CUNNINGHAM

Henry Cunningham, a farm labourer and Margaret nee Muir had 6 children, one of whom died in infancy:

• Michael - born 1871 (NSW BDM 13404/1871)
• Ellen - born 1873 (NSW BDM 14403/1873)
• Margaret - born at Goodiman Creek, 1874, died of a fever, aged 3 weeks.
• Patrick - born 1875 (NSW BDM 21475/1875)
• Rose - born 1877 (NSW BDM 22608/1877); married Michael Lett in Gulgong in 1894 (NSW BDM 3998/1894); died in Paddington in 1913 (NSW BDM 12647/1913). Their children were:
• Elsie M - (NSW BDM 5425/1895)
• Evelyn M - (NSW BDM 17701/1897)
• Augustus L - (NSW BDM 7005/1900)
• Katie M - (NSW BDM 8323/1902)
• Oscar W - (NSW BDM 28201/1904)
• Stephen H - (NSW BDM 24337/1906)
• Mary Jane - (NSW BDM 4106/1909)
• Michael S - (NSW BDM 33687/1913)
• Nellie - (NSW BDM 16232/1911)
• James - born 1879 (NSW BDM 25615/1879)

NEWS ITEMS

1908 - Mudgee Quarter Sessions

The Mudgee Quarter Sessions began on, Tuesday last, before Acting Judge Scholes. Mr Dawson acted as Crown Prosecutor.

MALICIOUSLY KILLING SHEEP.

Michael Henry Cunningham was charged with, at Cullengoral on 12th Nov., maliciously killing a sheep the property of Henry P. B. Bradley. Accused was defended by Mr. C. D. Meares.

The following jury was empanelled: A. C. Gaskin, Wm. Sawyers, W. J. McDiarmid, Edmund Pyne, A. E. Gentle, H. Hawkins, J. G. Wurth, C. H. Tomkins, Jessie Page, jun., Henry Mack, E. drivers and W. Bryant.

Arthur William Colls, manager Cullengoral Station, deposed: I remember 12th November last; a man named Smith was in my employ; gave him certain instructions; saw him at 1 p.m. the same day; then went to Gulgong and asked Constable Ferris to come to the homestead with me; we went two miles to the dip yards; there we saw Smith, and he showed us a sheep that was shot through the head; the sheep was alive then, and it was taken to the homestead and locked in a room; I took the key; at 6 a.m. the next morning the sheep was dead; the head was taken off and boiled; the skull is produced bearing bullet marks; the skin is also produced showing registered ear mark and tar brand; accused had no permission from me to kill the sheep; he lives about two miles away with his father; there are five or six children also; I have never known them to work in any way.

John Pearce Smith, boundary rider at Cullengoral, deposed: I remember 12th November; I went mustering, and while so engaged I saw the accused; he came out of his fathers paddock; he carried a gun and had two dogs with him; I heard the report of the gun and saw the sheep fall; I had seen the accused come through the fence and I watched him go up the creek; I saw him for about 20 minutes going up the creek, but I did not see him just as the sheep was shot, for he [was then] behind a tree; I did not see the [accus]ed after the shot was fired; I did ?? hear accused giving evidence at [Gulgong] police court; the accused had a ?? e the day before the sheep was ??e was shooting wallabies.

Smith examined by Mr Meares: He was walking on one side of the creek and I was riding on the other, and as far as I know he did not see me; it is reasonable to suppose that the horse would make more noise than the man; it does appear slow travelling to only go 300 or 400 yards in 25 minutes; I never saw him after the shot was fired, although I only had ride to 80 or 90 yards on horseback; there is no reward for giving information re killing sheep.

Constable Scott, of Gulgong, deposed: I know accused Cunningham; charged him with killing one sheep, the property of Cullengoral station, on 12th Nov.; he said, 'I was not there, I was up at Goodiman bees-nesting'; he said he got no honey and nobody was with him; he said he could not take me to where he got the bees' nest; I did not hear accused give evidence at the police court.

Cross-examined by Mr Meares: Senior Constable Ferris was in charge of the case; I knew nothing of the evidence given at the court. Mr Meares asked his Honor if he thought there was sufficient evidence ??ad the case to the jury.

His Honor: I do, Mr Meares. ??he defence.

??Michael Henry Cunningham, a ??labourer, residing at Goodiman Creek deposed: I have lived in this part of the district about four months; I have never been charged with any offence before; it is not true that I shot a sheep on the 12th Nov.; I was not in the paddock at all; I do very little shooting; I knew nothing of the charge till served with summons on the Thursday morning; I told Scott I was away bees nesting; I went for a bee's nest on the morning of the 12th; we left about 9 o'clock, got the honey and brought it home; I had no solicitor appearing for me at the Gulgong police court, though there was a solicitor against me.

By Crown Prosecutor: I am living in a tent; there are ten of us; Mick Lett went harvesting ; I have been rabbiting while there; I earned 15s to 20s a week; we got our meat from Gulgong; I was not shooting at all on the 12th November, but Michael Lett had a rifle with him in the afternoon; Lett fired eight shots at a tree near his house about 11 a.m.; the constable did not ask me to come and show him the tree.

Michael Daniel Lett, a general laborer, and brother-in-law of the accused, residing at Goodiman, deposed: On the 14th November accused showed me a summons charging him with maliciously killing a sheep on the 12th November; he was with me from 7 a.m. till late in the afternoon of 12th; in the forenoon we went bees nesting; we robbed a nest and got back to the house about 11a.m.; I then was fixing a sight on the rifle; after dinner we went wallaby shooting, and he accompanied me to do the skinning; it would not be possible for him to be in the paddock where the sheep was shot at the time it was shot.

By the Crown Prosecutor: We all assist to keep the family; I go digging when I have no work; I have heard that sheep have been shot on Cullengoral estate; accused has a pea rifle.

By Mr Meares: Accused was present while I was firing eight shots to sight my rifle.

John P. Smith, re-called, stated: The sheep was shot about 9 a.m.

After Mr Meares had addressed the jury, his Honor summoned up.

The jury after a retirement of three hours found the accused guilty, and he was sentenced to 18 months, imprisonment in Goulburn gaol.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 6 Feb 1908 Page 11

1935 - GULGONG PERSONAL

MR. Michael Lett, who was a patient in the Gulgong Hospital, left the institution a few days ago. He had some of his ribs broken, the result of his horse bolting and throwing him out of his sulky.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 4 Apr 1935 Page 12

1938 - Mr. Michael Lett

The death occurred in the Gulgong District Hospital on Saturday evening last of Mr. Michael Lett, an old resident of Gulgong.

Deceased was a native of the district and in his younger days resided at Mebul, where his parents owned a property. He was 65 years of age. He acquired a small property at Beryl, which he disposed of about three years ago, taking up residence with his daughter, Mrs. R. Lyons, of Belmore Street, Gulgong.

