NSW REGISTERS OF CORONERS’ INQUESTS, 1796-1942
For Rylstone / Kandos District
Courtesy of NSW State Records & Ancestry.com
(In chronological order as per date of inquest – either held at Rylstone/Kandos or
about people born at Rylstone/Kandos but inquest held elsewhere)
Causes of death (see Table 1, last page):
1. Accident/general/unknown: 43
2. Natural causes/heart: 37
3. Suicide: 26
4. Drowning: 19
5. Motor Vehicle: 15
6. Burns: 13
7. Alcohol a factor: 13
8. Horse: 12
9. Kandos mine: 8
10. Murder/ manslaughter: 7
11. Trains: 6
12. Shot by police: 1
13. Visitation of God: 1
Deceased:
Inquest date: 17.7.1854
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: China
Coroner: Hartsong
Cause: accidentally killed
Lue Sue
Deceased:
Inquest date: 21.7.1854
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: China
Coroner: Bell JP
Cause: shot by constable
La Ju
SMH 2.9.1854 p2: SHOOTING A CHINAMAN – in reference to this case the learned
Solicitor General informed the court that he had received depositions of what
appeared to be an inquiry which had been forwarded by the Rylstone Bench to the
Attorney General, and in which District Constable Taylor who had shot the
Chinaman had given evidence. The bench, it appeared, had not committed Taylor,
and the question for consideration was—what was to be done in the case. After a little
discussion it was decided that it should stand over until the next Circuit Court, when
it would be competent to the court to adopt its own course and put Taylor upon his
trial.
Deceased:
Eliza Kable
Inquest date: 10.10.1854
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: Bell JP
Cause: Felo dese (Latin for “felon of himself” meaning suicide)
Deceased:
Inquest date: 3.1.1855
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: Bell JP
Cause: found dead intemperance
Robert Moore
Deceased:
Martin Hersch
Inquest date: 3.11.1855
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: Fitzgerald JP
Cause: Felo dese (Latin for “felon of himself” meaning suicide)
Deceased:
Inquest date: 8.11.1855
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: Armstrong
Cause: natural causes
James Macgovern
Deceased:
Inquest date: 23.11.1855
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: Cox JP
Cause: visitation of God
William Stewart
Deceased:
Inquest date: 8.5.1856
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: Sinclair
Cause: natural causes
James Keelan
Deceased:
Inquest date: 3.7.1856
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: Sinclair
Cause: fall from horse
Thomas Byrnes
Deceased:
Inquest date: 5.11.1856
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: Sinclair
Cause: accident
John Donoghue
Deceased:
Inquest date: 21.4.1857
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: Cox JP
Cause: accidental burning
William Kirkland
Deceased:
Inquest date: 15.2.1857
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Location of death:
Coroner: Cox JP
Cause: natural causes
Martha Brimmer
Deceased:
Inquest Date: 23.12.1857
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Verdict: fall from horse
True Loot, a Chinaman
Deceased:
Inquest date: 19.2.1858
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: Cox JP
Cause: accident riding against a tree
Jennings Ward
SMH 6.3.1858 P5: From the Mudgee Newspaper correspondent: I have to inform you
of a very shocking occurrence which happened here yesterday (Thurs Feb 25)
evening—no less than the almost instantaneous death of Mr Ward, overseer to Messrs
E and R Cox of Dabee, by a fall from his horse. It would appear that Mr Ward and
another were trying their horses, in anticipation of the approaching races; and,
between five and six o’clock last evening, they started at full gallop from the Mudgee
crossing place on the river towards Walton’s public-house. Ward was ahead, but his
horse grew unmanageable, and at the time he lost his seat—about two hundred yards
from the place of starting—it seems not quite certain whether he came in contact with
a tree and was then cast off, or whether the horse unseated him. He was, however,
thrown to the ground with great force, and when some of those who witnessed the
accident came up he was scarcely breathing. They conveyed him instantly to Hayes’s
public-house. Dr Gygax was immediately in attendance but bleeding and all other
restoratives were found completely ineffectual and life itself was very shortly extinct.
Mr Fraser rode off at once to Dabee to inform Mr Cox and the bereaved family and
Mr Cox himself came over directly. I believe a magisterial enquiry is to take place at
ten o’clock this morning. Ward has several terrible bruises in different parts of his
body—one large contusion right across the forehead, where he came in contact with
the ground on first striking; another graze down the side of the face, as if he had come
foul of a tree; and also a deep hole in his side, near the ribs, as if a piece of wood or
other foreign substance had been driven deep into his body. By which of these wounds
he came by his death it is difficult to say. Perhaps it may be known more precisely
after the inquiry. I regret to add Mr Ward has left a large family and the loss to his
wife and children will be a severe as well as afflictive one. It may not be out of place
here again to suggest the enquiry, whether more evil than good does not generally
result from the getting up of and celebration of public races.
Deceased:
Inquest date: 15.5.1858
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: Cox JP
Cause: fall from scaffold
Samuel Highfield
SMH 1.6.1858 p2: DEATH FROM A FALL: The new church at Rylstone, having
approached completion, Highfield, the mason, who executed the stone work, had also
contracted to do the plastering. To reach the centering of the ceiling it was necessary
to erect scaffolding and upon this Highfield was last Friday evening completing the
lathing of roof; whether he was reaching out too far and thus lost his footing or
whether he had a fit seems uncertain. However, he suddenly lost his hold and came
down head foremost, pitching with his temple on the floor and almost instant death
ensued. He never spoke afterwards.
