a niece of Sir Walter's old friends, Sir Adam and lady Ferguson. The marriage took place on February 3, 1825. That year was the zenith of Sir Walter's life. His books were bringing in a princely income. No cloud had dimmed his horizon. There were illimitable possibilities for the future. His cherished dream of founding a family was near fruition. His eldest son had married, to his great content. He had settled Abbotsford on the young couple, keeping only a life interest in it, and had purchased a captaincy in the 18^th Hussars for 3,500 pounds, so that his son might be established with comfort in his chosen profession. His pride in his family peeps out in the letters that follow:

"Dear Miss Edgar, I have been engaged of late in a very interesting matter, the matter of my eldest son, which has occasioned my neglecting or rather delaying to answer your letter and thank you for the curious and interesting seals, which I return with it. In the first place I beg to acquit myself and Lady Scott of the debt incurred by your being so good as to send us four copies of "Tranquility" subscribed for. Please to excuse the dirty bank paper, having no more genteel made of remittance at present. We will subscribe with great pleasure for a copy each of the proposed poems, but I am under the necessity of saying that it has been my custom for many years to decline circulating subscription papers, and indeed, I do not live among the class of people where that can be done with success. It is a great many years since I have declined all poetical criticism and all connection with periodical works. Nor have I wrote anything for Blackwood's Magazine, except some stories about phepgupsies in the very commencement of that publication. The fact is, in my acquaintance with literature, that sort of thing do (no) good and almost all the successful authors I know have never troubled themselves with reviews or advertisements. I am sure if I thought otherwise I would be happy to be of service to a work so respectable in itself and so deserving of success on many accompts. Captain Scott, of Lochare, King's Hussars, and Mrs Scott, of Lochore, beg you will add their names to Lady Scott's and mine and their copies may be sent to Castle Street, as they will be in Ireland very soon.

I remain, Dear Madam, Your most obedt servt, Walter Scott."

The last letter in the packet is as follows:

"Dear Miss Edgar - I am commissioned by my daughter to transmit her own and her husband's subscription with thanks for your obliging note. She could not reply herself, as they left town this morning and had of course much to do when abandoning her quiet home to carry the young Trooper's portmanteau. I certainly will be happy to advance the sale of "Tranquility" as far as is in my power. But unluckily, my society lies chiefly among old lawyers and politicians, a set of persons for whom poetry and tranquility has few charms.

My son's title is "of Lochore," not "Lochrie," as my bad hand led you to suppose. I have never seen the curious tracts you mention, and should be much gratified by a perusal of them.

I remain, Madam, yours respectfully, Walter Scott
Tuesday, Castle Street"

Now all this trouble was taken in order not to hurt the feelings of a young lady, personally a stranger to him. It was a gracious act graciously done, and throws a tender light on Sir Walter's character.

CORRIGENDA ET ADENDA

Page 48, lines 17 and 18

"… on 25^th September 1869, and was, until he disposed of it to the Duke of Buccleuch in 1872, the owner of ..." Correction – Omit date 1872. The property was sold after his death.

Page 58, lines 6 and 7 to read:

"... who married an Edgar and had issue, a son, and a daughter, Mrs Cochrane – [who died 7^th December 1939]."

SPECIAL NOTE

It is regretted that page 44, supplied with this issue, was previously missed. Will our readers please insert in its correct place and thus correct the notation of our pages.

OBITUARY

Edward Crowder Edgar

The death occurred in Melbourne, on 26^th May 1940, of Mr Edward Crowder Edgar, formerly of St Kilda and Belgrave.

Mr Edgar was born at Cressy, Tasmania on 13^th April 1877, and was the fourth son of John Coupar Edgar, a well known headmaster of Tasmanian Schools, and his wife, Amelia Crowder. Mr EC Edgar's great-grandfather, Thomas Risdale Crowder, reached Sydney Cove on Foundation Day 1788, and in 1807 settled in Hobart Town, where he became Superintendent of the Penal Settlement.

Edgar Crowder Edgar was an executive officer of the Shell Co, of Australia in Melbourne until he entered practise on his own account as a Public Accountant. He was appointed chief accountant to the Victorian Wheat Commission in 1919, and subsequently became secretary and director of several companies. He was especially experienced in taxation matters.

Mr Edgar married in 1910, at Geelong, Victoria, Una Kate Rose, only child of the late Edward Trentham, of Hawthorn, Melbourne, and formerly of Bank House, Worthen, Shropshire, England. They had issue a son and a daughter.

MONUMENTAL INSCRIPTIONS

Much interesting material relating to family history is to be found inscribed on tombstones. This Editor would be pleased to have copies of the wording on Edgar stones. Unfortunately, time is slowly obliterating many.

When walking through the St Kilda Cemetery, the Editor noticed an Edgar stone, and afterwards located another on nearby. the following particulars were noted:

Robert Edgar, a native of Bangor, co. Down, Ireland, died at Caulfield, Victoria, 12^th Feb, 1918, aet 97. His wife, Ellenor, a native of the same place, died at South Yarra, Victoria, 6^th Apr, 1889, aet 65. Samuel Edgar, presumably their son, died at Prahran, Victoria, on 3^rd Jul, 1888.

The second stone was erected

"To the memory of Elizabeth Edgar, my beloved daughter, who died 26^th Apr, 1889, aet 2. ALSO Roseann Edgar, my dearly beloved wife, who died 25^th December 1900, aet 38, born at Ealloo, co. Down. ALSO, James Finley, beloved husband of Sarah Edgar, who died 29^th Nov, 1918, aet. 59, and his son, Cpl, Walter Edgar, who died at Caulfield Hospital, 9^th Aug, 1919, aet. 28."

Can any reader identify this family?

MARRIAGE

 At Melbourne, on 8^th Jun, 1940, Leslie Margaret, only daughter of Mr WS Edgar, and the late Mrs Edgar, of Casterton, Victoria, to James Graham Ochiltree, Lieutenant, Australian Staff Corps, younger son of the late Mr and Mrs WB Ochiltree, of Melbourne. News Letter No 1 "Edgars of Moffat."

QUARTERLY GENERAL MEETING

 The usual Quarterly Meeting took place in Melbourne on 10^th Jul, 1940. After dealing with routine business the Meeting was closed to permit the newly constituted War Comforts Committee to hold its first meeting Mrs K Nicholson, was in the chair and Miss Margaret Edgar was appointed Hon, Secretary to the Committee. The Committee consists of ten members and will meet regularly to arrange for the collection of comforts and their distribution to Edgars and descendants of Edgars who have enlisted in any of the Services. The Committee expressed thanks to Mr RH Edgar for his offer to make his business premises available as a depot for parcels forwarded to the Committee. Such parcels, containing gifts for our men serving at home and abroad should be marked "War Comforts Committee, Society of Edgar Families," and consigned c/o Messrs W Edgar and Co, Pty Ltd, 788 Swanston Street, Carlton, N3.

Will all members and associates consider how they can help the Committee? Offers of assistance should be addressed to Miss Margaret Edgar, Box 2630X, GPO, Melbourne.

It is hoped to organise groups of correspondents who would keep in touch with the men serving, enquiring their wants and satisfying as far as possible, their needs. The War Comforts Committee can do a most useful service for our men, but it is very necessary that the Committee should have the names and full service addresses of all those who have already enlisted and of others who may enlist.

PLEASE SEND NAMES AND ADDRESSES AT ONCE. If you are willing to join a correspondence group or are prepared to send a parcel or parcels you are asked to write to Miss Edgar as early as possible. Please tell members of your family about the Committee's work.

NEW MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES

We welcome the following as Associates of the Society:

1. Mrs Jessie Edgar, Kew, Victoria;

2. Mrs Stella M Martin, Chiltern, Victoria;

3. James Edgar, West Albury, New South Wales;

4. WGD Edgar, Tawonga, Victoria.

Mrs JA Burgess, of Armadale, Victoria, has joined as a full Member.

NOTABLE EDGARS

CHARLES EDGAR [9^th April 1862 0 15^th February 1922]

 Charles Edgar, lumberman and inventor, was born in Metuchen, New Jersey, USA and was the son of Benjamin Winant and Phebe [Dunham] Edgar. He was educated at local public schools until he was eighteen and in 1880,upon graduation from High School, he went to Chicago, Illinois and found employment with lumber interests there. After five years he moved with his family to Wausau, Wisconsin and became general manager of the Jacob Mortensen Lumber Company. A few years later he founded, with Walter Alexander, the Alexander-Edgar Lumber Co. Charles Edgar was then only twenty-eight years of age. In the succeeding twelve years, under his leadership, his company played a prominent part not only in the development of the Northern lumber areas of Michigan, Wisconsin and Minnesota, but also of the southern pine forests as well.

The young business man found time to perfect certain improvements in sawmill machinery and took out Patents in 1894 and 1895. Failing health compelled Edgar to retire from active business about 1902 and for ten years he lived on his estate near Charlotteville, Virginia. In 1914, because of the death of one of his associates, he was again obliged to take up his duties as President and general director of the Wisconsin and Arkansas Lumber company, of Malvern, Arkansas and he continued in that capacity until his death. During the First World War he was identified with the Southern Pine Emergency Bureau and later was a member of the Lumber Committee of the Council of National Defence, finally becoming lumber director of the War Industries Board until the end of the War. A Distinguished Service Medal was awarded to him 7^th Apr, 1922, after his death.

Charles Edgar married in 18^th Dec, 1884, at Chicago, Illinois, Gertrude Pomeroy, of Pottsville, Pennsylvania, daughter of George V Pomeroy. At the time of his death, Charles Edgar was survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter. He died at Miami, Florida and was buried at Essex Falls, New Jersey, where he had resided for a number of years.

AUTHORITIES: Dictionary of American Biography, VI., Lumber World Review, 25^th February 1922., American Lumberman, 18^th & 25^th February 1922., EW Byrn, - "The Progress of Invention in the Nineteenth Century", [1900]., AA Pomeroy – "History and Genealogy of the Pomeroy Family, [1912]., Newark Evening News, 16^th February 1922., Patent Office Records, USA., National Museum Correspondence.

News Letter Number Nine
Society of Edgar Families
Melbourne, Australia

THE STUDY OF FAMILY HISTORY

[Abridged by I Trentham-Edgar, FSAG, from "Historical Genealogy" by J Horace-Round, MA LL.D – "Family Origins" 1930]

"The expansion and extension of genealogical studies is a very remarkable feature of our own time. There is nothing in those who try to trace their own pedigrees that need be stigmatised as vain or foolish; it is a very natural instinct, and appears to me to be one of the ways in which a general interest in national history may be expected to grow." [Stubbs]. "I cannot accept as a true student of genealogy one who cares for nothing but the pedigree of his own family. [Round].

The craze of pedigree making reached its height under Elizabeth. She set an example by a Tudor pedigree deduced from Adam. The great Cecil, Lord Burghley, was pedigree mad, and sought for the upstart Cecil's ancestors in all directions. Lord Chancellor Hatton was fitted with a pedigree, tracing has family to "Yvon", a Norman noble who came with the Conqueror, which was duly "seen and registered" by a notorious herald. In support of one of Burghley's ancestors, an old French document was actually forged; to support Hatton's, a whole galaxy of Charters and seals were produced. The pedigree-maker stuck at nothing, forging documents in Latin, Old English and French, which hoodwinked some officers of the College of Heralds.

By Charles the First's time the Doomsday Book was regularly providing, ready to hand, a Norman or Saxon patriarch, as preferred. Even after Charles had lost his head the quest went on. But the school of historical genealogy had already come to birth. While Selden was writing the "Baronage", Sir Robert Cotton forming his Collections, and Dodsworth working on the Pipe Rolls and transcribing monastic charters, there was an outburst in England as in France, of antiquarian research. In England the public records in the Tower were searched, private muniments were examined, registers of Wills ransacked.

We pass on to Collins, who wrote under George II, and whose genealogical peerage is important as the basis of the well-known "Burke's Peerage" industrious and well-qualified, this man crammed into his works much ludicrous genealogy. Thus began those wild stories in the pages of "Burke's Peerage" which have moved historians to contempt and scorn.

English genealogy had in a century fallen back into the old, bad, despicable groove until the official records of the heralds under their common seal were not received as evidence in any Court of Justice in the Kingdom. From the era of the Great Reform Bill [1832] we may distinguish the existence of two rival schools. On the one hand was that of the complaisant herald, typified by successive publications hearing the name of "Burke" and flooding the market with gorgeous pedigrees of new and old invention. The other, the critical and historical school, had a more limited public. Founded by John Gough Nichols with his valuable periodicals which came to an end with "The Herald and Genealogist" in 1878, its work was successfully carried on by such journals as "The Genealogist" and "The Ancestor". Examples of the best modern methods are numerous, among them being The Complete Peerage" especially the New Edition which, still in progress, has cost more than £100,000.

Many will, I know, sympathise with those who in the last century have placed genealogy on its present historical basis, the more so because the worked in the teeth of much discouragement. It is far easier to construct a spurious pedigree than to demolish the imposture. Only the expert knows the time and labour it may cost to detect the falsehood of a pedigree, especially if the compiler has been careful to conceal the fatal flaws by adducing no evidence, or none at least, that can be tested.

There are more ways than one of constructing for oneself a pedigree. To some "tradition" is a sufficient warrant for a vague but lengthy descent, although there is, perhaps, no "authority" so unworthy of credit. Indeed the so-called antiquary, or even of a member of the family itself at no remote period. Others, again, appear to be blissfully unaware of the need for evidence and for proof. To them one statement is just as good another.

In preparing the pedigrees of the Edgar families it is intended to follow the school of strict historical research. Every descent which we record must be capable of proof. In this connection I would say that for some of us there are, almost certainly, shocks in store. The traditional descent of the Edgars from the Scottish monarchs may have to be jettisoned. We are fortunate, perhaps, that before this Society came into existence not a great deal had been done to record Edgar pedigrees. We can set out with the highest ideals and if some of us cannot trace a very long descent we shall find consolation in the knowledge that what is set down about our families in the Society's files is fully capable of proof.

EDITORIAL

The Superintendent of Mails had advised us that registered mail addressed from the Society to our Patron, Mr JK Edgar, of Toronto, Canada, was aboard the RMS "Niagara" which struck a mine off the coast of New Zealand early in Jun. The package contained the very full genealogy of the family of Edgars, Lairds of Keithock which had been completed after eighteen months work on material collected from many sources, and especially from the records in the possession of our Patron, to whom the genealogy was being sent for correction and approval. The genealogy was in manuscript and no copy is available, so that the loss is a very serious one.

PRESERVATION OF FAMILY PAPERS

It is an unfortunate fact that the demand for waste paper for pulping consequent upon the appeal for economy in the use of paper by the nation's leaders, had led a few misguided people to consign to the mills much material which should be preserved for posterity. In this connection Mr GF James, MA of the University of Melbourne, who is editor of "Historical Studies" has addressed to the Honorary Secretary of the Society of Edgar Families an eloquent plea for the co-operation of all our Members in saving documents of historical interest so that those who come after us may not reproach this generation for the wilful destruction of irreplaceable material. Our President, the Hon WH Edgar, MLC, is taking a deep interest in moves which are being made in Melbourne to obtain government support for an Archives Office under the control of the Trustees of the Public Library of Victoria and has attended a meeting of those who favour special  Government assistance in safeguarding the State's records.

Mr James writes: "I am very glad indeed that Mr WH Edgar has taken so much interest in the matter of an Archives Department for Victoria, and beg to assure you that the history department here [the University[ is doing everything it can, in co-operation with the Public Library and the Historical Society of Victoria, to ensure adequate provision being made to preserve the records of the State."

"I want to make an appeal, indeed, the strongest possible appeal, to the Society of Edgar Families, to make a thorough and systematic search for the private and family papers of its various members, no matter where they may now be. Diaries, memoranda, newspaper cuttings, letters, account books – without such materials much of Victoria's early history must fade into oblivion, and in this matter of preserving family papers, I feel that one concrete example is worth endless arguments and appeals. If only the various Edgar families would co-operate and deposit their papers, however few they may be, in individual cases, with the Public Library [of Victoria] – we would have a precedent to cite and to which we could point."

"Many families feel that private matters must remain private matters, but amid all the research that has gone on in England for years, I know of no instance in which this confidential material has been abused or in which valuable information has not been gained which could not have been procured by other means."

"Victoria, is only four generations old. Family descents can so readily be traced, and if only a real tradition of preserving and depositing private papers can be established, the writing of its history will be assured. But delay is dangerous. Family pride remains, but modern flats are fatal to the preservation of old letters – the big roll-top desk and spacious houses are disappearing, and amid the growing appeals for WASTE paper, many treasures are in jeopardy. I do not know what publicity the Society of Edgar Families has at its disposal, but I do beg and pray that it will co-operate in this urgent matter as quickly as possible."

Members of the Society resident in Victoria are asked to consider how they can assist in the preservation of the items mentioned by Mr James. The Honorary Secretary will gladly give any further information on the subject, which may be sought. Members are urged to oppose the destruction of old records of any kind and to advise the Public Library if they have knowledge of any contemplated "clearance" of documents by a local authority.

HISTORY OF THE EDGARS OF DUNDEE

 Appended to this issue of the News Letter, will be found a detailed "History of the Edgar Family, formerly of Dundee", which is the result of about four years work by one of its members. the cost of publishing this genealogy has been entirely met by the subscriptions of those who belong to the family. A limited number of additional copies of the "History" are available from the Honorary Secretary, Box 1751, GPO, Melbourne, price 7/6 each.

