Recording family history serves as a bridge connecting past, present, and future generations. It’s not just about cataloguing dates and events; it’s about capturing the essence of what motivates a family through time. These stories, woven from the threads of individual experiences, triumphs, and challenges, help future generations understand their roots. They provide a sense of identity and belonging, offering insights into the values and decisions that have shaped their heritage. This rich tapestry of familial lore becomes a treasured legacy, enlightening and inspiring those who seek to find their place in the story of their lineage.
I have been documenting my Lindsay family heritage ( my father’s side of the family) n my blog for a number of years.
I am a 6th generation dairy farmer’s daughter of a 5th generation dairy farmer who turned beef farmer as soon as the opportunity arose. I can always remember my father telling me from a very early age “Lynne never ever learn to milk a cow”
Today I am going to share with you how the family dairy tradition continues today on my mother’s side of the family.
Robyn Lindsay ( nee Chittick )
My mother was the daughter of Robert Charles Chittick who was the son of Henry Chittick
This is the first in a series of four blogs outlining her family’s journey to dairy farm in Australia beginning with very humbly the 1880’s and proudly continuing today.
This family’s story is a poignant reminder of the power of faith and the resilience of the human spirit.
The remarkable tale of the Chittick family unfolds in the rugged mountain terrains of Ireland, where Gustavus Chittick, a prosperous farmer, managed a significant 40-acre estate. Born to Thomas Chittick and Eleanor Sharp, Gustavus’s life took a joyful turn when he wed Jane Moffat, a daughter from a neighboring farm, on December 30, 1851.
Tragedy struck when Gustavus, at the age of 32, met his untimely demise in a steeplechasing accident, leaving Jane a widow with eight young children. In an era when women were neither expected nor encouraged to take on such burdens, Jane defied the odds. With unwavering determination, she managed the family farm for fifteen years.
The year 1880 marked a turning point when Jane decided to embark on a bold journey to Australia, a land she believed brimmed with opportunity. With her brother, James Moffat of Gerringong, awaiting her arrival, she planned meticulously for the future, selling her property and entrusting £1000 to her brother for the purchase of a new farm.
Armed with hope and her six sons and two daughters, Jane set sail on the Samuel Plimsoll, leaving behind her homeland. Despite the perils that such a voyage entailed, especially for a woman without a husband, the family looked forward to a new beginning.
However, fate had other plans. As the Samuel Plimsoll neared Sydney, Jane fell ill with what was later diagnosed as typhoid fever. Upon arrival, they rushed to the residence of her brother-in-law, James Maxwell, in Sydney. Despite all efforts, Jane Chittick passed away on August 20, 1880, without seeing the dreams for her family fulfilled.
Further anguish followed when the family discovered that their entrusted funds had been misappropriated, leaving them with barely enough to start anew. Yet, the true inheritance Jane and Gustavus passed on to their children was not of material wealth but of indomitable spirit, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of a better life.
The Chittick siblings, guided by their uncle’s wisdom and the support of esteemed community members, thrived against all odds. Known for their entrepreneurial spirit, horsemanship, and success in cattle breeding, the Chittick brothers made a name for themselves. Their commitment to the community, service in local government, and unwavering church loyalty were testaments to their character.
The source of my blogs ( text and photos) is from “The Chittick Family History”, as chronicled by Mr. J.H. Chittick, Ms. Betty Chittick and families. It can be found in the National Library of Australia, and its is an enduring testament to a family’s journey through hardship to prosperity.
I have done my best to blog it in a similar language to how it was documented in this book.
#ChittickFamilyLegacy #CourageousJourney #IrishHeritage #AustralianSettlers #HistoricVoyage #FamilyResilience #AncestralPride #FaithAndPerseverance #PioneerSpirit #CommunityBuilders #HeritageAndLegacy #GenerationsStrong
Remember my father’s famous words ” Lynne never learn to milk a cow” As it turns out these famous words have inspired a book
by
The blurb from the book
Never Learn To Milk A Cow was the only advice his grandmother gave to his mother before she married his father. On a challenge from his wife, Carlos Davis, psychologist and father writes for his teenage children what he thinks he knows and what he wants them to know. These nineteen insightful essays were offered in a spirit of gratitude to his kids and they offer guidance and hope to everyone who struggles with conveying their experience and wisdom to those they love.
and this from Facebook
