Mary Partridge (nee Strawbridge) (3 Jan 1849 - 5 Oct 1927)
Mary Partridge (nee Strawbridge) was christened on the 3 January 1849 at Schwarzburg-Sondershausen (Castle Precinct), Bristol, England to William Smerdon Strawbridge and Eliza Stockholm Thomas.
1851 CENSUS - Aged 2 living at Ashley, Clifton, Bristol, Gloustershire, England with parents and elder siblings Eliza Hartland Strawbridge (1841), William Strawbridge (1843) and Edward Strawbridge (1845). Her father William is listed as an Accountant.
AUSTRALIA
April 1852 - Arrives in Australia aboard the "Lord William Benthinck" with parents William and Eliza and three other siblings William Strawbridge, Edward Smerdon Strawbridge and Mary Ethelwynne Strawbridge and a servant named Susan.
On 15 November 1866, Mary sees her sister Eliza Hartland Strawbridge marry William Patrick Auld at the house they were living at in Fairfield, Magill Road, Norwood, Adelaide, South Australia.
On 18 December 1869, Mary's father William dies at Fairfield, Magill Road, Adelaide, South Australia. He was 52 years old.
19 December 1874 - Mary marries Henry Partridge at Mount Malvern, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
31 December 1881 - Wilfrid Henry Partridge born at Glenelg, Adelaide, South Australia
15 March 1884 - Philip Miles Partridge born at Medindie, Adelaide, South Australia
KANGAROO ISLAND, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Between 1884 and 1885 the family moves to Kangaroo Island.
22 November 1885 - Harrold Ewart Partridge born at Wisanger, Kangaroo Island, South Australia
18 July 1887 - Twins Myra Edith Partridge and Thomas Victor Partridge born at Kangaroo Island, South Australia
18 January 1890 - Mary Alice Partridge born at Wisanger, Kangaroo Island, South Australia.
In "The Register" on 18 March 1903 it reads:
From Rev. W. G Voliva
"'What were your experiences on Kangaroo Island?'— 'They were the most unique in my life. I went to the island in response to the invitation of the local branch, which numbers 25 members; in charge of Deacon Partridge. At Hog Bay all the men and women and babies and dogs in the place came down to meet the boat, which was making her first call at the new jetty. At Queencliffe the jetty was two-thirds packed with people, who came to welcome me. I addressed several crowded meetings in the local hall, and at one I saw what I had never seen before in a congregation— 25 or 30 men lustily smoking their pipes while standing near the door. The crew of the steamer also attended. On Sunday afternoon I baptised ten people by triune immersion off the beach at Queenscliffe, and the gathering was said to be the largest that had been seen at that town for some years.”
On 26 March 1903, Mary's eldest son Wilfrid marries Lilla Mary Debney at the Zion Meeting House, residence of Ernest Wren in Cygnet River, Kangaroo Island.
On 24 February 1904, Mary's first grandchild is born to Wilfrid and Lilla. Her name is Ione Lilla Partridge.
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| The Partridge Family c. 1904 |
In "The Register" on Friday 13 May 1904 it reads:
"Marching to Zion - Fifty People Leave - A week ago it was announced that 53 residents of South Australia were about to leave for Zion City. The report at the time was doubted by many people, who, perhaps, naturally could not understand how 50 people possessed of the ordinary amount of common-sense would follow Elijah to his stronghold. But the scene at the Adelaide Railway Station on Thursday afternoon determined the correctness of the statement. The majority of the 50 departing Zionists left by the express for Melbourne. Two or three went earlier in the week, and several officers will go today. They proceed to America in the Allied liner Manuka, which is to sail from Sydney on May 16. The departing colonists, who are drawn from several parts of South Australia and from various callings, arrived at the station in good time, accompanied by numerous friends. Several second-class carriages were reserved for the party. When the travellers had arranged themselves in the compartments the crowd of Zionists took up the singing of 'God be with you till we meet again.' Then the company started 'Marching to Zion,' and they sung the hymn with great enthusiasm. The women waved their handkerchiefs and tears streamed down their cheeks. When the guard shouted 'Seats, please' there was a general rush to finally kiss and shake hands. It is said that some of those included in the party were earning as much as £5 and £6 a week in this city. On of the men on the platform remarked— 'We all hope to reach Zion eventually.'
