John A. Courtis, cabinet-maker & undertaker, Gulgong
Source: SLNSW
John Archibald Courtis, Cabinet Maker & Undertaker, Medley Street. His wife Mary and three children stand out front. Besides undertaking, Courtis had other occupations, one being that of a pie maker. However his pies weren't all that popular because the vocations of undertaker and pie man didn't sit well together with the "discerning" public.
Source: Information supplied by Baldwin & Davis Research, Gulgong (Apr 2007)
John Archibald Courtis (son of John and Jane Courtis) married Mary [aka Marion Adelaide McMillion/McMillan/McMillen/Brown VIC BDM 1953 / 1856]. Their children included:
- ARCHIBALD EDMUND - born 1857 at Beechworth (VIC BDM 7841 / 1857)
- MARION JANE - born 1859 at Spring Creek Vic (VIC BDM 4885/1859)
- MARY - born at Rutherglen (VIC BDM 17232 / 1861); died 17 June 1862 in Forbes (AUSTCEMINDEX)
- JOHN E - born 1866 in Bathurst (NSW BDM 5700/1866); died 1936 in Wyong (NSW BDM 3647/1936)
- ANGELINE - born 1869 in Forbes (NSW BDM 13588/1869)
- MARY ELIZABETH - born 1876 in Gulgong (NSW BDM 15574/1876)
John Archibald Courtis died in Mudgee in 1892 (NSW BDM 8619/1892). His wife thereafter appeared to go missing.
1860 - [INSOLVENCY - SPRING CREEK]
IN the SUPREME COURT of the COLONY of VICTORIA: in Insolvency.—In the Estate of JOHN ARCHIBALD COURTIS, of Spring Creek, in the Colony of Victoria, Baker, an insolvent.—Notice is hereby given, that the above named John Archibald Courtis intends to apply to the Chief Commissioner of Insolvent Estates for the colony of Victoria, on Monday, the twelfth day of November now next ensuing, at the hour of eleven o'clock in the forenoon, that CERTIFICATE of DISCHARGE, under
the Act of Council 7 Victoria, No. 19, be granted to him. Dated the eleventh day of October, 1860.
JOHN ARCHIBALD COURTIS.
1861- [INSOLVENCY - RUTHERGLEN[
John Archibald Courtis, of Rutherglen, publican, Causes of insolvency—His house and property being destroyed by fire, and pressure of creditors. Liabilities, £414 2s.; assets, £40 5s.; deficiency, £373 17s. Mr. Goodman, official assignee.
1865 - LARCENY
Joseph Robinson Kent was indicted for that he, on the 6th day of October, 1865, at Bathurst, was servant to John Archibald Courtis, and while in such service feloniously did steal, take, and carry away two blankets and sundry other articles, the property of the said John Archibald Courtis.
The prisoner pleaded not guilty, and was undefended. His Honor summed up, and the jury returned a verdict of guilty. Remanded for sentence.
Source: Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875) Tue 17 Oct 1865 Page 31865 - [INSOLVENCY - BATHURST]
30 October 1865 - John Archibald Courtis, baker in Bathurst, Insolvency
Citation: NRS-13654-1-[2/9166]-7389
Citation: NRS-13654-1-[2/9166]-7389
18 Oct 1866 - John Archibald Courtis (Carritiss) - Bathurst Circuit Court - Judge Stephen - Not Guilty.Citation: NRS 13492 [9/2630 p.039]; Reel 1860
1866 - FRAUDULENT INSOLVENCY
John Archibald Courtis was charged with having, on the 30th October, 1866, being at the time insolvent, unlawfully, and with intent to defraud Samuel Robinson and others, his creditors, embezzled, removed, and concealed certain goods belonging to his estate. Plea—Not guilty.
His Honor summed up very much in the prisoner's favour, when the jury gave a verdict of not guilty. His Honor, in discharging the prisoner, said he had read the affidavit made in his petition to the Insolvent Commissioner, and there was something in it which he would not refer to, but which Courtis would very well understand that ought to be explained.
Mr. Stephen said if his Honor referred to the affair concerning Ashworth, it was only right to say that
Mr. Ashworth had obtained a verdict against the official assignee.
Mr. Butler: And it is also right to say that the Judge who tried the case had granted a new trial, and
he stated openly if a hundred such verdicts were given, he would grant a hundred new trials.
(Before the Police Magistrate)
James Samuels, who it appeared had visited the supper rooms of Mr. John Archibald Courtis, in George-street, on the previous night, and treated himself and a companion to pies and coffee, which he requested the restaurateur to put against an old account; and who, on Courtis expressing his disapproval of such an arrangement, treated that gentleman to a specimen of his abusive powers, was fined 20s. for the unparliamentary epithets, or seven days imprisonment. The offender chose the latter evil.
