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Tales from the Grave
Uncovering family history from down under
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Carrie's cups of tea were life-altering
At four feet and five inches, grandmother Caroline Grills would be one of the last people to be suspected of serial murder but, sadly, she became known for her notorious cups of tea, cakes and biscuits. Born Caroline Mickelson around 1888 to parents George and Mary (nee Preiers), Caroline grew up in the Balmain area of Sydney. She went on to marry Richard William Grills and they had five sons and a daughter. Unfortunately, two of their boys would die young. Caroline 'Aunty Ca
Samantha Elley
5 days ago3 min read


Honouring Mount Barker heroes
"This tribute is a reminder that behind every name carved in stone is a life worth knowing." When teacher Clare Dorey got her students to research a veteran each for Year 10 History, it gave her an idea. "When I left that school, I decided to do some research of my own," she said. As part of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, Clare applied for and received a grant through Veterans SA and that is how her book, Stories from Stone: Honouring Mount Barker's WWII Me
Samantha Elley
Mar 32 min read


Four brothers killed in Great War
The sacrifice of the Watherston family is considered one of the greatest regarding Australia's involvement in the Great War. Their tragic story, however, starts in 1896 where a strong westerly wind is blowing across the waters just off Boston Island, near Port Lincoln, South Australia. In a flat-bottomed boat, heading to a cutter, is married couple James and Isabella Watherston with one of their five sons. James and Isabella Watherston. Courtesy Findagrave. A heavy sea strike
Samantha Elley
Feb 173 min read


Daughter discovers murder-suicide
What makes a person so crazed that they would want to harm a family member? This is the question that may have been asked by May Kathleen Lees when she came home from work on the evening of 6th December, 1944. As May stepped into the Enfield home she shared with her mother and elderly aunt, after 6pm on that fateful day, she had no idea of the scene that would greet her. When she entered the laundry or washroom, she discovered her mother, Clara Evelyn Lees (nee Shepherd), 63,
Samantha Elley
Jan 202 min read
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