Deacon Hawkins, when asked for the names of the departing colonists, said— 'Nearly, all the people come from the city. There is George Bright, ex-Freemason, ex boozer, and ex-stinkpot. He was a traveller for Faulding's. His wife was head dress designer at Burlington House for a number of years. Then there are Mr Frank Butcher (commercial traveller), his wife, and family; Mr and Mrs Ernest Dalwood and family, ...................... Mr Debney (farmer), Mr and Mrs Wren and family. Then from Kangaroo Island there are Mr and Mrs Partridge, jun. Mr. Partridge, sen., the minister who has been in charge at Kangaroo Island, and Mr Partridge will leave tomorrow. There are others I cannot think of. Mr Voliva will meet the train in Melbourne, and the party will be taken to the Central Zion T..... in Swansion street, for luncheon. A farewell meeting will be held in the ....... at 2 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. Mr. McCulladi will meet the parly in Sydney. In Vancouver Mr. Simmons, the minister in charge will be waiting for the travellers, who will be put into special tourist .... and run right through to Zion City without having to charge. They are dining and sleeping cars combined."
HEADING TO ZION, ILLINOIS, AMERICA
ADELAIDE TO MELBOURNE
Thursday 12 May 1904 - Leaves Adelaide Railway Station for Spencer Street Railway Station, Melbourne on train.
"We left Adelaide on Thursday by the express, and after an uneventful run reached Melbourne at 10 o'clock on Friday morning. At Spencer Street our friends met us with two large drags adorned with long streamers, bearing the words "Where God rules man prospers," and we were driven to our lodgings, where we had dinner at 11 o'clock. We held a farewell service at 2, and left again at 5.5 for Sydney.
MELBOURNE TO SYDNEY
Friday 13 May 1904
"The trip across was without incident of any kind. There was no accident, no one was sick, no insult was offered to us, either at Adelaide or in Melbourne and the railway officials were exceedingly kind from first to last, and studied our every comfort. In fact, you may say that everyone treated us with the utmost courtesy."
"Bound for Zion - Another Batch of Emigrants - The Adelaide Contingent - Some little curiosity was excited at the Redfern Railway Station on Saturday morning on the arrival of the Melbourne express, by, the statement that a number of the followers of the Rev. J. A. Dowie, the General Overseer of tho Christian Catholic Church in Zion, were passengers, and the people who were made aware of the fact did not lose any time in scanning the new arrivals. Those were found to be occupants of engaged carriages, and on their stepping onto the platform it was seen that they were apparently of the artizan class for the most part, though there was a sprinkling of men used to lighter occupations, such as clerks, etc. All were well dressed and comfortable looking, and the character of the crowd was further indicated by the quantity and style of their luggage, which was superior to that of the class to which one would take them to belong. There were some friends present to meet and welcome them, and the greeting, "Peace be with thee," was heard, though not often. The newcomers were decidedly grave, and somewhat strained in their manner; there was no boisterous laughter, no lively chatter. What they had to say was said quietly, and there appeared to be a feeling among them that they were "before the gallery." Individual members, on being spoken to, refused to give any information, but referred the reporter to "the Overseer," who turned out to be Pastor J. S. M'Cullagh, of Sydney, who courteously supplied the following particulars:
"The party, comprising 63 men, women, and children, was recruited in South Australia, principally Adelaide, and they are bound for Zion City, for which place they leave by the American mail steamer Manuka on Monday, next. I have been over in South Australia during the past five weeks organising the party, and have had charge of them during the trip over; but on the water they will be under the control of Pastor Partridge. They are mostly farmers and artizans, but there are some bank clerks among them, one of whom, Mr. Charles M'Kirdy, was in the Bank of Adelaide for 14 years. There are some single men also, as well as single women, and the children number 14, including the babies In arms. Most of the men were comfortably situated in South Australia, having property, which they sold.
"No, they did not sacrifice it. As a rule, they got good prices. Of course, as you can see, there are more men than women. We are now going to the People's Palace, where they will remain until Monday, when they will embark on the Manuka for their destination. I will stay in Sydney for the time being, but I expect to be with them in Zion City, before long, as I leave in July for New Zealand to arrange for the despatch of a large company from that colony to Zion.
The interview, which lasted only a few minutes, then terminated, and the party proceeded by tram to their hotel, while their luggage was conveyed thither in vans. No attempt was made to interfere with them in any way.