Deceased:
Inquest date: 15.5.1858
Inquest location: Rylstone
Coroner: Cox JP
Cause: fall from horse
Mary Walton
Maitland Mercury 1.6.1858: FATAL ACCIDENT AT RYLSTONE: on Saturday
morning early, Mrs Walton set out on horseback for Rango, ten miles up the river, to
break the sad news of Highfield’s death to his wife and family. On arriving at the
corner of Tindale’s paddock about half a mile hence, the horse wanted to take the
road to Cox’s and became restive; and although led some distance forward by a
woman from an adjoining hut, he at last grew unmanageable and reared up when Mrs
Walton lost her seat and received such injuries from the fall that she only spoke twice
afterwards and in a few minutes life was extinct. Mrs Walton was a woman of great
strength of character, whereby she exercised a wide influence in this neighbourhood
and her place will not soon be filled up. Her generous disposition is remembered by
all and especially to her poorer neighbours was she a kind friend.
Deceased:
Inquest date: 12.8.1858
Inquest location: Rylstone
Coroner: Cox JP
Verdict: burnt to death
Alfred Baker
Deceased:
Inquest date: 1.6.1864
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: J W Hardwick JP
Cause: accidental drowning
Hannah Ferguson
Deceased:
Inquest date: 11.6.1864
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: J W Hardwick JP
Cause: injuries accidentally received
John Byng Lang
Deceased:
Inquest date: 14.12.1864
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: Ed Cox JP & J W Hardwick JP
Cause: injuries accidentally received
John Burke
SMH 21.8.1865 p3: received 7s 6d, paid 6d; at credit of estate, 7s.
Deceased:
Inquest date: 6.7.1865
Inquest location: Rylstone
Coroner: J W Hardwick JP
Verdict: natural causes
George Baker
Deceased:
Alexander Christoson
Inquest Date: 22.11.1865
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Before Whom: G B Maclean JP
Cause: injuries accidentally received by falling from his horse whilst intoxicated
Deceased:
Inquest Date: 31.1.1866
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Before Whom: E Cox & J W Hardwick JP
Verdict: no evidence to shew
a Man unknown
Deceased:
Inquest date: 14.2.1866
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: E Cox & Jno Hardwick JP
Cause: natural causes
George Russell
Deceased:
Inquest date: 10.5.1867
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: Hardwick & Armstrong
Cause: self inflicted by hanging
John Kilmurray
Deceased:
Inquest date: 28.8.1867
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: J Hardwick & W W Armstrong
Cause: accidentally drowned
Robert Buddy
Deceased:
Inquest date: 14.4.1866
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: J W Hardwick JP
Cause: natural causes
Mary Ann Ives
Deceased:
Inquest date: 18.6.1868
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: J W Hardwick JP & W W Armstrong JP
Cause: natural causes
Sarah Ann Gander
Deceased:
Inquest date: 17.7.1868
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong JP
Cause: rupture of a blood vessel
Daniel Moore senior
Deceased:
Inquest date: 23.11.1868
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Age: 24
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: natural causes
Margaret Enright
Deceased:
Inquest date: 24.12.1869
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: natural causes
James Smith
Deceased:
Connor Hogan
Inquest date: 26.12.1868
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth:
Age: 45
Coroner: W W Armstrong JP
Cause: exhaustion re the result of drinking intoxicating liquors to excess
SMH 4.1.1869 p3: I regret to say, says the Rylstone correspondent of the Mudgee
Liberal of Thursday, we have had another sudden death from the effects of rum. A
man named Hogan, living in the neighbourhood of Louee, came to Rylstone about the
23rd instant and bought two or more bottles of rum. He was found by a man in the
Louee bush paddock lying exposed to the sun the next day and the man who found him
took the grog from him. He appeared stupid but could walk and attempted to follow
the man with the grog. On the way he told the man who found him to go on and he
would be with him presently; but it appears he went to the creek and the same man
found him there and told Mr Smede. Report came in yesterday that he was dead and
the police were informed of all the particulars.
Deceased:
Inquest date: 16.10.1870
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: natural causes
Thomas Marsh
SMH 25.10.1870: REMARKABLY SUDDEN DEATH: among the numerous recent
cases of mortality at Mudgee, in circumstances affording little or no warning, is a
remarkable one recorded in Tuesday’s Western Post. On Sunday last, Mr Thomas
Marsh, a farmer well known and much respected in Mudgee was preaching in the
Wesleyan chapel at Rylstone when he suddenly expired. Death was so instantaneous
that before the persons present could reach him life was extinct.
