Gawler History - User contributions [en]

Cheek Muriel Elizabeth

2026-01-31T05:36:09Z

Michaelsmith: Corrected Muriel's name.

{{People
|Type of person=Individual
|Also known as=M.E. Millhouse
|Date of birth=13 Feb 1887
|Date approximate=No
|Place of birth=Gawler, South Australia
|Date approximate2=No
|Principal occupation=Soprano Opera Singer
|Date approximate3=No
|Date of death=12 Dec 1947
|Date approximate4=No
|Place of decease=Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
}}
'''Muriel Elizabeth Millhouse (nee Cheek) A.M.U.A.'''

Muriel married Algernon Edward Millhouse (1887 - 1948) on May 14, 1912, in the Registry Office, Adelaide.

Muriel Elizabeth Millhouse is remembered by her stage name 'Muriel Cheek'. She trained at the Elder Conservatorium of Music at the University of Adelaide. Muriel was a Soprano singer who sang frequently in churches and in oratorio.

She was one of Australia's finest lieder singers. In 1921 Muriel Cheek took the part of Yum Yum in the grand presentation of the Gilbert &
Sullivan opera 'The Mikado' at Gawler.

She was a valued member of Tod Street Methodist Choir which was conducted by her father for many years.

In Melbourne, she taught at the Albert Street Conservatorium but joined the teaching staff of the University Conservatorium, a position she held at the time of her death.

Muriel was the daughter of Gawler Town Inspector, [[Cheek Philip and Olivia|Phillip Cheek]].

The [https://www.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/1792991/utr6081.pdf Muriel Cheek Memorial Scholarship] is offered at Melbourne University.

Please <[https://www.flickr.com/photos/gawler_history/albums/72157711971991331 click here]> to view photos of Muriel Cheek.

Researched by Allen Tiller.
{{Info
|Related Articles=Cheek Phillip,Uniting Church Tod Street
|FlickrID=49136476697
}}
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Cheek Muriel Elizabeth

2026-01-09T04:52:55Z

Michaelsmith: Name correction. Birth registration transcription. Surname: CHEEK Given Names: Muriel Elizabeth Date: 1887-02-13 Sex: F Father: Philip CHEEK Mother: Olivia PENALUNA Birth Place/Residence: Gawler District Code: Bar Symbol: Book: 390 Page: 381 Cross Reference:

{{People
|Type of person=Individual
|Also known as=E.M. Millhouse
|Date of birth=13 Feb 1887
|Date approximate=No
|Place of birth=Gawler, South Australia
|Date approximate2=No
|Principal occupation=Soprano Opera Singer
|Date approximate3=No
|Date of death=12 Dec 1947
|Date approximate4=No
|Place of decease=Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
}}
'''Muriel Elizabeth Millhouse (nee Cheek) A.M.U.A.'''

Muriel married Algernon Edward Millhouse (1887 - 1948) on May 14, 1912, in the Registry Office, Adelaide.

Muriel Elizabeth Millhouse is remembered by her stage name 'Muriel Cheek'. She trained at the Elder Conservatorium of Music at the University of Adelaide. Muriel was a Soprano singer who sang frequently in churches and in oratorio.

She was one of Australia's finest lieder singers. In 1921 Muriel Cheek took the part of Yum Yum in the grand presentation of the Gilbert &
Sullivan opera 'The Mikado' at Gawler.

She was a valued member of Tod Street Methodist Choir which was conducted by her father for many years.

In Melbourne, she taught at the Albert Street Conservatorium but joined the teaching staff of the University Conservatorium, a position she held at the time of her death.

Muriel was the daughter of Gawler Town Inspector, [[Cheek Philip and Olivia|Phillip Cheek]].

The [https://www.unimelb.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/1792991/utr6081.pdf Muriel Cheek Memorial Scholarship] is offered at Melbourne University.

Please <[https://www.flickr.com/photos/gawler_history/albums/72157711971991331 click here]> to view photos of Muriel Cheek.

Researched by Allen Tiller.
{{Info
|Related Articles=Cheek Phillip,Uniting Church Tod Street
|FlickrID=49136476697
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Cheek Philip and Olivia

2026-01-09T04:39:57Z

Michaelsmith: Update arrival information.

