Elizabeth

Josiah Parker (1808-1898)
Elizabeth Johnson (1808-1860)

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Elizabeth Johnson was the sixth of thirteen children, her parents being Richard Johnson & Elizabeth Phillips. She was born in London. England on 30 Nov 1809 and baptised on 24 Dec 1809 in St James Church, Clerkenwell, London. She migrated with most of her family to Sydney  on 15th August 1833 aboard the ship Layton, the ship’s manifest showing her age as 24.

Josiah Parker was born on  02 Dec 1807 and baptised on 29 Jan 1808 St Marylebone, London, England. We are not certain when he came to Australia, however there was a Josiah Parker who arrived (with other family members) in Hobart, from England, on board the Nancy in 1830:

Elizabeth and Josiah married on 25 July 1834 in St James’ Church, Sydney (record  V18341299 18).

Josiah had trained as a chemist and the couple settled near Bathurst, opening a chemist’s shop in William St. He was an active member of the Wesleyan Church and a passionate member of the temperance society. His involvement in the Church was recognised during a Jubilee Anniversary celebration of the establishment of the Wesleyan Church in Bathurst. A very long article appeared in the Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal on Thu 09 Dec 1886, this being an excerpt:

… Mr. White then said he had a very pleasant duty to perform. One of the oldest servants of Methodism was retiring from the board of Trustees – Mr. Josiah Parker, who had held nearly all the offices the church had to fill, and was now about retiring from active work. His many friends had joined together to present him with an address, which he would now read.

TO MR. JOSIAH PARKER, DEAR SIR.

In resigning your Trusteeship of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Bathurst, we, the Trustees, Members of the Church, and Friends in general, while deeply regretting the necessity of retirement, cannot allow you to retire during this our Jubilee Year, without recognition of your long-continued and valued services in this Circuit. It is our cheerful duty to bear testimony to your high personal character, up-right life, Loyalty to the Church of Christ and Evangelical Protestantism, your Generous Hospitality, Zeal in the cause of Temperance, and Fidelity in the Offices of Local Preacher, Class Leader, Circuit, Society, And Poor Steward, all of which you, for many years, have honorably and conscientiously filled. Now that you are laying aside the harness, we would apply the honor to you of the words ‘Let not him that girdeth on his armour beast himself as he that putteth it off’ and convey to you, in the purse now presented, a token of our love and esteem, praying that throughout the Eventide of Your Life there may be Light and Peace. Signed on behalf at the Trustees and others… (Applause).

(The address was printed on white satin and artistically framed by Mr. W. H. Jones, of George-street.)

The Chairman then handed to Mr. Parker a purse containing 80 sovereigns, and in doing so said he felt honoured in having been chosen to perform that pleasant duty. He had known Mr. Parker intimately during the last 30 years, and as a citizen he had always admired him, for he was a thoroughly conscientious, upright man. (Applause). When in prosperity he had been liberal beyond his fellows, and had always kept open house. Many of them also remembered his excellent early partner in life, who was admired by all. (Applause). He admired Mr. Parker for the way in which he had brought up his family, who were a credit and honor to him, several of them holding high positions in Society and the Church. (Applause). He respected and admired the life he had led and the example he had set to his fellow citizens, while he wished there were more men like him in church work. He had great pleasure in presenting him with the purse. (Applause.)