Deceased:
Inquest date: 5.12.1870
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Location of death:
Coroner: W Armstrong
Cause: natural causes
Dee Wang alias Lee Wee
Deceased:
Inquest date: 30.12.1870
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: natural causes
Ann Fairhurst
Deceased:
Inquest date: 17.2.1871
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: Armstrong
Cause: injuries accidentally received
Simon Alfred Mansfield
Deceased:
Inquest date: 21.2.1871
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W Armstrong
Cause: injuries accidentally received
Catherine Moore
Deceased:
Inquest date: 2.4.1872
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: injuries accidentally received
John Simpson
Deceased:
Inquest date: 20.4.1871
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: injuries accidentally received
Edward Moss
Deceased:
Inquest date: 23.5.1872
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: injuries accidentally received
‘Jackey’ an aboriginal
Deceased:
Inquest date: 6.9.1872
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: J W Hardwick JP
Cause: found dead
Eliza Gore
Deceased:
Inquest date: 17.10.1872
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: natural causes
Jane Milligan
Deceased:
Inquest date: 15.12.1872
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: accidentally drowned
William Rideout
Deceased:
Inquest date: 29.3.1873
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: Armstrong
Cause: injuries accidentally received
Ellen Maloney
SMH 5.4.1873 p4: FATAL ACCIDENT – on Thursday evening last, at about six
o’clock, the only daughter of Mrs Maloney, of Dungaree, on the Rylstone road, aged
eleven years, was thrown off her horse and dragged in the stirrup for some distance,
sustaining a fracture of the base of the skull. The unfortunate child died at noon on
the following day.
Deceased:
Inquest date: 23.6.1875
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: Armstrong
Cause: injuries accidentally received
Sarah Mulholland
SMH 1.7.1875 p6: a fatal accident occurred at Rylstone during the week. A woman
named Sarah Mulholland, aged 63, and a very old resident of Rylstone, was thrown
from her horse when proceeding to attend a midwifery case. Dr Newton, of Mudgee,
was telegraphed for, and at once proceeded to the scene of the accident but Mrs
Mulholland was beyond the aid of medical skill and died shortly after the doctor’s
arrival. The cause of death was concussion of the brain.
Deceased:
Inquest date: 14.9.1875
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: accidentally drowned
Arthur Henry Freestone
Deceased:
Inquest date: 2.7.1876
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Location of death:
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: natural causes
Andrew Dunn
Deceased:
male child named Cooper
Inquest date: 24.6.1876
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: suffocation but by what means evidence to shew
Deceased:
Inquest date: 25.7.1876
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: injuries accidentally received
Holmes Thanklin
Deceased:
Inquest date: 27.1.1877
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: natural causes
man unknown
Deceased:
Inquest date: 18.5.1877
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Location of death:
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: accidentally drowned
Albert Amandus Bentzen
(SMH 22.4.1874 p4: Rev Hans Thorwald Alexander Bentzen, Rylstone, marriage
celebrant)
Deceased:
Inquest date: 4.6.1877
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: natural causes
William Hanson
Deceased:
Inquest date: 12.11.1877
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: injuries accidentally received
George Joseph Pike
Incident:
fire at dwelling house of Manuel Repose Silver
Inquest date: 12.6.1878
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: not sufficient evidence to show origin of fire
Deceased:
female child unknown
Inquest date: 19.6.1878
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: not sufficient evidence to determine cause of death
Deceased:
Inquest date: 14.3.1879
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: natural causes
a man name unknown
Deceased:
Inquest date: 29.11.1880
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Scotland
Age: 75
Est birth year: 1805
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: exhaustion
Property: nil
James Young
Deceased:
Inquest date: 27.12.1880
Inquest Location: Merriwa
Born: Rylstone
Estimated birth year: 1856, age 24
Cause: accidentally drowned
Andrew Dewey
Deceased:
Inquest date: 21.4.1881
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Mudgee
Age: 18
Est birth year: 1863
Location of death: near Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: injuries accidentally received
Property: nil
Maria Jane Hong
The Melb Argus 22.4.1881 p5: 2 sisters and a brother, named Hong, were engaged in
clearing some land at Rylstone yesterday, they set fire to a tree which fell while they
were at their meal, killing the eldest girl, aged 17, and injuring the others.
Deceased:
Inquest date: 9.1.1882
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: accidentally drowned
Arthur Edwards
Deceased:
(William Mow senior) this name not on original
Inquest date: 22.4.1882
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W D Meares
Cause: fire at the shop corner of Love and Daley sts Rylstone – wilfully set on fire
Deceased:
Emily Alice Todd
Inquest date: 19.6.1882
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth:
Age: 15 mos
Est birth year: 1881
Location of death: Brymair, Rylstone dist
Coroner: J W Hardwick
Cause: accidentally drowned at a water hole at Brymair
Property: nil
The Advertiser Adelaide 24.12.1909 p8: HOLIDAYMAKER DROWNED – L
Hardwick, 17 years of age, son of a resident of Rylstone, was drowned there while at
home for the holidays. The deceased, with a brother and some friends, had been in the
water for a few minutes only when he disappeared. None of the others could swim but
a passerby dived for about 10 minutes and recovered the body. Hardwick was then
dead.
