FatherJoseph Anthony de Morton b. c 1840, d. 2 Nov 1909
MotherCharlotte Lavinia Williams b. 12 Apr 1866, d. 7 Sep 1940
Pedigree

Birth, Death, Marriage

Myrtle Irene de Morton was born in 1888 in Maidstone, Victoria.1,2 
She began a relationship with Herbert Joseph Tippett circa 1924.3 
She died on 29 January 1972 in Daw Park, South Australia.3 

Family

Herbert Joseph Tippett d. 4 Jun 1951
Children
ChartsWilliams, John, descendant chart

Story

Myrtle Irene de Morton was born in Maidstone in 1888. She was the third child of Charlotte and Joseph.1,2
 
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.4,5,6,7,8,9
 
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.10
 
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.4
 
'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.5
 
'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.]10
 
Josephine wrote her first letter to the 'Leader' in October 1898:

Zillandah Don Road Healesville
August 1st 1893
Dear Cinderella,-
We take 'The Leader' every week. I have never written to you before. My Teacher's name is Miss Iles, I like her very much. I have four sisters, their names are Zillah, Lilly, Myrtle, and Nellie. I would like to see this letter in 'The Leader'. As this is all the news I have to tell you, except that we had snow beautiful snow upon the Mountains and here below. From your new and loving friend
JOSEPHINE DE MORTON.
Age 7 years.11

 
In 1901, Myrtle wrote a letter to the Weekly Times:

A Frog's Nest.- Badger Creek, 15/8/01.- Dear Uncle Ben,- We have been having a lot of rain. It ought to make the crops and plants in the garden grow. We have been living in Healesville for about six years. I think it is a very nice place. In many parts near the Badger River we find beautiful maiden hair and many other kinds of ferns, and also lovely mosses. Our school teacher (Miss Jack) is very fond of curiosities, and she has on the school mantel shelf a frog's nest in a bottle. The nest is a jelly-like substance, with little black specks. These are the eggs. Some day we may see some frogs jumping about in the bottle. I like going to school very much. I am in the fifth class. Now, I think I have written enough for you to read, so I will say good night. With love to the children who write to you. I remain, your new and affectionate niece.- Myrtle De Morton.12

 
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.13
 
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.14,15,16,5,13
 
[In all newspaper references to the de Morton children's activities in Healesville, Lillian is never mentioned by name, but all the others are.]
 
Around 1905, Charlotte and Joseph separated. Charlotte returned to Tallygaroopna with their daughters, while Joseph remained at 'Zillandah'.9
 
In November 1908, while they were still in Tallygaroopna, the girls' father died in Healesville. At this time, they were aged 23, 21 and 18 and 13.17
 
Return to Healesville
Following Joseph's death, Charlotte and the two youngest children, Josephine and Helene ('Nellie'), returned from Tallygaroopna. On their return to Healesville, they lived at 'Bon Espoir' in McGretton's Rd. It is not known if the two oldest, Lillian and Myrtle (Zilla had died), also returned to Healesville.18,19
 
Charlotte and the children were involved in community and social activities. The children were involved in artistic events including singing, dancing, recital, acting and playing instruments. They also participated in community fundraisers.20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29
 
Nursing and Military Service
Myrtle Irene trained as a nurse. In 1913 she worked at the benevolent asylum in Cheltenham. In 1914 she worked at the Women's Hospital in Carlton.30,31
 
In 1914 and 1915 she gave her address as Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, and this is where she did her final three years as a trainee nurse.32,33,34
 
In June 1917, Myrtle Irene enlisted for service with the AIF where she was a staff nurse in the Australian Army Nursing Service (AANS).

As next of kin she gave her mother, Charlotte. Her address was Victoria St, Tallygaroopna, the home of her mother, and her grandmother, Mary Ann Williams.

Myrtle Irene embarked from Melbourne on 30 June 1917 per SS Somali and disembarked Bombay on 30 July. She was posted to the Gerard Freeman Thomas Hospital in Bombay, the Alexandra War Hospital in Bombay and the Station Hospital in Secunderabad before in November 1918, returning to the Gerard Freeman Thomas Hospital.

