William George LACKERSTEEN II

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William Lackersteen 1874-1951

William George LACKERSTEEN II (known as Bill, 1874-1951) was born in Collingwood, Victoria to William George Lackersteen I and Emily Jane Bathurst. His parents had been born in London. Augustus Alexander Lackersteen was the grandfather of William George Lackersteen II. He had been born in Calcutta, India, in 1817 and spent time in England, India, Australia and France. It is believed he came to Sydney about 1852 and was an importer of Indian goods in 1870. Bill Lackersteen became an Articled Clerk in Sydney- essentially a Clerk under the supervision of a Solicitor providing training in Law or Accountancy.[1]

In 1885 Frederick Morris WATTS became the licensee for the Tomerong Post Office and six years later his 25 year old niece, Matilda Jane MILLER, is listed as an assistant. Matilda's father, Milton farmer John Miller had been born in Ireland, and was a guarantor for the Watts. Matilda, known as Tilly, became the Licensee in 1899 and a week later Bill, her new husband, is listed as an assistant. They had married in Balmain that year.

Bill was the Secretary of the local St Vincent's Sailing Club and an active member of the Tomerong Debating and Literary Society and the Presbyterian Church and Sunday School. He also gave speeches at local events including a valedictory social where George Franklin SMITH was leaving for the Boer War. Smith was the President of the Sailing Club. Bill would receive letters from George in South Africa.[2][3]

Bill became the Secretary at the inaugural meeting of the Tomerong Progress Association, in late 1899, at which fourteen members were enrolled.[4] In 1901, Bill was one of many who welcomed home George Franklin's brother Alexander SMITH, who had returned from the Boer War after being "badly wounded in a sharp engagement with the Boers". He was presented with a chain and medal of solid gold, and when George Franklin returned later in the year, a similar welcome was given with Lackersteen chairing the event.[5] Bill was appointed as one of the Trustees of Pelican Point Park in 1901 and at the New Year's Day Races, Bill was the Secretary for the newly reformed Tomerong Race Club. The day would end with a ball at Mooney's Hotel which lasted till daybreak.[6] He regularly appeared in the School Visitors Book, especially on Empire Day where many of the community attended with sports played, speeches given on the importance of the Empire and a picnic was held.[7]

As well as providing mail services the PO provided a telephone operator, money order and banking facilities. Bill would also act as the Registrar for the local elections. The PO and Shop became known as Lackersteen's Pioneer Store. Their daughter Murielle Hersey Lackersteen was born in 1901 when, at the time of Federation, they saw the control of the Post Offices change from the State Government to the new Commonwealth Government. Bill played Cricket for the Tomerong team from 1901 (till 1912) and in later years he served in an administrative capacity (1934).[8]

In early 1906 irregularities in customer deposits at the Tomerong PO were reported. Malcolm MATHIE II, Thomas MATHIE and Charles MATHIE had made deposits that had not been reported. Inspector Blackstone was sent and reported that the Nowra Postmaster had stated that he "held a preliminary inquiry into the matter referred to (and) stated that he could not account for the strange conduct on the part of Mr Lackersteen other than that it was gross carelessness and was probably owing to the fact that Mr Lackersteen was on very intimate terms with the Mathies and that the deposits had become mixed with Mr Lackersteen's private cash and had, through there being no banking institution nearer Tomerong than Nowra, been paid into Mr Lackersteen's banking account. The Postmaster Nowra did not think that Lackersteen had any dishonest intention as he is a storekeeper doing a nice business." Lackersteen admitted to the offence, repaid the funds and offered his resignation, but Matilda was officially the Postmistress and she was dismissed. A petition was raised for his reinstatement and was signed by 141 locals, to no effect. It wasn't unanimous, however as two locals wrote to the Postmaster General advocating for his removal. The Post Office was moved under the control of the Tomerong School Teacher, Arthur Buckland. A surprise party was held for the Lackersteens. A second event was held in August where the Newspaper reported "Mr Lackersteen, who on advancing to the front of the stage, was greeted with a storm of applause and cheers, said he could look around the hall and say he had many friends. But a second look told him, by their absence, that he had a few enemies. He spoke from the bottom of his heart when he thanked them for their beautiful and valuable presents."[9]

Following the establishment of the Clyde Shire Council, Bill Lackersteen was appointed as the Clerk and they sold the General Store to Woodhill & Co. of Nowra. He had not been our of government employment for long and whilst the PO wage was £57 the Shire salary was £100 per annum.[10]. Bill became President of the new Tomerong Tennis Club in 1907 and the following year his salary increased to £153 pa. Cyril BLACKET reported that the Police Magistrate, Colonel Chisholm, had stated "That Clerk of yours is a good officer; his books are beautifully kept.". A presentation was made to Matilda Lackersteen (Matilda Jane MILLER) at the Commercial Hotel in 1908 of the respect and esteem with which she was held in the community. Blacket presented her with a gold bangle.[11]

