HMSS 0300 Cameron Family Papers

ACT Heritage Library Manuscript Collection

HMSS 0300 Cameron Family Papers

Scope and Contents Notes

Call Number

HMSS 0300
Collection

Cameron Family Papers

Date Range

1881-1986

Quantity

0.72m (3 boxes)

Access Conditions

open

Copying conditions

with attribution

Related Collections

Largely the papers of brothers Evan (1866-1966) and Ernest (1870-?) Cameron and Evan's daughter, Heather Gladys Shakespeare, nee Cameron (1909-2008).

Evan and Ernest were the sons of Ewan Cameron and Ann Smith, both children of Canberra district pioneers.

Ewan Cameron (1840-1898) was the first schoolmaster of Weetangera Public School and prominent member of the local Methodist community. He selected land in the Ginninderra district, calling it "Land's End".

In retirement, Evan and Ernest spent a good deal of time researching family and local history.  With the assistance of Heather, they wrote The Story of the Weetangerra Methodist Church (1956). Much of this collection relates to their research. Heather continued her interest in local and family history and was a founding member of the Canberra and District Historical Society.

The collection also contains early personal papers of Heather Shakespeare.  Other objects belonging to Heather Shakespeare were donated to the Canberra Museum and Gallery at the time this material was deposited with the ACT Heritage Library. 

Items at the Canberra Museum and Gallery are:

  • A riding habit that belonged to Edith Lavinia Cameron (née Kilby) comprising:
    Black lined jacket (or basque) with covered buttons down front, slightly puffed sleeves, high collar and peplum, some boning (60cm long)
    Black lined skirt with repairs (98 cm long)
  • Other clothing that belonged to Edith Lavinia Cameron (née Kilby) comprising:
    Cotton petticoat with broderie anglaise inserts (83 cm long, base 97cm wide)
    Cotton singlet with broderie anglaise inserts (41cm long x 46cm at bust)
    Cotton undershirt with broderie anglaise inserts (41cm shoulder to waist)
    Cotton shirt (with buttons down the back) with broderie anglaise inserts (46cm long)
    Lace cap (17cm top to bottom)
    Lace and velvet collar (35cm top to bottom, 33cm neck)
    Black beaded and lined collar with hook fasteners down the front, two ties at back (54cm long)
    Black cape with beaded edges (34cm long, 88cm wide when open)
  • Doll that belonged to Edith Lavinia Cameron (née Kilby) and later Heather Shakespeare (née Cameron) (73 cm head to toe)
  • Sewing sample which belonged to Heather Shakespeare (née Cameron) (17 x 22cm)

 

Box List

Ewan Cameron Correspondence

Box No. Description Date Range
1

Letter from, Ewan Cameron, Teacher, Mugwill Public School to James McCredie, Inspector of Schools, Yass concerning Incident of two of Cameron’s pupils and the priest, Father Gallagher

14/11/1881
1

Letter fragment from Samuel Shumack to Ewan? Cameron being a pious poem and reflections on Christianity

 no date
1

Letter from Samuel Shumack, “Spring Vale”, Isaac Street, Peakhurst, to the Camerons at “Lands End” concerning rainfall, cropping and life at Ginninderra 1866-1908.

19/08/1935

Weetangera School 1975 - Ernest Cameron

Box no. Description Date Range
1

Letter from Ernest Cameron to Evan Cameron seeking information on Weetangera School for articles on local history to be published in The Canberra Times

26/01/1951
1

Notes from Evan Cameron to Ernest Cameron in response to specific questions posed including information about early pupils, teachers and description of Weetangerra School Buildings. Written on back of portions of ACT Bushfire Council Annual Report to 30th June 1950.

1951
1

Address by Ernest Cameron to the Canberra and District Historical Society “Some History of Education in Early New South Wales and the ACT”.

October 1957

Edward Smith and Mary Kilby

Box No. Description Date Range
1

Letter from Ernest Cameron to Evan Cameron concerning family history particularly of Edward Smith and his wife Mary nee Kilby.  Some detail about Edward importing wheat into NSW and the later experiments by William Farrer, also of draught horses and ploughing competitions in Canberra district.  Some annontation by Ernest

15/02/1955
1

Notes on “The Voyage of the Northumberland from Plymouth to Sydney 1862” typescript notes by Ernest Cameron with manuscript amendments concerning voyage of Edward Smith’s brother Matthias Smith to NSW.