She was admitted to hospital on three occasions. On the last occasion she was declared unfit for further service abroad and was discharged from Colaba Hospital in Bombay for return to Australia. She embarked at Bombay per Ambulance Transport ship Ellora on 13 January 1919 for return via the Suez canal. In Cairo she transferred to the hospital transport ship Demosthenes.

A February 1919 letter from Charlotte Lavinia acknowledges two memos regarding Myrtle Irene's return to Australia. It also advises a change to the next of kin name (from de Morton to Dudding after Charlotte remarried) and address (from Tallygaroopna to 'Kent Cottage', 104 Maude St, Shepparton).

The service record has two discharge dates, 2 March and 7 June 1919. The March date appears most frequently and as discharge from 3rd Military District (Victoria).34
 
Nurse Myrtle de Morton appears on the honour roll at the Tallygaroopna Hall.35
Honour roll, Tallygaroopna & District Hall
Image: Tallygaroopna Times & Tales 1990
In August 1924, Myrtle Irene completed a form regarding service medals advising they should be forwarded to: MI de Morton, 'Belle Vue', Forest St, Bendigo. In December, she acknowledged receipt of her British War Medal.

In 1942, now married and living in Adelaide, Myrtle Irene Tippett enquired about additional war medals through the South Australian Branch of the Returned Sailors', Soldiers' & Airmen's Imperial League of Australia (RSS&AILA). The advice received was that the Victory Medal was only issued to AIF personnel who served in a unit in a prescribed theatre of war, and since her service was in Bombay, not a theatre of war, she was not entitled to the medal.34
 
On her return to civilian life in 1919, Myrtle Irene continued nursing and was living in St Kilda West.36
 
After they married, Josephine Antoinette and William Henry Errol lived at 'Khan Yunis' in Neerim Rd, Caulfield East. From 1925 to 1928, the address is given as 35 Neerim Rd. From 1922 to 1924, Myrtle Irene also lived there. In 1925, Helene Maude also lived there.37,38,39,40,41
 
In 1924, Myrtle Irene moved to Bendigo, where she stayed at 'Belle Vue' boarding house in Forest St. In 1925, she was staying at the Metropolitan Hotel in Hargreaves St, Bendigo.34,42
 
At this time her sister Helene was also a nurse in Bendigo, where she was in charge of the Bendigo Baby Clinic.43,44
 
Relationship and Family
Myrtle Irene de Morton and Herbert Joseph Tippett began a relationship in Bendigo around 1924. They had three children.
 
[No marriage registration has been found in the Victorian or South Australian registry indexes, but Myrtle Irene died in South Australia as Myrtle Tippett.]
 
[The South Australian indexes have the birth of David Morton Tippett (to Joseph Tippett and Irene Morton) in September 1927. There is a birth of Joseph Morton Tippett in July 1926, but confusingly the parents are listed as Joseph Martin Findlay and Mabel Harvey. From a newspaper article, we know that Joseph Morton Tippett is the eldest son of Herbert Joseph Tippett, so it seems likely this is Herbert Joseph and Irene Myrtle's eldest son and that there is an error in the indexes. No birth entry has been found for daughter Natalie. She appears as Miss N Tippett at her brother Joseph Morton's marriage, and as Natalie in her father's death notice.]
 
Myrtle Irene was working as a nurse in Bendigo where Herbert was a radio engineer. It is possible they met in a hospital in February 1924 after Herbert was struck by lightning.34,49,50,42
 
Bendigo. Monday.- Considerable excitement was caused at Bendlgo during the heavy thunderstorm last night. Church services were in progress, when there was an exceptionally heavy thunderclap and some worshippers screamed. The noise seemed to be centred over the very centre of the city. Some damage was done to Sanneman's Hotel and a fire was started at the Town Hall.