The Lackersteens moved to the purpose built Clerk's House 'Bundor' in 1909, just north of the School and adjacent to the new Post Office. They purchased the house from the Council about 1913 and they were known for having beautiful gardens.[12] Muriel, their daughter, died in Berry Hospital in 1913 aged 12.[13]

Bill was active in decentralisation and Railway committees that were formed to promote the area with the possible advent of a Federal port for Jervis Bay. He became a Justice of the Peace in 1913.[14] He was a participant in WWI recruiting, fundraising, 'send offs' and 'welcomes' for those who enlisted. He also received 'Letters From the Front'. [15] He was a Trustee for Cyril BLACKET's proposed Soldier Settlement at Tasman Park.[16]

Bill was present with Council staff when the Prince of Wales visited Tomerong in 1920 and was the recipient for Council when they received a machine gun (war trophy) from the front.[17] Bill's father, also William George Lackersteen would stay with them at Bundor from about 1922 until his death in 1927. He had arrived in Australia aged 4 years old and died aged 75.[18] Matilda attended the inaugural meeting of the Tomerong P&C in 1924 and Bill would become the P&C Vice President.[19]. Bill was one of the inaugural Trustees of the Tomerong School of Arts in 1926 and they both would be involved with its management.[20]

Whilst Bill occasionally featured on Deeds for Clyde Shire land purchases, he did buy some land in the village. The Store site was bought and sold and in 1919 he purchased three lots in Edwin Sherwin ROWE's subdivision directly opposite the Clyde Shire Chambers (Lots 3, 4, and 22). In 1936 he purchased three sites just south of the Church site, Lots 32, 33 and 37.[21]

Bill became the first President of the Nowra Rotary Club in 1934 and the President of the Tomerong Red Cross the following year.[22] About 1936, aged 70, it is believed Matilda suffered a stroke. Bill became her carer but was still employed by Council and active in local committees including events supporting WWII. He was also employed as the South Shoalhaven Clerk but the amount of work meant he would receive an assistant. Not long later he offered his resignation. James Samuel SEBERRY was chosen as the new Clerk. A presentation was given to Bill at the end of the Council meeting that recognised his 36 year service and a function occurred at the Jervis Bay Hotel for his farewell.[23]

Due to Matilda's health Bill reduced his Committee work becoming a Patron of some, rather than a President, but was still involved in welcoming home the WWII returnees. Some folk remember meeting at the Lackersteen's during the war years to make socks and flannel shirts for the soldiers.[24] He still managed to chair meetings advocating for a Shoalhaven Hospital and became President of the Tomerong Bushfire Brigade.[25]

Matilda died at Bundor in 1948 aged 81. Bill died 3 years later aged 77. Matilda and Murielle are buried together in Nowra Cemetery and Bill is probably at the same site (the cemetery also contains his father, William George Lackersteen I, 1847-1927). Lackersteen Street at Callala Bay in named after Bill.[26]

ST 9 Oct 1951 TP395

TOMERONG, From our Correspondent, Death of Mr W. G. Lackersteen.

A Gloom was cast over the village of Tomerong when it was learned on Saturday night, October 6th 1951, that Mr Lackersteen, that grand old pioneer, had passed away. Though he had complained of feeling “Out of sorts” for some time, his final illness was of short duration - only a few days, and his death came as a shock to a very wide circle of friends and acquaintances.

The late Mr Lackersteen had lived in Tomerong for a great portion of his life. He had carried out the duties of Shire Clerk from the inception of the Clyde Shire up to the time of his retirement in 1942. A man of high education and natural intelligence, he was a keen judge of human nature and an authority on most matters appertaining to the public welfare. He was connected in an executive capacity with practically all public bodies in Tomerong and if any “knotty” problem arose which needed some on to solve it, “Billy” Lackersteen was the man to whom all turned for advice.

A great lover of children, the late Mr Lackersteen was always prominently connected with the local P and C and took a keen interest in the welfare of the school pupils. Empire Day and the Christmas break up celebrations will not seem the same without his cheery presence among us. Various pictures and other amenities in the school will remain as a memento of this generous man, who was truly “The Children’s friend”.

Mr Lackersteen had a very well appointed home and beautiful gardens, of which he was justly proud. Nothing delighted the old gentleman more than to show visitors round his beautiful home and have them enjoy his hospitality. The funeral, which took place in Nowra on Monday, October 8, was attended by a large number of Tomerong people who were there to pay their last respects to a very fine citizen.

Bill Lackersteen may be considered as Tomerong's most civic minded citizen. These are some of the Committees on which he represented.

