Sivyer Rootes What Is The Connection

The personal name Sivyer Rootes occurs a number of times in history both English and Australian. You may be thinking as you read this post how can a person with the name Sivyer Rootes be connected to the ancestral Sivyer (and all spelling derivatives) line? It has been common or a family practice over time to use the maiden name of the maternal line to ensure that the name is not lost. The name Sivyer has been used as a middle name many times over the last few hundred years. In this particular case and it is only in this specific family that Sivyer has been used as a christian or first name.

Were there more than one Sivyer Rootes? The answer is yes because the name Sivyer Rootes has been used through a number of generations of Rootes families. In Australian registered births to the year 1922 there are the following Sivyer Rootes entries.

NAME: Sivyer J Rootes (Sivyer John Rootes)

BIRTH DATE: 1858

BIRTH PLACE: New South Wales

REGISTRATION YEAR: 1858

REGISTRATION PLACE: Camden, New South Wales, Australia

FATHER: James Rootes

MOTHER: Jane Rootes

REGISTRATION NUMBER: 6070

NAME: Sivyer H Rootes (Sivyer Henry Rootes)

BIRTH DATE: 1869

BIRTH PLACE: New South Wales

REGISTRATION YEAR: 1869

REGISTRATION PLACE: Camden, New South Wales, Australia

FATHER: William Rootes

MOTHER: Sophia Rootes

REGISTRATION NUMBER: 9272

NAME: Sivyer Rootes

BIRTH DATE: 1900

BIRTH PLACE: New South Wales

REGISTRATION YEAR: 1900

REGISTRATION PLACE: Hay, New South Wales, Australia

FATHER: John J Rootes

MOTHER: Frances E Rootes

REGISTRATION NUMBER: 22564

Where does the Sivyer and Rootes connection start?

The information provided in the following family records is sourced from a number of ancestral trees published on the internet. As to the authenticity and accuracy I have cross referenced a number of these sources to provided what could be assumed to be an accurate record as possible.

The first person christened or baptised with the name Sivyer Rootes was born August 3, 1746 in Nothiam, Sussex. This is where the Sivyer connection starts. This Sivyer Rootes had a grandmother Mary Sivier, born 1698 in Beckley Sussex. Mary Sivier married James Rootes in 1720. Who was Mary Sivier and does she have any family connection to the John Sivyer and Elizabeth York of Dallington is unknown. The marriage between Thomas Rootes and Mary Sivier is where the name Sivyer Rootes is descended from. 

The Google map below shows the close proximity of the village of Beckley to other well documented  villages where our Sivyer / Sivier ancestors were born or inhabited over the centuries.

One could make an assumption that there may have been Australian Sivyer family connections to Mary Sivier who was the reference in the name Sivyer Rootes.

The people with the name Sivyer Rootes who were born and died in England prior to colonial migration are listed below.

Sivyer Rootes B: August 3, 1746 married Ann Avery February 8, 1769, Newnden Kent.

Sivyer Rootes (son of Sivyer and Ann Rootes) B: April 12 1772 married Mary Playford (2d marriage) January 25, 1798 Beckley, Sussex.

Sivyer Rootes (son of Sivyer and Mary Rootes) B: July 14 1799 married Mary Field July 19, 1823 at Northiam.

The Australian Sivyer Rootes

Sivyer Rootes and Mary Field became assisted immigrants when they left England on the ship "Palmyra" and landed in Sydney on the 26th. September 1838. Their children were born in the villages and towns of Cowpastures, Cobbity, Cawdor and they lived in these areas around Camden. They were Wesleyan Methodists and their story forms the basis for the book "Certain Lives" written by Margaret Reeson. 

The most well known and documented Australian Sivyer Rootes was Superintedent Sivyer John Rootes. To confuse those researching family history he was not the son of the Sivyer Rootes and Mary Field who were on the "Palmyra". He was the grandson of James Rootes and Anna Hicks whose brother was Sivyer Rootes on the "Palmyra". James Rootes and Anna Hicks also emigrated to New South Wales but came first in October 1837 on the ship "Augusta Jessie". 

The father of Sivyer John Rootes was James Rootes born 1833 in Rye, Sussex. He married Jane Hassell and they had seven children with the oldest being Sivyer John Rootes. Sivyer John Rootes was born in the Camden District in 1858.

James Rootes father to Sivyer John died in 1920. 

Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 - 1954), Monday 13 September 1920, page 2

OBITUARY.

MR. JAMES ROOTES

The death took place on Saturday afternoon of Mr. James Rootes, one of the very early pioneers of the Camden district, at the age of 87 years, at the residence of his son, ex-superintendent S. J. Rootes of the New South Wales police force, Kent Cottage, Edward street, Wagga. He followed farming pursuits in the early days, and also carrying. He arrived in Australia at the age of four years. He left Camden about 11 years ago, and has resided with his son since then. His wife pre deceased him by about 50 years. He was born in Sussex, England. He leaves family of two sons and two daughters living. He was very highly respected by the early pioneers for his assistance to those in distress. The funeral is appointed to leave his son's residence in Edward street to-day at 11 a.m. for the Church of England portion of the Wagga Cemetery.

James Rootes Senior

The grandfather of Sivyer John Rootes was also a James Rootes as previously stated. What is of interest to the Australian Sivyer family ancestry is his obituary. This is the James Rootes who with wife Anna Hicks emigrated to New South Wales in 1837 a year before the first emigrating Sivyer Rootes on the "Palmyra" in 1838.

Camden News (NSW : 1895 - 1954), Thursday 8 September 1898, page 1

Obituary.

MR. JAMES ROOTES, Senr. At 94.

With regret we have to announce the demise of the late Mr. James Rootes, senr., of Razorback, at the ripe old age of 94 summers. The deceased, the oldest resident in the district, passed away to his eternal home early on the morning of the 5th inst., Monday, at his residence, beloved and esteemed by all. Mr. Rootes was born in Sussex, England, on December 14, 1804, leaving the old country for his future home in New South Wales in the ship Augusta Jessie, landing in Sydney on October 14, 1837, the deceased remained only a short time in Sydney on his arrival, thence proceeding to South Creek, in March of the following year he went to Matavia, Cobbitty, a farm then occupied by the late Mr. James Hassell, remaining in the employ of that gentleman for some eight years as overseer, these were the days of penal servitude. Mr. Rootes, an old pioneer, naturally passed through these stirring times of opening up the country, and witnessed the rise and progress as few men have done, he having been a resident of the district for over 60 years. Mr. Rootes landed in Sydney with his wife and four children, and leaves behind him children, grand children and great grand children to the number of 109, 7 children, 46 grand children, 56 great grand children. He was interred in the Cawdor Wesleyan Cemetery, by the side of his wife on Tuesday the 6th inst., the Rev. R. Caldwell officiating. Mr. Rootes outlived his wife for nearly 10 years, her death having taken place on Sept. 22, 1888. The funeral was largely attended by the whole of his family, the remains were carried by four of his grandsons to the grave side. Mr. Rootes, as a man gained the esteem, and respect of all who knew him, and one marvellous fact of his life that though he lived to such an advanced age he had never buried a descendant that had reached the age of five years. Mr. J. D. Rankin, Camden, conducted the funeral arrangements.

Superintendent Sivyer John Rootes

Who was Superintendent Sivyer John Rootes? He left a legacy in the south western disticts of  New South Wales as a distinguished policeman of the colonial and early federation period of Australia's history. When he died in 1951 the obituaries published were quite extensive as he had served the public in a number of places.

