In 1877 Joe purchased a 364 acre scrub block, section 109E hundred of Kulpara under a Government Credit Agreement for 1 pound an acre. The property was about 3 kms north west of his parents homestead and Joe put in a lot of hard work clearing it for cultivation. It is probably this period to which the following story, passed on by Joe's son Thomas, relates. "Joe cleared land for 10 months once living on tea, sugar and flour and nothing else. He was a bit weak at the end of it all, but he cleared timber on that".

On 11th June 1879 Joe married Annie PHILBEY at the residence of their neighbour, George DANIEL, the ceremony being witnessed by Joe's brother William and Patience DANIEL. The eldest child of George PHILBEY and the former Mary Ann SYMONS of Kulpara (refer Spouse Notes), Annie was born near Gawler on 14th November 1854.

Joe erected a modest home on his Kulpara block (section 109E) and here he and Annie commenced their married life. Annie did not have any formal schooling and, unlike her husband, she could not read or write. As for many pioneer families, her education had been secondary to the development of a new land and the provision of food and clothing for the family. Annie had been well schooled in homemaking however, being a wonderful cook and a good housekeeper.

In 1887 Joe sold his Kulpara farm to his brother Thomas and moved with his family to Wards Hill, an area situated about 14 km south of Port Broughton. His brother Henry had already been at Wards Hill for several years farming section 94 hundred of Wokurna and Joe took up a Crown Lease of 480 acres adjoining this property. No doubt the 2 brothers ran their properties with a great deal of mutual co-operation. Joe must have become restless though, for in 1891 he was a member of a large party of farmers and government officials that sailed on the "S.S. Musgrave" on a tour of inspection of the West Coast of S.A. Subsequent to this he took up a Crown Lease on section 4 hundred of Cohen near Penong. At an anual rent of just under 18 pounds his holding amounted to 5647 acres but about 1000 was later sold to Blakiston & Arthur SHIPARD. The story of the move to Penong is told in the following account by Joe's daughter, Maud, who was 6 years of age at the time.

Written by Hilda Maud HELBERG nee EDWARDS

It was in January 1892 when my parents decided to leave their small section on Yorke Peninsula to go on to a large selection on Upper Eyre Peninsula. We were all happy and excited. Before leaving we had a sale. The notice read, "Clearing sale of Joseph Edwards". This was exciting to we children, we had never had a sale before. After the sale we were all up early to make a start. There were six of we children including our baby sister Myrtle who was only six weeks old. After two or three days with relations we boarded our chartered sailing ketch. We were tossed with all winds for three weeks. One of our horses died and had to be buried at sea. That left us only three of the four much needed horses. Finally we arrived at Fowlers Bay. The jetty was not then built so a sailor with a boat took a few of our goods ashore at a time. My father led a horse at a time behind the boat. It was a long swim for them. I came while father led Diamond. She pawed to get into the boat, my father had to slap her head to make her keep back, I could see the danger and was terrified. On landing we had our first meeting with the natives, there were several hundred on the beach. They were friendly and loved our little baby sister so we loved them.

As we left Fowlers Bay for our selection a man called out to my father "Look out for the camels tonight !". I was terrified thinking we might be eaten up by big camels. In later years I understood that it was a warning to watch the horses. Horses are terrified of camels and if they had broken their tether ropes with fright they culd have gone for miles into the bush. Our first night out was an anxious one for my parents but by the second night we were away from the camels (Camel teams carted goods to the goldfields at Tarcoola). By the third night we were sleeping on our very own selection. We were happy to be there and were happy together there for many years. The block was uncleared. I can still hear the ring of my father's axe as he chopped down the first tree. It seemed a big undertaking.

My father put up three iron rooms to which he added later.

The land had some grass plains. On these our horses grew fat. My father made a plough from a forked tree which he crossed with heavy logs. Into these he bolted spikes. We all helped clear the bushes and trees to make a plain into a square paddock. Father had a light iron basket hanging from a strap around his neck and shoulders and in this he had his seed wheat. From this he would throw a handful of wheat, first to the right, then to the left. He would do this for half a day then after a midday dinner he would plough it in. He planted nearly a thousand acres in this way and we had a really good crop. Water shortage was always the problem, of course.

We had wonderful neighbours. Mr Murray lent us a quiet school pony. School was held in his Woolshed.

Mrs Rickaby would send a free bottle of milk every day for our baby until we could get a house cow.

The little we had we all shared one with the other and thanked God that all the barrels of meal were not empty at the same time.