Mr. Parker, who was received with loud applause, returned his hearty and sincere thanks for the presentation, and then proceeded to detail some of his experiences in Bathurst. He said: I and my wife came to Bathurst in December, 1835, the mode of conveyance being an uncovered car, made to accommodate six persons, two in front with the driver and four behind. I think the fare was £2 10s. The time occupied in the journey from Sydney to Bathurst was from 5 o’clock p.m. until 2 p.m. on the third day, the first night being spent in Penrith and the second at Solitary Creek. Bathurst at that time numbered ten houses, not counting Government buildings. The only bank in the town was called the Bathurst Bank, and the business was carried on in two small rooms, part of the female factory, the managers of the business being Mr. Slade and Mr. Sloman. The only persons alive now that were alive then, as far as I know, are Mr. Trewren and Mr. Sloman, Drinking has killed hundreds – if I said thousands I should be nearer the number. The blank cheques of the bank were printed in common type upon paper 5 inches by 2 inches, and the lowest amount drawable was five shillings. At that time the only church building belonged to the Scotch, which building has been swallowed up by the City Bank, and any person, with the permission of the manager, may now find the kirk inside. (Laughter.) The Church of England services were conducted in the billiard room of Dargin’s Hotel. The Wesleyans had permission to use the kirk on Sunday afternoons. The first Wesleyan sermon I heard was preached by Rev. F. Lewis in a barn attached to the Kelso Parsonage, occupied by Rev. Mr. Keane. Mr. Keane brought trouble upon himself by favouring the Wesleyans, and Archdeacon Broughton (afterwards Bishop) wrote to him enquiring if it were true that he had so far forgotten his duty as to listen to a Wesleyan preacher in a Scotch Kirk, and the Rev. Thos. Hassel was appointed to inquire into the truth or otherwise. Upon its being proved that Mr. K. had been guilty of so great an offence he was removed to Richmond. I had the temerity to take a petition to his people for signature praying for his non-removal; but the petition was unavailing, as very few of those who were fond of something stronger than toast and water signed it. I well remember the time when the late Mr. Thompson took charge of the post office, a verandah room of the old Court House, about seven feet square. The letters had to be turned out of the bags upon the floor. I used to go to the gaol on Sunday afternoons to hold a religious service, the gaol being part of the present police barracks. It was a room of about twenty feet by eighteen feet, and there were 30 prisoners confined, and I have no recollection of their being any seats in the room. As soon as the gaoler put me in he locked the door, and I felt rather queer at first, but I soon overcame the feeling. I do not know whether I emptied my pockets before I went in, but being a prudent man I have no doubt I did; and after I came out I could say what I could not say before, namely, that I had been locked up in gaol, (Laughter.) I was told it was the common practice to knock down any fresh prisoner, and rob him of anything he might have. Soon after this time the first Wesleyan Church was built – a structure 40ft. x 30ft. During the time the Rev. B. Hurst was here I was accepted as a local preacher, which office I held for twenty years, and during that time I passed through a variety of experiences, profitable and discouraging. On one occasion I had started late on Saturday to a preaching appointment, and long before my journey ended it became so dark that I lost the road, and had to dismount in order to feel with my hands whether I was on the road or not After proceeding thus for some time I heard dogs bark, and as they drew nearer I mounted again in order to take care of my legs. I soon reached a house, and upon the door being open I saw about a dozen persons in the room. When I saw this company I thought I had fallen into a bushranger’s nest. I had not been there long before I discovered that they had been having a spree over two gallons of rum, and I was very soon invited to ‘join in,’ but declined, being a member of a Temperance Society. I was told that a little would do me good, especially as I had just come off a journey, that it was ‘all right, and no one would know anything about it’ but themselves; but I. meekly declined and said I would feel much obliged if they would give me some tea. The mistress of the house said I should have some, and very quickly placed before me tea, bacon and eggs. In the meantime the company argued about my refusing to take the rum, and some contended that I ought to be compelled to take it. I concluded to hold my peace and let them settle the business. An hour or two afterwards, however, two young men said they would shew me the way to my destination. We started about midnight and I did not feel quite comfortable until my guides bade me good morning and returned. I thought my adventure was a poor preparation for preaching twice that day. If I were to relate all the adventures I have passed through in England, New Zealand, and New South Wales, they would fill a volume ; therefore to be no further tedious, I conclude. I feel I ought to say that if Wesleyanism were flanked by teetotalism on one side and by Orangeism on the other, it would occupy a position of such strength as to be almost impregnable. (Applause).

Elizabeth had passed away on 09 Jun 1860 at Bathurst, “in her 57th year, after a long illness, which she bore with Christian patience” (The Sydney Morning Herald, Sat 23 Jun 1860). Her published age was incorrect as Elizabeth would have been in her 51st year.

