Author Topic: BEST, Willie James  (Read 1144 times)

Offline oldjoe68

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BEST, Willie James
« on: Monday 06 April 15 05:23 BST (UK) »
Seeking information about Willie James BEST, born 18/11/1883 in Snowtown (Condowie), South Australia. Son of Richard BEST and Anna Lucie MEYER, he moved to Western Australia and farmed at Kulin before relinquishing his property and enlisting with the AIF. He enlisted 20/2/1918 at Blackboy Hill Camp (Northam) and was medically discharged 12/6/1918 without embarking. Last found on the West Australian Electoral Roll location of Forrest in 1925.

Any advice on his location, marriage, family and death much appreciated.

Offline ennael

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Re: BEST, Willie James
« Reply #1 on: Monday 06 April 15 09:30 BST (UK) »
Hi,
  Have you searched www.mcb.wa.gov.au?

Leanne

Offline oldjoe68

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Re: BEST, Willie James
« Reply #2 on: Monday 06 April 15 09:45 BST (UK) »
Yes - William James BEST buried in Anglican section is a close fit but the man I am looking for was born 'Willie' and all his enlistment papers are filled out as Willie or W. Best. His family had strong connections to the Methodist church (father a preacher, uncle a minister). Can't disprove that William isn't Willie, but not convinced.
Have a W.J. Best in Croydon Sth Australia and W. Best in Sth Australia (Willie's birth state) in the 1930's and 1940's. No marriage or death info though.

Offline ennael

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Re: BEST, Willie James
« Reply #3 on: Monday 06 April 15 10:02 BST (UK) »
Hi,
  Is he the Willie who married Margaret Aitchison in 1906, South Australia?


Edit to add:
https://www.genealogysa.org.au/resources/online-databases.html


Leanne



Offline rosie17

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Re: BEST, Willie James
« Reply #4 on: Monday 06 April 15 11:09 BST (UK) »
Hi,
  Is he the Willie who married Margaret Aitchison in 1906, South Australia?

Leanne
A tree has this marriage to Margaret Rosa Aitchison 1906

There is a birth for a Margaret Anne Best 12/5/1906 Hallewell Gulley Mount Barker father Willie James Best mother Margaret Atchison

Offline oldjoe68

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Re: BEST, Willie James
« Reply #5 on: Monday 06 April 15 11:11 BST (UK) »
Looking like it is! Right name and right father - just found this out myself via another blogger. When he enlisted in the AIF he was 34YO and listed as single. This is a revelation - what happened to Margaret - died young or divorce?

Offline rosie17

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Re: BEST, Willie James
« Reply #6 on: Monday 06 April 15 11:38 BST (UK) »
The marriage in 1906 to Willie James Best  lists this Margaret Aitchison 's father as William Aitchison

There is also another marriage for a Margaret Rosa Aitchison 28/4/1907 to a Joseph Belcher and this father is Samuel Frederick Aitchison so I would say this Margaret is a different one this marriage took place Norwood South Australia