FatherJohn Paul de Morton1
MotherMaria L'O?1
Pedigree

Birth, Death, Marriage

Joseph Anthony de Morton was born circa 1840 in (at sea).2,1 
He married Sophia Coleman in 1864.3 
He married Charlotte Lavinia Williams, daughter of John Williams and Mary Ann Crapp, on 18 February 1884 in Tallygaroopna, Victoria.4,5,1 
He died on 2 November 1909 in Healesville, Victoria.6,5,7,8,9,10 

Family 1

Sophia Coleman d. 27 Aug 1882

Family 2

Charlotte Lavinia Williams b. 12 Apr 1866, d. 7 Sep 1940
Children
ChartsWilliams, John, descendant chart

Story

Joseph Anthony de Morton was born 'at sea in an English ship' around 1840.11,5,1,12
 
His first name is 'Antony' in some places and 'Anthony' in others. And his family name is 'de Morton' in some places and 'De Morton' in others. On his marriage registration with Charlotte, the minister used 'Joseph Antony de Morton', but Joseph signed 'Joseph Antony De Morton'. In the birth registrations for Zilla (1884) and Helene (1896), he is 'Joseph Anthony De Morton'.1,12,11
 
Marriage and Family
Charlotte Lavinia Williams and Joseph Antony de Morton married at Charlotte's parents' house in Tallygaroopna on 18 February 1884. They had six children between 1884 and 1896, with one early death. The eldest child was born four months after they married.

At the time of their marriage, Charlotte was 17 years old and had the written consent of her father. Her sister Annie was a witness. Joseph was a 47 year old station master at Congupna. His first wife Sophia had died in August 1882.1,12,13
 
Their first child Zilla was born in Shepparton in 1884. The others were born in Blue Mountain near Trentham (1886); Maidstone, north west of Melbourne (1888); Killarney, between Port Fairy and Warrnambool (1891); Preston in Melbourne (1893); and Congupna (1896).14,15,16,17,18,19,11
 
Their son Rupert Adrian died in Williamstown in September 1894, aged 20 months.20,21
 
Healesville 
Around March 1895, the family of six (Charlotte, Joseph and four oldest children) moved to Healesville. Youngest child, Helene, was born the following year. The four acre property was known as 'Zillandah' and was on Don Rd about 4 km south of the Healesville township. The area was later also known as Gracedale. Joseph began farming and had a few animals on the property.22,23,24,25,26,27
 
When Helene was born in Congupna in July 1896, Joseph gave his age as 54 and occupation as 'retired station master'. For the birth, Charlotte returned briefly to Congupna where her Williams family lived and where her mother Mary Ann, a midwife, delivered the baby.11
 
A snapshot of the family's life in Healesville can be seen in letters Zillah wrote to "The Children's Column: Cinderella's letter box" in the Leader newspaper.28
 
Don Road, Healesville, 28th | 2 | 1896.
Dear Cinderella,
I am writing this letter to ask may I be one of your nieces, and to tell you a little about Healesville; we have been living here nearly a year, and we like the place very much, there is a grand view from our house, Mt Riddell is quite close to us on the east, these are the names of some of the other Mts, Mt Juliet, Mt Monde, Mt St Lenoard [sic], Mt Don or Malleson's Lookout. In the gullies there are plenty of different kinds of ferns and flowers, the heath and sarsaparilla will soon be out in flower, we will all be very glad. I have three little sisters, Lilly, Myrtle, and Joey all younger than myself, we have a little cousin staying with us just now, she is very lively and makes plenty of fun. We live two and a half miles from the township and there is no school nearer to us than that, but I think there is one going to be built near the Badger River about a mile from here, it is wanted very much as there are a lot of children who would be very glad to go to it. The river was very high on Wednesday but it has gone down again. There is a lot of fish to be caught in it. If you like my letter I will write again soon, and tell you more about the place. - I will close this with love from your fond friend, ZILLAH MAY DE MORTON.
Aged, 11 years 8 mths.22
 