Gundagai Independent (NSW : 1928 - 1954), Thursday 31 May 1951, page 2

FORMER POLICE SUPERINTENDENT S. J. ROOTES DEAD

The death occurred at Lewisham Private Hospital Wagga, on Monday, of Sivyer John Rootes, ex-superintendent of Police, at the age of 92 years. Many years ago deceased was stationed at Gundagai. He wag born on October 27. 1858, at Cobbity, near Camden. At the age of 20 Mr Rootes joined the NSW Police Force. He was first stationed at Adelong, arriving there two days after the Kelly gang shot the police. For the following four months he was engaged in pursuit of the Kelly gang. From Adelong, he was sent to Jugiong, and from there to Urana. While in charge of that •district he distinguished himself in the handling of the Brookong Riot. After 13 years in charge of the Tumut district, he was promoted to inspector at Wilcannia. He remained there for two years, and was then placed in charge of the Gundagai sub-district. In May, 1914, Mr Rootes was promoted to Deliniquin as superintendent in charge of the South-Western district. Four years later he retired. He was presented with the King's Medal for meritorious service. On his retirement he settled in Wagga. Always interested in land and stock, he bought a small property and engaged in dealing and cattle raising.

He is survived by two sisters, Jane (Mrs Moore, of Enfield)-and Amy (Wagga) 

Daily Advertiser (Wagga Wagga, NSW : 1911 - 1954), Thursday 31 May 1951, page 2

FUNERALS

EX-SUPT. S. J. ROOTES

The funeral of the late Ex-Police Superintendent Sivyer John Rootes, of 87 Fox Street, who died at Wagga on Monday, (28 May 1951) took place yesterday afternoon, The cortege under police escort moved from St. John's Church of England, Wagga, after a service conducted by the Ven. Archdeacon West, Mrs. Sutherland officiated at the organ during the singing of 'Rock of Ages.' Interment took place in the Wagga  cemetery, cemetery, where the Ven. Archdeacon West again officiated. Relatives and friends were present from Rannock, Wyalong, Illabo and Wagga and surrounding districts. Wagga police were represented by Superintendent J. D. McAuley, Inspector L. L. Calne, Sergeants G. Lithgow and J. Walsh, Senior Constable J. Wilkins, First-class Constable Sowerby and Constables J. Hobbs, A. Mclntyre, B. Groundwater and E. Grebert. The police formed a guard of honor at the cemetery, and Constables J. Hobbs, A. Mclntyre, B. Groundwater and E. Grebert acted as pall-bearers at the church and at the cemetery. The funeral arrangements were conducted by Alan Harris, of Wagga.

Sivyer John Rootes was involved in two of Australia's historic events whilst serving as a policeman. In his duties he was involved in the tracking of the Kelly Gang and the Brookong Riot. No explanation would be needed for the tracking of the Kelly Gang but the Brookong Riot does need further investigation. The Shearers' Strike of 1891 is one of Australia's earliest and important industrial disputes. The Brookong Woolshed Riot of August 1888 preceeded this well documented strike and saw a standoff between the shearers and pastoralists. The unionised shearers abducted the non unionised shearers and held them captive for up to a week in their camp on a reserve across the creek from the Brookong woolshed. Nine shearers were arrested and sent to goal. At the time of the Brookong riot in 1888 Sivyer Rootes was a sergeant of police based at Urana which was and still is the nearest town.

Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), Monday 20 August 1888, page 5

The Strike at Brookong.

THE RIOT ACT TO BE READ. THREATENING ASPECT OF AFFAIRS.

Wagga, Saturday. — Mr. Henry Baylis, police magistrate of Wagga, has proceeded to Brookong. for the purpose of reading the Riot Act to the shearers, if necessary. Inspector Harrison is already there. Reinforcements for the Wagga police have arrived there today. The feeling in Wagga is very strong against the aggressive attitude of the Shearers' Uuion men. A number of residents have volunteered to give assistance to quell the disturbance. Many of these belong to the local Cavalry Infantry companies, while others belong to the Members' Rifle clubs. The majority of them are proficient in the use of the rifle. A telegram has been received from Brookong, thanking the volunteers tor their proffered assistance, but stating that such was not required np to the present. Brookong is 52 miles from here, on the Urana road, within easy travelling distance, if necessity arose. Albury. 

Sunday. — The shearing difficulty remains unsettled, and in all probability a more serious development. On Friday it was arranged that a number of non-union men should start shearing ; but when the time arrived the men refused to make a start, stating that they feared they would be ill-treated by the mob of union men congregated round the homestead. On Saturday morning, however, twenty-eight men were permitted to start work, and continued shearing throughout the day without molestation. Reports to hand today, however, indicate further disturbance as probable. At noon today a telegram was received by the Superintendent of Police to say that an attack was threatened last night, and Mr. Baylis, the police magistrate from Wagga, and Inspector Harrison, with the posse of police, remained on the alert all night. The onion men have men picketed day and night, intercepting all men who approach the station to search for employment in any capacity. The present staff of police, the latest advices state, is quite inadequate for the proper protection of the station servants, who are standing up for the owners, and. to patrol the road for the protection of travellers desiring to reach the station. . In the course of the afternoon the following telegram was received by Captain Battye from Mr. Harry Baylis, police magistrate : — ' Things still unsettled. Union men have increased in numbers. They are waylaying all shearers and taking them to the union camp. Information was received last night that the station would be rushed, probably in the nighttime. The twentyeight non-union men are in great fear, and it is believed would not help to fight the union men. The shearers' huts being on the plains, the police have to keep a portion of their force away from tbe station, and the present strength (fifteen men) is quite inadequate, as the huts might be rushed from several points. It is expected there will be one during tonight. The police have had no sleep, and were under arms from 8 o'clock last night till daylight this morning. If the place is rushed the police officer in charge considers there will be no alternative but to fire to take life. This course will be unavoidable, as the union men muster between 200 and 300 strong and are armed.' Inspector Harrison has applied to Captain Battye to send more men at once. In consequence of this appeal, Captain Battye has wired to Sydney, and six mounted men leave Goulburn tomorrow. A number of foot constables will also be sent from Sydney, and two mounted men left Albury by mail train this afternoon, and should reach Brookong early tomorrow morning. It is thought that should the unionist mob attack the station tonight and the reinforcements arrive promptly, the rioters will be discouraged and compelled to discontinue their aggressive tactics. Urana, Monday. — There are tiiirty-eight shearers on this morning. The place is still beseiged by about three hundred men. Everything is quiet.

What is the Australian Sivyer and Sivyer Rootes family connection if any?

There is no evidence of any direct family connection to the Australian Sivyer families but the circumstantial evidence of similar family lives cannot be denied. The emigration of agricultural laboureres from Kent and Sussex under the first Government schemes strarting in 1837 is the same start for the Sivyer emigration from the same area where the first Sivyer and Rootes connection was made. All families have an undeniable connection to the Wesleyan Methodist Church, were agricultural labourers, and emigrated in family groups to start their Australian lives. The Camden and Picton district, the Wesleyan Methodist Church do occur in Sivyer ancestry in Australia.

For those who wish to read further of life in those first formative years of Australia's modern development as a country then the book "Certain Lives" by Margaret Reason is well worth the effort of tracking down a copy. Whilst it is a novel based on the historical facts of the Rootes, Playford, Nash and Hassell families it provides an insight into the same lives our Australian Sivyer ancestors experienced. 

The early chapters desribe the life in East Sussex and the reasons why emigration ocurred and the decisions to be made by our ancestors. These chapters provide a real insight into those social factors that shaped the reasons for emigration and the roles played by emigration agents and the governments of the day.