Deceased:
Inquest date: 6.6.1883
Inquest Location: Dungaree
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 7
Est birth year: 1876
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: injuries through the capsizing of a cart
Property: nil
Sarah Ann Joyce
Deceased:
George Badford
Inquest date: 23.8.1881
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Death: Rylstone
Place of Birth: England
Age: 27
Est Birth year: abt 1854
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: caused by accident through careless use of power
Property: horse, saddle
Deceased:
Inquest date: 28.3.1881
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: England
Age: 81
Est birth year: 1800
Cause: natural causes
William Mason
Property: nil
Deceased:
Inquest date: 15.6.1881
Inquest Location: Louee Station, district Rylstone
Place of Birth: Louee dist Rylstone
Age: 5
Est birth year: 1876
Location of death: Louee dist Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: injuries accidentally received by burning
Property: nil
Rosanna Papworth
Incident:
fire at premises of John Taylor near Rylstone
Inquest date: 6.12.1881
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: wilfully fired by person or persons unknown
Deceased:
John Stafford
Inquest date: 13.2.1882
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: England
Age: 64
Est birth year: 1818
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: injuries accidentally received through a fall
Incident:
Inquest date: 17.4.1882
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W D Meares
Cause: wilfully set on fire
fire at the shop corner of Love and Daley Streets
Deceased:
Frank Edward Kennedy
Inquest date: 10.6.1882
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Ireland
Age: abt 35
Est birth year: 1847
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: J W Hardwick
Cause: effects of injuries from violence such as a fall or kick from a horse
Property: nil
Deceased:
Inquest date: 10.1.1884
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Ireland
Age: 65
Est birth year: 1819
Location of death: near Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: accidentally burned
Property: nil
William Kennedy
SMH 15.1.1884 p8: a shocking occurrence has been reported to the police
authorities. A shepherd named William Kennedy who was in the employ of Mr Hugh
Farrelly of Rylstone, whilst endeavouring to extinguish a bush fire, got into the thick
undergrowth and being surrounded by flames before he could make his escape was
literally roasted to death.
Deceased:
Michael Bragan
Inquest date: 22.5.1885
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Age: 28 years, born Ireland
Location of death: near Rylstone
Coroner: J W Hardwick
Cause: accidentally killed through a fall from his horse
Property: £400
Deceased:
William Quick
Inquest date: 13.6.1885
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Ireland
Age: 63
Est birth year: 1822
Location of death: Pinnacle Swamp, Rylstone district
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: effects of exposure Property: nil
Deceased:
Inquest date: 31.10.1885
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Halston
Age: 59
Est birth year: 1826
Location of death: Rylstone dist
Coroner: W L Gallagher
Cause: killed by a falling tree
Peter Rasums
Deceased:
Inquest date: 19.4.1886
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 19yrs 6mos
Est birth year: 1867
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: effect of burns
Property: nil
Sarah Leighton
Deceased:
Inquest date: 4.3.1887
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Scotland
Age: 66
Est birth year: 1821
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: natural causes
Property: nil
Ann Train
Deceased:
Eliza Ann Anshaw (age 6)
Inquest date: 17.6.1887
Inquest Location: Rylstone
DOB: abt 1881
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Loug Gully Rylstone
Cause: injuries accidentally received through her clothes having caught fire
Property: nil
Deceased:
William Albert Turner
Inquest date: 6.9.1887
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Young
Age: 24
Est birth year: 1863
Location of death: near Brogan’s Creek, Mudgee Railway Line
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: effects of injuries received through being run over by the mail train
Property: nil
SMH 8.9.1887 p8: the inquiry into the death of a fettler at Brogan’s Creek has extended over nearly 2
days and resulted in the following verdict after Inspector Payne and a number of railway employees
had been examined: That the deceased William A Turner met his death by being run over by the mail
train on the morning of the 6th while in the execution of his duty and desired to add as a rider that they
considered great blame rested upon the Commissioner for not issuing proper instructions to his officers
in connection with the pilots using tricycles for patrolling this portion of the line; and also in not
supplying the patrol men with reliable time-pieces the same as the guards and drivers. The jury also
wished to add that they consider great risk attends the running of the night trains in the present state of
the line.
Deceased:
James Hazelton
Inquest date: 26.11.1887
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Bathurst
Age: 39
Est birth year: 1848
Location of death: 137 miles 20 chs on Wallerawang Mudgee Railway line
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: effects of injuries received through being run over by special train
Property: nil
Remarks: Attorney General 2/12/87 see 87/13490
The Melb Argus 28.11.1887: a few weeks ago a patrol man, while riding on a tricycle
on the Mudgee line, near Rylstone was suddenly overtaken by the train and killed.
Yesterday a man named Hazelton who took up the same patrol duty was killed in an
almost precisely similar manner at the spot where his predecessor met his death.
The Mercury Hobart 3.12.1887: the jury returned a verdict of criminal negligence
against the night oficers in charge of the Rylstone and Alford stations who omitted to
see that the mail train was target as required by regulations. The stationmaster at
Rylstone was similary condemned.
SMH 17.2.1888: Albert Hayes and John William Harwin were arraigned upon an
indictment charging them with having on the 26th Nov last at Rylstone feloniously
slain one James Hazelton. The accused, defended by Mr Barton and Dr Sly were
acquitted.
Deceased:
Inquest date: 21.10.1889
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 6
Est birth year: 1883
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: injuries accidentally received
Property: nil
John Francis Writer
SMH 22.10.1889 RYLSTONE MONDAY – a fatal accident occurred on Saturday to
the child of a settler named Writer. The child, a boy of about six years old, was
climbing a fence, when he missed his footing and fell to the ground with a heavy slab
of wood across his body crushing him. The child lingered in agony until this morning.
