Colin Abell - More Abell Men

More Abell Men

Copyright 2015 Colin Abell
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Smashwords Edition

The information, views, opinions and visuals expressed in this publication are solely those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the publisher. The publisher disclaims any liabilities or responsibilities whatsoever for any damages, libel or liabilities arising directly or indirectly from the contents of this publication.

A copy of this publication can be found in the National Library of Australia.

ISBN: 978-1-742845-36-4 (pbk.)

Published by Book Pal
www.bookpal.com.au

Front cover pictures
Top: Edwards five sons (Left to right: Colin, John, Ronald, Noel & Kenneth); Bottom: Thomas Richards slab home, built on the farm in the Fassifern Valley around 1885 and some 100 years later, was used as a barn; Photo by Julie Coleman and Adelaide Atkinson, daughters of Robert Abell.

Back cover pictures
Top: William Abells successful coach works in Boonah; Centre: The Wright familys cottage, typical of the first homes built in Jubilee Pocket in 1905.

To my Dad Edward, a man of integrity, and to my mother Florence, a patient, kind and loving woman, who raised a family of eight children..

In times when things were tough, they gave us more than just an upbringing; they gave us a zest for life and instilled in each one of us, a purpose to be what we should be, to God and to our fellow man.

To Naomi, my spouse of more than fifty years - we have lived and loved together from our youth.

To our children - Lexton, Dean, Laurice and Charmaine and the grandchildren who are impossible to live without. We cherish you all and thank you for your encouragement which has enabled us to fill a place in society that was satisfying and packed with many rewarding experiences.

DISCLAIMER

The stories and episodes in this book are as accurate as can be given in that they are built from facts, memories and recollections gathered over time. They are written in a style to maintain their authenticity as to the way they were told. The publisher and author accept no responsibility for omissions and inaccuracies

When it comes to writing a book, there are many people who we need to thank. Some who have had input, others who have given support, and then there are those who are close to us whose lives are affected in various ways.

My deepest gratitude goes to my wife Naomi for her long-suffering patience and support, my family who encouraged me to begin this sequel after successfully publishing my first book, Three Abell Men. To the grand children who are eager to know what Papa got up to long before they were born.

To my parents who were the best one could have chosen, for their strict but loving upbringing. In times when things were tough, they gave us more than just an upbringing; they gave us a zest for life and instilled in each one of us, a purpose to be what we should be, to God and to our fellow man. Thank you.

To my siblings and cousins whose valuable support throughout life, gave us an interesting and fun-filled existence. My gratitude goes out to Debbie Williams, the Pedantic Punctuator for the editing and support in getting me motivated to take it to completion. Thanks to the Maria, Debbie and production staff at Amazon (Australia) for your coaching support and expertise in working with me to the final stages of eBook publishing.

....................

Figure 1. Richard Thomas Abell

Figure 2. Arthur & Ruth Abell

Figure 3. Edward & Florence Abell

Figure 4. Edward, Ferris, Raymond, Cyril

Figure 5. Colin & Naomi Abell and Family

Figure 6. Colin, John, Ronald, Noel, & Kenneth

Figure 7. Elvy and Mary Hawkins

Figure 8. The Hawkins Family, Sons in law Bert & Edward Back row, Edward & Flos girls Beth & Thea front centre

Figure 9. Victor, Hugh, Bill, Elvy snr, Elvy jnr, Robert and Kenneth

Figure 10. The Whitehouse, the Abells farm in Herefordshire

The Abell name goes back for many generations and over the years, the spelling has changed. History suggests that one rendering of the name came from France or Spain and hyphenated as follows: ABell. Some in Australia use this signature and discussion with them leads us to believe they are relatives but come from a different part of England. Some years ago, a man and his wife appeared on my parents doorstep after finding our name in the local telephone directory. This couple from Melbourne entered the living room, and saw the portrait of my great grandfather, Thomas Richard on the wall. Looking from dad to the portrait, they announced firmly, We are certainly related. The family likeness that was so evident, led them into our family history, confirming their originality from Herefordshire in England.

Members of the Abell family have occupied the farm known as the White House, situated in Herefordshire continuously for over 400 years. Some years ago, relatives visited the farm, took some photographs, and spoke to the then landholder whose name was Edward Abell.

On 12th April, 1869 Thomas Abell and his four children, then aged 16, 15, 13, and 10 respectively, boarded the Black Ball Line sailing ship Young Australia in London, for the voyage to Australia.

On 13th July 1869, 92 days after they had boarded her in London, the Young Australia sailed up the Brisbane River and tied up at the wharf. The actual sailing time for the voyage was 83 days, an indication of the favourable weather conditions which had prevailed throughout the journey. It was spring when they left England, and arrived in Brisbane in the middle of the Australian winter. The change in climate was similar to that of an English summer. They selected good farmland in the Fassifern valley, and in the late 1800s Richard (fondly known as Dick) went off to log the precious cedar in the Woodenbong, Kyogle area of northern NSW. Richards siblings made Boonah their home. William set up a very successful coach building business in Boonah and later as funeral director turned his hand to making coffins. His family continued with this business for many years, as local car dealers and undertakers. John, the eldest was a Pastor in the Fassifern region and became a very highly respected minister of religion as a travelling preacher. In his obituary, he was regaled as one who never missed a service in his far-flung diocese come rain, hail or shine.