Edward George Hickson and his wife Lucy Mary Ann
Aylett, settled in Toolleen in 1859 and had 10 children
In his obituary in the “Bendigo Advertiser” on
Thursday 23rd December, 1915, it was reported that “an old resident
of Toolleen had died at the age of 78. He had been a carrier between Toolleen
and Bendigo and that he would be buried at the Heathcote Cemetery”. Lucy lived
on for many years until she passed away in 1942
Some of the Hickson descendants are still farming
nearby in Muskerry East, ( the
youngest descendant present at our Reunion was Lexi Hickson, 7 months, who belongs to one of those families).
The eldest descendant present was Mr Ron Hickson who
is 99 and will turn 100 years of age in mid-April 2018
In 2019, we will celebrate 160 years since his arrival
to Melbourne from County Kerry in Ireland.
This was our 10th Family Reunion since our
first one in 1984 when the book “Dawn of Hope” outlining the history of the
Hickson family, was launched.
Nearly 80 family members and invited friends of the
Hickson family attended.
Each reunion we cut an Anniversary Cake and have items
of memorabilia featuring our family crest for sale. Our motto is “Fide et
Fortitudine” which means “By Faith and Fortitude”.
Toolleen Tin Shed -A unique historic venue with its
array of farm and blacksmith implements along with other local history
memorabilia which added to the nostalgic ambiance.
This display was supplemented on the day, by many
items brought to the Reunion by the descendants. This year, the exceedingly
SIGNIFICANT item unearthed was the mislaid Hickson Family Bible !!
Family members were overjoyed to view photos in the front of the bible, many
unseen previously.
This Reunion’s updated booklet, included research into
the family history as far back as 1749 noting Edward George’s grandfather,
Robert Fitzjohn Hickson, Esq. from Dingle in Ireland.
Before each Reunion, the family charts are up-dated
and been available for sale. New information
and modifications, can be sent at any time to Elaine Longford ( nee Welshe)
email: elongford@sme.com.au or to Cheryl Payne ( nee Hickson) email: cherylgracepayne@gmail.com.au
Notes by Cheryl Payne.
