Orange Family History Group Inc

Newsletter

December 2009

 

National Family History Week

 

What a week it was! On Friday 7 August the library conducted a "how to" workshop for people interested in starting to research their family history and to show them what resources are available at the library. The workshop attendance of 30 was beyond our expectations. Peter Douglass, aided by Carol Sharp, our Family History Group researcher, spoke about the process and made is all sound so easy (so long as you go about it the right way!). There were many questions from the floor regarding conducting research and conquering the inevitable "brick walls" which happen to all of us at times.

 

The gathering on 8 August was also very well attended by members, Orange residents and other visitors. Shirley Duckworth very professionally launched our new Pioneer Index CD ROM and presented the first copy to Jan Richards, Manager Central West Libraries, who accepted it on behalf of the library.

 

Catherine Jinks was the next speaker and spoke about researching family history - fact or fiction. Catherine is the author of The Dark Mountain about the Atkinson/McNeilly family which has links to Orange. Catherine discussed how she researched, planned the set out in book form and then wrote the book as a fiction story based on a real family. Her acknowledgements in the book include thanks to Orange City Library, particularly researcher Carol Sharp for helping with the research.

 

This rounded off a very successful Family History Week. Thanks to the Library staff for all their hard work including providing refreshments on 8 August. They have been very helpful to the OFHG by producing the Pioneer Register CD ROM and for arranging these functions.

 

Marie Cousins

 

Copies of the OFHG’S Pioneer Register on CD ROM are now available for sale at the great price of $20 including postage and packing. Use the order form on the back page!

 

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In association with the Society of Australian Genealogists (SAG) Orange City Library hosted the Lost in Black Sheep weekend on 7 and 8 November. The weekend was designed to give country researchers the opportunity to participate in a SAG activity without having to travel to Sydney. Guest speakers included Martyn Killion and Heather Garnsey of SAG, Christine Yeats of State Records NSW, Jan Richards, Manager Central West Libraries, Angela Phippen, Local Studies Librarian at Ryde and John Partridge, who was formerly with NSW Corrective Services. The feedback from the weekend, which was attended by 75 participants, was extremely positive - they loved the food, location, talks and the special tour to the Bloomfield Hospital site.

 

Marie Cousins, a member of the Orange Family History Group summed it up as follows:

 

"Although I have lived in Orange since 1965 and have been to Bloomfield on many occasions for football and cricket games, and parties in the recreation hall, it is so much more interesting when you have heard the history of the place.

 

"The speakers were all experts in their fields and kept us enthralled with their stories and hints about where to look for records. "They gave us lengthy handouts on their talks so - even through we were mostly 'oldies', with ailing memories - we have these notes to fall back on when the mind goes blank.

 

"The food served to us (we seemed to spend most of our time eating) was absolutely delicious and interesting, and Jan Richards and her library staff must be congratulated for this and for the faultless way the whole weekend was managed!"

 

Marie Cousins

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The Ryerson Index - 2010 and Beyond

Many of you are familiar with the Ryerson Index to contemporary death notices in Australian newspapers, a free resource found on the web at www.ryersonindex.org. A detailed history from its inception in 1998 was published in Descent, September 2009, so when your editor suggested an article for your journal, I thought it more appropriate to concentrate on the direction in which we see Ryerson heading rather than repeat history.

 

At the time of writing, we are indexing 157 Australian newspapers and adding over 400,000 entries per year. Many of the papers are being indexed in both directions - forward as they are published, and backward as resources permit. This number might seem a lot of papers, but we estimate that for every paper we index, there are two other papers we don’t. This means we still have plenty of scope to expand. Ultimately, we would love to be able to say we are indexing every death notice published in Australia - a very ambitious target, but, we believe, achievable.

 

To keep on top of published notices, we have indexers working forward as the papers are published, and we have teams of indexers working backwards from library or archival copies. It is quite common for an individual indexer to be involved in both forward and back-indexing.

 

Wherever possible, we index from the printed version of the paper. We will index from the paper’s website if there is no alternative, but we have found in the past that not all notices which appear in print are shown on the newspaper’s website. There is also the possibility that newspaper websites may become pay-per-view, if some of the ideas being floated at the present time come to fruition. My personal view is that the printed newspaper will be around for a long time yet, especially in country areas.

 

 We see our future direction as covering the following areas:

 

  • To continue to index notices as they are published for all papers currently included in Ryerson. This is our raison d'etre, and will always be our primary objective.

