Richard Francis Ellis

RICHARD FRANCIS ELLIS (1868-1938)

Richard Francis Ellis was born at St Just, Cornwall on 6 April 1868. He arrived in Victoria as a baby in 1869 with his parents, his half sister Jane and his uncle Richard Francis. He grew up in Eaglehawk and probably started working as a miner at the South Devonshire Mine where his father was Mining Manager.

In 1889, aged 21, he married Elizabeth Lancashire. Their first child Richard Francis was born at Eaglehawk on 30 September 1889 and the second child born there was Gertrude Eleanor on 25 October 1890. On 30 May 1891 his father started an appointment as Mining Manager at the Crown Cross Mine in Rushworth. Richard also moved to Rushworth indicating that he worked at the Crown Cross Mine as well. Their third child Esme Lillian was born at Rushworth on 9 May 1892 and Thomas William was born there on 12 July 1893.

By 1897 the family were all living at Upper Emu Creek near Sedgwick where Richard’s father Thomas was Mining Manager at the Great Eastern Company Mine which became the Sedgwick gold mine. It is probable that Richard and younger brother Thomas George also worked at this mine. In 1903 Richard’s father Thomas died. Richard was working as an engine driver at the mine and Thomas George (known as George) was a miner. Following Thomas’ death George was made temporary Mining Manager for the Sedgwick mine and Richard continued as engine driver.

In 1907 Richard started studying at the Bendigo School of Mines. Over the next three years he passed subjects in ambulance class, bookkeeping and mining law, mining part 1 and 2, mechanics applied to mining, geology grade1 and mining geology. In March 1910 he was granted a Certificate of Competency for Mine Managers. Around 1909 Richard and family moved to 523 Hargreaves St, Golden Square where he is still listed as an engine driver.

Around 1916 Richard changes profession and becomes a tobacco worker and moves to 82 Park Rd, Middle Park. On 12 November 1916 his wife Elizabeth died at Middle Park. In 1921 Richard and family move to 46 Richardson St, Albert Park. In 1924 Richard married Elsie May Sanderson and they moved to 44 Finlay St, Albert Park. Richard Francis Ellis died on 1 March 1938 at his residence at 44 Finlay St, Albert Park. His wife Elsie May Ellis moved to 31 Royal Ave, Glenhuntly and died at Royal Melbourne Hospital on 12 October 1947.