Thomas Davis Kidd (1863 - 1941)

Born 21 Feb 1863 in Manning River, New South Wales, Australia

Ancestors

Husband of Mary Catherine (Hughes) Kidd — married 16 Feb 1887 in Cundletown, New South Wales, Australia

Descendants

Died 30 Oct 1941 at age 78 in Johns River, New South Wales, Australia

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Laurie Kidd [send private message]

Biography

Thomas Davis KIDD (1863-1941) was the fourth child (second son) of James Kidd and Ann Davis and was born at the Manning River in 1863.^[1]

He married Mary Catherine HUGHES in 1887.^[2] They spent their long married life together at Johns River, at their home Riverview. They raised at least nine children, all to adulthood; and at least eight of those children produced grand-children!

Their children were: Thomas James KIDD;^[3] Robert Hughes KIDD;^[4] Mary C. KIDD;^[5] John 'Jack' Patrick KIDD;^[6] Leo Alexander H. KIDD (known as Alexander);^[7] James Davis KIDD;^[8] twin girls Flora Gertrude and Margaret Ann KIDD;^[9]; and lastly, Catherine KIDD.^[10]

The frequency with which Thomas Davis KIDD appeared in the local newspapers over the years is an indication of a real sense of community involvement of his family and gives us a glimpse of life in this pioneering district of the Manning River. Many of these reports were written by an (anonymous) local correspondent for the papers involved.

1903, Aug 22 - There is a matter I would tike to call attention to, viz., the necessity for a goods shed on the John’s River wharf. There are a lot of people on this river who have to depend on the punts bringing their groceries, &c. to the wharf, and there is no place— not even a decent wharf— on which to stow goods, let alone cover them. In consequence they are often spoilt through being exposed in all weathers. I heard someone remark the other day they saw some pigs helping themselves to the flour. If the people interested were to send in a petition to our member, he would surely see and have this urgent requirement attended to. I would like to add a word of thanks to Mr. T. Kidd, while writing on this subject. He has saved many pounds worth of goods through his kindness in having things packed away at his residence out of the wet weather.^[11]

1905 - As I have not seen particulars about an accident which happened on the lower John’s River some few weeks past, and which might have been attended with serious results, I will give you a few notes about the affair. It appears that a little son of Mr. Thos. Kidd fell into the river, and was drowning, when the screams of the other children brought the mother on the scene, and when she saw the child in the water, she rushed into the river with her clothes on, but before she could reach the child, commenced to sink, and it was with great difficulty that a daughter of Mr. B. Weber, of Moorland, pulled her out by reaching her a pole to catch hold of. All this time the child was floating down with the tide — there being no men about to render aid. A messenger was quickly sent to Mr. Swan, of lower Johns River, a distance of three-quarters of a mile, and Miss Swan, a young lady, came with haste, and when she saw the boy in the water, she rushed in dressed as she was, and swam a distance of between 50 and 60 yards to the other side of the river, before she could reach him ; and it was with great difficulty she brought the little fellow ashore. After some few minutes’ rubbing, etc., animation was restored, and the boy is now quite recovered. I think Miss Swan is deserving of same public recognition for her splendid presence of mind and courage. The public should see that bravery of this kind does not go unrewarded, and the Royal Humane Society should be made aware of the facts.^[12] ¶The child is possibly Leo, then aged 5, or James Davis (4)? Robert would have been 11.

1921, July - Mr. T. D. Kidd, sen., of John’s River, while out on the hills at the back of Mr. A. Whitten’s property, slipped and broke one of his legs, on Monday. Dr. Railton, of Coopernook, attended the patient.[3]

1927 - Death of daughter - IN MEMORIAM. TOBIN. — Of your charity pray for the happy repose of the soul of Mrs. Catherine Tobin, youngest and beloved daughter of Mr. and Mrs. T. D. Kidd, ‘Riverview,’ John’s River, who departed, this life at Guyra Private Hospital, 17th August, 1927. [4]

1927 - OBITUARY of DAUGHTER - MRS. JOHN TOBIN. The death occurred at Guyra hospital on 17th instant of Mrs. John Tobin, youngest daughter of Mr. and […] The funeral was attended by Mr. Kidd (father), Messrs. J. and R. H. Kidd (brothers) and Mrs. E. Gilmore (sister), who travelled by car to Guyra. Mrs. Byrne (another sister), of Sydney, […] also attended the funeral. The following are also left to mourn their loss: Messrs. John Patrick, Alexander and James Davis Kidd. and Sister Mary Thomas of Brookfield Convent. Deceased is survived by a husband and a 9-months-old son.^[13]