Deceased, who was highly esteemed, was well and favorably known throughout the district.

The following family survives:— Messrs. Leo Lett (Merriwa), Oscar Lett (Gulgong), H. Lett (Sydney), Mesdames A. C. Honeysette, R. Lyons, and Roy Cross (all of Gulgong), and L. Dower (Sydney).

Brothers and sisters who survive are:— Messrs. D. Lett, T. Lett and G. Lett (all of Gulgong), and W. Lett (Dubbo), Mrs. H. Hill (Beryl), and Miss M. Lett (Sydney).

The funeral took place to the Catholic portion of the Gulgong cemetery on Monday afternoon, the Rev. Father Foley officiating.

Mr. R. S. Bayliss carried out the arrangements. Our sympathy is extended.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 1 Sep 1938 Page 12

1938 - [DEATH]

The death occurred in the Gulgong District Hospital of Mr. Michael S. Lett, aged 65 years. Deceased, who was a native of the district, is survived by a grown up family.

Source: Wellington Times (NSW : 1899 - 1941; 1943 - 1954) Thu 8 Sep 1938 Page 14

1942 - GULGONG PERSONAL

Mr. 'Mick' Lett, jun., formerly of Gulgong, now working at Mogriguy for a charcoal producing contractor, spent a few days in his old home town during this week.

'Mick' is a son of the late Mr. Michael Lett, sen:, who lived in the present residence of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Honeysett. Whilst in town 'Mick' looked up his sisters, Mrs. Andrew Honeysett, Mrs. Roy Cross, and his brother, Mr. Bob Lett, of Little Belmore Street.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 12 Nov 1942 Page 17

BLANNING

NEWS ITEMS

1916 - WOUNDED - CORPORAL S. BLANNING.
Corporal Stanley Blanning son of Mrs W. B. Thomas, Gulgong, has been wounded in France.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Fri 25 Aug 1916 Page 8

1917 - WOUNDED
T.-cpl. STANLEY BLANNING, Gulgong (second occasion).

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Sat 2 Jun 1917 Page 16

 
1929 - Obituary - CORPORAL STAN. BLANNING.

Corporal Stan. Blanning, who was well known in Gulgong passed away early on Tuesday last, at the residence of his mother, Mrs. Amelia Thomas, Medley-street, Gulgong.

Corporal Blanning, who was 44 years of age enlisted during the early part of the great war, being in the second reinforcements, 18th Battalion, 6th Brigade. He claimed that he was among the last of the Australian soldiers at the evacuation of Gallipoli.

He was a native of Gulgong and enlisted there. Prior to enlisting Corporal Blanning was an employee of Jas. Loneragan (Gulgong) Co., and had also been in quite a number of country towns. For the past five years he had been living with his mother and had been suffering from the effects of war wounds and gas. The funeral was held on Tuesday afternoon, a very impressive service being conducted at the graveside by Mr. J. New-Campbell, lay-reader of the Church of England, in the absence of the Rector, the Rev. L. V. Caldwell.

The coffin was enshrouded with the Union Jack, and returned soldiers acted as pall bearers. The Last Post was sounded by Pte. W. Allan. Deep sympathy is extended to the bereaved relatives.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 21 Feb 1929 Page 11

MILITARY RECORD: Stanley Blanning

PARTICULARS OF SERVICE IN THE AIF IN CONNECTION WITH Ex No 1657 Cpl Stanley Blanning 8th Battalion

Headstone in Gulgong Cemetery
Source: Austcemindex

SLY GROG

EDITORIAL

It has often been asserted by us, by the miners, and in fact by every unprejudiced person on the goldfield, that the administration of the law in our police court is capable of very great improvement. The grounds for this general complaint has received a further confirmation by the proceedings connected with the sly-grog prosecutions that have filled the Police Court with a large audience almost daily during the past week, and afforded them lessons in human frailty that will not be readily forgotten.

The offence of sly grog selling is one that, despite all legislation, exists in every part of the Colony. It exists the in the metropolis, in the most obscure of pastoral locality, and flourishes luxuriantly on goldfields. It has defied the most ingenious efforts of the Parliament and Police to "wipe it out." It seems that it is an offensive against the revenue laws that, like dummying under the Land Act, cannot be eradicated. Such being its peculiarities, it may not be quite a waste of time if we briefly consider the effect that enforcing the provisions of the Publican's Act has upon the public morality, and also whether these so called prosecution's are calculated to suppress the offence and purge our social life. We have watched the development of sly grog selling on the goldfields in all it various phases, and unhesitatingly assert that the present mode is not in any way calculated to "prevent the growth of this social evil."

Sly grog selling on the goldfields differs in many points from the same trade in townships. When a rush takes place to some uninhabited locality where no licensed vendors of grog have a "local habitation or a name", there comes with the influx of miners the camp followers or providers who supply their many wants. One of the wants of the horny-handed sons of toil is strong drink. The cumbrous character of our revenue laws prevent licenses for the retail of fermented and spirituous liquors being obtained promptly. A pretentious building providing specified accommodation has first to be erected, then a month's notice has to be given, then attendance at a Court of Petty Sessions is compulsory, and at last all the forms are gone through and the applicant is duly authorised to sell grog by paying the annual licence fee of £30.

Now why all this delay should occur in obtaining a publicans licence on a goldfield has ever appeared to us absurd. It practically holds out inducements for the creation and support of unlicensed vendors of alcohol. Those who love strong drink, either as a vice or a social custom will not wait until licensed houses are in existence for its sale, but will drink it and pay for it wherever they can obtain it. It is thus "shanties" are erected and fostered. When licensed houses become prolific in numbers, they do not, to any material extent, injure the shanty, because a connection having been made, the customers of the unlicensed vendor cling to their old love, despite the attractions of the licensed rival. If some ready mode existed by which spirit licenses at a reduced fee - say £15 , could be issued on a new goldfield, after a short notice of application, say one week, and by which the necessity for providing hotel accommodation could be extended for, say 6 months, the old offence of sly grog selling would become reduced to a minimum, and that public benefit be conferred by bringing the places under the surveillance of the Police. It is the delay, the costly building, and the high licence fee that creates shanties, and such being the case - which no experience person will deny - the law to be effective should be adapted to these proven facts. We care not how severe the punishment may be for sly grog selling, it will, under the present mode of licensing houses, exist, in spite of Police, informants, and temperance loving justices.