A magisterial enquiry was held by Mr W W Armstrong, CPS and a verdict given in
accordance with the facts. Much sympathy is felt with the parents, this being the
second child lost through accident, one having been previously burnt to death.
Deceased:
John Carter
Inquest date: 14.1.1890
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Location of death: Rylstone
Est birth year: 1824
Born: England
Age: 66
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: disease of the heart accelerated by intemperance
Property: freehold Rylstone £100, personal estate about £500, supposed property in it
3/-
Deceased:
Walter Herbert Jenkins
Inquest date: 17.7.1890
Inquest Location: Court House Rylstone
Place of Birth: Lymmige near Folkstone, England
Age: 39
Est birth year: 1851
Location of death: near Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: effects of strychnine poisoning, no evidence to shew etc
Property: nil
Brisbane Courier 18.7.1890 p5: a telegram from Rylstone says that a gentleman
named Jenkins who was highly connected in England, and recently acting as stationmanager, died at Woodlands from the effects of poison, supposed to have been selfadministered.
Deceased:
Inquest date: 16.3.1891
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 7
Est birth year: 1884
Location of death: near Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: accidentally drowned
Property: nil
James Michael Staff
Deceased:
John Collins
Inquest date: 8.4.1891
Inquest Location: Railway Station, Rylstone
Est birth year: 1870
Age: 21, born NSW
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: effects of injuries accidentally received through having been crushed between
a truck and a dock head
Property: £6-7-6 in cash, watch chain and clothing
SMH 9.4.1891 p7: SHOCKING FATAL ACCIDENT AT RYLSTONE – by telegraph –
a sad accident attended by fatal results occurred at the railway station this morning,
shortly after the departure of the mail train for Mudgee. Some trucks laden with coal
were standing at the entrance to the dock. Attached to these trucks was a horsebox
occupied by an entire horse. It is supposed that the movements of the horse set the
trucks in motion and Collins, the night officer, who was adjusting the couplings, was
run down by the trucks and crushed between them and the end of the dock buffers
completely flattening his chest. Death was instantaneous. An inquest was held by Mr
W W Armstrong, Coroner, and a jury, and it was adjourned till Friday for further
official evidence. Collins was quite a young man and was only recently stationed here.
He was the only son of his parents, who reside at Tarana.
Deceased:
Inquest date: 12.10.1891
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Hertfordshire, England
Age: 80
Est birth year: 1811
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: suicide by cutting his throat
Property: unknown
Goodwin Spires Hall Senior
SMH 13.10.1891 p5: a sad event occurred here yesterday in the death by selfdestruction of an old resident, Mr G S Hall, sen, aged 80 years. The deceased was for
a long time proprietor of a hotel in this place, but through reverses in circumstances
has lately beein in a despondent state, and had given hints of his intention. Early
yesterday morning he was found just in the act of cutting his throat. The attempt,
however, was successful and he expired almost immediately. An inquest was held
today and a verdict of suicide whilst in an unsound state of mind was returned.
Deceased:
Joseph Russell
Inquest date: 17.12.1891
Inquest Location: Condobolin
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 21
Est birth year: 1870
Location of death: near Condobolin
Coroner: H W G Innes
Cause: accidentally drowned
Property: cheque for £3.18.0, watch and chain, small gold nugget ring and clothes
Deceased:
Jarman Edwin Hughes
Inquest date: 4.2.1892
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: unknown
Age: 17
Est birth year: 1875
Location of death: Narrango about 1 miles from Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: effects of injuries accidentally received through his horse having fallen upon
him
Property: nil
Deceased:
Inquest date: 6.12.1892
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Wiltshire, England
Age: 58
Est birth year: 1834
Location of death: Aaron’s Pass, district of Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: fatty degeneration of the heart
Property: land and stock worth about £1000
Henry Harris
Deceased:
Inquest date: 29.1.1893
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 6 ½
Est birth year: 1887
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong JP
Cause: accidentally drowned
Property: nil
Robert Samuel Honeysett
Brisbane Courier 31.1.1891 p5: the child of a saddler named James Honeysetts was
drowned at Rylstone in a similar way (fell into a dam)
Deceased:
George Cafe
Inquest date: 7.2.1893
Inquest location: Tara near Rylstone
Place of birth: Ilford NSW
Age: 14 ½
Estimated birth year: 1879
Location of death: Tara near Ilford, dist of Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: effects of a pistol shot wound accidentally self-inflicted.
SMH 8.2.1893 p8: a fatal accident occurred last night at Ilford to a son of Mr G Cafe,
an old resident there. By some mischance a gun went off, killing the lad almost
immediately. A magisterial inquiry is being held.
Deceased:
Thomas Mason
Inquest date: 13.4.1893
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Fulburn, Cambridge, England
Age: 46
Est birth year: 1847
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: effects of injuries received through a fall caused by one Frederick James
Property: about £50
Remarks: verdict of manslaughter returned .... sent direct to Att Gen
Deceased:
Inquest date: 7.4.1894
Inquest Location: Moree
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 30
Est birth year: 1864
Location of death: Welbon Station near Moree
Coroner: D E Troughton JP
Cause: accidentally drowned
Property: £6.16.4, watch and chain
Claude Lereux
Deceased:
John Graham
Inquest date: 27.11.1894
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: unknown
Age: abt 37
Est birth year: 1857
Location of death: Mudgee Railway line at 139 miles ....?