{{People
|Type of person=Individual
|Date of birth=1837
|Date approximate=No
|Place of birth=Halse, Somerset, England
|Date of arrival=7 Apr 1849
|Date approximate2=No
|Principal occupation=Carpenter, Council Officer
|Date approximate3=No
|Date of death=26 Sep 1922
|Date approximate4=No
|Place of decease=Joslin, South Australia, Australia
}}

Philip Cheek was born on 28 Jan 1837 in Somerset, England; he arrived in Australia in 1849 and travelled to Gawler in 1854.<ref>"ACROSS THE BOURNE" - Death of Mr Philip Cheek (Bunyip 29 Sep 1922) https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/97758627</ref>

Extract from the Gawler "Bunyip", Friday, September 29, 1922, under the heading "ACROSS THE BOURNE"--Death of Mr Philip Cheek.
States the following information;
Mr Cheek:
• arrived in Australia in 1849 and came to Gawler in 1854.

• Assisted at the then Post office

• Learnt the Trade of Carpenter through several firms

• ‘During his connection with these firms, most of the principal buildings of the town were erected’

• ‘proved a highly esteemed and popular citizen’

• in 1860, he was the originator of Riggs' Viceregal Band, fulfilling the post of conductor

• In 1869 he was chairman of the building trades association, fighting for the 8-hour workweek. This was adopted in 1873

• In 1870 – 1877 and again 1879-1918, Mr Cheek was appointed Inspector to the Gawler Corporation

• He, therefore, had an almost continuous association with the Corporation for 48 years.

• For more than 60 years Mr Cheek was the choirmaster at the Tod Street Methodist Church

• He was the oldest Forester in Gawler, joining in 1857

• a member of the Oddfellows Order, Manchester Unity, and was the auditor for both bodies for many years

We thank Jacinta Weiss for this contribution.

In 1878, in the time between the two periods he worked for Gawler Council, Philip Cheek ran a grocery store in Murray Street [location not yet determined].<ref>South Australian Almanac and Directory 1878 via Ancestry</ref><ref>South Australia Select Tax and Financial Records, 1838-1928 via Ancestry</ref>

Additional information provided by Allen Tiller:

Philip Cheek was the Conductor of the Gawler Methodist choir for 50+ years.

Mr Cheek worked as Inspector of Weights and Measures - Town of Gawler - <[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article100413847 click here]> to read a newspaper article about Mr Cheek weighing bread in Gawler.

Philip Cheek married Olivia Penaluna on 13 August 1863 at the Wesleyan Chapel, Gawler.

To read Philip Cheek's obituary <[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article97758627 click here]>

Together they had 9 children:

Arthur Thomas Cheek (1864–1866)

Robert Cheek (1866–1922)

Leonard Mankey Cheek (1867–1875)[Mankey was maternal grandmother's maiden name - 'Avis Mankey']

Emily Aves Cheek / Emily Avis Cheek (1869–1944)(COOMBE)

Arthur Forgie Cheek (1872–1943)

Olive Jane Cheek (1874–1906)

Herbert Philip Cheek (1876–1876)

Albert James Cheek (1879–1911)

[[Cheek Elizabeth Muriel|Muriel Elizabeth Cheek]] (1887–1947)(MILLHOUSE)

Please <[https://www.flickr.com/photos/gawler_history/albums/72157640336705105 click here]> to view photos of Philip and Olivia Cheek.

.

=== Philip Cheek's Properties & Residences ===

* 42 Finnis Street [part Allotment 60, which extends all the way down to [[Jacob Street]]] was owned by Philip Cheek, Gawler Corporation Inspector, from May 1886 (or earlier) until September 1920 when it was transferred to Ada Mary Llewelyn, of Gawler South, married woman.<ref>Certificate of Title 499/97</ref>
.

=== Cheek Family Birth, Death & Marriage Information ===
'''CHEEK Philip'''

b. 28 Jan 1837, Halse, Somerset, England, son of Robert Cheek & nee Jane Fry

Baptised 26 Feb 1837, Halse, Somerset, England

Departed 5 Jan1849 from Plymouth, Devon, England aboard the vessel David Malcolm

Arrived 7 Apr 1849 in Port Adelaide, South Australia and 1854 in Gawler

m. 13 August 1863, Olivia PENALUNA, Wesleyan Chapel, Gawler

d. 26 Sep 1922, Joslin, South Australia, at residence of his daughter Mrs Joseph Coombe

Buried Willaston Cemetery, Willaston (Plot 61 P 1 - with wife & other Cheek family members)

'''PENALUNA Olivia'''

b. 1845, Cornwall, England, daughter of Thomas Penaluna and nee Avis Mankey

m. 13 August 1863, Philip CHEEK, Wesleyan Chapel, Gawler

d. 10 Aug 1908, Gawler, South Australia

Buried Willaston Cemetery, Willaston ('Olivia Cheek', Plot 61 P 1 - with husband & other Cheek family members)