  • To include currently-unindexed papers in Ryerson as opportunities permit. This means in particular, expanding our representation in states other than NSW and Queensland - although we will never knock back an offer to index any Australian paper, wherever it is published.

  • To continue our back-indexing program for those papers currently being indexed. Our current teams are making great advances in this area, and we are always happy to take on new indexers who are prepared to index within their own period and locale of interest.

  • To include new papers in the back-indexing program as resources permit. We have found in the past that this flows naturally, as new indexers decide to back-index their local paper.

  • To maintain the Ryerson Index as a free resource for all genealogists.

  • We are fortunate that technology improvements over the years have made our task easier

  • Of course this means we need people prepared to help. We also need Societies to become involved, by taking ownership of the task of indexing their local paper, then having their members carry out the indexing. The advantages of this approach are that back-indexing can be carried out at home, at a pace to suit the indexer, and society members are more likely to be familiar with local family and place names, thus reducing errors.

 

We are fortunate that technology improvements over the years have made our task easier. Of course this means we need people prepared to help. We also need Societies to become involved, by taking ownership of the task of indexing their local paper, then having their members carry out the indexing. The advantages of this approach are that back-indexing can be carried out at home, at a pace to suit the indexer, and society members are more likely to be familiar with local family and place names, thus reducing errors.

The Central Western Daily is one of those papers where we have never had a local indexer - the paper has been indexed from its website since we first included it in October 2002. Is it asking too much for someone reading this to take it on?

 

John Graham

President, Ryerson Index Inc

[Central West Libraries is currently investigating how we can work with Ryerson Index Inc and the OFHG to index the Central Western Daily - we'll keep you posted]

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Do you have an Orange ‘Local Government’ connection?

 

In 2010 it will be a 150 years since the first meeting of the Orange Municipal Council took place on 18 February 1860. The meeting, which was held in the Court House, was presided over by the Chairman, John Peisley with Councillors John Woodward, George McKay, William Dale, Dennis Hanrahan and William Tucker Evans in attendance. Crown Solicitor, George Colquhoun, was appointed Council Clerk and Messer’s James Dalton and Patrick Kenna were appointed as auditors. The total value of real property was £5,859 and the rates for the first year amounted to £265/12/7.

 

In order to mark this significant anniversary Orange City Council is developing a number of initiatives and one of these is a wiki of people, events and services offered by the community. This is where you can help us. We’ll be looking for input into our wiki, especially about people who made a contribution to local government in the city. For further information contact Jan Richards at jrichards@orange.nsw.gov.au or 0263938126.

 

 

New Resources at Orange

 

Orange City Library has been fortunate in receiving from the Reverend Robert Wilson his privately published books James McClymont or Ironbarks and Orange:1835:1914, The McKay Family of Bathurst and Orange and The Reverend Colin Stewart, Presbyterian Minister. All have associations with Orange and district. These are available in the Local Studies Collection.

 

Births, Deaths, Marriages

 

"Despite written appeals to both the NSW Registry Office and the Hon. John Hatzistergos, MP, the Registry will continue to omit the word 'illegitimate' on official certificates. The Council is concerned that the Registry is issuing certificates as 'true copies' when in fact some details are being removed. We feel the legislation is out of date and needs to be reviewed." From the HC Spring 2009 Bulletin, History Council of NSW.

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Boer War Memorial Project

 

The objective of our volunteer group is to commemorate all those Australians who went to the Boer War between 1899 and 1902 in the same way that all others who served in later wars are - by having a suitable memorial erected on Anzac Parade, Canberra.

 

There are many Boer War memorials in cities and towns through NSW but no national memorial yet the Boer War remains our third most expensive in terms of loss of Australian lives, even though it lasted for only two and a half years.

 

We are attempting to reach the many descendants of all those who served to enlist their aid in pressuring government and raise funds towards the design, construction and erection of a suitable monument.

 

I would encourage those who have found a Boer War veteran among their ancestors to join our organisation. There are no fees and no catches although, of course, we would be pleased to have donations.

 

Orange was one of the most generous recruiting centres during the Boer War. Your memorial is the finest and justifiably the best known in the state.

 

Further information is available on the Boer War Memorial Project website www.bwm.org.au. To read the newsletter, select "Newsletters". Please send any feedback about the newsletter, complimentary or otherwise, but particularly about items you would like to see - or like to contribute - to future newsletters.