In conclusion the name Sivyer Rootes is one that I came across in research many years ago and at that time I also had had a chance to peruse the book "Certain Lives". It appeared to be then a complex web of names and family connections. I finally decided to stop and ask myself how did the name Sivyer Rootes occur. The emigration of those families of Kent and Sussex in the period of 1837 to 1840 were the foundation of modern Australia's family life. It is not coincidental then that the descendants of Sivyer Rootes and Mary Playford from Sussex have the same historical Australian stories as the descendants of John Sivyer and Elizabeth York of Dallington, Sussex. 

Captain Thomas Ingles Sivier

 The surname of Sivyer or Sivier has been used for the same spelling on a variety of register lists across time. Newspaper references have even used Sivier for my great grandfather Spencer Sivyer when he was referred to in a house fire at Mount Perry in Queensland. Shipping lists frequently used both versions of the surname which does cause confusion. The village of Dallington in England has many Sivyer and Sivier gravestones.

Thomas Ingles Sivier was for a time in the mid to late 19th century a very well known ships's captain and owner plying his trade on the Australian coastline. Born in 1817 in New Romney, Kent he perished with his daughter while in command of the "Essie Black" in the Bass Strait, November 29, 1875. The newspaper reports state that she was lost in the Kent's Group which has some form of irony to the end of Thomas Ingles Sivier's life.

Thomas Ingles Sivier purchased his first ship in the United States and sailed the brig "John Ormerod" to Sydney. The John Omerod was built in Liverpool in 1826 and was of 187 tons and carried freight and passengers. The first advertisements for the ship and Captain Sivier appeared in the Adelaide Times in February of 1854. The ship ran between Port Adelide and Sydney from 1854 to 1861. There was one trip to Singapore between Janary and March 1857. She would sail from Circular Quay under the mangament of Ebsworth and Company. The John Omerod appears to have travelled to Australia in April of 1853 where his fourth child John Robert Sivier is recorded as being born at sea onboard the John Omerod.

Thomas Sivier appears to have had a liking for South Australia as he purchased land there but appears to have never lived there. The following is extracted or transcribed from the South Australian Registry Office.

Thomas Ingles Master mariner Sydney NSW, in Pt Adelaide in command of the brig John Omerod, when he purchased land in Pt Adelaide on 20/11/1857. He kept the deeds with him wherever he took his ship, in case he had a chance to sell the land again. The John Omerod was wrecked off the coast of Cape Northumberland on 21/10/1861, when all property was lost at sea, including the land deeds Application 9419

Thomas obviously favoured the sailing route between Adelaide and Sydney as he sailed the route for 17 years until the John Omerod came to an end in October of 1871 carrying 270 tons of flour. Built in 1826 at Liverpool the wooden brig finished her life beached at Cape Northumberland.

The Victorian Heritage Register has the folloing reference.

Vessel left Port Adelaide for Sydney in October 1861. On the evening 21st October ship encountered a heavy gale off Cape Northumberland. Vessel heeled over onto beams end and began to take in water. Main mast was cut down and the vessel began to take in water. main mast was cut down and the vessel brought back onto and even keel but with the tremendous loss of life. Vessel was sighted by Captain Germein at the Cape Northumberland Lighthouse a boat was dispatched to the wreck and the 3 survivors Captain Seivers, Edward Lennon and Alexander Munro were taken off. The light house keeper returned to the vessel in an attempt to anchor it off Port McDonnell the vessel continued to drift. The remains of the vessel lie fragmented and scattered along the beach.

In 1862 Captain Thomas Sivier was in command of "The Dragon" plying between Sydney and Melbourne. In 1863 he then took command of "The Bengal" a packet ship of the Pioneer Line.

Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Tuesday 17 February 1863, page 1

SHIP ADVERTISEMENTS.

 FOR OTAGO GOLD-FIELDS. PIONEER LINE OF PACKET SHIPS.

The clipper ship BENGAL, THOMAS SIVIER, commander, will positively sail with the usual punctuality adopted by the Pioneer Line, This beautiful ship performed her last voyage to Otago in eight days and having just undergone a thorough outfit, will prove a rare opportunity to intending passengers.

Passengers are requested to go and inspect her very superior and lofty accommodations. Immediate application is necessary on board, at Smith's Wharf; at LINCKBR and CO.'S, Lower George-street; or, at R. MURIEL'S, opposite Cobb and Co.'s Booking Office, Royal Hotel.

Thomas Sivier commanded another ship called the "Spec" that ran between Adelaide and Newcastle until early 1869. The Spec a british brig sailed from the Copper Company's Wharf and teh shipping agent was H. Simpson.  In October of 1869 he is in command of the Essie Black. The advertisements have reference to Captain Simpson as agent and the route between Newcastle and Adelaide. In November of 1869 the barque Essie Black of 285 tons was in Melbourne with a reference to Captain Sivier as agent. In April of 1870 the Essie Black carried 410 tons of coal from Newcastle to Adelaide. 

Further research into Captain H. Simpson uncovers that Captain Henry Simpson of the Black Diamond Line from Adelaide was a well known shipping industry figure and the company had contracts to ship coal between Newcastle and Adelaide. It does appear the Thomas Ingles Sivier owned the Essie Black and must have had contracts with teh Black Diamond Line and Captain Henry Simpson to ship coal between Newcastle and Adelaide. The Essie Black also carried passengers and general cargo. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_Simpson_(shipping)

The Essie Black sailed between Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide until the end of 1875 and tragedy struck the Sivier family. The Sivier family in the newspaper references to births and marriages are referenced as living in Enmore Road, Newton during the 1870s. For those Sivyer descendants reading this you will immediately note the connection to Newtown. James and Harriet Sivyer were living in Chelmsford Street Newton (then named Wellington Street) at this time. Captain Thomas Ingles Sivier and his oldest child and daughter Rebecca Isabella (aged 28) perished in the loss of teh Essie Black in Bass Strait. 

Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869 - 1931), Thursday 13 January 1876, page 3

The Essie Black.

We have ascertained the following particulars respecting the missing barque Essie Black and her ill-fated crew, who are supposed to have been lost in Kent's Group early in the present month, from the eldest son of the master. The Essie Black was a vessel of French build, 12 years' old, 280 tons register, commanded by her owner, Thomas Ingles Sivier. She left Newcastle for Adelaide on November 15th with 400 tons of coal. A report reached Melbourne on January 4th that portions of her remains had been found floating in Bass Straits, near Kent's Group. A schooner was dispatched by the Victorian Government last week, and after an absence of three days only returned with portions of the vessel which left no doubt that the ill-fated vessel had struck on the island. The captain of the search schooner also holds out no hope that any of the crew survive, though it seems hardly possible for him to have satisfactorily ascertained that in the short time he waa in the vicinity of the scene of the wreck. The barque was last seen to the eastward of the group on December 1st. The following are the particulars respecting the crew, who were as follow :Captain Thomas Ingles Sivier, aged 58, master and owner ; he leaves (if it be as feared that he perished in the wreck) a wife and five children, all grown up, one being married to Mr Lewis, of Glen Innes ; Mrs. Kersey, another daughter, was a passenger with her father. Her husband is in New Zealand, having lately arrived from London. Mrs. Kersey has a little boy, whom she left behind with her father's family, in Macquarie-street. The mate, Mr. Graham, who is believed to be married and to have a family in London; second mate, Mr. E. Murray; cook and steward, J. Carlington; seamen, D. Macleachlan, J. E. Mitchell, H. Wilkins, J. Wilson, J. Ricketts, and R. Jackson. Nothing is known of the foremast hands except their names. They shipped in different ports, some in Adelaide, some in Newcastle, and one in Sydney. Captain Sivier has two sons in Messrs. Robert Gray, Son, and Co.'s warehouse. There is a general feeling that the search made was inadequate, and though few hopes can be entertained that any of the shipwrecked party survive, there is a possibility of it, and a second search is advocated.

The following taken from Wikipedia provides information on the group of islands named Kent's Group.

