Image above: Rev. John Lambert Reid M.A. (18 Oct 1831 - 19 Jan 1911) Father of Henry Newman Reid. 'The newspaper cutting with the photo of the late Rev John Reid and a large copy of the other photo taken of my great grandfather was the image of him that I grew up with. My grandmother, Agnes, who lived with our family until I was about 6 told of how he could speak several languages and that he was a learned man' — Joan Painter, NZ, Great grandaughter. (Portrait appears by kind permission of the owner.)  |
Preacher and lecturer
MARY ANN MERRILEES (1831 - 1918)
Parents of Henry Newman Reid (1862 - 1947)
John Lambert Reid was born at Scoonie, Leven, Fife, Scotland on October 18th, 1831 [8] the eldest child of Robert Reid (1808-1855), bookseller, and Catherine Lambert, daughter of Andrew Lambert, weaver of Linktown, Abbotshall, Kirkcaldy. Robert and Catherine were married on November 18th, 1830 at Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland. [7] Robert was born in 1808 the son of John Reid of St Cuthbert's parish in Edinburgh. He had a brother John, merchant with ties to South America, and another named Alexander, master gardener in Angus (Fife) Scotland. [15]
Robert was a bookseller and stationer at 36 High St, Leven, from Oct 1834 and a printer between 1839-54. He possibly went to Leven because of the death in February 1834 of John Elder, Pastor of the Congregational Chapel in Leven who also acted as librarian, bookseller and stationer. In 1852, Robert was recorded as bookseller, stationer, printer, sub-distributor of stamps and circulating library. He went bankrupt in August 1854, and he and his family emigrated to Australia, although John Lambert Reid remained behind. [13]
The family arrived in Melbourne on April 7th, 1855 on 'Ralph Waller'. [10] Family members on the passenger list were Robert and wife Catherine and their seven children: Agnes C, adult; Margaret K, adult; Alison C, adult; Sarah, child; Rachael, child; Lydia, child; and Robert, child. Another adult, Barbara W Reid, also immigrated with the family. Unfortunately, about 1000 miles out of Melbourne, the ship sprung a leak after a collison with an iceberg, and everyone had to take turns at the pumps. He survived the ship's arrival in Melbourne only six weeks, dying on 3 June 1855. His son, Robert Reid provided for his mother and seven sisters from the age of 13. His sisters were Margaret, Alison Crease, Sarah and Sarah Isabella, Lydia, Catherine and Alison. One of two children named Sarah did not immigrate, probably because she had died an infant. All were born at Leven (Scoonie parish) on the south coast of the county 10 miles south-west of the seaport of Kirkcaldy. [8]
John married Mary Ann Mireylees the year prior to his familiy's migration on May 3rd, 1854 at St Mary's, Dundee. [11, 14] Mary Ann was born in Edinburgh on March 15th, 1831 to parents Robert Fletcher Mireylees (1803-1881), commission agent and later a jeweller, and Catherine Louisa Wright ( -1891) who had married at Edinburgh on January 21st, 1830. [4, 11] Her father, Robert, died aged 78 on November 14th, 1881. Her mother Louisa died aged 81 at 270 Leith Walk, Edinburgh, on December 9th, 1891. [12] Whilst John's wife Mary and his children were livimg at Edinburgh until at least 1861, John was not registered there on Census nights. In these early years, he was an actor, drama critic and Shakespearean scholar.
John completed a Master of Arts at Edinburgh, then became a 'Lecturer on Theology and Philosophy in the principle English Congregational College' and tutored Lord Roseberry, a future Prime Minister of Britain. Roseberry lived in London and attended preparatory schools in Hertfordshire and Brighton then Eton. The 'principle college' was probably New College, London, opposite St James Park. It was founded in 1850 by merger of three other schools and trained congregational ministers. John and Mary had five children in Britain: William Eliot, born 1858; Mary Anne Lambert, born 1859, Louisa, born 1861; Henry Newman himself, born 1862; and Agnes, born 1863. [4, 11]
Their last child, Agnes, was born at Northampton on August 7th, 1863. Her father's occupation was stated 'comedian' on her birth certificate. The family emigrated from Liverpool to Melbourne in June 1864 on the clipper 'Empress of the Sea', ten years after John's parents and siblings. [1, 5] Five more children were born in Victoria between 1864-73: John in 1864 who died in 1865; Alison in 1868; Edith in 1869; Edward Crichton in 1872, and Kezia McCallum in 1873. [4, 11] Another son, Andrew Lambert, was born in 1866 but died in 1889, just 23 years of age. [4, 10] Henry's first son was born that year and named after him.
