Adam Family Correspondence

Letter from Lilian Adam, Jane's sister-in-law, in Deniliquin to her nephew Albert Adam in Brisbane.

Letter from William (Willie) Adam, Sydney to his mother Jane. He has arrived in camp at Liverpool after an enjoyable journey from Brisbane on the train.

Letter from Willie Adam, Sydney to his mother Jane. He has had weekend leave and has enjoyed swimming at Bondi Beach.

Letter from Willie Adam, Holsworthy Camp, NSW to his mother Jane. He will try and get leave to Sydney and spend time with his brother Jack.

Letter from John (Jack) Adam, Menangle, NSW to his mother Jane. He has seen Willie at camp, and notes how he has grown.

Letter from Douglas Adam, Enoggera to his mother Jane. He has received her parcel, and they have celebrated a merry Christmas in camp.

Letter from Eliza Lyall, Thargomindah, Qld. to her sister Jane in Brisbane. She expresses her concern that Willie has enlisted and hopes he writes soon.

Letter from Willie Adam, Abassia, Egypt to his mother Jane. He has arrived safely in Egypt, they have had a good voyage. The letter is incorrectly dated 1914 instead of 1915.

Two postcards sent by Willie Adam, in Egypt to his mother Jane in Brisbane. He describes the activities on board ship when they crossed the equator.

Letter to Jane Adam, from her cousin Hilda and her husband Jim Allen, Charleville, Queensland. Newly married and new to the district they have not yet settled into the community. 

Letter from John (Jack) Adam, Sydney to his mother Jane in Brisbane. Jack has just returned from a voyage to the South Sea Islands, a great typhoon had hit Fiji the day before they arrived, causing much damage and many deaths.

Letter from Willie Adam, Heliopolis, Cairo to his mother Jane in Brisbane. They are busy training, he is well and putting on weight.

Letter from Jane Adam in Brisbane, to her son Willie serving in Egypt. She has been anxious about his health, and writes that his brother Douglas is in camp at Enoggera. The letter has been returned to Jane, and mostly likely was never received by her son who was killed in action a few weeks after it was mailed.

The envelope has been annotated in pencil 'Hospital' which was then crossed out and 'Killed' added. The postmark on the rear of the envelope is 1 Nov 1915, Dead Letter Office, Brisbane.

Field Service postcard from Willie Adam, while on active service, to his mother Jane Adam, in South Brisbane. The card is dated two days before Willie was killed in action, Gallipoli, 13 May 1915.

Letter from Private Alexander Coutts, Heliopolis, Egypt to Jane Adam, South Brisbane. Coutts writes on behalf of her son Willie who left for Gallipoli a week prior and apologises for the delay, he has stayed behind to look after the horses.

Coutts was unaware that Willie Adams had already been killed in action, 13/14 May 1915, just two days after landing with his regiment. Jane Adam received this letter one month later, 25 June 1915.

Alexander Diamond Coutts, #492 2nd Light Horse Regiment & Australian Flying Corps

Letter from John (Jack) Adam, Sydney to his mother Jane in Brisbane. Jack writes he is sorry to hear that his brother Douglas is also going to war, one out of each family should be enough to fight for the Empire.

Letter from Colonel R M Stodart, commanding officer 2nd Light Horse Regiment, to Jane Adam advising of the death of her son Private William Adam on the night of 14/15th May 1915.

Letter from Eliza Lyall, Thargomindah to her sister-in-law Jane Adam. She enquires about Jane's sons, hoping they are alright so far.

Letter from Jane Adam, South Brisbane to her son William. His brother Douglas has not left for overseas yet, she has sent on his letter.

Note from William Adam, Cairo to his mother Jane advising her of his change of address.

Letter from Frances Strong, Charters Towers, to Jane Adams. Frances is nursing at Braceborough Station, 40 miles from Charters Towers. She enquires after Jane's sons and asks for Jack's address. Sarah later married Jack Adam in 1918.

Letter from Frances Strong, Charters Towers, to Jane Adams. She hopes that Jane's son Jack returns home soon; her brother is also enlisting.

