James Heneker 1826-1916 | Heneker - a Pioneering family from Kent to South Australia

Tag: James Heneker 1826-1916
- Elizabeth Ann Heneker & the Yandell family
  
  Posted at 7:01 pm by heneker52, on December 19, 2021
  
  Elizabeth Ann Heneker was the 3rd daughter of James Heneker and Mary Ann Heneker nee Spencer.
  
  Elizabeth was born on the 5th April 1855 in the District of Adelaide.
  
  Not much is known of Elizabeth’s early years.
  
  In 1865 information about Elizabeth and her siblings Martha and Joseph Heneker appear in the December 1865 the [Border Watch/ Saturday 30 December 1865/pg. 2/Mosquito Plains] which reports that Elizabeth and Martha Heneker in the Fifth Class were awarded prizes as the most deserving students, and also in the Sixth Class Joseph Heneker was also awarded a prize.
  
  The family were living at Scott’s Creek for some time, and then on 13 June 1863 Charlotte Heneker was born at Avenue Range, in the South East region of South Australia. In 1865 it must have been a remote and fairly barren area (people wise). The area was purchased by a John ‘Jacky’ White who acquired a run of 134 square miles spanning Ready Creek, Keilira and Lucindale. The traditional owners are the Wathatonga people of the Bunganditj/Boandik nation. In 1864 James returned to the UK to visit family and returned on the maiden voyage of the City of Adelaide ship.
  
  In Penola (South East area) on 10 October 1865 it is recorded that James was issued a half yearly Timber Licence by the Commissioner of Crown Lands and Immigration Office, Adelaide. [Government Gazette, October 12, 1865, pg. 922]
  
  Another son, William was also born during this time, on the 19 April 1866, at Avenue Range, South Australia. By 1872 the family appear back in the Blinman Area, with the death of their young sons, Abel Richard and William both dying in January of 1872.
  
  On the 1st September 1872 at the Elizabeth Ann married Thomas Mansell Yandell, at the home of Mr. Heneker of Patterton, South Australia. ([genealogysa.org.au/marriages database] Patterton lays about 10 km from Blinman, near the Gum Creek, which was a watering area for travellers and bullocky teams.)Thomas Mansell Yandell was a Welshman whose experience working as a smelter at Wallaroo’s smelting works would have been gratefully accepted. Wallaroo’s smelting works were constructed in 1861 by the owners of the Wallaroo Mine to process the ore and to export it. The smelting works were at one time the largest smelter outside of Swansea in Wales. Initially using the reverberatory method of smelting, over time the smelter adopted newer processes and remained at the forefront of smelting techniques.
  
  At some stage they moved to Wallaroo, as Thomas was a smelter, coming originally from Wales, were smelters were trained and worked.
  
  Wallaroo Smelters 1870
  
  Courtesy of the State Library of South Australia Photographic Collection.
  
  In 1874 on the 17th April, Elizabeth died of “Cerebro-spinal meningitis” at the age of 19 years. She died at her home at Wallaroo, South Australia. She had given birth to her daughter Amy Victoria Yandell on the 12 July 1873 at Wallaroo. After the untimely death of her mother, Amy Victoria died on the 27 April 1874. It is not known at present what Amy died of, I have ordered a copy of her death certificate. I wonder if Amy also died of the same condition. If it was caused by a virus, cerebrospinal meningitis is contagious. It could be assumed that Elizabeth was still breastfeeding Amy in which case she would have caught it, or starved. Whichever it is a very sad and uncomfortable situation.
  
  Information regarding the death of Elizabeth Ann Heneker is obtained from [GenealogySA District Death Certificate Transcript/C19735YandellElizabeth nb jn(1) PDF]
  
  [Information regarding the births of the other Heneker children listed above are also obtained from GenealogySA Births Transcipts.]
  
  It is believed that Elizabeth was buried at the Wallaroo Cemetery along with Amy Victoria. I originall had found the information online however it no longer appears under any cemetery searches however Amy Victoria still shows as being buried in the Wallaroo Cemetery, Moonta Road, Wallaroo, South Australia in plot/grave 247, Last residence: Wallaroo, Age at death 19, Date of burial next to her daughter Amy Victoria age 10 m. in plot 248. These stories are the only ones I could glean in relation to Elizabeth and Thomas. I have been able to learn quite a bit more about the Yandell family and I will probably write another post on them. Although the relationship of the Yandell’s and Heneker’s appears to be a tentative one, due to both of Thomas’ family members passing away together in the same year, and him not seeming to have married again, the story of his family in general is interesting. It also appears that at times they intertwine with the Heneker family over the years.
  
  Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged Amy Victoria Yandell, Elizabeth Ann Heneker, James Heneker 1826-1916, Thomas Mansell Yandell, Wallaroo smelters
- James Heneker (1826-1917)
  
  Posted at 5:20 pm by heneker52, on November 21, 2021
  
  Again today, whilst sorting through some old files, I have come across a copy of a South Australia Land Tax Return for James Heneker of Beltana, South Australia, 1885.
  
  Back when I bought this copy there was no internet (how did we manage!!) and it is printed out on a large A3 yellow piece of paper, which I think I actually did when I worked at the State Library of S.A.
  
  I have had to take a photo of it on my phone, as my printer can’t do A3 copying. This should be able to be enlarged, I hope. It certainly can be on my phone.
  
  So I will record what the Return states, in case it isn’t too clear when publishing the copy of the document.
  
  SOUTH AUSTRALIA – TAXATION ACT, 1884
  
  LAND TAX RETURN for the Year ending the first day of January, 1885.
  
  No. of Assessment 166.
  
  In pursuance of the Taxation Act, 1884, every Taxpayer is required to fill up the following Form of Return, and to deliver the same at my office, Victoria-square, Adelaide, on or before the 21st day of March, 1885 under a penalty of £20 and treble the amount to Taxpayer who wilfully furnishes any false return, or makes any false declaration in reference to a return, is guilty of a misdemeanour, punishable on conviction in like manner as wilful and corrupt perjury. J.G. RUSSELL, Commissioner. Taxpayers are requested to read the Observations and Directions on the back hereof.
  
  RETURN of the LAND OWNED by James Heneker of (residence) Beltana (occupation) Labourer in Fee-simple required to be furnished in pursuance of the Taxation Act, 1884.
  
  Hundred, City or Township: Hd. of Beltana. No. of Section, Town Acre, or Allotment, and Registration Reference to Title. vol. cccx1x No. 109 Folio 1/2. Street or particular Locality. Fifth Street, South Terrace. Area or Measurement; 200 ft x 250 ft. Name of Occupier (if any) James Heneker. Name of Mortgagee (if any), and Amount of Mortgage. – -. Actual Value, Land and Improvements, on January 1, 1885.. £10. Value of Improvements. £10 Unimproved Value on January 1, 1885 £5 Amount of Tax, being 1/2d. in the pound on Unimproved value. 2 1/2.
  
  (Wilfully furnishing false Return, or making false Declaration, punishable in like manner as wilful and corrupt perjury.)
  
  DECLARATION
  
  Signed by James Henneker (in his own hand) do hereby declare that all the particulars and statements in the above Returns are in every respect justly and truly state to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, and according to the requirement 1884, and of the Regulations made thereunder.
  
  Dated this Seventeenth day of March 1885. at capacity Return is made “self” (Name in full) James Heneker, (Description)Labourer (Postal address) Beltana.
  
  JAMES HENEKER LAND TAX 1885 BELTANA, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
  
  Sorry that this is difficult to see, if you would like me to send a photo from my phone (which can at least be enlarged a bit, I am happy to do so. It is an A3 form and I haven’t been able to work out how else to copy it for download.
  
  Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged Beltana, Beltana South Australia, James Heneker 1826-1916, Land Tax Return 1884 Beltana, South Australia Land Tax Act 1884
- Friday Faces – Which James Heneker is this?
  
  Posted at 2:37 pm by heneker52, on February 5, 2016
  
  My first post for “Friday Faces” is a photograph of, I believe, James Heneker, but which James Heneker, father or son???
  
  This photograph was passed onto me, and someone had written James Heneker on it,(in a digital format) and I believe, they attributed it to James Heneker senior born 1826 – 1917. (Born in Westwell, Kent, UK in 1826, died Beltana, South Australia in 1917)
  
  The black and white photograph above, is scanned from a newspaper obituary for James Heneker Jnr who died in 1926. Although it isn’t terribly clear it may be that someone out there can see any similarities in the top photograph. I believe I can see a likeness, but then again, he may just have looked like his father, and therefore the top photograph could be the original James Heneker.!
  
