Chittick Family Legacy Archives - Clover Hill Diaries

🐄🌾🥛Charles Robert Chittick. A Legacy of Dedication and Community Service 🐮🍃🏞️💚

Today’s blog post is 3 of 4 in my series on the journey of my family members of the Chittick family who arrived in Australia in 1873

Today’s post shares the story of my grandfather Charles Robert Chittick

Known to everyone as Charlie, my grandfather was the eldest son of Henry Chittick ( see previous post)

This is his story ( See footnote)

In the annals of Australia’s dairy farming history, the name Charles Robert Chittick resonates with a legacy of dedication, community service, and a profound influence on the agricultural sector. Born in 1888 in Jamberoo, Charles was the eldest of Henry and Margaret Chittick’s five children. His life, woven intricately with the fabric of his family’s dairy farming enterprise, Methodist faith and public service, tells a story of commitment and resilience.

Charles’ journey began in the late 1880s at Lemon Grove, Jerrara, the AIS stud farm established by his father, Henry. His early life was immersed in the family business, learning the intricacies of dairy farming and cattle breeding. A pivotal moment came at 16, with the death of his mother and a life-changing letter from his uncle Bob, which shaped many of his ideals.

In 1917, Charles married Winifred Heather Vance, marking the start of a new chapter. The couple took over the reins of the Lemon Grove stud at Jerrara, as Henry and his family moved to Alne Bank in Gerringong. While at Jerrara, Charles and Winifred welcomed their five children: Henry, Lloyd (deceased 1940), Robin, Betty, and Percy. This period was foundational in embedding family values and the importance of community in their upbringing.

In 1950, following the resumption of his Jerrara farm for a town water supply, Charles moved the family to Kiama, where he had purchased the property Strathleven from the Stewart family. In Kiama, while continuing to breed stud cattle, the family also conducted a milk vendoring business, run by his son Percy. Due to urban development, it became necessary to move the stud again, and in 1963, the present Lemon Grove property at Jamberoo was purchased from the Colley family.

Charles devoted a lifetime to producing cattle that would stand among the best of the breed, with stock from this stud used to establish many herds throughout the Commonwealth and overseas. This tradition is still being carried on today at Lemon Grove by his great-grandson.

Lemon Grove Farm today

Beyond the fields, Charles was a pivotal figure in community and public service. A foundation member of the Illawarra Dairy Shorthorn Society, which later became the A.I.S. Society, he played a significant role in shaping the industry. His involvement with the Kiama Show Society and the Jamberoo Junior Farmers Movement reflected his dedication to agricultural development and youth mentorship.

Elected an Alderman of the Jamberoo Municipal Council in 1931, Charles served the community until 1955, including three terms as mayor. His leadership and vision contributed significantly to community development and wellbeing.

His spiritual life was equally rich. Starting at 12, Charles dedicated himself to the Methodist Church, serving as a trustee, secretary, treasurer, and steward for decades. His faith and commitment to the church were cornerstones of his character, influencing his approach to life and community service.

Charles’ death in 1965 marked the end of an era for the Chittick family. His life’s work in dairy farming, community service, and spiritual commitment left an indelible mark on the regions of Jamberoo and Kiama. His wife, Winifred, passed away in 1976, aged 82, closing a chapter of a couple deeply embedded in their community.

The legacy of Charles Robert Chittick is a testament to the impact one individual can have on their community and industry. His life story, rooted in agricultural excellence, civic responsibility, and spiritual devotion, continues to inspire those in Jamberoo, Kiama, and beyond. As one walks through the fields of Lemon Grove or reflects on the history of the local councils and churches, the enduring influence of Charles Robert Chittick remains a beacon of commitment and service.

Footnote: The source of my blogs and photos is from “The Chittick Family History”, as chronicled by Mr. J.H. Chittick and Ms. Betty Chittick. It can be found in the National Library of Australia, and it 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

🌱🏡📚 Legacy of the Chittick Family. A Tale of Resilience and Achievement in Australia 🐄🧑‍🌾🧺

This is the second in a series of four blogs outlining my mother’s family’s journey to dairy farm in Australia beginning very humbly the 1880’s with starting capital of 10 shillings and proudly continuing today

Photo source

The journey begins with a ship the “Samuel Plimsoll” which carried 9 members of the Chittick family. Leaving Plymouth in April 1880 and arriving in Sydney in July 1880.