The manner in which the recent batch of sly grog prosecutions has been conducted was deserving of the severest condemnation. The guilt of the unfortunate defendant was considered as a matter of course, by all in anyway, concerned in the administration of the law. The witnesses and the defendants, no matter how numerous or respectable, were disbelieved, and that of two wretched bipeds, who had a pecuniary interests in swearing strongly and positively, was accepted as gospel truth. It is something repulsive to our ideas of holding the scales of Justice evenly, that persons charged with keeping a shanty, known to be such by repute, to the Police, and patronised as such by them, is allowed to exist for months, and then suddenly are summoned for the unauthorised vendors of spirit. We denounce most emphatically such conduct, as an outraged upon decency and morality. When these offenders appear before the Bench they are insulted, insinuations are heaped upon them freely, their witnesses are called perverts of the truth, and most unfeeling remarks are made upon their persons, vocation, and habits. One sapient justice had the ignorant audacity to sit upon the judgment seat and say "that he had made up his mind to fine them all," and while not a total abstainer himself, preached what he does not practice. We protest in the name of justice against such persons being privileged to fine and confine helpless women, without giving their cases serious and impartial consideration. If two common informants, who have a direct interest in proving their charge, are to be believed before 6 witnesses for the defence, we say that it is contrary to British Law, to common sense, and universal justice. We will take the case of the woman Sarah Walker, whose defence did, in the mind of any unprejudiced hearer, fully rebut the informants evidence, yet she was fined £30 and costs. No wonder the very learned gentleman - Dr Belinfante - who appeared for her, and did his duty ably and eloquently should explain, "Your Worships, I'll not call witnesses in these cases any more, you may fine them and I will appeal." It is painful to hear such strong language uttered by a professional gentleman, who has been taught to look up to the administrators of the law with respect. His rebuke ought to be keenly felt by those to whom it was addressed; at all events, we earnestly hope it will not be forgotten. If the Police Magistrate, whom we believe to be an honest, conscientious gentleman, would cast aside his diffidence and assume his true position on the Bench, and make everyone, from his brother justices to the lowest creature in the court - the sly grog informer - feel that he is Chairman of the Bench of Magistrates. There would be none of the many mutterings heard that now prevail. Unless a change in the administration of the law is not soon inaugurated, we feel certain that there will be an outburst of the pent-up feelings of the aggrieved that will be long remembered.

The offence of sly grog selling is one that should not exist; nor would it with proper legislation. We have no sympathy with the offenders, who are as a body no better or no worse than their neighbours. If the licensed publican has to spend some hundreds in providing suitable hotel accommodation, pay a heavy licence fee, and can only sell within certain hours of the day, he should be adequately protected from the competition of sly grog vendors, who are under no such control or expense. But we demanded that when these offenders are summoned to a police court, they should not be dealt with in an exceptional manner. The law of evidence should be adhered to strictly; their quilt should not be assume, nor their conviction be decided upon before their evidence is heard. It is the non-observance of these judicial rules that creates for them a morbid popular sympathy, and dares them to again pursue their unauthorised occupation. We blame a lax police supervision for the development that sly grog selling has assumed on this goldfield.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 49, 20 January 1872

WOMEN ON THE GOLDFIELD

NEWS ITEMS

1871 - [SLY GROG]

At stump orators say, our society has been shook to its centre during the whole week by the raid made by the firm of Ephraim Lhobeth and Co., [euphonious named firm] ‘‘revenue protectors and public morals vindicators” on all decent married women on the gold-field who try to make an honest penny by catering for the thirsty miners by giving him a drop of sly grog. No less than sixteen of these generous hearted, but illicit vendors of grog, have had to put in an appearance before their worships in Mudgee and there was no little excitement when this large detachment of beauty and fashion of Gulgong arrived at the Temple of Justice on Monday. Some became overpowered by the heat, their Worships taking pity on the fairer sex adjourned the case till Wednesday. Meanwhile when Ephraim approached he was given a ‘piece of the minds’ of some of the friends of the ladies in question.

Sly Grog Selling.

• William Drew - a Storekeeper at Gulgong – charged by Charles Bowyer, with Ephriam Lhobeth and John Petherick. Thomas Shaw, miner gave evidence for the defence - fined 30/-
• Eleanor Ward – charged by Charles Bowyer. Withdrawn.
• Mary Ann Whitfield – Charles Bowyer informant again, Catherine Hayward mentioned – dismissed.
• Mary Wall of Black Lead, Restaurant Keeper, her husband lives there, with same offence - again Charles Bowyer informant with Robert Welsh - fined £30.
• Elizabeth Clairmont – has a store on Black Lead charged as above, again Charles Bowyer.
• Catherine Wales same as above, Bowyer stated that Welsh was very fond of grog and would go anywhere for a drink - usual fine.
• Agnes Lloyd charged as a above, Lloyd is her maiden name, married name Mears – withdrawn.
• Jane Casilian charged as above this time Ephriam Lhobeth [Frenchman], James Parker and Charles Bowyer, in her own home Gulgong. Vincent Casilian and Italian ‘I keep no other drink but abscyth’
• Assault & Sly Grog - Sarah Walker with striking Charles Bowyer – withdrawn.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 3, 4 March 1871

1871 - Lunacy

A woman named Margaret Stack aged 33 years from Gulgong was brought up before the PM and H. Tebutt for examination, Drs. Cutting and Rowling assisted, the poor creature was sent to the Receiving House Darlinghurst, for further medical treatment.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 8, 8 April 1871

1871 - [SLY GROG]

On Tuesday last our sympathies were keenly outraged by seeing a number of decent married women with their respective olive branches being gallantly escorted by ‘our guardians in blue’ to Tarrant’s coach, en route to Mudgee goal, there to expiate - of a £30 for sly grog selling viz., three months board and residence in that country retreat. While we do not agree with the sale of illicit grog, it does repulse us to see that a woman having a husband, should with her young innocent children, be sent to goal for 3 months for an offence that is allowed to develop with the knowledge, and often the patronage of those whose duty it is to prevent it.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 8, 8 April 1871

1871 - OLD AND DESTITUTE

Isabella Brady a poor worn out old woman who was brought up on charges of being without visible support was given one month in Mudgee gaol for her protection and medical treatment. 

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 13, 13 May 1871

1871 - POLIC COURT

Assault - Mary Madigan married woman, appeared in court with a child in her arms, charged a man named Kane with assaulting her the previous evening. Kane was drinking with her husband at their house, Kane knocked the husband down. John Hackester gave evidence. Dismissed.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 26, 12 August 1871

1871 - Serious Stabbing Affray - A husbands Revenge. 

