The REDGEN Family

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The Redgen Family in Australia

The first Redgen to arrive in Australia was William Redgen on the Immigrant Ship "Berkshire" at Point Henry, Port Phillip District, on 8 October 1848.  He was sponsored by James Austin of Geelong as a labourer.  The next record I was able to find of him was a dissolution of a partnership with George Baker on the 17/9/1855, Redgen to carry on alone (I believe this was a market garden or small farm), published in the Geelong Advertiser for the 18/9/1855.  Then comes his marriage to Ann Coade on the 17/10/1856 at Christchurch, Geelong, she arrived on the Immigrant Ship "Parsee" with her brother Josiah and his family from Cornwall.
The next record was in the rates book of the Borough of Steiglitz covering 1866 to 1873 where he owned a house at Eastern Hill and leased a shop on Regent st. owned by Benjamin Goulden. During this time William must have run for council because on 9/8/1870 in the Geelong Advertiser. Cr. Redgen is reported at being defeated at the borough poles held on the weekend and was criticized by the journalist for not working hard enough at his campaign because he had a good chance of winning. I wonder what had distracted him?
Early in 1874 the Redgen Family made their way to Ballarat, then St. Arnaud then Wycheproof. From his obituary (below), we learn in his later years, he was in Upper Beaconsfield, Gippsland where he ran an orchard. I was able to confirm this at the Pakenham Shire Offices, it appears he was only there for just over a year.

Recorded Obituary Charlton Tribune 11.03.1899 Doc NP1

We have to record the death of Mr. William Redgen sen. who for many years was a resident of Wycheproof, but has latterly been resident at Beaconsfield ,Upper Gippsland, where he has owned and worked an orchard. It will be recollected that when Mrs. Redgen died in Charlton in January, Mr. Redgen rode eight miles on horseback and came a very long train journey in the midst of a heat spell to attend the funeral of his wife. Though 75 years of age he was hale and hearty and did not suffer in the least from his ride. But within two months he too has been called to join the great majority. It appears that early last week Mr. Redgen who though so aged was actively at work, was thrown out of his buggy and received injuries of an internal nature which proved to be serious, and, his condition becoming critical, his three sons Mr. Wm Redgen, of Wycheproof, and Messrs. C.F. and T. Redgen, of Ninyeunook, were summoned to his side. At his advanced age Mr. Redgen had no recuperative power, and gradually sank, till the flame of life flickered out and expired. The remains will be buried in Charlton cemetery , the funeral taking place this afternoon immediately on the arrival of the Melbourne train. The funeral arrangements are in the hands of Mr. F. H. Tucker, of Wycheproof.

Date last edited Monday, February 05, 2001

visits since July 6, 2000