1928 - possibly this Mr. T. Kidd of Johns River: HANNAM VALE DISTRICT. (From Our Correspondent). The terrific heat and the very unpleasant westerly, winds we have been experiencing in the past month have resulted in most destructive fires in this district, and, on Sunday, with the violent gale to help them, the flames raced in all directions, and in some cases grass paddocks were burnt clean out. Sunday was a busy day for stock owners and dairymen and some put in the best part of the night shifting cattle, and watching houses, and judging by the bellowing of cattle all night some losses of cattle should be found. On the Deep Creek side, too, the fire was very wild. Mr. J. Thompson’s and Mr. W. Bird’s homes appeared to be in danger of being burnt, with fires all round them, and the wind blowing right on to them. Tall trees are alight in all directions, and the atmosphere is thick with a dense smoke. Mr. and Mrs. A Blyth, returning, on Sunday, from a week-end visit to Port Macquarie had an unpleasant experience with the raging fires on a good part of the journey home. This trip, under ordinary circumstances takes about two hours, but owing to the fires it took about seven hours to reach home. The fire was raging on both sides of the road and one car driver ahead of them who tried to get through was forced to go back in reverse gear for about a mile, and the occupants of the car had their faces blackened and their hair singed. Here they had to wait for a couple of hours till the fire passed. Another car behind just missed a lighted telegraph pole and had to cut the wires to get through. In other places where they dashed through the smell of burning paint and singing of rugs caused a deal of anxiety. They reached John’s River just in time to see Mr T. Kidd’s house burnt to the ground, but were unable to get any closer for the burning of trees.^[14]

Possibly son Thomas?: The Manning Shire Council met on Monday. […] Cr. Lee referred to the GIbson-Kidd road matter at John’s River. He said the council had been turned down by the Forestry Department in the matter of an exchange. Mr. Gibson was paying rent to Mr. Kidd to be allowed to go through his property. The president said Mr. Gibson had been the unfortunate man all through. Cr. Lee said Mr. Gibson paid a lot of rates. Mr. Tom Kidd, Jnr., had made a proposition. With all fairness to Mr. Gibson he thought the council should spend the £50 to give Mr. Gibson an outlet. On the other hand it looked like a lot of money. The president said he thought Mr. Kidd had the key of the position and was making full use of it. Cr. Lee said Mr. Gibson was paying Mr. Kidd 26 or 30 shillings per year to go through. Although they were getting on reasonably well now, if the road was closed that would be the end of the matter. The president said he wanted to stress the point that Mr. Kidd had not given away anything in putting in a bridge for £50. He thought it should have been done for £30 at least. Cr. Lee said they would have a conference during lunch hour. After lunch Cr. Hammond said the matter had been going on for years. He moved that the resumption of land be applied for in order to give Mr. Gibson an outlet. Cr. Lee seconded the motion. The clerk said they had already applied for resumption. But final survey was held up pending decisions by the council. It was stated that the matter could go to the Land Court for arbitration. Cr. Hammond then moved that the final survey be completed. The motion was seconded by Cr. Lee and carried. Cr. McLaughlin: That will not commit us to anything? The President: No.[5]

Presumed to be this Thomas and his wife....1930, 13 Aug - JOHN’S RIVER BRIDGE. OFFICIALLY OPENED ON SATURDAY. A VERY FINE STRUCTURE. At last fine weather favored the date fixed for the official opening of the John’s River bridge, on the Main North Coast Highway, some 20 miles north of Taree. The Hall Committee of John’s River took the initiative to have this structure officially opened and at the same time benefit the funds of the.hall. […long description of bridge and event…] The committee had a marquee erected in a paddock alongside the bridge, and here an official luncheon was provided. There was a large attendance of visitors. […] The committee which carried out the arrangements included Messrs. J. W. Fletcher (president of the Hall Committeel), G. J. Kidd, vice-president, Adiel Whitton, treasurer, and S. M. Tiedeman, secretary. These gentlemen left no stone unturned to see that the programme went through with precision and promptitude, and extended every courtesy to the visitors. […detail of numerous speeches…] At this stage .the chairman (Mr. Fletcher) called on Mrs. Thomas Kidd, the oldest pioneer of John’s River, to cut the ribbon across the bridge. […] Mrs. G. D. Kidd spoke in response, owing to her husband’s indisposition. […] Mr. Thomas Kidd said that he remembered the time ‘when they had to go over the crossing where the bridge was. He saw the old bridge commenced and now he had seen the new bridge opened, but he did not think he or his children’s children would see the next bridge opened. […]^[15]

