My Genealogical Journey.
I've been travelling this road for 36 years!
It's about time I started documenting my thoughts and findings.
This blog is my attempt.
Please bear with me.
Find me on Twitter @Joynealogy
I haven't been as focused on genealogy during 2020 as I
would have liked to have been even though I keep buying subscriptions
and then feeling guilty because I am not making use of them.
So
I Googled family history new year resolutions, genealogy goals etc.
and whilst there were a few interesting ones they didn't quite hit
the mark for me.
I know I want to make a habit of doing
regular research (not sure where I will find the time but committing
to the idea is a first good start). I also need to do some tidying up
and make use of the above-mentioned subscriptions. I want to make
more regular blog posts as that, at least, makes me write the
research up. I also want to make sure I watch as many Legacy FamilyTree Webinars as I can now that I have a subscription for that too.
So my goal ideas were regular research using research plans, so that
I don't waste time drifting and not achieving anything, and tidying
up and writing up my research. I often feel like a rabbit caught in
the headlights. There's so much I could be doing but where to start?
I love Amy Johnson Crow's WANDER idea, and I knew I wanted to make
sure I was following that to give some structure to my research. It
was then that I realised my genealogy goals could fit under these
headings.
WANDER
Genealogy Goals 2021
What do you want to find?
Focus on a different branch each month.
Analyse what you already have
Review your tree and all the sources for that month's branch.
Have you squeezed every drop out of the sources you already have?
Note what is missing
Create a research plan as you do the above step.
Discover new records
20 minutes of research for 21 days per month for 2021.
Watch Legacy Family Tree Webinars on any research areas that you are not familiar with or need a refresher on.
Evaluate everything
Update family tree and write up for 'story' and a blog post if interesting enough.
Repeat as necessary
Complete research plan for that branch until completed or the month is up.
Then repeat from step 1.
As it happens I only know 11 of my 16 great, great grandparents so I will have one *wildcard* in case I find out one of the missing surnames.
I was about to go to bed one-night last weekend when I thought, I'll just clear a couple of Ancestry Hints!
It was then that I discovered that Elizabeth Mitchell, daughter of Edward Mitchell and Hannah Buckler, hadn't disappeared into thin air but had remained in Australia after her half-siblings had returned back to England following the death of their father.
The hints showed an:
Elizabeth Mitchell marrying a Frederick Mathews in Victoria in 1858.
Elizabeth Matthews dying on 19 Jun 1919 in Ballarat, Ballarat City, Victoria, Australia.
Could this really be 'our' Elizabeth that I have been hunting for, for years?!?!?
It was 'our' Elizabeth. But this was just the start of an exciting discovery.
Now I was convinced that it was our Elizabeth, I looked at some of the family tree hints. It was then that I noticed a death notice attached to one of Elizabeth and Frederick's children.
Collapsing in Gleneira rd Caulfield yesterday Mrs Florence Isabel Duprez, former Australian actress widow of the late Fred Duprez, the English comedian, and mother of the Hollywood film artist, June Duprez, died before medical aid could be summoned. Mrs Duprez who was about 60, returned recently to Australia to see her relatives after many years absence.
Before her marriage 30 years ago Mrs. Duprez was Miss Florence Mathews, niece of the late Julia Mathews actress. Born at Ballarat she was always interested in the stage and one of her last appearances was in Sweet Lavender produced by the late Gregan McMahon.
Mrs Duprez was married in London, where she lived for many years. Her late husband wrote the play "My Wife s Family" which ran for many years in London. Returning to Australia via America, Mrs Duprez stayed in Hollywood for many months with her daughter. While there she witnessed the premiere of "The Thief of Bagdad" in which film June Duprez was seen here recently. The film was made in London but the final scenes were taken in America and June Duprez remained in Hollywood under contract to Alexander Korda.
Since her return Mrs. Duprez had been living in Glenferrie rd Kew. The funeral will be private.
So I off I went to search for the children of Elizabeth Mitchell and Frederick Matthews. After a bit of trial and effort and realising it was mainly Mathews not Matthews I came up with the following possible children and the youngest child was named Florence Isabel.
