As soon as I saw the Sepia Saturday prompt this week, two photos of my great grandfather, James E Pilgrim, immediately came to mind.
" A 6ft 8" eagle hawk, which was shot with a pea-rifle. The first shot winged him and it took 8 more shots to bring him to the ground. (Feb 1930)"
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| Feb 1930 Lorna and James E Pilgrim Almondale -Winiam |
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| James E Pilgrim with a 6 foot snake he killed December 1931 Almondale - Winiam |
Nhill Free Press
Thursday August 24 1950
OBITUARY
Mr. J.E. Pilgrim
Nhill Free Press
Sympathy was expressed in the Winiam district last Monday when it was learned of the sudden passing of a popular identity in the person of Mr James Pilgrim, orchardist, at the age of 70 years. The late Mr Pilgrim was born near Gawler, South Australia, and came to Winiam with his parents at the age of two years, marrying Miss Mabel Geyer in August, 1907.
In his younger days he was a very keen cricketer and was a member of the famous Pilgrim cricket team, and also played for Nhill and district in a match against Geelong at Nhill. Deceased was also a good footballer and pianist.
For about thirty years he had conducted an orchard at Winiam and took a keen interest in the Nhill A & P Society, as an exhibitor carrying off many prizes for his fruit and vegetables.
The late Mr Pilgrim was sitting on a log talking to some friends when he collapsed. Sympathy is extended to his wife and children in their sudden bereavement, namely Eva (Mrs A Scott, Bendigo), Lloyd (Winiam), Hazel (Winiam), Edna (Mrs J. Muller, Winiam) and Lorna (Winiam). He was a member of a large family, having six brothers and four sisters, viz. Mark (Bordertown), Bert (dec), Bob (Winiam), Ned (Winiam), Perc (Winiam), Bill (dec), Mrs E Muller (Kinimakatka), Mrs Westendorf (dec), Mrs Weir (S.A. dec) and Emma (dec).
The burial took place in the Winiam Cemetary last Tuesday, the service being conducted by the Rev. C.R. Addinsall, of the Nhill Methodist Church. Mr J.T. Whitehead was the funeral director.
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| Pilgrim Seven 1904 |
You can also read about his father, James Pilgrim senior (my great great grandfather) here.
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| Click on picture for more Sepia Saturday posts |
Seems a bit harsh killing the poor thing. If the bird is 6ft 8 then Great Grandfather does not seem much shorter. Who's the little girl, mum or anunty?
ReplyDeleteThat was my first thought too but I suppose it put livestock at risk?
DeleteLorna is my Grand Aunty.
What an amazing catch- quite a lovely bird, it must have been really beautiful when it was alive. Your great-grandfather had a good life!
ReplyDeleteI agree. It certainly was a different time!
DeleteHe certainly looks like the sort of old man who would be sitting on a log chatting when he died. I wish we all could rely on such a straightforward quick death !
ReplyDeleteThe newspaper says he was sitting on a log but my grandmother said he was chopping wood.
DeleteMaybe he should have been cutting wood but was talking instead?
That is certainly a perfect fit for this weeks prompt. It reminded me that I have a photo of a snake too. Maybe I'll save it for the inevitable snake prompt in the future.
ReplyDeleteAs soon as I saw the prompt, I knew exactly what I would do. Surprising that I don't have more photos of the chickens on the farm though.
DeleteMr. Pilgrim was certainly a well rounded person with lots of talents and interests.
ReplyDeleteNancy
My grandmother said that he was also very shy (except when it came to cricket). He played the Piano Accordion at dances until someone made a speech recognising him. He then refused to take play again and gave away the accordion!
DeleteI suppose they had to kill these magnificent birds for food by then, sure would have given a great meal.
ReplyDeleteYes I suppose they did eat it. They didn't waste anything back then.
DeleteA huge bird! You could really stuff that thing. Good obit...Mr. Pilgrim sounds like an interesting person besides being a crack shot.
ReplyDeleteI believe that his real strengths were cricket and being a green thumb.
DeleteI guessed there would be a few animals in awkward poses this week, and you haven't disappointed. Great photos which give a good feel to what life was like in rural South Australia, thank you.
ReplyDeleteSorry Brett. There is a pride between states so I have to correct you.....Western Victoria not South Australia! But thank you for taking the time to look :)
DeleteOops, sorry :-)
DeleteGoodness sakes, I do wish I had know James Pilgrim, your great grandfather --- & if he was anything like his dad, I would have like to have known him as well. Great pics and stories.
ReplyDeleteThank you Joan.
DeleteYes a very strong and determined family. Hence the title of my blog "Strong Foundations".
Your photos certainly fit the theme!. He sounds like a man of many interests and talents.
ReplyDeleteThank you Kathy. The entire family were very involved in the local community.
DeleteBoy, if I ever saw a snake that huge, I'd sure want your great-grandfather around! Holy Smokes!
ReplyDeleteThe summer just gone was pretty bad for snakes. What worries me is the ones that you don't see!
DeleteWhat amazing photos -- especially that eagle hawk. Good golly!
ReplyDeleteThank you Wendy. My grandmother was quite the photographer.
Deletewow, he was brave
ReplyDeleteThey certainly lived a tough life back.
DeleteHow lucky you are to have all these personal photos. I always have to look something up as I do not have any photos from way back when. Perfect for today.
ReplyDeleteQMM
I don't think I would be as enthusiastic about my posts if I had to look up photos of strangers. Yes I am very lucky to have been able to copy so many.
DeleteWhat a wonderfully inventive post. I strongly suspect that however unusual my theme image is, there will be inventive Sepians out there who can match it.
ReplyDeleteNot always. I am stuck for the next one. Nothing is inspiring me I am afraid :(
DeleteThat's some bird, but the snake totally creeps me out! And you do have amazing family photos!
ReplyDeleteIt has been a while since I visited a family member so think it is about time to arrange another visit (to the next oldest in my tree).
DeleteTwo perfect matches. I'd guess a snake or an eagle hawk were serious threats to chickens and other livestock. I'd also think Mr. Pilgrim could have dealt them a mean hit with a thrown rock too.
ReplyDeleteVery perceptive Mike. Yes protection of animals would have been paramount and as an excellent bowler in cricker, he probably had great aim with a rock too :)
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