'Zillandah' Don Road Healesville 16th 4 mth 1897.
Dear 'Cinderella,'
We are having holidays at present for Easter. The weather is splendid, and the country round about looks lovely; the flowers in the gardens are all blooming beautifully, they give the place quite a gay appearance. I have seen two letters in the column from Tallygaroopna, one was from my Auntie's brother, [ Andrew Larsen ]. My Grand-parents, Aunties and Uncles live there, they all get 'The Leader,' and I know they would like to see my letter in it. My little baby sister was born up there last July, we are all very fond of her, she is such a little darling no one could help but love her. Now I am going to tell you about a concert which Myrtle, Joey and myself took part in, Myrtle sang with some other little girls, and also recited; Joey did the same only in different pieces, with girls more of her own age. I was in a sash and flower drill, which was considered very pretty. It turned out a great success, and was in aid of our Sunday School. We have plenty of milk now; Papa bought a nice little cow and calf the other day. I have nothing more very interesting to tell you, so will close, and remain your affectionate niece
ZILLAH MAY DE MORTON.
Age 12 y 10 m.23
 
'Zillandah' Don Road Healesville 4th 1 mth 1898
Dear Cinderella,
I am sending you back my collecting card with the money collected which amounts to thirteen and three-pence (13s 3d) I passed in the school examination, got my certificate, and am going into the sixth to-morrow; our holidays for the Christmas will be over, but we have holidays again in about March, for the hop picking. Christmas was very quiet with us, except having had the novelty of fighting a bush fire which came very near to the house; with a good deal of trouble we managed to keep it from doing any very great harm, except for the burning of fencing and grass. The heat at the time was almost unbearable. New Years day was beautifully cool, so we took a well-filled hamper and enjoyed a nice little picnic among ourselves, on the bank of the Badger river. Our dear Auntie at Allandale [ Maria Jane Livingstone ] sent us a box filled with all sorts of good things, she often surprises us in that way. I will now tell you a little about our baby Nellie [Helene Maude], she is more of a darling than ever, especially when she is trying to imitate everything we say, and wants to come with us wherever we go, she is nearly 1½ years old. My sisters join me in sending best wishes for the New Year to you, and now I will close hoping to see this in the 'column'. I remain with love yours affectionately
Zillah de Morton.
Age 13½ years.
[This 'best letter' earned Zillah 2s 6d.]28
 
The girls performed well at St John's Church of England Sunday School. In 1902, in 1st Senior Girls, Zilla received second top marks; in Third Class Girls, Myrtle received second top marks, and in Fourth Class Girls, Josephine received third top marks. The three girls also received special prizes for best answers to bible questions.29
 
In 1902, after the Badger Creek state school opened, the children began attending. They performed at concerts and were awarded prizes for their school work.30,31,32,23,29
 
[In all newspaper references to the de Morton children's activities in Healesville, Lillian is never mentioned by name, but all the others are.]
 
Marriage Problems
In December1898, Charlotte sued Joseph:
Charlotte Lavinia De Morton sued her husband, Joseph Antony De Morton, for leaving her without sufficient means of maintenance. There was also another complaint made that the defendant did leave his child, Helene Maud De Morton, without sufficient means of support.
Due to a shortage of justices, the case was adjourned until January the following year, and by that time the case had been settled out of court.33,34
 
Advertising
Stolen or Strayed, out of my paddock, on 11th inst., Poley HEIFER, part Hereford, large white face, piece out of left ear. Liberal Reward on delivery to
JA DE MORTON.
'Zillandah,' Don Road, Healesville. [1905]35
 
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF HEALESVILLE
I, JOS ANTHONY De MORTON, am not responsible for any DEBTS contracted by my wife, Charlotte L De Morton.
JOS ANTHONY De MORTON.
Don-road, Healesville, 18th April, 1904.36
 