"The Kent Group are a grouping of six granite islands located in Bass Strait, north-west of the Furneaux Group in Tasmania, Australia. Collectively, the group is comprised within the Kent Group National Park. The islands were named Kent's Group by Matthew Flinders, "in honour of my friend captain William Kent, then commander of Supply" when Flinders passed them on 8 February 1798 in Francis (on her way to salvage Sydney Cove). The largest island in the group is Deal Island; the others, in order of descending size, are Erith Island, Dover Island, North East Isle, South West Isle and Judgement Rocks."

There have been 18 ships lost on the Kent's Group from 1816 to 1961. Sixteen of these ships are listed as having no loss of life. The loss of the "Esse Black" with all hands and passengers lost is very significant in our shipping history.

For those reading this and asking is there a connection between this Thomas Ingles Sivier and oneself the answer lies in the ancestral lines of Francis Sivyer / Sivier born 1702 in Dallington. He married Sarah Foster born 1713 in Salehurst in October of 1731. They have seven children recorded with Francis Sivyer born 1742 and William Sivyer born 1757. 

Using the records available for research Captain Thomas Ingles Sivier is the great grandson of Francis Sivyer (b:1702) and James Sivyer (b: 1791) the grandson of Francis Sivyer (b:1702).

Given the information available it is possible to state that in 1871 when James Sivyer died in Wellington Street Newton he had a relative Captain Thomas Ingles Sivier living close by in Enmore Road Newtown. This James Sivyer being my great great grandfather. 

Sivyers Who Enlisted in The Australian Army WW2

On this Australia Day 2020 this post lists those who enlisted in the Australian Army in World War Two. Whilst there is only one not born in Australia I beleive there were different motives for enlisting to defend their country. Clearly in WW1 the message of "For King and Country" was used prolifically. In WW2 there was a distinct shift to Australians defending the freedom of Australia.

Look through the list and see if you can identify your family connections. If you know your Sivyer descendant history you can see that in the middle of the 20th century there was still a distinct geographical area grouping of the various Sivyer families.

Name                              Service Number      Date of Birth   Place of Birth             Service
SIVYER, ANDREW ROY Q219968                 01 Aug 1891         GOULBURN, NSW  Army
SIVYER, CLIFFORD D'ARCY QX42690 14 Feb 1898 MARYBOROUGH, QLD Army
SIVYER, DOUGLAS 20950 30 Sep 1920 QUIRINDI, NSW RAAF
SIVYER, DOUGLAS SIDNEY QX30739 06 Mar 1919 KINGAROY, QLD Army
SIVYER, DULCIE MAY QF271056 18 Jan 1918 TOOWOOMBA, QLD Army
SIVYER, FREDERICK JAMES QX30985 26 Mar 1914 STANNARY HILLS, QLD Army
SIVYER, GORDON WILLIAM 296596 25 Apr 1912 LONDON, ENGLAND RAAF
SIVYER, GRAHAM DAWSON O11854 16 May 1922 ROCKHAMPTON, QLD RAAF
SIVYER, HENRY JOHN RUSSELL N288137 14 Oct 1902 WEST MAITLAND, NSW Army
SIVYER, JAMES QX30027 10 Apr 1904 BURNETT HEADS, QLD Army
SIVYER, JOHN VALENTINE QX63058 28 Mar 1925 ROCKHAMPTON, QLD Army
SIVYER, JOHN WILLIAM 135223 26 Jul 1910 CESSNOCK, NSW RAAF
SIVYER, JOSEPH SPENCER Q215430 27 Mar 1910 BUNDABERG, QLD Army
SIVYER, KENNETH JOHN W71793 17 Sep 1912 NORTHAM, WA Army
SIVYER, KENNETH STANLEY QX43330 30 Aug 1923 COOROY, QLD Army
SIVYER, MERVYN SPENCER QX56952 07 Jul 1918 COOROY, QLD Army
SIVYER, NORMAN REGINALD 20187 18 Jan 1921 MOREE, NSW RAAF
SIVYER, RONALD DOUGLAS QX61929 17 Feb 1926 COOROY, QLD Army
SIVYER, RONALD WILLIAM 124065 26 Aug 1924 INNISFAIL, QLD RAAF
SIVYER, STANLEY HUME Q106909 27 Apr 1888 PIMPAMA, QLD Army
SIVYER, THOMAS ROY QX15024 04 Apr 1917 SHANNARY HILLS, QLD Army
SIVYER, WILLIAM JOSEPH WX25823 10 Nov 1922 MIDLAND JUNCTION, WA Army

John Sivyer Holden

Now straight away many reading this will have not understand the relevance of this post. Readers of this post who are Sivyer descendants but non Australian will recognise two of the three names in the post title. The given name John Sivyer has occurred multiple times in the lineage of all Sivyer families. Now for Australian born Sivyer descendants  the word Holden does have significance. Holden were the last Australian car manufacturer who produced their last cars in the Commodore range in 2015. This sadly was the demise of the Australian car manufacturing industry. 

When we put the three words together we have a title that will mean something specifically to Brisbane, Queensland born Sivyer descendants. On a personal note the words John Sivyer Holden changed my life in the most amazing ways. Growing up with the surname Sivyer was never simple when it came to roll call, name pronunciation, and spelling of your name. These were always issues that I am sure many of you will assimilate. For me this changed when the three words "John Sivyer Holden" appeared in the public domain.

Brisbane as a capital city in Australia was never the largest in population and to highlight this my research tells me that in 1980 the Sivyer surname appeared in nine families in the Brisbane regional area. Looking at these nine families six of these were directly related to myself in being uncles, aunties or cousins. 

In 1971 suddenly out of nowhere came the words John Sivyer Holden. Yes there was another Sivyer in Brisbane. Remember as an 18 year old in 1971 I had no access to electoral rolls or only knew that the Sivyer name was connected to my immediate family. Now we had a car dealership under the name John Sivyer Holden. I asked my father, who is John Sivyer Holden? At that time my father said that we were related but I do not remember the finer details but basically it went like this. Yes he is related and his father was connected to Eagers (major Holden dealership) but we have never met the family. Well that was  enough knowledge for me but it was wonderful having your surname in lights, on car bumpers, advertisements and in the paper etc.. Yes I even saw my surname on television.  Now there were people who could pronounce your surname.

There was the inevitable question "are you related to John Sivyer Holden?" My answer was yes distantly but we have never met even though we live in the same small city. Also my personal interests at the time were based around motor cars and motorsport and many people assumed I had a direct connection to John Sivyer Holden. John Sivyer Holden stayed in operation as a major car dealership through to the year 2006 when a major redistribution of General Motors Holden (GMH) sadly saw the John Sivyer dealership subsumed into a larger network of GMH car sales and service outlets.

In later years I came to understand my true relationship to John Sivyer Holden and nearly fifty years on I still get asked the question by long term local residents when I am introduced "Are you related to John Sivyer Holden?" Now I have a simple and truthful answer. Yes my great grandfather and John Sivyer's great grandfather was the same person. That person is Spencer Sivyer but we are descended from different great grandmothers. John Sivyer is descended from the first wife and I am descended from Spencer's second marriage. 

Hopefully you are now getting a picture of Brisbane at the time which was really a large regional town in relation to Sydney and Melbourne. Of interest to us is that we had two of the direct descendant lines of Spencer Sivyer having never met and still to this day have not met. I do understand that my father Ron Sivyer did meet and did know the father of John Sivyer one Clifford D'Arcy (Barney) Sivyer.   
      
Below is the direct line from Spencer to myself and Allan John (Jack) Sivyer or aka John Sivyer Holden.

