BUTLER

Thomas Butler, 1821-1898

Thomas Butler, born in 1821, had been convicted in Bristol when he was 12 for stealing silver teaspoons. He was transported to Australia and was aged 13 on arrival. Descendants have been unable to trace his Irish roots, but as he could read and write on his arrival, he had received some education.

He obtained his ticket of freedom and was working in the Hartley area for Dr William Hall Palmer as a stockman, when he met Eliza Wilson. She was born in Aberdeenshire in 1825 and had migrated to Australia with her father, stepmother siblings and step-siblings. Eliza was staying with her wealthy Uncle William Wilson and his family. He had leased 'Kanimbla Station' in the Blue Mountains.

Eliza Butler, 1825-1879

Eliza came from an upper-class Scottish family with connections to the Scottish aristocracy and was considered a "lady". She was virtually disowned by her other relatives, by "borrowing horses" from her uncle and eloping with Thomas to Kelso, where they were married by the Catholic Priest on 23 October 1843 at St Michael's Catholic Church.

Their firstborn were twins, Michael and Janet (Jane), born at Triamble in 1847, where Thomas continued working as a stockman. Michael did not survive more than a few months. William was born in 1850 at Windeyer, then Thomas at Parramatta in 1851. The family, by then, seemed to follow the goldfields as Thomas is listed as a miner on their birth certificates. Eliza was born 1854 at Tambaroora, Agnes, 1856 at Hargraves (died 1862), Theresa, 1858 at Dunn Dunn Creek, and John Adam, 1862 at Pyramul.

The family story handed down was that Eliza worked as a midwife. It is not known when the family settled on land in the Stubbo area of Gulgong. Eliza died on 25 May 1879 from what is believed to have been breast cancer and was buried in the Catholic portion of the Gulgong Cemetery. Thomas died in 1898 after taking rat poison. He is supposed to have suffered cancer of the stomach. A granddaughter (Jessie Watt) remembered him being buried on the farm. An official search for his death certificate proved negative.

Butler land at Slapdash

The children of Thomas Butler and Elizabeth Wilson were:

• Janet, known as Jane, was working as a nursemaid for Duncan McMaster when she met and married Espie Watt at 'Honeysuckle Cottage’, Coonabarabran in 1866. They then moved around the Mudgee and Gulgong districts as Espie worked as a manager for the Rouse family. They had 11 children.

• William married Maria O'Keefe in West Wyalong and settled in the area and raised a large family.

• Thomas stayed on the land at Stubbo. He married Margaret Spratford in 1881 and had one son and five daughters born there. The following married and raised families in the Gulgong area.
• Theresa Hannah Butler m 1913 James Robert Grimshaw, 
• Harriet Hilda Butler m 1917 Nicholas Albert Lee, 
• Charlotte Jane Butler m 1915 James John Gossage, 
• Alice Victoria Butler m 1915 William Richard Gossage, 
• Mabel Grace Butler m 1914 James Croome. 
• William Raymond, known as Ray, the only son, married Mildred Muriel Waterworth in Sydney but is buried in Gulgong.

• Eliza Butler m Mathew James Moss from Mudgee. Tragically she died at Springfield on 5 May 1875 from measles leaving an infant, who was brought up by her sister Theresa Butler.

• Agnes died before she was ten.

• Theresa Butler married miner William Thomas Strange in 1876. Theresa was at one stage the Matron of the Gulgong hospital and her husband was the Wardsman. They had three sons and a daughter Mary Elizabeth who was drowned as an infant and is buried in the Butler grave. The marriage failed and Theresa left the district but returned several times in old age.

• John Adam married and farmed in the Coonabarabran area. He and his wife, Alison Finlay, had five daughters and two sons. John died in 1937 and is buried in the Gulgong Cemetery.

Theresa Strange, nee Butler

BUTLERS in the NEWS

1899 - SOCIAL

A grand social was held at Mr Butler's residence, Slapdash, on Friday evening. About 40 couples attended. Mr Albert Souter was M.C., and splendid music was supplied by Messrs Allen and Lee. The Church of England fund will be considerably augmented by the success of this venture. Great praise is due to the various ladies who looked after all requirements.

Source: Mudgee Guardian Friday 2 June 1899

1905 - ACCIDENT

A very painful and serious accident befell Miss Theresa Butler, eldest daughter of Mr. T. Butler, Slapdash, on the second day of Gulgong Show. The unfortunate young lady was standing near a shooting gallery when a bullet splashed off the target and struck her in the left eye. Latest reports state there is a great probability of her losing the sight of the injured eye.

Source: Mudgee Guardian Monday 27 March 1905

1913 - WEDDING

On Wednesday last, at the Stubbo Church, the marriage of Miss Theresa Anna Butler, eldest daughter of Mr. Thomas Butler and the late Mrs. Butler, of Annandale, Stubbo, with Mr. James Grimshaw, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. Grimshaw, also of Stubbo, was solemnised by tho Rev. A. H. Grubble. The bride was given away by her father, and wore a cream Sicilian trimmed with silk appliqué and Chantilly lace, with a wreath and veil, and carried a beautiful bouquet of choice white flowers, a gift from the bridegroom. Miss Grace Butler was bridesmaid; and Mr. R. Butler was best man. The church was prettily decorated by girl friends with ferns and blossoms for the occasion. Later Mr. and Mrs. Grimshaw left for-their future home at Dunedoo.

