Gertrude Eloise Lawson was born in Mudgee, New South Wales, on 30 April 1877 (along with her twin sister, Annette). Her parents were Peter Lawson (a sailor, gold miner, builder, and contractor, who was born in Norway), and Louisa Lawson (née Albury, who was born at Guntawang, NSW). Her father’s birth name was Niels Hertzberg Larsen, although he was commonly known as Peter; when the couple’s first child was born, in 1867, Peter anglicised his surname to Lawson for the birth registration. The marriage produced five children: Henry Archibald Lawson (born 17 June 1867), Charles William Lawson (25 June 1869), Peter James Lawson (18 September 1873), Gertrude Eloise Lawson (30 April 1877) and Annette Elizabeth Lawson (30 April 1877).[1]
Gertrude’s family produced some famous Australians. Her mother, Louisa Lawson, was a well-known campaigner for women’s rights, the founding editor of the Dawn magazine, a writer, and a poet. Gertrude’s older brother, Henry Lawson, the first-born of the family, was a prolific author and poet (and arguably the most famous and influential writer Australia has ever produced).[2]
In 1888 her mother founded a magazine, intended for a female readership, entitled The Dawn: A Journal for Australian Women. Amongst others, Gertrude helped with its operations. In January 1900 Louisa had a terrible accident, when she fell from a tram (when it moved off too quickly, without waiting for the passengers to finish disembarking), and received severe physical damage, so Gertrude stepped up and took over the running of The Dawn for ten months, where she was described as “a very efficient substitute”.[4]
In an article published in The Dawn in 1905, titled “Our seventeenth anniversary” (possibly written by Louisa Lawson), Louisa’s accident is referred to; however, the article claimed that the publication had only ever had one editor (or rather, “editress”, to be specific), which implied that although Gertrude was running the show at The Dawn during her mother’s absence, she was not considered to be the editor. Perhaps Louisa had her daughter report to her during her convalescence, whereby Louisa could give directions and instructions, and therefore never considered her term as editor to have been relinquished. Nonetheless, whatever Gertrude’s position or title may or may not have been, it appears that she saved the day during the many months when Louisa was ill.[5]
About seven months after Jack Lloyd’s death, Gertrude married John Joseph O’Connor, on 16 March 1910 in Queensland, and lived in Rozelle (Sydney, NSW). John was an Irishman; he was born in Limerick, Ireland, in 1872; and he was a signwriter by trade. The marriage did not turn out well for the couple, and in November 1913 it was reported that “at the West Maitland Police Court … Gertrude O’Connor proceeded against John O’Connor for maintenance”. When John was living in Maitland (NSW) in 1914, he was caught up in a legal case as a witness, thanks to which it is on record that he was also using the name of “John Lee”. The marriage appeared to be on the rocks.[7]
When the First World War began in 1914, John O’Connor decided to join the Australian Army, enlisting on 25 August 1914 (just three weeks prior, on 4 August 1914, the British Empire had declared war against Germany). He had previously served in the British Army under the name of John Joseph Connor (instead of O’Connor), and so he signed up under that name, and told them that he was not married. No doubt because of his previous military experience, he was promoted to the rank of Acting Sergeant on the day he joined (rank confirmed in October 1914). Unfortunately, he got into some trouble, was court-martialled in January 1915, and was consequently reduced in rank to Private. He embarked on the troopship “Euripides” on 20 October 1914. As part of the 4th Battalion, he fought at Gallipoli, where he was killed in action on 30 April 1915. He was buried at the Lone Pine Cemetery (Gallipoli). According to a statutory declaration from Gertrude O’Connor, John had told the recruiting officials in 1914 that he didn’t have a wife, because married men weren’t allowed to sign up. In a letter from John’s brother, Captain J. O’Connor, which was sent to the Australian authorities (regarding who should be entitled to the dead soldier’s plaque and scroll), it was alleged that John’s relationship with his wife was “exceedingly strained”.[8]
Gertrude Cooper (née Lawson) died in the Balmain District Hospital, Balmain (New South Wales), on 22 May 1945, at the age of 68. She was buried in the Presbyterian section of the Penrith General Cemetery (also known as Kingswood cemetery) in Kingswood (Sydney, NSW). Her husband, Frederick Cooper, died on 24 June 1953, and was buried alongside Gertrude.[10]
Gertrude never reached great heights in the field of literature, although she contributed in a small way to the wider expanse of Australian writing. She also played a role in the campaigns for women’s rights via her work with The Dawn magazine, and helping her activist mother.