Joe and his family lived for about six weeks in the Woolshed of Mr A.B.C. MURRAY at Penong while their house was being built. George MURRAY of Yalata Station also loaned Joe two horses to help with his first seeding.

In 1898 Joe and his family had to leave the West Coast, journeying overland back to Kulpara. In September 1900 the family returned overland to the West Coast, the drought having broken. During this journey they came to a wayside dam one night, man and beast so thirsty that the decaying carcass of a beast on one side of the pool didn't deter them from boiling and drinking the water on the opposite side.

Joe was a member of the local Agricultural Bureau on the West Coast and was strongly in favour of rotation and fallowing. The Bureau had a meeting at his homestead in August 1908, inspecting the garden and crops and finding everything in a flourishing condition. In late 1910 Joe's original home was replaced by a large stone homestead built by Mr WEISE of Gawler which the family named "Somerset House".

Joe's wife Annie was a strict Methodist, on Sunday, newspapers were not allowed to be read, children only allowed to play with dolls and only necessary farm work allowed. She lived for the church and her garden. She always had a beautiful flower garden. Annie also had a gift and talent for crochet, she was most patient and taught her grandchildren the craft.

On 5th May 1912 Joe passed away at "Somerset House" at the age of 57 years. He had been ill for some time with T.B. which he is thought to have caught on a long ketch trip to Adelaide while tending a man who had it. Joe, like his wife, was also a hard worker for the Methodist Church. He was a trustee of the Methodist Parsonage built at Penong in 1902. However, he hadn't lived long enough to see the building of the church completed later in 1912.

Annie continued to live at "Somerset House" and died on 7th August 1936 at the age of 81.

Reminisces of my childhood, Phyllis A. HELBERG 1911-1978 Extract

"All the families would gather at grandmothers, Somerset House for Christmas. The huge range oven came into its own. The star item was a suckling pig roasted golden brown with an apple in its mouth. Fowls and geese, home cured hams, cakes and puddings. The Edwards girls certainly knew their culinary arts. The men carved the meat, the women served the veg from great bowls and piping hot gravy completed the serve. The family stood and sang their grace with sincerity. The meal continued through to the pudding dotted with silver coins and charms. After dinner, while the women cleared away, the men played quoits, darts or roller skating. After tea there would be a sing song around the organ".

Parents: Thomas EDWARDS and Anne MILLARD.

Spouse: Annie PHILBEY. Annie PHILBEY and Joseph Millard EDWARDS were married on 11 June 1879 in Kulpara. S Australia. Children were: Thomas George EDWARDS, Florence May EDWARDS, Hilda Maud EDWARDS, Bertram EDWARDS, Matilda EDWARDS, Olive Myrtle EDWARDS, Henry Francis EDWARDS, Gladys Rubina EDWARDS.

Spouse: Elsie Elizabeth BUTLER. Children were: Raymond EDWARDS, Joyce EDWARDS.

Spouse: Elsie Elizabeth BUTLER. Elsie Elizabeth BUTLER and Leonard Walter EDWARDS were married on 24 April 1926 in Portsmouth.¹

Spouse: Hedley James CHARLES. Children were: Maureen Faye CHARLES, Julie Winifred CHARLES, John Andrew CHARLES, Alan Thomas CHARLES.

Spouse: William ISGAR\ESGAR. Mary EDWARDS and William ISGAR\ESGAR were married on 22 May 1716 in Cossington. SOM. No record of William and May marriage Children were: Mary ISGAR, Robert ISGAR, Thomas ISGAR.

Spouse: John EDWARDS. Children were: George EDWARDS.

Spouse: Joseph EDWARDS. Mary EDWARDS and Joseph EDWARDS were married. [Assumed marriage? entry in 1841 census unclear]. Children were: Joseph EDWARDS.

On 20th March 1890 Mary married Albert HALLIDAY at her parents home at Kulpara. The ceremony was performed by Frank BULLOCK and witnessed by Mary's brother Ike and sister Annie. Albert was born on 28th February 1862 at the Reedbeds (near Henley Beach) his parents being George HALLIDAY and the former Ann SHERWOOD (refer Spouse Notes). below.

Albert HALLIDAY came to the Kulpara district as a teenager and had been employed by Paul DANIEL in 1879. His first duties were in carting material and water for the building of the Kulpara Bible Christian Church. Albert was not afraid of hard work and was fortunate in finding employment for many years. He had only a little education however could write quite well.