Source: SMH Saturday 30 August 1913

Grimshaw-Butler Wedding, 1913

1952 - DEATHS - MRS. T. GRIMSHAW

Mrs. Theresa Grimshaw, of Lynne Street, died in the Gulgong District Hospital recently, aged 67 years. Deceased, who was born at Slapdash, Gulgong, was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Butler, who were landholders in that part of the district. She was married in Gulgong and had re-sided in the district all her life. Her husband, Mr. James R. Grimshaw predeceased her six years ago. The late Mrs. Grimshaw had a sympathetic and kindly manner. In her earlier days she took a keen interest in her church and was a successful competitor in needlework and cooking classes at the annual exhibitions of the Gulgong Agricultural and Pastoral Association. She was very highly respected.

Deceased is survived by the following grown up family: Mr. J. T. Grimshaw (Gulgong), Mesdames H. M. Patterson (Mudgee), A. Tubnor (Mudgee), and Miss Tessa Grimshaw (Bellingen). A brother, Mr. Ray Butler, of Gulgong, and the following sisters, all of Gulgong, also survive: Mesdames W. R. Gossage, James Gossage, Jack Lyons and James Croome. The funeral took place to the Church of England Portion of the Gulgong cemetery, Rev. Reeder, of Coolah, officiating. The arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Eastaugh and Carroll, of Mudgee and Gulgong. Our sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved ones.

Source: Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 7 February 1952

1914 - WEDDING

A quiet, though pretty wedding, was solemnised on September 9, when James, son of Mr. W. Croome, of Beryl was married to Grace, daughter of Mr Thomas Butler of Stubbo. Rev. A. H. Gribble officiated.

Source: Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 17 September 1914

1915 - DOUBLE WEDDING.

At "Annandale,'' near Gulgong, the residence of Mr. Thomas Butler, a double wedding took place last week. The Rev. H. Woodger was present to join in the holy bonds of matrimony William Richard and James John, sons of Mr. William Gossage, to Alice Victoria and Charlotte Jane, daughters of Mr. Thos. Butler. Miss R. Butler, sister of the brides, performed the duties of bridesmaid and the best man was Mr. Raymond Butler, brother of the brides. Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Gossage's future home will be at Cumnook, and that of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Gossage will be at Dubbo.

Source: Mudgee Guardian Oct 14 1915

1922 - AUCTION - Clearing sale Sheep, Horses, Cattle, Farming Plant. Household Furniture. Etc.

D. H. Spring has received instructions from Ray Butler. Esq, who has leased his property, to sell at auction at Stubbo, 5 miles from Gulgong, on SATURDAY, December 9 at 1 pm – 306 Mixed Merino Sheep in good condition, 9 Draught and Light Horses, 4 Cows with calves, 2 very forward Springers, 14 Pigs. Massey Header new. Binder, Harvester, 4-F. Plough, 10 Disc One Way. Massey Drill, McKay Drill, 1 Set 6 Harrows; Roller, 2 S.F Ploughs, Tip Dray, Lorry, Sulky and Harness, 6 Sets Leading Chains, 3 Sets Pulley Chains, Wool Press, Gal. Iron Sheep Dip, 2 2000 - gal. Tanks, 1400-Gallon Tank, 1 100-Gallon Tank, Wheelbarrow, large quantity of Tools, Galvanised Iron, Wire Netting, 3 Dozen New Rabbit Traps. 100 New Bricks. The whole of his Household Furniture and Effects, comprising new Oak Dining Room Suite, Oak Side board, Double and Single Bedsteads and Bedding, New Oak Cot, Combination Chests. Marble Top Wash stands and Ware, Chairs, Tables, Perambulator, Push Cart new, Linoleums, large quantity of Crockery,- Cooking Utensils, etc., etc., and a number of Fowls. Please note that as there is a very large quantity of stuff to sell the sale will start promptly. Date of Sale: SATURDAY, December 9th, 1 pm.

Source: Mudgee Guardian 4 Dec 1922

1922 - DEATH

By the death of Mr. William Raymond Butler, which occurred on Wednesday, the Gulgong district has lost one of its best-known citizens. The funeral took place at Gulgong today, Messrs. Eastaugh and Carroll being in charge of the arrangements.

Source: Mudgee Guardian 4 Dec 1922

Jane Watt nee Butler in hat and her younger sister Theresa Strange nee Butler
at 26 Cainbil St Gulgong, some time before 1937.  

1943 - MRS. THERESA STRANGE - Ex-Wyalong- Resident. Celebrates 85th Birthday

The following article appeared in a recent issue of the Gulgong Advertiser, and is a tribute to Mrs. Theresa Strange, of that town, who recently celebrated her 85th birthday.