Gertrude Lawson was one of the many often unthanked and unrecognised people who assisted the more active and famous with their endeavours. It is hoped that this short biography shall serve as an act of recognition for her services rendered.
Works by Gertrude Lawson:
[Letter from Gertrude Lawson] [by Gertrude Lawson, 28 July 1900]
A letter, from Gertrude Lloyd. Published in The Catholic Press. The letter was written in reference to a news item regarding Louisa Lawson and Henry Lawson, which was published in the 7 July 1900 issue of The Catholic Press.
Black cat’s luck [short story by Gertrude Lloyd, 1 December 1903]
A short story, by Gertrude Lloyd. Published in The Dawn.
The Lawson family [by Gertrude Lawson, 11 August 1921]
A brief article which refers to Gertrude Lawson’s parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Published in The Bulletin.
The birth of Henry Lawson [short story by Gertrude Lawson, 15 October 1921]
A short story, by Gertrude Lawson, regarding the birth of her eldest brother, Henry Lawson. Published in Aussie: The Cheerful Monthly.
The mother of Henry Lawson [26 September 1922]
A biographical article, by Gertrude Lawson, regarding the life of Louisa Lawson. Published in Aussie: The Cheerful Monthly.
Lawson’s ancestry [by Gertrude Lawson, 25 March 1924]
An article, by Gertrude Lawson, which refers to Henry Lawson’s parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents.. Published in the Goulburn Evening Penny Post.
Articles about Gertrude Lawson:
An interview with Gertrude O’Connor (Gertrude Lawson). Published in The Herald (Melbourne, Vic.).
Yesterday [by Jim Donald, re Gertrude Lawson, 6 July 1945]
An article, by Jim Donald, about the death of Gertrude Cooper (Gertrude Lawson). Published in the Daily Mirror (Sydney, NSW).
References:
[1] Heather Radi, “Louisa Lawson (1848–1920)”, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University
Brian Matthews “Henry Lawson (1867–1922)”, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University
Gertrude Lawson, “[untitled letter]”, The Catholic Press (Sydney, NSW), 28 July 1900, p. 11, column 4 [Peter Lawson as sailor, builder and contractor]
“Gertrude Eloise (Twin To Annette) Lloyd (born (Larsen) Lawson)”, MyHeritage
“Louisa Lawson”, Geni [family details, with names of her children]
James Knight, “Henry and Banjo”, Sydney (NSW): Hachette Australia, 2015, p. [225] (endnote 5 for chapter 8: “Annette Elizabeth and Gertrude Eloise Lawson were born 30 April 1877”)
[2] “Henry Lawson”, The Institute of Australian Culture
“Louisa Lawson”, The Institute of Australian Culture
[3] Heather Radi, “Louisa Lawson (1848–1920)”, Australian Dictionary of Biography, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University
“Mrs Gertrude Lawson O’Connor” (in the “Woman’s World” section), The Herald (Melbourne, Vic.), 4 June 1924, p. 8 (Final City edition)
[4] “The Dawn”, 15 May 1888, p. 1 (front cover of the first issue)
E. J. T., “Concerning Mrs. Lawson”, The Dawn (Sydney, NSW), 1 August 1900, pp. 20-21 [see p. 21, re The Dawn: “under the control of her daughter, Miss Gertrude Lawson, who has proved a very efficient substitute”]
“Gertrude Lawson”, AustLit [“Louisa Lawson delegated the management of The Dawn to Gertrude when she was incapacitated for ten months in 1900”]
[5] “Our seventeenth anniversary”, The Dawn (Sydney, NSW), 1 May 1905, pp. 5-6 [see p. 5 (front cover), “During the absence of its Editress, through illness caused by a severe tram accident… The “Dawn” has had but one owner and editress from its first issue”]
[6] “Marriage”, The Dawn (Sydney, NSW), 1 April 1903, p. 19 [“Oct 28, 1901, at Narrabri, John Lloyd, of New Zealand, to Gertrude Eloise Lawson, of Sydney, N.S.W.”]