Albert purchased section 113, 5 kms north of Kulpara from his father-in-law and here he and Mary set up their home. The property was mostly scrub and he put in a lot of hard work clearing it, using the stumps and timber to build his fences and sheds. Albert and Mary named their homestead "Hillsview", initially only a very modest residence, it was added to later to become a large stone home of 5 rooms. On his property Albert grew mainly wheat plus some barley, he also planted fruit trees and set up a garden at an early stage. Albert purchased additional land and by 1904 had enlarged his farm to 771 acres. Albert was one of the founding members of the Kulpara Defence Rifle Club in 1900 with which his connection was to extend over 25 years. In this period he gave and also won many trophies in shooting contests.

Two children were born to Mary and Albert, Annie Myrtle in 1891 and George Henry in 1892.

Easter 1909 found Mary and Albert at Crafers in the Adelaide Hills, no doubt on a much needed holiday. Whilst there Albert contracted Pneumonia and his life was despaired of for some days. Mary lovingly tended her husband during his recovery but then she contracted the same complaint and died after 10 days illness on 5th May. Her death a great shock to the whole district, she was buried in the Kulpara Cemetery 2 days later, Rev H.T. RUSH officiating at the graveside.

On 22nd September 1910, Albert remarried to Laura Adelaide WARREN at the Congregational Church, North Adelaide. Laura was the daughter of Charles Edward and Mrs Florence Adelaide WARREN nee CAMPION of Adelaide. At 26 years of age Laura was over 20 years younger than her husband and a daughter, Elva Joyce was born to them on 18th July 1911.

Albert continued farming at "Hillsview" until 1925 when he handed the running of the property over to his son George. Moving to Adelaide he purchased a house at 1 Charles Street Prospect which he named "Kulpara House". Here Albert took pride in his garden and together with Laura was happy there for many years. On 7th December 1940 Albert died at Aston Private Hospital at the age of 78. Laura died on 1st August 1948. They are both buried in the North Road Cemetery.

Parents: Thomas EDWARDS and Anne MILLARD.

Spouse: Albert HALLIDAY. Mary Elizabeth EDWARDS and Albert HALLIDAY were married on 20 March 1890 in Kulpara. S Australia. Children were: Annie Myrtle HALLIDAY, George Henry HALLIDAY.

Spouse: Robert EDWARDS. Children were: Mary EDWARDS.

Spouse: John EMERY. Nancy (Ann)? EDWARDS and John EMERY were married on 30 December 1815 in East Brent, Somerset.^59,72 Witnessed: Robert and John ESGAR. Children were: William EMERY, George EMERY, Robert EMERY, Jane Isgar EMERY, James EMERY, Harriett EMERY.

Spouse: Robert DINWIDDY. Penny EDWARDS and Robert DINWIDDY were married on 17 December 1775 in East Brent.

Spouse: John SYMMONS. Pheobe EDWARDS and John SYMMONS were married on 12 October 1809 in East Brent.³⁰ Witnessed. Robert DINWIDDY & Nancy EDWARDS. They³⁰ lived in Lympsham Som..⁴⁰⁵ Children were: Harriet SYMMONS.

Medical: Died of croup at the age of three.
Parents: Isaac EDWARDS and Elizabeth MARTIN.

Spouse: Robert COX. Rachel EDWARDS and Robert COX were married on 24 March 1758 in East Brent. Children were: Robert COX.

Spouse: unknown .

Spouse: Joan .

Children were: William H EDWARDS, Winifred EDWARDS, Frank EDWARDS.

Spouse: Ann EDWARDS. Children were: James EDWARDS.

Spouse: Nancy EDWARDS. Children were: Mary EDWARDS.

Spouse: Mary PRINCE. Mary PRINCE and Robert EDWARDS were married on 15 June 1825 in East Brent.³⁰ Witnessed. John EDWARDS & Nancy EMERY. They³⁰ lived in The poor house? in Rooksbridge in 1841.⁶⁷ Children were: Pheobe EDWARDS, James EDWARDS, Betsey EDWARDS, Robert EDWARDS, Ann EDWARDS.

Spouse: Elizabeth DURSTON. Elizabeth DURSTON and Thomas EDWARDS were married on 21 April 1698 in East Brent.⁴⁸

On Saturday 3rd April 1852 Thomas married Anne MILLARD in the South Brent Parish Church. The ceremony was performed by J.H.STEPHENSON, rector of the nearby parish of Lympsham and witnessed by Thomas's sister Anne and his wife's brother Thomas. The daughter of Thomas MILLARD and the former Mary ROUSEWELL of South Brent, Anne MILLARD had been born on Friday 14th July 1826. Her father was an ex agricultural labourer who had managed to establish himself as a common carrier and his wife as a grocer. In these fields they obviously prospered as they were able to provide for their childrens education. Anne MILLARD bears witness to this, she being able to sign her full name in the marriage registers. Her husband could only sign as a "Marksman". Thomas EDWARDS never forgot his early life's disadvantages and in later years stated his thorough support for compulsory education.