15/10/1955
1

Research notes into arrival in NSW of William Kilby and his son Robert per the “Lloyds” in 1856. Manuscript notes by Ernest Smith

ca. 1955
1

Research notes into passage to NSW of Edward Smith and family per the “Irene” in 1852. Typescript notes by Ernest Cameron with manuscript annotation

ca. 1955

Methodist Church Weetangera

Box No. Description Date Range
1

The Story of Weetangerra Methodist Church by Ernest and Evan Cameron

 1956
1

Sunday School Roll kept by Eliza Shumack, “Spring Vale”, Weetangera

11/05/1902-[1904]
1

Souvenir program and invitation to the Ninetieth anniversary of the Wattle Park Methodist Church

05/03/1972
1

Manuscript notes concerning history of Weetangera Methodist Church by Ernest Cameron addressed to Evan Cameron and readdressed to Heather Cameron. 

24/08/1955
1

Empty envelope which once contained photos of Weetangera Methodist church and St Ninian’s Presbyerian Church, Canberra.

 no date
1

Newscuttings from The Canberra Times.

1946-1976
1

Letter from Ernest Cameron to Evan Cameron concerning history of Methodist Church, Weetangerrra

[1952]
1

Manuscript copy of letter from GP Murphy, Secretary, Department of the Interior to Evan Cameron concerning the Weetangerra Cemetery

10/05/1955
1

List of ministers preaching at Weetangerra Methodist Church

1872-1955
1

Manuscript part draft of history of Weetangerra Methodist Church

 no date
1

Letter from Evan Cameron on behalf of himself and Ernest Cameron to Clyde concerning the history and attaching typescript and manuscript notes by Ernest Cameron

04/10/1955
1

Letter from Arthur G. Collis to Evan Cameron concerning the church

13/08/1945
1

Typescrift drafts of part histories of the church with manuscript annotations

 no date

Weetangera History

Box No. Description Date Range
1

Four Pioneers of Limestone Plains inscribed “with Compliments EC” [Evan Cameron] and signed by Leon Smith, Ernest Cameron and Evan Cameron

1950
1

Thomas Southwell of Parkwood.  Pioneer Settler. Patriarch. A Father of Methodism. A survey of his life to mark the centenary of his arrival in Australia in 1838. Canberra: Federal Capital press. Copy of Heather Cameron

1938
1

Manuscript by S W (Sid) Kilby “shearing in the Jerilderie District 1896” being an account of travelling from Wannamurra Station near Jerilderie to Duntroon via Yass and Murrumbateman.

11/05/1951
1

Typescript of articles by Ernest Cameron for publication in the Canberra Times, and possibly the Canberra and District Historical Society.

  • Weetangerra part I, 21/02/1951
  • Weetangerra Part II, How the Early settlers Lived, 08/05/1951
  • Weetangerra Part II, Social Conditions of the Early Settlers at Weetangerra, ACT
  • Weetangerra Part IV, Social Conditions of the Early Settlers
  • Weetangerra School
  • Weetangerra Paper 5, Social Conditions
 1951

Evan Cameron

Box No. Description Date Range
1

Envelope addressed to Evan Cameron, Ainslie postmarked Bungendore annotate with notes about and dates of house at ‘Lands End’

24/03/1956
1

Fragment of an article by Ernest Cameron – probably one of the 1951 articles on the history of Weetangerra for the Canberra Times.

09/04/1951
1

Manuscript notes about construction of houses and family history at Lands End by Ernest Cameron

[1955]
1

Copy of NSW marriage record for George Worner and Mary Cameron at Murrumbateman

11/01/1889
1

Copy of NSW death registration for Ann Cameron at Ginninderra

17/05/1883
1

Copy of NSW burial record for Donald Cameron of Ginninderra

09/09/1853
1

Photocopy of family tree for Donald Cameron and Ann nee McPhee following line, largely of their eldest daughter Margaret, who married Michael Murty, 1848
1

Photocopy of hand drawn plan of the buildings at “Lands End” as remembered by Ewan Cameron
1

Copy of family tree of Donald Cameron compiled by A.J. Cameron

09/09/1853
1

For Evan Cameron from NSW Freemason, 01/11/1956, p. 472

01/11/1956

 Cameron Family (collected by Heather Shakespeare)

Box No. Description Date Range
1

Typescript notes on The Cameron Family.  Donald Cameron and family arrival in NSW per The Boyne, 02/01/1839. Dates of children’s births, information on eldest son, John and dates of his children’s births.  Two copies.
1

Manuscript notes on the children of Donald and Ann Cameron
1

Manuscript fragment in the hand of Evan Cameron, being a copy of Sid Kilby’s story of shearing at Jerilderie [See Weetangerra History File]
1

Manuscript in Evan Cameron’s hand concerning the family history of Edward Smith and Mary Kilby

14/01/1952
1

File card with information concerning the live of Edith Lavinia nee Kilby, wife of Evan Cameron, d. 1951
1

File card with information concerning Freda Ann Cameron and Thelma Jane Cameron, daughters of Evan and Edith Cameron
1

