Welcome to our family tree as it relates to the branch involved in farming at Tichborne.
I would like to start by acknowledging that the lands we live on are the traditional lands of the Wiradjuri people. They care deeply for this land.
My people first came to Tichborne in 1894. William Kingham, my Great Grandfather, was born in Milthorpe, NSW on the 6th of January 1872. He moved to Tichborne by horse and dray with his brother Bert to a block of uncleared land that he had purchased from the Commonwealth Bank. They built two houses and called the property ‘Daisy Glen’. Bert moved back, but William stayed on. He married Olga in 1896 and they lived on the farm having nine children.
 |
This is William, Olga and their children. All are listed from left to right. William and Olga are seated. Standing at the rear are Frank, Daisy and Ted (Edward) – my Grandfather. Seated in the front are Eva and Arthur. Nursed children are Alma and Olive. We think this photo is was taken in 1917-18 as Ted was in his uniform prior to leaving for service in France during WW I. Their two other children, Elizabeth and Mabel were deceased. |
Ted Kingham (b:1898 d:1955), was my Grandfather on Dad’s side. He purchased “Loloma” in 1924 from the Judd family. “Loloma” is approximately 5 kms SE of “Daisy Glen”. Ted married Katie Burgess in 1924 as well. It was a busy year! Ted and Kate had four children – Elsie, Dorothy (Dot), James (Jim – my father) and Margaret.
 |
Ted and Kate Kingham and family in 1951. Pictured from left to right. Standing: Elsie, Margaret and Dorothy (Dot) Kingham; Seated: James (Jim), Ted and Kate. The picture is taken in front of the house at “Loloma” . This photo was taken only a few years before Dad (Jim) was married and Ted died. |
Jim Kingham (b:1930) grew up on Loloma. He went to school initially at Tichborne and then in Parkes, completing his leaving certificate (year 9). He then worked on the farm. Jim married Betty O’Halloran in 1953 and moved to Parkes to live a few houses away from William and Olga who had retired to Parkes a few years earlier. Jim and Betty had four children – Robyn, Jenny, Karen and Neil (Me).
His father Ted died in 1955 when Dad was 25 and just married. I think that Dad felt pressure as the only son to return to the farm and provide for his family. My father would have liked the opportunity to try some different career, but he returned to the farm as required.
Jim’s cousins (His uncle Frank’s sons) Stan and Colin also lived and raised families on local farms. They often worked together. I remember many years both Colin and Stan shore sheep for Dad. They were always around to help one another as required.
 |
This is a photo of my generation of the Kingham branch taken at Dad’s 80th birthday party. Pictured from left to right are: Betty (Mum), Me, sisters Jenny, Robyn and Karen with Dad (Jim) on the right. It was a good celebration! |
I was born in Parkes in 1964, growing up on “Loloma” . I never knew my Grandparents on Dad’s side – Ted died before I was born and Kate a few years after. I did have the privilege of growing up with the O’Halloran (mum’s) side of the family and spent many happy weeks at their farm “Flowerdale” at Condobolin. Grandpa O’Halloran was a teacher, turned farmer who was always interested in new thoughts and technologies – He would love to have seen the new tractor 🙂 . They had retired to Parkes and lived very close to the school – so I spent lots of time there. Grandma O’halloran was just a kind gentle soul who tolerated her busy grandson with love and patience.
 |
This is a photo of two daredevils – My cousin Geoff O’Halloran and myself. Geoff is still my best and longest friend – forged through many motor bike accidents and cricket matches in our youth. Geoff is on the bike and I the billy cart. We towed the billy cart that year until there were no rear wheels left. Somehow we survived on bread, butter and honey sandwiches with Uncle Gus (who live on “flower dale” at Condobolin). Good times. |
Mum and Dad were very keen to ensure that we all had a good education. I went to school in Parkes, finishing my HSC in 1981. While at University in Newcastle, I met Jennifer Keats and we were married in 1986. We have had four children – James, Chris (deceased), Breanna, and Daniel. Jenny and I lived in Sydney in our early married life and returned to Parkes in the early 1990’s. We slowly increased our work on the farm while we both worked off farm as teachers. Jenny and I took over the farm in 2001 from my parents who retired to Parkes soon after.
 |
This is my family taken at Christmas in 2011. Pictured from left to right are: James, Jenny, Daniel (Dan), Breanna (Bre) and Me. |
So that leads us to today and time stand still for no-one. Jim (Dad) will be 84 this year and comes out to the farm most days. “Daisy Glen” has been sold and incorporated into a larger farm. Uncle Colin and his family moved away many years ago. Uncle Stan still lives at Parkes and is having his 80th birthday party in a few weeks.
Farms and farmers have had to change with the times and grow or simply leave the industry. There is no middle ground and not a lot of sentimentality when it comes to agricultural economics. But its still as important to know where you have come from, as it is to know where you are going.
As for the next generation: – James works as an engineer at newcastle and recently married Emily, while Breanna is at university and Dan is working with me on the farm. Their story continues…..
NeilK