Spencer Sivyer - Elizabeth Hogg Bathgate

• Albert Augustus George Sivyer b: 1864 d: 1950- Isabella Adam

• Clifford D'Arcy Sivyer (Barney) b:1898  d:1969 - Elizabeth Smith 

• Allan John (Jack) Sivyer  b:1928  d:2009 

Spencer Sivyer - Harriet Coram

• Stanley Hume Sivyer b:1888  d:1969- Ellen Marie Ronlund

• Ronald Douglas Sivyer b:1926  d:2018 - Elizabeth Helen Lettman

• Neil Stanley Sivyer b:1953

Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. : 1860 - 1947), Saturday 26 November 1892, page 2
Marriage. SIVYER—ADAM.—At the residence of Captain French, on the 14th instant, by the Rev. J. I. Knipe, Albert George, second son of Spencer Sivyer, of Devon Park, to Isabella, eldest daughter of R. Darcy Adam, of Barcaldine.

Those who know the story of Spencer Sivyer will know that there were definitely characteristics of entrepreneur, salesman, and businessman reflected in his adventurous life.

http://sivyer.com.au/spencer-sivyer/

These genetic characteristics definitely appeared in the forebears of Allan John Sivyer. 

The following information is purely based on research from newspaper reports, official birth, deaths and marriage records and internet resources. I have never met any of Albert August George (A.G.) Sivyer's descendants or have been provided with any family information. Therefore to the best of my knowledge the following is correct.

ALBERT AUGUSTUS GEORGE SIVYER

Albert was born on 14 May 1864 at Picton, New South Wales the fourth child of and second son of Spencer Sivyer and Elizabeth Hogg Bathgate. From previous research it is believed Spencer and family moved to Maryborough, Queensland in 1864, Albert or A.G. as he was commonly known as had just been born. Therefore he grew up in the Maryborough and Bundaberg district. His mother died tragically from hepatitis in Bundaberg in 1880, Albert at 17 years of age would have been a young man out in the workforce. He is recorded as applying to be on the electoral roll for Maryborough in 1885. The address provided was Ellana Street which today still consists of some wonderful period homes from that time. We know that Spencer and Harriet (Coram) were not living in Maryborough at that time so Albert was a working man of self sufficient means. For the election of 1890 he is listed as living at Adelaide Street, Maryborough  so one could assume that he was living in boarding houses which was common at that time. During 1890 A. G. Sivyer is listed as travelling by ship between Brisbane and Maryborough on more than one occasion. This piece of information forms one of the key parts of the life A.G. Sivyer in that he was an early travelling salesman.

In 1895 an advertisement was placed in the Maryborough Chronicle where A.G.Sivyer the Hon. Secretary was the contact. This advertisement was for the first Maryborough Liederfatel. This is where men sing in harmony. Now many reading this will note with interest the talents of A. G. Sivyer and the musical connection.

The first evidence of A. G's occupation or work placement is in reference to a cricket match between Stupart's Drapery and Finney, Isles and Co. in 1895. A. G. Sivyer was part of the drapery or clothing trade. For the rest of his working life he would be always associated with this trade. This would be very different to the colonial outdoor life of his father Spencer. By 1896 he was a manager in Stupart's Drapery Palace and had a gift for sales and promotion. 
After many it appears successful years as a manager in the Palace Drapery and active in sporting, social, and community life in Maryborough he left for a position in Brisbane with Edwards and Lamb Drapers. In his parting speech he spoke about his connection with Stupart's Drapery for over 20 years. This provides the information to conclude that he entered the drapery trade as a young man in Maryborough.

Albert was only in Brisbane for a few years when in 1906 he returned to establish his own drapery store in Maryborough. A. G. was well known for his style of promotion. He had an ability to promote himself through short sharp and prolific advertisemants. An example would be "Buy from Sivyer he is the best". One of the more unusual and some may say eccentric is the following one.

'I was a stranger and ye (A.D. 30 took me in' (A.D. 1908) took me down —
it's one and the same thing. As it was in the beginning, even so it is now.
Shoddy-made Goods palmed on to the unsuspecting and trusting stranger, in
lieu of the geuuine Australian-made Articles that A. G. Sivyer is selling; and
so the same old squeal goes on. only men in 1908 use more adjective words when
they find out they have been taken down. Now, these Australian-made Goods — Shirts, Trousers, Hats, etc., that A. G. Sivyer is putting on the market are well worthy of your attention. There is nothing of a shoddv nature in Australias best, as supplied by A. G.

Sivyer, Kent Street.

Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. : 1860 - 1947), Wednesday 19 December 1906, page 2

A. G. SIVYER.
Another new firm. Mr. Sivyer confines his attention to men's wear and adornment, and his neat little shop is replete with hats and ties in the latest Sydney styles, suits, umbrellas, shirts, travelling requisites. The window contains an attractive display of the goods within.

Once again he was active in the community involved with lawn bowls and patron of the Maryborough Swimming Association. In 1907 he was one of the vice presidents of Maryborough Rugby Union.

Maryborough Chronicle, Wide Bay and Burnett Advertiser (Qld. : 1860 - 1947), Monday 9 September 1907, page 2

Another move in business circles is on the tapis, so we are informed. Albert Sivyer. The Men's Mercer, of the Royal Buildings, is about to move into those central premises owned by William H. Williams, now occupied by John S Marshall, one of our leading tailors Albert G. Sivyer, in the meantime, is going to run a sale of his present stock, starting Saturday morning. Customers will have a chance now of seeing how the man, recently 'from the hot bed of competition, Brisbane,' can. put the knife into prices. We are informed that there is not going to be any 'side' stepping' in prices. Every article for cash will be offered at Bargain Prices at Sivyer's Great Camp-shifting Sale.

In 1909 a major fire occurred in the block of shops that A. G occupied. 

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Tuesday 19 January 1909, page 4

A serious fire occurred in Kent street Maryborough, early yesterday morning. Five shops were destroyed. The buildings were owned by Mr. W. H. Williams, and the occupiers were A. G. Sivyer (mercer), T. Sheppard (bicycle depot), U. Hill (tailor), McWatters (fruiterer),
and Copps (confectioner).

Unfortunately it appears that his business suffered greatly from this fire and the following advertisement was placed in the paper in February 1909.

FINAL NOTICE. IN THE MATTER OF ALBERT G. SIVYER, LATE MERCER-. MARYBOROUGH.
Creditors and Debtors.
CREDITORS are requested to send in their ACCOUNTS to him, c/o W. Adam & Son..
DEBTORS.— FINAL NOTICE.— All Accounts owing to the said A. G. SIVYER, must lie settled forthwith, at the same address.

Albert and family moved once again to Brisbane. The electoral rolls have him and his family living in what is now the inner northern suburbs of Brisbane namely Wooloowin, Clayfield and Ascot. Some could say that these suburbs were always a more elite or contained wealthier income area of the city. A. G. was active within the lawn bowls community but it appears he had a long association with the Commercial Travellers Association of Queensland. His occupation was listed as traveller. He was a travelling salesman it can be assumed for some company or business within the clothing industry. My father spoke of "Uncle Albert" staying at the Sivyer farm at Tinbeerwah as he passed through that area. As to what time frame that was it would most likely be in the early 1930s when my father was a young boy.

Albert August George Sivyer died on 23rd November 1950 in Brisbane. 

CLIFFORD D'ARCY SIVYER 

Born February 15th 1898 in Maryborough he was the first born of three children to A. G Sivyer and Isabella Adams. The first record of C. D. Sivyer (he was known as C. D.) is in 1913 when he won the prize at the national show for the best essay, boys over 15 years. He was attending the prestigious Brisbane Boys Grammar School. This school today is still Queensland's most highly ranked and regarded boy's school. 