  I feel it may be James Heneker Jnr born 1850 – 1926. My main reason for thinking this is that there does not appear to be (so far!!!) any photographs of the senior James Heneker or any of his family members taken in earlier years. There are photographs of James senior, and of him with his wife Mary Ann, in their senior years. As they lived most of their lives (and especially in their later years) in the far north of South Australia, in a very remote location, I tend to think the younger James Heneker may have been more likely to have had a photograph taken of him at some stage.
  
  James Heneker Jnr, like his father, had many jobs, from carting supplies to miner, and in later life moved to the city of Adelaide to live. As the years went on, it seems to me there was probably more chance of James Jnr having a chance of being photographed.
  
  The clothing doesn’t really help me, although I could probably find someone who may be able to place the date by the clothing. Not having the original photograph, there is nothing written anywhere that could help me. If anyone has any idea’s I would love to hear them. No matter what, I love this photograph and it would be wonderful if it was James Heneker senior. To see him as a younger man would make my day. James senior was portrayed in later photographs with a beard.
  
  Posted in Uncategorized | 6 Comments | Tagged Family History, Genealogy, James Heneker 1826-1916, James Heneker jnr 1850-1926, Photographs
- James Heneker and the Influenza outbreak
  
  Posted at 2:44 am by heneker52, on May 10, 2015
  
  In September 1905 my dear James suffered from influenza. August and September is a time of the year when people often get the dreaded flu, even though here in Australia we are in the first month of Spring. No Influenza vaccinations back in 1905! The small article published in the Chronicle (Adelaide) state that “Influenza is the popular complaint. Mr Heneker, the oldest resident who came out to this State in 1839 is just recovering from a severe attack. The old gentleman remembers Adelaide as a little village, and the surrounding country a scrub land. He has not seen Glenelg since he landed. He is hale and hearty, though 80 years of age, and not long ago completed the contract for a school fence.”
  
  “Chronicle (Adelaide SA: 1895-1954) Saturday 9th September, 1905 page 13.”
  
  Being considered the “oldest resident”, [presumably of Beltana] often seems to get a mention in the newspapers of the day, whether he is appearing in court [see my previous post], or suffering from Influenza. It seems that James was healthy enough to recover, as he did not pass away until 1916. The long, busy, industrious life that James had, appears to have enabled him to live a healthy life for an 80 year old man. Good on you James. You truly were a pioneer and a man to be admired.
  
  Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment | Tagged Beltana South Australia, Influenza, James Heneker 1826-1916
- James Heneker and bureaucracy!!!!!
  
  Posted at 12:49 am by heneker52, on May 9, 2015
  
  Whilst searching Trove, the National Library of Australia’s free website containing digitised records of Australian Newspapers, I came across an article I had not seen before. This article about old James Heneker made my hackles rise. I felt for my great great grandfather, and wished I could reach out in time and give him a hug.
  
  The article, published in 1903, (13 years before James’ death) shows that even back then bureaucracy was at work, trying to get every cent out of the ordinary man. For the things that dear James had done in his long life in South Australia, I could hardly believe the courts had even bothered to take on his case. Thankfully he had an understanding Magistrate, however I felt his humiliation yet strength in telling the court what he thought. The story is as follows:
  
  Magistrates Court Beltana, Thursday February 5
  
  James Heneker, snr., an old man, was charged by Crown Lands Ranger Birt with having removed timber from off leased lands of the Crown without first obtaining a licence, contrary to clause 185 of the Crown Lands Act, 1888. Defendant pleaded guilty. He considered the Government had not treated him fairly, as he had applied and paid for a dray licence, but the Surveyor General would not grant it unless a cutting licence was also taken out. Being an aged man in poor circumstances he could not afford to pay the 10 shillings now demanded for the cutting licence (the fee was formerly 5 shillings), as the wood he was carting was merely firewood picked up in creeks. The Bench considered the Government should have refunded the fees paid or have granted a dray licence, so in the circumstances would fine the defendant 40 shillings but reduce the amount to 5 shillings without costs.
  
  “Adelaide Observer (SA: 1843-1904) Saturday 21 February 1903 page 4”
  
  The more I read this article, the more I wonder at why James was even charged by Ranger Birt? Although Beltana was a much larger and busier town than it is today (basically it is known as a ghost town, with some homes being restored mainly by ancestors), it was in a remote outback area of South Australia. James had lived for many years in the town, and was well known by most people in the north of the state. Also, it was interesting that the fee for the licence required had increased from 5 shillings to 10 shillings, which seems a huge jump. The fact that James even had to plead guilty and be in this situation upsets me greatly. I think that even if he wasn’t my great great grandfather, my heart would go out to him after reading this. It seems such a petty thing to try to bring down this strong and hardworking man, to such a position!!!
  
