Sunday, January 8, 2023

RIGG

John Rigg (1822-1911) ca 1868 at Gulgong 
Source: Joseph W Rigg

John Rigg was born 14 July 1822 at Malew on the Isle of Man. His parents were John Rigg and Eunice Briggs who were married on the Isle of Man on 6 January 1811.

Anthony & Elizabeth Docker (nee Hartley), 1850 
Source: Joseph W Rigg

[Rachel Docker was born in Witherslack, Westmorland on 30 June 1828 to Anthony Docker and Elizabeth Hartley. Her father was a labourer. Her parents were married at Heversham in Westmorland in 1806.]
John Rigg and Rachel nee Docker, 30 Sept 1883
Source: Joseph W Rigg

John Rigg married Rachel Docker in Greenock Scotland on 28 April 1856. 

They travelled to Australia in 1859 and ultimately lived at Two Mile Flat, near Gulgong.

Their children included:

  • John - born 17 February 1857 in Straban, County of Tyrone, Ireland; married ada Hawkins in Maitland in 1883; died in WA in 1948
  • Margaret Eunice - born 21 April 1859 in Greenock, Scotland; married William James Maybury in Gulgong on 1 January 1879.
  • Rachel Ann (Annie) - born 4 July 1866 in Pyrmont; married Arthur Smith on 3 October 1885 in Gulgong; died 1909)
  • Joseph Rigg - born 9 April 1868 at Two Mile Flat; married Elizabeth Drew in Mudgee on 6 October 1888; died 1949, in Gulgong.
  • Elizabeth Dinah - born 18 March 1871 in Gulgong; married James Tough in Rockdale on 11 January 1893.

After their first two children were born, John sailed to Australia on 1 February 1859 departing from Liverpool on the “Blue Jacket” under Captain Clark. John disembarked in Port Philip Melbourne on 16 May 1859 while the ship sailed on to Sydney. John’s luggage comprised of 2 horses, a four-wheeled wagon and equipment including a theodolite which had been purchased in Liverpool prior to embarking on the journey. John left the ship in Melbourne to visit his 2 uncles, Joseph and Nicholas Briggs (his mother’s brothers), and their families who had come earlier in search of gold. John then travelled on his wagon overland to Sydney and settled in Pyrmont.


Rigg Theodolite at Gulgong Pioneers Museum
Source: Photo by VO

Rachel and the 2 children then travelled to Sydney on 21 July 1865 sailing from Plymouth on the “General Caulfield” under Captain William Richards.

287 passengers were on the ship. The ship docked at the Quarantine Station on 12 October 1865. Rachel and John re-united In Pyrmont shortly after.

After their third child was born, John and Rachel travelled over the mountains with 3 children and their possessions to the goldfields of Two Mile Flat.

John then purchased a property near Adams Lead at the foot of Magazine Hill adjoining the back of the Gulgong Hospital. The property became known as “Emoh Ruo”.

John had a varied working life as he was very skillful – his jobs included hoopmaker and wheelwright.
______________________________

JOSEPH RIGG

Despite leaving school early, Joseph Rigg became a half-time school teacher in the 1880s. His first appointment was in 1886.

Joseph married Elizabeth Drew on 6 October 1888 in Mudgee Their children included:

  • Rachel Elizabeth (Lil) - born 1889 at Home Rule, registered in Gulgong (NSW BDM 27505/1889)
  • John Henry Docker - born 1891 in Flatlands, registered in Rylstone (NSW BDM 31416/1891)
  • Joseph - born 1892 in Flatlands, registered in Rylstone (NSW BDM 189231980/1892)
  • Oswald Arthur - born 1894 in Flatlands, registered in Rylstone (NSW BDM 30321/1894)
  • Stanley - born born 1896 in Flatlands, registered in Rylstone (NSW BDM 34419/1896)
  • Herbert Oscar - born 1899 in Flatlands, registered in Rylstone (NSW BDM 15689/1899)
  • Norman Athol - born 1901in Flatlands, registered in Rylstone
  • Lavinia Wilhelmina - born 1909 in Home Rule, registered in Gulgong (NSW BDM 4083/1909)
Employment history

Joseph's first job was driving the horse on the puddling machine at the “Wait a while”. He was getting nowhere going around in circles and so studied to become a teacher. The school at Ilford was the first school he taught at.