 

And if you've discovered a Boer War soldier or nurse ancestor, please fill in the Registration Form (in the "Descendant" section -"Register your Ancestor") to help build the numbers " . . . to demonstrate that there is broad public interest in having a national Boer War memorial . . . "No Ancestor? No problem. Just fill in the bottom section and register as "Friend" of the project.

 

Keith Smith

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Letters of a Nation

 

Australia Post has launched a project called Letters of a Nation as part of a national campaign that encourages people to upload old letters into a public archive. The online archive has been developed to preserve all letters submitted and act as a resource tool for generations to come. https://200years.auspost.com.au/html/loan/archive/

 

Research into Irish Roots

 

The December issue of Irish Roots magazine is out now and covers: Tracing The Caledonian Irish; DNA - Solving Mysteries and Uniting Families; From Galway To The Goldrush; The Irish Diaspora in Mexico; Eccentric Ireland - County Louth; A Problem Shared Page: News from the World Of Genealogy and lots more. If you would like further information on the magazine, please contact editor@irishrootsmagazine.com or look at www.irishrootsmagazine.com.

 

More NSW Records Available for Genealogists

 

The State Records Office of NSW has completed a pilot project to digitise assisted immigrant records between 1838 and 1896. There records were chosen because of their appeal to family historians. http://www.records.nsw.gov.au/state-archives/news/online-microfilm-of-shipping-lists-available

 

The SRO has also set up a new website dedicated to World War I soldier settlement schemes. Of the 40,000 returned servicemen and women who took up the offer of farming land fewer than half remained on the land 15 years later. A quick search found a few local connections.Go to http://soldiersettlement.records.nsw.gov.au/

 

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Research Enquiries

 

  1. Looking to contact anyone with connections to:
    Bartimote children of Aaron and Mary (Williams)
    Elizabeth m - Francis Cole
    Ambrose m - Harriet Howarth
    Mary m - John Connor
    Mordecai m - Mary Jane Kerr
    and
    Wright children of James and Bridget (Sullivan, Grady or Gready) James m - Ann Jane Hetherington
    Selina m ? -
    Thomas m ? -
    Francis (died in childhood)
    Cornelius m - Margaret Hetherington
    Sarah (died in childhood)
    Alfred (died in childhood)

    Looking for photographs, certificates and other documents or any other information. Contact Neil Bartimote on suebartimote@optusnet.com.au

  2. Doris Jenkins who won several tennis tournaments around the years 1930-45. The tennis clubs involved were Eugowra, Molong, Cumnock, Cudal and Orange. Requested by Yvonne Hall

  3. Information and photo of her grandmother, Violet Ann Eggleston (nee Farr). Henry Major Eggleston born 29 July 1885 Cumnock, died 21 June 1960 buried Cumnock Cemetery married Violet Ann (nee Farr) in 1906. She was born 16 September 1886, died 16 February 1978, buried at Parkes Cemetery. Henry was the son of George and Henrietta Eggleston.
    Requested by Patricia Marshall

  4. William Cross born 1850 Westhall, Suffolk, UK, died 18 September 1939. Married Margaret Elizabeth Bradford, born 23 May 1858, died 30 May 1894. Children: Elizabeth Burton, died 25 May 1972, Parramatta; Annie Maria Sands, died 2 February 1948, Orange; Rose Isabel Michell, died 20 February 1923, Wollongong; John William Cross; Hugh Ross Cross; John Henry Westbrook Cross; Phillip Cross, died 23 May 1896; Thomas Roland Cross died 14 May 1939, Orange; Phyllis Margaret Goldspink died 1 April 1993, Bathurst. Cecil Henry Copeland and his wife Ida buried in Orange.
    Requested by Elizabeth Rose

  5. Thomas and Joanna Jane Pearse who married Mary and Samuel Bray. Joanna Jane's parents were Geddie/Giddie Pearse and Mary Lane. Thomas Pearse who died 1846, not sure of who his parents are, some information says he was also a child of Mary Lane and Geddie/Giddie Pearse. However, some information says his mother was Grace Sergeant. Two girls had Jane Jones in their names: Jane Jones Wilkinson Lane and Selina Jane Jones Tom - where did they get that name Jane Jones from? James Lane died 1865 aged 49 years.
    Requested by Margaret Small