John was a minister of the East St Kilda Congregational Church, corner Hotham and Inkerman Streets, first established in 1865. He helped to found the Melbourne Shakespeare Society, one of the oldest literary societies in Australia, having been in continuous existence since 1884. Edward Ellis Morris (1843-1902), was foundation president of the Society in 1884-88 and also headmaster of Melbourne Grammar School 1875-82. John was also Chairman of the Baptist Union of Victoria in 1877. [18] Amongst family records are invitations to The Rev John Reid & Mrs Reid to events marking the opening of the Parliament of the Commonwealth by His Royal Highness The Duke of Cornwall and York held 7th, 9th and 10th May 1901. The invitations were addressed to The Rev. J. Reid, M.A., Trustee Public Library, Hotham Street, St Kilda.
 |
| Image above: Former East St Kilda Congregational Church, corner Hotham & Inkerman Streets. Eminent men associated with the foundation of the church and who served as deacons were Thomas Fulton (1813-1859) and Sir Frederick Sargood (1834-1903) the owner of the spectacular house and garden Ripponlea designed by architect Joseph Reed. The Hon. George Rolfe, a state politician who served in both Houses of Parliament, donated land in Westbury Street (originally called Cannon Street). A wooden chapel was built, which had 180 seatings and was opened on 15 September 1865. The minister was the Reverend W. H. Lawrence. Rolfe served as the Superintendent of the Sunday school for many years. The present building was opened on 10 May 1888. (Source: St Kilda Historical Society) |
Henry Newman Reid married Lucy Marsden in Victoria in 1888.
Kezia McCallum Reid (1873- ) married Thomas William Cooper in 1895 in Victoria. [4]
English born Agnes (1861- ) immigrated from Victoria to Alexandra in Otago, NZ, where she married Kenneth McLeay Phin on August 2nd, 1899, both at the age of 36 years. [1, 6]
Andrew Lambert Reid (1866-1889), died at just 23 years of age. [4, 17] He was a newsagent who began Mildura's first circulating library and was buried on the original "Mildura" pastoral lease and station established 1847, now The Old Mildura Homestead. [65] Henry's first son, born the year his brother Andrew died, was possibly named in his memory.
Mary Ann Reid (née Mirilees) died in Victoria in 1918, aged about 87. [4]
Henry's uncle, Robert, had suffered from diabetes for ten years and died in diabetic coma on 12 May 1904 in a London hotel, while on holiday, and was buried in Hampstead cemetery. Reid's wife, Mary Jane, née Clancy, whom he had married at his mother's house in Punt Road, Richmond, on 2 February 1865, survived him with four sons and six daughters. His estate was sworn for probate at £196,501. Sons continued the family business and his daughter Isabelle Bruce (1883-1945) was an early woman veterinary surgeon.
 |
| Image above: Reid Family in 1887 at the Manse of the East St Kilda Congregational Church, corner Hotham & Inkerman Streets:- William, 29; one of Mary-Anne, 28, or Louisa, 26; Henry, 25; Agnes, 24; Andrew, 21; Alison, 19; Edith, 18; Edward, 15; Kezia, 14. 'Our guess is that William and Andrew are not there and that one of the older girls is either Mary Anne or Louisa.' (Source: Joan Painter, NZ) |
The Rev John Lambert Reid died at Wright Street, Middle Park, on January 19th, 1911, numerous obituaries appeared in the papers, including these in Melbourne 'Punch' and the 'Weekly Times':
'The Rev. John Reid is mourned. It is alleged he became an actor in Scotland and that his Shylock and Iago were much approved. However, he received a first-rate education, ending with Edinburgh University. Brother of the hon. Robert Reid, but not related to Sir G. H. Reid, who had a brother, Hugh R. Reid, the merchant. John Reid's prime love was for Shakespeare. Did much dramatic criticism in Scotland. Helped to found the Melbourne Shakespeare Society, and was its secretary. However, he had many other claims. Lord Rosebery's tutor. Lecturer on Theology and Philosophy in the principle English Congregational College. Wrote largely for the press. Preached often for Congregational, Presbyterians and Unitarians. Altogether one of our strongest intellectual forces. Withal remarkably amicable.' [19]
'The Rev. John Reid, M. A. died at Wright Street, Middle Park, on January 19. Mr Reid was well-known as a preacher and lecturer. He also attained some prominence in literature. He was elder brother of the late Mr. Robert Reid. Deceased who was 79 years of age leaves three sons.' [21]
John was buried at Brighton Cemetery.