Josiah & Elizabeth’s family:

01. Elizabeth J (b. 1834, d. before 1839)

02. Isabella (b. 1835, d. 27 Oct 1834)

christened on 13 Apr 1835 in St James, Sydney
Deaths.
On Wednesday last, Isabella, the daughter of Mr. Josiah Parker, aged six months.
(The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser Tue 03 Nov 1835)

03. Joseph (b. 01 Jul 1837, d. 08 Aug 1922 in Burwood)

04. Elizabeth Jane (09 Feb 1839, d. 10 May 1924)

05. Josiah (b. 20 Jan 1841, d. 14 May 1914 in Burwood)

06. Mary Ann (b. 1843, d. 11 May 1934 in Deniliquin)

07. Richard Johnson (1845, d. 09 Jul 1938)

08. Fanny Maria Matilda (1847, d. 24 Jul 1928)

09. Charlotte Elizabeth (1848, d. 1901 in Ashfield, record 8337)

Deaths
PARKER.— August 27, at Ashfield, Charlotte Elizabeth, youngest daughter of the late Josiah Parker, of Bathurst.
(The Australian Star, Wed 28 Aug 1901)

Josiah subsequently married Sarah Ward on 13 Jan 1866, Bathurst; six children were born in this marriage.

Josiah died on 16 Feb 1898 at Yetholme, about half way between Lithgow and Bathurst, NSW. His death was reported widely:

From the National Advocate on Thu 17 Feb 1898:

Death of Mr. Josiah Parker.

One of the oldest residents of the Bathurst district passed away in the person of Mr. Josiah Parker, of Glanmire. Mr. Parker had reached the age of 90 years. He was a chemist in this city for a generation and for the last 20 years resided on a farm near Green Swamp with his wife and family. Mr. Parker was a prolific contributor to the newspapers, temperance and politics being the subjects he mostly dealt with. He was a strong advocate of temperance and an adherent of the Wesleyan Church in connection with which he took an active part in years gone by. One of his elder sons was a chemist in Orange for some years.

From the Bathurst Free Press an Mining Journal, Thu 24 Jan 1901:

05. Josiah Parker married Henrietta Matilda Gaud at Goulburn on 09 Jun 1863: from the Goulburn Herald, Sat 13 Jun 1863:

MARRIED,

ON Tuesday, the 9th instant, at the Wesleyan Church, by the father of the bride, Mr. JOSIAH PARKER, Chemist and Druggist, of Orange, to HENRIETTA MATILDA, daughter of the Rev. HENRY H. GAUD, Wesleyan Minister, Goulburn.
[Bride registered as GAND.]

The Mayor of East Orange.

JOSIAH PARKER, J.P., Mayor of East Orange, the second son of Mr. Josiah Parker (an old and respected resident of Bathurst), was born in the year 1841, and was educated and acquired his profession of chemist in the City of the Plains. Mr. Parker’s first visit to Orange was about the year 1860. The town was laid out by the Government, and, being on the highway to the famous goldfields of the west, comprising Ophir, Stony Creek, Ironbarks, Forbes, Parkes, and Grenfell, soon grew into an important place. Not only was its geographical position good ; but the district was rich in gold and copper, and one of the finest for agriculture in the colony. Before its incorporation the streets were in their natural and original condition, huge gum trees and scrub growing along their course.

Mr. Parker took an active part in every project which had for its object the welfare of the town and its inhabitants. He was among the first to assist in establishing the local hospital, acting for many years as its honorary secretary. The first building and investment society was successfully established, with Mr. Parker as secretary almost from its start to its finish. He was elected an alderman of the borough of Orange, and continued to hold that position for several years. An interval occurred by his voluntarily retiring at the end of his first term of office.During his last term of office, extending over a period of seven years, he, with the other alder-men, successfully carried out the Government scheme for the future supply of pure water for the borough. He supported the purchase of the local gas company’s works by the Council ; and they are now the property of the ratepayers. He also took part in many other important matters, including the beautifying of the public parks connected with the borough. In the year 1879 Mr. Parker was gazetted a magistrate for the colony of New South Wales. Since then he has been appointed by the Governor a licensing magistrate for the district of Orange, which position he still holds. As a District Trustee of the Government Savings Bank, Mr. Parker continues to do a fair share of the work in connection with the Orange branch. He has been connected with the public school system of education of this colony for many years. He is honorary secretary of the local School Board, and a member of the Board for the School District of Orange.