Mr Herbert J Tippett, wireless engineer, was listening-in, at his wireless installation, which is near the Town Hall, when, simultaneously with a big clap of thunder, he received a shock which hurled him five feet across the room. Mr Tippett said he had listened in aboard ship and other places during many storms, but had never before had a similar experience.49
 
Myrtle Irene and Herbert moved to Adelaide and this is where at least one of the children, David, was born.45
 
Myrtle Irene and Herbert Joseph lived at several locations in Adelaide. Their two sons were born in Medindie and Clarence Park. In 1937 they were in Grey St, Kent Town. In 1942 they were in Hatherly Ave, Hyde Park and in 1943, Commercial Rd, Hyde Park.46,45,51,52,53,48
 
After Herbert Joseph died, Myrtle Irene moved to the suburb of Daw Park.3
 
Herbert's Trouble With the Law
In June 1931, Herbert was remanded on a charge of having obtained relief from the Children's Welfare and Public Relief Board by false pretences. Bail was set at £20, with £20 surety. The charge was dismissed.

In December 1937, Herbert was fined £1 with 7/6 costs for having used indecent language in Grenfell St, Adelaide.

In April 1942, he was fined £2 wifh 10/- costs for having used indecent language at his home in Hatherly Ave, Hyde Park.54,55,51,52
 
Death of Aunt Mary Elizabeth 
Mary Elizabeth Williams died in Glen Iris on 27 July 1950, aged 81.56,57
 
Mary Elizabeth wrote a will in October 1947 naming William Henry Errol as executor. Beneficiaries of her estate were: Myrtle Irene Tippett (niece): £10; Morton Joseph, David & Natalie Tippett (children of Myrtle Irene): £10; Helene Maude de Morton (niece): £10; John de Morton Errol & Anthony de Morton Errol (children of niece Josephine Antoinette Errol): £10; and Josephine Antoinette Errol (niece): balance of estate.58,57
 
Death of Herbert Joseph 
Herbert Joseph Tippett died at his home in Commercial Rd, Hyde Park in Adelaide on 4 June 1951, aged 60.59,48
 
TIPPETT.- On June 4, at his residence, 55 Commercial road, Hyde Park, Herbert Joseph, the dearly loved husband of M Irene Tippett, and loving father of Joseph, David and Natalie.48
 