  At their home at Beltana – James and Mary Ann Heneker
  
  Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment | Tagged Beltana South Australia, Crown Lands Act 1888, Family History, Genealogy, James Heneker 1826-1916, Magistrate's Court, Mary Ann Spencer
- Lest We Forget….Anzac Day 2015 -100th year of the Gallipoli Landing
  
  Posted at 11:01 pm by heneker52, on April 14, 2015
  
  Quite a few of the Heneker boys went away to war, however at this stage I have only been able to find one World War 1 soldier, he being Robert James Heneker, 1890 – 1964. Robert James was the son of James Heneker (jnr) 1850-1926, son of James Heneker, 1826-1917.
  
  Robert James married Doris Ethel Reeves on 16 November 1912 at Norwood, South Australia
  
  On the 7 August 1916 Robert James enlisted into the Australian Imperial Forces.
  
  32nd Australian Infantry Battalion
  
  The 32nd Battalion was raised as part of the 8th Brigade at Mitcham, on the outskirts of Adelaide, on 9 August 1915. Only two companies were raised from South Australian enlistees – another two were formed in Western Australia and joined the battalion at the end of September. The battalion sailed from Adelaide on 18 November 1915.
  
  The 8th Brigade joined the newly raised 5th Australian Division in Egypt, and proceeded to France, destined for the Western Front, in June 1916. The 32nd Battalion fought its first major battle at Fromelles on 19 July 1916, having only entered the front-line trenches 3 days previously. The attack was a disastrous introduction to battle for the 32nd -‘ it suffered 718 casualties, almost 75 per cent of the battalion’s total strength, but closer to 90 per cent of its actual fighting strength. Although it still spent periods in the front line, the 32nd played no major offensive role for the rest of the year.
  
  In early 1917, the German Army withdrew to the Hindenburg Line allowing the British front to be advanced and the 32nd Battalion participated in the follow-up operations. The battalion subsequently missed the heavy fighting to breach the Hindenburg Line during the second battle of Bullecourt as the 8th Brigade was deployed to protect the division’s flank. The only large battle in 1917 in which the 32nd Battalion played a major role was Polygon Wood, fought in the Ypres sector in Belgium on 26 September.
  
  Unlike some AIF battalions, the 32nd had a relatively quiet time during the German Spring Offensive of 1918 as the 5th Division was largely kept in reserve. The Allies launched their own offensive with the battle of Amiens on 8 August, in which the 32nd Battalion participated. It was subsequently involved in the operations that continued to press the retreating Germans through August and into September. The 32nd fought its last major action of the war between 29 September and 1 October when the 5th and 3rd Australian Divisions and two American divisions attacked the Hindenburg Line across the top of the 6-kilometre-long St Quentin Canal tunnel; the canal was a major obstacle in the German defensive scheme.
  
  The 32nd was resting and retraining out of the line when the war ended on 11 November 1918. On 8 March 1919, after the gradual repatriation of men to Australia, the remnants of the 32nd Battalion were merged with the 30th Battalion.
  
  https://www.awm.gov.au/unit/U51472/ – Australian War Memorial
  
  Robert had 2 children listed on his Enlistment form of 7 August 1916.
  
  Robert James and Doris Ethel were parents to Jean and Robert Reginald James at the time he went to war.
  
  Robert James Heneker came back from the war and lived on until he was 74 years of age, passing away on 13 September 1964.
  
  World War II
  
  Henry Tremelling Heneker
  
  Born on the 23 June 1920 in Hawker, South Australia Henry enlisted at Wayville, South Australia on the 5 July 1943. Henry’s parents were Joseph Charles Heneker and Maureen Sharam. Joseph Charles Heneker was the son of Joseph Heneker, son of James Heneker, therefore Henry was a great grandson of James Heneker 1826-1917.
  
  Henry married Maureen Sharam of Port Augusta on 21 February 1947 at Port Augusta.
  
  At the time of Henry’s enlistment in 1943 he was aged 23 years old.
  
  A photograph of Henry about this time although there is no date.
  
  The South Australian Commonwealth Electoral Rolls, 1939-1943 list Henry as being a Station Hand at Kingooyna. His mother was listed at the same place as “home duties” and his father as a “fettler”.
  