His first work appointment was as a clerk 5th class in the Commonwealth Public Service in 1915. He was on 6 months probation. On the 30th. June 1915 he resigned as a clerk from the public service accounts branch. In 1916 C. D. was attending the Central Technical School (Brisbane) where he was studying bookkeeping stage 1. This was to be the start of his life long journey through accounting and then into various businesses and then business management. In June of 1918 he successfully passed the examination of the Institute of Accounts Queensland division. 

Continuing on the characteristics of his forebears C. D. Sivyer wrote to the editor of the Daily Mail in 1919. At this time he was a young man of 21 but definitely fearless in expressing his opinion. Now whilst I have not reproduced the full letter as it is quite extensive it does portray the courage of young C. D. in expressing his opinion. The timing of this letter is even more extraordinary as Australia was still recovering from the great war which had only just finished the following year.

Daily Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1903 - 1926), Tuesday 6 May 1919, page 9

"TIN SOLDIER" ABSURDITIES.

To the Editor

Sir,— In yesterday's papers, there appeared an announcement, in the grand phraseology of the military, concerning the 2nd Battalion of the 9th Infantry (Moreton Regiment).

The information conveyed is to the effect that Citizen Force trainees who are attached to that battalion will drill on certain days during May! Merely put an announcement in the papers and hundreds of young men must leave their work, leave, their pay, and leave anything else they may be interested in, to rush off to the various places it pleases the military authorities to mention, and spend six hours per day, turning and wheeling about in a paddock. They don't even pay us the simple courtesy of a personal memo to attend parade, or at least they haven't done so for, and the first parade is only four days off. I wonder does it ever occur to the authorities that although we young fellows are military trainees, we are also ordinary citizens, with ordinary citizen duties, engagements, and responsibilities. ..................
I write this in the nature of a protest. I must go to drill with the rest, and must submit to being howled at and sworn at "by my superiors": with as good a grace as possible. That part doesn't matter. But I really do think that to put a notice such as I have mentioned in the papers, and that notice to be indisputable by employers and employees shouldn't be disregarded, is just a little beyond the limit for an allegedly democratic Australia. I do sincerely hope that employers will take some steps towards preventing this utter disregard for their rights and convenience Yours, etc., C. D. SIVYER.


WooIoowin, April 29

On the social scene C. D. was quite prominent in the Metropolitan Tennis Association and also team captain. His name appeared in the papers of the time at prominent social gatherings and dances. He first major position in employment that can be found on record is when he was appointed to the Maize Board on the Atherton Tablelands as an accountant in 1925. Before leaving Brisbane C. D. married Elizabeth Smith. In some of the local Brisbane papers the title of the report was "a society wedding".

Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), Saturday 2 May 1925, page 6

SIVYER—SMITH.—On 23rd April, 1925, at
St. Colomb's Church of England, Clayfield Clifford D'Arcy, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Sivyer, "Reyviston," Old Sandgate road, Eagle Junction, to Elizabeth Amy Dorothea, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. L. Smith, "Woodlands," Marburg.

C. D. completed further study to join the Institute of Secretariat. From my reading of his responsibilities a company secretary at his time in history was equivalent to the present Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer. They were responsible for the daily management and operation of a company. By July of 1926 C. D. was on the Cairns Chamber of Commerce and he and Elizabeth were often reported in the social activities of the town. By September 1926, he was appointed managing secretary of the Atherton Co-operative Butter Association.

On April 21, 1928 an advertisement appeared for the sale of unique house hold furniture by C. D. Sivyer of the National Motor Company, Cairns.  C. D. had moved into the motor or automobile industry. The selling of his household goods was due to the fact that he and Elizabeth and now with a young child back to Brisbane. C. D. was moving into the selling of motor vehicles with his own business. The following advertisement did not appear until 1931 and research provides no information as to his business activities between leaving Cairns and this announcement.

Week (Brisbane, Qld. : 1876 - 1934), Wednesday 4 March 1931, page 31

Used Cars

New Firm in Operation South Brisbane Venture

One of the primary essentials of goodwill is the likelihood of old customers returning to the old address. Messrs. Reid and Sivyer state that they had this in mind when they took over for use as a used car salesroom, the premises in Watson Ferguson's buildings, Stanley Street, South Brisbane, which had been occupied for a similar purpose by Messrs. Ward Motors Ltd.
As Mr. Harry Reid. one of the partners in the new venture occupied the position of used car manager- to the company referred to, with headquarters in the premises which he now occupies, he should be.in a position to know the requirements of used car buyers.

Also Mr. Reid is well known in the motor trade in Brisbane, particularly In the used car section, and in automobile valuation his opinion, commands respect from those qualified to judge.

Mr. C. D. Sivyer who is associated with Mr. Reid in the new firm, was or some time secretary to Messrs. Ward Motors Ltd.. and his knowledge of the trade gained in this position should be of value to the business.

A fine range of cars is being handled by Messrs Reid and Sivyer. Their display embraces cars ranging from the handy and economical machines in the light car class right through the various power and price classes to the more exclusive vehicles. It is claimed that there is a compiete absence of anything which could be called, "junk," and Messrs. Reid and Sivyer insist that they will not at any time offer any machines which they are unable to recommend as safe investments. .........."

The partnership of Reid and Sivyer continued until in May of 1935 when C. D. Sivyer made a strategic move to become the sales manager for Harris Autos. They were situated on the corner of Wickham Street and Ballow Street in Fortitude Valley Brisbane. He also joined the directorate of the company. 

USED CAR Department
With more space at our disposal we have opened a Used Car Showroom and are
now equipped to look after your requirements in the buying and selling of new and
used cars. This new- department will be handled by Mr. C. D. Sivyer (who has
joined the Directorate of the Company) and is already well and favourably known in car-
selling circles. Mr. Sivyer now has the support of our modern workshop to attend to the
reconditioning and servicing of all cars sold through his department."

C.D. Sivyer remained in the automotive trade and in 1954 he was sales manager for Eagers Used Cars. Eagers Pty. Ltd. were at the time one of Queensland's largest automotive dealers and General Motors Holden dealer. Here is the association of the Sivyer name and Holden cars. As to when C. D. joined Eagers I have been unable to ascertain. A book on the centenary of Eagers did no provide any information. He was though an authorative figure within the automotive trade an d he was quoted on the automobile scene post WW2.

Brisbane Telegraph (Qld. : 1948 - 1954), Saturday 20 November 1954, page 20

Market change in used cars

Although new cars were still hard to get, the second-hand car business was becoming a buyers market, car dealers said today.

They were commenting on a statement by a Queensland delegate, Mr. H. R. Bell, at the Austin dealers convention in (Sydney this week that a buyers market was coming in the motor industry. Mr. Bell, U.K- Dominion Motors general manager, said there would soon be more vehicles than buyers for the first time in 15 years. Mr. C. D. Sivyer, manager of Eagers Used Cars Pty. Ltd., said there was a distinct contrast between new and used cars in the market. New cars were hard to get a Holden still required a waiting period of about 12 months. "Most cars are booked well ahead, but the demand for commercial vehicles is not so great," he said. "Utilities are fairly easy to get, but there is a fairly long wait for all General Motors vehicles. "There is a downward trend in used cars, apart from some of the small and medium ones. Anything big or pre-war is becoming hard to sell. More selective -"There are more cars coming on the market every year and that must bring the prices down."

Earlier on his life C.D. Sivyer was a member of the Citizen's Military and he continued that commitment during the second world war. He was a Major in the Australian Army Ordinance Corp attached to Northern Command. He enlisted on the 26th. October 1940. He would have been 42 years of age at enlistment and from my research I believe that people with the business background of C. D. were promoted into non combat management rolls in supporting the front line. He died in Brisbane in 1969. What of note is that he gave his occupation as accountant on the electoral rolls right up until the last record for him in 1968. In 1954 as sales manager at Eagers cars he recorded his occupation as accountant not "car salesman".