Letter from Douglas Adam, to his mother Jane. He will be calling in for his suit.

Letter from St Clair Donaldson, 'Bishopsbourne', Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane to Jane Adams, expressing his sympathy at the death of her son William.

Letter from Mrs Burger, Caboolture, to Jane Adams. She sends hers and Mrs Chaddock's sympathies at the news of the death of her son William.

Telegram from Eliza Lyall, Thargomindah to her sister-in-law Jane Adams, South Brisbane, expressing her sympathy at the loss of her son William.

Telegram from Harry (Thomas Humphreys) to his cousin Douglas Adam expressing his sympathy at the loss of his brother William.

Letter from Eliza Lyall to her sister-in-law Jane Adam. She is grieved to hear of William's death.

Letter from V. Woods (nee Lyall) to her aunt Jane Adams expressing her sympathy of the death of her son William.

Letter from Frances Strong, Charters Towers, to Jane Adams, she is saddened at the news of Willie's death.

Letter from Kitty Watt, Hon. Secretary Red Cross Society, Brisbane to Jane Adam, conveying the sympathies of the society at the death of her son William.

Letter from Robert Mills, Hon. Secretary Queensland Patriotic Fund, to Jane Adams regarding her son William's death.

Letter from Margaret Ambrose, Brisbane to Jane Adams expressing his sympathy on the death of her son William.

Letter from Thomas Ellison, in hospital, Egypt to Jane Adams. Tom knew William and was with him when he was killed.

#146 2nd Light Horse Regiment

Letter from Douglas Adam, Sydney to his mother Jane. They have stopped in Sydney and are quartered in the Show Grounds.

Letter from Gladys Nelson, Graceville to Jane Adams, thanking her for the photograph of Douglas Adam.

Letter from Gladys Nelson, Graceville to Jane Adams thanking her for kind response to her own letter.

Letter to Jane Adam, from her nephew Henry, he has arrived back at Toowoomba, glad to be back home.

Form letter from the Salvation Army to relatives of those who died in the First World War, expressing their sympathy.

Letter of sympathy from the Mayor of Brisbane, George Down to Jane Adam.

Letter from Hessie Scoones, Red Hill to Jane Adams. She expresses her sympathies on the death of her son William, her own son George died on Gallipoli.

Letter from Douglas Adam, Abbassia, Egypt to his mother Jane. They are training heavily and he has enjoyed a visit to the Cairo Museum.

Letter from Jane Adam to her son William who is serving in Egypt. She writes that there has been some mixup about William's death and hopes it has all been a mistake.

The letter has been returned to Jane, and the envelope annotated 'Killed in Action' and has passed through the 'Dead Letter Office'

Letter from Jane Adam to her son Douglas who is serving in Egypt. She writes that there has been some mixup about William being missing in action and hope it has all been a mistake. Attached is a casualty notice from the newspaper. This letter also has been returned to Jane marked 'Killed in Action' which indicates that the letter destined to reach Douglas did not, until after he also was killed.

Letter from Jane Adam to her son Jack, living in Sydney. She writes that there has been some mixup about William's death and hope it has all been a mistake.

Field Service postcard from Douglas Adam, to his mother Jane, South Brisbane.

Letter to Jane Adam from Frances Strong, in Charters Towers, congratulating her on the good news about her son William.

Letter to Jane Adam, South Brisbane from Eve Adam, Mackay. She writes of the extremely sad mistake that has been made by mixing up the names of both their sons William.

Letter from Douglas Adam to his mother Jane. He describes his duties and conditions on Gallipoli in the trenches.

Letter from Jane Adam to her son John (Jack). She acknowledges that William is most likely dead.

Letter from Douglas Adam, Gallipoli to his mother Jane. He has been there five weeks and is in the best of health.

Letter from Catherine Keillor, Nanango to her future mother-in-law Jane Adam. She writes with sympathy of the death of Jane's son William; she is grateful that Albert (Adam) visits her.

