John William Foster of Sydney was born in Cassilis in 1877 (NSW BDM 10248/1877). John married Catherine Theresa Gaffney of Gulgong in 1874* (NSW BDM 3108/1874). Their children included:
- James Frederick - (NSW BDM 15265/1875); married Clara Lavinia Grosse in Annandale in 1901 (NSW BDM 3088/1901).
- Beatrice - born 1902; married Clarence W Gudgeon in 1923.
- William Charles - born 1904; died 1983.
- Frank J G - born 1907; died 1956 in Windsor.
- Edward A - born 1910; married Imelda Naughton;
- Dorothy C - born 1914; died 1914
- Marjorie Manfred - born 1914; married John Murray Helmrick in Manly in 1939.
- Thomas F - born 1916; married Mavis Hasenkam in Canterbury in 1942
- William E - (NSW BDM 15939/1877)
- Mary Theresa - (NSW BDM 11683/1879)
- Catherine Margaret - (NSW BDM 5755/1881)
- Cornelius J - (NSW BDM 31446/1883)
*Source: Gulgong Evening Argus - September 15th 1874
William and Beatrice with unknown woman, about 1906
James Foster (1875-1936) and Clara Lavinia Foster (1879-1964) in dark dress
Edward (Ted) Foster, Bill (William) Foster and Frank Foster (in blazer)
Source: Roberta Sigston
Mr and Mrs Foster at daughter, Beatrice's wedding, Sydney?, 1923
SYDNEY. Tuesday.
Collapsing at his home at Cullengoral yesterday morning, Mr. James Frederick Foster was admitted to the Gulgong District Hospital, where he died to-day. He was aged 64 years, and was a native of Pyramul, near Mudgee.
Mr. Foster, after acquiring Cullengoral, converted it into a famous stud property, on which he extensively cultivated lucerne. He established a dairy some years ago, and grew tobacco. He also established an apple orchard, and within the last two years turned his attention to gold mining. He owned the sires Rossendale, Newmarket, Scaliger, and others. Mr. Foster was a director of Cullengoral Alluvial Gold Sluicing Co., Biraganbil Gold (No Liability), and Auriferous Properties Ltd. He was a member of the A.J.C. and Tattersall's Club.
He leaves a widow and four sons, Messrs. William; Frank, and Thomas, of Gulgong, and Edward, of Rockhampton, and two daughters, Mrs. C. W. Gudgeon, of Sydney, and Miss Marjorie Foster, also of Sydney.
Community Shocked
DEATH OF MR. JAMES F. FOSTER - DISTRICT'S DISTINCT LOSS
Big Gulgongite — Prominent State Figure
NOT at any time during the last few decades have the people of the Gulgong district received a greater shock than that caused on Tuesday by the death of Mr. James Frederick Foster, of "Cullengoral," a prominent figure, big Gulgongite, but a bigger Australian and a real Empire builder.
The sad news of his passing in the Gulgong District Hospital about noon cast a gloom over the Gulgong, Mudgee, Dunedoo and surrounding districts, which now mourn the loss of one who had always been loved, honored, respected and esteemed by everyone who knew or heard of him.
During the past twelve months the late Mr. Foster had not been in the best of health, and a few days ago he made mention of his condition. Nevertheless, it shocked everyone to learn that on Monday morning he collapsed at his home at "Cullengoral," and within a quarter of an hour became unconscious. He was removed to the hospital to pass away in that state without regaining consciousness.
Deceased, who had a lot of achievements to his credit, was the district's most progressive resident. He did more than any other citizen to put Gulgong on the map, and was an inspiration to his fellow citizens. His influence has always been for the good of the community. No one had interests so wide and so vast, but he was a man who loved his home.
He was a true husband and a loving father. No community had a more loyal and insistent advocate than the late James Foster.
Because of his zeal in anything he undertook, there is to be found much evidence of the great work he performed for the district generally.
His ventures and wide and varied interests brought him in contact with every phase of human endeavor, and had he penned his memoirs of this district and subsequent developments what a treasured record would have been left to us!
His memory, however, will become a record that will ever remain, and the name of "Old Jim" Foster — as he often was so affectionately called— and his works will most assuredly shine in the pages of any historical record that may be written, for in life he was a citizen who set a splendid example of what citizenship means, a true friend, and a wise counsellor whose aim was ever to promote amity among men.
Hundreds of people in this district have been befriended by him. He was generous almost to a fault. He found employment for scores and scores of men, some of his employees having 25 years' service with him.
