Person:John Tucker (73)

Linda Podhaczky, a family member, writes: "According to people who knew John King Tucker personally, he was said to be a real gentleman and quiet. Also he was said to be very generous and kind. He never drank alcohol and was always thinking of others. He was the first to hear that Ned Kelly had been hung, because he worked at the Post Office and received the news through the telegraph. John King was also a very keen North Melbourne supporter in the Victorian Football League."

1905-1914 - Lived in South Australia.

He served in the Boer War for a short time.

1913 - Moved from S.A. to Victoria to live, with his family.

1914-1916 - Served in the 3rd Battalion, South Australian Contingent, in WW1.

The following is taken from the Australian War Memorial: John King Tucker served in WW1 as a Private in the 3rd Battalion, from South Australia. He also served in C Coy 3rd District Naval Guard Domain, 1917-1918 in Victoria. He went AWL in 1918 from Victoria Dock for 3 days and was detained in detention for 10 days. At the time of his enlistment in the Australia Imperial Forces, John King Tucker was: Service Number: 65882; Age: 49 Years 1 month; Height: 5' 11"; Weight: 12 stone 2 lbs; Chest Measurement: 33-35 1/2 inches; Complexion: Dark; Eyes: Brown; Hair: Grey; Religion: Church of England; Distinctive Marks: Mark left arm, Scar upper lip.

26 February 1917 - Lived in Abbotsford, Victoria.

24 November 1919 - Recieved a letter from King George, Buckingham Palace , thanking him for his service in WW1.

27 June 1929 - Initiated as a member of the 'Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffalows Grand-Lodge of England', North Melbourne Lodge No.41.

John had been married twice previously before marrying Rosanna Agnes Cahill (mother of Rose Hill Minney, nee Tucker nee James). His first wife Eliza Anne Elms had not been married before, but Eliza went on to marry after divorcing John and had 7 other children. John's second wife Susan Etheline Priscilla Samson had been married 3 times, John being her second husband. When John and Susan divorced, Susan went on and married for the third time and had several more children.

1932 - The following death notices are taken from the Age newspaper dated 2nd January 1932:

TUCKER - On the 31st December, at his residence, 357 Dryburgh Street, North Melbourne. John King, beloved husband of Rosa Tucker, loving father of Ormond, Jack, Girlie and Kitchiner. Aged 70 years.

TUCKER - The friends of the late Mr JOHN KING TUCKER are respectfully informed that his remains will be interred in the Fawkner Cemetery. The funeral will leave his residence, 357 Dryburgh Street, North Melbourne, THIS DAY (Monday), 2nd January, at 10 a.m. Joseph Allison Funeral Director, 135 Errol Street, North Melbourne, Phone F1751, and Sydney Road, North Melbourne.

TUCKER - NORTH MELBOURNE LODGE No 41 R.A.O.B, Members of the above Lodge and order in general are respectfully invited to follow the remains of their brother, JOHN KING TUCKER, to the place of interment, the Fawkner Cemetery. The funeral is appointed to leave his residence, 357 Dryburgh Street, North Melbourne, THIS DAY (Monday) 2nd January at 10a.m. B.HAMILTON W.P, L.E.COCKERELL, Secretary.