Bernard Joseph Frank was born in Nelson Lyell, New Zealand, in 1867. He was a miner and was the son of Jacob FRANK (Carpenter) and Mary HASLAM. He first went to Victoria and then on to the WA Goldfields in 1893, where he headed to Broad Arrow to seek his fortune. This was where his first son was born prior to his marriage. He was only moderately successful but was involved in mining most of his life, as were his sons.
The Frank Family at their home in Sylvester Street, Coolgardie c1918 – Photo Frank Family.
Back Row: L-R – Charles Bernard Ceillam FRANK born 1901 Bonnivale, WA – Henry Bernard Joseph FRANK born 1898 Broad Arrow, WA – Gerald Francis Patrick FRANK born 1905 Coolgardie, WA – Wilfred Ernest John FRANK born Coolgardie WA 1903.
Middle Row: L-R – Ivey Alice Mary FRANK born 1903 Black Flag – Bernard Joseph FRANK born 1867 Nelson, New Zealand – Alice Magdalene FRANK nee CEILLAM born Kingsbury, Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England in 1873 and was the daughter of William CEILLAM (Gardener) and Mary COSE. Bernard and Alice were married in Coolgardie on 5 Jul 1897 at St Mary’s Church Coolgardie.
Front Row: L-R – Albert George Alexander FRANK 1913 born Tindalls Coolgardie (Twin) buried in Coolgardie Cemetery. – Rosabel Alice Mary FRANK 1913 born Tindalls Coolgardie (Twin) – Herbert Anthony FRANK born 1908 Tindalls Coolgardie.
Henry Bernard Joseph FRANK – Photo Find a Grave
Daily News 5 June 1943 Soldier Killed
Forty-five-year-old Private Henry Bernard Frank was killed near Northam last night, allegedly by a motor vehicle which did not stop. Today Northam police impounded a motor truck and are continuing their inquiries into the fatality. The accident happened on the Bulong Road at a point about half a mile from Northam. The late Private Frank was a divorced man with three children. He was a former resident of Coolgardie. Frank Oliver (43 years), Cartage Contractor, was charged with manslaughter but was acquitted.
Alice died in Kalgoorlie in 1930 aged 57 years and Bernard in 1940 aged 73 years; they are buried together in the Catholic section of the Kalgoorlie Cemetery. At the time of their deaths, they were living at 225 Piccadilly Street, Kalgoorlie.
Grave of Alice and Bernard FRANK Kalgoorlie Cemetery – Photo Find a Grave
Moya Sharp
Thank you once again Moya. Another absolutely fascinating story.
Incredible story Moya. Once again thank you for providing us with such an interesting article.