When East Orange was proclaimed a municipality in 1888, he was elected one of the first aldermen of the new borough, and was unanimously chosen as its first Mayor. In the following year he was unanimously re-elected Mayor. Mr. Parker’s character and temperament are not of the most demonstrative type. He has his own views of public and political matters, and may be relied upon to support his party. As a member of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, he has always taken an active part in matters pertaining to the government of the church in the Orange district. He has been the chosen representative to the annual conferences, and on two occasions was elected by the annual conference of New South Wales to the general conferences of Adelaide and Melbourne. Our portrait of Mr. Parker is from a photo, by Charlemont, of Sydney.

Josiah was a rabid writer of letters to the editor of the Bathurst papers on a huge range of topics, from the political to the religious. Here are just three examples.

From the Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, Fri 16 Feb 1894:

Open Column
We do not identify ourselves with the opinions of our Correspondents
TEMPERANCE
(To the Editor of the Daily Free Press).

Sir, — It is worth the enquiry whether granting what is called an extended license is not a contravention of the Licensing, Act. Local Option has the power to say if another place shall be licensed or not; but the Bench, when it gives gives permission to sell intoxicating drinks at public exhibitions, in reality gives another license, although only for a short time. The temperance organisations ought to unite and get counsel’s opinion upon the subject. It is too bad to place temptation in the way of men who desire to live sober lives, but who cannot resist the temptation when strong drink is set before them’, backed by the gibes and ridicule of their companions.. The power of strong drink over those who have been enslaved by it is very great. In the South Seas a younger and an elder chief went on board a ship. Strong drink was set before them and the younger chief became uproarious. Some time after a missionary said to the elder chief, “I blame you for T. N.’s drunkenness; he drank because he saw you drink; if you had refused he would not have taken the stuff.” Some time after the elder chief said, in low but earnest tones, ‘”Listen to me! The words you spoke to me sunk down into my soul. Now hear my word: I will drink no more white man’s drink, whether strong, or wine, or frothing, from this night till the day I shall drink the new wine of the Kingdom above. They shall never say I led them to death!'” How many of us will follow the example of this noble chief and say and act out – no one shall be able to say, “I led him or her to death!'”
Yours truly,
JOSIAH PARKER.
Glanmire, February 34, 1894.

From the Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, Sat 01 Dec 1894:

Open Column
We do not identify ourselves with the opinions of our Correspondents
WOMAN FRANCHISE.