Letter from John (Jack) Adam, to his mother Jane. He is at sea on board SS Kulambangarra bound for the Solomon Islands. Jack has been offered a position as Engineer, with the Malayta Company, Aola.

Letter from George Black, recovering in hospital, in Egypt to Jane Adam. He writes in reply to her request for definite news of her son William's fate.

#6482 17th Company, Australian Army Service Corps

Letter from Jane Adam to her son Douglas who is serving in Egypt. She has sent his photo to Miss Nelson. The letter has been returned to Jane, unread by Douglas who by the time it reached Egypt, had been killed in action.

Telegram to Jane Adam from her niece Bertha Lyall, Thargomindah, expressing her sympathies on the news of Douglas' death.

Letter from Emma Nelson, Landsborough to Jane Adam. She writes that her daughter Gladys is broken hearted at the news of Douglas Adam's death, and expresses her warmest sympathy to Jane, his mother.

A brief note from Gladys Nelson to Jane Adam, her mother Emma is away on holidays.

Telegram to Jane Adam from Thomas Ellison noting the day of his arrival in Brisbane. Ellison was a friend of her late son William, and was with him when he died.

Trooper Thomas Ellison #146 2nd Light Horse Regiment

Letter from George Down, Mayor of Brisbane to Jane Adam, expressing sympathy at the loss of her son Douglas.

Letter to Jane Adam from Eve Adams in Mackay, expressing her sympathy at the death of Jane's two sons, whilst serving overseas.

Letter from Sergeant Smith, Brisbane to Jane Adam, expressing the sympathies of the N.C.O.'s & men of D Company at the death of her son Douglas.

Letter from Private John Snow convalescing at Kangaroo Point Military Hospital to Jane Adam. He served with her son William and asks if he can visit her the next day.

John Snow #563, 2nd Light Horse Regiment

Letter from Gladys Nelson to Jane Adam giving her family news, she will be going to Boonah to stay with the McKay's.

Letter to Jane Adam, in Brisbane from Eve Adams in Mackay, giving family news, her own son has now rejoined his unit, hoping he is still well.

Letter from Gladys Nelson to Jane Adam, she is unable to visit, but hopes to see her soon.

Letter to Jane Adam from Palmer & Co., real estate agents replying to her enquiry about a home for sale in South Brisbane.

Letter from Harry Humphrey to his 'Foster Mother' and aunt, Jane Adam. He writes that he is sorry that he missed seeing her when he called, hoping to see her soon.

Thomas Henry Humphreys #34624 23rd Signal Co. Engineers & Field Artillery Brigade

Letter from John (Jack) Adam, Egypt to his wife Jane Adam, South Brisbane. He landed yesterday at Suez and is now in camp at Heliopolis.

Letter from Private Alfred Mollison, in camp at Broadmeadows, Victoria. They are tired and the weather is cold, he will write again soon.

Alfred Knight Mollison, #850 3rd Pioneers Battalion

Letter from Private Alfred Mollison, in camp at Broadmeadows, Victoria. They have been training on the rifle range, and are due to embark on the 15th.

Alfred Knight Mollison, #850, 3rd Pioneers Battalion

Receipt for parcel of soldiers effects addressed to Jane Adams, from Thomas Cook & Sons.

Letter from John (Jack) Adam, Egypt to his wife Jane Adam, in South Brisbane. He has not received any mail since he arrived; he has just enjoyed a night with the Dungarees.

Letter from Jack Adam to his mother Jane in South Brisbane. He is working on the Solomon Islands for the Malayta Company, recruiting natives for work on plantations.

Letter from Private Alfred Mollison, in camp at Broadmeadows, Victoria. They have been getting a lot of training, but expect to embark very soon.

Alfred Knight Mollison, #850 3rd Pioneers Battalion

Field service post card to Jane Adam from her husband John, serving overseas.

Letter from John Adam, Perham Downs to his wife Jane. He is now in England where the weather is very cold.

Letter to Albert Adam from his uncle Nicolas Adam, Victoria. He gives advice for a good life and hopes that Albert's mother is feeling well.

Receipt for parcel of soldiers effects addressed to Jane Adams, from Thomas Cook & Sons.