{{Info
|Related Articles=Cheek Elizabeth Muriel
|FlickrID=49136314101, 7344818294
}}
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Cheek Philip and Olivia

2019-12-30T02:50:22Z

Michaelsmith:

{{People
|Type of person=Individual
|Date of birth=28 Jan 1837
|Date approximate=No
|Place of birth=Halse, Somerset, England.
|Date of arrival=7 Apr 1849
|Date approximate2=No
|Principal occupation=Carpenter, Council Officer
|Date approximate3=No
|Date of death=26 Sep 1922
|Date approximate4=No
|Place of decease=Joslin, South Australia, Australia
}}
Extract from the Gawler "Bunyip", Friday, September 29, 1922, under the heading "ACROSS THE BOURNE"--Death of Mr Philip Cheek.
States the following information;
Mr Cheek:
• arrived in Australia in 1849 and came to Gawler in 1854.

• Assisted at the then Post office

• Learnt the Trade of Carpenter through several firms

• ‘During his connection with these firms, most of the principal buildings of the town were erected’

• ‘proved a highly esteemed and popular citizen’

• in 1860, he was the originator of Riggs' Viceregal Band, fulfilling the post of conductor

• In 1869 he was chairman of the building trades association, fighting for the 8-hour workweek. This was adopted in 1873

• In 1870 – 1877 and again 1879-1918, Mr Cheek was appointed Inspector to the Gawler Corporation

• He, therefore, had an almost continuous association with the Corporation for 48 years.

• For more than 60 years Mr Cheek was the choirmaster at the Tod Street Methodist Church

• He was the oldest Forester in Gawler, joining in 1857

• a member of the Oddfellows Order, Manchester Unity, and was the auditor for both bodies for many years

We thank Jacinta Weiss for this contribution.

Additional information provided by Allen Tiller:

Mr Cheek Departed England on 5 JAN 1849 from Plymouth, Devon, England, arriving in South Australia on 7 April

Philip Cheek was the Conductor of the Gawler Methodist choir for 50+ years.

Mr Cheek worked as Inspector of Weights and Measures - Town of Gawler - <[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article100413847 click here]> to read a newspaper article about Mr Cheek weighing bread in Gawler.

Philip Cheek married Olivia Penaluna on 13 August 1863 at the Wesleyan Chapel, Gawler.

Olivia Cheek nee Penaluna (1845-1908)

To read Philip Cheek's obituary <[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article97758627 click here]>

Together they had 9 children:
Arthur Thomas Cheek (1864–1866), Robert Cheek (1866–1922), Leonard Mankey Cheek (1867–1875), Emily Aves Cheek (1869–1944), Arthur Forgie Cheek (1872–1943), Olive Jane Cheek (1874–1906), Herbert Philip Cheek (1876–1876), Albert James Cheek (1879–1911), Muriel Elizabeth Cheek (1887–1947)

Please <[https://www.flickr.com/photos/gawler_history/albums/72157640336705105 click here]> to view photos of Philip and Olivia Cheek.

.
{{Info
|Related Articles=Cheek Elizabeth Muriel
|FlickrID=49136314101, 7344818294
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Cheek Philip and Olivia

2019-12-30T02:48:23Z

Michaelsmith:

{{People
|Type of person=Individual
|Date of birth=28 Jan 1837
|Date approximate=No
|Place of birth=Halse, Somerset, England.
|Date of arrival=7 Apr 1849
|Date approximate2=No
|Principal occupation=Carpenter, Council Officer
|Date approximate3=No
|Date of death=26 Sep 1922
|Date approximate4=No
|Place of decease=Joslin, South Australia, Australia
}}
Extract from the Gawler "Bunyip", Friday, September 29, 1922, under the heading "ACROSS THE BOURNE"--Death of Mr Philip Cheek.
States the following information;
Mr Cheek:
• arrived in Australia in 1849 and came to Gawler in 1854.

• Assisted at the then Post office

• Learnt the Trade of Carpenter through several firms

• ‘During his connection with these firms, most of the principal buildings of the town were erected’

• ‘proved a highly esteemed and popular citizen’

• in 1860, he was the originator of Riggs' Viceregal Band, fulfilling the post of conductor

• In 1869 he was chairman of the building trades association, fighting for the 8-hour workweek. This was adopted in 1873

• In 1870 – 1877 and again 1879-1918, Mr Cheek was appointed Inspector to the Gawler Corporation

• He, therefore, had an almost continuous association with the Corporation for 48 years.