Thomas and Annes first child was a boy born at East Brent on Tuesday 5th April 1853 and baptised Henry EDWARDS on Sunday 1st May 1853 in the local church. Although no records have yet been found, this child is assumed to have died in infancy, Thomas and Anne's fourth child born in 1860 being named Henry in remembrance.

They purchased passage on the "T.E.BOYD", a Clipper Barque of 277 tons. They boarded this ship on 10th October 1863, however, they didn't sail until the 13th. Although keen to be underway, these few days in port would have been useful to Thomas and his family while they became accustomed to shipboard life. The "T.E.BOYD" was only a small ship and the family would quickly have become acquainted with everyone on board. Besides the Master and crew there were only 4 other passengers, Misses Clemantine FREANE and Miss M FULLER in the cabin and two single men in the steerage.The "T.E.BOYD" arrived in Hobson's Bay, off Melbourne in the evening of 17th January 1864, 97 days out from Bristol. No doubt eager to be ashore, Thomas's family had to wait until the following day when they could be lightered to the wharf. The "T.E.BOYD", with Melbourne as its base would sail on further voyages to ports such as Adelaide, Java, Valparaiso and San Francisco in search of cargoes. In 1866 bound for Melbourne with a cargo of tea, the ship struck a rock and sank off the chinese coast. The Master and crew saved themselves but suffered the indignity of being stripped of most of their clothes and possessions by the local inhabitants.

Thomas and Anne EDWARDS with their four children were settled in South Australia within a few months of their landing at Melbourne, presumably having made their way overland. For several years Thomas found employment on various farms. At one stage he was working as a teamster at Long Gully near Auburn.

By the birth of his 7th child, Annie Jane in 1867, Thomas was working as a labourer at Port Wakefield. No doubt he had ample opportunity to consider the farming possibilities of the land around the nearby Hummocks. With the birth of his final child, Isaac in 1869, Thomas had commenced farming in the Hummocks area.

In August 1871 Thomas purchased 157 acres (sections 66 & 67) in the Hundred of Kulpara at Government auction for 212 pounds. To enable the purchase, a mortgage of 120 pounds was taken out with Josiah HUNT, farmer of Salisbury. This mortgage was repaid on 3rd march 1876. Early in March 1874 section 183 of 80 acres in the Hundred of Kulpara was purchased from Robert STUCKEY, gentleman of Adelaide for 180 pounds. It was on this section that Thomas built his homestead. In August 1877 Thomas purchased the adjoining sections 64 & 65 from Charles JOHNSTONE for 973 pounds. To enable this purchase he took out a mortgage of this amount with Robert STUCKEY which was subsequently repaid by 1882. Further sections of land were purchased until his holding was approximately 1000 acres. On this property wheat was grown and later sheep were grazed, Thomas having about 300 at the time of his death. The homestead had a house cow & heifer.

In 1875 Thomas, along with some of his neighbours, had been granted 1 acre of land at Kulpara. On this block the education department erected a government school (with teachers residence attached) which was opened in January 1877. Thomas's family never attended this school, however, they could all read and write quite well, obviously having received at least some education at home. At this time farm labourers were scarce in the district and Thomas's growing family would have been invaluable to him in establishing the farm.

In 1878 Thomas and his son Joseph signed a Memorial to the government for the formation of the council of the district of Kulpara.

Another early settler at Kulpara was Anne's nephew, John MILLARD, who had arrived in South Australia in 1866. He purchased land at the South Hummocks in 1869 and established a successful farm "Hillside". Both John MILLARD and his wife, Charlotte COOMBS were from South Brent and no doubt many happy hours were spent with Thomas EDWARDS and his family reminiscing over old times. Other Millards to come to S.A. from Somerset were Jesse MILLARD 1831-1913 of Georgetown, Joseph MILLARD 1846-1900 of Yongala, Thomas MILLARD 1853-1914 of Napperby, and Simon MILLARD 1858-1904 of Salisbury.

Thomas EDWARDS and his wife were to die within 12 months of each other in 1897 and 1898 respectively.