Services at the Queen's Hall - The services held yesterday at the Queen's Hall In connection with the Christian Catholic Church in Zion were largely attended, those present Including the emigrants who leave today by the R.M.S. Manuka. Last night the hall was crowded, and the service had special reference to the departing friends. In tho course of an address, Pastor M'Cullagh said the policy of Zion was not to establish large churches in any of the centres of population in this part of the world, but to draft their members off to Zion as quickly as possible, and there organise and train them for the work in which the Church is engaged. Already 200 had been sent from Australia, and they expected to raise the number to 500 within the next few months. As to some of those who were leaving by the Manuka, they were, he said, respectable artisans, who were unable to obtain employment through the influence of Freemasons being used against them. It was impossible to effect the reforms that society needed under the conditions which existed in communities like Sydney, or, indeed, anywhere else, and that was the reason they had founded Zion and intended to establish other cities. A large part of the speaker's discourse consisted of a violent attack on Freemasonry, and the ceremony of initiating a Freemason to the third degree was actually gone through on the platform, what purported to be the oaths taken at each degree being read. Exception was taken by some of those present, both to the language used and to the whole proceeding, some expressing their disgust and leaving the hall, while others were content to mildly protest, no doubt stopping at that owing to a prompt intimation from the platform that anyone interrupting would be "immediately bundled out." The conduct of the Adelaide authorities towards the Rev. J. A. Dowie, as indeed, the treatment of the "General Overseer" throughout Australia, was attributed to the malign influence of Freemasonry, but the speaker confidently assorted that in spite of all their foes the ultimate triumph of Zion was assured."
SYDNEY TO BRISBANE
Monday 16 May 1904 - Wed 17 May 1904
Left aboard the ship called "Manuka".
"Recruits for Zion City - The R.M.S. Manuka, which arrived at Pinkenba Wharf (Brisbane) yesterday from Sydney, enroute to Vancouver, has a party on board comprising 63 men, women and children, recruited in South Australia, principally Adelaide, who are bound to Zion City. The emigrants are mostly farmers and artisans, but there are some bank clerks among them. The Zionists are under the control of Pastor Partridge."
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| Passenger List |
ARRIVES VANCOUVER, CANADA
7 June 1904
The group arrive in Vancouver, Canada.
VANCOUVER, CANADA TO ILLINOIS, AMERICA
The group travelled by train again from Vancouver to Illinois. At each state of their journey they were greeted by well-wishing fellow members of their church.
John Dowie, who claimed to be a manifestation of the prophet Elijah, owned all of Zion City - its banks (where devotees were required to deposit all their funds), it's real estate and all its schools, hospitals, businesses and services which citizens were required to patronize. The Church leaders took an authoritarian line in their religious doctrine.
Some things which were forbidden in Zion City: gambling, dancing, swearing, spitting, theatres, circuses, the manufacture and sale of alcohol or tobacco, pork, oysters, doctors, politicians - and tan-coloured shoes.
And then about a year later....
In "The Register" on Thursday 23 March 1905 it reads:
"A Deacon Dismissed - Besides the several persons expelled last week from Zion, Deacon Partridge and wife, a minister who came from Australia last summer, have also been expelled. It is learned that the reason Dowie ordered the deacon away was because of an interesting incident of recent date. The deacon, who was a learned minister in his country, wrote to Dowie telling him that he could not believe Dowie's statement to the effect that Christ was ignorant of some things; that he believed in the interpretation of the Scriptures, which said that Christ was .... in all things. He got a letter back from Dowie, and in it was a $5 bill. The deacon look this as a suggestion to keep quiet and sent the money back, insisting later that an explanation of his views be heard, which the Zion officers were unwilling to allow. He was persistent, and his dismissal followed. Williams mid on this point:— 'I brought up a similar matter with Overseer S........ recently, and he said, when I insisted that there were some cases where the truth was not best, and the Scripture which I brought up was among these cases. He said some things might punch holes in the boat which all wanted to keep up, meaning the Zion boat."
In "The Kalgoorlie Miner" on Saturday 15 April 1905 it reads:
"South Australian Dowieites - A 'Deacon's' Experience - When travelling through the districts adjacent to Kingscote (writes a representative of the "South Australian Register") one is struck with what until only recently constituted this State's hotbed of Dowieism, and it may be safety asserted that, so far as population is concerned, the arch prophet and his satellites gathered relatively more adherents on Kangaroo Island to this nonsensical doctrines than in any other part of Australia.
