James Eddy
James Eddy was the son of John Eddy and Elizabeth Clemens. It was reported that he was born in 1828 and christened on 6 July 1828 in St. Just in Penwith, Cornwall. However other information suggests 1830 as the year of birth.
In the census of 1841, James Eddy is recorded as age 11 and his occupation as "Miner Tin & Copper".
On 27 August 1848 in St Just in Penwith, James married Jane Uren (she had been born in 1830 in Sennen, Cornwall)
As noted on John Kimber's web-site, a number of inter-related Cornish families emigrated on ship William Money, departing Plymouth in September 1848 and arriving in South Australia on 3 January 1849. James Eddy and his wife, Jane, were passengers; also on the ship was James' brother John Clements Eddy and his wife and child. The families participated in the copper mining industry in Burra until the discovery of gold in Victoria.
For much of his life, James Eddy resided in a weatherboard house in Eaglehawk, a neighbourhood in the mining town of Maldon in Victoria.
Details of James and Jane's children are not confirmed but are thought to be as follows; any further information would be appreciated.
- William James Eddy, reported asborn Adelaide, South Australia, in 1854 and died in same year; however it is thought the family moved to Victoria at an earlier date.
- William James Eddy, another son of the same name, born in Creswick, Victoria, in 1857; William married Elizabeth Jane Webster, reported to have been in 1878, and it is thought their children may have been:
- Margaret Jane Eddy, daughter of William James and Eliza Jane Eddy, of Maldon, was born on 5 September 1879 and baptised at Maldon Methodist Church on 31 March 1882;
- William Eddy Eddy, son of William James and Eliza Jane Eddy, residing at Eaglehawk, was born on 7 April 1880 and baptised at Maldon Methodist Church on 2 June 1880;
- John Webster Eddy, son of William James & Eliza Jane Eddy was born on 7 November 1881 and baptised in Maldon Methodist Church on 31 March 1882;
- James Eddy, son of William and Eliza Jane Eddy, residing at Eaglehawk, was born on 28 May 1884 and baptised at Maldon Methodist Church on 14 September 1885.
Jane died on 5 December 1859, apparently as a result of complications from childbirth.
A few years later, in 1866, James married again. His second wife was Elizabeth Sangster, who had been born in 1849 in Aberdeen, Scotland, the daughter of Robert Sangster and Ann Sosson Watt. It is understood that James and Elizabeth were parents of the folowing children, and further information would be welcome.
- Margaret Ann Eddy, born in Maldon, Victoria in 1868. According to records of Maldon State School (obtained through Maldon Museum and Archives Association), Margaret Eddy, age 5 years and 2 months, daughter of James Eddy of Eaglehawk ("dist 1" possibly meaning distance of residence half a mile from the school, and occupation "mining manager") was admitted to the school in August 1873 and left in June 1883. Margaret married John Edward Austin in 1896.
- Maude Litia Eddy, also known as Amanda Lisma Eddy, born in Maldon, Victoria in 1870. Amanda Eddy, age 4 years and 3 months, was admitted to Maldon State School in September 1874 (although "dist." is recorded as ".5" in this instance). Amanda married Frederich Hotton in 1895; died in 1938.
- Agnes Eddy, born in Craigie, Victoria, in 1873. Agnes Eddy, age 5 years and 1 month, was admitted to Maldon State School in February 1878. Agnes married Charles Edwards in 1898; died in 1928.
Extract from Tarrangower Times newspaper, Wednesday, 11 January 1893 :
A highly esteemed and old resident of Maldon passed away peacefully from this earth on Saturday evening last about half-past five in the person of Mr James Eddy. The deceased gentleman had been in delicate health for the past two years, and even for several years previous he was not very robust. His death was not unexpected: Dr Farr, who was very attentive in attending Mr Eddy, expressed some surprise at him lingering so long. The deceased was highly respected by all who knew him, and was of an unassuming disposition, and while he did not enjoy the best of health his spirits were always of a cheerful nature. Mr Eddy was a pious church-man, and as a member of the Bible Christian Church his sterling qualities were always admired. Mr Eddy was a member of the Independent Order of Rechabites. Mr Eddy was born in St. Just, Cormvall, in 1830, and was therefore 63 years of age. In 1849 he landed at Adelaide, and worked in the copper mines in South Australia; but when gold was reported to be found in Victoria he crossed over to this colony in 1852. and after encountering the customary vicissitudes of the early settlers he finally made Tarrangower his place of residence, where he lived for about 30 years. Some years back Mr Eddy visited India in connection with the mining industry, being employed by an English company. He has occupied the managership of several mining ventures in and around Maldon with credit, but had to relinquish these pursuits when his health began to fail. Mrs Eddy and family still reside in Maldon. Yesterday afternoon the funeral took place at the Maldon cemetery, and was largely attended the cortege of mourners being a very long one. The coffin was placed within the Bible Christian Church. and at 4 o'clock a brief requiem service was conducted there by the Rev. T. J. Cory, who also officiated at the grave. The Rev. Mr. Isaacs read the Rechabite funeral address. Next Sunday evening Mr. Corey will preach a funeral sermon touching upon deceased. The mortuary arrangements were carried out satisfactorily by Mr. H. W. Evans.
Thanks to Maldon Museum and Archives Association
especially Ms Sam Palmer, for providing some of the above information.
