3. The First Generation South Australians.

3.1 Herbert George NELSON, eldest son of Daniel Ferns NELSON and Ida Jane
nee JOHNSON.
Born: 21st September, 1882
Died: 2nd April, 1966. Buried Geeveston, Tasmania.
Marriage 1. 11th November. 1908 Alice CLEGG the daughter of James and
Emily Sophie nee VEAL.
Marriage 2. 6th August, 1931 Jessie Annette INCHES? Her parents' names
are unknown, but she
was a long time resident of Shipwrights Point, Tasmania.

Herbert George was known affectionately as "H.G." or Bert. He was a warm,
compassionate, volatile & physically active man. He was of medium height
with ink black hair & fair skin. His concern & compassion for those in
difficulties, was retold years later to his daughter, how, in all kinds
of weather, he drove his horse & buggy long distances to visit & give
support to families in need.

He was an able participant in many sports and even into old age was an
active walker and gardener. His enthusiasm and talent took him to the
chairmanship of many community organisations. He was a member of the
Masonic Lodge, a scoutmaster and an accomplished elocutionist.

As a clergyman he had one skill which was surely viewed with surprise
(and perhaps disdain) by his parishioners. He was renowned as a
horse-breaker, and was always willing to take in hand any unruly horse in
the district. Those which he used in his buggy had to possess stamina and
a high spirit.

He was in his mid-40's before he acquired a car, which he kept in an
immaculate condition, just as he did his horses and buggy. His early
years were spent as a businessman but he soon turned to the study of
theology. In 1908 he was ordained as a minister in the Congregational
Church. He commenced his ministry at Tumby Bay followed by the circuit of
McLaren Vale including Pt. Noarlunga and MeLaren Flat & then the circuit
of Angaston including Rocky Valley (now Vine Vale) and Penrice.

In 1916 he volunteered as an Army Chaplain in W.W.I working in local
camps.

In 1922 he and his son Keith moved to Geeveston, Tasmania, followed some
time later by his wife, Alice, and children Ron, Alan and Shirley. The
Geeveston circuit included Surges Bay, Cairns Bay and Shipwrights Point.
In 1926-27 he was Chairman of the Congregational Union of Tasmania and
as part of his duties gave a welcoming address to, the then, Duke &
Duchess of York, on their visit to Hobart.

His final church circuit was Sorell, including the churches of Carlton,
Dunalley, Forcett and Bream Creek.

Although in his late 50's, Bert changed his profession during World War
II. He went to work for the Cygnet District Council and became the
Council Clerk.

He changed again in the early 1950's to operate a mail delivery run to
the districts surrounding Cygnet until he retired in 1954 to live his
last years at Bellerive. Although retired, he often took church services
in the Bellerive and Lindisfarne areas.

Bert's first wife, Alice, was born in Adelaide on 18th May 1882; she was
a keen croquet and tennis player. Alice played a very supportive role to
Bert in the churches, where he served.

In the Sunday School she introduced the new "Rainbow Method of Sunday
Schools" into her work. This involved using colour and music to enrich
and give form to organization and routines. Use of colored circles
painted on the Sunday School floor and group would march into the color -
a way of dividing the school into groups.

The Manse was always "Open House" for people to stay or for meals; no one
was ever refused their needs physical or spiritual.

Alice died on 5th February 1930 and is buried at Geeveston. Bert's ashes
were interred in her grave.

Bert and Alice had three sons and a daughter.
Ronald Hope born at Tumby Bay, S.A. 15th August 1909
Keith Herbert born at McLaren Vale. S.A. 15th June 1911
Alan Horatio born at McLaren Vale, S.A. 5th August 1915
Shirley Alison born at Angaston, S.A. 18th July 1918


Bert's second wife was Jessie Annette INCHES. She was born 14th June 1883
and died 18th January 1974 and is buried at Castle Forbes Bay, Tasmania.
Prior to her marriage, Jessie lived at Shipwrights Point where she was
the Post Mistress.

All her life she took an active part in church affairs and for many years
was the organist at the churches where Bert ministered. She was actively
involved with the Country Women's Association and Red Cross Society.

Known as Bill

Buried at Kanburi - Tombstone found by Neil Smith former Rotary Exchange
Student's parents upon visit
Had berri berri and went blind

Landed in Singapore serving with the postal division