  Henry Tremelling Heneker : Service Number – SX19927
  
  Enlistment date: 5 July 1943
  
  Last Rank: Private
  
  Last Unit: 2nd/43rd Infantry Battalion
  
  Henry died on 14th April 2001 at Port Augusta, South Australia.
  
  2nd/43 Infantry Battalion
  
  The 2nd/43rd Infantry Battalion was formed on 17 July 1940 at Woodside camp, in the Adelaide Hills in South Australia. The battalion was initially raised as part of the 8th Division’s 24th Brigade.
  
  The 24th Brigade was transferred to the newly formed 9th Division in December. The 2nd/43rd left South Australia at the end of December and moved to Melbourne, where it embarked for the Middle East.
  
  The battalion arrived at Egypt at the end of January 1941. The 24th Brigade disembarked at Suez and entrained for Palestine. The 2nd/43rd went into camp at Khassa, north of Gaza.
  
  By early 1941 the British advance in the Western Desert had reached El Agheila. In March the 9th Division was brought to Libya, to garrison the area east of Tobruk. The division did not have enough vehicles to bring all its units forward towards Benghazi. Consequently, the 24th Brigade (comprising the 2nd/43rd, 2nd/28th, and 2nd/32nd Battalions) consolidated and stayed in Tobruk.
  
  The situation quickly changed in April. The German Afrika Korps, leading the Axis counter-attack, pushed the British from El Agheila and the rest of the 9th Division withdrew back into the Garrison of Tobruk. The 9th Division and the 18th Brigade (including the 10th Battalion) defended the “fortress” for the next six months, becoming famous as the “Rats of Tobruk” in the process.
  
  The 2nd/43rd evacuated Tobruk in the early hours of 17 October, as part of the general extraction of the Australian forces. They sailed to Alexandria, from where they were transferred to a camp in Palestine and later to Syria and Lebanon for rest, training, and garrison duties.
  
  By July 1942 the war in North Africa had become critical for the British forces. The Germans and Italians had reached El Alamein in Egypt, about seventy miles from Alexandra. Consequently, the 9th Division was rushed to reinforce the Alamein “box” where they held the northern sector for almost four months as the 8th Army reinforced and re-grouped for a new offensive.
  
  The 2nd/43rd reached the Alamein front on 5 July and two days later conducted a highly successful night raid. The 9th Division attacked on the 15th. On 17 July the 2nd/43rd and 2nd/32nd (comprising the 24th Brigade) moved inland, fighting to Ruin Ridge. The 2nd/32nd led the attack, advancing to the Qattara Track. The 2nd/43rd then followed towards Ruin Ridge, which was later briefly captured by the ill-fated 2/28th later that month. The 2/28th was overrrun at Ruin Ridge by German armour, with many killed or captured.
  
  During the general Allied offensive from 23 October to 4 November, the 24th Brigade was in reserve. Its task was to deceive the Axis forces by carrying out a diversionary operation. The 2nd/43rd and 2nd/28th raided enemy positions, while the 2nd/32nd directed a smokescreen and created dummy positions in no man’s land. The 24th Brigade did not take part in the main fighting until the night of 31 October, when it relieved the 26th Brigade and moved up to the ‘Blockhouse’ . On 1 November the 2nd/43rd suffered over a hundred casualties in just one day, its worst day to that point.
  
  Alamein was a triumph for the Allies although at great cost. By 6 November Axis forces were retreating, further compromised by failing logistics. But by then it had been decided that the 9th Division was to return to Australia. In December the 2nd/43rd went to Gaza, participating in the 9th Division parade on 22 December reviewed by General Alexander. In January 1943 the Division left for the Suez Canal and boarded troopships for Australia. The battalion reached Sydney on 27 February.
  
  Alfred Clifton Heneker – Born: 5 September 1914 in Quorn, South Australia
  
  Parents: Alfred James and Florence Minnie (nee Rogers) Heneker. Father to Alfred James was Thomas Heneker 1860-1942). Alfred was the great grandson of James Heneker 1826-1917
  
  Service Number: S31395 Last Rank: 1941: Last Rank: Corporal:
  
  Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments | Tagged 32nd Australian Infantary Battalion, Anzac Day 2015, Australian Imerpial Forces, Australian War Memorial, Doris Ethel Reeves, Family History, Genealogy, James Heneker 1826-1916, James Heneker jnr 1850-1926, Jean Heneker, Robert James Heneker, Robert Reginald James Heneker, WW1
- The James Heneker’s at Beltana in 1883
  
  Posted at 7:10 pm by heneker52, on April 12, 2015
  In 1883 the South Australian Almanac and Directory 1883 by Josiah Boothy was published.
  