In several cases members of the family have ordered copies on behalf of children not yet of age, in order that they shall not be deprived of this opportunity of securing a record, which is unlikely to be published again for many years. It is suggested that a full record of this kind would make worthwhile Christmas gifts among members of the family.

NEWS FROM PALESTINE

 A member of the AIF in Palestine, Major CRV Edgar, [HS Coy, 2/2^nd Batt], writing to his brother, Mr GKR Edgar, of Caulfield, Victoria, told of the finding of the grave in Palestine of Sergeant Ronald Swan Edgar, 10^th Light Hose, who was killed at Zaza on 19^th April 1917. He enclosed a photograph of the grave and asked his brother to try to hand it to the dead soldier's next-of-kin. Mr GKR Edgar, after some difficulty, was able to give the photograph to Mr and Mrs John Thomas Edgar, formerly of Kadnook Station, Harrow, Victoria, the aged parents of Sergeant RS Edgar. Mrs Keith Nicholson and Mr OS Edgar, members of the Executive Council of this Society, are also children of Mr and Mrs Edgar, and are grandchildren of that fine old pastoral pioneer, David Edgar [1812-1894], who came from Moffat, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, in 1838, and who subsequently owned Pine Hills Station, Harrow.

Major CRV Edgar and his brothers, Major HG Edgar [Asst Chief Inspector of Munitions at Maribyrnong, Victoria], and Mr GKR Edgar, are sons of the late Mr Thomas Edgar, of Hawthorn, Victoria and grandsons of Alexander Edgar, who came to Victoria about 1852, from Gattonside, Melrose, Scotland, with Mr Thomas Chirnside. Alexander Edgar and his wife, Isabella Rutherford, died at Lismore, Victoria, leaving descendants, whose names are being recorded, by this Society.

MEETINGS OF THE WAR COMFORTS COMMITTEE

 The War Comforts Committee met on 28^th August and 16^th Oct. It was resolved, at the earlier meeting, to make a further appeal to all our Members to forward to the approved depot – Messrs W Edgar and Co., Pty Ltd., 788 Swanston Street, Carlton N3, Victoria, articles such as sox, mufflers, balaclavas and cigarettes. Quite a number of gifts have already been acknowledged and some donations have been made, which have been used to purchase articles likely to be appreciated by our men overseas, The Committee is able to buy at wholesale rates, and anyone who prefers to send money should forward it direct to the Secretary of the Committee., Miss Margaret Edgar, Box 2630X, GPO, Melbourne. Parcels are to be made up and sent overseas at intervals, a separate notifications of despatch being mailed at the same time. Recipients will be requested to report the arrival of articles sent to them and also to state their special needs for the guidance of the Committee in the future. They will also be invited to correspond with members of the Society who volunteer to reply to letters.

If you can supply the full name and service address of any man serving overseas who is an Edgar, or the descendant of an Edgar, you are invited to notify Miss Edgar immediately. Miss Edgar would appreciate any suggestions which might assist the Committee in this worthwhile work.

The following names and addresses are gratefully acknowledged:

VX.20229 Hicks, EG Private

7^th Divis, AASC No.2 Echelon HQ, Supply Column, AIF abroad

VX.31463 Edgar, Donald Hugh, Private

A. Coy Military Camp, Bendigo

VX.27018 Edgar, ALS, Private

5^th Batt, @AA Reg, Troope E, Puckapunyal, Victoria

VX.14656 Edgar, Donald James, Warrant Officer

Aust Army Corps Ordnance, Attached 2/2 Pioneer Batt, Abroad

NX.3753 Edgar, Selwyn Kinmond, Sergeant

Unit HQ, Sigs, 6^th Aust Divis AIF, Abroad [England]

NX.140 Edgar, Cedric Rupert Vaughan, Major

HQ Coy, 2/2 Batt, AIF, Abroad [Middle East]

NX.35119 Edgar John Frederick, Lieutenant

2/9 Field Regt, 8^th Divis, AIF Ingleburn, New South Wales

NX.14052 Edgar, Geoffrey Vernon, Gunner

3^rd Battery, Anti Aircraft Regt, AIF Ingleburn, New South Wales

AIR FORCES

Edgar, Peter Malcolm, Leading Aircraftsman

No.1 Air Observor's Squadron, Cootamundra, New South Wales

Edgar, Hunter Falconer

RAAF, Laverton, Victoria

NEW MEMBERS

Edgar, Mrs Alvia Eunice, 7 Cabban Street, Mosman, New South Wales [Assoc]

Edgar, Allan Gordon, 10 Wells Road, Carrum, Victoria [Assoc]

Edgar-Owen, Mrs AH, 26 Church Road, Carrum, Victoria [Assoc]

Thomas, Charles OA, 709 Gregory Street, Ballarat, Victoria [Assoc]

Rudge, Mrs Frederick, "Greenwood" Wynward, Tasmania [Assoc]

Edgar, Miss Violet S, "Gyarran" Muswellbrook, New South Wales

Edgar, Miss Jessie M, "Wilbertree" Tarcoon, New South Wales

GENERAL NOTES 

ADDITIONAL RECORDS: The Hon Secretary of the Society of Australian Genealogists, 91 Phillip Street, Sydney, has very kindly forwarded a collection of Edgar references in manuscript in order that copies might be made for our files. The collection is made up of notices of Edgars which appeared in "The Scotsman" newspaper [Scotland's leading journal] from about 1890-1916, and these include births, deaths, marriages, obituary notices, and Wills. There are also extracts from old Edinburgh municipal rolls. the references should prove useful to us in tracing different Edgar families.

OUTSTANDING QUESTIONNAIRES: It is customary to obtain from each new Member or Associate Member of this Society some particulars relating to his or her descent and family connections. This information is carefully recorded and in this way a fine series of family histories is being built up. If we have this information it is often possible to trace a family to its Scottish place of origin and to ascertain its connection with other Edgar families. Unfortunately, however, not all our members have responded to the usual request for genealogical information, which is generally most easily obtained by means of a questionnaire. Several of these questionnaires are at present outstanding and members are urged to return them to the Hon Secretary as soon as convenient. It is not possible in every case to supply all the information sought, but it is still suggested that they not be held aside for such a reason. The facilities for recording family history which our Society offers are worth taking advantage of. Assistance in the tracing of pedigrees can and will be always readily given.

OVERDUE SUBSCRIPTIONS: In future, members will receive notification of the expiration of their subscriptions. It is so easy to forget renewal dates that it has been thought desirable to give all our members official advice of due dates. Members can lighten the secretarial work considerably by remitting their subscriptions when notice of expiry has been given. Those, who, for any reason, desire to discontinue their membership, are asked to kindly give at least two clear month's notice to the Hon Secretary.

NOTICES IN THE NEWS LETTER: The Editor wishes to draw the attention of all Members to the fact that notices of birth, death and marriage may be inserted in the News Letter at any time, without charge. In this way family events can be conveniently recorded permanently. Articles or paragraphs for inclusion will also be welcomed and should be addressed care of Box 1751, GPO, Melbourne.

NOTABLE EDGARS

SIR JOHN WARE EDGAR KCIE CSI

Born 16^th September 1839; son of John Peard Edgar and Jane, daughter of B Gibbings, of Kensington, London. Educated privately. Joined the Bengal Civil Service in 1862. Was political officer with the Lushai Expedition 1871-72, for which he received a medal and clasp. Appointed Junior Secretary to the Government of Bengal, 1872. Financial and Chief Secretary to that Government from 1884 to 1891. Was an additional member of Council of the Viceroy and Governor-General, 1891-92. Resigned 1892. Created a Companion of the Order of the Star of India, and in 1889, was created a Knight Commander of the Indian Empire [KCIE]. Sir John Edgar, who was a keen historical student, with a special interest in subjects connected with modern Latin Christianity and Northern Buddhism, resided at the Villa Guicciardini, a Montughi, Florence, Italy, and died on 4^th June 1902.

HONOURABLE SIR JAMES DAVID EDGAR, KCMG, PC, MP, QC, DCL, FRSC

Speaker of the Canadian House of Commons, from August 1896; born at Hatley, Quebec, 10^th August 1841, son of James Edgar of Edinburgh, and Lennoxville, Quebec. Married second daughter of TG Ridout, of Toronto, in 1865. Educated at Lennoxville and Quebec. First elected for Monck, Province of Ontario, in 1872. Afterwards contested South Oxford, South Ontario and Centre Ontario, and sat for the riding of West Ontaio from 1884. Knighted 1898. Published several Canadian law works and numerous political pamphlets, and was also the author of "The White Stone Canoe", "This Canada of Ours and Other Poems", "Canada and its Capital". His recreations included golf, fishing and literary studies. Sir James Edgar was a member of the Toronto Club and the Ridean Club, Ottawa. He died 31^st July 1899.

"Who was Who" [1897-1916]

MRS ANN HART [NEE EDGAR]

Henry Hart, of Ravarnette House, Lisburn, co, Antrim, Ireland, married Ann, second daughter of John Edgar, of Ballybray. The eldest son of this marriage was Sir Robert Hart, First Baronet [created 1893], GCMG [created 1889], KCMC [created 1882], MA, LL.D; Inspector General of Customs in China, 1863-1908, and of Posts 1896-1908, who was born at Milltown, Co Armagh, on 20^th February 1835. Sir Robert Hart had a most distinguished consular career in the East and was the recipient of more than a score of high foreign decorations. He died on 20^th September 1911, having resided at 38 Cadogan Place, London, and was succeeded in the baronetcy by his only son, Sir Edgar Bruce Hart.

"Who was Who" [1897-1916]

HISTORY OF THE EDGAR FAMILY, FORMERLY OF DUNDEE, SCOTLAND

and of the

TRENTHAM-EDGAR FAMILY, OF MELBOURNE

SAMUEL EDGAR, son of John Edgar, farmer in Galloway, was born in the Scottish Lowlands, but settled in Dundee, Forfarshire. He married Margaret [born c.1810 in Perthshire; died 14 January 1881, at Hotham, County of Bourke, Victoria, and buried 17 Jan, following in grave No.742, M. Compartment, Presbyterian Section, Melbourne General Cemetery], daughter of David and Margaret Coupar, of Perthshire.

Samuel and Margaret Edgar, with their younger children emigrated to Tasmania by the ship "William Hammond" which they joined at Plymouth, on 30 September 1854. The vessel reached Hobart Town on Christmas Day, 1854. Only after two years the Edgar family, with the exception of John Coupar Edgar, went to Melbourne, Victoria. Samuel Edgar, who entered the coaching business, and was for a time associated with Messrs Cobb and Co. died at his home, 8 Martin Lane, Emerald Hill [as South Melbourne was then known] on 15 June 1872, and was buried, on the 16 June following, in grave No.301, M Compartment, Presbyterian Section, Melbourne General Cemetery.

Samuel and Margaret Edgar had issue, five sons:-

 I         WILLIAM, born 1 February 1830 at Dundee; died 17^th May 1846 at Dundee

II        ANDREW LINDSAY, second son of Samuel Edgar, was born 23 September 1835, at Dundee. He served in the British Navy and was aboard HMS "Albion" during the Crimean War. He was with the Navy in the British West Indies before coming out to Melbourne in the ship "Oxus". On 23^rd October 1871, Mr Edgar received his Certificate [No.32] as a Master Mariner [Records of the Marine Board, Vic]. He subsequently engaged in the shipping trade on the North West Coast of Western Australia. Some years ago an article, published in "Smith's Weekly", put forward the claim that AL Edgar was the first man to discover gold in the famous "Golden Mile" of Western Australia [information supplied by Mr Keith Edgar, a grandson]. On 1 January 1878 AL Edgar obtained a lease [No. 374] of 100,000 acres of land for pastoral purposes, situated on the peninsular, of which the North West Cape in Western Australia is the extremity. The lease was for a term of two years and rent free. At that time it seems to have been the practice to grant short term leases as holding grounds, pending the final choice and granting of leases to applicants who would necessarily require some little time to locate and decide upon areas deemed suitable for their purposes. In addition to this property, Andrew Lindsay Edgar selected ten areas, each of 50,000 acres, in the Kimberley Division, as under:-

K726, K727; term 1 January 1882 - 31 December 1893.

K765, K766, K767, K768, K769, K770, K771, K772; term, 1 July 1882 to 31 January 1893.

Rental for each of the ten leases was 25 Pounds per annum and all were transferred to AL Edgar and Co., on 6 December 1882. On 8 June 1883 all the leases excepting K726 and K727 were transferred to CG & JW Lush. The remaining two passed to WJ Hill on 20 Nov, of the same year [Records of Department of Lands and Surveys, WA].

For a time during the 'eighties', A L Edgar was master of the vessel "Eclipse" on the run between Hastings and San Remo, in Western Port Bay, Victoria. He was afterwards engaged in the Pacific Island trade. On 24 June 1902, he addressed a proposal for the erection of a chocolate factory to the Colonial Secretary's Office, Suva, Fiji [Secretariat File

No. 2890/1902]. In the following year he was afflicted with spinal sclerosis, and died at Suva on 29 August 1903, and was buried on the same day in grave No. 2032 in Suva Cemetery [Church of England Section]. His age was wrongly recorded in the Register of death as being 81 years.

Andrew Lindsay Edgar, whose home, "Kimberley" in Albert Road, South Melbourne, still stands, married Eliza Helen McKillop [born 30 June --; died 2 April 1920], aged 85 years, at her home, 154 Albert Road, South Melbourne.

Andrew Lindsay and Eliza Helen Edgar had issue, besides a son who died in infancy, three sons and two daughters:- 

1     Frederick William, born 6 March 1861. Commission agent and broker. He married on 9 December 1885, at South Melbourne, Elizabeth Mary Lomas, of Clarendon Street, South Melbourne, daughter of Samuel Charles and Sarah [England] Lomas, of Somerset, England. Mrs Edgar died on 13 Aug, 1933, at Heidelberg, Melbourne. Frederick William and Elizabeth Mary Edgar had issue, five sons and two daughters:-

A       Bruce, born 11 April 1889, at Clarendon Street, South Melbourne; died in infancy, at Ascot Vale, Victoria.

B       Roy, born 1 July 1892, at St Leonard's Road, Ascot Vale, Victoria. Engineer. He married on 18 August 1923, at Footscray, Louisa Wiggins [resides 134 Queensville Street, West Footscray, Victoria]. They have issue, a son:- 

[1]     Kenneth Bruce, born 25 April 1925, at Footscray.

C       Wallace, born 17 January 1894, at St Leonard's Road, Ascot Vale. Had 3.5 years service in AIF, as a gunner, 1^st Division, 1^st DAC. Married on 18 July 1925, at Surrey Hills, Victoria, Mrs Laura Smith [nee Sanson]. There is no issue of the marriage [resides 43 Sterling Street, Footscray].

D       Stuart, born 5 November 1896, at Albert Road, South Melbourne. Served AIF, 5^th Pioneer Battalion. Unmarried [resides in Sydney, NSW]. 

E       Keith, born 7 April 1902, at Albert Road, South Melbourne. Builder. Unmarried [resides 9 Benson Street, Surrey Hills, Victoria]. 

A       Edith, born 7 July 1886, at Clarendon Street, South Melbourne. Member of the Society of Edgar Families. Married on 7 July 1909, at Albert Park, Richard Alphonso Grayden [resides "Lakesyde", Ventnor, Phillip Island, Victoria]. They have issue, one son and five daughters:-

[1]                Edgar Lomax Poynter, born 1 April 1920

[1]                Edith Estelle, born 14 October 1910

[2]                Nancy Joyce, born 5 April 1912

[3]                Alberta Annie, born 7 January 1915

[4]                Emma Lilian, born 8 October 1922

[5]                Elizabeth Mary, born 2 December 1924

B       Lilian May, born 15 May 1890, at Clarendon Street, South Melbourne. Book-keeper. Unmarried [resides 180 Orrong Road, Caulfield, Victoria]. 

2     Alfred Ernest, born 1865, at 10 Church Street, South Melbourne. Unmarried [resides in New Zealand]. 

3     James McKillop, born 1867, at 10 Church Street, South Melbourne; died at "Kimberley", Albert Road, South Melbourne, 18 January 1884.

1     Annie Margaret, born 1863, at 10 Church Street, South Melbourne. Married at "Kimberley", Albert Road, South Melbourne, on 8 May 1884, William Henderson [deceased]. She died in December 1884 at Park Street, South Melbourne.

2        Jane Coupar, born 5 June 1869, at 10 Church Street, South Melbourne. Married on 16 September 1891, at South Melbourne, Robert Lavers, of Prahran, Victoria. [He died 8 November 1908, at Albert Park]. Mrs Lavers resides at 163 Sussex Gardens, Hyde Park, London, WC2. Robert and Jane Coupar Lavers had issue, three daughters:- 

A       Louise Amelia, born 28 January 1893; died 14 December 1893, at South Melbourne 

B       Dorothy Jane, born 22 January 1894, at South Melbourne. Married firstly, on 9 August 1913, at St Silas' Church, Albert Park, Victoria, Francis William Chiffers [died 29 January 1919, as the result of war injuries]. They had issue:-

[1]      Francis Ronald, born 1 December 1915, at Double Bay, NSW.

[1]      Roberta Dorothy, born 10 October 1914, at Albert Park, Victoria.