At about 9pm on Sunday night last the residents in the upper part of Herbert Street were alarmed by hearing the shrieks of a woman proceeding from across the street at the rear of the new Joint Stock Bank. A crowd, attracted by the cries, proceeded to the spot, where is was found that a man named James Henry Bell had attacked his wife and a man named James Smith with whom she was cohabiting. Bell and his wife were married in February last, and have lived unhappily ever since. Bell had been charged before with threatening her and breaking up a sewing machine and sent to goal for one month. He had sold their dwelling and she had gone to Smith’s hut with her two children from a previous marriage. When released from goal, Bell discovered where is wife was and started to threaten her. On Sunday morning Bell met Smith in the street and stated he was starving and Smith gave him half a crown. Ten minutes later Bell arrived at Smith’s house armed with a tomahawk and a butchers knife, attacked Mrs. Bell, who received a wound to the forehead, stab wounds in the back and arm, she is near her confinement. Smith was stabbed in the lower abdomen and Bell himself had a blow with a tomahawk on the back of the head. Detectives Powell and Hannan arrested Bell, who has been remanded for 8 days. Dr. Ramsay attended the wounded, they are all on the way to a fair recovery.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 28, 26 August 1871

1871 - Road Side Shafts

There is an urgent necessity for the prompt enactment of some regulation by which shafts sunk within a certain distance of any road or footpath shall be protected against accidents by having an embankment or logs around the shafts, high enough to prevent people falling down them. The woman Helena Victor, who was killed on Monday morning last by falling down a shaft, would have escaped death had the mine been protected as we have suggested. This is a matter that the Progress Committee might well take in hand, if they had not already done so.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 29, 2 September 1871

1871 - Fatal Accident to a woman.

A magisterial inquiry took place on Monday 28th before J.P. Plunkett JP at the Black Lead Hotel, into the death of Ellen Victor, whose body had been taken from a shaft on the Black Lead Road, early in the morning of the same day.

About seven in the morning Patrick Lawler in formed Constable Flaherty that a woman had fallen down a shaft. He responded and was present when the body was removed and placed in the hotel.

Lawler stated that she came to him at 5 am asking instructions on how to get to the Black Lead road as she had been lost all night. He pointed her in the right direction and a few minutes later he heard a scream followed by a dull thud. He then roused some neighbours and they found her down a nearby shaft. 

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 29, 2 September 1871

1871 - Notice
I hereby publicly declare that I have authorised no woman to assume my name as my wife. Mark Gless.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 33, 30 September 1871

1871 - POLICE COURT

Obscene language — an old woman, Jane Mould charged, fined 20s.

Idle and Disorderly - Catherine Booth, better known as Scotch Kate, charged under the Vagrant Act as an idle and disorderly character. Arrested about mid-night by Constable Fitzpatrick in Herbert Street, in company with 3 men. Numerous previous convictions. 6 months hard labour Mudgee goal.

How doth the Little Busy Bee - Mrs. Golden charged with assaulting Mrs. Elliot. Complainant stated that early last week her husband got a hive of bees in Queen Street, and the next day asked her to watch them. She did so, and on seeing them coming out she ‘handed her child to a friend, and went to tin kettle them.’ As she was thus engaged, defendant came out, called her a drunkard, and struck her on the hand with a bell. There were many people present at the time, but no witnesses were called. Ruth Mitchell and Matilda Flacknoe, two witnesses for the defence they saw nothing of the assault Dismissed.

Mrs. Elliot v T. Golden - Complainant stated that at the time, alluded to the last case defendant came out and caught her by the shoulder threatened to smash her face and shook her, also putting his hand in her face. In cross examination complainant denied that the defendant asked her to stop tin kettling as his son was dangerously ill [since died.] Defendant said bees belonged to the man whose property they settled on, fined 15/6.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 38, 4 November 1871

1871 - Opening of the Hospital

We are glad to be able to state that the hospital was opened on Wednesday last, for the admission of pa-tients. As the funds are very low, the admission of patients will be confined to accidents and other cases in the opinion of the committee and the medical of-ficer are considered eligible.

The first patient was a woman form Tallawang who was admitted last Wednesday evening.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 40, 18 November 1871

1872 - Heroic Boy 

On New Year’s Day a woman on Billy Goat Hill ,who does not bear a very respectable character, went to the Temperance Picnic and locked her children outside the house. The little ones enduring the scorching hot sun for some hours began to cry for something to eat; the eldest boy a youngster about seven years old, after a great deal of trouble managed to get on the top of the house and then on the top of the chimney and let himself down the chimney into the inside, the others outside crying ‘Here’s a crack put some bread through this ‘O’ don’t eat it all’;  the boy having secured a loaf of bread got up the chimney again onto the roof and thence to the ground where the little ones clustered around him while he divided the loaf.  It is a pity the law could not teach this pattern of mother a lesson. 

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 47, 6 January 1872

1872 - Another Mother  

A woman in a state of intoxication, with an infant about a month old was found laying prostrate in the street, a kind Samaritan for the child's sake took the woman and infant into her home; having put her to bed, this paragon of maternal affection took her child and through it on the ground. On hearing this the police went to the house and arrested her, when an acquaintance promised to take the woman home and attend to her until she was sober. The police there upon gave her over to the woman, and saw the last of her.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 47, 6 January 1872

1872 - Sly Grog Selling.

There was a lively session at yesterdays Gulgong Police Court. No less than 19 summons were issued against sly-grog sellers, mostly against the ‘fair ones’ of Gulgong. Such a distribution of ‘silks and flowers’ has never been seen in the court before; and the ladies experienced a reciprocity of feeling as the ominous sounds “fined £30“ was uttered from the forum.

Only the cases of Margaret Ryan and Elsie Moffitt were disposed of. The informants were two beauties belonging to the genus homo; one had been a clown in a circus, and the other an unfortunate digger and splitter. So they put their heads together to enjoy pale brandy at the expense of the women, turned informers, but kept a most respectable distance from the young ladies who several times inadvertently expressed the desire of “laying hold of them”. The remainder of the cases will be disposed of next Tuesday.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 48, 13 January 1872

1872 - POLICE COURT

Sly Grog Selling 

• Mrs. Haggart [Canadian Lead], informers Bradley and Curr. Fined £30.
• Eliza Willoughby - Queen Street charged as above, same informers. Fined £30 and costs, to appeal. 
• Leah Hall - Queen Street, charged as above, same informers, but witnesses proved that the informers erred in this case, dismissed.
• Mrs. Leroux, Black Lead, charged as above by the same informers. Several witnesses swore that the informers gave false evidence but the Bench believed the informers. Fined £30 and costs.
• Ellen Walker, a married woman, living on the Black Lead, and keeping a store was charged by Sgt. O’Donnell. Bradley and Curr informers. Charles Wilson, Edward Tidswell, Andrew Whakely and Sarah Walker gave evidence that no grog was sold, that the husband was a member of the Sons of Temperance, who never allowed liquor on the premises. The respectability of the defendant was also proved for the past ten years, and although the witnesses swore on oath and were not impeached, swore contrary to the informers [men of doubtful character] the informers evidence was taken and the defendant was fined £30, half goes to the informants, as it in all other cases.

