Charles Woolnough, was born circa 1808 in Lincolnshire, England. He was convicted at Suffolk Quarter Session for a term of 14 years on 19 April 1830. He was one of 216 convicts transported from Portsmouth on the Clyde, 20 August 1830, arriving in Tasmania. Charles is said to have absconded in and made his way to Sydney.
At the age of 26, Charles Woolnough married Sarah Brownlow in Sydney (NSW BDM 1283/1835 V18351283 19). They had two daughters:
- Sarah B - born 1837 (NSW BDM 1128/1837 V18371128 22)
- Eliza M - born 1840 (NSW BDM 131/1840 V1840131 55)
Charles worked as a shepherd in the Gulgong district and drowned in Reedy Creek July 1874 while trying to find a mob of sheep during a flood. He was 66 years old. The informant of Charles' death was Mr W Hughes (son in law) of Bunggboonia Station near Guntawang, Gulgong.
Charles Woolnough death certificate, 1874
1874 - [WEATHER]
For nearly a week we have had boisterous and gloomy weather. It has been pouring with rain or high winds and sometimes both together. A great deal of rain has fallen; sufficient to soften the ground for the plough and to swell the rivers and creeks. This morning a great change was to be observed; the sky was clear and no wind stirring, and it has been mild and pleasant throughout the day.
The Flood
One man was drowned in the Tallawang Creek and many others very narrowly escaped. In one spring cart, in the middle of the danger the traces were cut and the horse found its way to one side while the passengers had to swim back to the other. The cart was found about a mile down the creek.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, July 7, 1874
Inquest an inquest was held yesterday morning upon the body of Charles Woolnough, aged 66 by the Coroner. The body was found in Reedy Creek by relatives, who identified it, and this proves to be the person drowned in Reedy Creek during the last flood, an account of which was given in our columns. A verdict of accidental drowning was given and the funeral was held yesterday afternoon.
Source: GULGONG EVENING ARGUS, July 14, 1874