Dorothy Jane Edgar [Mrs Chiffers] married secondly, on 12 October 1930, at St John's Church, Toorak, Victoria, James Allan [born 14 March 1892, at Leith, Scotland], son of James and Janet [nee Hay] Burgess. [Mrs JA Burgess is a Member of the Society of Edgar Families]. There is no issue of the marriage [resides 975 High Street, Armadale, Victoria]. 

C       Grace Roberta, born 12 December 1899, at Albert Park. Miss "Gracie" Lavers was a notable figure on the musical comedy stage in Australia before her marriage on 19 February 1923, at Melbourne C of E Grammar School Chapel, to Jack Kingsbury Baillieu [born 1900], son of Arthur Sydney Baillieu, of Toorak, Victoria, by his wife, Ethel Ham. Mr Kingsbury Baillieu, who was a director of the firm of Baillieu Allard Pty Ltd, died at hishome, "Fenners", Grange Road, Toorak, on 21 April 1926, without issue. Grace Roberta Lavers [Mrs Baillieu] married secondly, on 10 October 1934, in London, England, Trevor Smith, Special foreign affairs correspondent in London, of "The Herald" newspaper, Melbourne [resides 163 Sussex Gardens, Hyde Park, London WC2]. They have issue:- 

[1]      Peter Kingsgate, born 3 February 1936, at Hampstead, London

III       JOHN COUPAR, third son of Samuel Edgar, was born on 19 April 1838, at Dundee. He was educated for the Presbyterian ministry, but ill-health obliged him to relinquish his studies. He entered the office of a large Dundee shipping house as a clerk, but shortly afterwards accompanied his parents to Tasmania. He was employed as an accountant at Sorell, Tasmania, but in 1867 was persuaded by the Rev H I Poole, MA, of Corell, to enter the service of the Education Department. He was a most gifted teacher and was quickly promoted to the charge of various schools. Before his resignation on 2 October 1905, he had been responsible for education in the following schools:- Cressy, Westbury, Railton, Mangana, White Hills, Flowerdale and Blessington. He was also at Stanley and there had among his pupils Joseph Aloysius Lyons, who, later in life, became successively Premier or Tasmania and Prime Minister of Australia. John Coupar Edgar, who died at New Norfolk, Tasmania, on 22 August 1913, aged 75 years, married on 27 September 1862, at Sorell, Tasmania, Amelia Ann [born 21 September 1845, at Sorell; died 3 August 1935, at Bellerive Tasmania], daughter of Thomas Restell Crowder [1810-51], of Liverpool St., Hobart [see Appendix A].

John Coupar and Amelia Ann Edgar had issue, six sons and seven daughters:-

1     Allen Herbert, born 30 September 1863, at Sorell Tasmania, and baptized 7 Nov, following, at St George’s Church of England. Educated at his father’s schools and at Hutchin’s School, Hobart. Qualified pharmaceutical chemist. He married on 14 January 1883, at Stanley, Tasmania, Mary Kate [born 6 February 1864], eldest daughter of the late James George and Jane King, of Stanley. Allen Herbert Edgar is believed to have been killed in action while serving with an English regiment in the Great War. His widow carries on a farming property at Stanley. They had issue, three sons and four daughters:-

A       Herbert James, born 4 March 1884. Staff, Victorian Railways. Married on 27 October 1909, at Zeehan, Tasmania, Mildred James. Resides 20 Howard St. [it may not be “Howard but rather another starting letter – the original has been typed over & is not clear], Murrumbeena, SE9, Vic. They have issue one son and three daughters:- 

[1]      Leslie, born 25 November 1916, at Albert Park, Vic

[1]      Eunice, born 8 July [year unknown], at Benalla, Vic; deceased.

[2]      Nancy, born 15 December 1922, at Benalla, Vic.

[3]      Shirley, born 14 August 1930, at Albert Park, Vic

B       Allan Gordon, born 14 July 1888, at Sorell, Tasmania. Dairy farmer. Member 364, Chelsea Masonic Lodge. Royal Wellington Lodge IOOF, Stanley, Tasmania. Chairman, Mechanics Hall Committee, Carrum, 1939-40; Vice-President, Carrum Bowling Club, 1936-40; Captain, Pennant Bowls Rink; Member, Society of Edgar Families. He married on 27 January 1916, at Abbotsford, Vic., Nellie Caldwell [born 1 March 1893, at Auburn, Vic], daughter of the late Robert Henry Parker, by his wife, Ellen Cailey Caldwell Shegog, of Brighton, Vic. Mrs Edgar is Vice-President, Carrum Girls’ Club, 1937-40; member, Mechanics Institute Hall Committee; a founder of the Carrum State School Mothers’ Club. Resides at 10 Wells Rd., Carrum, Vic. They have issue, one son and one daughter:-

[1]      Henry Getty, born 10 April 1921, at Brighton, Victoria

[1]      Nenlie Kate, born 18 December 1916, at Abbotsford, Vic. Head Prefect, Frankston High School, 1934-35; Secretary,Carrum Girls’ Club, 1938. School teacher, 1937-39. Member of Society pf Edgar Families. Married pm 30 September 1939, at Carrum,Vic., Alfred Herbert Owen, of Carrum. Resides 26 Church St., Carrum.

C       Cyril King, born 1890, at Stanley, Tasmania; died aet 1. 

A       Olive Jane, twin of Herbert James, died 11 March 1885

B       Violet Stanley, born 20 April 1887, at Burnie, Tasmania. Unmarried. Resides “Gyarran”, Muswellbrook, NSW. 

C       Jessie May, born 3 November 1889, at Stanley,Tasmania. Unmarried. Resides “Wilbertree”, Tarcoon, NSW 

D       Daisy Bromley, born 8 July 1893, at Stanley,Tasmania. Married pn 30 April 1914. at Stanley, Frederick [born 21 December 1885], son of the late George and Marion [Hedditch] Rudge. Resides “Greenwood”, Wynyard, Tasmania. They have issue one son and two daughters:-

[1]      Peter Frederick, born 7 May 1927, at Wynyard, Tasmania.

[1]      Bromley, born 30 April 1915, at Deloraine, Tasmania. She married on 15 June 1940, at Wynyard, Tasmania, Geoffrey Vernon Little. Resides “Brooklyn”, Burnie, Tasmania

[2]      Nona Eleanor, born 4 August 1925, at Wynward, Tasmania.

2        Oliver John, born 13 August 1871, at Wattle Hill, Tasmania. Manager of a branch of the Commercial Bank of Tasmania [now ES&A Bank]. He married on 12 March 1901, at Melbourne, Alice Waldron, but died without issue, at Waverley, NSW, on 19 March 1935.

 3     Bertram Kinmond, born 21 November 1875, at Cressy, Tasmania. Accountant. He served in the Boer War [St George’s Rifles], as a Corporal on Lord Roberts’ Staff, and was W/Officer 1^st Tunn Coy., 4^th Pioneers, AIF 1915-18. Accountant with the Naval Dept, Sydney. He married in January 1902, at Sydney, NSW, Alvia Eunice [born 5 September 1878], fourth child of Reverend Samuel Marsden Booth, of Mosman, Sydney [Rev S M Booth’s father, Joseph Booth, came to Australia with the Rev Samuel Marsden], by his wife, Emma, daughter of Charles Whalan, and granddaughter of Sergeant Charles Whalan, an early NSW pioneer [see Appendix B]. [Resides 7 Cabban St., Mosman]. They have issue, two sons and three daughters:-

A       Geoffrey Vernon, born 3 June 1909, at Ripponlea, Vic. Joined clerical staff, Dodge Motor Co., Sydney. Served as a Gunner, 3^rd Battery, 1^st Anti Aircraft Brigade [Militia] before enlisting in AIF. Now NXi4052, 3^rd Battery, 2/1 Anti Aircraft Regt., AIF. He married on 12 June 1940, at St Clements C of E., Mosman, Mavis Eileen Murray.

B       Selwyn Kinmond, born 18 May 1915, at Glenhuntly, Vic. Educated Mosman CEPS and C of E Grammar School, North Sydney [Shore]. Joined the firm of Elder Smith & Co., Sydney. Accountant; Freemason. Served two years as Staff Specialist, Bombadier, 107^th Battery, 7^th Field Brigade. Joined AIF, October 1939, 6^th Division Signals [NSW], A H Corps Signals. Now AIF, United Kingdom; rank Sergeant.

A       Doris Muriel, born 25 September 1902 at Woollahra, NSW. She married on 3 November 1934, at St Clements, Mosman, John Nicholas Flint, second son of William and Amy [nee Higgins] Flint, of Forrest Hill, London, England. Mr Flint is CQMS, A. Company, 36^th Battalion [ST George’s Rifles], 8^th Brigade. On staff of Messrs Beard, Watson and Co., Ltd., Sydney. [Resides Cabban St., Mosman, NSW]. They have issue three sons:-

[1]      John Marsden, born 15 December 1935, at Mosman

[2]      David Warwick, born 1 August 1937, at Mosman

[3]      Michael Adrian, born 18 May 1939, at Mosman

 B       Winifred Alvia, born 18 September 1904, at Mosman, NSW. She married on 28 September      1932, at St Clemet’s Church, Mosman, Frank Grenville Pursell, third son of Archibald Oxley Pursell, of Spit Road, Mosman. Mr Pursell is a director of Messrs A B Pursell and Sons Ltd., Insurance brokers, of Pitt St., Sydney, and has been twice elected Mayor of the City of Mosman, 1938-40. They have issue, one son and one daughter:- 

[1]      Garry Grenville, born 20 May 1935, at Mosman 

[1]      Jennifer Alvia, born 1 March 1937, at Mosman

C       Nance Hazel May, born 14 July 1906, at Mosman, NSW. She married 6 January 1937, at St Clement’s Church, Mosman, Leslie Wilton Barber, MA of Bairnsdale, Vic, teaching staff, Education Department, NSW. [Resides 141 Jessie St., Armidale, NSW]. They have issue, a daughter:- 

[1]      Patricia Margaret, born 4 April 1940, at Armidale, NSW.

4     Edward Crowder, born 13 April 1877, at Cressy, Tasmania. Educated at his father’s schools and afterwards at Launceston. Freemason. Joined the firm of Dodgshun and Sons, in Tasmania and was transferred to Melbourne about 1898. Secretary, Chief Accountant and joint Auditor of the British Imperial Oil Co., Ltd. [Shell Co. of Australia]. In 1916 he resigned these positions to become Chief Accountant of the firm of Makower, McBeath and Co., Pty Ltd, Melbourne, and held that position until he was appointed by the State Cabinet on 7 May 1919, from among thirty-eight applicants, Chief Accountant of the Victorian Wheat Commission. He retained this position until the Commission had completed its work, and then became Chief Accountant of the firm of Weddel and Co., and subsequently of W Bennet and Co., Temple Court, Melbourne. From about 1926, Mr Edgar practiced as a Public Accountant, and was elected to the Boards of many private companies, such as Nitrolyte Pty Ltd and Lyon Textile Mills Pty Ltd. He specialized in company and taxation law, and was frequently called into consultation by the Taxation Department in intricate cases. His death took place in Melbourne, on 26 May 1940.

Edward Crowder Edgar married on 2 April 1910, at Christ Church, Geelong, Vic, Una Kate Rose [born 29 August 1883], at Hawthorn, Vic], only child of Edward Trentham [1850 – 1906], of Hawthorn and St Kilda, Vic, but formerly of Bank House, Worthen, Shropshire, England [see Appendix C], by his wife, Sarah Ann [Kate], eldest child of Charles Edwin Manning [1828 – 88], of London, and his first wife, Sarah Bakewell. [Mrs Charles Edwin Bakewell Manning was a great-grand-daughter of Louis Philippe Joseph, Prince of France, fifth Duc d’Orleans, 1747-93, and a grand-neice of Louis Philippe, sixth Duc d’Orleans, who, in 1830, succeeded to the Throne of France and was the last King of the French [see Appendix D, and Appendix E]. 

Edward Crowder Edgar and Una Kate Rose Edgar had issue, one son and one daughter:- 

A       Ian Trenthan [who, as heir-male of his grandfather, Edward Trentham, assumed by Deed Poll, the surname of Trenthan-Edgar in lieu of that of Edgar], born 3 September 1914, at 209 Dandenong Rd., Windsor, Vic. Educated at a private school, at Ivanhoe Grammar School, and at Camberwell Grammar School. Melbourne University Extension Course in English Literature and Journalism. Joined the clerical staff of the Vacuum Oil Co., Pty Ltd, Melbourne, 9 January 1933. Auditor. Has contributed articles to various Australian and English newspapers and journals – chiefly on historical subjects. Has been associated with Mr Alex Henderson of Melbourne in the publication of two volumes dealing with Australian pastoral history [“Early Pioneer Families of Victoria and Riverina” {1936} and “Henderson’s Australian Families” {1940}]. Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Kent accepted the dedication of the more recent volume, and the Right Hon. R G Menzies, P C, Prime Minister of Australia wrote a Foreword. Member of Shakespeare Fellowship [London], 1932-37. Has been since 1934 a member of the Society of Australian Genealogists, of which Society he was elected Fellow, 7 November 1939 [FSAG]. One of the three founders of the Society of Edgar Families, 24 February 1937, and has been Hon Secretary and Treasurer since foundation. Volunteered for service in the RANR [Anti Submarine Section], but was rejected as medically unfit. [Resides Warwick, 75a Fitzroy St., St Kilda, Melbourne]

A       Ena Trentham, born 13 August 1915, at 209 Dandenong Rd., Windsor, Vic. She married on 9 September 1939, at St John’s Church of England, East Malvern, Melbourne, Robert Leslie Shackell [born 3 July 1907, at East Malvern], younger son of Robert Henry Shackell, FCIS [Eng], of 28 Manning Rd., East Malvern, by his wife Kassie Elizabeth [d. 17 March 1940], daughter of the Rev Nathaniel Bennett [1832-1923], a pioneer Methodist Minister in Tasmania and Victoria. Mr R L Shackell was educated at Melbourne C of E Grammar School, and is a member of the clerical staff of the Union Steamship Co., of NZ Ltd, Melbourne. Paymaster Sergeant, 4^th Division Signals, Militia Reserve. [Resides 39 Ashburton Rd., Glen Iris, Melbourne]. They have issue, a son:- 

[1]      Denis Leslie, born 8 August 1940, at Kent House, Manning Rd., East Malvern, Vic.

5     Eric Neil, born 29 January 1886, at Westbury,Tasmania. Clerk. He died, unmarried, at Perth WA, after a long illness. 

6.    Charles Falconer, born 24 April 1887, at Westbury, Tasmania. Educated at his father’s schools and at Launcestion. Freemason. Joined the clerical staff of Howard Smith Ltd. managing agents and shipowners, and was afterwards a partner in the firm of Hughes and Edgar, of 528 Collins St., Melbourne, customs and shipping agents. Was for some time in partnership with his brother E C Edgar, as a public accountant, and in 1928 accepted an appointment as Accountant, Tongah Compound Co., [NL] No. 2, Ampangan, Serambam, Negri Sembilan, FMS. Later he joined the clerical staff of John Danks and Son Pty Ltd, Melbourne. He married Jessie Farfer Lawrence, of Tasmania. They have issue, a son:-

A       Hunter Falconer, born 25 December 1912, at Elwood, Vic Educated Brighton Grammar School. Entered Commonwealth Public Service; Officer in PMG’s Department, until transferred to Mercantile Marine Office, Melbourne. Served with Victorian-Scottish Regiment [Militia] until his enlistment in the RAAF, in 1940. Unmarried.

1     Amelia Coupar, born 14 April 1865, at Sorell, Tasmania. She married on 8 February 1894, at St John’s Church, Launceston, Robert Jones Thomas [born 3 February 1871, at Cae Cock, Newborough, Anglesey, Wales; died 12 September 1918, at Subiaco, WA], son of Thomas and Mary Thomas. Mrs Thomas, who is Member of the Society of Edgar Families, resides at 3 Harper St., Midland, WA. They had issue, two sons and one daughter:-

A       Robert Edward Newborough, born 1 September 1900, at  Zeehan, Tasmania. Accountant with George Wills and Co., Perth WA. He died on 6 October 1938. Married Lily Dorothy Helen, daughter of William Peter Tomlin. Mrs Thomas resides at 15 Brook St., Bassendean, WA. They had issue, three sons:-

[1]      William Robert Douglas, born 8 November 1924

[2]      George Owen, born 5 February 1928

[3]      Allan Edgar, born 25 March 1930

B       Charles Owen Anglesey, born 20 July 1904, at Zeehan, Tasmania. Metallurgical engineer. Assoc., Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, London, and Assoc.,of the Aust. Chem. Inst. He married on 31 December 1929, at Guildford, WA., Lorna Jean, daughter of Alfred Lockton Ockerby, of Sulphur Creek, Tasmania. Resides 709 Gregory St., Ballarat, Vic. They have issue two sons:- 

[1]      John Charles, born 27 February 1932, at Leonora, WA 

[2]      Brian Lockton, born 12 December 1933, at Leonora, WA

A       Mary Amelia LLanddwyn, born 7 May 1908. She married Samuel Hancock, son of Samuel Hancock and Flencina Hancock. They have issue, two sons and two daughters:- 

[1]      Samuel Herbert, born 25 April 1929 

[2]      Leslie Robert, born 16 May 1920 

[1]      Shirley Agnes Margaret, born 13 May 1931

[2]      Verna Amelia, born 26 May 1935. The sixth bearer of the name Amelia in the direct female line. 