  The 1883 Almanac lists the following information for the township of Beltana, South Australia.
  
  County: Frome, Electoral Distric of Flinders; 398 miles N. Population: 391; Houses, 70 Post, Telegraph, and Money Order Offices – Postmaster, T. Bee. Local Court– J.P. Buttfield, S.M.; Clerk, H.L. Bullen; Bailiff, John Dann. Full and limited jurisdiction last Thursday in every alternate month. Hotel – Beltana (Samuel Gason); Royal Victoria (George Gates). Communication with Adelaide – Train every alternate day.
  
  Residents
  
  Bee, T., post and telegraph master, Hantke, T.J.C. , storekeeper, Pearce, T., storekeeper, Bralla, C. Lineman (telegraph) Hantke, V., storekeeper, Phillipson, N.E. manager Beltana station, Bullen, H.L., clerk local court , Heneker, J. gardener, Heneker, J., jun., miner, Powell, J.H., medical practitioner, Charlton, Geo., miner, Rogers, W., mining captain, Dann, J., sergeant police, Hill, W., miner, Rooney, R., butcher, Doig, J.J. blacksmith, James, H., fruiterer, Rowe, W., blacksmith, Eisfelder, W., saddler, Johnston, W., teamster , Slade, H., teamster, Gason, Saml., Beltana Hotel, Key, Alfred, teamster, Turner, H., Govt. school teacher, Gates, G., Royal Victoria Hotel, Klisser, C.L., storekeeper, Windmill, W.H. telegraph operator, Glynn, Mrs J., McDermott, J., mining prospector, Witherley, A.E., overseer Beltana station, Gunter, W., butcher, Morgan, W.H., mining prospector, O’Brien, T., railway inspector
  
  As can be seen by the entry in the directory for 1883, James Heneker is noted as a gardener. This may seem strange considering that James has always been reported in the media of the day as a Bullock Cart Driver and other roles. However by 1883 James was 57 years of age, and perhaps he had slowed down some? It was told to me via family that James had a love of gardening, as I believe did his father Thomas Heneker. So it may be that this was his main occupation at the time. I am sure that at 57, James still had many good years in him, as he did not die until 1971 at the age of 91. However he had already lived a harsh life, albeit a very active and pioneering life. His son, James Heneker is listed as a miner. James was born in 1850, being 33 years of age in 1883. Some interesting points to consider are as shown in the list of the residents of the town, P. Doig, (Peter Doig) the town’s blacksmith and fellow helper in trying to save members of the Johnson family from the terrible fire that occurred on 15 December 1881. Also mentioned as a resident is W Johnson, a teamster whose family suffered in that tragic event. As well as being neighbours, I wonder if Mr Johnson and James Heneker worked together, both being teamsters. And of course they would have both known Peter Doig the Blacksmith well, when visiting him to care for his horses. The details shown in this almanac help us today to see how such a small township would have been affected by any tragedy that occurred. (see “The Terrible Fire” posted on 18 April 2014)
  - This directory was initially published from 1872-1878 as Boothby’s Directory. from 1879-1883 it was published as Boothby’s South Australian Directory. It later became known as Sands and McDougall’s South Australian Directory, which was well known by many South Australian’s.
  - It’s full title I believe was: The Adelaide almanac and directory for South Australia together with official, ecclesiastical, legal, banking and mercantile directory / by Josiah Boothby, Esq. It was published by J Williams, Stationer, 1872-1883, Adelaide.
  - These days, for people wishing to search this valuable tool, it is available from a number of sources usually on CD.It is available on CD from Gould Genealogy at http://www.gould.com.au/. They also have a shop at Shop 1, 1257 North East Road, Ridgehaven, S.A. Ph: 82632055
  - It is also available for viewing within it’s various publication years at http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/17226056?selectedversion=NBD14501677 (only available to view at the National Library of Australia.
  - It is also available on microfiche at the State Libary of South Australia and can be searched online at
  - http://encore.slsa.sa.gov.au/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1915814__Ssouth%20australian%20almanac%20and%20directory__Orightresult__X5;jsessionid=1C8B4447A57F1838910CF16FD292755A?lang=eng&suite=c
  - Some commercial genealogy sites such as Vital Records, and Find My Past have digitised versions of the directory and are a fee paying service.
  J. Heneker, gardener
  J. Heneker jun., miner
  
  South Australian Almanac and Directory, by Josiah Boothby, 1883, page 139
  
  James Heneker, unknown date.
  