Remembrance Day, 2007. For Jack and hockey's once and future champions.
© 2007 Ross Carpenter B Arch (RMIT) M Des (Urban Design) ARAIA.
All Rights Reserved. Original Research Nov 07. Reproduction prohibited without prior written permission of the author except for the inclusion of brief quotations in a review.
Citations and Notes:
[1] 'Merrilees Clan Website' Online, Henry's mother, Mary Ann Mirilees, belongs to the Merrilees Clan MFA Tree #9. All of the Merrilees Family Tree branches in Australia and New Zealand are proven by DNA testing to be related through a common ancestor, currently identified by MFA research as James Mirrileyis (born abt 1610) who married Elspeth Blair in Ormiston in 1641. James was a blacksmith in Pencaitland, East Lothian. The first member of this family to go to New Zealand was Henry's sister, 36-yr-old Agnes Reid in 1899. She was the fifth child born to Mary Ann Mireylees and Dr John Lambert Reid in Scotland before the family emigrated to Australia in 1864, where four other siblings were born. Agnes immigrated from Australia to Alexandra in Otago and married Kenneth McLeay Phin. Henry Newman Reid links to the Merrilees common ancestor through Robert Mireylees (abt 1780) and Euphemia Dunbar who married in Edinburgh, 15 March 1799.
[2] '1841 Scotland Census', Name: Mary Ann Mireylees, Birth: abt 1831 - Midlothian, Scotland, Residence: township, Midlothian
[3] '1861 Scotland Census', Name: Mary A L Reid, Birth: abt 1832 - Midlothian, Scotland, Residence: city, Midlothian
[4] 'Australian Births Deaths and Marriages Index', Public Records Office Victoria' Mary Ann Reid (nee Merrilees) Death Reg No: 5211/1918, father Robert Mireylees, mother Catherine Louisa Wright. Children of John Lambert Reid and Mary Ann Mirilees born in Victoria: John Reid, born: 1864 Reg No: 24343; Alison Reid, born: 1868 Reg No: 10018; Edith Reid, born: 1869 Reg No: 21179; Kezia McCallum Reid born: 1873, Reg No: 5950.
Marriage of Kezia McCallum Reid to Thomas Cooper in 1895, Reg No: 2909.
[5] 'Unassisted Immigration to Victoria: Index of Inward Passenger Lists for British, Foreign and New Zealand Ports 1852-1923', Public Record Office Victoria, Fiche 232 pp. 5 and 7, 'Empress of the Seas', arr. Port Phillip Jun 1864 from British Port, passengers: Parents John aged 31 and Mary A aged 30, Children William, aged 6; Mary, aged 4, Louisa, aged 3; Henry, aged 2; and baby Agnes.
The Public Records Office database records the 1961 voyage as 'Empress of the Sea' and the 1864 and onward voyages were 'Empress of the Seas' (plural). The latter ship was an extreme clipper built by Donald Mackay and destroyed in 1861 as noted below. It could not have made the 1864 voyage yet that is how it is recorded in the PRO database. 'Empress of the Sea' was a smaller 1,243 tons wooden ship fastened with iron bolts and also owned by the famous Black Ball line of Liverpool, built in 1863 at Hilyard in New Brunswick. She was a Liverpool to Melbourne ship and probably sailed her maiden voyage on that run under Capt Davis in 1864. When the owners of the shipping line, James Baines & Co, were in financial troubles in the 1860s, Capt. Thomas Williams bought some of the old wooden ships from them, including 'Empress of the Sea', in 1866, which he sold in 1871. Capt. Williams of Parciau, Criccieth and Liverpool, was formerly Master then Marine Superintendant with the Black Ball Line.
'Empress of the Seas' James Baines & Co purchased this large extreme clipper built by Donald Mackay in September 1860 from Wilson & Sons of Baltimore. She soon joined the Black Ball fleet on the Liverpool-Melbourne run. On her second voyage, she made a phenomenally fast passage to Melbourne in 66 1/2 days. One source says she was anchored off Port Phillip at the quarantine station at Port Nepean waiting for the morning tide of December 19, 1861 to begin the homeward passage, when a fire in the fore hold broke out that destroyed her. Mackay also built 'Sovereign of the Sea's and 'Champion of the Seas'.