Allan John Sivyer (Jack) b: 25-10-1927 d: 14-1-2009

Not a lot is known about Allan John the person. Queensland newspaper records are only publicly available online until 1954. What can be provided is some information into his early life. Born in Brisbane in 1927 during the depression years he was a young man as the second world war ended. He was not old enough to enlist. His father C.D. Sivyer died in 1969.

Allan Jack Sivyer has listed "sales" as his occupation on the electoral roll of 1954. One would assume that given the family background and his future life that he was in the car sales industry. One could assume that he worked in the automotive industry possibly with Eagers who his father was associated with. The only other piece of information is when in 1972 his occupation changed to manager from sales. This coincided with the establishment of John Sivyer Holden in 1971. 

The only references in the newspaper to Jack Sivyer were in the social pages and his wedding. He married Wanda Pro-Copis on Tuesday, April 1915 in St. Agatha's Church, Hamilton, Brisbane. Wanda died on the 16th, April, 2018.

John Sivyer Holden was for 35 years an established part of what Brisbane people know as the "Moorooka Magic Mile". Many towns or cities have similar in that a road has a continuous row of car yards both used and knew. On the south side of Brisbane it was and still is "The Moorooka Magic Mile". 

In concluding this post one can see how the John Sivyer Holden dealership or car yard was not just a business entity that started in 1971 but one could argue was a result of A. G. Sivyer becoming a young salesman in the drapery business in Maryborough. 

Reverend Frederick James Sivyer

One of the more popular Sivyer christian names is Frederick James. Many of those with the name Frederick James Sivyer have led interesting lives. This is the story of one of those. A person who contributed his life to a definite calling or was driven to contribute to the lives of others. Hopefully you will read the full story of this Frederick James and reflect upon him as a person and the life he led. 


The Reverend Frederick James (F. J.) Sivyer

This particular Frederick James or F. J. Sivyer as he was known as was the great grandson of James and Harriet Sivyer descended down through Spencer Spencer and Elizabeth Bathgate. He was the sixth child and youngest son of James Spencer Alexander Sivyer and Rose Adeline Dawson. James Spencer Alexander his father was the oldest child of Spencer and Elizabeth Sivyer. Frederick James Sivyer was born March 4, 1888 in Gympie. 

It is currently not known what led F. J. to the ministry. It is well documented that many of the Sivyer families who emigrated had continued to follow the Wesleyan Methodist religion and were prominent in church activities within their own communities. There is a possibility that James Spencer Alexander and family moved from the traditional Wesleyan Methodist faith to the new Church of Christ ministry when it established itself in Gympie in 1886. If so Frederick James's development as a person and personal growth would have paralleled the growth of the Church of Christ in Gympie. This could be a logical explanation that led him to the newly established Church of Christ, College of The Bible in Melbourne. The Bible College was established in 1907. 

The following is taken from the Church of Christ, Gympie website.

The Gympie Church of Christ was founded on August 8, 1886 with a meeting held in the home of a Mrs Cane of Horseshoe Bend. As the congregation grew too big for home meetings, the Drum and Fife Band Hall was used as a meeting place, then once again growing numbers forced a move to the Oddfellows Hall on Red Hill. Several outreach missions were held and the interest was so great it was decided to erect a church building.

James Spencer Alexander and family were all listed as living in Hilton Road, Gympie on the 1909 electoral roll. James Spencer Alexander and son James Spencer were listed as a carter. A carter were people who the equivalent of the transporting of goods in today's world only horse and cart or wagons were used. Frederick James was listed as a shop assistant. Of interest here is that his sisters Mona Lillian and Adeline Alice Eliza lived at 19 Hilton Road in 1948. Adeline was a school teacher and Mona it is believed ran a shop in Hilton 
Road.

F. J. Sivyer and Melbourne Life

In establishing when F. J. moved to Melbourne and the Church of Christ, College of the Bible newspaper reference information published after his death states that he spent six years at the College of The Bible in Melbourne. On the electoral rolls of 1912 F. J. Sivyer is listed as a student living at York Road, Malvern East. 

The earliest paper report of his ministry is November 1913. This was at Warrugal Church of Christ and the advertisement states new church. When he completed this position at the Box Hill Church and was moving to Essendon in 1915. The newspaper report informing of F. J. SIvyer moving to Essendon states that his position was being taking by a graduate from the College of The Bible.  

In summarising this information it is difficult to define when he did move to Melbourne from Gympie. There are two possible outcomes. The first is that he was studying at the College of The Bible whilst still ministering in the church. His newspaper advertisements for church services has his position stated as evangelist. The second outcome is that he moved to the College of The Bible in Melbourne when it started in 1907 and when graduating in 1913 took up a position at the church at Box Hill or Warrugal. The second outcome is difficult to support as he was listed as a student in 1916 but had been advertising as an evangelist for services at Box Hill from 1913. From electoral roll information in 1919 he is listed as a minister and living with his recently married wife, Florence Beatrice. His move from Gympie to Melbourne appears to have been around 1910.

Reporter (Box Hill, Vic. : 1889 - 1918), Friday 8 October 1915, page 7

BOX HILL MINISTER FAREWELLED. On Thursday evening, September 30, Mr. F. J. Sivyer, minister of the Church of Christ,, Box Hill, was tendered a farewell, by the members of his congregation. Mr. Sivyer's ministry of a year and a half was much appreciated by the members. He resigned his work here to enter a larger field in Essendon. As a mark of appreciation, Mr. Sivyer was presented with a purse of money, and speeches eulogistic of his ministry were made by representatives of the different auxiliaries of the church. During the evening, musical items were rendered, and games were played, after which refreshments were served. 

West Gippsland Gazette (Warragul, Vic.1898 - 1930), Tuesday 11 November 1913, page 2

CHURCH OF CHRIST. Evangelistic Services, New Church, Warragul, every Lord's Day, Evening at 7.30.--Mr F. J. Sivyer, Evangelist.

In November 1914 he took up the position as pastor of the Church of Christ Essendon. From Essendon he moved to the church at Moreland. The following though extensive is a tribute to his work and an insight into his characteristics as a person.