Typescript reminiscence “Lands End” by Heather Shakespeare

31/10/1981
1

Typescript notes “The Cameron Family (Background Information), in particular the family’s relationship with St Ninian’s Presbyterian Church, Lyneham
1

Typescript biographical notes “Mrs Heather Shakespeare”
1

Letter from Gerard Keenan of the Lands End Rover Crew, Sutton to Heather Shakespeare

07/05/1986
1

Photocopies of family trees prepared by DWP Murty for

  • Worner Family going back to Ewan Cameron and Ann Smith
  • Murty Family going back to Donald Cameron and Ann McPhee
 1982
1

Photocopy of typescript report of 1977 family reunion “The Cameron Family”

 1977
1

Copy of manuscript notes “Duncan Cameron” compiled by Clyde M. Whittaker, Deniliquin, 1959 and sent to Heather with covering letter

 1960

Miscellany

Box No. Description Date Range
1

Letter from Nita M. Bullu to her cousin Sid [Kilby] from the Cambewarra Public Scholl

06/03/1912
1

Carbon typescript copy of letter from Mary Gilmore to Billy Bluett concerning the inauguration of the Canberra and District Historical Society and confirming kinship with the Camerons of Lands End

14/02/1953
1

Carbon typescript of Ernest Cameron’s address to the Canberra and District Historical Society, “History of Education in Early New South Wales and the ACT”

September 1957
1

Letter from Don Murty of Manly to Heather Cameron concerning family history

15/08/198?
1 Letter from Lavinia Lainingham [daughter of Ernest Cameron?]

16/08/197?
1

Letter of introduction from Arthur Shakespeare for Heather Cameron for overseas travel during long service leave

20/02/1959
1

Reminiscence of Heather Shakespeare
1

Poem, “Lands End” by Arthur Shakespeare

Evan Cameron's Reminiscences

Box No. Description Dae Range
1

Four exercise books being Evan’s personal recollection of the family history
1

Book 1 Edward Smith and Mary Kilby from marriage to arrival in Australia

14/01/1952
1

Book 2 Edward Smith and Family from arrival in Australia to Ginninderra with manuscript annotations, possibly by Ernest Cameron
1

A copy of Book 2 with different annotations

22/09/1954
1

Book 3 Cameron family and claim to be related to Mary Gilmore.  Includes family history, history of Lands End and Evan Cameron’s personal reminiscences

24/12/1953
1

Typescript transcription of Book 3

Newscuttings

Box No. Description
1

Articles by or about the extended family

Evan Cameron Letters

Box No. Description Date Range
1

Letters received by Evan Cameron.  In chronological order Includes some fragments located at end of run.  Subject matter is largely family or district history.

 1943-1956

Ernest Cameron Letters

Box No. Description Date Range
1

Letters to Evan Cameron from Ernest Cameron includes information to begin research into Weetangerra School, family and district news. In chronological order.  Some fragments located at end of run

 1940-1956

Smith-Kilby Family History

Box No. Description Date Range
1

Research by Faye Wade 2 envelopes of research material relating largely to the Smith family history

 1980

Church Papers Presbyterian

Articles from and issues of Presbyterian Church publications includes:

Box No. Description Date Range
1

Newscuttings about St Ninian’s Presbyterian Church,
1 Obituary for Edith Cameron in parish bulletin of St Columba’s Presbyterian Parish June 1951
1

Leaflet: Hymns for Christmas Day composed by The Rev. Charles H. Bingham, MA, printed by Palmer and Son, Printers etc, Ramsey.
1 St Stephen’s Presbyterian Church, Queanbeyan, Special Patriotic Service. Order of Service Sunday January 28. 1900
1 Church of St Andrew, Canberra.  Form and Order for the Dedication of the Memorial window and Memorials in the Warriors’ Chapel within the Church Sunday 14 November, 1948.
1 Souvenir History of the Presbyterian Charge of Queanbeyan-Canberra.  Anniversary Edition 1914
1 Presbyterian Parish of Canberra.  The Echo, No. 4 September 1943
1

The New South Wales Presbyterian. Vol XV1, No. 14 (article on rededication of St Ninian’s)

 4 March 1942

 Lands End

Box No. Description
1

Newscuttings and notes concerning Lands End propery

Books and Publications

Box no. Description Date Range
2

Affleck, William.  Reminiscences of William Affleck From Infancy to Present Date.  Sydney. R Dey and Son, 1916.  Inscribed to Mrs Ewan Cameron by the author, Dec. 1916.

