Caroline's birth and early life at Mount Jeffcott

Carrie Cox at school

Caroline COX lived at Mount Jeffcott until the age of 14 years, when she left for South Melbourne to begin teacher training.

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This is a transcript of page 1 a 6 page hand written school activity. Click on the .pdf icon to read the whole activity.

Donald Show Results: the display in the Miscellaneous Class was one of the greatest attractions of the show. The winners of the prizes were too numerous to particularise. For the special prize given by Mr PJ Hoban, there was considerable competition. Master Killen, of Jeffcott, won the boys' prize and Miss C Cox of Jeffcott, won the girls' prize. Special: Writing (for girls under 15) to be the copy books, exercise books and house lessons for girls attending school. First prize 10s[hillings], second prize 5s[hillings] Miss C Cox of Jeffcott 1^st.

In 1899 a concert was held at Jeffcott North, when prizes were awarded for the year's work, but all pupils were given a book, as there were sufficient funds. Prize winners were: VI class: Iris Hamilton 1, Caroline Cox 2.

Source: Jeffcott History Research Committee, The View from the Mount

Examples from Carrie COX's school book dated 1888

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Above: A map of Tasmania Right top: A page of maths Right: A page of composition about flax. Clicking on the images will open the full A4 page image.

Her teaching career

Caroline started teaching on 15 December 1890 at South Melbourne School (School number 1253) on Dorcas Street, Melbourne. She was aged 14 years, five months and 26 days old.

In 1877 the Education Department bought a one-acre site in Dorcas Street adjoining the railway station and near Ferrars Street for £4000. It was to accommodate a school for the children of South Melbourne’s large number of manufacturing workers who needed to live close to their works. By 1879 the number on roll had risen to 1,050 children with the children split between the Mechanics Institute and the Presbyterian School on Bank Street. The sixteen-room school was not opened until January 1881. It was a two storey brick building in pavilion form. Other than the removing of galleries from some classrooms in 1906 the original building was in use until the 1960s. Right: South Melbourne School circa 1900

By 1960 enrolment had fallen to 400 with the children of Greek immigrants making 45% of that number. It closed in December 1996. Whilst the new South Melbourne Primary School opened in 2018, the original, now a Heritage Registered building, was still standing at 284 Dorcas Street in 2023.

Caroline completed most of her training at South Melbourne, obtaining her Third-class certificate five months later, on 8 April 1891, with the assessing Inspector Curlewis describing her as ‘Of very fair promise’. Eleven months later the same inspector awarded her Second-class certificate with the comment ‘of good physique and very fair promise.’ A year later, from 1 April 1893, Caroline was awarded her First-class certificate with Curlewis comments of ‘very fair’ and ‘steady diligent’ being used until her last assessment at South Melbourne on 6 December 1895, when she moved to Youanmite North in the Goulburn Region. Right: South Melbourne School 1984

From 6 February 1896 to 19 December 1896 Caroline was the temporary head teacher at Youanmite North School (School number 2921). During her time there comments were recorded that she needed to obtain a qualification in Science, Music and Drg (Drawing?) and needed C.L.C. Detc. for her Certificate. During her time at Youanmite Inspector Gales assessed Caroline as ‘anxious to do well’ and ‘a steady careful worker … fair’, though other comments are illegible.

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Shortly after the turn of the nineteenth century, Youanmite was a farming and dairying district. The Youanmite district was quite widespread, with schools at Youanmite (1881), Youanmite North (1888) and Youanmite South (1918). When the railway line was opened between Dookie and Katamatite in 1892, a Youanmite township developed around the railway station, and a fourth school was opened in the Anglican church hall. One of the schools had thirteen pupils in 1998 and closed in 2000. The 1911 census gave the settlement a population of 266. She resumed her position at South Melbourne on 20 December 1896.

At South Melbourne, Caroline, according to Inspector Gamble, ‘performs her duties more to the letter than to the spirit’ suggesting she was more dogmatic than creative and imaginative. However, she passed her necessary courses (out lined above) enabling her to become a Certified- teacher on 2 June 1898. On 7 December 1897, Inspector Gambles was ‘more favourably impressed with her work today’, though he hints that she taught mechanically. The following year he comments that Caroline was ‘steadily acquiring skills in the Art of Teaching’.

