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This section gives histories and pictures about the Websters living in Australia.


1st Generation 

Israel (James) Webster

The Webster selections consisted of 60 acres right at the top of the Glen. James [Israel] Webster arrived in Melbourne in 1850 and purchased land near the Richmond Railway Station, but was lured to the goldfields and sold the land. He traveled around eventually settling at Glenpatrick. The block of land he selected in 1889 would have been close to the old central area of the district. There were objections to his selection on the grounds that the land was auriferous, but eventually the Mining Department gave its permission. Three of his children, John, James and Frances, selected land, but Frances left the district and transferred the land to her brother. John wrote in 1896 explaining the non-payment of rents, "Things have not been favourable with me, and having a family of six to keep, I have never money to spare." At this stage John claimed that he hoped to raise money from the sale of his share in a mining lease he held with James Brereton, Tom McLaughlin and Alex. Johnston.

Jim (James) Webster also had a struggle to survive, because his family of seven was born within the ten years after his marriage, and lived in the small cottage at the top of the Glen. Like his brother, he supplemented his income with goldmining, sometimes successfully, as in the case of his find with Tom McLaughlin in 1895.

Jim Webster remained in Glenpatrick after his children had left, and supplemented his farm income with his wage from the mail run. When he left in 1933 he burnt the cottage which was built on the land he had held by Miner's Right.

Ghosts of the Glen, Isabel Armer, as provided by Dorothy Robinson

2nd Generation

William Robinson
Jessie Webster Robinson

       William Isaac Robinson                       Jessie Webster Robinson

It is our painful duty to record the passing away of another grand old pioneer in the person of Mrs J. Robinson, wife of Mr William Robinson of Percydale which occurred early this morning. The deceased lady, who had reached the ripe age of 80 years, was an Australian Native, being born in Richmond Victoria in May 1850. She spent nearly the whole of her life in this district, being married in Avoca to Mr Robinson and consequently was well known and held in high esteem by all. Despite her advanced age she enjoyed fairly good health until a week ago, when she was seized with an illness to which she succumbed. Her husband, who is also over the four score, survives her as also does a family of six sons and two daughters viz., Messrs William, Arthur, Isaac W, Alfred, Frederick, Robert, Jessie (Mrs J. Walters) and Annie (Mrs Miles). With the exception of William and Jessie (who reside in New Zealand) they all reside in the district. The sympathy of the public will go out to the bereaved husband and family in this bereavement.

Avoca Mail, November 4, 1930, as provided by Dorothy Robinson

After a brief illness the death of Mr William Isaac Robinson took place at his residence, at No 2 Creek, on Wednesday morning. The deceased gentleman, who had reached the advanced age of 92 yrs, was highly esteemed by all who knew him. Mr Robinson was born at Rain Hill, England was a son of the late Mr & Mrs Isaac William Robinson. His father was a paint manufacturer. He came out to Australia in the Sailing Ship Romeo, the voyage occupying 100 days. Mr Robinson celebrated his 21st birthday at Avoca. He did not engage in mining, but followed other callings successfully. For some time he was employed at E. Snell's and Co's store, and later worked with Green Bro's, bricklayers and Contractors. He helped to build St John's Church of England, Avoca. Eventually he took up land at No 2 Creek and resided there ever since.

Mr Robinson was married in the Church of England, Avoca, to Miss Jessie Webster, who was born at Richmond, Victoria Mrs Robinson was highly respected, passed away about 11 years ago, it will be recalled that Mr Robinson had been a member of the Loyal Avoca Lodge for over 70 years, having joined in the same year as the late Mr Thomas Derrick, who died on August 22 about 3 weeks ago. Deep sympathy is felt for the family in their bereavement. The members of the family are : William (NZ), Arthur (deceased), Isaac William (deceased), Jessie (Mrs J. Walters), Annie (Mrs H. Miles, Warrenmang), Alfred (Avoca), Frederick No 2 Creek), Robert W. ( No 2 Creek).

The Funeral took place at the Avoca Cemetery on Thursday afternoon in the presence of many relatives and friends.

