Beatrice Gwendoline COBB was born on 13 May 1905 in Adelaide - Kent Town. She died before 2005 in Unknown death place. Parents: Frederick James COBB-5113 and Mabel Alice ELLIOTT ( COBB)-4829.

Frederick James COBB was born in 1880. He died before 1990 in South Australia. He was buried in South Australia.

Spouse: Mabel Alice ELLIOTT ( COBB)-4829. Mabel Alice ELLIOTT ( COBB) and Frederick James COBB were married in 1904 in South Australia. Children were: Lillian Mercia COBB ( BURTON)-5114, Beatrice Gwendoline COBB-5115, Living, Alfred Stanton COBB-5117.

Lillian Mercia COBB ( BURTON) was born on 12 November 1903 in Adelaide SA. She died before 2003 in Unknown. Parents: Frederick James COBB-5113 and Mabel Alice ELLIOTT ( COBB)-4829.

Spouse: Elder Henry Maurice BURTON-5118. Lillian Mercia COBB ( BURTON) and Elder Henry Maurice BURTON were married about 1923.

Phillip COCK was born about 1855. Parents: William COCK-4617 and Emma LANGMEAD (COCK)-4116.

Spouse: Alice STAGG (COCK)-4619. Alice STAGG (COCK) and Phillip COCK were married about 1890. Children were: Living.

William COCK was born about 1830.

Spouse: Emma LANGMEAD (COCK)-4116. Emma LANGMEAD (COCK) and William COCK were married about 1850. Children were: Phillip COCK-4618.

Mary Ann COCK ( LANGMEAD) was born (date unknown).

Spouse: Elkanah LANGMEAD-4115. Mary Ann COCK ( LANGMEAD) and Elkanah LANGMEAD were married about 1850. Children were: Elkanah LANGMEAD-4683.

Susannah COCK (LANGMEAD) NEE TEAGUE was born on 14 October 1810 in Unknown birth place.²³⁹ This must have been her second marriage as she is listed as Mrs Susannah Cock nee Teague. Parents: Robert & Elizabeth nee Williams She immigrated in 1840 to arrive in South Australia on the 'William Mitchell' 27/8/1840. She died on 19 December 1873 in Moonta SA. Susannah was buried after 19 December 1873 in Moonta SA.

Spouse: Phillip LANGMEAD-4107. Susannah COCK (LANGMEAD) NEE TEAGUE and Phillip LANGMEAD were married on 2 April 1852 in Burra SA - Kooringa. Children were: Harriet LANGMEAD (MARTIN)-4119, Ellen LANGMEAD ( MATTERS )-4120.

Martha COLEMAN (TRIPLETT) was born in 1841 in unknown place - UK probably. She died on 19 July 1908 in Adelaide SA - 'Hutt St.'.^240,241 She was buried after 19 July 1908 in Kapunda SA - town cemetery. Grave : Kapunda Main Cem [Photo]

Spouse: Thomas Hancock TRIPLETT-4072. Martha COLEMAN (TRIPLETT) and Thomas Hancock TRIPLETT were married on 14 April 1861 in Kapunda SA Residence of Joseph Rock.²⁴² Married at the residence of Joseph Rook, Kapunda SA. Children were: John TRIPLETT-4074, Elizabeth Jane TRIPLETT (TRUSCOTT)-4076, Florence Amelia TRIPLETT (BARRETT)-4161, Mary Matha TRIPLETT-4077, William Henry TRIPLETT-4075, Sabina TRIPLETT (DILLON)-4207, Thomas Cleveland TRIPLETT-4241.

Arthur COOK was born on 20 November 1919 in Augathella Qld. He died in June 2008 in Augathella Qld. He was buried in June 2008 in Augathella Qld. Parents: Edward COOK-1104 and Maud Annie CARR (COOK)-1025.

Spouse: Living. Children were: Living, Living, Living, Living, Living.

Edward COOK was born on 2 September 1886 in Dulbydilla Qld.²⁴³ [Father: James Cook (Carrier / Miner)
Mother: Ellen Taylor who were married 26/7/1877 at St George QLD]
He died on 28 December 1967 in Brisbane Qld - assumed. He was buried on 29 December 1967 in Brisbane Qld - Hemmant Cemetery.¹⁹⁹ Grave : Lawn Portion 2, Grave 1099

Spouse: Maud Annie CARR (COOK)-1025. Maud Annie CARR (COOK) and Edward COOK were married on 30 November 1915 in Charleville Qld - St Mary's R C. Children were: Neville James COOK I.S.O.F.A.I.V-1105, Twin Girl (unnamed) COOK-1106, Arthur COOK-1107, Living, Living, Living.