Murderous Assault – Henry Thomas Wilson charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm by striking Catherine Senior over the head and face with the back part of an axe. Dr. Ramsay attended the woman, she had contused wound to the scalp and a large wound to the jaw, she was in an advanced stage of pregnancy. The woman fainted in court had was attended by Drs. Ramsay and Belinfante, case remanded till Friday

Sly Grog Selling - Louisa Painter charged, did not appear, new summons issued.
Mrs. Hutchinson charged as above, informers Bradley and Curr, denied, fined £30.
Mary Ann Brooks charged as above, same two informers, fined £30.
Mrs. McKenzie charged as above, case dismissed, she allowed the liquor to be sold but did not do the selling. Same two informers.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 49, 20 January 1872
 

1872 - [ADVERTISING]

Wanted - A Respectable young woman and Laundress and General Servant. Apply Mrs. Brady, Shamrock Hotel, corner of Herbert and Bayly Streets.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 52, 10 February 1872
 

1872 - [MURDER]

Mary Anne Young killed her husband Edward Jacob Young, a retail butcher, in the street opposite No 4 N Black Lead by stabbing him near he navel, with a very large butcher’s knife. The couple had quarrel, appears that a feeling of jealousy has mutually existed between them for sometime. The wretched woman appears to be horrified at what she had done, said ‘I am the person who done the deed; I don’t deny it. I did it in a heat of passion.’ The scene in the closing stage of the man’s life is said to be heart rendering, as the wife was kneeling beside the dying man, begging for forgiveness, the family of little children grouped around their parents crying bitterly. A man named John Duggan gave evidence as did Constable Stapleton.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 54, 21 February 1872

1872 - [POLICE COURT]

Drunk – One man and two women were charged with being drunk, discharged with a caution.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 59, 9 March 1872

1872 - Murder near Windeyer   

A woman, aged between 50  and 60, named Aveling Littler of Gulgong, wife of the late William Littler, was murder by John Conn alias Coyne, for her cart and horse. Conn’s wife was also involved. The murdered woman had a receipt in her pocket for the purchase of the horse and cart from Patrick McInerney.  Trial to held at Bathurst. 

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 60, 13 March 1872

1872 - POLICE COURT 

Wounding with Intent - Henry Thomas Wilson charged with wounding Catherine Senior, with a squaring hammer, a woman named Mary Ann, with whom he lived, mentioned.  Found guilty. 

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 62, 20 March 1872

1872 - [TOWN TALK]

I was much amused much against my will at the Police Court, on hearing of the assault case brought by one women against an other. A witness stated, ‘Both parties had they met half way between their houses and agreed to fight. They met twice and retired calling each other coward. The third time they met and fought manfully like two men. It was a finer fight I ever saw. Complainant got the worst of it. If that is not equal to anything in Amazonian His-tory, I’m afraid Gulgong cannot make a better effort.’ Another witness swore, ‘Twenty men were looking on at the fight and never interfered as they thought it was better to let the women fight it out.” There was a good lot of rough justice and wisdom in this as the result is that the conquered one is quiet and the victim wisely followers her example. I hope venerable attendants at tea-fights in the metropolis will not up-hold this little episode of social life on the diggings as an awful example of our depravity. The neighbourhood of this pair of Amazons must be a delightful place to hang out. Rent and building sites will surely rise and this “Paradise Row’ will become famous as a Sunday afternoon sight for the townsfolk who ‘do’ the Black Lead.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 63, 23 March 1872

1872 - COURT NEWS

Manslaughter – Mary Ann Young of her husband. Wm Thompson gave evidence, had often seen the prisoner being abused by her husband, she was a good clean woman, and always appeared to be on loving terms with her husband, he had often invited her to take a glass of wine but she had always refused. Imprisoned at Darlinghurst Gaol for 6 months.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 65, 30 March 1872

1872 - Police Court

Stealing – Ah Chan charged with stealing a ring property of Ah Kit, married to a white woman, did not know how to treat his wife, she was sick of being chained to her bed like a dog. Ah Chan was a mutual friend and sympathetic to Mrs. Ah Kit. A great many Celestials were examined, resulting in the case being dismissed.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 67, 6 April 1872

1872 - School of Arts

Decided to allow women to be admitted as members, at 2/6 per quarter. Those present at the meeting were Messrs. L.S. Donaldson, Stacey, Cairns, D. Driscoll, McDiarmid, Goulding and Cook. The Secretary was instructed to request members to contribute new or second hand books for the purpose of starting a library. Mr. McDonald was requested to commence his canvass for books are early as possible.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 105, 17 August 1872

1872 - POLICE COURT

Poor Unfortunates – Three poor unfortunate children – John Lewis, aged 9, Agnes Lewis aged 7 and Elizabeth Lewis aged 3½, belonging to a worthless woman named Agnes Lewis were brought up by the police as neglected. Constable Callaghan, stated in the compa-ny of Sergeant Keenan they took the three children up on warrant because they were living with a woman named Agnes Lewis, who was a well known prostitute and a drunkard, he had visited the place several times and it was always in a dirty state; on one occasion there was a man there who refused to give his name; several neighbours complained of the conduct of the woman. Sergeant Keenan corroborated the evidence of Constable Callaghan. The Bench ordered the children be sent to the Industrial School.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 137, 7 December 1872

1873 - Town Talk by Photo

While prowling around looking out for a subject to photo, I do see some curious sights, such only as can be seen on a goldfield. For instance, I was returning from the rush on the land of that lucky fellow, Squire Rouse, of Guntawang, recently opened by Bob Frazer, when I saw a new thing in gold mining, invented by Bowie Wilson and kept alive by the present reg-ulations. I had often heard of it but never had ocu-lar proof of this novelty until the other morning.

The novelty was a decent married woman, her grown-up daughter and four little olive branches shepherd-ing a claim in 160 feet sinking, over ninety of which is thought to be basalt, as hard as belt metal. I bid her good morning and asked how her claim was progress-ing and to hear her go into mining technicalities would be instructive to the Commissioner who I’m sure could not cope with her. She said her old man was in the prospecting claim and was now helping put down the third shaft. The basalt was hard, my word it looked it, took over forty points to drill one hole. She didn’t like dynamite in a deep shaft but mixed with powder it did rip the rock up. She and her younguns held six men’s ground, all had miner’s rights, always brought some sewing with her and did her two hours under a bough gunyah; made the littleuns learn to read while shepherding. If her old man struck gold would be able to sell five shares in No 1 [her claim] and keep one share. I asked her opinion about the lead and it was a caution to hear her go into details how Ballarat Jack and his mates at the hole over there where I saw the old man fossicking got good gold and it was traced in the shallow ground to where it dropped into the deep under the basalt. I felt small at this novel thing in woman’s rights and bid her good day, convinced that Bowie Wilson did not do a good thing when he amended the Goldfields Act so that ‘any person’ could on payment of ten bob obtain a miner’s right. I’ve seen two young women on the ‘Flat’ earn good wages cradling headings and afterwards saw them cradling a tiny lump of humanity but as an old miner who can date back to Eaglehawk Gully rush on old Bendigo, I felt mean to think that my free and independent calling has so awfully degenerated when a little child in napkins can hold one man’s ground.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 165, 15 March 1873