Avoca Free Press, as provided by Dorothy Robinson

3rd Generation

Isaac William Robinson
Elizabeth Sims Robinson

Deep and sincere regret was expressed not only in Percydale, but throughout the whole district, when it became known on Wednesday, that Mr Isaac William Robinson of Percydale had passed away. The deceased gentleman, who was 56 years of age, was born at Percydale, and had resided there all his life. He was well known and held in high esteem by all. Up to about a week ago he was in his usual health. He contracted influenza however, and pneumonia supervening, he passed peacefully away as above stated. The late Mr. Robinson evinced a keen interest in matters affecting Percydale and each year took a prominent part in the annual picnic and sports meeting. His services in this connection will be greatly missed in future. He leaves a widow and family of five sons and four daughters to mourn their loss, vis. William, George, Robert, Herbert, John, Annie    ( Mrs Rupert Bennett, Maryborough ) Bessie, Laura and Jessie. The sincere sympathy of the public will go out to them, also the aged father ( Mr I. W. Robinson) and other relatives in their sad and sudden bereavement.

The funeral took place yesterday, a large attendance bearing testimony to the high esteem in which the deceased gentleman was held. The remains were laid to rest in the avoca cemetery, the burial service being impressively conducted by the Rev. F. C. Boundy. The coffin bearers were Messrs. P. O'Donoghue, H. J. Turpin, J. T. Barnes, W Davis, Lew and William Sims. The funeral arrangements were satisfactorily carried out by Mr Classen.

Avoca Mail, October 16, 1931

The news of the death of Mrs Elizabeth Robinson, of Percydale, will be received with feelings of regret by a large circle of friends. The sad event occurred on Saturday at the residence of her daughter, Mrs R. Bennett. The deceased lay, who was 56 years of age, was born in this district, and resided here all her life. She was very highly esteemed by all who knew her Mrs Robinson was the relic of the late Mr Isaac William Robinson, who passed away some years ago. She leaves a family of four daughters, vis. Mrs R. Bennett, Misses Bessie, Laura and Jessie Robinson, and five sons, William, George, Robert, Herbert and John. Mrs Robinson also had two brothers, Mr William Henry Sims, of West Footscray, and Mr Louis Herbert Sims, of Crossover, in the Warragul district. Sincere sympathy will go out to the sorrowing relatives in their sad bereavement. There was a large attendance at the funeral.

Avoca Free Press, February 23, 1938

Robert William Alfred Webster

The youngest child of John & Mary Webster was Robert William Alfred, who was known as Robbie. Typhoid fever reached epidemic proportions in some areas, especially where the water supply was poor or  polluted. Because of their isolation and relatively pure water supply, Glenpatrick  and Nowhere Creek were protected, although people feared the disease was always present. Robbie died in 1901 at the age of four from what was thought to be typhoid.

Lavina Webster Stitfol

Lavina "Vin" Webster started school at age 3 at the Glenpatrick Common School #1092 in February 1871.

John Frederick Walters [husband of Jessie Robinson]

The death has occurred of Mr. John F. Walters, an old resident of Waihi, who was employed by the Waihi Goldmining Company  for some thirty years. He was from Victoria.

A Waihi newspaper

Frederick John Robinson
Elsie Elizabeth Robinson

We regret to record the death of Mr Frederick John Robinson, who passed away on Wednesday last. The deceased gentleman who was well known throughout the Avoca district had not been in the best of health for quite some time.

The death occurred on Friday last at the Maryborough District Hospital of Mrs Elsie Elizabeth Robinson of Percydale. Deceased, who was of a quiet and friendly nature, was well known in the Avoca District, being the daughter of the late Mr and rs Frederick Marshall.

Newspaper obituaries

Robert Webster Robinson

Robert Webster Robinson went into military camp July 27th 1915 Number 2245-WW1. Sailed for Egypt Sept 27th 1916 - Returned 18th May 1919.

Edward Webster

Our Glenpatrick correspondent informes us that Master Edward Webster, a pupil of the Glenpatrick State School, has just received from the Education Department a certificate in honor of the fact that he has completed three years attendance at school without missing a single meeting More credit is due to the child in this case because he has to walk 3 miles to school over roads which, to say the least, are not suited for motor cycling, and which, in winter, are often flooded over in many places.

Avoca Mail, May 3, 1904

Lawrence John Webster

On other occasions the music was provided buy George Powneeby with the concertina, and Lawrence Webster was an accomplished violinist.

Ghosts of the Glen, Isabel Armer

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