  6. Dudley Francis O'Hanlon died 14 February 1951, buried Catholic Portion, Orange Cemetery. Son of Francis Patrick O'’Hanlon died 29 September 1939 and Adelaide Mary O’Hanlon died 6 February 1957. Requested by Kevin O’Hanlon

  7. The Caledonia Hall at Orange, owned by Mr W M Padey, was destroyed by fire on 3 October 1889. William Padey died 14 September 1916, Hurstville. Wife Jane Padey (nee Sherar) died 6 April 1911, Marrickville. Children: Eliza Oliey Padey died 1867, Orange; Alfred Henry Padey died 14 January 1924, Orange, Jane Olive Barker; Emma Elizabeth Cooper; George L Padey died 1884, Orange, and John Andrew Padey died 21 March 1940, Leeton.
    Requested by Glenda Bone-Gault

  8. Daniel Henry Logan died 18 July 1957, Young; wife Charlotte Adeline Logan (nee Corbett) died 16 July 1942, Orange. Children: Daniel Henry Logan, Elias (Elly) Logan; Charles D Logan; Amelia A Raeburn; James S Logan died 2 June 1907, Orange; Emanuel C Logan; Edna Wallace; Charlotte G Logan and Alice Joan Webb. Requested by Suzanne Macdougall

  9. Imelda M Collins of 43 Anson Street, Orange daughter of Daniel Francis and Catherine Ellen Collins.
    Contact Orange Family History Group regarding this enquiry

  10. David Richie Lowdon who had a bakery in Orange. He died in Victoria 24 February 1949, buried in the Presbyterian portion, Orange Cemetery. He married Elizabeth Moore in 1886; she died 18 September 1941, buried Presbyterian portion, Orange Cemetery. Issue: Linda Pearl Ross died 1936, Box Hill Victoria; Stella Annie McDonald died 1970, Armadale, Victoria; William Roy Lowdon killed in action 31 August 1917; Nellie H Lowdon died 1892, Orange. Requested by Francis Kennedy

  11. Sarah Ann Barr born 1861 at Ploughmans Creek near Orange, married Henry J Jobson 19 March 1877. Sarah Jobson (nee Barr) died 29 November 1885 at Bell River, buried at Orange. Henry John Jobson died 19 October 1925, buried Orange Cemetery (note: he was married three times). Children: Mary Jane born 1878, first marriage Robert H Wilcox, Bathurst, second marriage Frederick C Carson, Newcastle; Sarah Jobson, born 1879; William Henry Jobson born 1880; Margaret Rebecca Joson born 1882, first marriage William Stanbrook, second marriage George A Huckle. Margaret died 4 August 1968 in Victoia buried Numurkah Cemetery, Church of England section.
    Requested by Greg North

  12. George Smee died 19 December 1878 in Orange; married Ellen Murphy on 25 August 1851. He was a miner at Ophir and Icely. George Smee born ca 1860 married Elizabeth A Trefrey, died 9 September 1941 Naremburn Sydney. Children: William, born 1887; George L born 1891; Ida M born 1894, married Albert E Beavan born 1902; and Harold P born 1905.
    Research requested by Norma Liddell

  13. George Towson a solicitor in Orange, Coroner and Orange Municipal Council Town Clerk from 1868 until his retirement in 1887. Died on 28 September 1897 buried Orange Cemetery. He has no headstone; however, his wife Louise Towson died 18 July 1885 has a headstone at Orange Cemetery which includes son George Richard Broderick of Fiji died at sea 10 June 1883 age 44 years.
    Research requested by Kathie Cullen

  14. William Williams died 30 December 1897, wife Jane Hussey 22 January 1914 East Orange. Children: Mary H Phillips, Margaret James, Elizabeth Lavers; Rachel Blackler; Sara Roberts.
    Requested by Ian Jurd

  15. Maroney Family
    Requested by Wendy O’Keefe


We exchange journals with other Family History Groups and Historical Societies and these can be found in the Orange City Library near the entrance to the Local Studies room in labelled filing cabinets. Included are:

 

  • History Alive – Orange and District Historical Society, Spring 2009
    Tom Family Organ

  • Pioneer of the local Railways – Richard Warren

  • Hurstville Genealogist – August/September 2009 and October/November 2009

  • The first acts in NSW to authorise the registration of baptisms, burials and marriages. The Registrar General gave these records volume number. (Pre-civil registrations are free to view at Orange City Library – NSW State Records Resource kit)

  • The Valley Genealogist – Bega Valley Genealogy Society Inc June 2009

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News Articles

 

Obituary Mary Margaret Bevear 8 June 1934 In our last issue we mentioned that Mrs Bevear was in a critical condition, and the old lady passed away on Friday night at Burwood at the home of her daughter, Mrs Brown. The body was brought to Blayney and on Sunday afternoon interment was made in the Anglican portion of the Cemetery. Mr H C Barratt read the service in the church and Canon Harris officiated at the graveside. A large number of old friends and relatives attended and four sons acted as pallbearers.

