HEAD Thomas

Thomas known as "Tom" was born c1873 in Burra, South Australia, son of British parents and came to Western Australia in February 1905.
Thomas Head and Mary Jane O'Halloran were married in 1907 and they had two daughters, Veronica Kathleen (born 12th December 1910 ) and Constance Evelyn (Born 11th April 1913). Later they adopted Dorothy (born 28th December 1922) who was the daughter of Tom and the late Margaret Grocock.
Thomas Head, being a builder and cabinet maker, decided to build "The Hostel" in Yougenup Road opposite the school.
Unfortunately the 1914-18 War broke out, he was one of the eldest residents to enlist from the Gnowangerup District,  aged 43 years and 5 months. and he was called up for service, leaving the hostel unfinished. However, when he came home he finished the building. He enlisted in Tambellup in May 1916. Tom served at the Western Front, in France and Belgium. He returned to Western Australia in March 1919.
Some early folk who stayed at the Hostel were Sid McKenzie (First Road Board Secretary), Jimmy Beard, Charlie Godby, Jimmy Laurenson, as well as teachers, bank tellers and accountants
Tom was involved with the R.S.L. and his wife Mary Jane often undertook the catering for the various R.S.L. dinners and other social gatherings.
Thomas Head died on 17th November 1941 and Mary Jane died on 20th December 1959, Both are buried in the Gnowangerup Cemetery.
Veronica married Frank Carroll of York and they had a daughter Robyn, (Born 25th March 1947) who was accidentally killed in a road accident, and a son, Thomas (Born 26th January 1950). Vera and Frank farmed in the Ongerup area and Thomas finishing his education, joined his parents on the farm and was shortly called up for service in Vietnam. Thomas married Karen Dallas and has three daughters, Naomi, Davida and Hayley, and one son, Damien.

THOMAS HEAD             #1

   "THE HOSTEL"         #2
 

Connie married John Vincent McDonald and had a daughter, Janette and a son, Ian. Connie and Vin farmed the McDonald property "Springvale" on the outskirts of Gnowangerup. Ian continues to farm the property. Ian married local girl Dale Gunther and had two daughters, Tara (born 1970) and Samantha (Born 1975), Janette trained as a kindergarten teacher and continues to work in the field of early childhood education. Ian married local girl Dale Gunther aand also has two daughters, Verity (Born 1978) and Felicity (Born 1983).
Dorothy married Bill Varey and had two daughter, Margaret (Born 1946) and Patricia (Born 1957). Dorothy married Bill Varey  and has three sons, Stephen, Phillip and Anthony. They are a very popular and talented sporting family, all of whom are employed in the district. Patricia married John Young and has three children, Christopher, Brett and Zoe. Patricia and John run a store in Midland. (1993).

   CONNIE McDONALD (nee Head)  & VERA CARROLL (nee Head)           #3
 

Every endeavour has been made to accurately record the details however if you would like to provide additional images and/or newer information we are pleased to update the details on this site. Please use CONTACT at the top of this page to email us. We appreciate your involvement in recording the history of our area.