1873 - [SLY GROG]

There is another crusade now on against the sly-grog sellers. These poor people who principally consist of decent married women who somehow have lost the run of their husbands and very often their names, are harshly dealt with. They are allowed to develop into full blown shanties in which no trouble is taken to hide the fact that grog is sold. Everybody patronises them form a J. P. down to a Chinaman who love Old Tom; even our guardians in blue don’t disdain to try a nip of summit short in the long lonely hours of the night when they are prowling around ‘doing their du-ty’ and it is hard that after such favoured patronage these poor lone grass widows should fall victims to the dodges of a sly-grog informer. How I do hate these bipeds who are ready to play ‘Judas’ for half the thirty pieces. The cure for sly-grog selling is not by using libels on humanity or yet in passing Permissive Liquor Bills but in adopting the Queensland plan of granting a license to any house measuring at least 20 feet by 12 feet and open to inspection by the police at all hours of the day and night. No accommodation for travellers is required and the license fee is £10 per annum. This law has almost exterminated shanties in that colony and more, has improved the public morals, though Joe Wearne and his crowd would like to think so. Publicans may and do object to shanties but I know many of them who spend more money shouting in these unlicensed dens than they do in public. I reckon over £1000 has been paid on Gul-gong in fines by sly-grog sellers and I dare assert that there are as many now at the trade as there was – a proof that shanty keeping may be naughty but it’s nice.

Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 165, 15 March 1873

1874 - Police Court

Constable Joseph Evans has charged the following women with language offences, Mary Kenny, Jane Kenny and Melinda Wilkinson.

Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, March 24, 1874

1874 - Police Court - Insulting Language 

Gibbons v Makay - Mrs. Gibbons deposed that at the Black Lead near Wilson dam, Mrs. Makay used the language which was very filthy, about an hour later she came out of her house and offered to fight, and used the filthy remarks again.

Mrs. Gibbons: I did not square up to Mrs Makay but she squared up to me; I did not tuck up my sleeves.

Charles Haddleman: I was on the Black Lead that day and saw women quarrelling, using their tongues rapidly, they were very angry and I could not hear what they were saying.

Henry Kitchen: Saw the women, Mrs. Gibbons put her baby on the ground; couldn’t hear them.

Peter Wilson: Saw the parties, they were calling each other names and quarrelling,.

Respondent was fined 10/- and 5/- costs.

Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, July 25, 1874

1875 - [ROBBERY]

What May Happen to a Man at Gulgong - On Saturday last we gave our readers the evidence taken at Police Court in the prosecution of two females charged with robbery from the person, which resulted in the committal of the said females. It appears that Mr James Calder, who had just finished the contract for having erected a whim at the Welcome Reef, Three Mile, was paid off and came into town for a jovial holiday. As he left the Moonlight Hotel and was passing up Mayne Street, he was accosted by a woman whom he approached and was pulled into a house. Here, according to the evidence he was plied with grog, the money [8 pounds] taken from his purse and then unceremoniously thrust into the street. It did not appear clearly whether he was thrust out the back or front door, and perhaps this is not material. The circumstances should set as a warning to all others who have money and who are bibulous in their habits, not to be beguiled by the siren voices of women who reside in the locality of ‘Billy Goat Hill’.

Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, September 1, 1875

1875 - Police Court 

Drunk and Disorderly - Annie Newton charged again at Home Rule, has been convicted three times within twelve months, sentenced to three months gaol.

Protection - Martha Jane and Mary Jane Doherty, aged 12 and 10 years were brought up for protection by Sergeant Keenan, being the child of Annie Newton. Constable Evans supported Sergeant Kneepan’s evidence, Annie Newton was a prostitute and drunkard. The children were sent to the Industrial School.

Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, September 22 1875 

1876 - Police Court 

Protection - Ann Pearson brought up under warrant issued at the request of Mrs Ann McNab, an aged woman, who stated that the accused was her grand-daughter, aged 15 years and was the associate of common prostitutes. Constable Robert Forester made the arrest.

Mrs Ann McNab stated the girl’s father was living somewhere near O’Connell’s Plains, Bathurst and her mother was living with a Chinaman at Hargraves, the girl had been in the service at Mr T Ryan’s, he had treated her well; she would not taken their good advice, but would leave the house to seek the houses of the most abandoned women of the town.

Mrs Ellen Smith: She had know the girl for five years; the desolate women she kept company with were of lowest grade. Ordered to be sent to the Industrial School.

Another Waif - Charlotte Henry aged 10 years was charge with having no visible means of support. Constable Robert Forster made the arrest in Lower Mayne Street, knowing the child to be the frequenter of brothels of the worst description; the mother was an abandoned woman of the worst kind; the father died some time ago in hospital; he had seen the child frequently at houses, the owners of which bore disreputable characters; she is in all intents a deserted child. Order to the Industrial School.

Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, March 18 1876

1876 - Murder 

William Simmons charged with the murder of Joseph Todd at the Three Mile. Prisoner pleaded not guilty. There were five women who attend the court and sat out the whole proceedings listening to the evidence which many men present would if possible have not listened to. The verdict was mercy from His Honour, the sentence being one month’s imprisonment. Todd had been assaulting Simmons young daughter.

Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, April 26 1876

1876 - [LICENSE]
Transfer of License Publican’s License was granted from Eliza Greening, Home Rule Hotel to Thomas Halladice.

Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, April 26 1876

BUCHOLTZ

Henry S Bucholtz married Elizabeth Snelson in Gulgong in 1886 (NSW BDM 6184/1886). Their children included:

• Frederick J - 1887
• Harold J - 1888
• Royden W - 1892
• William H - 1894
• Bertha - 1896
• Stanley B - 1898
• Edna B - 1901
• Eileen M - 1904
• Rodney - 1906

NEWS ITEMS

1906 - MRS. H. BUCHOLTZ.

The news of the death of Mrs. Harry Bucholtz, of Eurunderee, which sad event occurred on Tuesday morning, was received with genuine regret by all who were acquainted with her.

A chill received after childbirth, brought on pneumonia and other complications, and this was the cause of death. Nine little children and a husband are left to mourn their sad loss. Deceased, who was 42 years of age, was a daughter of Mr. John Snelson, of near Gulgong. The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon, the remains being interred in the Church of England portion of the cemetery.

The Ven. Archdeacon Dunstan officiated at the graveside.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 18 Oct 1906 Page 13

1913 - Wedding at Portland - BUCHOLTZ— ANNESLEY.