 

The late Mary Margaret Bevear was 83 years of age and a native of the district. She was the member of a pioneer family of these parts, by the name of Shannon, her father in the early days living on a farm adjoining Kelly’s "Tara Hills", near Greghamstown. Bushrangers were then in full operation, and the old lady could recount many thrilling incidents connected with that exciting period.

 

Her husband, George Bevear, who died four years ago, was a general carrier at Blayney for about 60 years, the business still being carried on by his son Alfred. He was a competent and enthusiastic gardener, and his home in Ogilvie Street was noted for its beautiful blooms, a splendid display always being made by him at Blayney and other district shows. He was responsible for designing and planting many district gardens, and it is recalled that he was given the contract by the council to plant the trees which adorn the park today.

 

Mrs Bevear enjoyed the best of health until recently, and was in bed for only a few days before the end. She was married at Orange 66 years ago – when 17 years old - and as it was the day of the Governor’s visit, the worthy couple always laughingly declared that the decorations through which they drove were erected in their honour. There were fourteen children of the marriage, of whom six survive, viz Bert, Herbert and Alfred of Blayney; George of Millthorpe; and Mrs S Brown and Mrs E Potter of Sydney. There are also 21 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

 

 

Central Western Daily Thursday 30 May 1952 – Obituary – Mr A J McKinney.

The death occurred at Concord Military Hospital yesterday afternoon of Mr Alexander John McKinney of 17 Sale Street, at the age of 38 years. Mr McKinney married Mavis, daughter of Mr and Mrs A W Todd of Calare Court, Sale Street and for a time was an accountant in the office of his father-in-law. Because of failing health, he had been paying periodical visits to the Concord Hospital for the past three years, his wife was with him at the time of his death. She and two small sons, Bruce and Grahame, survive and they will have the sincere sympathy of a large circle of friends in their time of such great sorrow. The funeral will take place in Sydney.

 

The Orange Leader 14 July 1920 – Personal

The death took place on Friday at Wonga, Albion Street, Randwick of Mrs Mary Ann Tipper, widow of the late Mr Allan Tipper of Orange. Deceased was 78 years of age. Four sons and five daughters are bereaved viz. Messrs Henry, William, Walter and Archibald Tipper and Mrs J Gray, Mrs Rabone, Mrs C Bolt, Mrs A Seers and Mrs C E Hall. In days long past there were three worthies in Orange, Messrs Rippingate, J H Skipper and A Tipper, who have long ago passed to their final rest and now the last of the widows has also passed away. They were members of the Holy Trinity Church of forty, fifty years ago and were locally described as Ripper, Skipper and Tipper as they generally worked in unison in the Little Pedington Orange was in those days.

 

The Orange Leader September, 1920 - Personal

Mrs Lucy Craigie died at Marrickville, Sydney on 10 September, at the advanced age of 95 years. Mrs Craigie was the widow of Mr William Craigie, many years ago of Orange. Mr J A Craigie of Marrickville is a son and Mrs Darling of Dubbo, Mrs G King, Goulburn and Mrs Batten, Sydney are daughters. There are also 24 grandchildren and 65 great-grandchildren. Mrs Craigie’s death severs the oldest link connecting old and present Orange. She and her husband were two of the pioneer residents of the Town, having arrived here in the very early days. They resided from some time on the outskirts of the town on the Molong Road and later in March Street, between Hill and Clinton Streets, Mr Craigie was a very versatile man, being painter, paperhanger and editor of one of Orange’s earliest newspapers. Mr Stirling Craigie of Orange, is a grandson.

Buried in Rookwood Cemetery, Church of England section.