Joseph and Elizabeth then moved to Brogan’s Creek where he taught part-time between Brogan’s Creek and Clandulla. Joseph, Elizabeth and the family then moved to Trunkey Creek.

After Joseph retired he commenced part-time teaching at Milton and Gloucester. After Joseph fully retired he went onto live with his son, Joseph Rigg, at Waitara. When the family re-located to Ivanhoe his son was a steam train driver, Joseph moved to Lithgow to live.

Joseph eventually moved back to Gulgong where he died on 28 July 1949 at "Emoh Ruo", the family home.

Elizabeth died on 1 January 1923 at Hillview (the Drew family home) in Home Rule.
Source: Information provided by Joseph W Rigg, descendant/grandson.

NEWS ITEMS

1885 - MARRIAGE
SMITH— RIGG.— October 5, at St. Luke's, Gulgong, by the Rev. J. S. Dobson, Arthur Smith, of Kempsey, Macleay River, to Annie, second daughter of John Rigg, of Gulgong.

1885 - [NEPHEW]
IF this should meet the eye of JOHN RIGG, formerly of Carlisle, left London 20 years ago, was at Gulgong 11 years ago, will correspond with James Armstrong, his nephew, he will be glad to hear from him. Address Wickham, Post-office, Newcastle New South Wales. [A descendant of John Rigg says there is no nephew of this name].

1907 - ACCIDENT
As a result of a dray accident Mr. John Rigg, of Magazine Hill, Gulgong, had to have six stitches inserted in his right arm, and four in his left.
Rachel died 27 January 1908 in Gulgong, aged 79, from "CARDIAC FAILURE SENILE DECAY".

1908 - Death of an Octogenarian.
The death occurred at Gulgong, on Monday last, of Mrs. John Rigg, at the ripe old age of eighty years. The deceased was one of the oldest residents of the district and had lived an unostentatious life, seeking little other company than that of her aged and loving husband who survives her, and for whom universal sympathy is felt in his sad bereavement. The late Mrs. Rigg was the mother of a large family, all of whom are now married. The funeral took place on Tuesday, the service at the grave being conducted by Mr. E. ?. Worboys.

1908 - A Painful Accident.
Mr. John Rigg, of Gulgong, met with a painful accident one day last week. He was holding a horse by a halter and carelessly twisted the rope round the thumb. The animal became startled and unmanageable and before Mr. Rigg could disentangle the rope the digit was almost severed from the hand.

1909 - FAMILY NOTICES - DEATHS
SMITH.— April 2, at Krugersdorp, Transvaal, S.A., Annie, the beloved wife of A. Smith (late of Bexley), and dearly loved daughter of John Rigg, Gulgong.
Source: The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1883 - 1930) Thu 8 Apr 1909 Page 8

1909 - PROMOTED
Mr. J. Rigg, who for many years has been a resident of the Brogan's Creek Valley, in the capacity of State school teacher, has at last had his merit recognised, and has received instructions to take charge of Trunkey public school.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 22 Apr 1909 Page 24

1909 - ILLNESS OF A GULGONG RESIDENT.
Mr. J[ohn]. Rigg, one of the oldest identities of the Gulgong district, is at present seriously ill and confined to his bed. At one time the old man's life was despaired of, but he rallied again. One of his sons [Joseph], who has charge of the Trunkey Public School, being recently transferred to that place from Brogan's Creek, arrived in Gulgong on Saturday to spend a few days with his father.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 21 Oct 1909 Page 17

1910 - GULGONG, Friday.
Mr John Rigg, one of the oldest Gulgong residents, died on Wednesday at Trunkey, aged 84 years. Born on the Isle of Wight, he came to Australia when very young, and was one who helped in the building of the Sydney G.P.O. He came to Gulgong in the early mining days, making the journey in company with his wife in a dray. He was successful as a miner, and had lived in retirement for a considerable time.

1910 - OBITUARY
Mr. John Rigg, 84, one of the .oldest residents of Gulgong, died at Trunkey on November 10.