  I am adding the above photograph of James Heneker, which has an unknown date, as I am hoping someone who reads this may know whether it is James Heneker senior born 1826, or James Heneker Junior, born 1850. I have looked for some time to try to date the clothing, however, it is difficult to find much detail. I am tending towards it being James Heneker Junior, only because of the clothing, and that the man looks in his 30’s to me, perhaps even younger? and I tend to think James would have been older by the time a photographer took any photographs. Considering the only photograph’s that exists of James Heneker senior are of both him and Mary Ann Heneker in their elderly years, it again leads me to believe this could be his son James Heneker. I would appreciate any feedback if any reader out there has any idea.
  
  -30.809722
  138.403243
  Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged Almanacs and directories, Beltana, Family History, Genealogy, Gould Genealogy & History, James Heneker 1826-1916, James Heneker jnr 1850-1926, Josiah Boothby 1837-1916, Peter Doig, State Library of South Australia, W Johnson
- James and Mary Ann Heneker at their Beltana, South Australia home 1897
  
  Posted at 5:34 am by heneker52, on April 9, 2015
  
  I have been meaning to post this photograph for some time. I came across it quite a few years ago now, whilst searching the State Library of South Australia photographic collection online. The interesting thing is that I used to work at the State Library, and at the time, in what was the Archives. The State Archives has now been relocated to an outer suburban area, but I wonder if this photograph was there all the time. It is part of a collection by a photographer called Robert Mitchell, who took a series of photographs of the Beltana area, and included some amazing photographs of the Afgan cameelers, who lived in the area and worked with camels, used at the time due to their ability to withstand the heat and lack of water. I will write a further post about their role in the building of the north of South Australia. Back to the photograph of James and Mary Ann. I ordered this to be printed and when I collected it, there was a beautiful A4 size black and white photograph, with so much detail, and the first real photograph I had seen of my great great grandparents that showed me who they were and how they had lived. Having been to Beltana a number of times, with my father, and when I was younger, my memories of that hot barren landscape swept over me, and once again I wondered, how did these people from the green country areas of England manage to not only exist, but flourish, and live long healthy lives in our harsh environment.
  
  James and Mary Ann Heneker of Beltana, South Australia
  
  Seen here outside their Beltana home in 1897. This was their main and last home after a long life in South Australia moving around to various locations. James was well known for driving bullock drays and in this photograph can be seen with a buggy and 2 horses. The home has some scraggly looking gum trees around it, and they would have been much welcomed in the scorching heat of the Northern outback of South Australia. As a comparison is a photograph of their home taken in 1951. The owner at that time is unknown to me, and to my knowledge very little now exists of the home, although when I last checked with the Lands Titles Office in Adelaide in 2009, the land had been bought for approx. $1500. If only I had know it was available for purchase I would have tried to buy it myself.
  
  James and Mary-Ann Heneker at Beltana, South Australia 1897, Robert Mitchell, Photographer, Pictorial Collection B 47483 ONLINE, State Library of South Australia, accessed by Vicki Lovell on 09 April 2015
  
  Unfortunately the above photograph doesn’t replicate as well when cut and pasted into this blog, however it hopefully still gives a good idea of the bare and isolated land that my great great grandparents emigrated to and thrived in.
  
  The same house in 1951 (photographer unknown). The trees sadly have gone, which must have made the property much hotter in the middle of a hot Australian summer.
  
  A story that was handed down to me, has been that James Heneker had a love of gardening. The story continued that in the creek that runs somewhere through or around Beltana, was a place where James planted a tree. And the tree became known as the Heneker Tree. I am not sure where he would have planted the tree, as outback creeks are prone to “flash floods”, and usually the way you can tell there is water around (when in the outback) is to look for a line of trees, as it will mean a creek bed. Whether there is water in the creek is another thing of course!
  
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  Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments | Tagged Afgan Cameleers, Beltana South Australia, Family History, Genealogy, James Heneker 1826-1916, Maryann Spencer, Robert Mitchell Photographer, State Library of South Australia
- James Heneker 1826 – 1916 Obituary
  
  Posted at 8:29 pm by heneker52, on February 11, 2015
  
  Sadly because this is a blog, I can’t insert pages in chronological order, so this may seem out of place, but having come across this information I have had for many years I will add it here, although many people studying the Heneker family may have also seen it. It still makes very interesting reading about an interesting life. Once again I am so pleased this man was my great great grandfather and wish I could have known him.
  
