Tuesday, August 16, 2022

JOHN SOUTER

John Souter, chemist, (next to Congregational Church), Gulgong
[with his wife Susannah nee Weekley]
Source: SLNSW

Three men outside J. Souter's Chemist and Druggist shop, Home Rule
with signs for Dr O'Connor and Dr. Kelly
Source: SLNSW

The Souters were reported the first chemists in Gulgong... They also appear to have established the branch in Home Rule which is here depicted. The goldfields’ chemist shops were used as consulting rooms by visiting doctors... The assistants were not members of the Souter family.
 
John Souter married Lavinia Tucker at Stuart Town in 1854 (NSW BDM 380/1854 V1854380 85) registered at Wesleyan Methodist Bathurst; Hill End. Their children included:
  • Maria Elizabeth - born 1857 (NSW BDM 607/1857); married in 1877 to Robinson.
  • Cecelia Emma - born 1859 (NSW BDM 13517/1859) *mother listed as SEBINA; married Robert Gardner in Redfern in 1881 (NSW BDM 2510/1881)
  • Rose A - born 1861 (NSW BDM 13972/1861)
  • Eva J - born 1863 (NSW BDM 14564/1863)
  • John Charles - born 1865 (NSW BDM 16475/1865) died 1954 in Parramatta (NSW BDM 3310/1954)
Lavinia Souter died in 1866 at Stuart Town.

John Souter (son of  Charles and Elizabeth Souter) married Susannah Weekley (daughter of John and Sarah Weekley) in Wellington in 1867 (NSW BDM 3229/1867). Their children included:
  • Sarah J - born 1868 (NSW BDM 17704/1868); married John Nicholson in 1898 (NSW BDM 377/1898);
  • Albert Edward - born 1870 (NSW BDM 18535/1870); died 13 October 1941.
  • Lauretta Elizabeth - born 1872 (NSW BDM 13630/1872); died 1875
  • Robert - born 1875 (NSW BDM 15048/1875); died 11 Mar 1875, Gulgong
  • George William - born 1878 (NSW BDM 16944/1878); died 1878
  • John Isaac - born 1879 in Newtown (NSW BDM 5085/1879); married Maggie Pinkerton in 1927; died 1933.
  • George Ernest - born 1882 (NSW BDM 22141/1882); married Beatrice Nellie Batchelor in 1913.
  • Hilda Gertrude May - born 1885 (NSW BDM 26486/1885)
John Souter died in 1901 in Ashfield (NSW BDM 12658/1901) and Susannah died in 1922 (NSW BDM 6963/1922). Robert, Lauretta and George, who all died in infancy, are buried together in the Gulgong Cemetery. (Austcemindex)

Susannah Souter nee Weekley
Source: SLNSW

John Souter's Gulgong Pharmacy, ca 1894
Source: SLNSW

NEWS ITEMS

1866 - [DEATH]
SOUTER—November 26th, at Ironbark [Stuart Town], near Orange, Lavinia, the beloved wife of John Souter, aged 33 years.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Sat 22 Dec 1866 Page 9

1873 - IMPROVED LANDS AT GULGONG.
Messrs. John Souter, George Matthews, and William Booth, of Gulgong, are allowed to purchase the improved lands they severally applied for.

1877 - [MARRRIAGE]
ROBINSON—SOUTER.—September 15, at Bondi, by the Rev. Charles Stead, John Robinson, of North Willoughby, fifth son of the late Alexander Robinson, of Paddington, to Maria Elizabeth Souter, second daughter of Mr. John Souter, chemist, of Gulgong.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Wed 10 Oct 1877 Page 1

1884 - APPOINTMENTS.
Mr. John Clement Souter, M.D., to be Government medical officer and vaccinator for the district of Gulgong, vice Dr. C. E. Barnard, who has left the district;
  
1892 - Patents Office Transactions.
Applications for certificates of provisional protection and letters patent lodged from May 16 to 21 (inclusive).
PPOVISIONAL PROTECTION
  • No. 3761. May 21, John Souter. of Mayne-street, Gulgong, New South Wales, for 'Golden Specific for the Cure of Foot-rot in Sheep.

1899 - [LOTTERY]
Since John Norton, of "Truth," has been castigating through the the columns of his paper "Tattersall," a few prizes that have been securely locked in Tattersall's office in Hobart for years, have been scattered to various parts of this colony. Gulgong had its share of luck last week. Mr. John Souter, the popular chemist of Mayne street, has been a constant ticket buyer for over 20 years and has never won a prize. He received word the other day that if he sent an application to "Tatt's." a cheque for £50 would be sent him, for a prize that he had won last year. John of course promptly replied and is now a happy man. It is strange that he was not acquainted of his good luck before this.