Whatever Mr Foster did he did well. There were no half measures. His enthusiasm for his various undertakings was remarkable. He always showed indomitable courage. If he suffered a failure he took it complacently. Oftentimes failure to-day was followed by success tomorrow.
His name should be commemorated in some way.
His knowledge of men and affairs made him a much sought after man not only in this district, but in Sydney and in every part of the State which he visited. Cheerful optimism was part of his make-up.
Deceased was born at Pyramul (Mudgee district). He lived about that part for over 30 years before coming to Gulgong 25 years ago and interested himself in gold mining at Hargraves, Hill End and other well-known fields in those days. He once owned a cheese factory at Pyramul. His old property is now owned by Mr Loneragan. It is a noted wool producing property.
When he purchased "Cullengoral" it comprised less than one thousand acres. Gradually, he acquired surrounding areas, including 800 acres of Eumeralla from Mr (now Sir) Hugh Denison. "Cullengoral" is now one of the famous properties of the State. He established hundreds of acres of lucerne.
At one time at "Cullengoral" 60,000 sheep were shorn, some of these coming from another property Mr Foster owned.
Sheep at Cullengoral
Some years ago he established a dairy on the property. It was run for only a few years. Later, he established an apple orchard, planting over 4000 trees. Two experts from Tasmania have been on the orchard for six months looking after it.
It was typical of Mr Foster that when the Government call came to "grow more wheat" some years ago, Mr Foster planted about 3000 acres to wheat on Silentdale and Rollsville properties, which he owned.
Tractors and a large number of draught horses were used, two of the machines being worked at night. Boundary fences were pulled down and the result was he had nearly 5 miles of crop from one end to the other. He lost a considerable sum in the venture, however, but an improved property resulted.
Foster with visitors and poultry
A few years ago he turned his attention to a poultry, run, having nearly 3000 fowls at one time. He was one of the biggest sheep dealers in the west and was extremely popular with auctioneers, dealers and buyers and sellers wherever he went.
A few years ago at Dubbo he arrived at a sheep sale at which the auctioneer stopped the sale to allow big western buyers to grip Mr Foster by the hand. Such was the esteem in which he was held.
He used to pay visits to Queensland, where he and a brother had a property and where he engaged in sheep dealing.
About 12 years ago the late Mr Foster established "Cullengoral" Stud and he became one of the best and most well-known studmasters in the State. He bred such high class performers as Illustrious, Regal Star, Fairoic, Never Despair and others. Even as late as the last Randwick races, Bundar, Bobby and Vista (by Rosendale) were successful performers.
Foster Horse
He purchased some noted sires, including Quantock (imp.), Newmarket (imp.), Scalanger (imp.), and Rosendale, the latter being purchased from the late Mr J. E. Brien for the sum of £9,500 guineas. For years Mr Foster was represented at the yearling sales in Sydney until his stud dispersal sale three years ago, and topped the Melbourne market a few years ago with a Heroic colt, which was sold for 600 guineas. It was a depressed market. He got as high as 1500 guineas for a yearling at a sale in Sydney.
One of his purchases was a brood mare, Lady Valais (winner of the St. Leger), for which he paid a very high figure. He had been represented at the turf by very high class performers, including Rose Valais (by Rosendale) who had the misfortune to meet with an accident as a three-year-old, after having won four races on end.
Following the stud dispersal sale, his son, Mr. W. Foster, established a stud and this year he has about 20 yearlings catalogued for the sales in April, nearly all of them being by Hazrat and of high quality.
During the past two or three years, Mr. Foster devoted quite a lot of attention to gold mining, the outcome being that the industry has been given the biggest fillip it has known for very many years past. The Cullengoral Alluvial Gold Sluicing Co., of which Mr. Foster was a director, employs about 70 hands.
It has been his dream for years to put "Cullengoral" on the map so far as gold is concerned and it is indeed a great loss to the company and to the district that his end should come just when the developmental work has reached such huge proportions and the venture promises to be so successful.
Mr. Foster has been a speculator in gold mining for many years. He took up leases in 1910 and his attitude has always been appreciated by the Mines Department, because he was one of those whose enthusiasm kept the industry going when prices for gold were very much lower than to-day.
He was a well-informed man on mining matters and had a wonderful knowledge of the position in this district. A number of valuable records and engineer's reports were in his possession.
It is understood that the late Mr. Foster claimed to be the first man to bring a reaper and binder over the blue Mountains. He was the first in the State to make use of a motor float for the transport of yearlings. What a contrast !