 

The Orange Leader - Personal

The death occurred on 15 July 1920 at Goodas, Queensland of Mr Frank Ferdinand Dyett, eldest son of the late Mr M E D Ford of Orange NSW after four years active service with the 21st Battalion AIF. Mr Frank Ford will be kindly remembered b y many old Orangeites, as he took his part in all social matters and field sports of the day here. The family reached Orange in the early eighties Mr M E D Ford arriving here as Sub-inspector of Police and receiving his promotion to an Inspectorship not long afterwards. Mr Frank Ford entered the Orange branch of the Australian Joint Stock Bank in Mr g W Waddell’s time and progressed to accountant thereafter during he managerships of Mr H L Apperley and Mr J Mullins.

 

The Orange Leader - 27 November 1911 - Death of Mr Mark Edward James Ford.

The death occurred at Hurstville yesterday of Mr Mark Edward James Ford, who was inspector of the police force at Orange for a number of years, at the age of 70 years. His wife died at Orange in July, 1896. the body will be brought to Orange by tomorrow morning’s mail train, and the remains will leave the Church of England School-room at 11 am for the Church of England Cemetery. Mr F Ford has charge of the mortuary arrangements. (Note: on headstone has his name as Mark Edward Dyett Ford.) He lived at "Collingwood" Hurstville. Electoral Roll - 1930 - Ford Mark Dyett - Kenwyn Street, Hurstville - Inspector of Police.

 

Western Advocate Orange - Saturday 5 February 1898

An Ophir Identity - Denizens of Ophir in the old days will be sorry to learn of the death of Mrs Maradee snr, one of the oldest residents of the field. Her decease occurred on Tuesday at noon and she was buried on Thursday afternoon in the Ophir cemetery. Her age was 83 and it had been her misfortune to be blind rather more than half her lifetime viz 43 years. But notwithstanding her affliction she was a good and active member of the community and had won the esteem of all. (Note: surname could have been Masling?)

 

The Orange Leader - 8 May 1942. Well-known Businessman and Sportsman

Death of Mr R W Law Successful Orange and Sydney businessman, whose efficiency was matched only by his amazing energy. He directed two big bakeries, one in Orange and the other in Sydney. Mr Rupert William Law died at his home 3 Wansey Road, Randwick on Tuesday evening after a long illness which he has borne with remarkable fortitude. Mr Law for many years was one of this city’s prominent businessmen, commencing his career here when he assumed the Bakery and cafe of Bartles, under which name he traded. Through keen and efficient administration in which he insisted on service to his clients he built up one of the most progressive business houses in the West and the name of his products were known beyond the Darling River. His business interest did not claim his time and energy exclusively for he took part in community progressive moves, became a member and then a president of the Orange Rotary Club and interested himself in other sports, particularly cricket giving his experience of the game as a coach for students of Wolaroi College at one period. Through his old friend Dr W F Matthews he indirectly interested himself in Rugby Union. Many Orange people attended his funeral which took place in Sydney yesterday his first wife predeceased him some years ago. Of that union there are two daughters Patricia who is Mrs Mashman of Sydney and Nancye who recently married Mr Gordon Pilbeam of Orange. His second wife survives also an infant daughter Carolyn. His second wife was formerly Miss Margot Chapman of Sydney. (Note: first wife’s name was Nellie Parkinson)

 

The death tetanus germ claimed another victim on Saturday in the person of Mr James Hamilton who died in the Orange Hospital after being a patient only since the previous Thursday. He had come from Sydney for the purpose of prospecting for gold, but secured employment with Mr A Tobin of Euchareena. Three weeks ago, he cut his foot with an axe. The wound healed outwardly and apparently was going to give no further trouble. On Thursday however, Mr Hamilton was taken seriously ill, and brought to Orange for treatment. The doctor whom he consulted ordered his removal to hospital. The deceased was a Scotsman by birth and had spent a number of years working in the slumps of Sydney for the Sydney City Mission during the time that the late Rev Thomas Mathers was in charge. He was very well known in the poorer parts of the city and was held in the highest esteem by the people amongst whom and for whom he devoted five years of his life. Possessing a fine personality and being of a highly Christian nature, people with whom he can in contact with have expressed the opinion that they insensibly felt better by having known him. A sister Mrs Robinson resides in St Kilda Victoria and another sister whose name is not known is a resident of Wagga. The remains were interred in the Presbyterian portion of the Orange Cemetery on Sunday afternoon and the Rev H W R Innes officiated at the graveside. Amongst those who attended the funeral were Mr P D Gordon an elder of the Presbyterian Church and Mr C A Wulffe a director of the Orange Hospital. Mr P J McGowan had charge of the arrangements. (Unmarked grave - Orange Cemetery)

