Thomas Rixon land at Bondi, Wyndham
Thomas’ father, William died when Thomas was only four years old on May 28, 1847 at Campbelltown. After William’s death, Ann married twice more. On June 11, 1848, she married Owen Dunlaghan who died in January 1851. A year later, on January 24, 1852, Ann married William Henry Phibbs with whom she had one child, William Jordan Phibbs who died on November 24, 1863. His mother continued to live in the area for a number of years afterwards, and this is probably where Thomas was raised.
At some point, though, he must have headed south. At the age of 24, on 14 February, 1867 Thomas married the eldest child of James Laing and Isabella McLean, Jane Ann Laing, aged 21, at her parent’s place at Towamba. near Eden, NSW (BDM 1867/1990).
Thomas Rixon Death Notice
Jane Laing, who was born September 8, 1845 at Glenduart, near Moruya, NSW, was the daughter of the convict, James Laing who was from Aberdeen, Scotland and Isabella McLean, an Assisted Immigrant from the Isle of Coll, Scotland.
Greville’s Post Office Directory 1872 lists a Thomas Rixson (sic), farmer living at Towamba.
The Official Post Office Directory 1878 lists Thomas Rixon as a selector on the Towamba River.
Thomas Rixon died from “face cancer” on October 20, 1901 at Bondi, near Rockton south of Bombala.
With thanks to Kerrie Beers..
With thanks to Terry Hore, here is a photograph of Thomas Rixon's grave at Bombala Cemetery
This is the Last Will & Testament of me Thomas Rixon . Farmer & Grazier of Rockton formerly Bondi in the state of N.S.W. I give devise & bequeath to my wife Jane Rixon after payment of my just debts the farm of 120 acres of land at Rocky Hall known as ” New Building Farm” with ten young cows & all my household furniture & effects for her own use & benefit absolutely. The other land at Rockton with horses & cattle to be sold as soon after my decease as possible & divided equally amongst my children, sons & daughters alike. I appoint my sons William Rixon, Thomas Rixon & Donald Alexander Rixon to be my Executors of this my will 28 September 1901.
There is a reference to a Deceased Estate for Thomas who died 6/10/01 and claimed on 14/4/02 on the State Records website. I am planning a visit to the Kingswood State Records office to clarify the information.
Jane Rixon died in 1919. (23510/1919)
Also with thanks to Kerrie Beers..
This is the Last Will & Testament of me Jane Rixon of Rockton NSW in the city of Auckland. I hereby revoke all wills by me, at any time heretofore made, & declare this to be my last Will & Testament. I appoint Robert John Rixon & Michael Flanagan to be executors of this my will, & direct that all my just debts & funeral & testamentary expenses shall be paid as soon as conveniently may be after my decease. I give & bequeath to my son Robert John Rixon my property at Rocky Hall, consisting of one hundred & twenty acres of land together with dwelling.
Dated this 15th day September in the year of our lord one thousand nine hundred & seventeen. signed Jane Rixon. Witness James Brownlie & Michael Flanagan. Estate sworn at 370 pounds
Children
* William Rixon was born in (1868/902). He had a relationship with Ellen Laing, though they never married. He married Bertha Ramsey in 1908. William died at August 22, 1929 at Bairnsdale in Victoria,
* Thomas was born in 1870 at Eden (presumably Towamba) (1870/9297) and died October 17, 1951 at Bombala
* Sarah Ann was born in 1872 at Eden (presumably Towamba) (1872/9605) .
* Robert John was born in 1874 at Eden (presumably Towamba) (1874/10381) and died January 29, 1955 at Bombala,
* Donald A was born in 1877 at Eden (presumably Towamba) (1877/11378) and died June 4, 1948 at Bombala.
* Isabel Mary was born in 1880 at Eden (presumably Towamba) (1880/13720).
* Charles James was born in 1882 at Eden (presumably Towamba) (1882/16005) and died 1885 at Eden
* Amelia Jane was born on June 9, 1885 at Eden (presumably Towamba) (1885/19091. She married James Leslie Brownlie (born March 19, 1882).
Note: It’s possible Jane was known as Jeanie, according to this website though I am waiting for a confirmation.
Sharing Around: Please feel free to copy any of the information on this page which may help you in your own research. My feeling is that family research is hard enough, without the need to constantly re-invent the wheel. It would be great, however, if you’d leave a comment below just to say “hi”.
Hi James,
I am just querying Thomas’s death at Bondi and wonder if in fact it is his son, Thomas.
Copy states a very old and respected resident. Thomas snr was only 58 years when he died whereas Thomas jnr was 81.
Do you know date of newspaper clip?
Hi Judy I am reasonably confident i’ts the notice for Thomas senior, not junior for a couple of reasons. There is the reference to a death on the Sunday, whereas Thomas junior died on a Wednesday. It also looks much more like the text of a newspaper from 1901 not 1951. I will need to go back to the library to cross reference the paper to check, though, of course. Cheers James
PS. Yes, double checked the references. Thomas senior died on a Sunday (as in the death notice), and Thomas junior on a Wednesday.