Neville James COOK I.S.O.F.A.I.V²⁴⁴ was born on 11 October 1916 in Augathella Qld. He was a Valuer General in Queensland. He died on 26 May 1994 in Brisbane Qld - probably. Neville was buried on 30 May 1994 in Brisbane Qld Mt Gravatt Qld.²⁰⁵ Grave : Lawn, Portion 12B, Grave 244 Parents: Edward COOK-1104 and Maud Annie CARR (COOK)-1025.

Spouse: Living.

Twin Girl (unnamed) COOK was born on 11 October 1916 in Qld - assumed.²⁴³ She died on 11 October 1916 in Augathella Qld. She was buried after 11 October 1916 in Augathella Qld (Not found). Parents: Edward COOK-1104 and Maud Annie CARR (COOK)-1025.

Lawrence William "Bud" COOMBS was born on 5 January 1926 in Wentworth NSW - probably. He died on 23 September 1989 in Wentworth NSW. He was buried about 23 September 1989 in Wentworth NSW. Grave : Wentworth [Photo]

Spouse: Aileen "Mickey" STOREY (COOMBS) (WEST)-1711. Aileen "Mickey" STOREY (COOMBS) (WEST) and Lawrence William "Bud" COOMBS were married in 1945 in Wentworth NSW - possibly. Children were: Living, Living.

Kylie Jay COOPER was born on 2 March 1991 in Queanbeyan NSW. She died on 25 April 1991 in Queanbeyan NSW. She was buried on 26 April 1991 in Queanbeyan NSW - Tharwa Rd Cemetery.²⁴⁵ Grave : Section C Row D Lot 36 Parents: Living and Living.

Shirley COPPINGER (NIEMANN)²⁴⁶ was born about 1929 in Broken Hill NSW - probably.

Spouse: Living. Children were: Living, Living, Living.

Margaret COTTRELL (KEATCH) died on 22 January 1885 in Murray Bridge SA - possibly. She was buried about 22 January 1885 in Murray Bridge SA - possibly.

Spouse: James Arthur KEATCH-887. Margaret COTTRELL (KEATCH) and James Arthur KEATCH were married on 3 December 1879 in Port Adelaide, St. Paul's Church..²⁴⁷ Children were: Edith Rose KEATCH (WAY)-933, Arthur James KEATCH-934, Violet Isabel "aka Essabel" KEATCH-4781.

Mary COULTER (SPRATT) was born in 1834 in IRELAND - County Wicklow. She died on 5 April 1895 in Mallala SA.²⁴⁸ She was buried after 5 April 1895 in Mallala SA.

Spouse: Charles SPRATT-4384. Mary COULTER (SPRATT) and Charles SPRATT were married on 9 December 1848 in Gawler SA - St George.²⁴⁹ Children were: Henry SPRATT-5071, Thomas SPRATT-5062, Mary Ann SPRATT-5097, James SPRATT-5063, Lewis SPRATT-5075, Elizabeth Ann "Lizzie" SPRATT-5076, Charles Herbert SPRATT-113, Robert Hurtle SPRATT-5098, William George SPRATT-5099, Emily Edith May "Edith" SPRATT (NIEMANN)-194.

James Frederick CRICK was born on 27 December 1927 in Victoria - Brunswick. Parents: James Crick & Mary nee Heil. He was a Stevadore. He died of heart disease on 20 August 1989 in Victoria - Melbourne - Montmorency. James was cremated on 25 August 1989 in Victoria - Fawkner Crematorium. He was buried in 1992 in Queensland - Pimpana.

Spouse: Living. Children were: Living, Living.

Elizabeth CULLAM (TRIPLETT) was born calculated 1843 in unknown place. She died [ 41 yrs old ] on 2 December 1884 in Moonta SA - Cross Roads (Now Yelta).²⁵⁰ She was buried on 4 December 1884 in Moonta SA. Grave : Moonta SA - Section West 6; Plot 312W; Permit/Lease/Register 11582 (9 feet)³³

Spouse: JAMES TRIPLETT-674. Elizabeth CULLAM (TRIPLETT) and JAMES TRIPLETT were married on 5 March 1866 in Kapunda SA - Christ Church. James must have had a liking for the name Elizabeth. As well as his mother he married two women with given names of Elizabeth !!! Children were: Florence Amelia TRIPLETT (BARRETT)-4161, Elizabeth Ann Maria TRIPLETT (HOOPER)-4168, John William Henry TRIPLETT-4071, James Charles TRIPLETT-4162, Rosina Caroline "aka Roseanna" TRIPLETT-4163, Selina Agnes Emily TRIPLETT-4165, Eva TRIPLETT-4167, Clara TRIPLETT-4166, Sydney Alexander TRIPLETT-4164, Edith Sloman May "aka Soloman or Homan" TRIPLETT-4159.