2     Margaret Barrie, born 22 June 1867, at Sorell, Tasmania. Entered service of the Tasmanian Department of Education, Assisted her husband as a teacher after her marriage on 30 December 1896, at Launceston, to William Ford. Mrs Ford is a Member of the Society of Edgar Families. Mr Ford was a prominent Tasmanian headmaster. He was appointed [16 April 1928] a Justice of the Peace for the Clarence District. Elected a town councilor for Bellerive, Tasmania, and a lay representative in the Anglican Synod of Tasmania. Mr Ford has several times represented his State in the interstate Bowls competitions. [Resides at Rozel, Bellerive]. No issue. 

3     Jessie, born 13 May 1869, at Sorell, Tasmania. Died in 1895, unmarried. 

4     Gertrude Lena, born 29 January 1873, at Wattle Hill, Tasmania. Died in 1892, unmarried. 

5     Mable Edith, born 11 February 1880, at Stanley, Tasmania. Died in 1890, unmarried. 

6     Thora Lefroy, born 1 August 1881, at Westbury, Tasmania. Held high credentials as a teacher in Tasmanian, Victorian and NSW infant schools, and was an accomplished pianist. Infant teacher at Redfern Public School, Sydney, until appointed to the charge of the School for English children at Hankow, China. Later, as a governess, traveled extensively and finally settled in Shanghai, China. Appointed Superintendent on staff of the Central Information Bureau of the Shanghai Telegraph Co. She died on 2 October 1931, as a result of injuries received in a street accident at Shanghai on 28 September 1931 [reported “North China Herald, 13 October 1931].

7     Ellen Clare, born 1882, at Westbury, Tasmania. Died 13 March 1883, aged six months.

IV      THOMAS, fourth son of Samuel Edgar, was born on 5 August 1842, at Dundee, Scotland. He came to Australia with his parents. Staff of Fulton’s Engineering Foundry, Melbourne. Freemason. Member IOA Society. He married on 25 March 1869, at Presbyterian Church, Dorcas St., Emerald Hill, Vic, Betsy [died 19 July 1898, at 42 Victoria Ave., Albert Park; buried Melbourne General Cemetery], daughter of James Crighton, of Melbourne, formerly of Aberdeen, Scotland, by his wife, Catherine Mann, formerly of Dundee. Thomas Edgar died 16 June 1912, at Melbourne. Buried Melbourne General Cemetery. Thomas and Betsy Edgar had issue, three sons ad three daughters:-

1     James Crighton, born 15 November 1873, at South Melbourne. Died 10 April 1875, at South Melbourne 

2     George William, born 4 August 1877, at South Melbourne. Grocer. Freemason; Member of AOF. He married on 1 Feb

1909, at Hawksburn, Vic, Emily Ann, daughter of Charles Clothier, by his wife, Emily Ann Davis. Mr Edgar is a member of the Society of Edgar Families. [Resides at Edensor Rd., St John’s Park, NSW]. No issue

3     Thomas, born25 August 1880, at South Melbourne. He was accidentally shot in a hunting accident at Melton, Vic., and died as a result of his injuries on 11 April 1898, at Melbourne. Unmarried.

1     Catherine Margaret, born 21 May 1870, at South Melbourne. She married on 18 July 1907, at Presbyterian Church, Fremantle, WA, Robert Dockhart. [Resides at 148 Page St., Middle Park, Vic.]. They had issue, one son and one daughter:-

            A       Keith Robert Edgar, born 10 October 1912, at Fremantle, WA

A       Jean Isabelle, born 7 April 1910, at Perth WA. She married on 21 January 1932, at Middle Park,Vic., Alexander Poad. [Resides at 148 Page St., Middle Park, Vic]. They have issue one son and one daughter:-

 [1]      Douglas Alexander, born 21 November 1934

 [2]      Joan Elaine, born 19 December 1937

2     Alice Crighton, born 31 December 1872, at South Melbourne. She married on 10 January 1906, Chambre Thomas Edwards. [Resides at 16 Alphington St., Northcote, Vic]. Mrs Edwards died on 14 March 1913, without issue. 

3     Betsy, born 24 July 1885, at South Melbourne. Died 5 August 1888, at South Melbourne.

V       DAVID, born 8^th December 1844 at Dundee; died 1^st November 1846 at Dundee 

--------------------------

LINEAGE

CRINAN, Lay Abbot of Dunkeld [slain 1045AD], the descendant of [???], married Bethoe, daughter of Malcolm III, King of Scots, [1005-34], and by her had issue:-

I        Duncan I, King of Scots [1034-40]

II       Maldred, Prince of Scotland. He married Algetha, daughter of Ughtred [Saxon], Earl of Northumberland, by his wife, Elgiva, daughter of Ethelred II, King of England [978-1016]. They had issue, a son:-

1     COSPATRICK, Earl of Northumberland, father of

A       COSPATRICK, created Earl of Dunbar [1115AD]. His son,

          [1] COSPATRICK, 2^nd Earl of Dunbar, died 1147, and left issue:- 

[a]      Cospatrick, 3^rd Earl of Dunbar

[b]      Edward

[c]     Edgar, ancestor of those of the surname of Edgar *

[d]      Ughtred, ancestor of the family of Knox, of Ranfurly.

* EDGAR, son of the second Earl of Dunbar, is stated to have been the progenitor of the Edgars, Lairds of Wedderlie, Berwickshire.

RICHARD EDGAR, a witness to the second marriage of Robert I, King of Scots [1306-29], married the eldest daughter of Robert de Rous, Lord of Sanquhar, in Nothsdale. Their youngest son,

DUNGAL, was ancestor of the Edgars of Galloway.

JOHN EDGAR, [c. 1790], farmer in Galloway, married Margaret Hender. They had issue, a son,

SAMUEL EDGAR, of whom we treat,

[Research which was being carried out in Great Britain with a view to determining the particular ancestor of John Edgar, farmer in Galloway, was discontinued at the outbreak of the War, because of the transfer of public record to places of safety. Ed. N L]

 APPENDIX A 

FIRST FLEET DESCENT: THE CROWDER FAMILY 

THOMAS RESTELL [RISDALE] CROWDER, of Bristol, Somerset, England, joined the ship “Alexander” which sailed for New South Wales from the Mother Bank, England, on 13 May 1787. This vessel, one of the ships of the First Fleet, reached Port Jackson, 19 January 1788, and T R Crowder was thus among the original pioneers of this country who came ashore at Sydney Cove.

On 23 October 1793, he received a grant of fourteen acres of land [lot 28] at Norfolk Island, and he subsequently added considerably to his holding by purchase. On 10 March 1794, he addressed a letter to Governor King [PRO, CO 20/1 – 201/10]. He and his family were among the settlers transferred from the Island to the Derwent on the HMS “Porpoise”, 26 December 1807. His was the first of eighteen signatures appended by the former settlers of Norfolk Island to a letter dated 21 May 1809, addressed from the Derwent to the Governor [Bligh] in which the signatories expressed their loyalty and confidence in him. Before 1810 T R Crowder had acquired property in Hobart Town.

In August 1812, he was appointed Principal Superintendent of the Convict Settlement at Hobart Town, and he held that post until Lieut. Governor William Sorell placed him on a retired superannuated allowance late in  1820. At that time he and his wife and child, and two convict servants, were provided for out of the Government Rations. In his retirement, T R Crowder became responsible for the materials used in the construction of St David’s Old Church at Hobart Town.

Thomas Restell Crowder died on 28 November 1824, aged 67 years, at Hobart Town. His widow, Mary [nee Christmas?], died there in 1830. It is believed that she was his second wife, and that the Edward Crowder who, in 1820, had a grant of 30 acres of land in the Kingsborough district, was, a son of the first marriage. T R Crowder had issue, two sons and a daughter:-

 I         THOMAS RESTELL CROWDER, junior, was born in 1810, at his parents’ Elizabeth Street house, He was a licensed victualler, with premises in Liverpool St., Hobart Town, in 1836. He died on 14 October 1851, at Holyrood House, Murray St., Hobart Town.

 T R Crowder, junior, married at St David’s Church, on 17 September 1833, Amelia Ann Beaumont. She was born at Athlone, Ireland, on 12 December 1818, and was the eldest daughter of George Beaumont, Sgt Major RHA [Royal Horse Artillery]. [George Beaumont was married at Hull, England, on 7 May 1810, to Elizabeth Yoeman. He served for more than twenty years with the Royal Horse Artillery [RHA], and in a letter which he addressed to Major Kirkwood, 40^th Regt [then on duty in Van Diemen’s Land with his regiment], he stated that he had “been cradled” in a corps of the RHA and also that it was through the Duke of Wellington’s interest with the Secretary of State, Earl Bathurst, that he received the promise of an appointment in Van Diemen’s Land. On 6 November 1823, he arrived at Hobart Town with his wife and young family in the ship “Jupiter”, which carried, besides himself, thirteen other NCO’s and soldiers of the RHA sent out as overseers of Convict departments in Van Diemen’s Land and New South Wales. On 15 November of that year, he was appointed Superintendent of the Hobart Town Penitentiary [vide Hobart Town Gazette], and acted until 9 January 1826.

 A few months after relinquishing the appointment, he became the owner of the “Scotch Thistle Inn” in Liverpool Street, and it was there that he died on 10 August 1828. His widow married secondly, James Cowles, a tailor with premises in Elizabeth Street and Liverpool Street, and by him had issue a son and daughter. She married thirdly, Peter Dudgeon, a prosperous brewer and landowner. Peter Dudgeon had reached Hobart Town on 11 September 1825. He owned a brewery in Collins Street, and received a grant of land in the Oatlands district [Midlands], where he also leased 1,000 acres. Subsequently, he built an hotel at Campbelltown, and there resided. He married, firstly, in May 1827, Mary, eldest daughter of David Lord, of Hobart Town, merchant and landed proprietor. She died in May 1842, aged 38 years. Peter Dudgeon afterwards married Mrs Cowles, and in June 1852, when 49 years of age, he died at “Holyrood House”, one of his hotel properties, in Murray Street, Hobart.

His widow died at the same place, 7 may 1871, aged 76 years. In an obituary notice, published I Hobart, it is stated that “She followed her husband to the field of Waterloo, where she arrived on the day of victory. For many years she was in business here and kept the following hotels: the Scotch Thistle, Britannia, Golden Gate, and Holyrood House – with much credit to herself. Her kind and genial disposition won her many friends, and her death is regretted by all who knew her”]

Thomas Restell Crowder and his wife, Amelia Ann Beaumont, had issue three sons and six daughters:- 

1     George Herbert Restell 

2     Thomas Restell. Buried at Sorell, 8 December 1859, aged 20 years 

3     William Charles Frederick. Farmer. Resided at Sorell, Tasmania, where he married, on 20 December 1876, Elizabeth [born 16 September 1848, at Sorell], daughter of James Rollings, farmer, of Forcett, Tasmania. Mr Crowder died at Sandy Bay, Tasmania, 28 August 1932, having had issue, two sons and five daughters, all baptized at St George’s Church, Sorell.

 A       Charles Carden [Carter?], born 9 December 1881, at Wattle Hill, Tasmania

 B       Arthur Beaumont, born 4 July 1892, at Wattle Hill, Tasmania

 A       Amy Vera, born 29 August 1883, at Wattle Hill, Tasmania

 B       Hilda Harriet, born 25 March 1885, at Wattle Hill, Tasmania

 C       Edith Florence, born 19 October 1886, at Wattle Hill, Tasmania

 D       Kate Evelyn, born 27 June 1888, at Wattle Hill, Tasmania

 E       Mildred May, born 8 March 1891, at Wattle Hill, Tasmania

1     Mary Elizabeth, married E C Gregory of Evandale District, Tasmania, and had issue 

2     Sarah Jane 

3     Amelia Ann, born at Sorell, Tasmania, 21 September 1845. Married John Coupar Edgar, of whom we have treated in these records. 

4     Charlotte. Buried at Sorell, 27 June 1853, aged 5 years and 8 months 

5     Emily Isabel 

6     Eleanor. On 20 July 1874, when aged 22 years, she married at Sorell, William Thomas Pullen, farmer, of Bream Creek, Tasmania 

Mrs Amelia Ann Crowder [nee Beaumont] married secondly, on 18 May 1853, at Sorell, William Paterson, farmer, of Sorell [buried 7 May 1864 at Sorell, aged 69 years]. Mrs Peterson was buried at Sorell, 27 November 1892. They had issue a son and a daughter:- 

A           Albert Sydney Paterson, born 21 March 1854 

A           Matilda Rebecca Paterson, born 15 January 1856

II        ISAAC, farmer, of Forcett, Tasmania; buried at Sorell, Tasmania 9 August 1870, aged 59 years 

I         MARY, born 22 December 1799, at Norfolk Island, and there baptized 24 May 1804. She married, at Hobart Town, on 5 September 1816, Theopilus Mitchell

AUTHORITIES:

§             History Records of Australia, Series I, II

§             Mitchell Librarian

§             Registrar General, Tasmania

§             Chief Secretary’s Department, Tasmania per Miss A L Wayn, Government Archivist

§             Hobart Town Gazette

§             Sorell Parish Registrars from 1825 [courtesy Red C Robinson, Sorell]

§             Material in Public Record Office, London of which copies have been made for the Society of Australian Genealogists [Sydney]

§             Private sources

[Edited for the Society of Edgar Families, Melbourne by I Trentham-Edgar, FSAG, October 1940]

APPENDIX B

Mrs Alvia Eunice [nee Booth] Edgar’s great-grandfather, Charles Whalan, Sergeant, 46^th Regiment, was born in 1763. He married Elizabeth Berry, on 19^th March 1810, and in that year is recorded as an official of the High Court of Appeals. On 16 January 1816, he was described as Sergeant of the Bodyguard, and was granted 500 acres of land in addition to the 700 acres which he held at Parramatta, and which was recorded as being in his possession in the 1811 Muster. In Oxley’s list [1811] he was to receive an additional grazing area as a reward “for long and faithful services”. Elizabeth Berry was born in 1778 and reached NSW in the ship “Glatton” in 1801. She was the mother of five sons and a daughter. The family settled in the Bathurst district, and Charles Whalan took a leading part in the opening up of the famous Jenolan Caves [Sydney Morning Herald, 23 and 27 February 1837]. 

AUTHORITIES:

As quoted. Information supplied by Society of Australian Genealogists and private sources. 

APPENDIX C 

TRENTHAM FAMILY 

EDWARD CROWDER EDGAR, of Melbourne, married at Geelong, Vic, on 2 April 1910, Una Kate Rose Trentham.

The Trenthams take their surname from Trentham, a hamlet on the River Trent, near Stoke, in Staffordshire, England. The surname frequently appears in the early records of the county from the 12^th Century. Members of the family migrated to Shrewsbury in Shropshire, and represented that town in Parliament from about 1420. In the next century the Trenthams increased their influence, and Richard Trentham, of Shrewsbury secured from King Henry VIII a long tenure of the Priory of Trentham, and was afterwards granted the Abbey of Rocester and its lands in Staffordshire and Derbyshire. His only son, Thomas Trentham, was Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Staffordshire, and was a trusted and influential supporter of Sir Francis Walsingham. He was one of those who conducted Mary Queen of Scots to her trial. His daughter, Elizabeth, was a god-child of Queen Elizabeth, and one of her Maids of Honour, and she married Edward de Vere, 17^th Earl of Oxford, Lord Great Chamberlain of England [he is considered by some to have been the true “Shakespeare”]. This alliance was important, because, after the death of the only child of the union, Henry, 18^th Earl of Oxford, the greater portion of the ancient de Vere estates passed by entail to the Trenthams. Upon the successive deaths of Sir Francis, Sir Christopher and William Trentham, another Elizabeth Trentham, wife of  Brian Cokayne, 2^nd Viscount Cullen, inherited the great estates of the Trenthams, after the de Veres. This lady died in 1712/3.

Upon William Trentham’s death in 1651, at Rocester, the male representation of the family passed back to the junior branch still in Shropshire. For a long period the Trentham’s resided within the Lordship of Wem, at Ruyton-in-the-Eleven-Towns in that county.

TIMOTHY TRENTHAM, of that place, died at Oswestry, Salop, 22 April 1832, aet 75. By his wife, Sarah, he had, with other issue, a son:- 

EDWARD TRENTHAM, born 7 February 1790, at Market Drayton, He married on 12 April 1812, at Shrewsbury, Mary Fox [died 19 July 1858, aet 68]. Edward Trentham lived at Worthen, Salop, where he died 8 July 1872. His eldest son was:- 

EDWARD TRENTHAM, born 12 September 1817, at Worthen. He resided at Bank House, Worthen, but afterwards lived in London, where he died on 20 July 1881. His widow, Elizabeth, daughter of William Davies, of Westbury, Salap, was born 24 September 1820, at Westbury, and died at Prescot, Lancs., 9 October 1890. They had issue five sons and four daughters. The second son was:- 

EDWARD TRENTHAM, born 9 October 1850, at Westbury. He settled in Melbourne early in 1882, and died at St Kilda, on 26 April 1906, and was buried in the Kew Cemetery. He married on 20 December 1881, at St Mary’s Church, Stoke Newington, London, Sarah Ann [Kate], daughter of Charles Edwin and Sarah [nee Bakewell] Manning, of London. She died at Heidelberg, Melbourne on 17 January 1936, aet 80. They had issue an only child:- 

UNA KATE ROSE TRENTHAM [Mrs Edgar]

AUTHORITIES:

Transactions, William Salt Society, Staffs.