Mrs. Strange lived at Wyalong some years ago, where she conducted a Private Hospital in Cassin Street, for some years. She is a sister of the late Mr. William Butler, of Wyalong and is an aunt of Mrs R. M. Moore, of Wyalong. Mrs. Strange is a sister of Mrs. Moore's mother.

"It's up to the 'Advertiser' to join in with the many friends of one of Gulgong's oldest residents, Mrs. Theresa Strange, and wish her the very best for the remainder of her very long life. She reached the 85th milestone on May 28, amidst showers of good wishes, personal and post. Many gifts were hers. Born at Pyramul, Windeyer, in 1858, she came to Gulgong while quite a mere girl, and she spent most of the intervening years here – a brief interval while living in Sydney. Married Thomas Strange in 1876. He predeceased her many years ago and, although there was a family of four children, her brave spirit never faltered, but pushed them on in life.

"Only one son survives. Another son died and a daughter also. Then Walter, went to the first world war and was killed. This son left two daughters. They appreciate grandma and never neglect an opportunity of making their love and relationship felt in kindly acts of remembrance. It is interesting to know that this fine old lady lives just outside the bounds of the old Gulgong Hospital on the "Hospital Hill."

"She was the efficient and kindly matron of that hospital for five years and the medical profession, as well as the many patients, were of one opinion regarding her suitability for the position, although in those days certificated qualifications were not necessary as now. Her nursing instincts and ability have been passed on to many near relatives who are now matrons of important hospitals in the State.

"One niece was well on in nursing profession when she married Mr. McWilliams the barrister, of Sydney. Another has recently married. She was "Biddy" daughter of our esteemed though very sick friend Mr. Will Watt. She still retains, on account of her husband's war duties, her position as matron of the Bowral General Hospital. It is also interesting to know that Mrs. Strange was married by one of Gulgong's very earliest clergymen Rev Trevor, Congregational Church Minister.

"Again may God bless our dear old friend, who always looks on the happier side of life and things,"

Source: The West Wyalong Advocate (NSW : 1928 - 1954) Thursday 24 June 1943

1943 - Farewell to Old and Most Loved Resident

Certainly the name of Mrs. Strange has appeared a number of times in the columns of Gulgong's paper and in a kindly and appreciative manner. Now it may be appearing for the last time as an esteemed resident, as the dear old lady has most reluctantly gone from us after the best part of her 85 years of life having been spent here. Extreme age together with the knowledge that her powers were slowly declining, made her decide to go to her son, Bert, and his wife at Bellbird, by whom she had been very lovingly asked to come and spend the eventide of life.

On Saturday, October 30, the Rev. Roberts kindly conveyed Mrs. Strange to Mudgee to catch the day train for Sydney, where she will spend a short time with her granddaughter, Mrs. Priest, prior to continuing her journey to Bellbird. Quite a number of old friends visited her in her home last week to bid her 'God speed.' Genuine tears of regret at the partings were shed, for all had proved her true friendship over the long years.

Whilst Mrs. Strange was matron of the old Gulgong Hospital on the western side of Church Hill some 60 years or more she received the name of 'one of God's own angels,' and so she was. One instance is enough to confirm the fact. One day a well known Gulgong man, who is still living here, was driving on the outskirts of the town and saw two old blackfellows lying down in great distress. Sick and emaciated, bothered by blowflies and in a most pitiable condition, these poor creatures were dying. At once this good Samaritan conveyed the sufferers to the hospital where Mrs. Strange took charge of them. It was a most unpleasant duty but she did not shirk it. Bathed and fed them, nursed and helped them. One life was saved, but the other was in too deplorable a condition to recover.

No matter the station in life the patients were in they received equal treatment as human beings. Her traditions of kindliness have been substantiated right down the years, and her multitude of friends and visitors all 'just loved' to go and see her. The easiest chair and in winter time, the coolest corner of her fireside and a freshly, brewed teapot of tea, etc., were practically forced upon all irrespective of social standing. The writer of this eulogy has felt honored to have been a friend of our departing townswoman through out his long life, and he will miss her greatly as will all who had the pleasure of her friendship.

But the greatest wrench was given and felt by Mrs. Strange herself in leaving the old friendly town and the many hundreds of friends and relatives. She is a member of the very old and respected Butler (farming) family, and is connected by blood ties or marriage with many of the most respected families still represented and living here. When a Government official or person in public life leaves a town it is usual that mementos be given them of esteem and good wishes from those who thought well of them, but in cases like that of Mrs. Strange public recognition is seldom given. However, it may be that her many personal friends may yet rise to the occasion and mark her departure in a manner that would bring her many happy remembrances during the remainder of her life's journey.

I am safe in saying that one and all fervently wish Mrs. Strange happy and peaceful during years to her life. She leaves without a known enemy in her old home town of Gulgong, and may God bless her always.

Source: Mudgee Guardian Thursday 16 December 1943

Thomas Butler 1824-1898