Myrtle Irene Tippett died in Daw Park in Adelaide on 29 January 1972, aged 82.3
 

Citations

  1. [S270] Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, registry and index, Myrtle Irene de Morton entry, birth registration no. 30930, 1888.
  2. [S297] Williams-Howard family tree, computer file, March 2000.
  3. [S368] Genealogy SA online database search, index, Myrtle Irene Tippett entry, death registration no. 153A/665, 1972.
  4. [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/…
  5. [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
  6. [S640] 'Joseph Antony De Morton', VPRS 28 Probate and Administration Files, 114/293, probate, 1 March 1910.
  7. [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
  8. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Mernda, subdivision of Healesville, 1903.
  9. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Mernda, subdivision of Healesville, 1908.
  10. [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
  11. [S446] 'The Children's Column: Correspondence|', Leader, 1862-1918, newspaper, 8 October 1898, p. 41, 7 December 2020.
  12. [S429] 'Our Letter Box', Weekly Times, 1869-1954, newspaper, 28 September 1901, p. 13, viewed 28 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/222784690
  13. [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
  14. [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
  15. [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
  16. [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
  17. [S643] Joseph Anthony De Morton, death registration no. 12715, 2 November 1909.
  18. [S641] 'Mechanics' concert', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 15 April 1910, p. 2, viewed 8 December 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60190943
  19. [S646] 'Healesville Water Trust', Lilydale Express, 1894-1914, newspaper, Pettit and Co, 10 February 1911, p. 3, viewed 8 December 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/258354280
  20. [S641] 'Badger school concert', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 12 August 1910, p. 2, viewed 18 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60191621
  21. [S641] 'Presentation to senior constable Thornton', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 30 September 1910, p. 2, viewed 18 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60191935/5935359
  22. [S641] 'In aid of the sick: Successful bazaar', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 26 May 1911, p. 2, viewed 18 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60185365
  23. [S641] 'St John's monthly social', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 18 August 1911, p. 3, viewed 8 December 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60185841
  24. [S641] 'St John's bazaar', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 22 September 1911, p. 3, viewed 18 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60186001
  25. [S648] 'Midwinter at "Gracedale"', Punch, 1900-1918, newspaper, John Joseph Halligan, 25 July 1912, p. 27, viewed 8 December 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/175800722
  26. [S641] 'Dramatic entertainment', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 9 May 1913, p. 2, viewed 8 December 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60188085
  27. [S641] 'Healesville Dramatic club: Successful concert', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 11 July 1913, p. 2, viewed 18 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/64007738
  28. [S641] 'Sale of gifts', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 6 June 1913, p. 2, viewed 11 December 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/60188168
  29. [S641] 'Successful Rainbow Fair', Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, newspaper, 21 November 1913, p. 3, viewed 11 December 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/64008329
  30. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Henty, subdivision of Cheltenham, 1913.
  31. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Melbourne, subdivision of Carlton South, 1914.
  32. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Bourke, subdivision of Heidelberg, 1914.
  33. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Bourke, subdivision of Heidelberg, 1915.
  34. [S636] 'De Morton, Myrtle Irene', B2455 First Australian Imperial Force Personnel Dossiers, 1914-1920, control symbol DE MORTON M I, service record, 18 June 1917.
  35. [S17] Tallygaroopna and District Times and Tales: Published to mark the occasion of the centenary of Tallygaroopna primary school 3067, 1890-1990, Tallygaroopna school council, 1991, p. 85.
  36. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Balaclava, subdivision of St Kilda West, 1919.
  37. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Henty, subdivision of Caulfield East, 1921.
  38. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Henty, subdivision of Caulfield East, 1922.
  39. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Henty, subdivision of Caulfield East, 1924.
  40. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Henty, subdivision of Caulfield East, 1925.
  41. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Henty, subdivision of Caulfield East, 1928.
  42. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Bendigo, subdivision of Bendigo, 1925.
  43. [S220] 'Country News: Bendigo and district', The Argus, 1848-1957, newspaper, Argus Office, 14 October 1922, p. 26, viewed 26 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1848993
  44. [S220] 'Country News: Bendigo and district', The Argus, 1848-1957, newspaper, Argus Office, 20 March 1926, p. 42, viewed 26 November 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/3740970
  45. [S368] Genealogy SA online database search, index, 'David Morton' Tippett entry, birth registration no. 199A/490, 1927.
  46. [S368] Genealogy SA online database search, index, 'Joseph Morton' Tippett entry, birth registration no. 175A/512, 1926.
  47. [S653] 'To wed tonight', News, 1923-1954, newspaper, 3 February 1949, p. 19, viewed 14 January 2021|https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/130243706
  48. [S650] 'Deaths: Tippett', Adelaide Advertiser, 1931-, newspaper, Advertiser Newspapers Ltd, 6 June 1951, p. 18, viewed 20 December 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/45727523
  49. [S467] 'Tram struck: Driver stunned at Bendigo', Herald, 1855-1990, newspaper, FB Franklyn & Co, 4 February 1924, p. 3, viewed 18 December 2020, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/243759133
  50. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Bendigo, subdivision of Sandhurst, 1924.
  51. [S650] 'Used indecent language', Adelaide Advertiser, 1931-, newspaper, Advertiser Newspapers Ltd, 31 December 1937, p. 20, viewed 14 January 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/36400186
  52. [S653] 'Used bad language', News, 1923-1954, newspaper, 28 April 1942, p. 3, viewed 14 January 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/128550621
  53. [S392] Australia, Electoral Rolls 1903-1980, online, division of Boothby, subdivision of Unley, 1943.
  54. [S653] 'Items of interest: Remanded until Tuesday', News, 1923-1954, newspaper, 12 June 1931, p. 11, viewed 14 January 2021, https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/129042130
  55. [S653] 'News in brief: Information dismissed', News, 1923-1954, newspaper, 16 June 1931, p. 5, viewed 14 January 2021|https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/129042947
  56. [S270] Victorian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, registry and index, Mary Elizabeth Williams entry, death registration no. 8567, 1950.
  57. [S507] 'Mary Elizabeth Williams', VPRS 28 Probate and Administration Files, no. 427/073, probate, 27 September 1950.
  58. [S506] 'Mary Elizabeth Williams', VPRS 7591 Wills, no. 427/073, will, 13 October 1947.
  59. [S368] Genealogy SA online database search, index, Herbert Joseph Tippett entry, death registration no. 768/2804, 1951.