Source: The Mining Record and Grenfell General Advertiser (NSW : 1867 - 1876) Sat 24 Aug 1867 Page 3
1871 - Police Court
Before Plunkett and Donnell JP
Threatening Language - Courtis v Weston - John A. Courtis sworn, stated he said 'I've heard on good
authority that you have laid the police on me; the next time I catch you pimping about my place, I will give your brother a job to bury you. You are nothing but a police spy'. I'm the night watchman for the town and it is my business to go round all the houses in the town during the night. My brother is the undertaker. Surety to keep peace, £10.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 14, 20 May 1871
Cheap Mattress Factory - J.A. Courtis corner of Medley and Herbert Gulgong.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 28, 26 August 1871
1871 - INDIGNATION MEETING
1871 - Police Court... At a public meeting the irrepressible Courtis, bell man and ex-nightwatchman, undertaker and pie man, moved a resolution to the effect that the butchers should reduce the price of meat, under the threat that the miners will not eat any until they do. With rain coming on, the meeting dispersed. Whether it was the threats made, or the eloquence of the indignant speakers that caused the change, but several of the retail venders of meat lowered their prices, which has resulted in meat being now sold at 3d instead of 4d.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 32, 23 September 1871
Illegally on Premises - Edward Boyd charged with being on the premises of J.A. Courtis in Medley Street, prisoner employed by Courtis, turned up drunk, would not leave, through a lighted match into some straw which ignited. Arrested by Constable Flaherty. Courtis admitted he owed 15/- for wages and accused regularly slept on the premises. Dismissed.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 38, 4 November 1871
1871 - Hospital Meeting
Present Mr. Benjamin [in the chair] Messrs. Sellman, Tissington, Rossiter and Browne. Tenders for supplies accepted:- Robert Malcolm, milk; J.A. Courtis, burial £3, each; C. Bird, drugs; Mr. Tissington appointed collector for the Hospital, in place of Mr. Newell.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 42, 2 December 1871
Abusive Language - Ramsay v Courtis. This arose from the difference of opinion between the parties as
to who should bury a poor destitute fellow creature who died under miserable circumstances in the bush. The plaintiff is a well known medical man, and the defendant an equally well known undertaker on Gulgong. Postponed till next Thursday
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 60, 13 March 1872
1872 - Town Talk
The butchers in solemn conclave assembled have agreed to rise the price of beef and mutton, they have ‘riz’ the dander of hatters and house-wives as well, I would not like to be the money taker at Leggatt’s in Queen Street, Walker’s new shop in Herbert Street, for the next week or two. Where is Courtis that he does not resume his old vocation of campanologist, and give mouth to his fervid denunciations of this invasion of the poor mans pocket he says he must live even if people do not die and how is he to do it with chops at 5d per pound.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 97, 20 July 1872
1872 - Funeral Notice
The friends of Mrs. Querruel of the Canadian are respectfully invited to attend the funeral of her infant son David Bernard Querruel. Funeral procession to move punctually at 9 am, this day.
John A. Courtis, Undertaker
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 97, 20 July 1872
On Monday last T.A. Browne Esq. P.M. and Coroner held an inquest upon the body of David Bernard Querrell, an infant 12 days old, of whose death George Graham, store keeper of the Canadian was charged as being the cause. The jury empanelled viewed the body, which was in a coffin placed in a hut belonging to the police barracks.
Mary Querrell, mother of the child, sworn; stated the child was born on July 7th; she knew the accused by sight; on Monday evening, the 15th, he came to her residence, and got into the skillion room; she was partly undressed, and the child lying upon the bed, her son looked through the crack and said it was Old Yorkie; he refused to leave when asked by the boys; she went out and again he refused to leave, she had the baby in her arms, he struck her several times upon the face and head.
Sgt. John O’Donnell stated: She held her head down to save her face, he seized hold of the body of the child in his hands and said, ‘I’ll kill the b———kid,’; struggled with him, could not swear if he struck the child, had not been intimate with accused, called out for Mrs. Egan. Child was healthy, undertaker pointed out marks on the child’s head.
John Edward Querrel aged 11, intelligent lad, gave evidence, another witness fought with the accused, he is called ‘Billy the Bull.’ Ellen Egan, stated Mrs. Querrell lived close to her husband’s Shamrock Hotel. William O’Brien, John Henry Duffy, John A Courtis, Dr. Ramsay all gave evidence.
Verdict wilful murder against George Graham.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 98, 24 July 1872
1872 - Police Court
Before H. Tebbutt J.P.