• For more than 60 years Mr Cheek was the choirmaster at the Tod Street Methodist Church

• He was the oldest Forester in Gawler, joining in 1857

• a member of the Oddfellows Order, Manchester Unity, and was the auditor for both bodies for many years

We thank Jacinta Weiss for this contribution.

Additional information provided by Allen Tiller:

Mr Cheek Departed England on 5 JAN 1849 from Plymouth, Devon, England, arriving in South Australia on 7 April

Philip Cheek was the Conductor of the Gawler Methodist choir for 50+ years.

Mr Cheek worked as Inspector of Weights and Measures - Town of Gawler - <[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article100413847 click here]> to read a newspaper article about Mr Cheek weighing bread in Gawler.

Philip Cheek married Olivia Penaluna on 13 August 1863 at the Wesleyan Chapel, Gawler.

Olivia Cheek nee Penaluna (1845-1908)
To read Philip Cheek's obituary ,[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article97758627 click here]>

Together they had 9 children:
Arthur Thomas Cheek (1864–1866), Robert Cheek (1866–1922), Leonard Mankey Cheek (1867–1875), Emily Aves Cheek (1869–1944), Arthur Forgie Cheek (1872–1943), Olive Jane Cheek (1874–1906), Herbert Philip Cheek (1876–1876), Albert James Cheek (1879–1911), Muriel Elizabeth Cheek (1887–1947)

Please <[https://www.flickr.com/photos/gawler_history/albums/72157640336705105 click here]> to view photos of Philip and Olivia Cheek.

.
{{Info
|Related Articles=Cheek Elizabeth Muriel
|FlickrID=49136314101, 7344818294
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}

Cheek Philip and Olivia

2019-12-30T02:41:09Z

Michaelsmith:

{{People
|Type of person=Individual
|Date of birth=28 Jan 1837
|Date approximate=No
|Place of birth=Halse, Somerset, England.
|Date of arrival=7 Apr 1849
|Date approximate2=No
|Principal occupation=Carpenter, Council Officer
|Date approximate3=No
|Date of death=26 Sep 1922
|Date approximate4=No
|Place of decease=Joslin, South Australia, Australia
}}
Extract from the Gawler "Bunyip", Friday, September 29, 1922, under the heading "ACROSS THE BOURNE"--Death of Mr Philip Cheek.
States the following information;
Mr Cheek:
• arrived in Australia in 1849 and came to Gawler in 1854.

• Assisted at the then Post office

• Learnt the Trade of Carpenter through several firms

• ‘During his connection with these firms, most of the principal buildings of the town were erected’

• ‘proved a highly esteemed and popular citizen’

• in 1860, he was the originator of Riggs' Viceregal Band, fulfilling the post of conductor

• In 1869 he was chairman of the building trades association, fighting for the 8-hour workweek. This was adopted in 1873

• In 1870 – 1877 and again 1879-1918, Mr Cheek was appointed Inspector to the Gawler Corporation

• He, therefore, had an almost continuous association with the Corporation for 48 years.

• For more than 60 years Mr Cheek was the choirmaster at the Tod Street Methodist Church

• He was the oldest Forester in Gawler, joining in 1857

• a member of the Oddfellows Order, Manchester Unity, and was the auditor for both bodies for many years

We thank Jacinta Weiss for this contribution.

Additional information provided by Allen Tiller:

Mr Cheek Departed England on 5 JAN 1849 from Plymouth, Devon, England, arriving in South Australia on 7 April

Philip Cheek was the Conductor of the Gawler Methodist choir for 50+ years.

Mr Cheek worked as Inspector of Weights and Measures - Town of Gawler - <[http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article100413847 click here]> to read a newspaper article about Mr Cheek weighing bread in Gawler.

Philip Cheek married Olivia Penaluna on 13 August 1863 at the Wesleyan Chapel, Gawler.

Olivia Cheek nee Penaluna (1845-1908)

Together they had 9 children:
Arthur Thomas Cheek (1864–1866), Robert Cheek (1866–1922), Leonard Mankey Cheek (1867–1875), Emily Aves Cheek (1869–1944), Arthur Forgie Cheek (1872–1943), Olive Jane Cheek (1874–1906), Herbert Philip Cheek (1876–1876), Albert James Cheek (1879–1911), Muriel Elizabeth Cheek (1887–1947)

Please <[https://www.flickr.com/photos/gawler_history/albums/72157640336705105 click here]> to view photos of Philip and Olivia Cheek.

.
{{Info
|Related Articles=Cheek Elizabeth Muriel
|FlickrID=49136314101, 7344818294
}}
{{MemoryHeader}}
{{MemoryFooter}}