Jessie McMichael and John Albert Leach

Our dedicated volunteer, Fiona, has explored the archives and has discovered that its quite possible that there are no direct descendents of the two main founders of Gould League!

Jessie Margaret McMichael - Born in 1866 and died in 1943, aged 77, she had a sister called Mary. No marriage records could be found and, as she was born with the same name that she died with and was referred to as 'Miss' in a 1933 Argus article, it appears she remained single and childless. In 1909, Jessie McMichael was teaching at Hopetoun Primary School in Victoria's Mallee. Current Principal, Mr Ian Herben sent this message of support.

"The Hopetoun Primary School is very excited about the connection with the Gould League which celebrated its 100th year on Sunday 25th October. ...

Hopetoun Primary School being situation so close to the Wyperfeld and Big Desert National Parks as well as many smaller reserves would have been a haven for our fomer teacher Jessie McMichael who initiated that letter all those years ago.

I can proudly say that I vividly remember forming a Gould League Club when I was a primary school student myself. My father was the Head Teacher at Dean Primary School back in the 1960's and I remember asking could we form a Gould League Club of which I became the President. I fondly remember the meetings and organising walks and activities. My Gould League certificate was proudly displayed over my bed for many years.

I look forward to our School becoming involved in the Gould League again and have noted your Classroom Clubs membership deal which we will be proud to become part of. I hope the celebrations go well.

Yours Sincerely
Ian Herben, Principal Hopetoun Primary School"

John Albert Leach - John's two children that survived him were called Basil Wood Leach (born 1899) and Sylvia Florence Leach (born 1896). Sylvia married Alexander Caldwell in 1922. There were no marriage records for Basil listed in the states of Victoria or NSW. Searches of Victorian birth records found no children listed for Sylvia and Alexander Caldwell. However, any children of Sylvia or Basil may have moved interstate or overseas. John Leach was cremated at Fawkner Memorial Park but the whereabouts of his remains are not listed in their database.

Can you add any further information?

We'd love to hear from you at memories@gould.org.au or on 03 9555 5565.