1912 - ANOTHER VICTIM.
Following closely on the late Mr. Howe, the death of Mr. J. Rigg, an assistant blacksmith, at Mr. Grady's shop, has caused much uneasiness in town. The unfortunate young fellow, whilst in Gulgong, prior to working for Mr. Grady, had a cold of which his relatives had some concern, and whilst in Mr. Grady's employ he had it on him, taking little or no notice of it till an acute stage had been reached, and despite all that the doctor could, do, the dreaded pneumonia, had taken a firm hold and claimed another victim. Dr. Hansard was unremitting in his attention and did all that human could do, but he could not save the young life. The deceased was an exemplary young many and son of Mr. J. Rigg, of Trunkey Public School, both he and Mrs. Rigg being present at their son's bedside at death. The remains were interred in the C.E. portion of the Rylstone cemetery, the Rev. Mr. Rolph, in the absence of the Anglican minister, officiating. Much sympathy is expressed for the family in the early cutting off of their son's life.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 10 Oct 1912 Page 33

1917 - [ILLNESS]
Mrs. Rigg, wife of Mr. J. Rigg, teacher at Trunkey Creek, has had a return of an old trouble, which has necessitated another trip to Bathurst and a probable operation for appendicitis. Mrs. Rigg is the daughter of the late Mr. Henry Drew, of Home Rule, and we, with her friends, greatly regret to hear of her illness.

1923 - DEATH AT HOME RULE.
The death took place at her brother's residence, Home Rule, of Mrs. Rigg [nee Elizabeth Drew], wife of Mr. J[oseph]. Rigg, of the Trunkey Creek Public School. She was 56 years of age. Together with her husband, Mrs. Rigg came to Home Rule to spend the Christmas holidays. Mrs. Rigg had been ailing for some time, and death took place during the Holidays. 
There are six children, all of whom came to attend the funeral, which proceeded to the Gulgong cemetery, where burial took place in the Church of England section. Deceased's husband is a Gulgong native.

1925 - VISITING GULGONG.
Mrs. Gough, of Fremantle, W.A., youngest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. Rigg, of Gulgong, is on a visit to the old town after an absence of 24 years. Mrs. Gough is a sister of Mr. [Joseph] Rigg, school teacher at Trunkey Creek.

1936 - RETIREMENT
MR J. Rigg, of Llthgow, is spending a holiday at Home Rule, during the course of which he has visited Mudgee, where he is well known. Mr Rigg was formerly a teacher at several centres in this district, nnd retired from the service six years ago.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 6 Aug 1936 Page 2

1938 - A Tough Veteran
RIDING one horse and leading an other from Gulgong to Lithgow, a distance of 100 miles, was the remarkable performance of Mr J. Rigg, a man 71 years of age. Mr Rigg, who is well known in Labor circles, arrived in Lithgow on Saturday about mid-day, having left Gulgong on the Thursday. Owing to a minor mishap on the journey he received a broken rib, and was copelled to cover 70 miles of the distance with difficulty. It was not until a doctor was consulted in Lithgow that the injury was discovered.

Elizabeth Dinah Tough (Nee Rigg) 
On board the Mundera Sydney to Perth 1940
Source: Joseph W Rigg

1942 - FAMILY NOTICES - DEATHS
GRANT.-December 6, 1942, at a private hospital, Randwick, Rachel Grant, beloved daughter of Joseph Rigg and sister of Joseph, Arthur, Stan, Bert, and Vene (Mrs. B. Williams), aged 53 years.
Source:  The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Mon 7 Dec 1942 Page 10

1943 - GULGONG PERSONAL 
Mr. Stan. Rigg, third son of Mr. J. Rigg, of Rigg's Farm, near Magazine Hill, is spending a few days with his father and sister (Mrs. Williams).

1944 - EUCHRE, PARTY AND DANCE
The euchre party and dance which was held in the Town Hall, Gulgong, on Saturday night last was a great success. It was in aid of the Gulgong Catholic Church. The prizes for euchre were won by Mrs. Jack Taylor (ladies) and Mr. C. Scholtz (gentlemen). Play was conducted by Mr. A. Ryan. The dance was largely attended, the spot dance being won by Miss Bryde Heard and Mr. W. Ellis. The local orchestra supplied the music. A street stall which was held during the day was also well patronised, and was for the same cause.
Competitions were won by Mr. Herbert Tattersall (cake), Mr. Herbert, Rush (turkey), Mr. J.
Rigg (sheep).
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 8 Jun 1944 Page 12

1945 - GULGONG PERSONAL
Mr. Bert Rigg, of Bethungra, is at present on a visit to his father, Mr. J. Rigg, and his sister, Mrs. Williams, of. 'Ruo Emoh.' Gulgong.

