The Woof Family: From Sugar Mills to Sunshine Coast Legends
- catepatterson9
- May 31
- 3 min read
Welcome to the captivating story of Lizzie Smith and John Thomas (Jack) Woof—a tale of pioneering spirit, resilience, and family bonds set against the vibrant backdrop of Queensland’s early years.
Meet Lizzie Smith
Born on 27 September 1879 in Indooroopilly, Lizzie was the first Australian-born child in her family after the tragedy of losing both daughters on their journey from England. Growing up on a Redland Bay farm, Lizzie learned the value of hard work early, helping her parents and siblings manage crops and household duties. Moving to Montville during tough times, she spent her teens tending strawberries, bananas, and oranges, and soon met the Woof family through local farming circles.
Enter John Thomas (Jack) Woof
Jack Woof was born in Lancashire, England, in 1876, and journeyed to Australia at age seven. His family settled in Buderim, where they grew sugar cane, bananas, and citrus. Jack’s adventurous spirit led him to work on local farms, and fate brought him and Lizzie together.
A Love Story Rooted in the Land
Lizzie and Jack wed on 26 April 1899 at her family’s home, Orange Grove. They settled in Montville, building a home and a family near the land Lizzie’s father had purchased. Their household bustled with six children: Annie Elizabeth, Robert Frederick, Frances Isabel (Poppy), John Thomas, Montru George (Monty), Ellen Agnes (Nell), and Mary Olive. The children all attended Montville School, forming bonds that would shape their futures.
Triumph Over Adversity
Jack lost his left hand in a shooting accident but didn’t let this slow him down. He became a local cricket captain, a woodchopping competitor (famously beating two-handed men!), and a beloved community leader, organising dances, weddings, and fundraisers for decades.
Meanwhile, Lizzie proved a formidable manager—supporting her siblings, appearing on early electoral rolls, and teaching her daughters the art of dressmaking. The Woof children grew up helping on the farm and learning the importance of family and community.
Life Beyond the Farm
The Woof family enjoyed holidays at Maroochydore, thanks to a home purchased from Lizzie’s uncle. Family albums overflow with riverside snapshots and memories of fruit-packing championships won by the youngest daughter, Mary, and her cousins.
The Next Generation
Annie Elizabeth married Richard Woods, established a farm, and later opened a garage in Tewantin, raising three daughters.
Robert Frederick married Laura Skene; they grew strawberries at Darra and later managed holiday flats in Redcliffe.
Poppy, Nell, and Mary launched a successful Brisbane dressmaking business, with Poppy later marrying Jesse John Stenns (Stevo), a footballer and electrical contractor.
Monty, ever the outdoorsman, married Eveline Philpot, ran a shop, returned to farming, and became a professional fisherman, raising three children.
Nell married Jack Sinden, a war hero and sailing enthusiast, and they raised two sons in Brisbane.
Mary married Bert Duncalfe, settled in Ipswich, and together they ran a menswear store while raising four children.
Legacy
Jack passed in 1933, and Lizzie in 1942, but their legacy lives on. They were true pillars of Montville—champions of community, family, and hard work. Their descendants continue to cherish the values and traditions they established.
This is not just a family tree—it’s a celebration of perseverance, love, and the Queensland pioneering spirit!
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