1933 - OBITUARY of sister Elizabeth: A step-brother (Mr. E. O. Mooney, of Dumaresque Island), a brother (Mr. Thomas Kidd, of John’s River), and two sisters (Mrs. Craig, or Beechwood, and Mrs. B. Weber, of Moorland), and her husband (Mr. T. Lambert), as well as three grandchildren, who were left motherless when quite young, and whom Mrs. Lambert tended, taught, loved and cared for as her very own, remain to mourn her loss. ^[16]

1935 May 1 - RETURN THANKS. Mr. and Mrs. T. D. Kidd and son-in-law (J. T. Tobin, of Guyra), desire to thank Dr. Stokes, the Matron and Nurses of the M.R.D. Hospital, for their extreme kindness and care during the short illness of their son and grandson, John William Tobin. They also wish to express grateful thanks to all kind friends for expressions of sympathy and beautiful floral tributes received in their recent sad bereavement.

1937 February - GOLDEN WEDDING. KIDD— HUGHES. Last Tuesday, was the 50th anniversary of the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Davis Kidd, “Riverview”, John’s River. The wedding, with Nuptial Mass, took place at Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Taree, on February 14 1887, Rev. Father John Foley officiating. The bridegroom of 50 years ago was the second eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Kidd, Chatham, whilst the bride was Miss Mary Hughes, eldest daughter of the late Mr. Patrick Hughes, surveyor, Bathhurst, and the late Mrs. Catherine Hanley, John’s River. One of the bridesmaids was the then Miss Margaret Ann Hughes, sister of the bride, and who became the first wife of the late Mr. George Dowling Kidd two years later, and who passed away eight years after her marriage, leaving five children; she had resided at ‘Ferndale,’ John’s River, up to the time of her death. The other bridesmaid was the then Miss Flora Helena Kidd, sister of the bridegroom and who is now Mrs. Benedict Weber. She, with her husband, resides at Moorland. The best man was the late Mr. George DowIing Kidd, brother of the bridegroom, and who died four years ago. Mr. Kidd selected a large tract of land, now freehold, at John’s River. The Jubilarians have resided at the same address all their married life. The original home was destroyed in a fire about eight years ago, and a new one was subsequently erected. All the sons are now on parts of the estate. Mr. and Mrs. Kidd have five sons and two daughters living. The sons are Messrs. Thomas James, Robert Hughes, John Patrick, Leo Alexander, and James Davis Kidd; whilst the daughters are Miss Marie Kidd (at home), and Mrs. Gilmore (Casino) . Two daughters are deceased, namely, Margaret Ann (Mrs. G. R. Byrne, Auburn) and Kathleen (Mrs. J. T. Tobin, Cool Hill, near Armidale). The late Mrs. Byrne was a twin sister to Mrs. Gilmore. The celebration of the golden wedding will take place to-morrow (Sun day) when all the members of the family will be able to be together. It, however, will be of a quiet nature owing to the death of the second eldest daughter, Mrs. Byrne, on July 2. Mrs Kidd made her own golden wedding cake, assisted by her daughter at home, Miss Marie Kidd. Mr. Kidd was 74 years of age last Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. Kidd are well-known and highly respected residents of John’s River.^[17]

Thomas Davis KIDD died just four years after their Golden Wedding celebrations.^[18] He was buried at Dawson River Cemetery at Cundletown.^[19]

RETURN THANKS. Mrs. MARY KIDD and FAMILY, of ‘Riverview’ John’s River, desire to thank Drs. Stokes and Muscio, Matron and staff of M.R.D. Hospital for skilful treatment and kindness during the late Mr. Kidd’s lengthy illness and recent stay in hospital. They also desire to thank all kind friends for messages of sympathy and floral tributes, received in connection with their recent sad bereavement.^[20]

Research Notes

As Thomas Davis KIDD is frequently referred to in newspaper reports as "Mr Kidd of 'Riverview', Johns River"; or simply "Mr. T. Kidd", I may, inadvertently, have allocated some of the reports above to the wrong Mr. T. KIDD. If so, my apologies. I will happily correspond regarding any suggestions for alterations. Pip O'Brien