Coroner: W W Armstrong JP
Cause: natural causes probably the result of a fall accidentally received
Deceased:
Susan Leeson
Inquest date: 4.6.1895
Inquest Location: Tallawang district of Mudgee
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 45
Est birth year: 1850
Location of death: Reedy Creek near Gulgong
Coroner: W J E Wotton
Cause: effects of injuries accidentally received through the capsizing of a cart
Property: nil
Remarks: see rider
Deceased:
newborn male infant
Inquest date: 17.8.1895
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Locality of death: near Rylstone
Cause: effects of injuries received but whether accidentally or otherwise there is not
sufficient evidence to shew
SMH 17.8.1895 p9: a ghastly discovery was made at Rylstone this morning when a
fully-developed male child was found under the bridge floating in the water. The skull
was fractured and the abdominal string tied tightly around the neck. An inquest will
be held later on. The police are in search of the mother of the child.
Queanbeyan Age 28.8.1895: the adjourned inquest on the body of the male
infant...witnesses deposed to seeing a strange woman travelling in the vicinity of
Rylstone and a Mrs Schofield deposed that she saw a woman in front of her house
standing over a waterhole for fully three hours on the night of the 3rd inst. Dr Eaton
stated that the child had been born alive and had lived an hour and that it appeared to
have been n the water about eight days. The skull had been compressed and the neck
broken and these injuries had caused the death.
Deceased:
William Charles Abbot (20 born Mudgee) and
Catherine Olivia Purvis (71 born Ireland)
Inquest date: 3.6.1893
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: effects of injuries accidentally received through the bursting of a defective
boiler.
Mr and Mrs William Purvis died suddenly within days of each other in
October 1892. Their family had owned the general store and butchery at Rylstone for
decades. Mrs Purvis was quite young, leaving orphaned their two little girls, Madge
and Winifred, the latter only a few days old. Mrs Taylor, who had been nursing the
Mr and Mrs Purvis through their short illness, also died not long afterwards. No one
knew what caused their deaths.
Then less than a year later the boiler at the Steam Roller Flour Mill blew up.
The mill was next door to the cafe. The explosion was so great that Bill Abbot, the
twenty-year old attendant, was carried 40 yards through two fences - he died in agony
6 hours later and someone found his waistcoat up an apple tree. The boiler continued
its path of destruction. Mrs Purvis senior, had just sat down to breakfast with her three
grand-daughters, Kate and Maud Elger and Madge Purvis. (assume baby Winifred
Purvis was with her aunt and uncle).
The boiler rocketed through two walls into Mrs Purvis throwing her across the
room. She was crushed against a wall and killed. On the other side of the mill,
Walton’s saddlery had been damaged as well as Nordman’s bakery which was 80
yards away. It had been hit by flying bricks and a gush of very hot steam. Apparently,
an inquest later revealed, the boiler was second-hand and of poor quality. An expert
government engineer said that it should never been operated at a pressure of 65lb.
Containing 1,000 gallons of water at the time of the accident, the boiler was lifted 70
feet so it was terrible to think of the force of impact on poor Mrs Purvis.
SMH 28.3.1894 p6: action to recover compensation for a boiler explosion – as one of
the results of a disastrous boiler explosion which took place at Rylstone on the 2nd
June last year, an action was commenced yesterday in No. 1 Jury Court, in which the
plaintiff, John Elger, the owner of the flour mill at Rylstone, is suing defendant,
George Ashcroft, to recover compensation for the damage done to his property, and
for the expense he was put to in paying for medical attendance upon the members of
his family who were injured by the accident. Plaintiff claims that the defendant was
engaged to advise him in the purchase of a boiler to replace the old one at the mill
and that the defendant led plaintiff to believe that the boiler he obtained could be
safely worked up to a pressure of 70lb to the square inch, whereas it would not bear a
pressure of more than 30lb or 40lb. The defendant, however, denies that he made any
such representations. The case was not finished.
Deceased:
Sarah Jane Clarkson
Inquest date: 18.10.1895
Inquest location: Oakey Creek near Cudgegong District of Rylstone
Location of death:
Age: 18
Location of birth: Oakey Creek, Rylstone
Est birth year: 1877
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: effects of a certain poison strychnine which was self-administered
Property: nil
The Adelaide Advertiser 18.10.1895: a daughter of Mr Clarkson, a well-known
farmer, committed suicide at Rylstone today by taking poison. She said some love
affair was the cause. An inquest is to be held.