Elizabeth MATHEWS Elizabeth MITCHELL & Frederick BALL 1860 2179/1860
(MATHEWS Elizabeth
Death
Elizabeth & Frederick
BAL
4 Days old
1860
1349/1860)
Frederick William MATHEWS Elizabeth MITCHELL & Frederick Geo. BALLARAT 1861 7287/1861
Julia Louisa MATTHEWS Elizabeth MITCHELL & Frederick Geor BALL 1862 12310/1862
Thomas Edward MATHEWS Elizabet MITCHELL & Frederick Geor BALL 1864 620/1864
Adolphus Augustus MATHEWS Elizabeth MITCHELL & George Frederic F'ROY 1866 14086/1866
Elizabeth Ada MATHEWS Elizabeth MITCHELL & Frederick Geo. BALLARAT 1869 6480/1869
Sarah Ann Adelaide MATHEWS Elizabeth MITCHELL & Frederick Geor BALL 1871 13924/1871
James Henry MATHEWS Elizabeth MITCHELL & Frederick Georg BALL'T 1874 13640/1874
(James MATHEWS Death
Elizabeth MITCHELL & Frederick Ge
BALL
7 Months old
1875
5525/1875)
Elizabeth MATHEWS Elizabeth MITCHELL & Frederick Georg BALL 1876 480/1876
James Ernest MATHEWS Elizabeth MITCHELL & Frederick Geor BALL 1878 20594/1878
Florence Isabel MATHEWS Elizabeth MITCHELL & Frederick Geor BALL 1881 328/1881
I then tried to find a marriage for Florence to Mr Duprez. FreeBMD came up with the goods:
Marriages June Quarter 1916 St. Giles 1b 1204 Duprez Frederick A Mathews Florence I
Refine the search from marriages to births – change the name to Matthew and you get – June Duprez
Births June Quarter 1918 Kingston 2a 744 Duprez June A R Mother's maiden name: Matthews
To type this up I recreated all the searches again and noticed a little envelope next to her entry. Clicking on it leads to this message:
Postems for this entry:
31/08/2014
Film actress June Duprez who appeared in a
number of successful British films, particularly the 1940 Thief of
Baghdad. Died in 1984.
I searched Trove to see what other evidence I could find to support the above. Here are all the entries I have found and noted so far starting from Frederick Matthews' death in 1900:
-----------------------26 Jan 1900-----------------------
AFTER 14 days from the publication hereof application will be made to the Supreme Court of the Colony of Victoria, in its Probate jurisdiction, that PROBATE of the WILL of FREDERICK GEORGE MATHEWS, formerly of Ballarat, but lately of Burwood road, Hawthorn, in the said colony, engineer, deceased, maybe granted to Elizabeth Mathews, of Burwood road Hawthorn aforesaid, the widow of the said deceased and the sole executrix named in and appointed by the said will Dated this 25th day of January, 1900 RICHARD LAWSON CROSS, 457 Little Collins street, Melbourne, proctor for the said executrix.
-----------------------24 Dec 1903-----------------------
The Misses Mathews' juvenile ball was held at Hawthorn on Wednesday, [?]2nd December, and was a great success. The hall was prettily decorated for the occasion. The fancy costumes worn by the children were very handsome and much admired. During the evening Mr. A. G. Lumsden, on behalf of the pupils, presented Miss Sadie Mathews with a gold chain and medallion in appreciation of their esteem.
[Note: I think Sadie Mathews might be Sarah Ann Adelaide Mathews]
-----------------------12 Jun 1907-----------------------
Our then mechanist in the Academy of Music, Ballarat, was 'Old Mathews,' a brother to the famous Julia Mathews, and our scenic artist was 'Young Mathews,' old M.'s son, and we had a daughter of old M.'s playing small parts with us. I remember, years after, I wanted a photo of Julia Matthews for press purposes, and I journeyed all the way to Ballarat for it, and I got it. Dear old Bill gave it to me.
[Note: I believe 'Old Mathews' is Frederick George Mathews – he seems to have been in scenery design which might explain why the children were dancers and actresses]
MISS SADIE MATHEWS. Teacher of Elocution, Theory, and Voice Cultivation. The first prizewinners in the Open Scene, A.N.A. Competition ("The Man Who Stole the Castle"), Dagmar Thake and Gladys Daniels, are pupils of Miss Sadie Mathews. Miss Florence Mathews intends forming a class for dramatic work-scenes and dialogues. For particulars apply "Killala," Liddiard-street, Glenferri .. and Glen's.