In September 1904, eighteen year old Lillian was looking to help support the family:
WANTED, by strong, healthy Girl, HOME with lady, to train in housework.
LILLY DE MORTON, Healesville.37

 
Around 1905, Charlotte and Joseph separated. Charlotte returned to Tallygaroopna with their daughters, while Joseph remained at 'Zillandah'.27
 
In July 1905, Joseph prepared a will in which he provided for Zilla, Josephine and Helene, but not Charlotte, Lillian or Myrtle.38
 
Eldest daughter Zilla May died of tuberculosis in October 1908 (aged 24) at a lunatic asylum in Wendouree, a suburb of Ballarat. Her usual residence is shown as Tallygaroopna.39,40
 
Mr De Morton has presented a handsome marble clock to the Healesville mechanics' institute for the public reading room. [1909]41
 
Joseph Antony de Morton died of hepatic cirrosis, gastritis and exhaustion in Healesville on 2 November 1909, aged 70. He had been ill for four weeks and was last seen by a doctor three days before his death. He was buried at Williamstown cemetery with son Rupert and daughter Zilla May.

At this time, the four remaining children were aged 23, 21 and 18 and 13.6,5,10
 
Williamstown cemetery
Image: Australian Cemeteries
We regret to record the death of Mr De Morton, whose personality was well known in the township and along the Don road, where he had settled at the foot of Mt Riddell. He was a retired station-master, and of a rather solitary disposition, but many who drive along the Don road at night will miss the sweet music of his flute as he sat on the verandah of his home. He leaves a wife and two daughters, who are very popular among the young people of Healesville and we offer our sympathies to them in their bereavement.42
 
Will and Probate 
Joseph prepared a will in July 1905. In it he bequeaths all of his real and personal estate to Sir Matthew Henry Davies, solicitor and former parliamentarian, and Arthur Oldson/Olsson, Victorian railway officer. Joseph directs them to convert all of his estate into money as and when they deem fit. He directs them to distribute it to firstly, his three daughters, Zillah May, Josephine Antoinette and Helene Maude, and survivors of them. Or if there are no survivors then Henry Luscombe, stepson of his brother Richard, George de Morton, Richard's grandson, or survivors of them. The executors may pay for the three daughters' education or advancement, and they have use of the house and land known as 'Zillandah' and its furniture and effects. The executors are guardians of Josephine and Helene during their minority.

There is no provision in the will for wife Charlotte or daughters Lillian Ethel (then aged 19) or Myrtle Irene (aged 17).

When Joseph died in 1909, Zillah May had predeceased him, so the balance of the estate went to Josephine Antoinette and Helene Maude.

The estate was valued at £229/13/6 and consisted of: the four acre property known as 'Zillandah'; blocks of land in Yarraville and Deer Park in Melbourne; cash in the bank; and various other items from the farm or property generally described as old and in poor condition.43,38,24
 