“Gertrude Lawson”, AustLit
“Emma Sophia Albury”, The Fairhall Files [family tree page; includes details of the descendants of Louisa Albury (Louisa Lawson)]
“Florence Annabella Neilson”, The Fairhall Files [family tree page; includes details re Joseph Henry Lloyd (1905-1939)]
“John Lloyd”, The Fairhall Files [family tree page; includes details re John Lloyd (1863-1909)]
“Gertrude Eloise Lloyd (born Lawson)”, MyHeritage [Husband: John (Jack) Lloyd 1845-1909; Children: Jack Wynn Lloyd 1903-1967, Joseph Henry Lloyd (no dates), Elizabeth Lloyd 1910-1910]
“Family history research guide”, NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages
(marriage record: Registration number: 9669/1901; Groom’s family name: Lloyd; Groom’s given name: Jack; Bride’s family name: Lawson; Bride’s given name: Gertrude E; District: Narrabri)
“Birth, Death and Marriage Historical Records”, Births, Deaths and Marriages (New Zealand)
(birth record: Registration Number: 1903/18111; Family Name: Lloyd; Given Name(s): Jack Wynn; Mother’s Given Name(s): Gertrude Elouise; Father’s Given Name(s): Jack)
“Family history research service”, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, (Queensland Government)
(death record: John Lloyd; Birth year: 1861; Death date: 21/08/1909; Mother’s name: Hannah Husband; Father/parent’s name: Joseph Lloyd; Registration details: 1909/C/563)
“Family history research service”, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, (Queensland Government)
(birth record: Joseph Henry Lloyd; Birth date: 02/11/1905; Mother’s name: Gertrude Lawson; Father/parent’s name: John Lloyd; Registration details: 1905/C/7461)
“Family history research service”, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, (Queensland Government)
(birth record: Elizabeth Louisa Lloyd; Birth date: 11/01/1910; Mother’s name: Gertrude Lawson; Father/parent’s name: John Lloyd; Registration details: 1910/C/12236)
“Family history research service”, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, (Queensland Government)
(death record: Death registration: Elizabeth Louisa Lloyd; Death date: 28/03/1910; Mother’s name: Gertrude Lloyd; Father/parent’s name: John Lloyd; Registration details: 1910/C/3823)
“Family history research service”, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, (Queensland Government)
(death record: Joseph Henry Lloyd; Death date: 24/08/1939; Mother’s name: Gertrude Lawson; Father/parent’s name: John; Registration details: 1939/B/45008)
[7] “Gertrude Lawson”, AustLit
“Family history research service”, Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Queensland Government)
(Marriage record: John Joseph O’Connor; Marriage date: 16/03/1910; Spouse’s name: Gertrude Elouise Lloyd; Registration details: 1910/C/2453) [sic: Eloise]
“O’CONNOR John Joseph : Service Number – 514 : Place of Birth – Limerick Ireland : Place of Enlistment – Sydney NSW : Next of Kin – (Wife) O’CONNOR Gertrude”, National Archives of Australia [Item ID 7991734: see page 1 (enlistment)]
“First World War Embarkation Roll: John Joseph O’Connor”, Australian War Memorial, Canberra [no. 515 on the roll; trade, signwriter]
“O’Connor, John Joseph ”, Virtual War Memorial Australia [born 1872, signwriter]
“A violent threat: Husband’s strange behaviour: To keep the peace”, The Maitland Daily Mercury (West Maitland, NSW), 18 May 1914, p. 5 [“John Joseph O’Connor, known as John Lee, a signwriter”]