John CULLEN was born about 1943 in Unknown. He died on 22 October 1972 in WA. John was a killed in a car roll-over in which he was a passenger. He was buried after 22 October 1972 in WA - Karrakatta. Grave : WA - Karrakatta 1972 Cullen John

Spouse: Living. Children were: Living.

Ethel Rubina "Ruby" CURRAN (HYNES)²⁵¹ was born on 31 March 1901 in Traralgon Vic - County of Bulu Bulu. Father: Henry Curran
Mother: Julia McCauley m 7/1/1886 Melbourne She died on 23 June 1988 in Sale Vic - area - probably. She was buried in Sale Vic - area - probably. Parents: .

Spouse: William HYNES-162. Ethel Rubina "Ruby" CURRAN (HYNES) and William HYNES were married on 9 September 1930 in Eaglehawk Vic - St Liborius RC. Children were: Living.

Florence May DARBY (DEVINE) was born on 3 June 1882 in NSW - Burraja. Parents: George James Mellington Darby & Mary Ann Everitt In 1905 she was an Actor. She died on 27 January 1966 in Melbourne, Victoria. Grave : Springvale Devine (nee Darby) Florence May 1966

Spouse: Sydney George "Clement May" DEVINE-4587. Florence May DARBY (DEVINE) and Sydney George "Clement May" DEVINE were married on 8 August 1906 in Bendigo Vic. They were divorced about 1925. After being divorced from Sydney George Devine, Florence returned to live in St. Kilda and Elwood, Melbourne. Children were: Audrey DEVINE (EVERITT)-4591, Noel DEVINE (PITMAN)-4592.

William Ralph DART¹³¹ was born on 16 October 1899 in Woorak Vic - West - Lowan near Nhill. [Father: Robert Dart
Mother: Margaret Stewart . m 12/10/1873 Sandhurst] He was a Saddler. He died on 20 June 1942 in Echuca Vic. William was buried on 22 June 1942 in Echuca Vic.

Spouse: Ruby Margaret HYNES (DART )-400. Ruby Margaret HYNES (DART ) and William Ralph DART were married on 14 March 1929 in Echuca Vic - Presbyterian church. Children were: Living, Living, Living.

Gordon F DAVIDSON was born in 1888 in Goulbourn NSW.²⁵² He is ASSUMED ( a calculated guess), to have died before 1988 in Wollongong NSW - possibly Parents: John DAVIDSON-4537 and Living.

Spouse: Living.

John DAVIDSON was born (date unknown). The parents were deduced from the following NSWBDM birth record: 14784/1888 DAVIDSON GORDON F JOHN MARIEN L GOULBURN

Spouse: Living. Children were: Gordon F DAVIDSON-789.

Unknown first name DAVIES was born about 1886 in Wollongong NSW - possibly. He died. He is ASSUMED ( a calculated guess), to have died before 1986 in Wollongong NSW - possibly Parents: .

Spouse: Edith Jane "Edie" HOPKINS (DAVIES)-524. Edith Jane "Edie" HOPKINS (DAVIES) and Unknown first name DAVIES were married unknown in unknown place. Edie did not have any children.Unable to find marriage record in NSWBDM.

William Edward DAVIS was born on 27 October 1895 in Balranald NSW.⁸⁴ [Father: George Peter Davies / Davis
Mother: Anne Bradbury m 6/8/1877 Moulamein NSW] She is ASSUMED ( a calculated guess), to have died before 1995 in Bendigo Vic - possibly

Spouse: May Ellen BERRY (DAVIS)-1205. William Edward DAVIS and May Ellen BERRY (DAVIS) were married on 5 June 1920 in Bendigo Vic - St John's Presbyterian Forest St.

Julian Frederick DE BRENNI was born in 1901 in Broken Hill NSW - possibly. He died on 12 August 1965 in Broken Hill NSW. He was buried after 12 August 1965 in Broken Hill NSW. Grave : Broken Hill [Photo]

Spouse: Dorothy Agnes "Dolly" FITZGERALD (DE BRENNI)-4193. Dorothy Agnes "Dolly" FITZGERALD (DE BRENNI) and Julian Frederick DE BRENNI were married in 1921 in Broken Hill NSW.²⁵³

Frances DEAN (HANLON) was born in 1870 in unknown place. She died on 16 September 1894 in Hay NSW.²⁵⁴ She was buried after 16 September 1894 in Hay NSW. Grave : Hay NSW - [Photo]

Spouse: John HANLON-370. Frances DEAN (HANLON) and John HANLON were married in 1893 in Hay NSW - St Virgilius RC.²⁵⁵

Victor Percival DENNIS²⁴⁶ was born on 12 September 1916 in Young NSW. He died on 26 January 1982 in Sydney - assumed. He was buried after 26 January 1982 in Sydney NSW - Rookwood. Grave : RC St Joachim Circle Grv 937 [Photo]

Spouse: Living. Children were: Living, Living, Living.