Proceedings, Salop Arch & Hist Soc

Rocester Parish Registers

History of Parliament [Wedgewood]

Complete Peerage, 2^nd Edit., sub Oxford

Cullen

DNB Sub de Vere

Edward de Vere, 17^th Earl of Oxford [Ward]

Publications of Shakespeare Fellowship, England

see also Burke’s Landed Gentry in preparation [1940] sub TRENTHAM-EDGAR 

APPENDIX D 

ROYAL DESCENTS 

EDWARD CROWDER EDGAR, married Una Kate Rose Trentham, who is seventeenth in descent from Edward III, King of England [1327-77]. The descent is traced thus:- 

1        Edward III

2        John, Duke of Lancaster

3        Joan Beaufort, Countess of Westmoreland

4        Isabel Nevile, Countess of Essex and Eue [her husband, Henry, was himself a great grandson of Edward III

5        Sir William Bourchier

6        Cecily Bourchier, Lady Ferrers of Chartley

7        Walter, 1^st Viscount Hereford

8        Sir Edward Devereux, 1^st Baronet

9        Sir George Devereux, Kt.

10      Anne Devereux, wife of Valence Sascheverall

11      Anne Sascheverall, wife of Charles Chadwick, of Healey

12      Mary Chadwick, wife of Thomas Bakewell

13      James Bakewell

14      Elizabeth Bakewell, wife of John Manning [1791-1869], Mayor of Leicester

15      Charles Edwin Manning [1828-88]

16      Sarah Ann Manning, wife of Edward Trentham [1850-1906]

17      Una Kate Rose Trentham, wife of Edward Crowder Edgar [1877-1910].

They have issue, which is recorded elsewhere in these pages.

APPENDIX E 

SARAH BAKEWELL, wife of Charles Edwin Manning [see above], was a great-granddaughter of Louis Philippe Joseph, Duc d’Orleans [Egalite], Montpensier et Chartres, Prince of France, born 13 April 1747. Guillotined 6 November 1793, The Duc d’Orleans was descended from Louis XIII, King of France, through both of that King’s sons, Louis XIV [died 1715] and Philip, Duc d’Orleans. Philip, Duc d’Orleans [1640-1701], as his second wife, Charlotte Elizabeth of the Rhine, a great-granddaughter of James I and VI of England and Scotland. They had a son:- 

Philippe,Duc d’Orleans, Regent of France, who married Franccise Marie, daughter of Louis XIV and the famous Madame de Montespan. Their son:- 

LOUIS, Duc d’Orleans [1703-52], married Augusta Mary Jane, daughter of Louis William Margrave, of Baden [died 1707], and their son:- 

LOUIS PHILIPPE, Duc d’Orleans, [1725-85], married Louise Henriette, daughter of Louis Armand de Bourbon, Prince de Conti [1695-1727], whose wife, Louisa Elizabeth, was a granddaughter of Louis XIV and Madame de Montepan, and also a descendant of King James I. They had issue a son:- 

LOUIS PHILIPPE JOSEPH, great-grandfather of Sarah Bakewell

AUTHORITIES:

Early Pioneer Families of Victoria and Riverina [Melb., 1936] sub., Bakewell

The Royal Daughters of England, 2 vols [Henry Murray Lane, London 1911]

Mme de Maintenon, [Maude Cruttwell, London, 1930]

and private sources

 Edited for the Society of Edgar Families by I Trentham-Edgar, FSAG, Melbourne, 31 October 1940.

SPECIAL NOTE 

Every reasonable opportunity has been made to ensure the accuracy of the statements made in the foregoing records, and the sources of information have been quoted throughout, to facilitate reference by those desirous of pursuing particular lines of enquiry. Where no source is mentioned the facts have been stated from information made available by various individual members of the family. 

It is suggested that those who can conveniently do so should take steps to keep this family record up to date. A plain foolscap sheet inserted as close as possible to the portion of the records which it is desired shall be expanded may be used to set down details of births, marriages and deaths and additional biographical matter. 

The Editor would appreciate advice of any errors which may reveal themselves to readers, so that these may be corrected in a later number of the News Letter.

CORREGENDA ET ADDENDA

[to be appended to News Letter Number Nine, October 1940]

 p66    Sub: News from Palestine, Line 4, for “ZAZA” read “GAZA”

p69    line 19, for “the Ridean Club” read “Riders Club”

 p71    line 13 and 14, for “Lomas” read “Lomax” 

p72    Sob. John Coupar Edgar, line 5, for “Corell” read “Sorell” 

p72    line 63, Allen Herbert Edgar, Register of baptisms gives “Allen” as spelling bt the variant “Allan” was used by the family 

p74    Winifred Alvia Edgar [Mrs  Frank Grenville Pursell] resides at “Greentrees”, Pearl Bay Ave., Beauty Point NSW 

p76    line 55, for “[1940]” read “[1941]” 

p76    Robert Edward Newborough Thomas, was a FIIA [Aust] 

p76    George Owen Thomas was born 5 June 1928, not 5 February 1928 

p77    “Jessie” Edgar was baptized “Jessie Edgar” [Edgar] 

p77    for “Ellen Clare” [Edgar], read “Ella Clare” 

p78    sub Lineage, lines 1 and 2 to read as follows:

         “Crinan, Lay Abbot of Dunkeld [slain 1045AD], the descendant of the Mormaers of Atholl …” 

p79    line 2, for “the particular ascestor of” read “the particular ancestry of” 

p81    line 2, after date “1763” read – “and reached Sydney by the ship “Albermarle”, in 1793 

p81    sub, Trentham Family, line 7, read the date as “1420” 

p82    sub Royal Descents, line 10, for “Sascheverell” and “Sascheverall” read “Sacheverell” 

p82    sub Appendix B, line 12, for “Louis William Margrave, of Baden”, read “Louis William, Margrave of Baden” 

p83    sub Special Note, read first sentence as commencing “Every reasonable care has been taken to ensure …” 

p70    Samuel Edgar was a brother-in-law of Mr Falconer, junior partner in the firm of Gentle and Falconer, Solicitors, of Glegg Street, Oldham, Lancashire, England. Mr Falconer, a native of Scotland, and Mrs Falconer [nee Edgar] resided in Windsor Road, Werneth, and died about 1884. His widow drew out of the business a very large sum of money and this passed to an unidentified nephew who left England. Mrs Falconer survived her husband only about two years and buried beside her husband in Chadderton Cemetery. [Falconer information supplied by courtesy of the Mayor of Oldham, 20 April 1939].

News Letter Number Ten
Society of Edgar Families
Melbourne, Australia

IN SEARCH OF ANCESTORS

By Florence Edgar Hebson [written at Montrose, Scotland, September 1921]

[The writer was a descendant of Thomas Edgar [1681-1759], brother of James Edgar, Secretary to the Chevalier St George, both of whom were younger sons of David Edgar, Laird of Keithock, Forfarshire, Scotland. Thomas Edgar settled near Woodbridge, New Jersey, after 1715, and was the founder of a distinguished American family with estates at Edgarton and Woodbridge NJ. This manuscript was given to Mr J K Edgar, of Toronto, Canada, Patron of the Society of Edgar Families and Chief of the Keithock Edgars, by the late Brigadier-General Clinton Goodloe Edgar DSM [United States Army], who was born 21 December 1873, and was principal of the Chicago firm of W H Edgar and Co. Brig-Gen Edgar was also a descendant of the pioneer, Thomas Edgar, and was keenly interested in the genealogy of the family. He was the owner of the Lawrence-Archer collection of Edgar MSS, and possessed many other valuable family records, some of which he used in his book “Letters and Genealogy of the Edgar Family” {1930}].

THE LITTLE PORTRAIT

At our home in New Jersey, named “Keithock” after the home of our forefathers in Scotland, I remember from earliest childhood, a little oval picture in a tarnished gilt frame, which hung in a corner of the library, It was an oil painting of a handsome gentleman in grey Perruque and dark red coat, with white stock and ruffled front. The face was rather long, the eyes brown, the forehead high and intellectual and the expression happy and serene.

To us children he was simply our “Ancestor” neither more nor less, the vagueness of the term unqualified by a description. Indeed our notions of the meaning of the word were hazy in the extreme, one of my small brothers having once when challenged to define it, hazarded the opinion than an ancestor was “an awful old sister”. At any rate, for all we knew to the contrary, the gentleman in the picture might have been the only creature of the sort that the family possessed. He was taken for granted and we thought very little about him in those days. But as we grew older we realized that our father set great store by the portrait, that it was, indeed, one of his most cherished possessions and that it was connected in some way with two little books, identical in all save colour which he also treasured and which were entitled :The Scottish House of Edgar”. Our Mother used to poke fun at him for his pride of race and was particularly jocose over the little red and blue books about which she loved to tease him. The books contained, as frontpiece, another likeness of our ancestor at a later age in which, to the beauty of feature in the more youthful picture, it added a new beauty of expression. One can read in it strength, faithfulness, tolerance, sympathy, and rare gentleness and kindliness which make it easy to believe the testimony of those who knew him, to his loveableness and sterling character.

But I am anticipating, for it was not until years after that I learned [through a careful reading of the memorandum on the back of the little portrait, in my father’s clear and delicate handwriting, now as I write in 1921, already yellow with age] that our Ancestor was identical with the faithful Secretary who was for upwards of forty years with the Chevalier St George, went with him through the rising of 1715 and accompanied him to Rome, where after his long and devoted service, he died in September 1762.

Our father used to tell delightful stories and one of our special favourites was about his visit when a young man to a lady in Pitt Street, Edinburgh, who was closely connected with the Edgar family. this was Miss Catherine Mary Watson, daughter of Bishop Watson of Dunkeld and great-granddaughter of Alexander Edgar of Keithock, the eldest brother of Secretary James Edgar, our “Ancestor”. Our father’s graphic description of this lady’s little apartment at the top of one of Edinburgh’s  many-storied old houses, greatly impressed us – we were thrilled and awed by his account of the manner of gaining admission by pressing a button which caused the front door to miraculously to fly open through the operation of some unseen power above. This introduced an element of seeming magic which made the story as fascinating as any fairy tale and cast into the  background [of memory at least] what was of course of far greater interest, the actual visit to the lady herself who had the Edgar genealogy at her finger ends and who talked delightfully about all family matters. She possessed also many valuable historical relics which she loved to display among them being the original portrait of our ancestor of which my father’s was a copy.

This visit to the lady in her sky-parlous was I know, an important mile-stone in our father’s life and both the little portrait and the red and blue books were its outcome.

--------------------------

A few days after my eleventh birthday, I crossed the ocean for the tour in Europe with my Grandmother and beloved Governess. We landed in Queenstown and after a week or so in Ireland crossed from Belfast to Glasgow and spent some time sightseeing in Edinburgh. We had been charged by my father on no account to fail to pay a visit to Miss Catherine Watson, at that time about seventy years of age. We lost no time in getting in touch with her and never shall I forget my excitement as, after many anticipations, I stood at the door of the high old house and repeated my father’s experience by pressing with my own finger the magic button. Yes!  - it was all quite true; after a few seconds of breathless suspense the door unlatched by invisible hands, sprang open of itself while thrills ran up and down my impressionable little spine.

At the top of the stairs the charming old lady gave us a hearty welcome and we were soon feeling quite at home in her little parlour while she chatted to us of all we wished to hear and showed us pictures, treasures and relics each with its story which she loved to repeat. One was a piece of the original garter from which the Order had been founded, with its famous motto: “Honi Soit qui Mal y pense”.

Among the many stories of the family which she told s those I remember best are the following:

On the suppression of the rising of 1715 Secretary James made his way to Keithock and there applied to a tenant farmer named Bell for the loan of a suit of labourer’s clothes in which disguise he escaped to the Continent, subsequently returning the suit which the farmer carefully treasured as a momento of the incident. Thirty years later, after Culloden, his nephew John Edgar went to the same farmer on a similar errand and to his surprise was told that he could be accommodated with the identical clothes which had been lent to his uncle. When John, wearing the historic suit and under the alias of Mr Willoughby went to Edinburgh he called on some relatives in that city. The servant, after admitting the uncouth visitor, became suspicious and leaving the parlour door ajar, watched the interview. The ladies, thinking themselves unobserved, embraced the fugitive, while the servant, his suspicion confirmed, hurried off to the nearest military post to give information, and the rebel only escaped by five minutes, the party of soldiers sent to arrest him. They searched the house but finding no male rebel, fancied that one of the ladies, who was of a tall stature, must be a rebel in disguise and would have carried her to prison, had not her brother, by removing the herchief from her neck satisfied him of his mistake. Later in the day the family reproached the servant for her treachery, but she excused herself by saying that on the previous Sunday, her minister had preached that anyone who concealed a rebel would go to perdition. [These and many other stories are to be found in “The Scottish House of Edgar”].

On the Sunday following our visit to her, Miss Watson and a “Kinsman” whose name I forget, came to our hotel to take us to Church. Despite her seventy years, she presented a very festive and cheerful appearance in her Sabbath attire, which included a while tulle bonnet with a garland of ivy leaves and bright green ribbons tied in a big bow under her chin. She had brown eyes and bright red cheeks like winter apples and

this is the vision of my kinswoman which remains with me in memory still.

Many years after, I inherited, at my father’s death the little portrait of our ancestor which has ever since, always found a corner on the walls of each of my homes.

--------------------------

The next link in the chain was making acquaintances with some Scottish people while on a seaside holiday. When I mentioned that I was of Scottish descent they were interested and I discovered that they were from Brechin where the lady’s mother was at that time still living. I enquired eagerly about Keithock, and after our return home received a gift of a good sized photograph of the old house and a message that the lady at Brechin distinctly remembered Edgars at Keithock. this naturally increased my interest in the matter and satisfied to some extent my curiousity. It also revived an old idea which had for long slumbered comfortably in my sub-consciousness that I would one of these days take a holiday in Scotland and see the old places with my own eyes. But the years rolled by, life was full of more absorbing interests and Keithock and my pilgrimage were forgotten.

Then came this summer of 1921, with its long weeks of almost tropical heat which for various reasons we endured in our Hampstead garden. After the, for us, unusual experience of spending July and August in London we felt the need of a change before settling down for the winter. I was stupid and at loose ends. The days were quickly slipping by – a  whole procession of hot ones, when I suddenly realized that what I wanted above all things was the sea – that it must be a new place and a cool place and that even a rainy place might be welcome.

Then a flash of inspiration came. Why should it not be Scotland and Yes! – of course, :Keithock”. From the moment of decision everything favoured my plans. On writing to “the occupier” [for all I knew it might have been vacant and deserted] I received a friendly reply consenting to my visit at that time, and a few days later at ten o’clock in the evening, stepped out of the train on the Montrose platform. I was soon settled and at home in the old fashioned and comfortable “George” – and in touch with the courteous and able Librarian of the Free Library to whom I had an introduction. I had brought the little portrait of James Edgar to show him and no one could have been kinder or more friendly in taking pains to supply me with books about the Jacobite period and the early history of “Keithock” and the Edgars. At his suggestion I obtained a secondhand copy of the “Scottish House of Edgar”, published by the Grampian Club in 1873 and written for them by an eccentric gentleman, one Dr Roger. This book is doubtless identical with the little red and blue books of my childhood, and is a treasure trove of family lore. Although as a child I never remember having opened the little volume, here in Montrose, at long last I have read and re-read it with joy. Its heart and kernel is of course the memoir of my ancestor par excellence, the famous Secretary.

Before arranging to go to Keithock I prepared myself for the visit by a few days study of the old books while enjoying the pleasures of anticipation. The more I read the more keen and at last wrote to the Lady who is the present mistress of “Keithock” to ask when I might be received. A courteous note came in reply fixing the following Monday afternoon. My excitement increased as the long-wished for day approached and although I knew I was being absurd and tried to keep calm by telling myself that it was only an afternoon call and nothing to make all this fuss about, the romantic part of me would not be quieted, and insisted on regarding it not only as a thrilling adventure but as an event in my life comparable in importance to marriage, birth or death and from which one would remember and date things in the future as having occurred before or after that memorable day. Two days before my curiousity was still further sharpened by driving past the gates of “Keithock” on a charabanc excursion when returning from Locklee to Montrose via Edzell and Brechin. The driver pointed out the entrance as we approached but we could not see the house. He thought it just possible that we might get a glimpse of it from a bend in the road further on but excepting the beautiful lawn and finely timbered Park all that I got was a fleeting impression of what might have been a red creeper glimmering in the sunshine through swaying branches. The house lay, level with the road, calm and peaceful and my heart was warmed by its cheerful aspect in the afternoon sunshine, an aspect so different from the stern and forbidding one I had expected. I returned to Montrose to spend the two days of waiting feeling that “Keithock” and I had already approached a step nearer to each other.

“KEITHOCK”

At last the Monday came and shortly after three I started out in a small car from the hotel. The run from Montrose to Brechin took only a short half hour and there was plenty of time to visit the church [by courtesy the Cathedral] before proceeding to “Keithock”. My interest in it was to find the grave of John Edgar, the Secretary’s favourite nephew, who was with him in Rome but returned to Scotland after the Act of Indemnity and died aged sixty-three in 1788. Two years after his death “Keithock” passed into other hands.