Deceased:
man name unknown – known as Yorkey
Inquest Date: 13.11.1895
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Age: 56
Estimated birth year: abt 1839
Birth place: Yorkshire, England
Verdict: natural causes
Deceased:
George Curnow
Inquest date: 28.1.1896
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Location of death: Lue Station 10 miles from Rylstone
Estimated birth year: abt 1866 aged abt 30 born NSW
Coroner: W W Armstrong
Cause: effects of injuries accidentally received through a fall of earth
Property: 30/- due as wages by Denis O’Brien, mare, saddle, bridle, bed clothes and
wearing apparel
Deceased:
Patrick Laurence Oshea
Inquest Date: 28.3.1896
Inquest Location: Saw Pit Flat 14 miles from Rylstone
Age: 26 - Estimated birth year: abt 1870
Birth place: Rylstone
Verdict: effects of heart disease
Cash or property: about 500 sheep and some horses
Deceased:
Joseph Drew
Inquest date: 24.5.1898
Inquest Location &
Location of death: Yarranbee, Coonamble
Age: 26
Born: Rylstone
Coroner: CE Oslear JP
Cause: injuries accidentally received through the discharge of a rifle
Property: nil
Deceased:
Robert Charles Martin
Inquest date: 18.1.1897
Inquest Location: Sydney
Place of Birth: Rylstone (a van driver)
Age: 29
Est birth year: 1868
Location of death: Prince Alfred Hospital Camperdown
Coroner: I C Woore, L Hullick
Cause: effects of injuries accidentally received on the same day at the corner of
Wentworth and Station sts Petersham through being thrown from a van which he was
driving at the time.
Dr: Halliday
Post mortem: no
Remarks: no intemperance; jurors fees £3.0.0
Deceased:
Inquest date: 18.4.1899
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Sydney
Age: 57
Est birth year: 1872
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: William Taylor
Cause: heart disease accelerated by intoxicating liquor
Property: £550
Dr: J F Cobb
Post mortem: no
John Love
Clarence & Richmond Examiner 22.4.1899: John Love, for many years a leading
Rylstone freetrader, was found dead on Tuesday.
Deceased:
Inquest date: 12.4.1902
Inquest Location: Long Gully Rylstone district
Place of Birth: England
Age: 76
Est birth year: 1826
Location of death: Long Gully Rylstone district
Coroner: Wm Taylor
Cause: effects of strychnine poisoning self-administered
Property: about £300
Dr: Lovegrove
Post mortem: no
Samuel Pickett sen
Clarence & Richmond Examiner 19.4.1902: Mr Samuel Pickett sen, an old pastoralist
in the Rylstone district, suicided by strychnine poisoning on Saturday last aged 76 yrs.
The Argus Melbourne 16.4.1902: Samuel Pickett sen, aged 76, an old resident of the
Rylstone district died suddenly at his residence, Long Gully. At the inquest it was
stated that Pickett took a dose of strychnine. He had been in bad health for several
years and was worried by the fear that his stock would perish for want of feed in the
coming winter.
Deceased:
Henry Walter Wentworth White
Inquest date: 14.6.1902
Inquest Location: Lloyd Hotel, Sydney
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 18
Est birth year: 1884
Location of death: Pitt st Sydney
Coroner: J G Moore
Cause: effects of injuries accidentally received through attempting to alight from a lift
in motion also falling down the lift well
Property: nil
Dr: C G Corlette
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
John Gore
Inquest date: 18.5.1903
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Cudgegong NSW
Age: 20
Est birth year: 1883
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: W Taylor
Cause: syncope accelerated by acute inflammation of the brain
Property: £30
Dr: R Quinn
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Charles Davis
Inquest date: 17.10.1903
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Location of death:
Coroner: W Taylor JP
Age: 55, born abt 1848 at Rylstone
Cause: effects of injuries accidentally received through a fall from his horse
Property: about £6,500
Dr: R Guerin
Post mortem: no
Remarks: intemperance
SMH 20.10.1903 p5: a magisterial inquiry was held on Saturday evening into the
cause of the death of Mr Charles Davis, of Tregallion, who was thrown from his horse
on Saturday afternoon. A verdict of accidental death was returned.
Deceased:
Inquest date: 28.12.1903
Inquest Location: Coonamble
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 55
Est birth year: 1848
Location of death: Coonamble
Coroner: H G Shaw
Cause: poison by strychnine self administered
Property: abt £40
Dr: T D Berkam
Post mortem: yes
Remarks:
Charles Lachlan Stewart
Deceased:
James Walmsley
Inquest date: 3.2.1905
Inquest Location: Awaba and Newcastle
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 27
Est birth year: 1878
Location of death: Newcastle Hospital
Coroner: C Hibble
Cause: rupture of the duodenum accidentally caused through being crushed beneath
an overturned dray
Property: unknown
Dr: E J S Spark
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Peter Mulholland
Inquest date: 28.2.1907
Inquest Location: Royal Coolah Hotel, Bundella
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 59
Est birth year: 1848
Location of death: Bundella
Coroner: W F Robertson
Cause: suffocation by accidental choking from blockage of entrance of the wind pipe
by a piece of meat which he was attempting to swallow at his evening meal
Property: nil
Dr: G McLean
Post mortem: no
Remarks: intemperance
Deceased:
George Bonnor
Inquest date: 6.5.1908
Inquest Location: Miltonville
Est birth year: abt 1881, age 27
Place of birth: Rylstone
Location of death: Norna Vale near Garah
Coroner: R W Chapman JP
Cause: effects of injuries accidentally received through being thrown by a horse
Property: £12
Drs: nil
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Joseph Richard Powell
Inquest date: 16.4.1908
Inquest Location: Narromine
Place of Birth: near Rylstone NSW
Age: 31