In the picturesque landscapes of Australia’s Gerringong and surrounding areas, the story of the Chittick family unfolds—a tale rich in history, resilience, and accomplishment. It’s a narrative woven through generations, beginning with Henry Chittick, the patriarch, and stretching across the lives of his descendants, impacting the dairy farming industry and local communities significantly.

This is what Henry Chittick’s “Alne Bank ” family farm purchased in the late 1800’s looks like in the 21st century – This photo was taken by Ken Duncan in 2005

Born in 1860, Henry Chittick’s life was a testament to perseverance. Arriving in Australia in 1873, he faced early adversity with the death of his mother and the loss of family capital. His arrival in Gerringong with his brothers marked the beginning of a remarkable journey. Henry, along with his brother Robert, found work on a farm in Saddleback Mountain, laying the foundations of their future.

Photo source

Henry’s commitment to hard work saw him involved in various ventures, including working for the Miller family and witnessing the transformation of Omega, where he once plowed fields that would become part of the Omega railway station. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to acquire land at Kangaloon, where he and his brother Robert embarked on dairy farming and potato growing—a venture that would define the family’s legacy.

Henry married Margaret Johnston in 1885, and the couple eventually settled in Jamberoo, leasing the Woodbrook property. It was here their first son, Charles, was born. The family’s move to Jerrara, to lease Cunningham’s farm, marked the beginning of a significant chapter in dairy farming. Henry’s diligence in carting milk to Kiama Railway Station showcased his dedication to the burgeoning city milk trade.

By 1898, Henry had made his first land purchase in Jerrara, an expansion that signaled the growth of the Chittick family’s influence in the agricultural sector. His savvy in business led to more acquisitions, including Glenburn farm and a part of the Riversdale estate, culminating in the purchase of Alne Bank in Rose Valley.

Tragedy struck with the untimely death of his wife, Margaret, leaving Henry to care for their five children. His devotion to his family and his land remained unwavering, establishing a successful dairy enterprise and becoming a respected figure in public affairs.

Henry’s sons, including Charles and Gustavus Ernest Chittick, continued their father’s legacy in dairy farming and cattle breeding. They became renowned for their prize-winning AIS cattle, contributing significantly to the local and national agricultural scene.

Sons of Henry Chittick

Gustavus, born in 1892, took over the Alne Bank property, expanding the family’s dairy farming and cattle breeding ventures. His marriage to Daisy May Nelson and their two sons continued the Chittick lineage in agriculture. A respected figure, Gus’s contributions to local government and the dairy industry were immense, earning him an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honors in 1962.

The Chittick family’s story is not just about land and cattle; it’s a narrative of community involvement and leadership. From serving as mayors to participating in church and public affairs, the Chitticks have left an indelible mark on their community.

The story of the Chittick family, from Henry’s arrival in Australia to the achievements of his descendants, is a profound reminder of the impact one family can have over generations. Their legacy in dairy farming, community service, and personal resilience continues to inspire and shape the regions of Gerringong, Jamberoo, and beyond. As we walk through the fields of “Alne Bank” or pass by the Gerringong Methodist Church, we are reminded of a family that not only cultivated the land but also nurtured a community’s spirit.

The source of my blogs is from “The Chittick Family History”, as chronicled by Mr. J.H. Chittick and Ms. Betty Chittick. It can be found in the National Library of Australia, and it 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.

📜🌿🚢 The Legacy of Gustavus and Jane Chittick. A Journey of Courage and Faith 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦💼🌏

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.

Remember my father’s famous words ” Lynne never learn to milk a cow” As it turns out these famous words have inspired a book

Never Learn to Milk a Cow: A Psychologist Writes to His Teenage Children – January 14, 2009 by Carlos W. Davis, Jr. Ph.D.

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