1901 - A USEFUL SOCIETY.
It is not generally known that Gulgong possesses a Young Men's Friendly Society, but such an institution exists, and all credit must be given to the Rev. F. E. Haviland for inaugurating the Society. It is open to all young men, and is non-sectarian. The members of the Society meet every Monday night, and some very interesting discussions ensue. The Society has been in existence for many months, and the young men of Gulgong who require enlightenment on the various subjects which may crop up from day to day should avail themselves of the splendid opportunity offered to them to join the St. Luke's Young Men's Friendly Society. The members met as usual on Monday night last. There was a good attendance, and Mr. John Souter, in the absense of the president (Rev. F. E. Haviland) was in the chair. The subject for discussion was the Old Age Pension scheme. Several important points were freely discussed. Some of the members waxed eloquent, and at some future date it would not be a surprising fact to see some of the debate is aspiring to a seat, in the Legislature of the country. It was carried by a majority that the See Government was in a position to pay the pensions, that foreigners (not naturalised) should be debarred from participation in the benefit accrued, and that the Act was one of the best ever passed in the House, but for its extravagance in regard to men, who, although arrived at the correct age for the receipt of a pension, were still in the best of health, and able to earn an honest living. The majority of members were of opinion that the old men who could not refrain from imbibing too freely, should be given provisions in lieu of the money which should be their due if sobriety were not a foreigner to them. Some animated discussions are looked forward to for next meeting, and as the members are bidding fair to become first-class debaters, it would not be out of reason to expect that some of the brightest ones will one day be counted amongst the ranks of speakers of the stamp of our Attorney General.

1901 - [DEATH]
The grim reaper Death has once more been busy with his sickle, and has cut off at a ripe old age one of Gulgong's best known residents in the person of Mr. John Souter. The deceased was as well known in the Gulgong district as the post office, and had resided in the town for over 30 years. He carried on the business of chemist and druggist at various places in the town, and for many years till his death the corner of Mayne and Herbert streets was his place of business. The late Mr. Souter has reared a large family — all grown up — and he was well liked by all classes. For years he has been in delicate health, and some time ago went to the metropolis, where death claimed him on Monday last. The widow and family left behind to mourn their loss have the deepest sympathy of every one who knew the old veteran, who was called to his account a few days ago.

1901 - [FUNERAL]
SOUTER. The Friends of Mr. JOHN SOUTER, Chemist, late of Gulgong, are kindly invited to attend his Funeral; to move from his residence, 25 Holden-street, Ashfield, THIS (Monday) AFTERNOON, at 2 o'clock, for Necropolis.
HENRY HART and SONS, Undertakers, Ashfield and Burwood.

1902 - [DEPARTURES]
Mr. John Souter has gone to West Australia, and a few more residents of Gulgong will depart this month.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 2 Jan 1902 Page 2

1913 - [MARRIAGE]
SOUTER—BATCHELOR. August 29th, 1913, at St., Stephen's, Phillip-street, Sydney, by the Rev. John Ferguson, George Ernest, third son of the late John Souter, of Gulgong, to Beatrice Nellie (nurse), second daughter of late Henry Batchelor, of Mudgee.

1921 - [VISIT]
Miss Hilda Souters, of Gulgong, paid a flying visit to Taree last Saturday, and during her brief stay was the guest of Evangelist P. E. and Mrs. Thomas.

1922 - Death of Mrs Souter
The death of Mrs. J. Souter, of Gulgong, which occurred on June 24th, adds yet another to the already large number of old Gulgongites who have passed away during the past few years. The late Mrs. Souter was born in England 76 years ago, and came to New South Wales at the age of eight years and remained in this State right up to the time of her death. She was married at Stuart Town, and came to reside in Gulgong in 1870, and by her living in Gulgong for over 50 years, she can be classed as one of the town's very oldest identities, as well as one of the most highly thought of and esteemed residents that the town has ever possessed. About four years ago Mrs. Souter's health began to fail, but still her death was unexpected, except to her immediate relations.
The deceased had eight children, four of whom are living. Mr. A. E. Souter, chemist, Gulgong, and Miss Souter, Gulgong, are son and daughter. Mr. J. Souter and Mr. George Souter, chemists, Surry Hills, Sydney, are other sons. Mrs. Souter's husband predeceased her by 21 years.
The remains were taken to Sydney and interred in the Rookwood cemetery, where the remains of the late Mr. John Souter lay at rest. The funeral arrangements at this end were in the hands of Mr. S. J. L. Turner. We extend our sympathy to the bereaved family, particularly Mr. A. Souter and Miss Souter, of Gulgong, with whom the deceased had resided ever since her husband's death.

This inscription from a photo album of Hilda Souter says:
Mother (Susannah (Weekley) Souter) died 23 June 1922 at "Girrawheen" Mayne St., Gulgong at 5 min to 11 o'clock pm - buried at Rookwood 26-6-1922 -
Grave No of Father & Mother No 333A Cong., Cemetery.


1923 - [IN MEMORIAM]
SOUTER—In loving memory of our darling mother, Susannah, relict of the late John Souter, chemist, Gulgong, who went to sleep, June 23, 1922. Inserted by her loving children, Sarah, Albert, Jack, George, and Hilda.