Caroline transferred on 22 June 1898 to Campbells Creek (School number 120) in the Central Highlands. Gold was discovered at Campbells Creek in 1851, being part of the Castlemaine-Mount Alexander gold field. A school was opened in 1854. Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist churches were opened in 1856 and the latter, along with the Presbyterians, ran schools until the 1870s. In 1891 the census gave a population of 822 and 980 ten years later. Right: Campbells Creek School 2020

Caroline left Campbell’s Creek on 13 September 1898 when appointed head teacher of Katyil West (School number 2766), in the Wimmera District of north-west Victoria, from 14 September 1898. Most of the settlers came from the German Lutheran tradition, which had split into the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Victoria and the Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Australia. They established their respective Trinity and St Martin's churches at Katyil in 1882. The latter opened a school in about 1891. In 1911 the census showed a population of 361.

During Caroline’s three years at Katyil West the assessment methods changed with inspectors giving a percentage score in addition to a comment. Over four six-monthly assessments, Inspector Carauagh, gave Caroline an average score of 70 and always commented that she kept good discipline. By June 1900 Caroline had developed from ‘a little lacking in experience’ to ‘continues to show improvement’, and ‘employs better methods.’ Her assessment score increased to 76 and ‘good’.

Caroline was appointed head teacher of Wonga Park (School number 2766), on 26 October 1901. The area was a mixture of orchards and grazing properties and timbered land. Most smaller properties had been started with income from firewood that came from clearing the land. The settlers succeeded in having a primary school opened in 1895, first called Warrandyte East, but renamed Wonga Park in 1898. The 1911 census shows a population of 164 with the State primary school having 314 on roll in 2014. Right: Wonga Park School 1898

As Donald William, Caroline’s first child, was born on 19 January 1902, she was already pregnant before leaving Katyil, conceiving in April 1901. Despite having a child, Inspector Curlewis was very positive about Caroline’s teaching scoring her a 78 and 71. There are always positive comments about discipline and her interest in the state of the buildings and grounds. However, whilst ‘improving her form’ she had yet to assimilate ‘the newer methods’ because she had not ‘shaken off the influences’ of the traditional methods because she had not ‘received a thorough training’.

On 6 December 1904 Inspector Gamble gave a very positive comment on Caroline’s ability. He was ‘Very favourably impressed with the style & manner of this teacher [who was] quiet but firm & forceful [She] appears docile without subserviency [and] teaches intelligently.’ Caroline scored a ‘good’ 75.’ However, three months later on 24 March 1905, Gamble wrote that he was ‘not so favourably impressed on this occasion. Visited unexpectedly matters not as satisfactory as could be wished’ scoring Caroline only a fair 62.

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Caroline married William John Thomas Pearson on 26 August 1905 at 448 Queen Street, Melbourne at Holt's New Matrimonial Agency. She resigned on 2 November 1905 being five months pregnant with her second child Hector also conceived out of wedlock.

Sources

• Caroline Cox's teaching record in Public Records Office Victoria (Accessed: 30 January 2023)
• Victorian Places giving some details about settlements in Victoria (Accessed: 30 January 2023)

At the age of 22, between September 1898 and October 1901 she taught at Katyil West Primary School, near Dimboola and 100km due west of Jeffcott. It is possible that Caroline met William John Thomas PEARSON (WJTP) whilst teaching at Katyil as WJPT's mother, now Sarah Barlow, was living in Nhill, Victoria, 50km west of Katyil. (WJTP's father went missing in 1886, shortly after the birth of Oliver Otto.) In 1889 Sarah, WJTP's mother gave birth to Edith by Robert Barlow, a painter. Later, in 1891, Sarah and Robert married at Horsham, Victoria. Horsham featured in the life of Maralena MacDonald née Crompton, Caroline's aunt)

In October 1901 Caroline moved across the State into what is now a suburb of Melbourne and started teaching at Wonga Park Primary School, some 30km north east of the centre of Melbourne. It is possible that Caroline travelled from home to Croydon and then by coach to Wonga Park. Through the week she stayed at 'Teachers Cottage'. As Donald William, her first child, was born in January 1902, Caroline was already pregnant before leaving Katyil. In 1905 the Inspectors gave a poor report of her teaching.