Edward DEVINE was born on 24 December 1867 in Bendigo - White Hills (probably). He died in 1895 in Sydney - Glebe.^256,257 Grave : Sydney Parents: Thomas Christian DEVINE Snr-300 and Lucy NIEMANN (DEVINE) ( WINSTANLEY)-57.

Francis William DEVINE was born in 1895 in Sale Vic.²⁵⁸ Parents: James Henry DEVINE-4584 and Theresa GILMORE (DEVINE)-4624.

James DEVINE was born about 1810. About 1855 he was a Tailor in Bendigo Vic.

Spouse: Matilda TOMLINSON (DEVINE)-4037. Children were: Thomas Christian DEVINE Snr-300, James DEVINE-4582.

James DEVINE was born in 1849 in Scotland - Glasgow. He died on 23 June 1860 in Bendigo - Junction Flat. He was buried after 23 June 1860 in Bendigo Vic - White Hills Cemetery. Parents: James DEVINE-4036 and Matilda TOMLINSON (DEVINE)-4037.

James Edward "Jim" DEVINE was born about May 1892 in Melbourne Vic - Brunswick.²⁶⁰ His Military records and his death certificate claim his birth as 1892. Based upon his enlistment in Feb 1916 age 23 yrs 7 months, he was born about May 1892 in Brunswick Victoria.
At some point prior to 1916 his parents moved to Sydney and they lived into the 1930's and we can assume they were not all that proud of their eldest son. The fact that his mother is mentioned as his Next of Kin on his army records, not his father, suggests there was some estrangement in the family.
He had several siblings, but to date there has been little research into their historical records. He served in the military 1st Tunnelling Coy between 1916 and 1919 in enlisted at Brisbane Qld.^261,262 At the time of enlistment in Brisbane his occupation was as a shearer.
It appears he was enlisted into the 1st Tunnelling Company but after a short time in France returned to England and ended up in the Paymasters Office.
It appears he saw action for a few months in France and was injured at Boulonge, and was admitted to the filed hospital at Etaples.
Etaples is a town about 27 kilometres south of Boulogne. The Military Cemetery is to the north of the town, on the west side of the road to Boulogne. During the First World War, the area around Etaples was the scene of immense concentrations of Commonwealth reinforcement camps and hospitals. It was remote from attack, except from aircraft, and accessible by railway from both the northern or the southern battlefields. In 1917, 100,000 troops were camped among the sand dunes and the hospitals, which included eleven general, one stationary, four Red Cross hospitals and a convalescent depot, could deal with 22,000 wounded or sick. In September 1919, ten months after the Armistice, three hospitals and the Q. M. A. A. C. convalescent depot remained. [ Etaples Web site - Google ]

WW1 Records Devine James Edward

<http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/Imagine.asp>
http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/ResearcherScreen.asp

He served in the military Army Pay Corps between 1916 and 1919 in UK - England.²⁶³ Following his injury and time in field hospital in France he disembarked to England. He was subsequently transferred to the Pay Corp.
He never returned to the front
Jim served in the military Marriage / discharge etc. in 1919 in UK. There is a letter from him in 1935 requesting his Victory Medal and a copy of his discharge papers. which were subsequently issued.

When I first read Jim Devine's Military records I was struck by the fact that they were dominated by references to the number of times he went A.W.O.L. and the amount of time spent in Military prison, his demotion and loss of pay.
It is a mistake to know somebody's later history before knowing about his earlier life. It was easy to reach the conclusion that he was always a 'nere' do well '. We actually know too little about him prior to his enlistment.
Maybe a few months in the Tunnelling Company in France, where he sustained an undisclosed injury [ but enough to him being certified unfit for active service ] was enough to 'derail' him. World War 1, particularly in 1916 was horrendous. I no longer make a judgement about his misbehaviour after returning to England. His record isn't very good reading. Furthermore those of us who have not been to war should be cautious about making judgements.
We do not know how much his war experiences changed him into the person he was to become ... he wasn't the first and won't be the last to have his life ruined by war! He lived in Sydney NSW 26 Ruthuen St, Waverley, on 20 June 1935. He died in 1966 in Melbourne Vic - Heidelburgh.^264,265 Grave : Melbourne - Fawkner Compartment S Grv 2013 Lawn - Plaque 22/8/1966 Ref 182766 Uncovering the story and connection of Jim Devine has been a twenty year exercise. The Niemann family history tells an anecdote of his connection to our family but didn't go so far as to claim him as 'ours'. It is tempting to claim the famous or infamous but until now the evidence had not been found.
We knew a lot about 'Tilly' Devine, had James' Army records but until Sue Kelly, a Devine descendant found his Death Certificate we were unable to make a definitive connection.
It is true that most of the clues are mentioned in the Niemann family history and made it possible to find the evidence.
Jim Devine is by no means as famous as his wife 'Tilly' [Matilda nee Twiss ], but he is intricately involved in her story and by any standards was a 'Gangster' in Sydney between the 1920's & 1940's.