1927 - [MARRIAGE]
SOUTER-PINKERTON - November 17, at Chalmers Church, by the Rev David Brandt, John Isaac, second son of the late Mr and Mrs John Souter, of Gulgong, to Maggie Dorothy third daughter of John and the late Mrs Pinkerton of Ashfield.
[Margaret Pinkerton Souter married Henry Light Liston in Sydney in 1954 (NSW BDM 96/1954).]

1933 - GULGONG NATIVE'S DEATH
THE death occurred in Sydney on Saturday afternoon last of Mr John [Isaac] Souter, a native of Gulgong and a brother of Alderman A. E. Souter, Mayor of Gulgong. The late Mr Souter was a partner with his brother in the firm of Souter Bros., chemists, of Ashfield.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 27 Apr 1933 Page 4

1933 - [FUNERAL]
SOUTER - The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. S. NICHOLSON, Mr ALBERT SOUTER, Mr and Mrs GEORGE SOUTER and HILDA SOUTER are invited to attend the funeral of their dear BROTHER, John Isaac Souter to leave his late residence 3 Alma street Ashfield THIS DAY at 10 am for Presbyterian Cemetery Rookwood.

1942 - [RATES]
Miss Hilda Souter wrote to a Gulgong Shire Council meeting regretting that arrears of rates had accumulated on her late brother's [Albert Ernest] properties, but he was ill for a considerable time prior to his death in October last. She requested an extension of time to pay the rates as probate had not yet been granted and, when it was, she asked permission to pay by instalments. The request was granted.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 2 Jul 1942 Page 17

1943 - [DEPARTURE]
Miss Hilda Souter left Gulgong on Wednesday evening last for the city after being some weeks in Gulgong on a business visit.

1944 - [PROPERTY]
A. E. Whatmore, Gee and Co., on behalf of Miss Hilda Souter, asked amount of rates due, intimating that notices to abate mosquitoes should have been served on the tenants: also with reference to notice served under section 289 (1) Miss Souter has instructed them that the building is not in fact ruinous and was not likely to be come dangerous to the public. Miss Souter states that the property is dilapidated but is of firm construction. She is at present endeavoring to make arrangements to have the property renovated with a view to letting and has undertaken to give the matter her prompt attention. A subsequent letter from the writer was received quoting an extract from the report of the health inspector presented at the meeting, wherein the inspector stated Miss Souter had not complied with notice to demolish the building in question and recommended proceedings be taken unless the building is demolished within four days. Such recommendation was adopted by council. The writer asked that his client he allowed a reasonable time for the purpose of arranging for the necessary work to be carried out. — Resolved that as the building has been inspected by the councillors, Miss Souter be notified that, failing complicance with notice served on her within 14 days, legal proceedings be instituted.

1945 - [DEATH]
SOUTER.—January 2, 1944, NX42210, Sgt. John Souter, (2/18th Bn.), died of illness whilst P.O.W., Thailand, dearly loved husband of Betty.
SOUTER.—January 2, 1944, NX42210, Sgt. John, Souter (2/18th Bn.), died of illness whilst P.O.W., Thailand, dearly loved elder son of John Robert Souter (deceased), and Elsie May Souter, of Glen Innes, and brother of Philip (P./O., R.A.A.F., England).
SOUTER.—January 2, 1944, NX42210, Sgt. John Souter (2/18th Bn.), died of illness whilst P.O.W., Thailand, beloved son-in-law Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Turton, of Wollstonecraft.

1946 - Sad Jungle Tryst
Young Sydney lawyer, Mrs. Betty Souter, who has left to take up duties at UNRRA headquarters in Shanghai, hopes to visit the place on the Burma-Thailand railway where her POW husband died in 1944, says the 'Sun.' Mrs. Souter has been appointed UNRRA Records Reports Officer and will edit reports coming from various UNRRA depots throughout China, compiling these reports for despatch to Washington.
Formerly Betty Turton, she met her husband John Souter when they were students at Sydney University. They sat together at lectures, studied together and took their BA and LLB degress together. Betty says she owed whatever success she achieved to John, who kept her at her studies. They commenced the law partnership of Turton and Souter in July, 1941, and soon afterwards John enlisted in the Eighth Division.
They were married in September, 1941, [NSW BDM 19576/1941] and John sailed for Singapore on his birthday in January, 1942. Since then, Betty carried on the practice alone until a few weeks ago. Sergeant John Souter was a nephew of Mrs. Middlemiss, wife of Mr. J. K. Middlemiss, Gulgong Shire Clerk. [NSW BDM 8297/1919]

1946 - [DEATH]
NICHOLSON.—July 25, 1946, at her residence, Elim, 6 Logan Street Haberfield, Sarah Jane (nee Souter), widow of the late John Nicholson and dearly loved sister of Charles, Albert (deceased), John (deceased), George and Hilda Souter.
Posted by at