Above: Caroline Cox's teaching posts

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Her marriage to William John Thomas PEARSON

Caroline was pregnant with her second child, Hector, when she married WJTP at Holt's New Matrimonial Chambers at 448 Queen Street, Melbourne. This seems to have been as close to a civil ceremony as the times would allow.

Queen Victoria Market was opened in 1878 on the site of an old cemetery. Holt's New Matrimonial Agency moved from rented premises in 345 Swanston Street to 442 Queen Street, hence the term 'new'. Before October 1901 442 was renumbered 448. It is recorded as being opposite the 'old cemetery': now opposite Queen Victoria Market. Right: 448 Queens Street, Melbourne, as it was in November 2009

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The advertisement in "The Age" of 25 October 1901 shows and gives details of licensed marriages at 448 Queen Street, Melbourne by Holt's Matrimonial Agency, which appears to have been a well-run organization, giving a complete service, from introductions to marriages. James Holt's appeared to be able to supply clergy of different denominations: he had a group of ministers of who were glad to make an extra income and appear to have been available "on call" though the "Free Christian Church", which does not seem to have had a church of its own in Melbourne. The address and possibly the witnesses are the only clue to Holt's Agency.

Marriages at 448 Queen Street are often 'married according to the rites of' many different churches.

The birth of her husband

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Above: Map locating Dalkey South Australia, birth place of WJT PEARSON

Family life

By making reference to marriage and birth certificates, Electoral Rolls and to volumes of Sands and McDougall's Melbourne Directory, it is possible to trace William and Caroline's homes through Port Melbourne.

1905, their marriage: 35 Raglan Street 1906, Hector's birth: 190 Heath Street 1912, William Leslie's birth: 35 Raglan Street } 1913, Donald's registration: 35 Raglan Street } 1914, Myra's birth: Bayswater North, Melbourne

from 1901 to 1905 this was Caldwell's green grocers from 1907 to 1914 the address was listed as Wm Pearson, second hand books. WJTP had bought land in Bayswater on two occasions

Right: The Pearson family home at 35 Raglan Street, Port Melbourne Author: November 2015

The Australian Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980 records them as continuing their married life at 35 Raglan Street, Port Melbourne. Caroline Louisa was involved in home duties, which she continued throughout her life. William John had various jobs and was sometimes absent from the Roll address given for Caroline.

• 1912, 5279, Pearson Carolina Louisa, 35 Raglan st., hd, in Port Melbourne a sub-division of Melbourne Ports
• 1914, 5893, Pearson Carolina Louisa, 35 Raglan st., hd, in Port Melbourne a sub-division of Melbourne Ports
• 1914, 5899, Pearson William John, 35 Raglan st., machinist, in Port Melbourne a sub- division of Melbourne Ports

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In 1914 the couple moved to and lived together in Bayswater until 1915

• 1914, 1937, Pearson Carolina Louisa, Bayswater, hd, in Ferntree Gully a sub-division of Flinders
• 1914, 1938, Pearson William John, Bayswater, manager, in Ferntree Gully a sub-division of Flinders

Through 1917 to 1919 Caroline is alone, though a William John Pearson is recorded as a fireman in 1916. It is not known whether this is the same person.

• 1916, 5012, Pearson William John, 105 Tope st., fireman, in Melbourne South a sub-division of Fawkner
• 1917, 1168, Pearson Carolina Louisa, Bayswater, hd, in Ferntree Gully a sub-division of Flinders

From 1921 to 1937 the couple remain in their Bayswater home.