His operations and his property have been given a good deal of publicity. Representatives of "Country Life," "The Referee," and "The Australasian," have been amongst pressmen who have visited "Cullengoral," resulting in the publication of interesting photographs and articles.
The late Mr. Foster was a director of Cullengoral Alluvial Gold Sluicing Co., Biraganbil Gold, N. L., and Auriferous Properties Ltd. He was a member of the Australian Jockey Club and Tattersall's Club.
Deceased leaves a widow and the following grown-up family to mourn their loss: Messrs. William Foster, Frank Foster, Thomas Foster (all of Gulgong), Edward Foster (Rockhampton, Q.), Mrs. C. W. Gudgeon (Sydney), and Miss Marjorie Foster, who resides with her mother at Manly.
Mr Charles Foster, of Sydney, is a brother, and Mesdames F. Perkins, of Sydney, and R. Godfrey, of Wyong, are sisters.
The funeral cortege yesterday, was very large and representative, and as it progressed on its way from St. Luke's Church of England (where a service was conducted by the Rev. W. Rook, of Milton (who is visiting Gulgong) many persons lined the footways to pay their last respects to one who had discharged high and responsible duties in life, and who had accepted a full share of the obligations of citizenship. The Rev. Mr. Rook officiated at the graveside.
A Masonic service was conducted at the graveside by Very Worshipful Bro. A. Baldwin. The floral tributes were magnificent. The arrangements were carried out by Mr. R. S. Bayliss.
—"Gulgong Advertiser."
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 16 Jan 1936 Page 15
At the service in St. Luke's Church of England on Wednesday afternoon last prior to the remains of the late Mr JF Foster being conveyed to the Church of England portion of the Gulgong Cemetery, a service was conducted by the Rev. W Rook of Milton, who was a visitor to Gulgong.
Presiding at the organ, Dr. LW Tunley played the 'Dead March in Saul' as the coffin was carried from the Church.
The hearse was preceded by 40 employees of the Cullengoral Alluvial Gold Sluicing Co., followed by members of the Masonic Lodge. Next to the hearse was a large car load of magnificent wreaths received from, amongst others, the following: Lodge Wyaldra Gulgong; The Directors of Cullengoral Alluvial Gold Sluicing Co.; Mr AT Alston; Mr and Mrs W Peters; Mr and Mrs L Norris; Mr and Mrs J Miesch, Sydney; Mr and Mrs F Hanley, Sydney; Dr and Mrs RM Allport; Drs LW and Marjorie Tunley; Mr and Mrs A Beattie and family; Mr and Mrs BJ Naughton; Mr and Mrs Tos. Miller; Mr and Mrs LC Naughton and daughter*; Mr and Mrs JJ Dowd, Mr and Mrs Johnson; Mr and Mrs C Watt; Mr and Mrs A Baldwin and family; Mr and Mrs TG Alford, Manly; Marks & Co. Mudgee; Mr and Mrs HA Porter.
Source: Gulgong Advertiser - Wednesday January 22 19361936 - GULGONG PERSONAL
MR. J. Hellmrich, solicitor, of Sydney, has been the guest of Mr. and Mrs. W. Foster, of Gulgong.
MISS Marjorie Foster, of Sydney, returned to-day after being the guest of her brother, Mr. W. Foster and Mrs. Foster.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 8 Oct 1936 Page 121937 - GULGONG PERSONAL
Mrs. J. F. Foster [Clara] and daughter, Miss M[arjorie]. Foster, arrived from Sydney on Sunday and are at present the guests of Mrs. Foster's son, Mr. W. Foster and Mrs. Foster at 'Cullengoral.' They are to return home on Friday.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 30 Sep 1937 Page 17
NEWS ITEMS
1874 - John William FOSTER
Marriage FOSTER - GAFFNEY September 13th, by Rey. Father Meagher, John William Foster, the only son of Mr. James Foster, Sydney to Catherine Theresa Gaffney, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Michael Gaffney, Gulgong.Source: Gulgong Evening Argus - September 15th 18741928 – 'Silent Dale' SoldSmith & Foster auctioneers disposed of this property of over a thousand acres on account of Mr W C Foster to Mr T Jackson and sons.Source: Gulgong Advertiser - February 28th 19281928 - Bachelor's BallMembership tickets, available to bachelors only at a cost of £2 may be secured from the hon. Secretary of the Bachelors' Club, Mr W Foster. Arrangements are being proceeded with for the second annual ball to be held in the Pictoria Theatre on Tuesday, August 14th.Source: Gulgong Advertiser - 31st July 19281928 - CRICKETMr Percy Barton presided at a meeting to reform the old Enterprise Cricket Club. On the motion of Mr Low it was decided to reform the Club under the same name. Officers elected were:- Patron A E Wilde, President Mr WC Foster, Vice Presidents Messrs C Fagan, G Mason, W Low. Hon Sec/Treasurer, Mr T Judge. Delegate to the Gulgong association was Mr P Barton. It was resolved to purchase a new mat at a cost not exceeding £10.Source: Gulgong Advertiser - October 9th 19281934 – [MOVING HOUSE]Mr and Mrs W Foster have moved into the house vacated by Mr and Mrs R Laing in Bayly Street.Source: Gulgong Advertiser - January 17th 19341934 – [TRAVEL]The wife of Mr W Foster has been in Sydney for a few days.Source: Gulgong Advertiser - February 21st 1934
1935 - Edward A FOSTERInvitations have been issued for the marriage of Miss Imelda Maria Naughton (daughter of Mr & Mrs LC Naughton) to Mr Edward A Foster (son of Mr & Mrs JF Foster, of 'Cullengoral' & Manly) which is to take place at St Johns RC Church Gulgong on Saturday December 14th at 9 am.Source: Gulgong Advertiser - November 13th 19351935 - Government Notice - Mining Act 1906Dredging Leases Gulgong by Cullengoral Alluvial Gold Sluicing to mine for gold by means of suction dredge on Application No. 344 Portion - P.G.L. 55 Parish Biraganbil and Guntawang Wellington and Phillip, embracing part of the bed and banks of the Cudgegong River and being wholly private lands - area 46 acres 12 perches.ALSO Application No. 346 - Portion G L 30 in Parishes of Biraganbil & Guntawang in the Counties of Wellington and Phillip, embracing part bed and banks of the Cudgegong River - area 34 acres 37 perches.Objection maybe lodged at the Warden's Office on or before the date of inquiry- W.F. BRJTZ - Warden - December 24, 1934Source: Gulgong Advertiser - January 9th 1935
1937 - BOSS HONOURED - Rousing send offShowing their esteem for the 'boss' in a practical manner, the 14 men working on the Cullengoral alluvial gold bucket dredge, on Saturday morning last gathered together to make a presentation to Mr Percy Bellamy, engineer for Messrs Poole and Steel, Sydney, who was given a leather case and a travelling rug, prior to his departure after eight months in Gulgong, for Queensland.Eight of the boys on Saturday night accompanied Mr Bellamy to the Railway Station, where they accorded him a rousing send-off.Source: Gulgong Advertiser - November 3rd 19371938 - YIELDThe yield by the Cullengoral Gold Dredging Co.'s dredge for 5 weeks, August 25 to September 29th amounted 248ozs. For the week ending September 22nd, the dredge worked only 42 hours [for the overhaul of machinery], and no clean up was made. For some time, the dredge has been employed on ground previously worked.Source: Mudgee Mail - October 6th 1938
CULLENGORAL GOLD
1934 - SLUICING for GOLD
Yesterday work was resumed at Cullengoral, the plant has been shifted to the opposite bank, the gold secured was of high quality.Source: Gulgong Advertiser-January 31st 1934
1934 - MINING LEASE
Private land leases - Gulgong No. 362 James Frederick Foster, portion PGL 14, part of portion 29, parish Biraganbil, country Wellington, 20a Or 33p, whole surface dated March 22nd, 1934Source: Gulgong Advertiser - December 19th 19341935 - Cullengoral GoldThere is some excitement and speculation in mining circles over the prospects of the Cullengoral Gold Sluicing Co. operated by Mr J Foster's property near Gulgong. Shares have risen in a remarkable manner.Several Directors have been staying at Naughton's Centennial Hotel.Source: Gulgong Advertiser - January 2nd 19351935 - Cullengoral SluicingThe Cullengoral Gold Sluicing Co, reports that for the weeks ended September 29th as follows: Clean-up for the week 34 ozs 6 dwts of smelted gold from 21,000 cubic yards.Source: Mudgee Guardian - 9th October 19351935 - Cullengoral SluicingThe Cullengoral Sluicing Co reports that boring of the middle section of the property has been completed, and the manager says that the selected area contains 8,400,000 cubic yards of material with a recoverable value of 1 0d per cubic yard. Tenders for the erection of a bucket dredge will now be called for. Boring on other areas of the property is proceeding.Source: Gulgong Advertiser - November 13th 1935