“Police Court”, Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (Newcastle, NSW), 19 May 1914, p. 6 [“John Joseph O’Connor, known as John Lee, a signwriter”]
“Police Court”, Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate (Newcastle, NSW), 11 November 1913, p. 5 [“Gertrude O’Connor proceeded against John O’Connor for maintenance”]
[8] “O’CONNOR John Joseph : Service Number – 514 : Place of Birth – Limerick Ireland : Place of Enlistment – Sydney NSW : Next of Kin – (Wife) O’CONNOR Gertrude”, National Archives of Australia [Item ID 7991734: see pages 1-2 (enlistment), 4, 5, 7, 13, 14 (KIA), 10 (statutory declaration from Gertrude O’Connor), 19 (letter from brother), 24 (Court Martial), 28, 34 (buried at Lone Pine Cemetery), 36 (embarked)]
“Sergeant John Joseph O’Connor”, Australian War Memorial, Canberra
“First World War Embarkation Roll: John Joseph O’Connor”, Australian War Memorial, Canberra [no. 515 on the roll]
“World War I: 1914–1918”, Encyclopaedia Britannica [“Great Britain on August 4 declared war against Germany”]
[9] “Gertrude Lawson”, AustLit
“Family history research guide”, NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages
(marriage record: Registration number: 15158/1926; Groom’s family name: Cooper; Groom’s given name: Frederick C; Bride’s family name: Lloyd; Bride’s given name: Gertrude; District: Redfern)
“Funerals”, The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, NSW), 23 May 1945, p. 16, column 4 [see funeral notice for Gertrude Cooper (mentions Frederick Charles Cooper)]
“Obituary”, The Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW), 31 May 1945, p. 4 [see obituary for Mrs. F. C. Cooper: “Gertrude, wife of Mr Frederick Charles Cooper, of Beams Avenue, Mt. Druitt, died in Balmain District Hospital on 22nd inst at the age of 68 years”]
[10] “Obituary”, The Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW), 31 May 1945, p. 4 [see obituary for Mrs. F. C. Cooper]
George Gunn, “Last of Lawson family”, Forbes Advocate (Forbes, NSW), 8 June 1945, p. 4 [buried at Kingswood]
Jim Donald, “Yesterday”, Daily Mirror (Sydney, NSW), 6 July 1945, p. 10 (Late Final Extra edition) [buried at Kingswood]
“Mr. F. C. Cooper”, The Nepean Times (Penrith, NSW), 25 June 1953, p. 5 [“Frederick Charles Cooper, aged 72 years, passed away at Mt. Druitt”]
“Gertrude Lawson”, AustLit [“Gertrude died in 1945 and is buried beside Cooper in the Presbyterian Cemetery at Kingswood, NSW”]
“Gertrude Eloise “Lloyd” Cooper”, Find a Grave [“Birth: 30 Apr 1877; Death: 23 May 1945 (aged 68); Burial: Penrith General Cemetery, Kingswood, Penrith City, New South Wales”; includes a “photo of her grave site]
“Frederick Cooper”, Find a Grave [“Birth: unknown; Death 24 Jun 1953; Burial: Penrith General Cemetery, Kingswood, Penrith City, New South Wales”]
“Family history research guide”, NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages
(death record: Name: Cooper, Gertrude; Registration number: 7502/1945; Father’s given name/s: Peter; Mother’s given name/s: Louise; District: Balmain)
“Family history research guide”, NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages
(death record: Name: Cooper, Frederick Charles; Registration number: 24751/1953; Father’s given name/s: Frederick Charles; Mother’s given name/s: Elizabeth; District: Penrith)
“Cemeteries”, Penrith City Council
“Penrith General Cemetery history”, Penrith City Local History
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