Joseph & Lillian Rigg, Home Rule, 1946
Source: Joseph W Rigg

1946 - GULGONG PERSONAL
Mr. and Mrs. J. Rigg, of Earlwood, are spending a holiday in Gulgong with Mr. Rigg's father and sister, Mr. J. Rigg and Mrs. Williams.
Gulgong - Emoh Ruo in Foreground - 1946
Source: Joseph W Rigg
 
Emoh Ruo, the Rigg family home
Brick Room & Home on 17 Acres near Adams Lead, Gulgong 
Photo taken 6 May 1987
Source: Joseph W Rigg

Magazine Hill with Rigg property adjacent
Source: 1887 Parish Map

Magazine Hill, aerial photo 1964
Source: NSW Spatial Collaboration Portal

1947 - GULGONG PERSONAL
Mr. J. Rigg, who many years ago was a teacher at the public school, Trunkey, had a visit last week from an ex-pupil of that, school, Mr. Norman Carter, of Bathurst. Mr: Carter is on the railway permanent relieving staff.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 22 May 1947 Page 17

John Rigg - Visit to Sydney, 4 February 1947
Source: Joseph W Rigg


1948 - GULGONG PERSONAL
Mr. J. Rigg has been battling against the odds with one complaint and another. His many friends look forward to his early recovery.

John Rigg (b.1857) and his brother Joseph Rigg (b.1868). Taken Earlwood, 1949
Source: Joseph W Rigg

1949 - Mr. Joseph Rigg
A native of Two Mile Flat, Mr. Joseph Rigg, died at his home, 'Ruo Emoh', Gulgong, early last Thursday, aged 81 years. The late Mr. Rigg was a widely known Public School teacher until his retirement some years ago.
After attending school in Gulgong, his appointment was to Moolarbern (Mudgee district), and this was followed by transfers to Brogan's Creek, Trunkey Creek and other centres. He was on the relief staffs at Milton and Gloucester, and in all had 44 years service with the Department of Education. Deceased took a very keen interest in teaching and in the work of his pupils. After his retirement, he took up residence at Waitara for a few years, manifesting an active interesin politics and town affairs. He spent some years at Lithgow and for the past 12 years had resided in Gulgong.
Deceased had a true sense of civic citizenship and possessed the highest integrity. Though strong in his convictions, he had a lovable personality. Many years ago he was a well known umpire at cricket, his efforts being greatly admired and appreciated; indeed his friendly, natural and genial characteristics won him friends and admirers in every circle in which he moved.
The late Mr. Rigg was married at Mudgee to Miss Elizabeth Drew (daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs J. H. Drew, of Home Rule), who predeceased him 26 years ago. He is survived by the following grown up family: Messrs Joseph Rigg (Earlwood), Oswald Rigg (Lithgow), Stanley Rigg (Punchbowl), Sgt. Herbert Rigg (Henty), Mrs Herbert Williams (Gulgong); and a sister, Mrs E. Tough (Fremantle, W.A.).
The funeral, which was attended by all members of the family, took place on Friday afternoon to the Church of England portion of the local cemetery, Rev. L. V. Caldwell. of Coolah and formerly of Gulgong (whom deceased had known in another parish many years ago), officiating. A masonic service was read by Wor. Bro. G. J. Brown, of Birriwa. The Manchester Unity Lodge of which the late Mr. Rigg had been a member for many years was also represented. Our sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved ones.

1950 - [PROBATE]
Joseph Rigg, late of Gulgong, in the State of New South Wales, retired school teacher, died on 28th July, 1949; probate of the will dated 11th January, 1943, was granted to the Public Trustee on 3rd May, 1950.
Source:  Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 - 2001) Fri 26 May 1950 [Issue No.87] Page 1701

1952 - GULGONG PERSONAL
Lillian Esther Rigg, wife of Mr. Joseph Rigg and sister in-law of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Williams (Gulgong), Mr. and Mrs. S. Rigg (Punchbowl), Mr. and Mrs. A. O. Rigg (Lithgow) and Sgt. H. O. and Mrs. Rigg (Henty).
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 21 Feb 1952 Page 17

1952 - [DEATH OF JOSEPH'S WIFE]
RIGG, Lillian Esther. - February 11, 1952, at her residence, 140 Wardell Road, Earlwood, beloved wife of Joseph Rigg loved mother of John (St Albans) and Joseph.
RIGG, Lillian Esther. - February 11, 1952, loved daughter of Ernest William Ashe Nachara, Blackheath Street, Leura dear sister of Preston C Ashe 27 Gosford Road Broadmeadow sister of Vi, aunt of Ronald and John.
RIGG, Lillian Esther.—February 11, 1952, loved sister-in-law of Mr. and Mrs. B. Williams (Gulgong), Mr. and Mrs. S. Rigg (Punchbowl), Mr. and Mrs. O. A. Rigg (Lithgow), Sergt. H. O. and Mrs. Rigg (Henty).