Citations

  1. [S634] Joseph Antony de Morton and Charlotte Lavina Williams, marriage registration no. 228, 18 February 1894.
  2. [S3] Victorian Pioneer Index 1836-1888, CD-ROM, Macbeth Genealogical Services, 1998, marriage registration no. 228.
  3. [S270] Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, registry and index, Joseph Anthony de Morton and Sophia Coleman entry, marriage registration no. 3626, 1864.
  4. [S270] Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, registry and index, 'Joseph Antony' de Morton and 'Charlotte Lavinia' Williams entry, marriage registration no. 228, 1884.
  5. [S297] Williams-Howard family tree, computer file, March 2000.
  6. [S270] Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, registry and index, 'Jas Anty De Morton' entry, death registration no. 12715, 1909.
  7. [S635] Louis Dudding and Charlotte Lavinia de Morton, marriage registration no. 464, 11 February 1918.
  8. [S542] Australian Cemeteries, index and register, P Applebee, Joseph deMorton entry, headstone, Williamstown cemetery, 1909.
  9. [S220] 'Judicial and law notices', The Argus, 1848-1957, newspaper, Argus Office, 23 March 1910, p. 6, viewed 18 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/10844070
  10. [S643] Joseph Anthony De Morton, death registration no. 12715, 2 November 1909.
  11. [S638] Helene Maud de Morton, birth registration no. 23829, 22 July 1886.
  12. [S637] Zilla May de Morton, birth registration no. 20529, 21 June 1884.
  13. [S270] Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, registry and index, Sophia de Morton entry, death registration no. 10123, 1882.
  14. [S270] Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, registry and index, 'Zilla May' de Morton entry, birth registration no. 20529, 1884.
  15. [S270] Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, registry and index, 'Lillian Ethel DeMorton' entry, birth registration no. 706, 1886.
  16. [S270] Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, registry and index, Myrtle Irene de Morton entry, birth registration no. 30930, 1888.
  17. [S270] Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, registry and index, 'Josine Antionette DeMorton' entry, birth registration no. 24495, 1891.
  18. [S270] Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, registry and index, Rupert Adrian de Morton entry, birth registration no. 34581, 1893.
  19. [S270] Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, registry and index, 'Helene Maud' de Morton entry, birth registration no. 23829, 1896.
  20. [S270] Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, registry and index, 'Rupert Adrian DeMorton' entry, death registration no. 11564, 1894.
  21. [S644] Rupert Adrian De Morton, death registration no. 11564, 11 September 1894.
  22. [S446] 'The Children's Column: Correspondence', Leader, 1862-1918, newspaper, 14 March 1896, p. 34, viewed 28 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/196660388/…
  23. [S446] 'The Children's Column: Correspondence', Leader, 1862-1918, newspaper, 15 May 1897, p. 31, viewed 28 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/196838061
  24. [S640] 'Joseph Antony De Morton', VPRS 28 Probate and Administration Files, 114/293, probate, 1 March 1910.
  25. [S171] 'Public notices: Public notice', The Age, 1854-, newspaper, 4 December 1897, p. 1, viewed 18 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/188151752
  26. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Mernda, subdivision of Healesville, 1903.
  27. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Mernda, subdivision of Healesville, 1908.
  28. [S446] 'The Children's Column: Prize letters', Leader, 1862-1918, newspaper, 5 February 1898, p. 27, viewed 18 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/197308289
  29. [S641] 'St John's Church of England Sunday school', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 18 July 1902, p. 5, viewed 26 November 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article60050251
  30. [S641] 'Badger Creek concert and prize distribution', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 18 July 1902, p. 5, viewed 11 December 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60050247
  31. [S641] 'Badger Creek concert', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 25 April 1903, p. 2, viewed 11 December 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60283202
  32. [S641] 'Festivities at Badger Creek', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 23 July 1904, p. 2, viewed 11 December 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60041687
  33. [S641] 'General news', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 17 December 1898, p. 2, viewed 28 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60298456
  34. [S641] 'Healesville police court', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 20 January 1899, p. 3, viewed 28 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60298557
  35. [S641] 'Advertising: Stolen or strayed ...', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 22 August 1902, p. 2, viewed 18 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60050584
  36. [S641] 'Notice to the public of Healesville', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 23 April 1904, p. 5, viewed 7 December 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60286263
  37. [S641] '[no title]', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 3 September 1904, p. 3, viewed 8 December 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60041941
  38. [S639] 'Joseph Antony De Morton', VPRS 7591 Wills, 114/293, will, 31 July 1905.
  39. [S270] Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, registry and index, 'Zillah May DeMorton' entry, death registration no. 12373, 1908.
  40. [S642] Zillah May Demorton, death registration no. 12373, 17 October 1908.
  41. [S641] '[no title]', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 14 May 1909, p. 2, viewed 18 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60189114
  42. [S641] '[no title]', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 5 November 1909, p. 2, viewed 18 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60190087
  43. [S220] 'The lost mace: Sir Matthew Davies threatened', The Argus, 1848-1957, newspaper, Argus Office, 19 April 1905, p. 7, viewed 13 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/9889018