Letter to Jane Adams, from Dorrie. She writes from Melbourne and describes the differences in fashion.

Letter from John Adam, Perham Downs to his wife Jane. He has not received any mail since arriving in England.

Letter from John (Jack) Adam to his mother Jane in Brisbane. He is working in Malayta, Solomon Islands, and describes it as a savage place.

Letter from Private Thomas Humphreys (Harry) to his aunt Jane Adam, he writes from Signalling School, Chermside, Queensland. He is still in camp, and asks that she visit him.

Letter from Private Alfred Mollison, England to Jane Adam. He has received the letters she sent on, and discusses his brother James' death in June 1916.

Alfred Knight Mollison, #850, 3rd Pioneers Battalion

Letter from John (Jack) Adam, Marau to his mother Jane in Brisbane. He is managing a coconut plantation for the Malayta Company.

Letter from John Adam, England to his wife Jane in Brisbane. He has not received any mail since he left Australia. He encloses a photographic postcard of him and the brother of a friend he used to work with.

Refer to Item 166

Letter from John Adam, England to his son Albert in Brisbane. He met a chap recently who was with his son William when he died in Gallipoli.

Letter from John Adam, Perham Downs, England to his son Albert, South Brisbane. He met a chap that was with William when he died, J.V. Moody who was surprised to find he was William's father.

Letter from John Adam, Perham Downs, England to his wife Jane in Brisbane. He has received her letter and parcel, but expects to go to the front anytime; he is working at the Military Post Office.

Letter from Harry Humphreys, Rifle Range Camp, Enoggera to his aunt Jane Adam, in Brisbane. He has just missed out on joining the transport unit as a motor mechanic, but has just returned from escorting several groups to Melbourne.

Letter from Private Percy Lyall, Salisbury Plains, England to his aunt Jane Adam, in Brisbane He is now a First Class Gunner; he asks after his cousin, he has not yet seen her husband John.

Letter from John (Jack) Adam, Hulo, Malayta Island, to his mother Jane in Brisbane. He hopes to be leaving for Aola on the next ship, the weather is now very hot.

Letter from Eve Adams, Mackay to Jane Adam in Brisbane. She talks of her own son, who is still well, training to be a gunner; she hopes the conscription referendum results in the Yes vote.

Letter from Private Alfred Mollison, on active service, to Jane Adam. He received her kind letter, and asks that she remain strong in her great sorrow.

Field service post card from Private Alfred Mollison to Jane Adam in Brisbane.

Letter from Gunner Henry (Harry) Humphreys, Sydney to his aunt Jane Adam in Brisbane. He writes that he doesn't think they will embark until April, and looks forward to the Sydney Show.

Letter from Gunner Henry (Harry) Humphreys, Sydney to his aunt Jane Adam in Brisbane. He is still in camp at Liverpool; his watch was trodden on by a horse, thankfully he wasn't wearing it at the time.

Letter from John (Jack) Adam, Aola, Solomon Islands, to his mother Jane in Brisbane. He is going to Malyata as there has been some trouble with the native people.

Field service post card from Private Alfred Mollison to Jane Adam in Brisbane.

Letter to Alf from Private William (Bill) Norris, France. He is surprised to hear that Alf has not received any mail, as he has sent several letters, it can take about five months to receive a letter from Australia.

Letter from Private William (Bill) Norris, France, to his friend Alf in Longreach. He hopes to receive more letters from him soon; he hopes the war will soon be over.

Letter from Henry (Harry) Humphreys to his aunt Jane Adam in Brisbane. He is still in camp at Liverpool more than 3 months since he arrived. He asks after family and friends in Brisbane, and would like a photograph of her to take away with him.

Letter card from Henry (Harry) Humpreys, at sea to his aunt Jane Adam in Brisbane. So far he has proved to be a good sailor.

Letter from Henry (Harry) Humphreys, at sea to his aunt Jane Adam in Brisbane. They have called into several ports on their way past South Africa and he has enjoyed the sights; Harry asks after friends and family at home.