• 1921, 1907, Pearson Carolina Louisa, Bayswater, hd, in Ferntree Gully a sub-division of Flinders
• 1921, 1908, Pearson William John, Bayswater, labourer, in Ferntree Gully a sub-division of Flinders

The maps below show the location of WJTP's market garden and is dated 1923. However this land, though in modern Borenia, is 3.2km from Woodmason Road, where they lived in 1942.

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Above: An official plan showing locating WJT Pearson's plot at Boronia Source: Heather Schoffelen from Oliver Otto Pearson's Certificate of Title

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Above: Sketch map locating the Caldwell plot at Boronia along with the Pearson market gardens

• 1942, 7606, Pearson Carolina Louisa, Woodmason rd., Bayswater, hd, in Ferntree Gully a sub-division of Flinders
• 1942, 7624, Pearson William John, Woodmason rd., Bayswater, gardener, in Ferntree Gully a sub-division of Flinders

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... where they lived until they move to the market garden. In 1949 Caroline is recorded alone at the Woodmason Road address. The market garden has subsequently been developed for housing and the photographs reflect the November 2015 scene. Right: 27 Woodmason Road, Author: November 2015

There are no obvious records after 1949. There are no obvious record of war service to account for the missing 1917-1919 years. Perhaps he was relocated for a 'reserved occupation' or this was one of his 'womanizer' periods, when he frequently lived away from home.

By contrast, Caroline the teacher, appears to be more cultured. She played the piano, a skill passed to her son William Leslie. She sent Myra to singing lessons. Caroline was also a member of the local Church of England church committee and, judging by later actions, she had a strong Anglican/ Episcopalian belief. However, despite her education she was frightened of lightening and would hide under the bed blowing a whistle for help. In her later life she was looked after by Sylvia May, her granddaughter and Hector's daughter. Right: Caroline COX (left) and daughter Myra PEARSON (right)

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Note: Sands and McDougall's produced various Melbourne and Suburban Directory from 1856. They contain(ed) the "Street, Alphabetical, Trade and Professional Directories of Melbourne and Suburbs together with Government, Ecclesiastical, Legal, Official, Municipal, and other miscellaneous Information". The recollections of Myrtle STEPHENS, née PEARSON, WJTP's eldest grandchild, suggest that Caroline's children had a difficult childhood: there appears to have been a marked contrast between parents. WJTP was a serious man and a strong disciplinarian, especially towards his eldest son Donald who he would 'whack'. When Donald refused to cry he whacked him again. He was also said to be a snappy dresser and rumoured to be a 'womanizer', who frequently lived away from home. Caroline tried to teach WJTP to read and write. Though he was good at maths, she failed and he remained illiterate and continued to sign his name with an X. William was a gardener who would grow flowers and sell them in Camberwell Market, in South Melbourne. He also had an apple orchard on the land he purchased in Bayswater North. Dorrie HEIB, sister of his daughter-in-law and Myrtle's aunt recorded that William's children had potato bags as bed covers. Right: William John Thomas PEARSON in his garden

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Caroline and William's death

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Caroline lived in Bayswater North until her death. In her later years Myra cared for her, turning her every two hours to prevent bed sores. Caroline was buried in Box Hill Cemetery, Victoria, with her mother. Right: The headstone for Elizabeth Milner COX and Caroline Louisa COX

After Caroline's death WJTP move to the Queen Elizabeth Health Centre, Ballarat to be near his sister. This is now Queen Elizabeth Centre (Steele Haughton Unit), still based at 102 Ascot Street South as part of the Ballarat Health Service for retirement and aged, geriatric and palliative care.

It was formerly the Queen Elizabeth Geriatric Centre, and before that The Queen Elizabeth Home, but from 1850 to as late as 1950 it was the Ballarat Benevolent Home originally described as a 'benevolent asylum: a 19th century model of Christian duty, civic duty and social reform' opened in 187. WJTP was buried in Ballarat Cemetery in Lawn, F,21,24. Right: WJT Pearson's memorial, Ballarat, November 2015, Author

This page was created by Richard Crompton and maintained by Chris Glass		Version A10 Updated 08 June 2023