Sources

1. ↑ BIRTH NSW: KIDD, THOMAS D; 8791/1863; parents JAMES & ANNE; MANNING RIVER
2. ↑ MARRIAGE NSW: 5180/1887, KIDD, THOMAS D & HUGHES, MARY; TAREE
3. ↑ BURIAL: Thomas James Kidd. BIRTH 1890, Taree, Mid-Coast Council, New South Wales, Australia. DEATH 18 Jul 1966 (aged 75–76), Lithgow City, New South Wales, Australia. BURIAL Kempsey East Cemetery, Kempsey, Kempsey Shire, New South Wales, Australia . PLOT RC, row. MEMORIAL ID 59910597. NOTES: Parents: Thomas Davis Kidd 1863–1941 & Mary Catherine (Hughes) Kidd 1869–1951. Spouse: Cecilia (Higgins) Kidd 1892–1958 (m. 1915). Child: Thomas Michael Kidd 1916–1958. [1]
4. ↑ BIRTH NSW: KIDD, ROBERT H; 34602/1892; parents THOMAS D & MARY; TAREE
5. ↑ BIRTH NSW: KIDD, MARY C; 37223/1895; parents THOMAS D & MARY C; TAREE
6. ↑ 1925 - MARRIAGE: KIDD— BYRNE. The wedding of Miss Kathleen Byrne, youngest daughter of the late Mr. R. Byrne, and Mrs. Byrne, of North Parade, Auburn, to Mr. John P. Kidd, third son of Mr. and Mrs. T. D. Kidd, “Riverview,” John’s River, N.S.W.,
7. ↑ BIRTH NSW: KIDD, LEO A H; 26722/1900; parents THOMAS D & MARY C; TAREE
8. ↑ BIRTH NSW: KIDD, JAMES D; 7426/1902; parents THOMAS D & MARY; TAREE
9. ↑ BIRTH NSW: KIDD, FLORA G; 16479/1903; parents THOMAS D & MARY; TAREE and BIRTH NSW: KIDD, MARGARET A; 16478/1903; parents THOMAS D & MARY; TAREE
10. ↑ OBITUARY - MRS. JOHN TOBIN. The death occurred at Guyra hospital on 17th instant of Mrs. John Tobin, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas D. Kidd. of John’s River.
11. ↑ The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW) Sat 22 Aug 1903 Page 3 John’s River.
12. ↑ The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW) Sat 8 Apr 1905 Page 5 Stewart’s River.
13. ↑ The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW) Wed 31 Aug 1927 Page 2 MRS. JOHN TOBIN.
14. ↑ The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW) Wed 10 Oct 1928 Page 4 HANNAM VALE DISTRICT.
15. ↑ The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW) Wed 13 Aug 1930 Page 6 JOHN’S RIVER BRIDGE.
16. ↑ The Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Observer (NSW) Tue 16 May 1933 Page 1 MRS. ELIZABETH ANNE LAMBERT
17. ↑ The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW) Sat 20 Feb 1937 Page 10 GOLDEN WEDDING. See https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/171475327?searchTerm=Kidd%20-%20Gilmore
18. ↑ DEATH NSW: KIDD, THOMAS DAVIS; 26555/1941; parents JAMES & ANNA; TAREE
19. ↑ BURIAL: Thomas Davis Kidd. BIRTH 21 Feb 1863, Chatham, Mid-Coast Council, New South Wales, Australia. DEATH 31 Oct 1941 (aged 78), Johns River, Mid-Coast Council, New South Wales, Australia. BURIAL Dawson River Cemetery, Cundletown, Mid-Coast Council, New South Wales, Australia. PLOT Portion RC. MEMORIAL ID 60483378 . NOTES: Spouse - Mary Catherine Hughes Kidd 1869–1951 (m. 1887). Children: Thomas James Kidd 1890–1966; Robert Hughes Kidd 1892–1963; Leo Alexander Kidd 1900–1970; James Davis Kidd 1901–1995; Flora Gertrude (Kidd) Gilmore 1903–1987. [2]
20. ↑ The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW), Sat 8 Nov 1941 Page 7 Family Notices.

• NSW birth registration #8791/1863

Acknowledgments

Thank you to Laurie Kidd for creating Kidd-905 on 18 Jul 13.