-----------------------08 Jun 1916-----------------------
Miss Florrie Mathews, a young: stage aspirant who left Melbourne for London two or three years ago, has ' achieved some success in touring companies in the English provinces. Miss Mathews has also acquired a husband in the person of Mr.- Fred Duprez, a clever young artist who is well •••and. popularly known in vaudeville circles in England. Mrs. Duprez is a niece of the late/Julia - Mathews, and a cousin of Mr. T. Mathews who manages several theatres in London.
at the residence of Mrs. W. Barnes, of 'Killala,' Bruce-street, Nedlands Park, last, -week, to bid bon voyage to
Miss Ada Coultas on the eve of her departure for London. The rooms were tastefully decorated with autumn flowers, and a very dainty afternoon tea was served to over 30 guests. Musical items were rendered by Miss Coultas in her usual artistic manner, songs by Mrs. Rogers, and orchestral pieces led by the Misses Du Boulay, while the recitative portion was represented by Mrs. McClintock, Miss Hallet, and little Miss Mathews.
[Note I believe Mrs. W. Barnes to be Elizabeth Mathews]
-----------------------10 Nov 1923-----------------------
AN AFTERNOON was held at Temple Court last week to bid bon voyage to Miss Ada Matthews, who leaves by the Ballarat for Europe after an enjoyable-holiday with her sister, Mrs. W. Barnes. of Nedlands. Amongst the guests were Mesdames Barnes, McRostie, Harris, Darling, Robinson, Bentley, Atkinson, Cunninghame, Brown, Mcclintock and Faulkner, and Misses S. Matthews, Gundill, Pengelly, and .Burton
-----------------------26 Nov 1932-----------------------
Adolphus Augustus Mathews, of 50 Bruce-street, Nedlands Park, who died on September 24 last, left estate valued at £2904. The sole legatee is his sister, Miss Sarah Mathews.
Young English Film Star's Link With Perth Miss June Duprez, regarded as one of the most promising of Britain's dramatic actresses, who is now appearing in 'The Crimson Circle' at Hoyts Regent Theatre, is- a niece of Mrs. W. E. Barnes, of Bruce-street, Nedlands, and a sister of Mr. Charles Manhattan Duprez, an announcer at Station 6PR.
The 17-year-old actress, who was married in September of last year to Dr. Guy Beauchamp, a Harley street physician, is the daughter of Mr. Fred Duprez, the famous English comedian. Mrs. Barnes is Mrs. Duprez's sister.
'Even as a small child June showed undoubted talent,' said Mr. Charles Duprez, when discussing his actress sister. Mr. Duprez has been out from England for only three months. 'She was originally destined for a musical career, and at the age of 15 gave recitals at the Wigmore Hall, London. She also did some work for the British Broad casting Commission,' he added.
Stage Experience June, however, was hankering after a stage career, and in spite of the opposition of her father, joined the Croydon Repertory Theatre and played all sorts of parts, from old women to 'Tondeleyo' in 'White Cargo.'
It was while site was playing with this company that she met Dr. Beauchamp, then practising in Nuneaton, and became his wife. When she returned from her honeymoon she appeared in a small part in 'The Amateur Gentleman.' The attention she attracted resulted in her being cast for the lead in 'The Cardinal,' opposite Matheson Lang.
Emotional Gifts Speaking of the filming of one scene in this picture, a prominent English film critic writes: 'June Duprez has that gift, so seldom found in younger British actresses, of letting herself go completely and sweeping right; into the deepest emotions on demand.
Each time she finished the scene her lashes were wet with tears— and they were real tears.'
With her leading role in 'The Crimson Circle,' with Hugh Wakefield
and Noah Beery, June Duprez definitely achieves front rank stardom
in British films.
'Besides her really startling
dramatic power, she has a dark, unusual beauty, and, a rare thing in a woman, a deep and beautifully
modulated voice,' says the same- critic. 'So many young English girls have not only too much restraint for really dramatic acting, but also those dreadfully 'naice' voices.'
'I think it is her intention to carry on with her film career in spite of her marriage,' said her brother, 'She loves her work so much and has just begun to be definitely established Her husband realises this, and realises, too, that she is very young, and has raised no objections to her acting.
-----------------------02 Aug 1941-----------------------
Mills. W. FAUCKNER was the hostess at an enjoyable afternoon at the Hotel Adelphi on Tuesday to welcome Mrs. Florence Duprez, who has just arrived from America on .a visit to her sister, Mrs. W. Barnes, of Nedlands. Mrs. Duprez is the mother of June Duprez, who is appearing in "The Thief of Bagdad.
