A new mystery to solve in the Serisier family tree. This wonderful photograph of students at Newington College was loaned to me by William Serisier, a descendent of Jean, with the indication that the man on the right, standing, is Hippolyte Serisier. Hippolyte’s younger brother Frederick also attended Newington and have posted this in response to an enquiry about Frederick. I’m going to touch base with Newington College and see what they have on record. This looks like an official sort of photograph which back in the day would not have been a point and shoot affair. So, possibly they have more information.
Hippolyte and Frederick fell out later in their life over a host of things which will be touched on in my book because I think their relationship was a tough one and as boys they were dealt some pretty harsh hands. My research suggests they did not reconnect or at the very least tolerated each other, from a distance.
Anyway hopefully this photograph will prompt some feedback please from family members who may have more information.
Yvette
King of Dubbo 
Yvette
This photo is of the Newington College Cadet Corps but I’m not sure about Hippolyte being in it as he is not listed as a student in the register of students. His brothers Frederick and Lavigne Ernest are listed as enrolling in 1882 but the older Serisier brothers are not on the register. Fred was Captain of Rugby in 1886 and left the College that year and Lavigne left in 1887. Lavigne went on to gain a BA from the University of Sydney. The cadets are shown in front of the Thomas Rowe designed main building that was officially opened on 18 January 1881. The Corps had been formally incorporated in 1869 and are seen in their uniform, based on the British Rifle Brigade, of dark navy-blue serge with green braid trouser stripes and jacket cuffs. They are wearing a dark blue forage cap in the style of the American Civil War. At the time this was the only uniform worn by Newington students. I will pass the question of Hippolyte’s enrolment on to the archivist at Newington and report back on what I find out. It may be that a caption exists for this photograph.
Scott
Is this Scott Brandon Smith who once lived in Canada
Hello Ann
You may like to contact me on sbrandonsmith@gmail.com
Scott
Yvette
I’m not sure if you received my earlier message to you but it was good to see the pic posted. I know nothing much about Fred but I have noticed that a street has been named in his honour in Canberra. What exactly was his post-school sporting record? Do you have dates of birth for him and his brother Lavigne Ernerst, who also attended Newington from 1882. I believe Lavigne died in 1898. I’m happy to share anything I find but I suspect you are well ahead of me already in what you know. I will try and track down a copy of Lorna’s book.
Thanks
Scott
Hi Scott…. I did and hadn’t got around to getting you that extra material Sorry. Dates are Fred (born Fritz Achilles), August 1, 1867 at Bo Allia and Lavigne Ernest born July 12, 1869 at Bo Allia – died April 1898, Bourke of typhoid.
Fantastic information you’ve supplied too. Thank you very much.