Letter from Percy Lyall, in camp, Victoria to his aunt Jane Adam in Brisbane. Percy is beginning to like Victoria, they are given lots of physical exercises & drill.

Field service post card from Henry (Harry) Humphreys to his aunt Jane Adam in Brisbane.

Card from Private Alfred Mollison, France to Jane Adam. He is still getting on alright, but will be glad when the stunt is over.

Letter to Jane Adam from her niece in Longreach. Her brother Robert has been wounded, they are waiting to hear more details.

Letter from Henry (Harry) Humphreys, France to Jane Adam, in Brisbane. Harry has heard she has been unwell and hopes Jack will soon be home for her.

Letter from Sergeant Alfred Mollison, France, to Jane Adam. He is very grieved to hear that her nephew Percy Lyall had died, he saw him only a few days before.

Letter from John Tindale, of theThargomindah Herald to Jane Adam. He will pay for her son Jack's wedding notice in lieu of a wedding gift, he has sent him a copy of the Herald with the notice in.

Field service post card from Henry (Harry) Humphreys to his aunt Jane Adam.

Letter from Henry (Harry) Humphreys, France to Jane Adam in Brisbane. It is her late son Doug's birthday, Harry writes that he will be thinking of his old pal; he is pleased that her son Jack and Frances have made a 'match'.

Letter from Frances Adam (nee Strong), Graceville, to her mother-in-law Jane Adam. She has been very ill and hopes that Jane can come and see her as soon as she can.

Letter from the District Paymaster, Brisbane to Jane Adam, with regard to a Separation Allowance.

Letter to Jane Adam regarding Princess Mary's gift to her late son William, it will be forwarded separately.

[The Princess Mary Gift Fund box is an embossed brass box that originally contained a variety of items such as tobacco and chocolate. It was intended as a Christmas present to those serving at Christmas in 1914 and was paid for by a public fund backed by Princess Mary. Eligibility was extended to all who were serving, whether at home or abroad, and to prisoners of war and the next of kin of 1914 casualties, to an estimated figure of 2,620,019]

Letter from John (Jack) Adam to his mother Jane. He has received her letter and case of vegetables and discusses his wife Frances' illness and their son Herbert.

Note from Mrs Friend to Jane Adam, she has sent her one pound and will send more next pay.

Note stating that William Henry Adams, formerly reported missing, now decided killed in action.

Note with the address of Driver G. Black, no. 6482, 17th A.A.S.C. 7th Infantry Brigade, A.I.F.

Note with the address of Trooper W.H. Adams, no. 611, 2nd Light Horse, 1st Brigade, A.I.F. Cairo, Egypt.

Unmatched envelopes

Invitation to Mr & Mrs Adams & friends to a memorial concert, 'Honour the brave Australians' to be held at the Exhibition Building, to pay tribute to fallen soldiers, it includes an admission ticket.

Invitation to Mr D Adams to attend the 21st birthday party of Irene Phyllis Phipps held at Cafe Majestic, Brisbane.

Invitation to Jane Adams to attend a victory celebration for the Labor party member E.N. Free at St Andrews Hall, Vulture Street, South Brisbane.

Discount voucher for photographic reproductions from Silvester photographs.

Postcard sent to Douglas Adam by his girlfriend Gladys Nelson. She writes "A beautiful wish that God would bless you, keep you always well and brave and strong and bring you back again safely to your dear people and Australia." Douglas Adam was killed in action 13 May 1915, Gallipoli.

Postcard of Princes Royal Harbour, Albany, WA sent to Mr & Mrs Adam from […] They have had a good journey to England and hope that the family is well.

Postcard entitled "Daddy please come home again" simply inscribed on the reverse "From you loving friend Jack".

Postcard entitled "Coming events cast their shadows before them". There is no inscription on the reverse.

Silk embroidered postcard showing the Australian and English flags and the words "Australia forever", sent from Paddy to 'Serummy' with love.

Paddy being the nickname of John Adam.

Postcard of floral arrangement; unsent

Postcard "Wishing you a happy Christmas"; unsent.