A very pretty wedding was celebrated at St. Stephen's Church of England, Portland, on the 26th instant, the contracting parties being Emily Margaret May, second daughter or Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Annesley, of Roy Alvin, and Frederick John, eldest son of Mr. H. S. Bucholtz, a descendant of the old pioneer family of Bucholtz, of Fredericksberg, Mudgee. The bride was given away by her father. Miss Grace Annesley (sister of the bride) and Miss Bertha Bucholtz (sister of the bridegroom) acted as bridesmaids. Mr. Harold Bucholtz accompanied his brother as best man, while Mr. Roy Annesley acted as groomsman.

[more at link]

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 3 Apr 1913 Page 17

1922 - Wedding. WATT— BUCHOLTZ.

A very pretty wedding took place at St. Luke's' Church, Gulgong, on March 29th, when Bertha, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Bucholtz, of Burragorang, and E. J. Watt, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Watt, of Gulgong, were joined in matrimony.

The Rev. C. J. Allen officiated. The bride, who was given away by her brother, wore a dainty frock of ivory crepe de chene and georgette, hand embroidered. She also wore a veil which was held in place with a wreath of orange blossoms and carried a shower bouquet of white cactus dahlias and fern. Miss Edna Bucholtz, sister of the bride, was bridesmaid, and she wore a pretty frock of pink glace silk and georgette. She wore a black hat and carried a bouquet of mauve and pink cactus dahlias. Mr. D. Upham, of Sydney, was best man.

After the ceremony the reception was held in the Town Hall, when the usual toasts were honored. Mr and Mrs. Watt afterwards left by the evening train for Wyong where the honeymoon was spent. The bride's travelling dress was a navy blue costume with hat to match. The future home of the happy young couple will be at Gulgong.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 4 May 1922 Page 17

1936 - "Very Much Alive."

"When announcing the engagement of Bessie, only daughter of Mr. and the late Mrs. William Tuxford, of Gulgong, to Ronald, we referred to the bridegroom-to-be as the son of the late Mr. H. Bucholtz, of Eurunderee'' (states the "Mudgee Mail.") "This, of course, is not correct, as the 'dead' man, in the person of Mr. H. Bucholtz, called upon us and invited us to drink to his premature death. That "Harry" was pleased to find that the rumor of his passing was incorrect could be seen by his countenance, which radiated smiles. We congratulate him on his return to life, and hope that he, like the good old household cat, still has eight lives up his sleeve."

Source: The Muswellbrook Chronicle (NSW : 1898 - 1955) Fri 14 Feb 1936 Page 1

1936 - Gulgong Personal

MR H. J. Bucholtz (father of Mr. Rodney Bucholtz, of Gulgong) was admitted to the Mudgee District Hospital late on Saturday night last owing to being injured when a car which he was driving collided with another car on the Mudgee-Eurunderee road.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 14 May 1936 Page 13 

1937 - Bucholtz-Tuxford [NSW BDM 3970/1937]

A gown of ivory Mariette made on classical lines, with a long flared train and a coronet of orange blossoms from which fell a beautiful Honiton lace veil, was chosen by Miss Bessie Tuxford, only daughter of Mr. William Tuxford, of Gulgong, and the late Mrs. Tuxford, for her marriage to Mr. Rodney Bucholtz, youngest son of Mr. Henry Bucholtz, of Eurunderee, and the late Mrs. Bucholtz, on Monday last, at St. Luke's Church, Gulgong. The Rev. L. V. Caldwell officiated.

The bride, who looked charming, carried a sheaf of pink gladioli, asters and carnations, which, with the other bouquets, was the work of Mrs. H. E. Snelson.

Miss Joan Heard, (cousin of the bride) attended as bridesmaid. She was prettily attired in a gown of pink floral mariette and wore a picture hat to tone, the crown of which was composed of velvet petals and the brim of tulle. She carried a sheaf of blue delphiniums and pink talisman roses.

Little Clare Watt (niece of the bridegroom) acted as train bearer, and looked sweet in an ankle length frock of pale green mariette and carried a beautifully decorated basket of flowers.

The bride was given away by her uncle, Mr. F. W. Heard, and the bridegroom's nephew, Mr. Allen Bucholtz, was best man.

The reception was held at the home of the bride's aunt, where a beautifully decorated three-tier cake was cut and the usual toast honored.

Miss S. Tuxford (aunt of the bride), assisted by Miss Snelson (aunt of the bridegroom), received the guests, the former wearing a frock of navy floral flat crepe and hat to tone, carrying a posy of autumn berries and talisman roses, and the latter a frock of beige crepe-de-chene with brown accessories and carrying an autumn tinted posy.

The happy couple left by car for their honeymoon which is being spent at Sydney and Whale Beach.The bride wore a frock of London Tan Matelasse with summer felt hat and accessories to tone.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 25 Feb 1937 Page 19

1945 - Deaths - Roy Bucholtz

The death occurred in the Manly Hospital on Sunday last of Mr. Roy Bucholtz, brother of Mrs. B. Watt (Gulgong) and Mr. R. Bucholtz (Glen Davis), both of whom attended the funeral. Mr. Bucholtz is a nephew of Misses A. and M. Snelson and Messrs. H. and P. Snelson, of Gulgong. He leaves a widow and two children. Sympathy is extended to the bereaved.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 15 Nov 1945 Page 17

 

1948 - Gulgong Personal

Mr. Stan Bucholtz, of Chatswood, returned home last Wednesday night after spending a few days with his sister, Mrs. Bertha Watt, of Herbert Street, and father, Mr. H. Bucholtz. The last named has been under medical attention at Mrs. Watt's residence.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 19 Aug 1948 Page 11

1949 - Mr. Bucholtz

Mr. Henry Samuel Bucholtz, a member of a pioneering family, died in the Gulgong Hospital last night. The funeral will take place to the Church of England portion of the Mudgee cemetery at 11 o'clock tomorrow (Friday) morning. Messrs. J. C. Swords and Son are carrying out the arrangements.

Source:  Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 15 Sep 1949 Page 2

1949 - FAMILY NOTICES

BUCHOLTZ, Henry Samuel—September 15, at Gulgong Hospital, father of Fred, Harold, Roy (deceased), Will, Stan, Bertha (Mrs. Watt), Eileen (Mrs. Copeland) Edna (Mrs. Goodday, N.Z.), aged 86 years.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Fri 16 Sep 1949 Page 16

1949 - DEATHS - Mr. H. S. Bucholtz

A member of an old pioneering family in the person of Mr. Henry Samuel Bucholtz passed away at the Gulgong District Hospital on Wednesday of last week at the age of 86 years.

Born at Eurunderee of parents who had not long arrived from California in quest of gold, which was said to have been plentiful in that area about that time, the late Mr. Bucholtz married in 1885 Miss Elizabeth Snelson, daughter of an other pioneering family from 'Broadoak,' Gulgong, and took up farming pursuits in the Eurunderee district.

