MIZZENI, Mr Edward Albert (Ted)

EDWARD ALBERT (TED) MIZZENI

       23.09.1880 - 22.10.1958

Edward Albert (Ted) Mizzeni was born at Campbelltown to Maurice and Elizabeth.  His father Maurizio Meggini came from Sondria on the Swiss/Italian border.  He had been a soldier in Garibaldi’s Army.  He landed in Sydney and due to difficulty in communication when arriving, his name was changed to Mezzini.

He made his way to Campbelltown where he had a small farm. Ted was born on September 23rd 1880. He received his schooling Campbelltown, and at an early age, he went to work at Miss Wilson’s grocery and hardware store in Smeaton, for 6 shillings a week. 

Ted worked hard and was able to buy the shop.  He married Elizabeth Clarke in the Primitive Methodist Church in 1906.  They lived in the house adjacent to the shop and had 4  children – Jessie (Mrs Nichols) in 1907, William Smeaton (Bill) in 1910, Merle (Mrs Wilson) in 1911 and Lorna (Mrs Gervasoni) in 1915.

Ted sold the shop and bought the 2000 acre property ‘Carlowrie’ which is still in the family.  There was a timber house at Ti Tree Road where they lived, unfortunately it no longer exists.  He had sheep and cattle and also grew some seed.

Ted was known to be a gentleman who was both persuasive and tenacious.   These qualities made him valuable to so many organisations.

As President of the Smeaton Hall, for 30 years he was the stalwart of the committee.

Both he and Mrs Mizzeni worked hard for the Creswick Hospital.  They led the Smeaton auxilliary of the hospital, then he joined the hospital committee and became president of that body from 1953-55.

For 5 years he was President of the Kooroocheang Fire Brigade; the Rural Fire Brigade Association also made him their President.

He was also active in many other local and district organisations including the Creswick Havilah Masonic Lodge for 50 years.  

He joined the Shire Council and was the last President of the Shire of Creswick.  When the Shire and Borough of Creswick amalgamated on June 13th 1934, he had the honour of being elected as the first Shire President. 

Ted Mizzeni enjoyed life.  He was in the Gun Club and was a good shot.  He was known as a kind man, who often drove people who did not have their own transport into Ballarat.  Some of his grandchildren had holidays on the farm which they remember with pleasure.

Edward died on 22nd October 1958.  His funeral at Smeaton Presbyterian Church, which he had attended regularly, was reported in The Creswick Advertiser as “one of the biggest funerals this district has seen for a long time”.

Ted Mizzeni is a worthy addition to the Creswick Civic Honour Roll.