Sir, — This is a very important subject, requiring much careful consideration. After God had made man, tie saw that man needed a companion, and God made woman. I think it allowable to suppose that the woman was made physically and [intellectually] different, but that it was of such a character that when united as husband and wife the union would be more complete because of this difference. I think it was, and ii, God’s intention that woman should chiefly occupy the position of wife, mother, and the teacher of young children, and occupying such a position she would be one of a household. The husband ought to be the head. Every establishment needs a head, la the marriage relationship, there must be love as a bond of union, or there cannot be complete union and peace. Between husband and wife there should be perfect trust, and a bearing and forbearing disposition. The peaceful home is a great factor in the conservation of all that is good in the British character. The question is will the impartation to women, of the ability to vote, break up the harmony which ought always to be present in the home. In case of difference of opinion where there would not be a sacrifice of principle, the wife ought to give way to her husband, but supposing a difference of opinion involving principle existed, each ought to be able to vote without any ill will being created. Would it be so? I doubt it At the present time without the Franchise women take a very important position in Religion, Temperance, and Philanthropy. If husbands and wives followed the teaching of the New Testament, there would not be any fear; but there are overbearing husbands and unreasoning wives. In one part of the New Testament it requires wives to love their husbands, and in another to fear them. These two passions cannot occupy the breast at the same time. I think it would be better if it said to defer to her husband instead of fear. Love casts out fear. In another part it says, Let the wife see that she reverence her husband. I think it would be better if it said, Respect her husband. Reverence is due to God and sacred things, and is incompatible with the position of a wife, who is the companion, friend, and partner of her husband. There are many persons who do not use their right of private judgment and yield to dictation, so that the voting would be that of the dictator, and not of the elector. That a correct conclusion may be reached the mind should be free from prejudice, have a knowledge of men and things, and of morals, and religion. Woman being engaged chiefly in domestic duties, is shut off from acquiring a knowledge, only to be obtained by intercourse with the outside world. That woman may be more completely (as wife) man’s companion, friend and partner, she is endowed with an intuition, man does not seem to possess. It acts a sentinel, calling man’s knowledge and judgment into action. Nothing that would mar the harmony that ought to exist between husband and wife, ought to be permitted to enter the domestic circle, if it can be justly and reasonably prevented. Woman is at liberty, if she chooses, to strike out an independent course, for herself, but I think we may reasonably conclude, that the Creator’s intention was, and is that woman be man’s second self, companion, friend and partner. Her education ought to be such, as would enable her to discharge her duties, with credit to herself, and and the advantage of her friends and connections.

Yours, truly,
JOSIAH PARKER. Glanmire,
November 28th, 1894.

From The Methodist, Sat 13 Nov 1897:

THE COLOURED RACES.
TO THE EDITOR.

Sir, — Recently the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council passed a Bill to exclude the coloured races from N.S.W. The Governor has, I infer, declined signing it, considering it Anti-British. Before it can be passed into law it must have the Queen’s consent – that is, the approval of the British Government.

There are two objections to the passing of such a law. One is civil, the other moral and religious. The British Nation has in its composition a variety of colours and creeds; they are all British subjects, white, brown and black, bound together by loyalty to our Queen and Constitution. Would it be just, because a man is not white, to deprive him of his rights as a British subject? It is said in justification of such action that the coloured people might out number the white. This emergency has not taken place, although N.S.W. is 100 years old. Such a contingency would not justify the taking away the rights of coloured British subjects, and it would be a bad precedent. Great Britain and her Colonies have the Christian name stamped upon them. Preventing coloured people entering the colonies would have a hindering influence upon the work of missionaries in heathen lands, and the educative efforts derivable from visiting Christian and civilized bands cast off. Do good unto all men is a New Testament command, but if we by our actions oppose the doing good our precepts will have little effect.

If there be one characteristic in the British character which stands out more than others it is the disposition to help those who need help. Where shall we find those who need help if not in heathen lands, where sin, cannibalism, and barbarous customs abound.

It is not likely the British Government will consent to such a law, because it would be a great factor in lessening the bonds which now unite a variety of colours and creeds. As things are now, to the question ‘Am I not a, brother?’ the right hand of the Exclusion Bill, and that question will not be asked, and any bonds of union which hitherto have existed will exist no longer, because it will be felt that nobility of character is not valued, or allowed to exist if it be covered by a coloured skin.

Yours truly,
Josiah Parker.
Glenmira,
Oct. 30th, 1897.

There were ten children born to this couple:

01. Emilie M (b. 1866 in Orange, d. 1943 in Orange)

02. William Arthur (b. 26 Jul 1870 , d. 13 Jul 195303.

03. Alice Ethel  (b. 1872, d. 05 Oct 1965)

04. Leslie Richard (b. 14 Mar 1874, d. 20 Nov 1959)

05. Edric Harold (b. 1876, d. 1957)

06. Stanley (b. 1878, d. 1961)

07. Edith Lillian (b. 1881, d. 1959) married George Herbert Turner in Burwood (record 116/1907 )

08. Oswald Aubrey (b. 1883, d. 1964)

09. Guy Herwald (b. 1886, d. 1864)

10. Henry Josiah (b. 1889, d. 1956)

This snippet links Josiah to his father; from Melbourne’s Truth on Sat 06 Jun 1914:

A LINK WITH THE “ROARING” DAYS.