  • 1898 St Vincents Sailing Club Sec.,
  • 1899 Tomerong Progress Association Sec.,
  • 1899 Tomerong Literary and Debating Society,
  • 1901 Tomerong Jockey (Race) Club Sec.,
  • 1901 Pelican Point Park Trustee,
  • 1902 Railway Extension League Sec.,
  • 1904 Wandandian Cricket Club Patron,
  • 1904 Returning Officer and/or Electoral Registrar,
  • 1905 Tomerong Fellowship Association,
  • 1907 Tomerong Tennis Club Pres.,
  • 1910 Jervis Bay Development Committee,
  • 1913 Appointed as a Magistrate/Justice of the Peace,
  • 1915 Tomerong Rifle Club,
  • 1915 Clyde Shire Belgian Relief Fund Sec.,
  • 1916 Tasman Park Soldier Settlement Trustee,
  • 1916 Clyde Shire War Service Committee Sec.,
  • 1916 Clyde Shire Recruiting Association,
  • 1918 Huskisson- Tomerong Railway League Sec.,
  • 1919 Secretary Repatriation Committee Sec.,
  • 1920 Milton Masonic Lodge W.M.,
  • 1924 CofE Parish Council,
  • 1924 Tomerong P&C Vice Pres.,
  • 1926 Tomerong School of Arts Trustee,
  • 1927 Shoalhaven A&H Society,
  • 1931 St Vincents Sailing Club Sec.,
  • 1932 Tomerong Race Club (Equine) Sec.,
  • 1934 South Shoalhaven Town Clerk,
  • 1934 Tomerong Cricket Club Pres.,
  • 1934 Nowra Rotary Club Pres.,
  • 1935 Tomerong Red Cross Pres.,
  • 1938 Nowra RSL Sub-Branch Patron,
  • 1947 Tomerong Bushfire Brigade Pres.,
  • 1948 Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital Sub-Committee Pres.

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Notes and References

  1. ↑ Tomerong Genealogical Database R260. Ancestry TP5809.
  2. ↑ ST 24 Dec 1898 TP163. ST 14 Jun 1899 TP425+. ST28 Jun 1899 TP233+. ST 29 Jul 1899 TP234. ST18 Aug 1900 ST4018.
  3. ↑ NAA- PO Appointment Cards TP4584-5. Ibid R260. PO History TP2584. NAA SP32/1 28 Aug 1899 TP2708.
  4. ↑ ST 15 Nov 1899 TP367.
  5. ↑ ST 3 Apr 1901 TP4022, 5 Apr 1901 TP1964. ST 4 Sep 1901 TP4027.
  6. ↑ ST 21 Aug 1901 TP4944/1655. ST 1 Jan 1902 TP1451+.
  7. ↑ School Visitors Book TP5038. Newspapers Various.
  8. ↑ ST 20 Jul 1904 TP1603. Newspapers Various TP4983+. ER's and Sands Directories Various TP2405+/6048+.
  9. ↑ NAA SP32/1/0 TP2656+. ST 30 May 1906 TP1759. ST 8 Aug 1906 TP1678.
  10. ↑ CSM 22 Dec 1906 TP2002+.
  11. ↑ ST 17 Apr 1907 TP1112+. ST4 Mar 1908 TP1816. ST 5Aug 1908 TP1154.
  12. ↑ CSM 13 Nov 1908 TP2035+. CSM 11 Aug 1913 TP2166.
  13. ↑ ST 28 May 1913 TP1864. SMH 30 May 1913 TP4941.
  14. ↑ SMH 20 Sep 1910 TP3865+. Photograph TP2135/2133. SN 3/5/1913 TP589.
  15. ↑ SN 14 Aug 1914 TP4908+. ST 1 Dec 1915 TP724/4744+. SN 23 Dec 1916 TP5984.
  16. ↑ NL 21 Jul 1916 TP5876. ST 13 Sep 1916 TP5832+.
  17. ↑ SMH 25 Jun 1920 TP3993+. AWM 16 Nov 1920 TP3305.
  18. ↑ ER's 1922 TP3309+. SN 14 May 1927 TP4943.
  19. ↑ P&C Minutes 24 Feb 1924 TP5444
  20. ↑ LTO 8 Jul 1926 TP4546+.
  21. ↑ LTO TP5893. Rowe's Subdivision plans TP5691/4221.
  22. ↑ Bayley, William, South Coast History TP3235. Red Cross Register TP403.
  23. ↑ SN 15 Apr 1942 TP1219. SN 17 Jun 1942 TP1201. SN 19 Aug 1942 TP1204/1205. SN 25 Nov 1942 TP1206.
  24. ↑ P&C Minutes 5 Mar 1945 TP317. SNN 26 Jun 1946 TP4292+. N McGuire pers comm 15 Apr 1998 TP2016.
  25. ↑ SNN 4 Dec 1946 TP1705+. RFS Minute Books 21 Feb 1947 TP414+.
  26. ↑ SMH 3 Jul 1948 TP4940+. SMH 8 Oct 1951 TP4939+. Some sources reported his age as 85. Shoalhaven Street Names Alan Clark TP5404.

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Links

  1. Tomerong Local History Web Page- tomeronghistory.com
  2. Tomerong Past Facebook Album- Tomerong Past Facebook This site may provide more information relative to this family. Check the 'Families' and 'Monuments' albums and those institutions that the family contributed to e.g. 'School', 'Sawmills', 'Clyde Shire' etcetera.
  3. William Lackersteen on Wikitree- [Not found- Wikitree]
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