Parents: James Henry DEVINE-4584 and Theresa GILMORE (DEVINE)-4624.

Spouse: Living.

Spouse: Matilda Mary "Tilly" TWISS (DEVINE) (PARSONS)-308. Matilda Mary "Tilly" TWISS (DEVINE) (PARSONS) and James Edward "Jim" DEVINE were married on 12 December 1917 in UK - England Camberwell Church of Sacred Heart of Jesus.^266,267 According to the Australian Women Fact File Tilly had two children before she left England. The first a daughter was stillborn and the second, a son was raised by Tilly's parents as their own, presumably under the name Twiss.
A Television program screened 15/12/2008 Paintings by Bill Leek ( Leak ?) featured the Story of Tilly Devine. The program introduced a Grandson ( Twiss)and a Neice Diedre Devine. The Grandson came to Australia from england at Tilly's invitation. This supports the contention that she had a child prior to marrying Jim Devine.
James and Matilda are reported to have had two children, who predeceased Matilda. The only record found in NSWBDM which might be one child is the following:
death: 4053/1925 Devine William J (parents) James & Matilda at *Parkes NSW
* because of the location I have not accepted this as a child of this couple, but it is a strong possibility.
There are numerous records of children connected to James Devine but no others with both James & Matilda. James' death certificate indicates 'no issue' from this marriage.

Title [Wife of J Devine seeking passage from England to Australia]
Series number A2487 Control symbol 1921/4829 <http://naa12.naa.gov.au/scripts/ItemDetail.asp?M=0&B=212324>Contents date range 1921 - 1921

Access status Open Location Canberra Barcode 212324 View digital copy <javascript:DisplayImage(212324, 1, 0)>

They^{^266,267} were divorced in 1943 in NSW possibly.²⁶⁸ Tilly divorced James on the grounds of cruelty. " He was a womaniser and abusive. Tilly suffered much physical abuse from him .... they apparently had stunning fights that entertained friends & neighbours alike" "In 1942 Tilly planned a spectacular 25th wedding anniversary party. It ended with a fight. Jim split Tilly's head open. She spent three weeks in hospital." Aust Women Fact File

James Henry DEVINE was born on 20 June 1863 in Bendigo Vic - White Hills. He died of a Coronary on 12 April 1949 in Sydney - Randwick, 312 Arden St., Coogee.²⁶⁹ He was buried on 13 April 1949 in Melbourne - probably. Grave : Sydney - Eastern suburbs Cematorium Parents: Thomas Christian DEVINE Snr-300 and Lucy NIEMANN (DEVINE) ( WINSTANLEY)-57.

Spouse: Theresa GILMORE (DEVINE)-4624. Theresa GILMORE (DEVINE) and James Henry DEVINE were married in 1883 in NSW - Glen Innis.²⁷⁰ Children were: James Edward "Jim" DEVINE-307, Alice Lucy "or Alice Mary Gilmore" DEVINE (MCELROY)-4625, Violet May DEVINE-4631, Thomas Henry DEVINE-4628, Francis William DEVINE-4627, Lilly A DEVINE ( CLEMENS)-4629, Sydney DEVINE-4630.

Laurie Rees DEVINE died in 1936 in Sydney - Newtown.²⁷¹ She was buried in 1936 in Sydney - probably. Parents: Thomas Henry DEVINE-4628 and Alice DEVINE ( NEE UNKNOWN)-4634.

Samuel Thomas Morgan "Samuel Morgan" DEVINE was born on 1 May 1872 in Bendigo - White Hills (probably). He died in 1958 in Sydney NSW.^256,272 Grave : Sydney Parents: Thomas Christian DEVINE Snr-300 and Lucy NIEMANN (DEVINE) ( WINSTANLEY)-57.

Spouse: Alice M A SMITH (DEVINE)-4597. Alice M A SMITH (DEVINE) and Samuel Thomas Morgan "Samuel Morgan" DEVINE were married in 1900 in Sydney NSW.²⁷³ Only three children were found up to 1905 ( limit available NSWBDM). There may have been more. Children were: Irene M DEVINE (WIGGINS)-4607, Sydney G DEVINE-4608, Samuel W DEVINE-4609.