Among these guileless islands, he and they found ready listeners — afterwards adherents, then full-fledged Zionists and deacons, and all that kind of thing. What hereinafter follows cannot be refuted, as the facts are obtained first hand from the relatives of those who went. Their experiences have been truly blistering and today Dowieism on Kangaroo Island is dead, albeit its obsequies have proved some what expensive to its misguided zealots. When the gospel according to Dowie was first preached there Mr. H. Partridge became a disciple or an adherent. Subsequently, being possessed of somewhat of this world's goods, he was appointed deacon, in which capacity he preached the gospel of Zion, advising his listeners to sell out and go there, advice which was acted upon by several of them. After seeing them safely despatched he — true to the noble cause — did likewise. His sale realised something over 900 pounds in cash, which, with his wife and family of five, he took with him. On arrival at the 'Holy City' he was allowed to retain the title of deacon, but his money was put into land for the purpose of assisting in building the walls of this recently created earthly Zion. Shortly afterwards, when he was listening to the immaculate prophet in the tabernacle, the latter asserted that 'Christ didn't know everything.' This assertion raised the ire of God-fearing Mr. Partridge, who wrote to Dowie asking for an explanation. The letter was referred to one of the prophet's minions; but, as no answer was vouch afed Mr Partridge tendered his resignation as deacon and everything else. This was not accepted; but to quote from Mr Partridge's letter to a relative, 'I was kicked out.' Now all that remains of that hard-earned 900 pounds, but he and his sons are without, working at anything they can get to pay their passages back to this state.
He has only his consolidation - that his treasure is laid up somewhere in Zion, but that it will not be redeemable under 20 years.
After the departure of Mr Partridge others were advised to sell all they had and go over and help on the goodly cause. I met with one such. She had sold her estate, which adjoins that of Mr Thomas at Point Morrison — one of the best properties on the island. Shortly after the sale advices were received from her relation by marriage, Mr Partridge, saying in effect — '''I have been there; you'd better not go.". She did not, and when I met her she was busy making inquiries about land at Kalangadoo and Kybybolite — in fact; anywhere upon which to settle her sons other than within the portals of our earthly Zion."
CALIFORNIA, USA
In "The Advertiser" on Thursday 20 July 1905 it reads:
"Australians Leaving Zion City - In a letter from Wankegan, Ill, USA, dated June 18, Mr Frank Butcher writes - "The following Australians have left the self-styled first apostle and his church in Zion City, and warn others not to come: Mr A R Wren and family, Mr W H Partridge, senior and family, Mr W H Partridge, junior and family, Mr A J Farley, Mr F Butcher and family, Mr A E Dalwood and family, Mr Aitchison and family, Mr W Schultz and family, Mr Haines and family, and others."
In "The Register" on Wednesday 15 November 1905 it reads:
"Back from Zion - Our Kingscote (Kangaroo Island) correspondent writes: - Messrs. A. Bell and E. Hall, together with their wives and families numbering 10 children, retired last Saturday from Zion, whither they went full of hop 18 months ago. Their have quite a different opinion of Dowie to that which they held a little over a year ago. Mr H Partridge, who left South Australia over a year since as leader of the party numbering 80, was so disgusted with the management of Zion that he sold his property there, and is now fruitgrowing in California. Numbers of people are preparing to leave the city."
Henry and Mary Partridge were fruit orchardists.
Mary's first grandson Wilfrid Howard Partridge is born to Wilfrid and Lilla on 21 May 1907 in Chico, Butte, California, USA.
Mary's next grandchild is born to Wilfrid and Lilla on 10 January 1909 at Chico, Butte, California, USA. Her name is Edith Mary Partridge.
BACK IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA IN 1909
In between 10 January 1909 and 24 December 1910 the some of the group make it back to South Australia.
"On 24 December 1909 the Kangaroo Island Courier reads: Back to the Island - Mr and Mrs Henry Partridge are at present visiting Kangaroo Island. For the last 5 years they have been residing in California, where they have an orchard and the family are residing. As former residents of the Island old friends have been pleased to meet them again."
Myra Edith Partridge and Mary Alice Partridge choose not to head back to Australia. Myra marries and dies in California, USA.