Newspaper Extract - Chronicle 14 August 1897 page 16

BURNING FATALITY KULPARA 12-8-1897

One of the oldest residents of Kulpara, Mr T Edwards, fell into a fire at the Kulpara hotel, on August 5, and was so severely burned on the lower part of the back and thighs that he died yesterday morning in spite of all that medical aid could do to save him. The deceased was left in a room by himself, and is supposed to have stumbled and fallen into the fire. His injuries were of a dreadful nature. The landlord and another neighbour were outside the hotel when the deceased walked out with his garments on fire. Those present at once took in the situation and freed the unfortunate man from his terrible position. The funeral took place today, when a large cortage followed the remains to the Kulpara cemetery. The deceased who was much respected, leaves a widow and five sons and two daughters, all grown up. That an inquest was not held is the subject of much comment.

Newspaper Extract - Kadina & Wallaroo Times 30 July 1898

MELTON July 28th

Mrs Edwards, wife of the late T.Edwards, Kulpara, died on Wednesday last and was interred in the Kulpara cemetery on Thursday in the presence of a large circle of Friends and Acquaintances, which would have been larger were it not for the forced detention of many through influenza, which has been much in evidence in this locality for some time past. The deceased lady had reached the age of 73, and was highly respected. She was a great sufferer for some years although bronchitis was the direct cause of death. Mrs Edwards left a numerous family of grown up sons and daughters.

Parents: Isaac EDWARDS and Elizabeth MARTIN.

Spouse: Anne MILLARD. Anne MILLARD and Thomas EDWARDS were married on 3 April 1852 in South Brent, Somerset (C). Children were: Henry EDWARDS, Joseph Millard EDWARDS, William EDWARDS, Henry EDWARDS, Mary Elizabeth EDWARDS, Thomas EDWARDS, Annie Jane EDWARDS, Isaac EDWARDS.

On 21st October 1891 Thomas married Florence Jane FRICKER in the Port Wakefield Wesleyan Church. The ceremony was performed by Rev J.H. GOSS and witnessed by Albert Edward James HOPGOOD and Florence's sister Alice. The eldest daughter of the late Albert and Mrs Jane FRICKER nee WAKE (refer Spouse Notes), Florence was born at Port Wakefield on 6th September 1869.

Thomas first started his farming career at Kulpara but later bought land in the hundred of Wokurna until his farm totalled 2587 acres.

Thomas was a lover of horses and bred several prize winners. He had about 50 working horses and his son Hurtle recounted that "they were the best".

Thomas was a man of strict integrity and was held in high esteem.

He was a very good farmer and worked the paddocks on a rotation system, one year fallow, next year crop and the third year lay ground. In the year of the big 1914 drought he still cut hay and even sold wheat although the property was outside Goyders Line.

In 1917 Thomas's barn was used as a dining room for over 100 guests for the marriage of his daughter Olive.

In the early 1920's the farm was obviously doing well as a type of carnival/fair was held at Thomas's homestead, the main attraction being the 5 cars owned by Thomas and his sons.

In 1924 Thomas allowed a fancy dress ball to be held in his barn as a fundraiser for the Lincolnfields Football Club. Later that year Thomas retired from active farming and divided the farm property between his sons.

In his latter years Thomas suffered from Sugar Diabetes. On 8th October 1926 after suffering from Broncho Pneumonia, Thomas passed away in the Port Broughton Hospital at the age of 61. His remains were laid to rest in the Port Broughton Cemetery.

In 1929 Florence moved to a house at 57 Forster Street Kadina which had been purchased for her by her sons. Here she lived for many years with her daughter Hilda.

For a farmer's wife Florence kept very unusual hours. It would be 11 am before she would rise in the morning. The boys would have a small tea at 5-30 pm when they came in from the paddocks and then at 10-30 pm dinner was served. Whilst the family waited for their dinner, horses were fed and the boys had a sleep. These hours were still kept when Florence and Hilda moved into Kadina. In later years at family gatherings the daughters-in-law cooked the meals which were sat down at an earlier hour.

Florence felt she spoiled her grandchildren when they visited her at Kadina by giving them homemade boiled sweets and homemade raspberry drinks, the water coled in a bag safe with water being fed down the sides.

Florence died on 2nd October 1947 at the age of 78 and her remains were laid to rest in the Port Broughton Cemetery.

Parents: Thomas EDWARDS and Anne MILLARD.

Spouse: Florence Jane FRICKER. Florence Jane FRICKER and Thomas EDWARDS were married on 21 October 1891 in Port Wakefield S Australia. Children were: Earl Thomas EDWARDS, Hilda Alice Ann EDWARDS, Olive Jane EDWARDS, Ruby Ethel EDWARDS, Hurtle EDWARDS, Ern EDWARDS, Roy EDWARDS.