 

The Orange Leader -Obituary - Mr John Cunneen - Monday 5 August 1935

Another stalwart of past days died at 17 Prince Street, Orange, on Saturday afternoon in the person of Mr John Cunneen aged 89 years. Deceased was a native of Newtown, Co Clare, Ireland and came to Australia in the ship which followed the ill fated Dunbar, that was wrecked. He was educated at St Benedict’s Church School, Sydney. At a very early age he began work as an employee at Orton Park, Bathurst and was in that centre during the bushranging days having a clear recollection of the convicts who formed the road-making gangs in that time. After passing several years in the back country he found his way to the Ophir diggings and there married Miss Margaret Jane McConnell the second daughter of the late Mr John McConnell and a niece of the late Mr Robert McConnell who died recently at Orange. Mr Cunneen thereafter followed the occupation of a carrier and incidentally some of the foundation stones of the GPO Sydney were carted by his teams. Abandoning this calling, he entered upon farming pursuits at Ballimore, Dubbo with some degree of success eventually retiring about nine years ago and coming to reside in Orange. Altogether he had spent some 30 years in and around this town and his last years were passed alongside his lifelong friend Robert McConnell. A particularly well informed man from his early associations and much travelling, the deceased was genial and companionable with a considerable circle of acquaintances. As a friend he was all that could be desired his chief traits being a cheery disposition and bright optimism. He was one of a family of thirteen and sons who survive him are John, Peter, Sam, William and James. A daughter Lillian and his wife predeceased him. Mr Cunneen maintained his brightness until within a few weeks of his death when he contract influenza and bronchitis and passed away in a local private hospital the interment took place in the Catholic portion of the Orange Cemetery. (No headstone at Orange Cemetery)

 

The Orange Leader - Obituary - Mr W F J Bennett - Thursday 8 December 1961

The death occurred on Saturday afternoon of a well-known Orange resident, Mr William Frederick John Bennett, of Peisley Street, he was 69.

 

Born at Wellington came to Orange as a young man and become well known as a drover, the occupation he followed until his death. He travelled stock over most of the Western area and was recognised as a reliable judge of the qualities of all classes of livestock.

 

Apart from his occupation, his main interests were in his home and family life. He had a wide circle of friends in this City and western areas.

 

His wife, Miss Lattie Finch of Wellington, pre-deceased him by four years.

 

He is survived by three son Fred. (Texas, Qld), Arthur and Ronald (both of Parramatta) and three daughters Jean (Mrs Fox, Orange), Muriel (Mrs Munn, Parramatta) and Thelma (Mrs Death, Glenbrook). He is also survived by two sisters, Florence (Mrs Atkins) and May (Mrs Collins) both of Wellington. He had 15 grandchildren. His funeral, which was largely attended, left his residence on Tuesday afternoon for interment in the Church of England Cemetery, Orange. Rev Gordon Smee officiated at the graveside. C A Hyland and Son were in charge of the funeral arrangements.

 

The Orange Leader - Death of Mr King - Monday 16 July 1906

One of the oldest Orange identities joined the Great Majority on Sunday morning early, when Mr Robert King departed this life. Mr King was 82 years of age and had been ailing for some time, a bladder affliction hastening his end. Mr King came to the Colonies 52 years ago, and after spending a short time in Sydney, he went to Bathurst, where he stayed for a number of years, coming to Orange 36 years ago to manage the boot factory then just opened by Mr M B Bowen. He retained that position for 8 years, then went into business himself, opening the Royal Hotel, Byng Street (now conducted as a boarding house by Mrs Storum). Later he became the host of the Telegraph Hotel (now Central). Afterwards lived privately for a while, then went back to his trade, taking over his premises in Anson Street from his son. For some eight weeks Mr King has suffered acutely. He leaves a widow 78 years of age, three daughters and four sons. The daughters are Mrs Thompson, Bathurst, Mrs Coomer McPhie and Mrs J Bewers, Orange. The sons are Messrs J H King Sydney, George King, Goulburn, Robert King Sydney. There are 22 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The funeral takes place on Monday at 3 pm as per announcement.