1953 - [ANNIVERSARY]
RIGG.-Always sweet and loving memories of my dear wife, Lillian Esther, who passed away February 11, 1952. Sadly missed by her loving husband, Joe.
RIGG.-Cherished memories of our dear mother. Lillian Esther, who passed away February 11, 1952. Always remembered by her loving son, Joe, and daughter-in-law, Shirley.
RIGG.-A tribute of love to the memory of my dear mother, Lillian Esther, whom God called home February 11. 1952. Too dearly loved to ever be forgotten. Remembered by her loving son, John.
RIGG.-Loving memories of darling Lilly, who passed away February ll. 1952. Her memory to us is a treasure, Her passing a lifetime regret. Always loved and longed for by father Press, Vi and family.

1953 - WEDDING - [John] RIGG— [Dawn] BAILEY
The historic St. John's Church of England, Parramatta (where the bridegroom's maternal ancestors had worshipped) was tastefully decorated with daffodils, sweet peas and white marguerites, with greenery, for a charming wedding group on October 3.
The bride, Miss Dawn Bailey, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. F. N. Bailey, of St. Albans, radiantly attractive, wore her fingertip veil over her face entering the church, the veil being encircled with a spray of silver orange blossom. Her chantilly lace gown, over a satin slip, featured a trained skirt. The bodice, with a sweetheart line tulle yoke, was finished with a satin peter pan collar. An ivory covered prayer book (the gift of her mother), with dainty trail of white hyacinths, was carried by the bride, who was escorted by her father, and preceded into the church by a very sweetly demure flower girl, Julie Warn, of Gulgong, in dainty pink nylon marquisette. The Victorian frock, trimmed with three rows of lace on the hem, with matching three rows of lace on the puffed sleeves, had an under-slip of satin, trimmed with full pleating on the skirt edge.
A band of pink baby roses finished a very pretty head dress. A basket of multicoloured flowers was carried by Julie, and she wore a dainty locket and chain, the gift of bride and bridegroom.
The bride's attendants, Mrs. Ken Dwyer (matron of honour) and Misses Faye Bailey, Edna and Noela Rolph (bridesmaids) wore frocks of ice blue in nylon marquisette, which fell in godets from matching broderie anglaise in the skirts, whilst the bodices featured an off-shoulder effect. The rhinestone necklace worn by each— gifts of bride and bridegroom — was particularly effective. Silver sandals were worn, and the exquisite bouquets were of carnations and sweet peas, with orchids in centre. The head dresses were broderie anglaise halo over satin, with soft pleating of marquisette in ice blue, finished with self rosettes, in the centre of each being a rhinestone.
During the service, which, by courtesy of Bishop Hilliard, was conducted by the Rev. C. A. Baker, of Pymble (who had been stationed at Menindie, where he had known the family of Mr. J. Rigg), the solo 'Just For Today' was sweetly rendered by Mrs. Joe Rigg. The bridegroom, John, elder son of the late Mrs. Rigg, and of Mr. J. Rigg, of Earlwood, was attended by Messrs. Joe Rigg (Earlwood), Lyall Bailey (St. Albans), Ron Ashe (Newcastle) and Robert Williams (Gulgong). An interesting part of the ceremony was the giving of a ring by the bride to the bridegroom — an exchange of rings.
Following the ceremony, a reception was held in the Wentworthville Public Hall, where the bride's mother, in a smart suit of cherry gaberdine, with which she wore a tions, and navy accessories, was assisted by the bridegroom's aunt, Mrs. B. Williams, of Gulgong (who chose a black suit with rose pink blouse, and a shoulder posy of orchids), received about 130 guests. Mr. B. S. L. Deane, M.L.A., proved a most entertaining chairman.
The happy couple left for the honeymoon, a motor tour of the western districts, the bride wearing a deep sky blue gaberdine suit, pink blouse and hat, orchid posy and navy accessories.

Joseph and Elizabeth Rigg are buried in Gulgong Cemetery.
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