WELLSTEAD Edward "Ned"

Edward Melville Wellstead, known as Ned was born in Albany, 13 January 1894, the sixth child and fifth son, of John and Bridget Wellstead.
Ned was the grandson of the John Pullen Wellstead, private who enlisted in the 51st regiment in 1839 aged 19. (Can family confirm please?)
Ned’s education was very basic and he was soon shepherding a flock of sheep.
It was while he was working on the Jamvale property that he selected land further north, on the the Nalyerup Creek.
He enlisted on 22 January 1917, joining the AlF and was soon on his way to war. His military details can be found online under Sern 3727 Edward Melville Wellstead 51st Bn 10th Refs.
His brother Andy also served in WWI. Their names are on the Gnowangerup Honour Board in the Memorial Hall.
Ned served in France, where unfortunately he was gassed. Whilst in hospital in England, to recuperate he met his future bride, Emily Alice Littleboy.
Ned married Emily who was born in 1891.

EDWARD "NED" MELVILLE WELLSTEAD             #1
 

   EMILY & EDWARD WITH BABY LEONARD         #2
 

After the war Ned returned to Bremer Bay, with his wife and baby son Leonard John.
Emily stayed with her in-laws, John and Bridget, at Bremer Bay while Ned set off to his Nalyerlup property to build a home for his family. The materials were brought from Albany by horse and wagon.
He called his farm ‘Petersham' after the little village in England where Emily had lived.
Ned cleared more land along the Nalyerlup creek using a 1916 model tractor.
Before the farm became productive, Ned needed to supplement their income, by working in various shearing sheds around the district.

Emily sold eggs, cream and butter, produce that was surplus to the family's needs.
In the late 1920's Ned took up the mail run from Borden to Bremer Bay, which he continued until the early 1950’s.
Ned and Emily’s children were Leonard b.1919, Keith b.1922 and Edward b. 1924.
Ned bought a Model A Ford truck, which, in addition to the mail carried all types of freight and passengers. Ned enjoyed his time on the msil run.
Ned was a member of the Gnowangerup RSL and was elected Vice President in 1935.
Their son Keith enlisted in WWII, and Ned kept busy on the farm.
When Keith returned from the AIF he took up land adjoining Petersham which they amalgamated into one farm. When Keith married Mary Toms and they formed a partnership.
Emily's health was deteriorating, Ned bought a house in Gnowangerup to be nearer medical help in their later years.
Unfortunately Emily died in 1958, only a few years after their move and Ned returned to Petersham.
Here enjoyed living on the farm as he was close to his favourite fishing spots on the Pallinup River, one of which was Millers Point. It also meant he could spend time fishing and playing cards with his brothers Jack, Andy and Fred.
Failing health meant he spent his final years in Perth at the RSL Home in Mt Lawley.
Ned died in November at Hollywood Hospital on 13 November 1978.
He was cremated and his ashes were placed in Emily's grave in the Gnowangerup Cemetery.
Ned was aged 84.

        EDWARD & EMILY WELLSTEAD      #3
 

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