  Mr James Heneker sen., recently died at his residence, Beltana, at the age of 90 years. he was born in Kent of December 4, 1826 and arrived at Holdfast Bay [Glenelg, South Australia] in He arrived on the ship Hoogli [sic] on June 19, 1839. He was employed soon afterwards as a shepherd at the foot of the Black Hill, now Marybank, at 30/- per week…and rations found.
  
  He was afterwards shepherding at Thebarton, when the first house was built there. He remembered the funeral of Colonel Light [Col Light designed the city of Adelaide], and the Rev. C.B. Howard, the first colonial chaplain.At one time he worked as a bullock driver for Mr John Hill, who raised the flag at the proclamation of the province. [also at Glenelg].
  
  View of the Beltana Cemetery, South Australia (after some rain)
  
  James Heneker’s Headstone at Beltana Cemetery, Beltana, South Australia
  
  He formed one of the party of 13 soldiers who were sent to the Murray in the early days to protect people travelling from New South Wales with cattle and sheep. It was Mr. Heneker’scartwheel which in 1841 turned up the galena on the Glen Osmond hill and led to the discovery of the Wheal Watkins silver mine, which was worked profitably awhile, and which was probably the first mine opened up in South Australia. Mr Heneker, while in the employ of Mr. Smith, commonly known as Long Jim”, drove the second lot of miners to the Burra Burra mine. In 1847 and 1848 he worked for the late Hon. J. Baker, and assisted to build that gentleman’s house at Morialta. He was married on December 18, 1849 at Trinity Church, Adelaide by Dean Farrell, to Mary Ann, daughter of Mr Joseph Spencer of Hampshire, England. Miss Spencer arrived from England in October 1839. Mr Heneker lived for a time at Dawesley, and then in the South-East for a few years. He went to Blinman in 1869 and had remained in the north ever since. In 1871 he was engaged to cart poles for the overland telegraph line and travelled as far north as Alice Springs. Mrs and Mrs Heneker, on the celebration of their gold wedding, were entertained by their relatives and friends in the Beltana Jubilee Hall. Mrs Heneker died in the Port Augusta Hospital on August 26 1915. Mr Heneker retired from work about seven years ago, on account of his age. There are three sons (Messrs James Heneker, of Beltana, Joseph Heneker, of Hawker [my great grandfather] and Thomas Heneker of Stone Hut, two daughters (Mrs Martha White of Blinman and Mrs Thomas Blinman of Beltana). 34 grandchildren and 40 great grandchildren.
  
  This obit was published in The Advertiser (Adelaide, S.A. : 1889-1931) Tuesday 6 March 1917, page 6.
  
  [retrieved from http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/printArticleJpg/5567520/3 on 04/04/2012]
  
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  Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments | Tagged Beltana South Australia, Family History, Genealogy, James Heneker 1826-1916, Mary Ann Spencer, Obituary, South Australia History
- More stories of James Heneker and his Bullock Teams
  
  Posted at 8:04 am by heneker52, on July 8, 2014
  
  There is obviously a previous article about this following story, so I need to search Trove and find it. Once again James Heneker has been mentioned in regard to Bullock Teams and his experiences. He obviously became very experienced in the field of driving these teams, a very tough job I would think, and one that involved a confident and man with a good knowledge of these animals.
  
  “THOSE HARDY PIONEER BULLOCKS.— The paragraphs recently published in reference to bullock-teams have evoked an interesting letter from a resident of Beltana, who signs himself “Bosphorus.” The writer says that in that northern wilderness and home of the bovine the question has called forth a great deal of discussion. Mr. James Heneker, who was in charge of one of tho teams of bullocks spoken of in the correspondence, is still a most respected and enthusiastic resident of Beltana. The team he drove consisted of forty-four bullocks and not forty -six as represented, and in climbing the hill with machinery for the old Bremer Mine the
  tackling was fixed to the lower and not the upper part of a tree, because of the length of the team, and by this means the hill was successfully crossed. Although the event happened over forty years ago the old gentleman remembered all the circumstances connected herewith, and even mentioned that he breakfasted that morning on poached eggs and a pint of beer.”
  
  From: Thursday 23 Dec 1897 South Australian Register
  
  Posted in Bremer Mine, Family History, Genealogy, South Australia | 0 Comments | Tagged Beltana South Australia, Bremer Mine, Bullock Teams, James Heneker 1826-1916, South Australia
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