Edward John (Ted) Higgins was born on the 3rd June, 1895, on the family farm in West Blowering. His parents were Edward George & Higgins.

In 1919 Edward John (Ted) Higgins married Miss Muriel A Snowden in the Tumut Catholic Church, Tumut. NSW (Ref BDM 4312/1919).

TUMUT. - (From Our Own Correspondent.) Monday, May 19. Miss Muriel Snowden, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Snowden,

1919 - Marriage There was a large gathering at the Catholic Church, on Wednesday morning, 30th inst to witness the marriage Miss Muriel, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Snowden, of Newtown, Tumut, and Edward John Higgins, oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Higgins, of West Blowering. Rev. Father Sharkey, assisted by Rev father Lehane, was the celebrant. As the bride, on the arm of her father, advanced to the altar Mrs. O'Mara; presided at the organ, played 'the 'Wedding Martch.' During the ceremony Mrs. P. Madigan sang Millard's 'Avc Maria'. The bride's gown was of white crepe de chine. She wore the orthodox wreath and, veil and a gold cross and chain (gift from the bride groom), and carried a beautiful bouquet of white cactus dahlias. The bridesmaids were Misses Pearl and Miriam Snowden (sisters of the bride), frocked in white fugi, and wearing aerophane hats to tone and gold pendants (gifts from the bridegroom). Two little train bearers, Esme Higgins (sister or the bridegroom) and May Whittacker (cousin of the bride) wore dainty white silk frocks and tulle caps, also gold broodies (presented by the bridegroom). The wedding breakfast was held at the residence of the bride's parents, Father Lehane presiding. The usual toasts wore honoured. A splendid array of presents, handsome and costly, were displayed in the drawing room, and several cheques were also rocoived with the messages of congratulation. - (Ref- The Catholic Press (NSW : 1895 - 1942)(about) Previous issue Thursday 15 May 1919 Page 30). of Newtown, Tumut, was joined in holy matrimony to Mr John Higgins, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Higgins, of West Blowering. Rev. Father Starkey, assisted by Rev. Father Lehane, performed the ceremony, which took place at the Roman Catholic Church. - (Ref- Albury Banner and Wodonga Express (NSW : 1896 - 1939)(about) Previous issue Friday 23 May 1919 Page 6).

1. 1921 Madeline Theresa (Poppy) Higgins was born on the 13th November, 1921, in Tumut.

2. 1924 Leonard was born on the 21st April, 1924, in Tumut.

3. 1926 Patty Patricia Higgins was born in Tumut.

Whilst proceeding to work on Mondav morning of last week Mr. Chas Hampstead observed that the homestead until recently owned by Mr Edward Higgins sr, of Merrivale St, Tumut, had been burned to the ground only the debris remaining.

The homestead and farm had been purchased from the father by his son Mr. Edward J. Higgins, the lease of the farm he is occupying being about to expire.

The latter had been renovating the old homestead in preparation for its, occupation by himself, his wife and family and had left it at 4.30 p. m. on the previous day locked up, and 110 lire had 'been lit 011 the premises Iliac day, and none since July '12.

The house was standing intact on Sunday afternoon when passers by looked over in that direction, so the origin of the lire cannot be accounted for. The homestead , comprised t) rooms and a bath room and. was insured in the North British and Mercantile Insurance Co.

After the police had made enquiries an inquiry into the cause was deemed unnecessary. - (Ref- The Tumut and Adelong Times (NSW : 1864 - 1867; 1899 - 1949), Tuesday 23 July 1935, page 5. National Library of Australia http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article135142470)

After the Blowering Valley was put under water for the Blowering Dam and "Silverdale" was lost forever.

Ted changed direction a little, he turned his hand to stock dealing and he remained in that position until his well earned retirement.

Ted has many memories of his life at Silverdale and he has a many wonderful stories and yarns to tell about the times that many of us can only read about in history books. He remembers well the good home cooking and fun he had as a kid. "Kids had to make their own fun in the old days" Ted commented.

Horses were a prominent part of his life and he had many stories about the buck jumpers that he loved ride.

Running was a sport that he excelled in a as a child and he remembers running races against some ofthe top "speedsters" of the high country. Asked the secret of his longevity Ted smiled and said "good, clean living, had work and simple country

food". He is living Testament to all those as he is still big strong man with a particularly engaging smile who does not look a day over 65. Ted is the epitome of the country folk of almost a century ago and he gives the impression that "God willing" he well may last another 95 years.

The death occurred in Tumut on Tuesday 8th October, 1991 of Mr EdwardJohn Higgins, popularly known as "Ted", of 44 Fitzroy Street, Tumut, at the age of 96 years. He was born at Blowering, the eldest of nine children of Edward and Amilia Higgins. He lived and farmed at Blowering for much of his life,until the property was taken by the W C & I C for the Blowering Dam.

In the year 1919 at the Tumut Catholic Church he married Muriel Snowden who predeceased him, some years ago. He is survived by his three children, "Poppy" (Toowoomba), Len (Wagga), and Pat, who has resided with him in Tumut.

The late Mr Higgins was a very private person, who lived for his family and friends.

The funeral was held on October 10 and interment was made at the Tumut cemetery after a Requiem Mass at the Catholic Church.

This page is under construction, please contact John on 02 42848890 or johnstephenson@acnrep.com with any additional information.

To his parents Edward George Higgins

To West Blowering