Flemington Spectator (Vic. : 1914 - 1918), Thursday 8 August 1918, page 1

CHURCH NEWS - ----+----ESSENDON CHURCH OF CHRIST. On Thursday evening last a large number of members and adherents of the Essendon Church of Christ. and a fair sprinkling of visitors net at St. Jolhn's schoolroom, for the dual purpose of farewelling Mr. F. J. Sivyer. who has ministered to the church at Essendon since its inception three years ago, and who is passing on to the Moreland church. and to welcome Mr. R.K. Whateley. who is taking charge of the church at Essendon. Mr. A. R. Main M.A.,. Principal of the College of the Bible. expressed himself as being both sorry and glad. Sorry because Mr. Sivyer was leaving, and glad that another good man was to take his place. The progress of the Essendon church had been very gratifying, and testified to the ability of the preacher: and now that Mr. Sivyer had decided to leave Essendon and continue the work at Moreland, the latter would gain a man in every way fitted for carrying on the good work. He trusted that Mr. Whately would receive the same support as had been given to Mr. Sirvyer. and hoped the church would continue to prosper. Mr. Reg. Ennis, who had been linked with all the important events in the history of the Essendon church, having opened the first meeting, preached the first service. had a voice in the appointment of Mr. Sivyer as the first minister, been present at the meeting when the money -had been subscribed for the purchase of land for the new church. and was now interested in the coming of the second preacher. spoke in eloquent terms of Mr. Sivyer's work at Essendon, where, from a very small beginning the church had tmade rapid strides. Mr. Sivyer had been honoured by the call to Moreland, and was just the man to lead that church on to great things. Mr. Whateley came with splendid qualifications, and was a worthy successor, and he felt sure the church would stand by him. He hoped the next chapter in Essendon's history would be the building of the new church. Mr. Jones. of the- Newmarket church, had always admired Mr. Sivyer's fine Christian character and his consistency. Changes in a young preacher's life were educational and the experience gained would be invaluable. He was glad Mr. Sivyer carried the good wishes of the Essendon people and he would watch his work at Moreland with interest. The church had done wisely in choosing Mr. Whateley to succeed Mr. Sivyer, and with such a splendid  hand of workers at Essendon to stand by him, his success was assured. Rev. Alex. Steele. secretary of the Essendon Preachers' Fraternal Union. apologised for the absence of the president (Rev. A. Madtsen) and for Rev. E. Schwieger. He had found Mr. Sivyer always prepared to unite for the good of the community, and esteemed him very much. The best men were needed to grapple with the problems of the present time, and it was a great opportunity for the young men. He knew Mr. Sivyer would prove true and faithftul in his new sphere of labour. He extended a warm welcome to Mr. Whateley, and trusted he would follow in Mr. Sivyer s footsteps. Mr. W. A. Kemp on behalf of the Essendon church, bade good-bye to Mr. Sivyer. Nothing that the previous speakers had said was too good for Mr. Sivyer. He had come at the beginning, and had had all the hard work of establishing the church. He was always prepared, and had always something good to say. In the Sunday School. Mr. Sivyer's work had been appreciated, the children having a great affection for him. ......Mr. Sivyer took a live interest in the various bodies connected with the church, such as the Sunday School, Children's Church Attendance League. Girls' Club, Boys' Club, etc., each of which presented him with a gift to mark the pleasant times that head been spent during the three years he had been connected with the church.

In 1919 Frederick James Sivyer married Florence Beatrice Lodding. They had a daughter Gwendoline born in  

Whilst still working as a minister in his church Frederick James attended the University of Melbourne and graduated in April 1920 with a Bachelor of Arts. 

F.J. Sivyer and New Zealand

In January 1928 F. J. Sivyer made a decision to move to Nelson, New Zealand and take up a position there with the Church of Christ. Why this decision was made will never be known but it was a move obviously in line with his faith. 

Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Saturday 14 January 1928, page 20

Mr. F. J. Sivyer, minister of the Church of Christ, Essendon, has accepted a call to the pastorate of the church at Nelson (N.Z.).

NELSON NEWS EVENING POST, VOLUME CV, ISSUE 95, 23 APRIL 1928

An enthusiastic meeting of the Waimea Church of Christ last evening welcomed the new pastor, Mr. F. J. Sivyer, B.A., and his wife. The Rev. I. J. Ralph, representing the local Ministers' Association, gave a cordial welcome on behalf of that body. Mr. Sivyer is a graduate of Melbourne University, and comes here with the highest credentials. 

Death of F. J. Sivyer

NELSON NEWSEVENING POST, ISSUE 99, 24 OCTOBER 1934

The half-yearly conference of the Churches of Christ of the Nelson district was held on Labour Day at Richmond. The morning portion of the function took the form of a picnic. Reference was made to those who had passed away since last conference, with special reference to tho late Mr. F. J. Sivyer, who had done so much to make the district conferences tho great successes they now wore, and to his untiring energy and zeal for the cause of Christ. Resolutions to this effect were placed on record, followed by tho singing of "Peace, Perfect Peace." 

EVENING POST, VOLUME CXVIII, ISSUE 56, 4 SEPTEMBER 1934

PASTOR F. J. SIVYER, B.A., in charge of the Church of Christ, Nelson, who died suddenly just before Sunday evening's service. He had been stationed at Nelson for the past six years.

EVENING POST, VOLUME CXVIII, ISSUE 55, 3 SEPTEMBER 1934

Pastor F. J. Sivyer, B.A. in charge of the Church of Christ i.at Nelson, died suddenly last evening, states' a Press Association message from Nelson. He had intended to preach at the evening service, but had a seizure at 6 p.m., and expired soon afterwards;. He was born in Queensland, and for six years was a student at the College of the: Bible, Glen Iris, Melbourne, before taking a degree at Melbourne University. He. accepted a call to Nelson six years ago.

WAIRARAPA DAILY TIMES, 3 SEPTEMBER 1934

SUDDEN DEATH OF NELSON PASTOR. 

NELSON, This Day. Pastor F. J. Sivyer, in charge of the Church of Christ, Nelson, died suddenly last night. Deceased had intended to preach at the evening service but had a seizure at six p.m. and expired soon afterwards. He accepted a call to Nelson six years ago. —(P.A.)

NELSON NEWS

LATE PASTOR SIVYER

FUNERAL SERVICES

(Special to the "Evening Post.")

NELSON, September 5, 1934

The funeral of the late Pastor F. J. Sivyer, B. A., who expired suddenly last. Sunday evening, took place at the Nelson Cemetery this morning. There were largo both at the church and graveside services, -The service at the church was conducted by Mr. P. Bolton. Others Who took part were the Rev. James Hay and the Rev. W. Burloy (Nelson Ministers' Association), Mr. M. 801 l (Motueka), Mr. T. Bamford (Spring Grove), and Mr. A Y. Hibburt (Dominion Youth Organiser for the Associated Churches of Christ). The cortege comprised 50 ears, and the roadway was lined by tho.children of the Hampden Street school, where the late Mr. Sivyer carried out religious instruction under the Nelson system of Bible in schools. Among those present at the funeral wore members of the Nelson Ministers' Association and the Mayor (Mr. W. J. Moffatt) and city councillors. Many beautiful floral tributes were received from all parts of the Dominion. The graveside service was conducted by Mr. Bolton. Tho bearers, all officers of the Nelson Church of Christ,' were Messrs. M. E. Jackson, E. B. Marris, R. Stephens, L. H. Bull, A. B. Inglis, and A. E. Brough.

F. J. Sivyer and Probate

Herald (Melbourne, Vic. : 1861 - 1954), Wednesday 19 September 1934, page 26

JUDICIAL AND LAW NOTICES 
After fourteen days from the publication hereof Application will be made to the Supreme Court of the State of Victoria In Its Probate Jurisdiction that PROBATE of the LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT (dated the 36th day of February of FREDERICK JAMES SIVYER formerly of Brunswick near Melbourne In the State (formerly Colony) of Victoria but late of Mount Street Nelson In the Dominion of New Zealand Minister of Religion deceased may be Granted to Richard Ennias (In the said will called Reginald Ennis) of Wandeen Road East Malvern In the said State formerly Organiser but now Estate Agent (the executor named In and appointed by the said Will. Dated the 19th day of September. 1934.

A. R. Kingsford Photo

F. J. Sivyer and Family

Florence Sivyer died June 24, 1955 

Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Saturday 25 June 1955, page 12

SIVYER. — On June 24, at a private hospital, Florence Beat-rice, of 9a Sidwell avenue, East St. Kilda, wife of the late Frederick James Sivyer (Nelson, N.Z.), loving mother of Gwen.

His daughter Gwendoline engagement notice was placed in the paper only a few months after her mother's passing. 

Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Tuesday 6 December 1955, page 16

Engagements

SIVYER—LANE. — The engagement is announced of Gwendoline Florence, only daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Sivyer (Nelson, N.Z., and East St. Kilda), to Harry Stanley, youngest son of Mrs. K. R. Lane, of West Brunswick, and the late Mr. J. F. Lane.

Currently I have no information on whether there were any descendants of Gwendoline and Harry Lane.