The custodian Mr Bruce, well-versed in the family history, pointed out the old grey headstone where a great surprise awaited me. I was thrilled and amazed to find the name of my old friend Miss Catherine Mary Watson, also inscribed upon the stone below that of her grand-grand uncle, The inscription told me that she had died in Edinburgh 7 June 1884, aged eighty-two – about thirteen years after I had visited her. I had often wondered about her life after we saw her and how long it had gone on in that little home so near the sky, and the answer to my questionings coming so suddenly through my discovery of the inscription on the tombstone strengthened my conviction that life is a big game of “Patience” where problems are solved in the end and all things come to him who waits/

We left the Churchyard and after stopping for some picture postcards, made our way towards “Keithock” some two miles from the town, arriving duly at the time appointed. The sky had been overcast during the drive bus as we approached the entrance gates it cleared and flickering gleams of sunshine welcomed me to the home of my fathers. The lodge-keeper having assured me that this was the principal entrance and I having instructed the chauffeur to move as quickly as possible we entered the drive, straight at first, then curving to the left as it neared the house. As we crawled along, intense curiousity was my uppermost feeling and I longed for a second pair of eyes to take in and register in memory the long anticipated pictures and impressions I was receiving and which I felt would all too soon be over.

Among many fine trees on either side a brilliant copper beach stood out conspicuous on the left as we approached the house, but even its flaming challenge was eclipsed by the wonderful Ampelopsis which, in its warm autumn dress of red, spread a mass of lovely colour over the front of the old building whose grey stones offered an ideal background.

In the uncoloured photograph I possessed the creeper of course did not appear and the impression one received was of a grim and rather triste dwelling. Being prepared to find the face of “Keithock” dour and austere, it was a pleasant surprise to find it in truth, smiling and blushing a welcome and evidently still in full possession of the joy of life in spite of the centuries behind it and the possession of generations it had sheltered and outlived. The door was opened by a bonny young maid who showed me into a parlour on the left and took my card to her mistress. The room was of medium size with a bow window in front and opening on to a smaller room at the back. It was homelike and comfortable in the Victorian style with rather a superabundance of furniture, and knic-knacs and everywhere were small vases filled with gay flowers. A cello lay on the sofa among the cushions – and this was all I had time to notice before my hostess and her daughter came to welcome me. The former was a gentle, fragile-looking elderly lady with a rather sad expression. Whatever had been her trials it was pleasant to learn from the conversation which followed, that she had now the comfort of three lovely grandchildren who had just departed after a seven weeks visit, leaving the mother and daughter along and the old house strangely quiet.

The daughter was a striking figure and mist have resembled her father who was dead as no tow people could have been more entirely unlike than were the mother and herself. She was tall and well proportioned and carried herself well. Her face was young and complexion dazzling, though her hair was prematurely grey, and she was the very picture of glowing health, strength and vitality. Her whole personality seemed to radiate happiness, energy and a keen relish for life as she found it. She wore a kilted plaid skirt, white silk blouse and earrings [bit hoops of gold] which suited her.

Both ladies gave me the friendliest of welcomes although as I told them, I felt that the size of the Edgar Clan and the frequency of their pilgrimages to the old home must have put something of a strain upon their good nature and hospitality. They had evidently learned to take the inroads of the Edgars philosophically, as all in the day’s work and I was assured that it had been some years now since the last invasion. We talked “Keithock” and they were interested to see the little portrait, which I had brought to show them. They had lived twentyseven years in the house and had bought it from a Mr Aberdein, who had done something in the way repairs or alterations to the original structure, the date of building of which they could not tell me, So far as they knew it had been occupied by someone all through the years since, after John Edgar’s death, it was sold in 1790, although it has passed through many different hands.

We had tea in the dining-room, on the opposite side of the hall, where a fire was burning and we sat down at the end of the long table looking out on the beautiful lawn whose vivid green was a refreshing sight after the parched grass in England of this burning summer.

Although we chatted comfortably about many things and it was outwardly just an ordinary afternoon call, inwardly the sense of wonder at being at “Keithock” never left me. I was strung up to concert pitch with the consciousness of climax, the fulfillment of hope long deferred, of passing another mile-stone on life’s long road.

Before we started to see the garden, my hostess, by a happy inspiration, asked if I would care to see the upper story of the house to which I eagerly assented. It was just what I had been longing to do but had not ventured to suggest and I followed her delightful daughter with alacrity and joy. There were only two stories in the front although at the back, over the kitchen and the older portion, there were three. On the second floor the six or seven bed-rooms opened on a gallery from which one looked down into the Hall below. They were just comfortable old-fashioned rooms, neither large nor small, but the whole gave a home-like impression and reminded me of the arrangement of room sat our own old home in Summit, New Jersey, where we looked down over a railing into the hall in the same way – only there, there was a third story and a little tower. In both Keithocks there was a balcony over the front door, upon which a bedroom opened; the balcony bed-room in the Summit “Keithock” having been my own when I was a young girl. At the back of the Scottish Keithock were the nurseries, more bed-rooms, a second bathroom and a billiard-room, which had been a school-room converted. At the head of the bed in the nursery was the cupboard [a charmingly proportioned long and low one let into the wall] where I was told the family skeleton was supposed to hide.

After our tour of inspection upstairs the ladies got their hats and took me for a walk around the grounds. First the garden at the back, down a long grass-walk flanked by borders glowing with colour to the greenhouse where the begonias were the special features – the largest and most brilliant I have ever seen. Outside in the beds together with chrysanthemums and asters, roses, stocks and other summer flowers, bloomed as freely as if summer were still at its height. It seemed astonishing in this rigorous climate and proves that the “grit” universally conceded to the Scottish character is by no means confined to the animal kingdom. My hostess was evidently a devoted lover of her garden and the surrounding acres and we rambled on through a beautiful avenue towards “Little Keithock” passing the dry bed of what had been, in her husband’s time, a lake where they used to row and bathe. He had made it at great expense but it was given up as too costly a hobby.

The following description of Keithock is given in one of the old books:

“The mansion house of Keithock is a comfortable edifice, pleasantly situation, with a good garden, fine lawn and thriving shrubbery, having a small plantation around it and there are some noble old trees in the grounds. It stands a little to the west of the highway from Brechin and Edzell, a short distance to the south of the Cruick water. In the old days Keithock was a barony and had its gallows hill”.

I learned afterward that our walk must have taken us close to a place where excavations had been made and many interesting relics of the Roman occupation discovered.

I have always regretted not having seen “Little Keithock”, the home-farm where the house I was told was as old or older then Keithock itself. But it was already late and my conscience stirring on behalf of the long-suffering chauffeur waiting in the cold. Reluctantly I turned back and said goodbye to my hostesses trying in vain to express my gratitude and appreciation of their kindness. As I drove away, filled with the deep satisfaction of a hope, long-deferred, realised at last, I recognized how inadequate were my words and that the ladies of “Keithock” would never know how great was my debt to them for the pleasure they had given me.

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GENERAL NOTES

PUBLICITY: The Society editress of the Australian Women’s Weekly, which has a circulation of nearly half a million copies weekly, has expressed a desire to publish particulars of the work being carrie don by own War Comforts Committee. Mrs Keith Nicholson, President of the Committee is supplying the necessary details.

A recent issue of the organ of the RSSILA “Mufti”, contained information about the Committee’s efforts. This journal is widely read.

S S RANGITANE DISASTER: The Hon Secretary has written a letter of congratulation to the 2^nd Engineer I Edgar, of the SS “Rangitane”, which was a victim of the enemy raiders in the vicinity of Naura recently. Mr Edgar is a Glasgow man and has been offered hospitality in Melbourne by members of the Society should he be able to come here.

EDGARS OF LISMORE, FORMERLY OF MELROSE, SCOTLAND: Mrs W Drinnan, of Lismore NSW, and Mr William R Edgar, of Poligolet Station, Derrinallum, Vic., have been able to furnish a great deal of valuable information concerning the family of their pioneer ancestors, Alexander and Isobella [nee Rutherford] Edgar, of Lismore, Vic. A full genealogy of the family is in preparation.

EDGARS OF IRELAND: A considerable amount of material relating to the Irish Edgars is being held over in order that it may be published with the history of the family of the pioneer Edward Edgar, of Kyneton, the father or our President, the Honourable William Haslam Edgar, MP, and of the late Reverence Alexander R Edgar.

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WAR COMFORTS COMMITTEE

Late in October members of the War Comforts Committee made up parcels for our men in the various services at home and overseas. Some very useful articles were included in the parcels and it is hoped that the continued support of our members will make it possible to dispatch further gifts before long. Knitted articles, tobacco, cigarettes or toilet articles should be sent to the depot at 788 Swanston Street, Carlton N3, Vic., marked “War Comforts Committee, Society of Edgar Families”. The Hon Secretary to the Committee, Miss Margaret Edgar, Box 2630x, GPO Melbourne, will be pleased to receive donations, with which to buy goods at special wholesale rates, or offers from those willing to knit articles for the men from wool supplied by the Committee.

A few extracts from letters received in acknowledgement of the packages already forwarded will clearly indicate to all our members that the Committee is doing useful work which is worthy of loyal support.

From WOI D J Edgar: “Thank you for the very fine parcel. It arrived in excellent order and condition and I can assure you it was very much appreciated. I think the preserved fruit idea is excellent, also the socks. Soldiers can never have too many socks. Another suggestion is handkerchiefs. They are essential and unfortunately are not an Army Issue.”

From Bdr S V Edgar: “I want to thank the Society for its very great work in sending us comforts; it was a great surprise to receive such a lovely parcel. Believe me, each and every article enclosed was much appreciated and as for the socks, all I can say is that they were not the first pair that the knitter had made – they were an excellent fit. Please thank the Society ever so much for me and let members know that whatever they do for me or any other soldier is really appreciated.”

John F Edgar writes: “Please accept my sincere thanks for the parcel forwarded me by the Society of Edgar Families. I appreciate very much the kind thoughts that prompted the setting up of the War Comforts Committee.”

The following additional Service names and addresses are gratefully acknowledged:-

B.22089, Gnr. James Keithock Edgar [Patron of the Society of Edgar Families], 24^th Anti-Tank Bty., RCA., CASF., Standard Barracks, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Gnr J R Edgar [from Wagga, NSW], 2/17A Battery, 2/9A Field Regt., AIF, Holdsworthy, NSW

2^nd Echelon, 10938, Sgt., Stanley James Edgar [from Tapanui NZ], D. Coy., 20^th Batt., 7^th Int. Brigade, 2^nd NZEF Overseas.

2nd Echelon, 10932, Alvin H Edgar [of Tapanui NZ], Reinforcement Coy., 23^rd Rifle Batt., 2^nd NZEF Overseas

The following promotions are announced:-

NX3753, Sgt S K Edgar, to be Lieutenant

NX14052, Gnr G V Edgar, to be Bombardier

Flight Lieutenant Alan Edgar, [Foundation Member of SEF] of the RAAF directorate of recruiting, a Great War pilot, has been promoted Squadron Leader, RAAF

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EDGAR LANDOWNERS IN ENGLAND AND WALES 1873

[from “Return of Owners of Land, 1873”]

CUMBERLAND

Edgar, John, Carlisle, 3 acres, annual value £4.13.0

Edgar and Fisher, Knells, Carlisle, 24 acres, 13 roods, annual value £22.0.0

Edgar George, Longwathby, Carlisle, 6 acres, 36 roods, annual value £29.0.0

Edgar Mrs, Ann, Todhills, 1 acres, 2 roods, annual value £1.10.0

Edgar George, Wigton, 51 acres, 9 roods, annual value £77.0.0

Edgar George, Rockliff Cross, Carlisle, 20 acres, annual value £35.0.0

Edgar Mrs., Skelton, 26 acres, 1 rood, 18 perches, annual value £32.5.0

Edgar Robert, Allonby, 10 acres, 1 rood, 32 perches, annual value £67.7.0

Edger, A., Allonby, 164 acres, 3 roods, 28 perches, annual value £193.0.0

Edger Thomas, Allonby, 18 acres, 32 perches, annual value £34.0.0

Edger William, Carlisle, 12 acres, 2 roods, 12 perches, annual value £18.17.0

DURHAM

Edgar, W., Bishop’s Auckland, 87 acres, 2 roods, 1 perch                                                  £389.10.1

Edger, Mrs L A., Gainford, 3 acres, 30 perches                                                                     £15.0.0

MONMOUTH

Edgar, Miss, Raglan, 11 acres, 1 rood, 33 perches                                                                £52.0.0

NORFOLK

Edgar, Exors of Thos, Fakeham, 180 acres, 3 roods, 36 perches                                          £276.0.0

NORTHUMBERLAND

Edgar, John, Greendyke, Haltwhistle, 95 acres, 3 roods, 28 perches                                     £39.10.0

SOMERSET

Edgar, Mrs Joseph, East Sheen, 57 acres, 2 roods, 13 perches                                          £109.18.0                                                                                                                                                    

Edgar James, Glastonbury, 14 acres                                                                                   £23.12.0

Edgar Sylvester, Gillingham, 45 acres, 3 roods                                                                   £123.17.0

SUFFOLK

Edgar, Edmund, Preston, 144 acres, 1 rood, 3 perches                                                        £167.2.0

Edgar, Elizabeth, Ipswich, 1312 Acres, 1 rood, 18 perches                                               £2692,18,0

Edgar, John, Thorpe, 12 acres, 3 roods, 14 perches                                                            £16.17.0

Edgar, Thomas, Preston, 173 acres, 1 rood, 34 perches                                                     £287.17.0

SUSSEX

Edgar, Ebenezer R., Euston Rd., NW., 67 acres, 2 roods, 32 perches                                   £244.0.0

WESTMORELAND

Edgar, George, Milnthorpe, 92 acres, 1 rood, 14 perches                                                    £102.10.0

MARRIAGES

EDGAR – JOHNS

William Henry Ingle Edgar, elder son of Mr and Mrs William Herbert Edgar, of Canonbie, 6 St John’s Avenue, Mont Albert, Vic., was married to Ruth Lilian Johns, only daughter of Mrs Johns and the late Rev Wesley Johns at the Hoban Memorial Chapel, Wesley Church, Melbourne, on Saturday 21 December 1940. The bridegroom is a foundation Member of the Society of Edgar Families, of which his father is Vice-President, and we extend to him and his bridge every good wish for their future happiness. [vide NL pp48-51]

EDGAR – MUNRO [5oth Anniversary]

At Nicholson Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, on 31 December 1890, Margaret Munro to Walter Edgar, now of 2 Geneva Rd., Alphington, Vic

EDGAR – LENNOX

At St Patrick’s Church, Wangaratta, Vic., on 23 September 1940, Catherine Elsie, younger daughter of Mrs C Lennox and the late Thomas Lennox, to Arthur D Edgar, youngest son of Mrs A Edgar, of Wangaratta, and the late W G Edgar of Barham, NSW

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OBITUARY

The death of Miss Isabella Edgar, of Babba Mia Estate, Harrow, Vic., took place on 23 November 1940, at the age of 90 years. Miss Edgar, who was born at Pine Hills Station, Harrow, on 11 May 1850, was the third and eldest surviving daughter of David Edgar [1812-1894], who reached Port Phillip from Moffat, Dumfriesshire, Scotland, in December 1838. The history of the family was appended to the News Letter No. 1.

Miss Edgar acquired the Babba Mia property many years ago, She was a member of the Australian Women’s National League, and did much valuable work for the Red Cross during the War of 1914-18.

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NOTABLE EDGARS

GEORGE EDGAR

Journalist and writer of fiction. Born at Warrington, England, 11 June 1877, eldest son on Peter Edgar, of that place. He married Jeannie, youngest daughter of Thomas, D Howard, of Dewsbury, and had issue one son and three daughters. Educated privately and was connected with the provincial press, for many years, and later with London journals. Was editor of “Modern Business” [1909], “Careers” [1910-11] and Associate-editor of the “Advertizers’ Weekly”. He contributed to many daily and weekly journals, stories, sketches, articles, and essays, and wrote on subjects relating to journalism.

Publications included:

“The Blue Bird’s Eye” [1912]

“Martin Harvey” [1912]

“Swift Nick of the New York Road” [1913]

“The Red Colonel” [1913]

“The Pride of Fancy” [1914]

“Kent, the Fighting Man” [1916]

“Honours of War” [1016] 

Recreations: Golf, angling

Clubs: Savage, Aldwych

He resided at 2 Chartham Terrace, Ramsgate, and died in April 1918.

[“Who Was Who”, 1916-1928]

JAMES WINTERBORROM EDGAR, MBE

Created MBE on 1 January 1920. He was born 8 July 1872; youngest son of Robert Edgar, of Greenheys, Manchester, England.

WAR WORK

Registration; Hon Investigator and Substinence Officer [National Service]

Hon Sec Flag Days

Hon Inspector [Food Control]

Hon Sec Country Borough of Salford War Savings Committee

Secretarial work, Lancs Fusiliers Prisoners of War Fund

Hon Organiser Lancs Fusiliers “Penny Fund”, also for Lancs Prisoners of War

Resided Downham Villa, Sale, Cheshire,

Club: Old Rectory, Manchester

JONATHAN CYRIL EDGAR, MBE

Created 5 June 1920. Chief Clerk to a section of the Surplus Stores and Salvage, War Office

MAJOR PETER MAXWELL EDGAR, OBE

No biography available.

vide “Burke’s handbook to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire” [1921]

News Letter Number Eleven
Society of Edgar Families
Melbourne, Australia

EDGARS IN IRELAND

“The Family tradition is that early in the last century [This was written in the 19^th Century, Ed] four brothers of the name emigrated from North Britain, three of whom were settled respectively at Castlewallan, Saintfield and Newtownards. They were farmers, and not in very affluent circumstances.