The lounge was arranged with roses and Iceland poppies. Among those invited to welcome the guest of honour were Lady Wittenoom, Mesdames Harry Graham, Darling, G. Purdie. W. McCrostie, E. Smyth, Maurice Buck, Allen, H. Baker,
Camper, W. Barnes, Misses du Boula?, Ida Geddes and Ada and Sadie Matthews.
WHEN June Duprez, who is known to Perth picturegoeers by her work in the Technicolour films, "Four Feathers" and "The Thief of Bag dad," went in search of her first screen role, she took her own test with her and walked out with a contract. This story was told yesterday by her mother.
Mrs. Florence Duprez. who
is visiting her sister. Mrs. W. Barnes, of Nedlands.
In private life Mrs. Guy Beauchamp, wife of a Harley-street specialist. Miss Duprez belies her French-sounding name. Her mother was born in Australia, but became a citizen of the United States when she married the American comedian, Fred Duprez. Both June and her brother Hatton (whose voice, by the way, was heard over local radio stations about five years ago) were born in England. Her first big part was in "Four Feathers," for which she was selected by Alexander Korda from 200 applicants. Her latest picture, "The Thief of Bagdad," was started at the Denham Studios, interrupted by the war, and finished in Hollywood, where Miss Duprez is now living.
"Now-or-Never" Ship.
Mrs. Duprez left England on June 3, 1940, on the "now-or-never" ship. President Roosevelt, which was sent to Galway by the United States Government to bring home American citizens stranded by the war. She carried nearly 800 passengers, many of whom had to sleep in the dining saloons. Mrs. Duprez sailed at two days' notice.
Discussing the film colony's war work, Mrs. Duprez said that
Ronald Colman and his wife,
Benita Hume, were leaders of an
unceasing effort to which all the stars
contributed. Her own daughter spent her spare time sewing and knitting for the Red Cross Society and, with many other stars, had taken part in a three-week benefit season of Noel Coward plays.
-----------------------17 Jan 1942-----------------------
1942, suddenly, at Melbourne, sister of Ada, Sadie, James, Julia, Elizabeth (Mrs. W. E. Barnes) and W. E. Barnes, mother of Hatton and June (Mrs. Beauchamp) and Dr. Guy Beauchamp.
-----------------------22 Jan 1942-----------------------
former Australian actress, widow of Fred Duprez, the English comedian, and mother of the Hollywood film artist June Duprez, collapsed and died at Caulfield (Vic.) last week. Mrs. Duprez, who was about 60, returned recently to - Australia to see her relatives after many years' absence.
-----------------------13 Mar 1950-----------------------
MATHEWS: On March 11.
1950, at Perth. James Ernest. the beloved husband of Mary Mathews,
devoted father of Jean (Mrs. Merrifield, Albany) and Ada (Victoria
Park)- and father-in-law of Lance; aged 69 years.
-----------------------14 Mar 1950-----------------------
MATHEWS: A
Presbyterian Cremation Service for the late Mr. James Ernest Mathews,
of 15 Cardiff-street, Victoria Park. and formerly of the W.A.G.R.,
will be held in the Karrakatta Crematorium Chapel at 11 o'clock THIS
(Tuesday) MORNING. The Funeral Cortege is appointed to leave our
Service Chapel. 664 New castle-street, Leederville, at 10.45 o'clock.
ARTHUR J. PURSLOWE AND CO. Tel. B2649.
-----------------------14 Mar 1950-----------------------
MRS. W. BARNES and the late SADIE MATHEWS THANK all kind friends for their floral tributes and expressions of sympathy in their recent sad bereavements. Their heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Callcott, Mrs. Ralph, Mrs. Purdue, Mrs. Allen, Mrs. Radford; also
Rev. C. Cameron and Nedlands Presbyterian Ladies' Guild. Will all please accept this as a personal expression of gratitude.
I think it is clear from the above newspaper articles that this family structure is correct. That means that June Duprez is my 3 cousin 3 times removed. I am beyond excited given that one of my favourite things is 1940s movies. She knew Nigel Bruce and his wife, was in a film with Cary Grant and starred in a movie with Sabu!!!
I can't explain how much I LOVE Trove and thank you to those people on Ancestry who, by growing their family trees at Ancestry, have caused a hint to pop up and has allowed me to discover this exciting branch of my family.