Samuel W DEVINE was born in 1904 in Sydney - Redfern.²⁷⁴ He died in 1906 in Sydney - Newtown. He was buried in 1906 in Sydney - probably. Grave : Sydney NSW Devine Samuel W Parents: Samuel Thomas Morgan "Samuel Morgan" DEVINE-4586 and Alice M A SMITH (DEVINE)-4597.

Sydney DEVINE was born about 1900. Parents: James Henry DEVINE-4584 and Theresa GILMORE (DEVINE)-4624.

Sydney G DEVINE was born in 1902 in Sydney - Redfern.²⁷⁵ He died before 2002 in (Not before 1975). Parents: Samuel Thomas Morgan "Samuel Morgan" DEVINE-4586 and Alice M A SMITH (DEVINE)-4597.

Spouse: Esmee B ROWSWELL (DEVINE)-4611. Esmee B ROWSWELL (DEVINE) and Sydney G DEVINE were married in 1923 in Sydney NSW.²⁷⁶

Sydney George "Clement May" DEVINE was born on 21 February 1876 in Bendigo - White Hills (probably). Sydney was the youngest child in a family of 9 children. He was only 5 when his father died and 8 when his mother died. He then went to Ballarat to live with his sister Jane and her family. Between 1890 and 1957 he was an Actor in Canada / Australia / England. Sydney George Devine known by his stage name Clement May began his career in Ballarat Vic.He conducted a school in elocution in Bendigo at Marist Brothers College and St. Mary's in Bendigo.
He spent most of his life overseas, particulalrly in Canada. He began as a book binder, became a teacher in speech and dramatic art.
His acting career took him all over the world to such places as The Royal Theatre, Delhi (1915) The Tivoli, Melbourne (1923), Her Magesty's Theatre, Melbourne . He played Dickens and Shakespeare in London. His main love was Charles Dickens.
In the film 'Random Harvest' starring Ronald Coleman and Greer Garson he played the organist.
Over his acting career he played 2600 characters. In about 1942 he semi-retired to his home in Vancouver Island, Canada, and resumed his birth name. After the death of his wife he spent two years touring the world 'looking up old friends'. This included a return to Australia in 1957.
A descendant Suzanne Kelly provided me with several articles which are included in the 'media items' for Clement May / Sydney Devine.

Sydney & his wife Florence travelled the world and their two young children remained in Australia and were cared for by Aunt Georgina, Florence's sister and possibly Nana Mary Ann Darby ( Grandmother ) as an additional helper. He lived retired actor in Melbourne - Elwood Flat 2, 13 Tiuna Grove in 1964. Clement May died of Bronchopneumonia on 20 June 1964 in Melbourne - South Melbourne, Elwood [ or Springvale]. He was buried on 23 June 1964 in Melbourne - Springvale. Grave : Parents: Thomas Christian DEVINE Snr-300 and Lucy NIEMANN (DEVINE) ( WINSTANLEY)-57.

Spouse: Florence May DARBY (DEVINE)-4590. Florence May DARBY (DEVINE) and Sydney George "Clement May" DEVINE were married on 8 August 1906 in Bendigo Vic. They were divorced about 1925. After being divorced from Sydney George Devine, Florence returned to live in St. Kilda and Elwood, Melbourne. Children were: Audrey DEVINE (EVERITT)-4591, Noel DEVINE (PITMAN)-4592.

Spouse: Living.

Thomas Christian DEVINE Snr²⁷⁷ was born in October 1833 in UK - Scotland - Glasgow. 'Devine' graves were found at White Hills [Bendigo] ; Mary Ann Devine (nee Kelly) 1858-1930 and also one at Rochester Vic James 1845-1877 and Mary 1874-1891, probably his daughter. There is no known connection to our family apart from the location at White Hills which is near Bendigo / Eaglehawk. He relocated to in Bendigo Vic in 1855, he was from NSW Between 1856 and 1881 Thomas was a Butcher / Builder in Bendigo Vic. It was reported in his Son's biography that Thomas Devine built the well known iconic Bendigo chimney stack for mine owner George Lansell it is known as 'Cleopatras Needle " the only stack of its type in the world. He was a 'rifleman' with rank of Sergeant, between 1865 and 1881 in Bendigo Vic. Thomas & Lucy's son Sydney Devine ( A.K.A. Stage name Clement May ) went on to be quite a noted Actor. It seems Thomas also liked to 'tread the boards'.
An item in the 'Annals of Bendigo' p 148, includes the following ' The Bendigo Amateur Dramatic Club gave a performance on the 11th June for the benefit of Mr Wm. Heffernan. The pieces were "Handy Andy" , "Slasher and Crasher ", and misecllaneous items. Messrs Hoonan, M. Macaboy, Denver, T. Devine etc ...
Also from the Annals [ 1856]
Municipal elections 9 possibly the first ) T Devine received 1 vote ! ... but so did several others , a number 2 votes and the winner 169.