John Edgar was born at Ballykine, near Ballynahinch, No baptismal registry was formerly kept in many Irish Presbyterian Congregations, and the exact date of his birth cannot now be ascertained. When advanced in life he was often involved in controversy; and on one public occasion he said playfully that his Mother had brought him forth “A man of contention”, as she had introduced him into the world in the year of the Rebellion. His native neighborhood was the scene of the most important struggle which then took place in Ulster; and on the 13 July 1798, when the conflict raged between the insurgents and the Royal troops, there lay hard by in the cradle an infant a few months old, whose memory will survive as long as the fame of the  battle of Ballynahinch.

The Rev Samuel Edgar, DD., father of John Edgar, was connected with the Secession Church. Though less eminent than his son, he was a man of highly respectable talents and attainments. he occupied a high position in the esteem of his ministerial brethren. they appointed him Clerk in their Synod, and the Profession of Divinity”.

[From the opening chapter of Killen’s “Memoir of John Edgar, DD LLD” [1867]; published in the News Letter by courtesy of the Hon W H Edgar, MLC].

The extract above is supported by a letter written by Doctor John Edgar to Lawrence Archer dated at Belfast 16 January 1864, and published in “An Account of the Surname of Edgar”, 1868 and 1873 [page 147].

Dr Edgar says:

“The tradition of our family is that four brothers came to Ulster, one of whom joined the Army; another settled near Castlewellan, where his descendants spell their name AGAR; a third settled in Co., Down and my branch at Saintfield in the same County”.

The Grampian Club’s publication, “The Scottish House of Edgar” [1873], page 23, also refers, in general terms, to the Irish Edgars. A paper in the possession of the Hon W H Edgar, MLC., apparently prepared with the sanction of the Historical Society of Illinois, USA, also throws some light on the origin of the Ulster Edgars and suggests links in America:

“Four brothers crossed to Ireland in the reign of William III, the youngest of whom settled in Guilford. He had two sons, one of whom was the father of Samuel Edgar.”

“The Illinois Historical Society has made enquiry through the American Consul to this City of Belfast concerning the Ancestry of Captain John Edgar; one of the notable pioneers of that State. He went to the British Colonies in North America, now the USA. He may have landed in Boston, as he married his first wife there. Later he must have gone to the Lake Region, for in an affidavit he made in 1781 he says that he commanded a vessel belonging to the King of Great Britain on Lakes Huron and Erie from 1772-5 and that he then gave up that command and went into trade, that is in August, 1779. In 1798, for special services rendered, the was granted by the American Congress a tract of 2240 acres of land in what is now Illinois, but in 1784 he and his wife went to Kaskaskia, Illinois, then the most important town in that region, where he built the finest house in the then territory of Illinois, wherein he spent the remainder of his life. He amassed a large fortune and was one of the most notable men of his time.”

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Rev Samuel Edgar was a graduate of the University of Glasgow. He was Succession Minister at Ballynahinch; Professor of an Academy there and Professor of Divinity to Sesession Synod, D D of Union Coll., USA., 1820. He died 17 September 1820/

[Glasgow Univ. Roll, 1727-1897]

A full story of the life of the Rev John Edgar, [1798-1866] appears in the Dictionary of National Biography. He was educated partly at the University of Glasgow and partly at Belfast. In 1826 he succeeded his father as professor of theology, retaining his post until 1848. In 1836 he was the recipient of the degree of D D from Hamilton Coll., USA and in 1860 was given the degree of LLD by the University of New York. At the third meeting of the general assembly of the United Presbyterian Church of Ireland [in 1842] he was elected Moderator. He wrote no book of any magnitude, but the most important of his pamphlets and addresses were collected in a volume and published under the title of “Select Works of John Edgar, DD LLD”. This volume embraces twenty-five pamphlets on temperance and seventeen on the other philanthropic schemes that engaged his attention. His “Cry from Connaught” was the most pathetic piece he ever wrote, and inaugurated his Connaught Mission. John Edgar is best remembered as the father and founder of the Temperance Reformation in Europe.

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ULSTER EDGARS IN AUSTRALIA

An article dealing with Ulster Edgar families in Australia is in preparation and will appear in a future issue of the News Letter.

FOURTH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The fourth Annual General Meeting of our family Society took place at the Railways Institute, Flinders Street, Melbourne on the evening of 3 April 1941. In the unavoidable absence of the President, the Hon W H Edgar, MLC., from whom an apology was received, the Vice President, Mr William H Edgar, JP, took the chair.

ANNUAL REPORT

In his Report the Chairman made a plea for the better use by members of the large collection of Edgar references which had been built u[ since the foundation of the Society in February 1937 and which are in the care of the Hon Secretary. These references now number several thousands and are being continually added to; they should enable Members interested in research into their own pedigrees to locate material likely to assist them still further. The Chairman spoke of the steady progress which the Society continues to make and drew attention to the fact that there are now, for the fir t time, more than fifty members and associate members located throughout Australia and in New Zealand, Canada, Great Britain and the USA. The work of the War Comforts committee deserved the fullest support of all those connected with the Society and he hoped that the Committee would soon be able to dispatch a further consignment of parcels to our menfolk serving overseas. The Chairman extended his good wishes to the Society and expressed his conviction that even greater progress would be made in the year ahead. He went on to speak warmly of the successful work which had been done by the Hon. Secretary throughput the year, and which, though exacting, had produced outstanding results.

On the Motion of Mrs Keith Nicholson, Seconded by Mr RH Edgar, the Report was formally accepted.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT

The Hon Auditor, Mr R H Edgar, presented the statement of Accounts. In a short summary he remarked that it was worthy of notice that the somewhat heavy expenditure under the heading of “Stationery” had been due to a wise policy of building up stocks of materials which were likely to advance steeply in price. The expenditure had been otherwise normal and the amount available from subscriptions had shown a healthy increase. The fact that a useful credit balance was revealed reflected credit upon the Hon Treasurer’s careful administration.

On the motion of Mrs Keith Nicholson, seconded by Mr O S Edgar, the statement of Accounts was formally accepted.

VOTES OF THANKS

During proceedings votes of thanks were passed honouring the Vice President, Hon Auditor Hon Secretary, and Treasurer and to Lieut Col J M Edgar for his kindness in providing apparatus which permitted Mr I Trentham-Edgar’s lecture to be most interestingly illustrated. The lecturer chose as his subject, “An Outline of Edgar History”. The derivation of the name Edgar was explained and the connection of the Edgars of Wedderlie with King Edgar of England [died 975AD] was made clear. A list of Edgar pioneers in Australia was given at the conclusion of the lecture.

OFFICE BEARERS AND MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

The following were elected to the Offices named:

NEW MEMBERS

Admitted to membership of the Society:

Miss Elizabeth Edgar, of Coburg, Vic

Private Frank Finlay Edgar, AIF Abroad

GENERAL NOTES

NEW GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY FOR VICTORIA

Members of the Society of Edgar Families have been intimately concerned in a recent move to inaugurate a Society of Victorian Genealogists in Victoria. The Society was formed at a Meeting held in the Assembly Hall, Collins Street, Melbourne on 17 March 1941, and is being influentially supported. This new body will work with similar Societies in London and Sydney and will have its headquarters in Melbourne. As reference library is to be assembled and members will be assistedin the recording of family histories. The new Society intends also to do everything within its powers to prevent the destruction of manuscript material likely to be of value to our present and future historical students. War-time demands for “waste-paper” have already resulted in deplorable losses of such material.

WAR COMFORTS COMMITTEE MEETINGS

The War Comforts Committee met on 29 January and 4 Mar. A further batch of parcels is to be sent overseas in April. At present several members are engaged in knitting articles for inclusion in these parcels abut our circle of knitters must be widened if all demands are to be satisfied. More and more of our men are going overseas and their needs require our fullest consideration. Wool for knitting may be obtained free of charge, from the Hon Secretary to the Committee, Miss Margaret Edgar, Box 2630X, GPO, Melbourne. All donations should be sent to Miss Edgar. Many who cannot assist our cause actively have sent along donations with which the Committee has bought wool and useful articles for the parcels.

The following additional names of men overseas have been received:

2^nd Echelon 10938 Sgt Stanley James Edgar, D. Coy; 29^th Batt, 7^th Int Brigade, 2^nd NZEF, Overseas [son of James Edgar, Riverside, Tapanui, NZ]

2ndEchelon 10932, Alvan H Edgar, Private, Reinforcement Goy, 23 Rifle Batt., 2^nd NZEF, Overseas

[grandson of Adam Edgar of Tapanui, NZ]

VX.34183 Frank Finlay Edgar, Private, 1^st Aust., Corps, Petrol, No. 2 Sub-Park., AIF Abroad

[son of Robt M Edgar, 10 High St., Kew,Vic]

VX.1504 O E Edgar, Private, No. 1 Platoon; HQ Co., 70 Batt., AIF Abroad

[son of W R Edgar, 2 Walter St., Sth Yarra]

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EDGAR, FORMERLY OF ARDROSSAN, AYRSHIRE, SCOTLAND

The Hon. Secretary has received fro the Post Master General a letter addressed to Mrs J Edgar, Box 1937R, Melbourne, Australia which could not be delivered through the post office. The addressee has not yet been identified. The writer is Lieut. Vivian Cunningham of B. Coy., 13^th Cameronians, Ardrossan, Scotland who, under date 21 December 1940 states that it is three years since he received a letter from Mrs Edgar. Can any reader identify the addressee?

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ADDENDA

News Letter No. 9, p73: Mr and Mrs Alfred Herbert Owen, of Carrum, Victoria have had issue a son, Edgar Herbert, born 9 September 1940. Mrs Edgar is a Member of the Society of Edgar Families.

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OBITUARY

Mr S L Officer

We extend our sympathy to the widow and children of the late Mr Sydney Linden Officer who died early in February last. Mr Officer was born at Brighton, Vic in 1874 and was a grandson of Sir Robert Officer, first medical officer at Hobart. His father Mr Charles Officer, a well known pastoralist, represented Dundas in the Legislative Assembly. Mr Officer had extensive landed interests in the Goroke district and later bought Oakbank Station, near Heywood. He was a member of the Portland Shire Council for six years and was twice Mayor of the borough of Hamilton.

Mr Officer was at one time secretary of the Graziers’ Federal Council, Australian Woolgrowers’ Council, Australian Sheep-breeders’ Society and the Australian Wool Board. In 1922 he joined the staff of the Graziers’ Association and, in 1928, was appointed Secretary, he was Secretary of the first Empire Wool Conference in1931. and of another Conference in 1937 when an International Wool Secretariat was established.

Mr Officer married Margaret Swan Edgar, second daughter of Mr and Mrs John Thomas Edgar, formerly of Kadnook Station, near Harrow, Vic., and granddaughter of David Edgar [1812-94] the Western District pioneer who took up Pine Hills Station, Harrow in 1850.

Mr Officer is survived by his widow and two sons:

1.       Charles Sidney Officer, died in childhood

2.       Mr Mervyn Vivian Officer, a Commercial Artist, and

3.       Mr Vernon Wicker Officer, who succeeded his father as Secretary of the Graziers’ Association.

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NOTABLE EDGARS

ANDREW EDGAR, LL.D

Born 6 August 1815; eldest son of Rev John Edgar, of Hutton, Berwickshire, Scotland. Educated at Edinburgh University. Doctor of Law. A student of the Middle Temple, 2 May 1839; called to the Bar 6 June 1845. Member of the South Eastern Circuit, draftsman under the Statute Law Commission, 1855-7. Secretary of the Law Amendment Society, 1858-67. Common Law Editor in the “Weekly Report”, 1852-62; and of the “Law Magazine”, 1865-70.

He married, firstly, on 2 January 1850, Mary Ann, widow of Professor Everitt, and daughter of Elhanan Bicknell, Esq., of Herne Hill, Surrey; and secondly, on 23 June 1864, Emily Elizabeth, youngest daughter of the late Humphrey Ballard, of London. Member of the Reform Club. Resided at Uplands, Stoke Poges, Slough. He had issue an only son:

LOGAN BICKNELL EDGAR BA., Trinity Hall, Cambridge, 1873. A student of Middle Temple, 25 January 1871. Called to the Bar 17 November 1875.

[“Handlist of Men at the Bar”, Joseph Foster [1885] p.136]

MEETINGS OF THE SOCIETY

The Council of the Genealogical Society of Victoria have agreed to permit the Society of Edgar Families to make use of that Society’s room on the second floor, Kelvin Hall Building, 55 Collins Street, Melbourne. A Meeting of our Executive Council will take place there on Tuesday 7 October at 8pm. Plans for the Quarterly General Meeting will be discussed and a Meeting or the War Comforts Committee will follow.

A number of pedigrees and maps of particular interest to members of this Society are at present on view as part of a small Genealogical Exhibition arranged by members of the Genealogical Society of Victoria. Members of this Society who may wish to see these exhibits should ring WX 2807 [Mr William H Edgar].

News Letter Number Twelve
Society of Edgar Families
Melbourne, Australia

THE ORIGIN OF THE EDGARS OF KEITHOCK, CO., FORFAR

The Keithock estate seems to have been acquired by the Edgars from the Lindsay family subsequent to the year 1620. The barony of Keithock was never in the possession of the Edgars, but the family, having consolidated certain lands in the barony, held them, not under the Crown or IN CAPITE but under a subject, viz. the Bishop of Brechin ‘Lawrence-Archer; Acccount of the Sirname [sic] of Edgar, p.148]

John Edgar, first of Keithock was probably the same John Edgar in Balconnel who bought the town and lands of Dyktown of Perthill, under reversion, for £1000 [Scots] from John Collace, fear of Pitforkie with consent of Thomas Collace, his father. [Deed dated at Balconnel is 11 July 1623; Reg. of Deeds, 15 June 1627].

The Records of the Court of Session include a Contract dated 10 October 1629 between John Allardes of that Ilk, and James Allardes of Kinneff on the one part and John Edgar of Balconnel on the other, for a three years’ tack to the latter, of the lands of Wester Balfour, in the Parish of Menure, and the Shire of Forfar. David and John Edgar, sons of John Edgar of Balconnel were witnesses. Captain John Edgar, Laird of Keithock, writing under date 22 October 1755, from Boulogne, to his Uncle, Secretary James Edgar, reveals that there was a family belief that John of Keithock and John of Balconnel were identical. He wrote:

… “I was particularly acquainted with Mr Skeen of Caraldston, who possesses the lands of Balconnel, etc. He readily allowed me to look over all the papers and conveyances of that Estate, but I found that it was the same person that first bought Keithock who, some years before, feued off Balconnel, etc. from Colace of Balnamoon, and afterwards sold the, so it is probably that he was the first of our race that settled in Angus. When I was at Edinburgh I gave a commission to a friend to inquire about some old papers of the family of Wedderlie, but I was obliged to quit the country before they could be found … [torn] however, I am pretty well informed where they are …”

On 16 Jul 1634, John Edgar was described as “of Caithick” [Keithock], in the Edinburgh Apprentice Roll [Scot. Rec. Soc., XXVII], his son Patrick Edgar then being apprenticed to Patrick Barthilmo, tailor.

It is clear that John Edgar of Keithock had a son John Edgar, junior, [Rec. Ct. of Session. 14 January 1639. Obligation by John Dempster to John Edgar, junior, son of John Edgar of Keithock; and 14 February 1639. Obligation by Mr Jno Levingston to same.] John Edgar, of “Keathick”, presumably the son of John Edgar, senior and brother of the Apprentice, Patrick Edgar, was married at Edinburgh on 16 August 1642, to Bessie Symsoun. [Scot. Rec. Soc. XXVII].

In January 1643, Thomas Edgar, of Keithock was taxed £44.10.4 [Tax Roll: Forfar]. This Thomas Edgar may be identified with the Thomas Edgar in Sheiringtoun, parish of Caerlaverock Co., Dumfries who is mentioned {Inquisitions General & Special: Dumfries; 10 June 1635.] As the heir of Gilbert Edgar, merchant in Dasnke [Danzic] in Poland, who is stated to have been “filii Patrui” of Gilbert Edgar; [Lawrence-Archer says he was a nephew. The testament of William Edgar, merchant traveler, Kingdom of Poill, which was registered at Edinburgh 12 September 1631 and 21 November 1632, might throw some light on the relationship of the Edgars of Keithock and Balconnel].

Thomas Edgar, of Keithock married Magdalen, daughter of John Guthrie of Overdyzert, [a family of Guthries were Lairds of Pitforthie, which adjoins the estate of Keithock, and it is possible that Thomas Edgar by this marriage added to his lands]. The eldest son of this marriage was John Edgar who matriculated his arms [1672-8]. [Lyon Register I, 294].

It is stated by Nisbet [Heraldy I, 281] that David Edgar, son of David Edgar and Anna Blair, bought the estate of Keithock from his cousin Thomas about 1680 but, although this statement has been repeated by Lawrence-Archer, the existence of the seisin of 1679 to which reference will be made later in these pages, and all the other evidence at present available suggest that Nisbet was mistaken. The seisin of 1679 was apparently necessary to dispel some uncertainty attaching to the title to the Keithock lands following upon the death of the previous laird – an uncertainty which provoked a series of law suits.

The descent of the family is not clarified by a deed dated 1 April 1718 [Commissariat of Deeds, Edinburgh, 1 July 1718] in which “David Edgar, late of Keithock, now indweller in Edinburgh,” – disposes, his heirs, etc. all and haill my whole household plenishing - in my dwelling house in Bell’s Wynd, and all debts,”  - reserving to himself the life-rent. A pint stoup was delivered as symbol of seisin.