[6] 'Register of New Zealand Presbyterian Marriages 1848 to 1930', Alexandra - Clyde Parish Marriages 1868 to 1920, Parish Code 23/2, PHIN Kenneth McLeay, age 36y REID Agnes, age 36y, 2 Aug 1899, Reg No. 23/2/3, Online
[7] 'International Genealogical Index' Old parochial registers for Kirkcaldy, 1614-1867 Church of Scotland. Parish Church of Kirkcaldy (Fifeshire Parish 442) (Main Author), Batch No: M114429, Source Call No: 1040187, Printout: 6901904. Microfilm of original records in the New Register House, Edinburgh. Marriage of Robert Reid and Catherine Lambert on 18 Nov 1830, Kirkcaldy, Fife, Scotland.
[8] 'International Genealogical Index' Old Parochial Registers for Scoonie 1667-1854, Fife, Scotland. Church of Scotland, Parish Church of Scoonie (Fifeshire Parish 456) (Main Author), Batch No: C114566; Source Call No: 1040190, Printout: 6900787. Microfilm of original records in the New Register House, Edinburgh.
Children of Robert Reid and Catherine Lambert born at Scoonie, Fife: John b. 18 Oct 1831 (matches age immigration ±2y; matches middle-name of son John 'Lambert' Reid); Agnes b. 10 Oct 1834; possible twins Margaret b. 12 Jun 1836 and Alison Crease b. 21 Jul 1836; Sarah b. 9 Jun 1840; Robert b. 17 Oct 1842; Sarah Isabella b. 27 Jul 1844, bp. 2 Sep 1844; Lydia Catherine b. 2 Jul 1847, bp. 27 Jul 1847; Rachel b. 27 Jun 1850, bp. 21 Jul 1850 The names Alison and Agnes are traditional namesakes for children of John Lambert Reid and Mary Ann.
[9] 'Reid, Robert (1842 - 1904)', Margaret Steven, Australian Dictionary of Biography, Volume 11, Melbourne University Press, 1988, pp 356-357.
[10] 'Unassisted Immigration to Victoria: Index of Inward Passenger Lists for British, Foreign and New Zealand Ports 1852-1923', Public Record Office Victoria, Fiche 091, p. 003, 'Ralph Waller', arr. Apr 1855, to Port Phillip (Melbourne) from British Port, passengers: Parents: Robert, adult; Catherine, adult; Children: Margaret K, adult; Agnes C, adult; Alison C, adult; Barbara W, adult; Sarah, child; Lydia, child; Robert, child; Rachael, child. One of two daughters named Sarah did not immigrate.
[11] Mirrilees Family Association, New Zealand, Tree 09, 2007. H N Reid's mother: Mary Ann Mireylees b. 15 Mar 1831, Edinburgh, d. 1918, Aus m. 3 May 1854, Dundee John Lambert Reid. H N Reid's brothers: John Reid b. 1864 d. 1865 Aus; William Eliot Reid b. 1858 d. 1939, Aus; Andrew Lambert Reid b. 1868, Aus d. 1889, Aus; Edward Crichton b. 1872. Sisters: Mary Anne Lambert b. 1859 d. 1946; Louisa b. 1861; Agnes b. 1863, England, d. 1956, NZ, m. 1899 Kenneth Phin; Alison b. 1868 d. 1955, Aus; Edith b. 1869 d. 1947, Aus; Kezia McCallum b. 1873 d. 1958, m. 1895 Thos Wm Cooper, ch. Robert, John and William.
[12] 'Merrilees Clan Association', Caroline Merrylees and Joan Painter, Nov. 2007, Merrylees family deaths:
D1881 14-11-1881, Robert Fletcher Mireylees, wife Louisa Catherine Wright, occ commission agent, age 78, father Robert, upholstery master (dec.), mother Euphemia Dunbar, cause: bronchitis 7 days, informant Edward Mireylees, son.
D1891 9-12-1891, Louisa Catherine (Mireylees) Wright, at 270 Leith Walk, age 81, husband Robert Fletcher Mireylees, jeweller (dec.), father Thomas Wright, gold dealer, mother Mary Ann Spencer, cause: influenza 7 days, informant W. C. Mireylees, son usual address, 5 Prospect Place, Edinburgh.
D1905 9-6-1905, William Crichton Mireylees, at 5 Prospect Place Edinburgh, wife Mary Kent, occ. mercantile clerk, age 67, father Robert Fletcher, publican (dec.), mother Louisa Catherine Wright (dec.), cause: acute congestion of lungs, 5 days, sudden cardiac failure, informant R. Mireylees, son, usual residence Rossire? Place.