Following the death of his wife some 42 years ago, he often followed the urge to again try his luck in the field of gold prospecting, ever hopeful that some day he might strike it lucky. For some two years he resided with his daughter, Mrs. B. Watt, at 'Beechwood,' Herbert Street, Gulgong, and found occupation in tending the garden, being adept at pruning and such like.

He is survived by the following family: Frederick and Harold (South Coast), William and Rodney (Wagga), Bertha (Mrs. Watt, Gulgong), Stanley (Chatswood), Edna (Mrs. Gooday, Wellington, N.Z.), Eileen (Mrs. Copeland, Drummoyne).

The funeral took place to the Church of England portion of the Mudgee general cemetery on Friday morning last, Messrs J. C. Swords and Son having charge of the arrangements. The sincere sympathy of the 'Advertiser' is extended to the bereaved relatives and friends.

Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 22 Sep 1949 Page 16

STEWART

Headstone in Gulgong Cemetery

Source: Austcemindex

Source: Find a grave

The inscription reads:

This Memorial

WAS ERECTED BY THE GOVERNEMNT

to
CHARLES STEWART

NATIVE OF ABERDEENSHIRE SCOTLAND

AGED 56

He was shot dead in his house near Gulgong on the of 10th April 1885 during an encounter between the police and armed criminals.

10.04.1885

CHARLES STEWART [STUART], a storekeeper aged 60 years, died from “GUNSHOT WOUNDS INFLICTED BY ARMED ROBBER”. [Victim of Angel and Thurston]. (NSW BDM 11986/1885)
R ACHESON, Coroner JP
Place of death: Green Swamp
Place of burial: Gulgong (C of E)
Witnesses: JESSE BENNETT and JAMES LEWIS
Born in SCOTLAND. Parents unknown.
Length in Colony: unknown
Marital status: Olive Olivia Marie Stuart, of Cudal (listed as beneficiary)

Source: Gulgong death records to 1910

NEWS ITEMS

1885 - The Coonamble Tragedy. ESCAPEES SHOT.

Gulgong, April 11.

There was great excitement here this morning when the news was brought that Thurston and Angel, the Coonamble gaol escapees and murderers, had been shot, the former dead. Certain information had been given to the police, and, acting on it, Senior-Sergeant Burns and Constables M'Kinlay and Day secreted themselves in the store of Mr. Charles Stewart, at Slasher's Flat on the Mudgee-road, nine miles from here. Thurston and Angel came to the store about 12 o'clock last night, and compelled Mr. Steward, who was sleeping in an adjoining hut, to open it. They then shot Stewart dead whilst on his knees begging for his life, whereupon the police opened fire, shot Thurston dead, and wounded Angel in three places. Dr. Kealy was brought from Gulgong, who at once recommended Angel's removal to the hospital, which was done, and it is the doctor's opinion that Angel cannot recover. A magisterial inquiry was held on the body of Charles Stewart by Mr J F Plunkett, JP, and the evidence of Sergeant Burns and Constable M'Kinlay was taken, when the inquiry was adjourned until Tuesday next. Dr. Kealy is now making a postmortem examination of the bodies.

Sergeant Burns has been sent out ever since the prisoners escaped from Connamble, and by his knowledge of the country he tracked them from place to place.

Constable Thomas McKinlay, sworn: Am a constable stationed at Gulgong; I have seen the dead body of a man named Charles Stewart in his store near here; I went in company with Sergeant Burns and Constable Day to the store on Thursday night last ; we remained there all night, anticipating that the place would be robbed ; we went there again last night, about 8 o'clock ; I see the plan produced ; I was placed in a room by Sergeant Burns ; there is a little window in it looking into the store, at which I was posted; about a quarter to 12 a man came into the verandah ; he sang out "Old man, I want some tobacco" when I heard him speak I said to the sergeant, "That is Billy Thurston's voice, I know it;" about five minutes after I saw a light coming past the store window deceased opened the door ; I then cocked my rifle ; the two men followed deceased into the store ; deceased came round the counter past my window; the two men covered deceased with their revolvers, and told him to bail up; they told him to come back from behind the counter ; the deceased came back and said "For God's sake don't shoot me; you can have what you want;" he then went on his knees ; I covered Thurston; just then there was a report from, I think, Thurston; I then fired; both men had the old man covered; the deceased, when the shot was fired by Thurston, was facing Angel, at least he was so facing when he knelt down; the light was all the time on the counter; I saw the back of the deceased's head from where I was standing, as he knelt on the floor ; shots were fired by both the sergeant and Constable Day ; I believe there were three ; Thurston went out at the front door and fell ; Angel rushed into the passage, and into the room where I was ; I thought at first it was Constable Day, but when I found it was one of the men I fired at him with my revolver; the man staggered and rushed out of the front door ; I followed him, and found him lying down on his face, about 50 yards away ; he was wounded ; I took a revolver (produced) out of his hand ; the revolver did not belong to any of our party ; I examined the revolver after we carried Angel in, and found it to have been recently discharged; an empty cartridge case was in it ; Sergeant Burns had previously examined it ; we took the man back to the store, and he told me his name was White, after wards he said his name was Angel ; I heard him tell Dr. Kealy that he was out a month from Coonamble;  I fired a rifle (a Martini-Henry) at Thurston in the store from my position at the window; that shot could not have hit the deceased; no object was visible between me and the man I fired at; deceased was on his knees and the counter intervened between us ; did not fire a revolver shot through the window ; when we came back with the wounded man we saw Thurston lying at the door dead; I then recognised him as William Thurston ; I had known him since 1879 ; there was a warrant out against him for murder ; I took a revolver from him when I went after Angel ; it is a Colt's — the police do not use them ! there were five barrels loaded ; one barrel was recently discharged ; I found deceased lying dead where he had knelt down ; I saw him with a wound above his left nipple ; I believe that was the only shot fired by the men, by Thurston. The inquiry was adjourned until 11 a.m. on Tuesday, the 14th instant, at Gulgong.

The deceased, Charles Stewart, was universally liked and respected for his gentle kind disposition. Dr. Kealy made a post-mortem examination and found a bullet in the right shoulder. It had struck the left shoulder, smashing the collar-bone, and had cut through the large vein of the heart, and then into the front of the right shoulder. Death must have been almost instantaneous. Angel died at 20 minutes past 9 on Sunday morning. He made a statement to Mr. Dobson, Church of England minister, and also to the policeman, that he did not shoot Mitchell, but that Langley the warder had done it in the scuffle.

Source: The Colonist (Maryborough, Qld. : 1884 - 1952)  Sat 25 Apr 1885 Page 16

CWA HALL

CWA Hall, Herbert St Gulgong
Presbyterian Scottish Fair, 1970

Source: Ailsa Campbell