 

The Orange Leader - Mr M Star - Monday 5 February 1917

Mr M White Snr, of Bank Street Molong, breathed his last on Wednesday morning. The deceased had reached the ripe old age of 87 years and 8 months. She was a native of Edinburgh (Scotland) and came to Australia in 1852, some 38 years ago. She went to the Molong district where she resided ever since. the deceased leaves an adult family of three sons and three daughters viz James (Canbellgo), David (Koorawathea), William (Wellington) Mrs Ashcroft (Eugowra), Mrs Taber (Gunnedah) and Mrs Harris (Cowra).

 

The Orange Leader - Mrs Ann Mitchell - Wednesday 21 March 1917 On Friday Mrs Ann Mitchell, relict of Mr James Mitchell, died at the residence of her son Mr James Mitchell (Mumbil). The old lady had attained the age of 78 years, and death was due to natural causes. She was a native of Gost, Co Galway, Ireland, and came to Australia when quite a girl. She was a very old resident of the district and her husband carried on farming in the neighbourhood of Stuart Town for many years. Besides her son abovementioned, the other surviving members of her family are Mesdames Myers, Glynn and Cooper.

 

The Orange Leader - Orange Blossoms - 8 April 1899

Orange has been having its full share of weddings the last few days and still there are rumours of more to follow.

 

On Thursday 30th instant the Rev. Father O’Keefe joined together Mr Charles Vallance, the well-known Lucknow cricketer and Miss Mary Daley of Forbes.

 

On Sunday evening Father O’Keefe officiated again when Mr Patrick McDermott and Miss Kat Gallagher, daughter of Mr P Gallagher of Gum Flat, were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. Mr E McDermott acted as best man.

 

Monday evening Mr Frank Colley part proprietor of the Warren Herald was married to Miss Nellie Brightman sister of Mr W Brightman of the Victoria Hotel. The newly wedded couple are spending their honeymoon in Tasmania.

 

On Tuesday evening Miss Ellen Walker (daughter of Mr John Walker) was married at St Joseph’s Church to Mr John Griffin teacher of the South Grafton Public School and son of Mr T Griffin at Cooyal. Miss Ethel Casey 9niece of the bride) was bridesmaid and Mr Phil Walker (brother) gave away the Bride. Mr M Leahey was best man and Father O'Keeffe officiated.

 

On Tuesday evening also, at Holy Trinity Church, the Rev J L Taylor officiating, Miss Agnes Grinsted, fourth daughter of Mr Fred Grinsted of Anson Street was married to Mr L Schinckel of Mount Gambier, South Australia.

 

On Easter Tuesday, at Holy Trinity Church, Kelso, the nuptials of Mrs Samuel John Lockhardt of Orange and Miss Edit Sarah Watsford took place. The Misses Lockhardt sisters of the bridegroom acted as bridesmaids and Mr L Watsford brother of the bride as best man. The church was suitably decorated with cosmos from Leeholme and Miss Cousins, as organist, played the wedding march. After the ceremony the party adjourned to the residence of the bride’s father, where the wedding breakfast was partaken of and the usual felicitations offered and acknowledged. The happy couple left for their home in Orange by the afternoon train.

 

On March 30th, Mr William Milne of Springside and Miss Susan Annie Thomas also of Springside were married at the Wesleyan Parsonage, Orange. On the same date and the same place Mr Isaac Henry Sharp of Cargo and Miss Elizabeth Mary Davis of Lucknow were married. On the following day, Mr J Bayley and Miss Ada Lane were united in the holy bonds at Rosehill. And yesterday April 7th, at the hour of Mr Joseph Watts, the wedding took place of Mr J H Crapp of Adelaide SA and Miss Alice Harriett Watts of Canobolas.

 

The Molong Express – Married in Bed - Saturday 20 May 1905- On Friday of last week a man named John McCarthy, a printer, while out shooting rabbits at Trangie, accidentally shot himself in the abdomen with a pea-rifle. The ball pierced the stomach and was taken out at the back, three inches from the spine, and the following morning McCarthy, while propped up in bed, was married to Miss Sarah Newson, daughter of Mrs Hickey of Trangie, the Rev E H Walker, Rector of All Saints’ performing the ceremony. Mr S Patterson was groomsman and Mrs O’Donnell (sister) bridesmaid. In the afternoon the patient accompanied by his wife, was taken to the Dubbo Hospital. Unless complications set in he will probably be out and about in a month or six weeks time.

 

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