Greeting card with a poem by M.E. Mulry which begins "To my brave and noble boy".

Greeting card from Bertha Lyall to Jane Adam remembering her at Christmas.

Christmas greetings from John (Jack) Adam to his wife Jane.

Christmas greetings to Jack Adam from Jack Tindale, Thargomindah.

Christmas greetings from Gladys & Emma Nelson.

Greeting card "To wish you health and happy days" includes a poem by Mary E Mulry entitled "To our gallant boys".

Two greeting cards "Rembrance" includes a poem by Mary E Mulry entitled "To our gallant boys".

Two memorial cards, issued to the general public in memory of Earl Kitchener who drowned after the British warship HMS Hampshire sank after it hit a mine, 5 June 1916.

Christmas greetings to Jack Adam from Harry [Humphreys ?] 'from the land of the silver wattle'.

Four holy cards kept by Jane Adam annotated by her sister Matilda Williams

Anzac day ribbon or 'badge' worn for the commemoration of those who served for the armed services, since 1916.

Incomplete booklet entitled 'The church catechism'.

Incomplete and damaged booklet providing rules on grammar - the adjective, verb and sytax. The property of Aubrey Robert Coyle Adam (1903-1971).

Membership ticket issued to Jane Adam by the Queensland Labor Party Workers Political Organisation, South Brisbane.

Application form/card partially completed by Jane Adam for life insurance, the proposed insuree is not named, their occupation is 'soldier'.

Receipt from Brisbane Boys Grammar for school fees paid by J. Adam Esq. presumable John (Jack) Adam

Half-yearly examination results issued by Brisbane South Boys School to Aubrey Robert Coyle Adam.

Poem entitled 'School life', the first line reads: "I sat in the School of Sorrow".

Two hymns written by William J. Young sent to Jane Adam by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union of Queensland. The envelope is included.

Blank form used to send telegrams via the Postmater-General's Department, Queensland.

Fragments of receipt from book keeping journal for 3 pounds.

Receipt from Albert E Harte & Gayford, auctioneers for monies received from Jane Adam for property and furniture.

Receipt from Albert E Harte & Gayford, auctioneers for monies received from Jane Adam.

Receipt from Herga & Co, watch & clock makers, made out to Mr Elliston.

Pay sheet for the Bowen Hills railway station, showing salaries of railway employees including A. R. Adam. (Aubrey Robert Adam)

Statement of account regarding Vivian Douglas Adam, deceased, monies held by The Public Curator.

Insurance policy in the name of William Henry Adam for the benefit of his mother Jane Adam, taken out when her son was only 15 years. There are 2 copies.

Map of Queensland.

Side 1: showing all railways open for traffic, under construction, and approved by parliament, 1916
Side 2: showing railways in the south-east portion of Queensland

Mounted photograph of Private John (Jack) Yourn Adam, 9th Infantry Battalion, husband of Jane Adam.

Mounted photograph, showing members of the 25th Infantry Battalion including Douglas Adam, rear standing, far left, before embarking for overseas. Douglas Adam was killed in action 22 November 1915, Gallipoli.

Mounted photograph of Gunner Jack Coyle taken in Alexandria, Egypt while serving with the 2nd Field Artillery Brigade, brother of Jane Adam.

Photograph of an elderly John (Jack) Yourne Adam, husband of Jane Adam

John (Jack) Yourne Adam (left) with brother of a friend he used to work with.

(Description supplied with photograph)

Jane Adam nee Coyle with her pet dog.

Unidentified image of family group, most probably one of Jane Adam's sisters.

Newspaper clippings relating to soldiers who served in the First World War.

Photocopied article from the 'Warrego Watchman' 30 April 2015 entitled 'Tribute an assault on the senses'. It details the centenary service and activities held at Thargomindah to commemorate the lives of Vivian Douglas Adam and his brother William Henry in 1915 at Gallipoli.

Colour poster issued to advertise Anzac Centenary commemorations held at Thargomindah, 25 April 2015

Photocopied image of the honour board, Department of Agriculture and Stock, located at William Street, Brisbane.