[13] 'Scottish Book Trade Index (SBTI)', National Library of Scotland, Online, Transcript:
REID, Robert bookseller and stationer Leven, 36 High Street. October 1834 and printer same address 1839-August 1854. Robert Reid was the son of John Reid of St Cuthbert's parish in Edinburgh, and was born in 1808. On 18 November 1830 he married, in Kirkcaldy, Catherine Lambert, daughter of Andrew Lambert, weaver in Linktown. His occupation at that time is given as bookbinder. He possibly came to Leven because of the death in February 1834 of John Elder, Pastor of the Congregational Chapel in Leven also acted as librarian, bookseller and stationer. In 1852 he was recorded as bookseller, stationer, printer, sub-distributor of stamps and circulating library. He went bankrupt in August 1854, and he and his family emigrated to Australia. Unfortunately, about 1000 miles out of Melbourne, the ship sprung a leak, and everyone had to take turns at the pumps. He survived the ship's arrival in Melbourne only six weeks, dying on 3 June 1855.
Campbell Leven; Pigot 1837; Slater 1852.
[14] 'International Genealogical Index' Old Parochial Registers, Parish Church of Dundee. Batch No: M112825 Source 0993404 Printout 6902959, John Lambert m. Mary Ann Mirreylees 3 May 1854 Dundee, Angus, Scotland.
[15] 'Rootsweb posts by Bill Bell of Brunswick, Victoria'. Online. 3 Dec 2005: In 1893 The Honorable Robert Reid, Minister for Defence and Health from the Colony of Victoria Australia gave a lecture in Vancouver; 27 Dec 2006: Re Table Talk article [59]: Now as far as I can work out the Uncle would have been either John - who was a merchant with ties to South America or Alexander who was a Master Gardener in Angus Scotland. The Robert Reid I am looking for would have been born in 1846 [1746?]. There are two Reid's in the First Fleet who are not convicts that I can find: Robinson Reid Carpenter HMS Supply; Reid H first mate Storeship Borrowdale. Now allowing for the difficulty of reading many old records that have been hand written both Reid's could fit the bill particularly Reid H as it would be easy to see a R as H. The first Reid is more problematical as it would be harder to fit Robert into Robinson. 17 Sep 2006: Robert Reid and his children and Edward and William Bates who married into the Reid family. Robert Reid lived at "Belmont" in the Balwyn/Deepdene area. Edward Bates at "Mileela" and was a partner in Bates Smart McCutcheon. William Bates lived at "Larino" and was a Director of Robert Reid & Co and Buckley & Nunn as was his wife Catherine Reid in 1893. 17 Sep 2006: bibliographical details of Robert Reid.
[16] 'Table Talk', Melbourne, November 25 1889 p 5 to 6, extract reproduced in main body.
[17] 'Mildura Pioneers Gravesite (The Old Mildura Homestead)', Elizabeth Jansen, 2006. The 'The Old Mildura Homestead' has buildings which include a reconstruction of the first settlement in Mildura, c1847. Official description: 'The Old Mildura Homestead is an accurate reconstruction of the first home built in Mildura in 1847. It is built on the site of the original "Mildura" pastoral lease and station. An adjoining brick building is identical to the extension added when the Chaffey family lived here. Graves nearby include those of some members of the Chaffey family.' The site includes six known graves. The Victorian Death Index lists a further 14 believed to have died at Mildura before the official Cemetery was established. The sign reads: 'Mildura Station Graveyard Burials, site of Mildura burials before the opening of Mildura Cemetery...Died 1889, A L Reid A newsagent who began Mildura's first circulating library', and names the 5 others with descriptions. Includes photographs of the grave of Andrew Lambert Reid (1866-1889). Online
[18] 'The Argus', Tuesday, Nov 7 1877 p5b
[19] 'Melbourne Punch', Thursday January 26, 1911. Transcribed by William Bell, May 2007, from State Library of Victoria microfilm.
[20] 'British Census, 1841, 1851, 1861', In 1841, Mary Ann Mireyless, age 10, residing at 4 Calton Hill, South Leith; in 1851, age 19 living at 44 Parkside St, Edinburgh; in 1861 residing with her mother, Louisa Mireylees, at 35 W Norton Place, Edinburgh with three children William, Mary and Louisa.
[21] 'The Weekly Times', Melbourne, January 28, 1911, p. 26. Transcribed by William Bell Nov 2005 from State Library of Victoria microfilm.