The Registers of Apprentices and Burgesses of Edinburgh and the record of burials in Greyfriars Churchyard together with the list of Testaments enable us to trace the ancestry of this James Edgar – who must almost certainly have been a kinsman of David Edgar, of Keithock, and this way we are brought to conclude that the Kiethock Edgars were living in Dumfries about 1590 and were a cadet branch of Wedderlie.

[to be continued]

“RAEBURN THE PAINTER AND THE EDGARS”

[contributed by I Trentham-Edgar, FSAG]

Sir Henry Raeburn, the great portrait painter, was born at Stockbridge, a district of Edinburgh on 4 March 1756, the younger son of Robert Raeburn and his wife Ann Elder, the owner of the mills at Stockbridge.

In 1778 when Raeburn was 22, there called at his Studio one day a lady who desired to sit for her portrait. He instantly remembered having seen her in some of his sketching excursions when he was noting down fine snatched of scenery. They must have been tolerably well-acquainted with each other’s appearance, for the lady lived at Deanhaugh House, close by and was some twelve years the senior of Raeburn and, moreover, a widow.

Permit the artist’s great-grandson to tellthe tale! “On further acquaintance he [Raeburn] found that besides personal charm she had sensibility and wit. His respect for her did not affect his skill of hand, but inspired it. He fell in love with his sitter and made a very fine portrait of her. This lady was the Countess Leslie     [eldest] daughter of Peter Edgar, the Laird of Bridgelands, and was so much pleased with the skill and likewise with the manners of the artist that within a month or so of this adventure in the studio she gave him her hand in marriage, bestowing at once a most affectionate wife, good sense, and a handsome fortune.”

He former husband was one of the Leslies of Balquhain, in Aberdeenshire, who had won the title of Count by activities opposed to the House of Hanover. The contract of marriage dated 16 September 1772. [Rec. Ct. of Session, 27 January 1778] stated that count James Leslie, of Deanhaugh, was the only son of George Leslie, Esq., then of Bruntsfield Links, representative of the Leslies of New Leslie. It was further recorded that Ann [born in 1744] was the eldest daughter of Peter Edgar of Bridgelands, Peebles, by his wife Ann Hay.

Count and Countess Leslie had issue a son who was drowned and two daughters – Jacobina who married Daniel Vere, Sheriff-Substitute of Lanarkshire, late of Stonebyrnes, and Ann who married James Philip Inglis [died Calcutta April 1817] and had two sons Leslie Inglis and Henry Raeburn Inglis.

Sir Henry Raeburn painted a likeness of his wife’s grandson, Henry Raeburn Inglis, holding a rabbit, as his diploma picture, now in the Private Diploma room of celebrated artists in London; also another picture of the same subject which is in the possession of his own descendants, the Raeburns of Charlesfield.

By her second husband, the former Ann Edgar had two sons, Peter, who died young, and Henry, who married Charlotte, daughter of John White of Kellerstain and Howden, having issue.

The portrait mentioned by Raeburn’s great-grandsons in the passage quoted has gone astray. The existing portrait of Lady Raeburn, which is now in the possession of Lady Louis. Mountbatten, brought £9135 in the Tweedmouth Sale at Christies, in 1905. As against this substantial figure, and indicative of the curiously slow growth in the appreciation of the art of this Master Portraitist, it may be mentioned that in 1877, forty-nine of his portraits fetched the modest sum of £6000, and one of these works was the aforesaid portrait of Lady Raeburn. It was in the collection of the late Sir Edward Cassel.

Sir Henry Raeburn’s father-in-law, Peter Edgar, was born in 1704 and died in 1781, and was the youngest brother of Alexander Edgar [c. 1698-1777], Laird of Auchingrammont, who had issue as follows:-

1        James Edgar, of Auchingrammont, married Elizabeth Lorington and had issue two sons [1]

James, died young, [2] Alexander, and two daughters

2        Alexander, died 1820. Married and had issue

3 Handasyde MD FRS. Married and had issue

1             Susan, married J Hutton, and had issue

2 Charity

All these Edgars, excepting Susan and Charity were depicted in Raeburn pictures. The late General C G Edgar of Detroit, USA had a picture of the infant Alexander, and another picture of the same subject is known to exist.

Portraits of James Edgar are owned by Mr Percy R Pyne of Long Island, USA and by General Edgar’s family. The Gallery at Ghent, Holland and Lady Forbes-Leith, of Fyrie have pictures of Alexander Edgar [died 1820], and Baron Schroder, of London has a portrait of Dr Handasyde Edgar. One of the pictures of James Edgar of Auchingrammont sold at Christies in July 1929 for about £5000.

The great artist died on 8 July 1823 at the age of 67, and was buried at the Kirk of St John, Prince’s Street, Edinburgh.

SOURCES

Henry Raeburn,[1756-1823], by T C P Brotchie, 1924

Pedigree of the Family of Leslie of Balquhain, by Col C Leslie, 1861

an account of the sirname [sic] of Edgar, by J H Lawrence-Archer, 1873

The Scottish House of Edgar. Cttee of Grampian Club, 1873

Letters and Genealogy of the Edgar, Brig-Gen C G Edgar, 1930

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EDITORIAL

This issue of the News Letters is number twelve and marks the end of the third year of publication. In that period more than one hundred foolscap pages of matter have been placed in the hands of our members at home and overseas. The size of the News Letters is determined, not by the material available, for that continues to pile up, but by the financial resources of the Society. Our circle of members, however, continues to widen and the time will surely come when it will be possible to increase the size of our quarterly publication and thus inform our members more fully about the various and interesting aspects of Edgar history.

In addition to the more easily read articles which appear in the News Letter from time to time there have been, and will continue to be, contributions of a more serious sort. It is expected of a Society of this kind that it should undertake to do more than reprint material already available to the research student in many scattered volumes. There is original work being done by some of our members which is worthy of preservation because of the light which is in that way thrown upon problems which confront those interested in particular Edgar pedigrees. Indeed there is a very wide field open to the keen student who is prepared to spend time, and perhaps money, in the unraveling of  the intricate knots in the pedigrees of the Wedderlie, Keithock, and Edinburgh Edgars, Much of that sort of research work can only be undertaken in Scotland where the original records can be referred to, but there are a great many local Edgar families whose pedigrees could be worked out and permanently recorded so that at some future time the threads can be carried back to Scotland, England or Ireland.

In a recent letter, Mr E L Frazer, Victorian Parliamentary Librarian, significantly remarked that “Family tradition is beginning to be valued in Australia. Its importance in the future as one of the means of strengthening, if not saving Society, cannot be over estimated.”

That view is being widely supported today when so many have had forced home to them that the British Empire, with its back to the Wall, is a vast agglomeration of family units striving to safeguard habits and ideals which the peculiar freedom of our family life down the centuries has enabled us to develop to the benefit of civilization.

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MARRIAGE

EDGAR – WOODS

On 22 May 1941, at Christ Church, South Yarra, Melbourne, Marjorie Mary, daughter of the late Mr and Mrs E J Woods, of Melbourne to Waldene Philip Swan Edgar, youngest son of John Thomas and Margaret Edgar, formerly of Kadnook Estate, Harrow, Victoria.

[see News Letter no.1 p15]

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OBITUARY

MR ADAM EDGAR, TAPANUI, NZ

It is learned with regret from Tapanui, Otago, New Zealand, that Mr Adam Edgar has died in his 91^st year.

The late Mr Edgar was born on 1 April 1850, near Langholm, Dumfriesshire, Scotland. He was educated privately on Pine Hill Station, Harrow, Victoria, the home of his Uncle David Edgar. In 1875 he went to New Zealand and there managed a number of farming properties, including the 3500 acre estate of Mr Gladstone Robinson at Waikoikoi. For about 25 years Mr Edgar had lived in retirement at Tapanui and was a deacon [1895] and elder [1901] of the Presbyterian Church there. He married on 11 October 1871, at Hamilton, Victoria, Margaret, daughter of John Huston by his wife Margaret McGurk, formerly of Castle Dawson, Ireland, Mrs Edgar died on 14 August 1918 at Tapanui. They had issue four sons and three daughters:-

1        Rev James Huston Edgar, FRGS [1872-1936]

2        John Scott Edgar, born1874, sometime Mayor of Tapanui

3        Adam Scott Edgar, born 1878

4        Thomas Edgar, born 1883,

1        Eliza [Mrs G P Brownlie]

2        Margaret [Mrs J W H Clarke]

3        Isabella

News Letter no.1, p9-10]

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MR JOHN THOMAS EDGAR, OF MELBOURNE

Mr J T Edgar, who died at the Old Colonists’ Homes, North Fitzroy, was a Foundation member of the Society of Edgar Families.

The eldest son of the late David Edgar, [1812-94] of Pine Hills Station, Victoria, a well-known Western District Pioneer, the late J T Edgar was born 20 February 1848, at Double corner, Portland and was educated at Scotch College, Melbourne.

He managed Kadnook Estate from 1872 until its sale in 1911. He was elected a Councillor of Kowree Shire in 1880; resigned in 1884; re-elected 1888 and continued as a member until 1910. President of Kowree Shire 1896, 1898, and 1908. A keen cricketer in his youth, he was partly responsible for the visit to England of the famous team of aboriginesin 1866. He was widely known as a judge and breeder of Merino sheep.

The late Mr Edgar had lived in retirement in Melbourne for many years. He leaves a widow, formerly Miss Margaret Swan, daughter of William Swan of Koonongwootong Station, Coleraine, Victoria and nine children. Three other children pre-deceased the late Mr Edgar.

[vide News Letter No.1 p14]

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MR FREDERICK WILLIAM EDGAR, OF MELBOURNE

The death occurred on 13 July 1941, at Melbourne of Mr Frederick William Edgar who was born on 6 March 1861.

The late Mr F W Edgar was the eldest son of Andrew Lindsay Edgar [1835-1903], Master Mariner and pioneer pastoralist who came to Australia from Dundee, Scotland, in the ‘Fifties.

Mr Edgar married, at South Melbourne, on 9 December 1885, Elizabeth Mary, daughter, of Samuel Charles Lomax, of Melbourne. Mrs Edgar died 13 August 1933. There were five sons and two daughters of whom four sons and two daughters survive.

[vide News Letter No9, p71]

GENERAL NOTES

EARLY NEWS LETTERS

The Honorary Secretary would be glad to hear from anyone willing to dispose of a copy of our first issue, which contained the “History of the Edgars of Moffat”. An enquiry for a copy comes from New York USA, from a member to whom News Letters No 1, was mailed on the ill-fated RMS “Niagara”.

PHOTOGRAPHS OF PINE HILLS STATION HOMESTEAD

Orders will be accepted for prints of this old homestead which was the home of the first Edgars in Victoria. Mrs Keith Nicholson, and her brother Mr O S Edgar, grandchildren of the pioneer, David Edgar, who took up the Pine Hills run, have kindly loaned the pictures from which the prints, priced at 1/- each [plus postage], are taken.

NOTICES FOR NEWS LETTERS

The Editor desires to remind his readers that he is always willing to receive notices of births, marriages and deaths for publication. In this way events of family importance can be permanently recorded.

OFFICIAL CERTIFICATES [Births, Marriage and Death]

Very often these official certificates are indispensable to the generalist but it is necessary to point out that not all particulars recorded in such certificates are necessarily correct. On the occasion of a death, for example, often a badly informed friend of the family will fill up the required form. Even members of the family, at such a time, may set down inaccurate details of fail to remember the family history well enough to complete the form. In spite of these difficulties however, official certificates are worth procuring as they frequently supply information unobtainable anywhere else. One, at least, of our members has certificates covering all the births, deaths and marriages in his family since registration was enforced. These, supplemented by a series of Wills for a longer period, provide evidence of descent and family connections in a most interesting way. In Victoria such certificates are obtainable from the Registrar- General, Melbourne, at 7/6 each, Full names of the subject of the Certificate are required together with an approximate date for the event to which the certificate relates.

WAR COMFORTS COMMITTEE

The funds of the War Comforts Committee have benefited by more than five [£5] pounds as the result of a novelty card evening arranged by Mrs J A Burgess at her home at Armadale on 31 May last.

At a Meeting of the Committee which took place at the conclusion of the Society’s Quarterly General Meeting in Melbourne, on 26 June 1941, it was agreed that, because of the difficulty of sending individual parcels to the men overseas and the plea made by Officers of the Australian Comforts Fund that all comforts organizations should operate through the ACF, in future the War Comforts Committee of the Society of Edgar Families shall donate all amounts raised to the ACF. A sum of £8.0.0 has been handed to the Secretary of the ACF as our first donation. Plans are in hand for collecting further sums to be similarly disposed of. The Hon Secretary to the Committee, Miss Margaret Edgar, Box 2630X, GPO, Melbourne will be happy to acknowledge monies forwarded to her for this good cause.

The personnel of the War Comforts Committee for 1941/2 remains unchanged except for the election of Miss Elizabeth Edgar to the Committee.

The following additional name has been added to the list of men on active service:

VX 12479 Houlihan, J J Corporal

Attached AAMC, 2/32 Battalion, 25 Brigade, AIF Abroad

CASUALTY LIST

Lieut Selwyn Kinmond Edgar, formerly of Mosman NSW who went abroad, in May 1940, attached to HQ Signals and who subsequently spent more than six months in England, where he gained his Commission, is reported as Prisoner of War [see NL p74].

Gunner John Edgar Nicholson, who enlisted in an Anit-Aircraft Unit and embarked in December 1940, is reported as Prisoner of War [see NL p16].

News Letter Number Thirteen
Society of Edgar Families
Melbourne, Australia

THE LATE ROBERT McCUTCHEON EDGAR

The death occurred in Melbourne of Mr Robert McCutcheon Edgar, formerly of High Street, Kew, Victoria.

Mr Edgar was born on 6 August 1861 at Bangor, Co., Down, Ireland and came to Australia in November 1886. He started his own business here in 1887 and retired in 1915. In 1917 Mr Edgar went overseas as a voluntary worker for the Australian Red Cross. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1922, and was for over thirty years a Member of the Board of Management of the West Hawthorn Presbyterian Church.

The late Mr Edgar married on 14 November 1900, at Boolarra, Gippsland, Victoria, Isabella Mary, daughter of James Adamson, of Fife, Scotland, by his wife, Mary Grieve, of Perthsire, Scotland. They had issue two sons and one daughter.

WAR COMFORTS COMMITTEE

The War Comforts Committee has arranged an attractive programme for the night of Thursday 27 November 1941. The proceeds from the various sales of sweets, jams and novelties, and from a Dutch Auction of the particularly find hand-made rug presented by Mrs J T Edgar will buy comforts for Edgar Kinsmen fighting overseas.

EDITORIAL

It is very much regretted that it was not possible to issue the April, July and October numbers of the News Letters when due. War-time conditions have seriously interfered with the usual publication arrangements and costs have risen steeply. It was intended that the present News Letter, No thirteen, should contain a complete index of all the personal names which have appeared in the twelve earlier issues. However, the extent of this index and the cost of publication have made it necessary to divide the index into two parts. The second and final part will be available in January and will complete the first volume of our Society’s publication.

We believe that many of our members will want to keep their collection of News Letters in a permanent form, Consideration has been given to binding these collections in the orthodox way but it was found that such binding would prove unsatisfactory because of the varying width of the margins throughout and because of the comparatively small number of complete volumes which would be available to one firm for binding in Melbourne. So many of our members live outside the metropolis and in other States, and abroad that it is best to recommend to all who are concerned to permanently preserve their copies of the family journal the use of any good spring=back foolscap binder [such as Brampton’s Patent Instanteneous Binder, at a price of 6/9]. Suitable binders may be bought at any good Stationers.

News Letter Number Fourteen
Society of Edgar Families
Melbourne, Australia

The first volume of the News Letters is completed with the publication of the second part of the Index Nominum and our members will now be able to insert all fourteen issues in the Spring-back binder as suggested previously.

Will all whose subscriptions are due, or overdue, kindly forward them to the Hon Secretary, Society of Edgar Families, Box 2630X, GPO, Melbourne as soon as possible as our financial year is soon to close? Reminder notices have been mailed to those concerned.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The fifth Annual General Meeting is to take place in March, The date will be advised later.

EXHIBITION AND WAR COMFORTS FUND

An exhibition of items illustrating the history of the Edgar Families was a feature of an evening arranged on 27 November last by the War Comforts Committee. There was a record attendance of members and their friends and, as a result about ten pounds was raised for the Society’s Comfort fund. Among the exhibits of Edgar interest, by courtesy of the Genealogical Society of Victoria displayed in that Society’s Library, were photographs of Wedderlie, Keithock, Peffermyl, Pine Hills homestead and Edgar monuments in New Jersy, USA. A collection of letters relating to the Keithock Edgars attachment to the Royal Stuart Cause were also on view and there were several books containing Edgar references. Members also saw part of the Society’s record collections, pedigree and press-cutting books, etc.

The War Comforts Committee will meet this month to arrange for the dispatch of further parcels to our menfolk serving overseas. Donations may still be made to assist the Committee in its work.

EDGARS IN IRELAND AND SCOTLAND

The next issue of our News Letter will contain a history of the Edgars of Bangor, Co., Down, Ireland, with notes on other Irish Edgars and a full history of the Edgars, formerly of Gattonside, near Melrose, Berwickshire, Scotland.