Thomas is listed in the Directory 1872/73 " Devine T., Bricklayer, St unnamed. He lived builder in Ironbark Vic - Stephenson St. in 1880. Thomas died of Consumption on 11 June 1881 in Bendigo Vic - Long Gully, Stevenson St..²⁷⁸ Bendigo Advertiser 13/6/1881
"Volunteers Funeral - We regret to have to announce the death of Sergeant Thomas Devine who for some time past has been suffering from consumption, resulting from a severe cold, which settled on his lungs. The deceased had been a resident of the city for above 25 years, and was well known, liked, and respected. He joined the Bendigo rifles some sixteen years ago and has been a non commissioned officer of that corps for many years, in which position he was exceedingly painstaking, smart, and attentive to his duty. His funeral takes place tomorrow and it is notified by advertisement, that the P.W.V.V. Light Horse and Bendigo Rifle Corps are to assemble at their respective orderly rooms at 2.00 pm, for the purpose of following his remains to the White Hills cemetery. Funderal drill will take place tonight at the Orderly rooms and members are requested to attend with their rifles. It is also announced that Court Alexander A.O.F. of which he was also a member, will take part in the funeral obsequies. " He was buried on 14 June 1881 in Bendigo Vic - White Hills Cemetery.²⁷⁸ Bendigo Advertiser 15/6/1881
VOLUNTEER FUNERAL - Yesterday afternoon the funeral of the late Sergeant Thomas Devine took place, and, as upon the several late occasions on which the volunteers have taken part in a public ceremony, the weather was very unpropitious. The funeral cortege started from the late residence of the deceased and upon its arrival opposite the Orderly-rooms, View Place, the cavalry and rifles 'fell in' in the usual order.
The firing party with arms reversed, under the charge of Sergeant Bent, came first, and preceeded the Volunteer band, with muffled drums playing "The Dead March in Saul" . Then came the gun carriage bearing the coffin, covered with the Union Jack, upon which was placed the head dress and accouchments of the deceased, flanked on either side of the Corps, who acted as pall-bearers. The remainder of the cavalry and rifles followed, the rear being brought up by the officers, of whom the following were present :- Major Blackham, Captains Sibley and Anderson and Lieutenants Warren, Bell, and Cahill. The mourning coaches and long retinue of the other vehicles containing the relatives, friends and the Order of Forresters (of which the deceased was a brother ) followed.
On arrival at the White Hills Cemetery the firing party, resting on their arms reversed, formed on each side of the path, and after the corpse had passed joined the procession and were drawn up and opened ranks at the side of the grave. In the absence of the Rev. Canon, the Rev. Mr Thomas officiated, and readt the impressive service for the dead, at the conclusion of which three volleys were delivered by the firing party and the funeral ceremonies were brought to an end.
The rain which had been falling ........ etc .
This article provided by Sue Kelly via the Bendigo Regional Genealogical Society has been included because it 'paints' a vivd picture of the impressive ceremony and sheds some light on the language form employed at the time. Grave : White Hills - C of E Common A.1 Reg No. 5915 Grv 9203 ( no headstone)²⁷⁹ The Devine family name was found on graves in Bendigo, White Hills and Rochfort Vic. There may be some connection given the locations. Parents: James DEVINE-4036 and Matilda TOMLINSON (DEVINE)-4037.

Spouse: Lucy NIEMANN (DEVINE) ( WINSTANLEY)-57. Lucy NIEMANN (DEVINE) ( WINSTANLEY) and Thomas Christian DEVINE Snr were married on 8 June 1858 in Bendigo Vic - Epsom [Congregationalist ].²⁸⁰ Lucy's age is listed as 21 yrs but this is doubtful. In fact she was probably 17 yrs and approaching 18 yrs.
It is claimed Lucy married Thomas 24 hours after her arrival because they had spent the voyage together from England on the 'Red Jacket' . It is a good story but the time line for that is somewhat questionable; however, stranger facts have emerged from the myths and legends of our family ! The document provided by Sue Kelly - a Divine descendant (see Family 'photos' for this document ) lists the Devine family and provides an interesting version of the marriage of Thomas Devine and Lucy Niemann. There are some differences from Jessie Cafiso's version of the Niemann arrival in Australia.
At this time ( 15/10/2006) neither version has documentary evidence.