In the 18 April 1910 USA Census, Philip (a student), Thomas (a student), Mary (a school teacher) and Myra (a nurse for a private family) are living together in Butte, California.
Mary sees her granddaughter Mary Ethelwynne Strawbridge marry Francis William Giles on 14 July 1910 at Norwood, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
On 27 October 1915, Mary is listed as living at "The Pinery" at Kingscote on Kangaroo Island. This is recorded on son Harold Ewart Partridges' military record.
Mary changed address to Railway Terrace, Cheltenham on 21 January 1919.
Mary's son Harold Ewart Partridge married Dorothy Mary Evans on 12 July 1919.
In 1919, Mary's son Harold Ewart Partridge and his wife Dorothy moved to Berri.
On 22 August 1919, the Murray Pioneer newspaper writes: - "Captain Partridge, late 10th Battalion, who has been appointed inspector of returned soldiers' blocks intends to take up his residence here in Berri."
No mention is made of Mary joining them.
On 20 June 1925, The Murray Pioneer newspaper writes: "Mr H E Partridge is severing his connection with the Irrigation Department and will leave the district about the end of the month. Mr Partridge came to Berri about six years ago as Inspector of Leases under the Soldiers Settlement Department, living in town for three years and the remainder of the period at Glossop. Mr Partridge has been connected in his official capacity with some 250 returned soldiers who have taken up fruit blocks in the Berri Irrigation area. He holds the office of secretary of the Local Repatriation Committee, and has been prominent in the activities of the RS and SILA of which he held the position of President. He was also a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge. Mr Partridge's chief recreation is golf, at which he is no novice, having taken part in the Annual Championship matches in Adelaide. He has been runner-up in the Country Championship on two occasions. Mr Partridge and his wife will go to Adelaide."
MARY MOVED TO LOXTON, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
In 1925, Mary moved to Loxton, South Australia, Australia with her son Harold Ewart Partridge and his wife Dorothy.
On 11 December 1925 the Murray Pioneer newspaper writes - "Mr H E Partridge of the Lands and Survey Department is now Inspector of Leases for Loxton. Mr Partridge has had extensive experience in the river districts. He is a very keen golf enthusiast, having taken part more than once in country championships of SA and has made some very creditable exhibitions."
In 1926 it was recorded that Harold was a JP in the Murray Pioneer.
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| 9 January 1926 - Man with Hat - Wilfrid Partridge. Ione with glasses, Edith Partridge front back, Fred on left, Nita standing at front, Haydn next to Lilla who is seated and baby Lois Partridge. Mary Partridge nee Strawbridge on far right. |
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| The last known photo of Mary in Adelaide in around 1926. She is holding Lois. |
Mary died on 5 October 1927 at Loxton, South Australia, Australia after only about one years in Loxton.
The Kangaroo Island Courier wrote: "A telegram was received at Kingscote on Thursday to the effect that Mrs Henry Partridge had passed away at the residence of her son, Mr H. Partridge, at Loxton. She was 79 years of age. The family came to Kangaroo Island about 42 years ago and settled at Wisanger. About 20 years ago most the family went to the United States of America, but returned about two years later. Mrs Partridge had been living at Walkerville for several years. Her husband died about 11 years ago. The deceased, who had a large circle of friends, left three sons (Messrs. H. E. Partridge of Loxton, W and T V Partridge of Adelaide and two daughters."
And in the Murray Pioneer of 14 October 1927 - "Mrs Henry Partridge, mother of H E and T V Partridge, formerly of Berri, died suddenly at Loxton on Thursday of last week at Mr H E Partridge's residence."
In May 1928, Harold and Dorothy entertained a few friends at their residence by playing bridge.
In September 1930, it's recorded again that Harold and Dorothy were on holiday.
Miss M Evans from Adelaide came to visit Harold and Dorothy in December 1935. They left on Christmas Eve for Christmas in Adelaide.
December 1936 - Harold is Captain of the Loxton Golf Club.
On 4 December 1938, a farewell evening for Harold and Dorothy was given in the Parish Hall, by the Loxton Golf Club and the Church of England Ladies' Guild. They were presented with a beautiful crystal rose bowl from the Loxton Golf Club. Harold was Captain of the Golf Club for several years. Dorothy was presented with a pottery bowl from the Ladies' Guild.
Harold is found at 121 Wattle Street, Fullarton in the 1943 Electoral Roll. He died in 1958.
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