Josiah Parker, who died at Burwood recently, aged 75, was son of Josiah Parker, an early chemist of Bathurst, and was himself in business for many years at Orange, where he married a daughter of Rev. H. H. Gaud. The original Josiah of Bathurst was at his shop door in William-street, when Dr. Kerr drove up in his gig with the four-hundred weight nugget which had been found by his aboriginal shepherd at Meeroo. The nugget was in two parts, having been broken in removing it, and the Doctor allowed them to be handled by all and sundry. Josiah tucked a nugget under each arm and ran across to his shop to weigh them.

06. Mary Ann Parker married Francis Fawcett at Bathurst on 04 Mar 1863 (The Sydney Morning Herald, Sat 07 Mar 1963). Francis was a minister in the Weslyan Church and for most of his life he was a minister in Deniliquin, New South Wales. It is interesting that in 1862 he had assisted in the marriage service of an Ellen (said to be the eldest daughter of Mr Josiah Parker) to a Rev A Riggs (the Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal, Sat 15 Mar 1862). However, we have found no evidence of the birth of an Ellen Parker.

Francis died on 15 Jun 1911 in Deniliquin, and Mary at her residence, Jefferson St, Deniliquin (The Sydney Morning Herald, Sat 12 May 1934). We believe the couple had at least one son, Frank Parker Fawcett (1864-1918).

07. Richard Johnson Parker firstly married Amelia Emma Gaud, the third of the Rev. Henry H. Gaud, on 05 Oct 1866; from Hobart’s The Mercury on Thu 25 Oct 1866:

PARKER—GAUD.—On the 5th October, at the Wesleyan Parsonage, Cleveland Street, Launceston, by the father of the bride, Richard Johnson Parker, Australian Joint Stock Bank, Dubbo, to Amelia Emma, third daughter of the Rev. Henry H. Gaud, Wesleyan Minister.

Richard worked initially with the Australian Joint Stock Bank at Dubbo and Coonabarabran.

Their son, Leslie Angwin, was born in Dubbo in 1867. He passed away in Strathfield on 07 May 1933.

Their daughter, Minnie, was born in Mudgee in 1869. She passed away in Burwood in 1963.

Sadly Amelia died on 21 Mar 1869 in Mudgee.

Richard then Rebecca Wolstenholme in Maitland on 18 Apr 1876. They had one daughter, Bechie Wolstenholme, born in Maitland on 06 Apr 1877. She died in Burwood in 1961

Rebecca passed away in Mudgee on 09 Apr 1877, clearly as a result of the birth of her daughter three days earlier.

.A notice of Richard’s death appeared in The Daily Telegraph on Mon 11 Jul 1938 and Wagga Wagga’s Daily Advertiser carried an obituary on Sat 30 Jul 1938 with an amusing tale.

THE LATE MR. R. J. PARKER
LEETON. Friday.

Mr. Richard. Johnson Parker, who died recently at the age of 94 years, was an uncle of Mr. S. P. Dart, of Leeton, and father-in-law of Mr. W. N. Sendall, who was for many years resident Commissioner of the Irrigation Commission at Leeton. Mr. Parker’s death removes a link with the early days, and-recalls an interesting episode of the bushranging era.

At the time Mr. Parker was manager of the Australian Joint Stock Bank at Coonabarabran. On one occasion he drove out in a buggy and pair to a station some miles away to spend the week end with the owner.

On his departure for home the station owner asked him to take a large sum of money in notes back to Coonabarabran with him, but the manager was reluctant to do so in view of the fact that bushrangers were known to be in the district, and he was travelling alone. His groom, who usually accompanied him, was away on a holiday. The station owner assured Mr. Parker that he knew a ruse that would prevent the bushrangers from taking the money if they happened to bail him up.

