Thomas Eddy
Thomas Eddy was the son of John Clements Eddy and Mary Ann Nankervis. Thomas was born on 15 February 1855 in Maryborough, Victoria. The birth was registered as an unnamed male, but the details are consistent with that given by Thomas when he married. The age stated for him on his mother's death certificate had caused confusion suggesting he had been born at a later date.
Thomas Eddy married Elizabeth Searle at Naringaningalook, Victoria, on 27 October 1881. It is thought the couple remained living in this part of Victoria for the remainder of their lives. They were parents to 16 children, 14 of whom survived beyond infancy. The children were:
- Henry Searle Eddy, b. 13 February 1882.
- Mary Henrietta Eddy, b.15 June 1883; married Harry David William Dowsett.
- Frederick James Eddy, b. 30 June 1884.
- Frances Evelyn Eddy, b. 24 March 1886.
- Robert Perceval Eddy, b. 09 April 1890. Spouse's name Blodwin - moved to Wales, was gassed in 1st world war.
- Edwin Ernest Eddy, b. 01 April 1892, died 31 July 1919 as result of wounds suffered in First World War.
- Emily Eddy, b. 22 September 1893. Apparently died young.
- Emily Eddy, b. 23 October 1894; married George Victor Welsh in 1915.
- Boy (stillborn) 18. July 1896.
- Morgan Searle Eddy, b. 19 June 1897.
- Alister Eddy, b. 09 April 1899.
- Cecilia Jane Eddy, b. 30 July 1900.
- Cicily May Eddy, b. 01 November 1902.
- Cordelia Patience Eddy, b. 25 September 1903.
- Vanetta Eddy, b. 07 October 1905.
- Victor Searle Eddy, b. 07 October 1905 (twins).
click for enlargement
The above photograph was taken in the year 2003. It is located on the site of the farm, which was formerly occupied by Thomas Eddy, located on what is now Union Road, Dunbulbalane, near its intersection with the Numurkah-Katamatite Road, about mid-way between these two towns. Further information about the location is provided with information about Thomas' brother, Richard Eddy. While the style of the house appears consistent with the late 19th and early 20th century, it has not been confirmed that this was actually Thomas' home.
Strictly the name "Naringaningalook" applied to the locality on the other side of the Numurkah-Katamatite Road; a small plaque commemorating the Naringaningalook Church of England is located directly across from the former property of Thomas Eddy, immediately on the other side of the Numurkah-Katamatite Road. It is not known if Thomas Eddy had another property in the Naringaningalook area. However, if one refers to information (on the page about Richard Eddy) about the interchangeable use of the names Dunbulbalane and Invergordon, it appears that locality names may have been used loosely and that the Eddy property, which was across the road from the strict boundary of Naringaningalook, may sometimes have been referred to as being in that location.
It is recorded that Thomas died on 29 June 1923 in Dunbulbalane (strictly this was the location of his home). He was buried in Numurkah Cemetery with his wife and their son, Edwin, who had died in 1919 as a result of injuries suffered in World War I.
Tthanks to Michelle Welsh for some of the above information. Michelle's husband, Robert, is a descendant of Thomas Eddy.
Thanks also to Rosemary Elizabeth Dale, who is a great-granddaughter of Thomas Eddy and Elizabeth Searle.