"I came to the conclusion that Lucy jnr went to live there ( Jane Treloar nee Devine - Lucy Jnr Sister, Ballarat Vic) because she also competed in an Eisteddfod competitions in Ballarat about the same time as Sydney (Clement).That information came from Peter Fruend at Her Majesty's in Ballarat who did a little research for me.But I have no paper trail on her." Courtesy Sue Kelly
Children were: Margaret Matilda "Maggie" DEVINE (MCKIMM) (RYDER)-301, Jane DEVINE (TRELOAR)-4583, James Henry DEVINE-4584, Thomas Christian DEVINE Jnr-303, Edward DEVINE-4588, Lucy DEVINE (FULLICKS)-4585, William Henry DEVINE-4595, Samuel Thomas Morgan "Samuel Morgan" DEVINE-4586, Sydney George "Clement May" DEVINE-4587.

Thomas Christian DEVINE Jnr was born on 4 August 1865 in Bendigo vic - White Hills possibly (Shst ?).²⁷⁷ He lived postal employee in Melbourne - Albert Park, 56 Victoria Ave on 2 January 1921. He died of gunshot (suicide) on 3 January 1921 in Melbourne - East Melbourne.²⁵⁶ Melbourne - Fawkner - Devine William Thomas bur 2/6/1933 age 72 Ref 45327; with Caroline Maria 73 yrs bur 14/7/1933; C of E compartment O Grv 1597. [the dates are very close ... need death cert probably]
Not in Springvale or Altona records
No NSWBDM with mother Lucy but 4 records found with father Thomas - none applicable Parents: Thomas Christian DEVINE Snr-300 and Lucy NIEMANN (DEVINE) ( WINSTANLEY)-57.

Spouse: Harriet Jane UNKNOWN NEE (MORITZ) (DEVINE)-306. Harriet Jane UNKNOWN NEE (MORITZ) (DEVINE) and Thomas Christian DEVINE Jnr were married in 1900 in Bendigo Vic. Not sure how it is known that Thomas Devine (Divine) was married.

Thomas Henry DEVINE was born in 1889 in Melbourne - Carlton.²⁸¹ He died in 1951 in Sydney NSW.²⁸² He was buried before 1989 in Sydney - probably. 2006
NSWBDM lists two marriages for a Thomas Devine between 1912 & 1916. There are no facts listed which point to this Thomas Devine. Parents: James Henry DEVINE-4584 and Theresa GILMORE (DEVINE)-4624.

Spouse: Alice DEVINE ( NEE UNKNOWN)-4634. Alice DEVINE ( NEE UNKNOWN) and Thomas Henry DEVINE were married about 1910 in unknown place. NSWBDM does not list a marriage for Thomas Henry - maybe Victoria. Children were: Laurie Rees DEVINE-4635.

Violet May DEVINE was born in 1887 in Vic.²⁸³ Parents: James Henry DEVINE-4584 and Theresa GILMORE (DEVINE)-4624.

William Henry DEVINE was born on 9 March 1872 in Bendigo - White Hills (probably). He died on 18 July 1965 in Maylands WA. He was buried after 18 July 1965 in Karrakatta WA.²⁸⁴ Grave : WA - Karrakatta Devine William Henry Ang WF 0100 [Expired 20/9/1995] Parents: Thomas Christian DEVINE Snr-300 and Lucy NIEMANN (DEVINE) ( WINSTANLEY)-57.

Spouse: Florence Angelina BRIGGS (DEVINE)-4596. Florence Angelina BRIGGS (DEVINE) and William Henry DEVINE were married in 1894 in Unknown marriage place - WA possibly.

Lilly A DEVINE ( CLEMENS) was born about 1898. She died between 1976 and 1998 in Sydney - probably. She was buried between 1976 and 1998 in Sydney - probably. Parents: James Henry DEVINE-4584 and Theresa GILMORE (DEVINE)-4624.

Spouse: William N CLEMENS-4633. Lilly A DEVINE ( CLEMENS) and William N CLEMENS were married in 1923 in Sydney - Waverley.²³⁸

Alice DEVINE ( NEE UNKNOWN) was born about 1889.

Spouse: Thomas Henry DEVINE-4628. Alice DEVINE ( NEE UNKNOWN) and Thomas Henry DEVINE were married about 1910 in unknown place. NSWBDM does not list a marriage for Thomas Henry - maybe Victoria. Children were: Laurie Rees DEVINE-4635.

Audrey DEVINE (EVERITT) was born in 1907 in Melbourne - Carlton. She lived [ unknown occupation] in Melbourne, Victoria in 1969. She died before 27 February 1969 in Melbourne ( dates may be incorrect). Audrey was buried on 27 February 1969 in Melbourne - Springvale. Parents: Sydney George "Clement May" DEVINE-4587 and Florence May DARBY (DEVINE)-4590.

Spouse: Living.