 1916
2

Wellings, H.P. Benjamin Boyd in Australia (1842-1849).  Shipping Magnate: Merchant: Banker: Pastoralist and Station Owner: Member of Legislative Council: Town Planner: Whaler.
2

Cusack, J.J. Bank Reform the Key to Full Employment
2 “Old Tom Brown” of “Wesley Vale” Dalton ... Centenary Reminiscences”. Canberra. Federal Capital Press 1938
2

Federal Capital Pioneer Magazine (no covers)

 20 July 1927
2 The Story of Queanbeyan 1838-1938.
2 The Canberra Annual 1940
2 Canberra National Capital : a prophecy is fulfilled.  Sydney. Gotham Australasia Pty Ltd 1949
2 Copping, Laurie.  Hall School. A History. ACT Schools Authority 1986
2 Canberra and District Historical Society.  Report 1954-1955
2

Methodist School Hymnal (owned by F & J Cameron)
2 Nicholson’s Community Songs.  Sydney. Nicholson & Co. Ltd., nd.

Photograph

Box No Description Date Range
2

Black and white photograph mounted on card.  Photograph of two women, a man and a boy outside a house.  Inscribed ‘Webster Family, Schotland”

 ca. 1900

Heather Cameron's Letter Portfolio

Folio inscribed: “Presented to heather Cameron by her teacher and schoolmates at Weetangerra upon the eve of her departure for Goulburn High School. 9th February 1923” - and subsequently became repository for educational certificates, prizes etc.  Contents have been removed, listed and stored separately from folio.  The key to the folio, in its original envelope, is stored with the folio

Box No. Description Date Range
3

NSW Department of Education Intermediate Certificate awarded to Heather G. Cameron, Goulbourn High School (includes original envelope)

01/05/1926
3

NSW Department of Education Qualifying Certificate awarded to Heather G Cameron, Weetangera Provisional School P

01/02/1922
3

Half yearly academic reports from Goulburn High School issued on 30 June and 31 December each year

1923-1925
3

Reference from Ellis Thomas, Methodist Minister, Queanbeyan

21/09/1929
3

Reference from Thomas G. Woodger of Woodgers and Calthorpe Ltd, Queanbeyan

21/09/1929
3

School exercise book belonging to Heather Cameron

1922
3

Enrolment certificate in Girl Guides

02/09/1924
3

Girl Guide’s Diary.  Brief personal entries of daily activities on most days.

1925
3

Prize certificates: First prize for Best Patrol Dispaly; First Prize for Patching (calico and flannel); Third Prize for Darning

11/08/1925
3

Girl Guide Badge
3

Gould High School Prefect Badge
3

Receipt, Goulburn High School Sports Union

28/03/1923
3

Certificate recording an A pass in French on three successive tests

27/04/1923
3

Invitation to attend dedication service of the Anglican Cathedral Site, Canberra

08/05/1927
3

Prize Certificates from Australian Capital Territory Pastoral and Agricultural Show Association. First Prize Best Pottery for utility; Highly Commended Best piece Moulded Pottery

March 1941
3

Photograph of Heather Cameron in Girl Guide’s uniform.  Inscription “Heather Gladys Cameron Chief Guide”

Ca 1923
3

Photograph of Heather Cameron in swimming costume standing on rocks by a river

1920s
3

Photograph of two women and two men.  One woman is probably Heather Cameron

1920s
3

Photograph, possibly Heather Cameron’s mother, sitting on a stone wall at a mountain lookout

Ca 1940s
3

Photograph, group of eight people (family trip?) leaning agains a car outside the Old Courthouse, Hartley, NSW, Stamp on the photograph “Souvenir of our trip to Jenolan Caves”

Ca. 1940s
3

Letter from Florence Ayling, Victoria Street, Goulburn with original envelope

May 1926
3

Letter from Alice M., “Cameron Vale”, Canberra with original envelope

19/01/1926
3

Letter from Lea, “Red Hill”, Boorowa with original envelope

19/01/1926
3

Letter from an aunt (in Strathfield?) with original envelope

18/08/1926
3

Letter from the Honorary Secretary of the Cowper Street (Goulburn Methodist) Sunday School

10/03/1926
3

Letter from Esther, Copenhagen

29/12/1955
3 Newscutting: “Weetangara”. (1923, September 7). Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer, p. 2. Retrieved August 10, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31680919
3

Newscutting: “Weetangara”. (1923, August 24). Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer, p. 2. Retrieved August 10, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31680836
3

Newscutting: “Weetangara”. (1923, February 23). Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer, p. 2. Retrieved August 10, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article31679393
3 Undated “Cyclists’ Warm Time : Holiday Interrupted” concerning cycling holiday of Misses T and H Cameron.
3

Letter from A.T Shakespeare to Ernest Cameron, concerning publishing research into history of Weetangera.

29/11/1956
3

Voluntary Aid Detachment Certificate for Heather Cameron

1946
3

Newscutting concerning cessation of hostilies of World War II.

 16/08/1945
3

Canberra Delirious When Glad News Broke At Last. (1945, August 16). The Canberra Times, p. 1. Retrieved August 10, 2012, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2640221