Genealogy Chat

The Ronald that married Beatrice was born c1917.

It is possible that he was also related to the family as names were passed down so perhaps a child of Ronald seniors siblings or even his fathers siblings?

Just looking at it from another viewpoint - the inscription on the photo says

"In loving memory of our beloved Ronald.
Yours as always Bea"

Bea might have sent the photo, but it may not be her IN the photo. Perhaps Bea was another relative who had a photo of Ronald with his wife, and sent it to Lillian after Ronald's death. The term could be used in the same way as we'd say "beloved mother" or "beloved brother".

My mother had two old autograph books, amazing reading!! I have just had a look through them and found one with a water colour painting from Uncle Ronald and Bea. So it looks like she was always refered to as Bea. I assumed it was short for Beatrice, wrongly it seems. I am convinced that Bea was some form of nickname or pet name,
J

How nice to have those keepsakes Joan.

I'd hoped we could tie up every last little detail of this mystery for you.

This is the newspaper notice for the Ronald who died in 1947 in Victoria (from NLA Trove site):

The Argus, Thursday 4 December 1947
COUSINS. —On December 2, at his home, 38 Macpherson street, Dandenong, Ronald Cousins, late R. E. Signals, 1st A. I. F. , the dearly beloved husband of Constance Vere Ward Cousins, and loving father of Peter Churchill, aged 52 years. (Privately cremated Springvale Crematorium, December 3.)

This does make him born 1895, but states he served in the Australian forces in WWI. Can't find his enlistment.

Not sure if Peter was a son of Constance's from a previous marriage? or if Churchill was his middle name?

Just noticed Churchill was his mother Emily's maiden name!

I wish I could uncover something that gives me a clue to Ronalds place of residence in Aus Cherilyn. If that is him then him having a child is a suprise to me. Yes his mothers maiden name was Churchill, his father married twice but never had children by his second wife.
The photo album I found contains no photos from Aus, and although various unknown babies are named in there I don't remember a Peter, but he may never have been brought to England.
The big puzzle here is still why Ronalds wife is always refered to as Bea.
Thanks to all who have helped in this, yet another good reason to get older relations to write down all their family memories. Joan :-D

Australian Electoral Rolls, 1903-1980
Name: Peter Churchill Cousins
Gender: Male
Electoral Year: 1954
State: Victoria
District: La Trobe
Subdistrict: Dandenong

He's a clerk and is living with Constance Vere W Cousins

(Have tracked him through to 1980 ER, by which time he's married)

Joan - why don't you send off for the marriage certificate of Ronald Cousins and Constance Vere Ward Reid in Australia. I'm sure one of our Australian helpers will advise you on how to do so. That
should prove conclusively one way or the other if we're following the right people (I'm 99.99% sure that we are!)

will do MarieCeleste, I'm away this weekend but will look into it next week. Thanks Joan

I have just had a look on Google Earth at 38 Macpherson street, Dandenong. Would you believe that the next road up is Ronald Avenue. Joan

Ryerson has Peter's death, fairly recently:

COUSINS Peter Death notice 10MAR2008 Publication Herald Sun (Melbourne) 10MAR2008
COUSINS Peter Churchill Death notice 06MAR2008 Death 79 Herald Sun (Melbourne) 08MAR2008
COUSINS Peter Churchill Funeral notice 19MAR2008 Funeral Herald Sun (Melbourne) 14MAR2008


The last date is the published date. I would day he died 6th March. You can request a lookup from the site's homepage. Should list next of kin. :-)

Enjoy your weekend!