Share Dispute - Courtis v Matthew Henry Walker - Over share of the profit No 16 Black Lead. Non suited.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 103, 10 August 1872
J. A. Courtis - UNDERTAKER - MEDLEY STREET, GULGONG - Is prepared to furnish FUNERALS in a style that he trusts will meet with every person’s approval, whether rich or poor. HEARSE, Mourning Coach, and every other requisite for the melancholy occasion provided at REASONABLE CHARGES
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 113, 14 September 1872
1872 - Town Talk
Frauds of the vilest kinds have been perpetrated by means of these injunctions which are issued free gratis to anyone applying for them. Why no later than the other day Jack Courtis, the undertaker – who, now that the trade is slack, has turned deputy to the bailiff – got an injunction against a poor digger whom he say plays the piano, restraining the piano player’s mates from working for a living until the P. P. man paid a doctor’s bill. The idea was a credit to Courtis whose persuasive powers are of no mean order as witness his eloquent and indignant letter to the ‘Argus.’
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 156, 15 February 1872
1872 - CORRESPONDENCE - COMMISSIONER’S INJUNCTION
[To the Editor of the Gulgong Guardian]
Sir – My letter concerning the abuse of the Reg. No. 211 by the Commissioner has provoked two answers, neither of which touch upon the grievance complained by me. The letter of John A. Courtis is an amusing production and the Commissioner should feel flattered at the manner in which the deputy bailiff proem shields him from attack. If any other proof were wanted of the illegality of the injunction this letters proves it. An off side bailiff goes to the Commissioner and on his mere assertion deprives five men from earning their bread for one month. It is clear to me that the scribe who wrote the letter is not John A. C., but another man anxious to shine in the whitewash brush. I simply quote the letter of Courtis to show the ability of the man who is entrusted with the administration of the eight to ten thousand people... By Jack BLUNT
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 158, 19 February 1872
1874 - NOTICE
Final Notice unless all accounts due to me are paid before Monday next, the person will be sued, accounts may be paid to my agent J. A. Courtis.
Signed: OWEN McFADDEN, Butcher, Queen Street
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, June 18, 1874
1874 - Police Court
The Court was held yesterday before the P. M., there was one summons case disposed of. Mrs. Short summoned W. Courtis for the value of a pair of scales. The defendant alleged that he only acted as agent for his brother, J. A. Courtis and did not consider himself responsible. Judgement for amount and court costs.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, August 1, 1874
Insulting Language - O L On Hing v J. A. Courtis. From the evidence the defendant purchased a bag of Orange flour from the plaintiff, when he attempted to turn it into bread proved a failure. Defendant wanted a refund, plaintiff refused, whereupon the defendant commenced to ring the bell of the plaintiff and explain to the public the reason he could not supply his customers, alleging as the cause that he had been supplied with adulterated flour. Several witnesses were called to prove the alleged insulting language.
Mr Brough for Mr Courtis: ‘There was no doubt that his client had rung the bell in front of the plaintiff’s house but he had been vexed by the fact of his having purchased the flour with the full understanding that it was Orange A1. The bread was produced in court and was unfit for human food and it would only be fitting to punish the vendor of the flour to compel him to eat the two loaves.’
The Bench thought the defendant had not behaved right in the manner he had acted in endeavouring to create a small riot upon his own account and fined him one pound with 8/6 costs.
The Bench thought the defendant had not behaved right in the manner he had acted in endeavouring to create a small riot upon his own account and fined him one pound with 8/6 costs.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, December 17, 1874
1875 - [STRANGE THREAT]
Mr Brough produced a letter written by Dr Ewington and addressed to J A Courtis, that would enable those present to judge the character of Dr Ewington.
The letter as follows:-
Gulgong March 30, 1874Sir, Unless my bill is paid on or before Thursday morning next, at 10 a m, a summons will issue against you and another for the recovery of my debt. I am well aware of all circumstances in which you live and if the child who I attended is not yours, I know whose it is.Your obedient servantWILLIAM EWINGTON, Surgeon
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, January 14, 1875
...It would appear that the gazetting of a couple of hundred J P’s, a few weeks ago has not fully supplied the demand so it is rumoured that over four score more will shortly be created. This second edition will about balance the number struck off from deaths, and other causes. My much-beloved friend, the Ancient Briton, appears puzzled—nay, even annoyed at the use of the words ‘other causes’ and would like to see them published. Well, well, there’s no accounting for taste. As I fear his will not be gratified, I would advise him to ask G A Davis or John A Courtis if they can throw any light upon ‘other causes.’ I think they can. If they will not, perhaps the Tammany friends will gratify the old man’s curiosity. If they won’t, he will have to wait the return of old Thompson, or some other No. 5 Happy Valley man.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, October 2, 1875
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, October 2, 1875
COURTIS.—MARION ADELAIDE COURTIS, send address office of this paper. Important news. Or any person knowing please oblige.
Address R. 21, TOWN AND COUNTRY JOURNAL Office, Market-street, Sydney.
Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 27 Aug 1892 Page 1
1892 - [MISSING WIDOW]
Information is requested as to present whereabouts of Mrs. Marion Adelaide Courtis (formerly M'Million), widow of the, late John Archibald Courtis. She is about 60 years of age, dark complexion. Last heard of at Forbes about six years ago. Inquiry at instance of Mrs. R. H. Smith, of Gosford.