BUSHRANGERS APPEAR

The station owner then wrapped the notes around the shaft of the buggy and wound over them some rope, making it appear that the shaft had been broken, and temporarily repaired. Mi1. Parker then proceeded on his journey but, before reaching his destination, was bailed up by the bushrangers armed with pistols. They ordered him to dismount, but after a thorough search, were unable to find any money. They searched the traveller from head to foot and ripped open the padding on the seats in their unavailing search.

Mr. Parker was then allowed to drive on, and as he was departing one, of the bushrangers remarked: “I see you have had a smash and broken your pole.”

Relating the incident afterwards the bank manager said that the. bushranger’s allusion to the patched-up shaft made his heart almost stop beating, and the bushranger stared so hard at the rope around the shaft that for the moment Mr. Parker feared the ruse would be discovered, after all. He was so perturbed that he was unable to make any reply.

Mr. Parker’s only son predeceased him, and at the time of his death some years ago. was acting general manager of the Commercial Banking Company, Sydney.

08. Fanny Maria Matilda Parker married John Dart in 1876 at Orange, New South Wales. John was born on 28 Dec 1849 in Sticklepath, Devon, England, and arrived with his family in Sydney on board the Lady Ann on 29 Sep 1854. John was appointed as a teacher on 01 Jul 1865 to Croydon Park in Sydney, but was appointed to various schools around the State.

A clipping in the Daily Advertiser on Wed 15 Dec 1926 outlines a former student’s bitter sweet memories of the time John was headmaster of the Gurwood Street school in Wagga Wagga:

Wagga Reminiscences
JOHN DART DAYS AT DISTRICT SCHOOL

Mr. E. O. Bluett, a pupil many years ago at tho Gurwood-street school, having read the articles in “The Crow,'”the Wagga District Rural School magazine, dealing with incidents of years ago, writes in the “Shire and Municipal Accord” some of the incidents that he can recall in the period of the headmastership of Mr. John Dart. In the course of his article he states: —

The present writer has a distressing recollection of Mr. Dart. At this early period a broken down fence ran across the playground of the Wagga school, and in climbing over it at lunch hour a spiteful nail worked havoc on my trousers. When school assembled at two o’clock, after everybody was seated, I was staggered to hear the words, “Come out the little boy who tore his trousers.” With a face like the rising sun and beads of sweat on my brow, I walked out under the gaze of that collection of scoffers while John Dart pinned up my damaged garment. Never was kindness less appreciated — in fact, I will never forgive him — for at this distant date my face still burns as I recall the agony of those dreadful moments.

Another story of John Dart: —

He had a deep rooted affection, which amounted to nothing less than a mania for instilling into his pupils the countries and capitals of the world. Not only the countries, but insignificant islands and wretched little principalities were dragged into the light of day and given a capital. Then on certain days came the test and the procedure was simply, “What is the capital of Mauritius? You! Hold out!” Woosh! “What is the capital of Paragonia? You!” Woosh! Sometimes a lucky fellow got in a reply and escaped the Woosh! but personally I have never shed such bitter tears simply for want of capital. At this period Quong Tart was a prominent figure in the  business and social world of Sydney and his fame and name had spread to the country districts. At one of these famous tests John Dart was storming round the class till he reached Snowy Rodgers. “The capital of Wurtemburg? You!” ‘Er-er-um, Quong Tart.” “Hold out!” Woosh! Then John walked out on to the floor, “Quong Tart!” he ejaculated, then opened his mouth and roared. Never before or since have I heard a school master laugh with such gusto. Poor Snowy was terribly disgusted.. He thought he was off a winner, but unfortunately got tangled up between Quong Tart and Stuttgart.

The couple had four children:

01. Stanley Parker (b. 1878 in Mudgee, d. 1961)

02. Elsie Mary C (b. 1880 in Wagga Wagga, d. 01 Oct 1896 in Canterbury, Sydney)

 03. Riverine Norman (b. 1882 in Wagga Wagga, d. 1942 in Rozelle, Sydney)

04. Athol May (b. 1886 in Young, d. 1977 in Burwood)