Est birth year: 1877
Location of death: near Narromine
Coroner: J P Kemp JP
Cause: suffocation caused by hanging – his own act
Property: about £250
Dr: nil
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Daniel Kearney
Inquest date: 27.7.1908
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 31
Est birth year: 1877
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: J M McDonald
Cause: valvular disease of the heart, mitral and aortic stenosis
Property: nil
Dr: Hansard
Post mortem: yes
Remarks: coroner 30.7.08
Deceased:
Inquest date: 29.8.1909
Inquest Location: Berida Station
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 20
Est birth year: 1889
Location of death: crossing of the Marthaguy Creek
Coroner: Garling
Cause: accidentally drowned
Property: £6.8.8, horses & cattle worth probably abt £50
Post mortem: no
William Lloyd
Deceased:
male infant child of Alma Carie Halloran
Inquest date: 24.2.1910
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: J M McDonald
Where born: not known
Date of death: March 1
Cause: found dead, no evidence to show whether the said child ever breathed
Not known
Deceased:
Abraham Clarke
Inquest Date: 27.7.1911
Inquest Location: Brewarrina
Est birth year: abt 1880 age 31
Place of birth: Rylstone
Location of death: Brewarrina lock up
Before Whom: E D Martin
Cause: strangulation with a pair of boot laces the result of his own act
Property: nil
Dr: J J O’Dwyer
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Inquest date: 28.1.1913
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 29
Est birth year: 1884
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: J M Macdonald
Cause: effects of arsenic administered by herself
Property: nil
Dr: N W Hansard
Post mortem: no
Ethel Gertrude Nash
Deceased:
James Young
Inquest date: 26.6.1916
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: China
Age: 85
Est birth year: 1831
Location of death: Pinnacle Swamp rd 5 mi les from Rylstone
Coroner: J M Mcdonald
Cause: valvular disease of the heart
Property: horses and cattle
Dr: N W Hansard
Post mortem: yes
Deceased:
Inquest date: 16.10.1916
Inquest Location: Hornsby
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 57
Est birth year: 1859
Location of death: Beecroft
Coroner: H R Clark JP
Cause: alcoholic poisoning
Property: nil
Dr: C D H Rygate
Elizabeth Griffiths
Deceased:
Inquest date: 22.10.1916
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Age: 1
Est birth year: 14.6.1915
Location of death: Bylong
Coroner:
Cause: valvular disease of the heart induced by epilepsy
Property: nil
Dr: N W Hansard
Post mortem: yes
Nelly Harden
Deceased:
unknown female infant
Inquest date: 8.2.1917
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Coroner: J M McDonald
Cause: found dead on the railway with marks of violence on body, that the said infant
was maliciously and feloniously killed ... by some person or persons unknown
Deceased:
George Plain
Inquest date: 1.3.1917
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: unknown
Age: Est birth year:
Location of death: Kandos
Coroner: J M Macdonald
Cause: injuries accidentally received from the falling of brickwork on his body
Property: nil
Dr: Hansard
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Thomas Valentine Nobbs
Inquest date: 9.11.1917
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Newtown
Age: 58
Est birth year: 1859
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: J M Macdonald
Cause: effects of a certain poison known as cyanide of potassium wilfully
administered by himself
Property: £1.7.8 cash
Dr: N W Hansard
Post mortem: yes
Remarks: coroner, intemperance
Deceased:
Reginald John Jones
Inquest date: 12.3.1918
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Sydney
Age: 29
Est birth year: 1889
Location of death: District Hospital Rylstone
Coroner: J M Macdonald
Cause: injuries accidentally received from a fall from a motor cycle while travelling
on main road Sydney to Mudgee, near Ilford
Property: unknown, life insured
Dr: N W Hansard
Post mortem: yes
Remarks: Coroner 14.3.18
Deceased:
Henry Clement Abbot
Inquest date: 11.2.1919
Inquest Location: Kandos and Rylstone
Estimated birth year: abt 1886, Rylstone
Location of death: Cement Mills, Kandos
Coroner: J M McDonald
Cause: effects of injuries accidentally received through falling from a height, the
cause of being accidental contact with a live electric cable
Cash or property: unknown
Dr: N M Hansard
Post Mortem: no
Deceased:
Edward Joseph Burke
Inquest date: 8.6.1919
Inquest Location: Kandos
Place of birth: Sunny Corner
Location of death: District Hospital Rylstone
Coroner: J M McDonald
Cause: effects of injuries accidentally received by being run over by a railway truck
when assisting to check it
Property: no and no post mortem
Dr: N M Hansard
SMH 13.6.1919: a report from Kandos stated that on Saturday a serious accident,
which resulted in the death of Edward Burk (late of Sunny Corner and Portland)
occurred at the cement works. The deceased was working some empty trucks down the
company’s line when a long string of trucks broke away behind them and caught up
the one in front. Warning was given, and Burk tried to jump clear of the line, but was
caught and thrown under a truck, while his mate stood between the trucks and thus
escaped injury. When Burk was lifted clear of the line one leg was found to have been
almost severed above the ankle and the other was severely crushed. He was taken to
Rylstone Hospital where he died.
Incident:
Fire Kandos-Rylstone district premises previously
occupied by Charles Edmund Mason
Inquest date: 5.7.1919
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Magistrate: J M Macdonald
Remarks: destroyed by fire, no evidence to show how the fire originated
Deceased:
Anton Salvesen
Inquest date: 28.7.1919
Inquest Location: Kandos
Place of Birth: Norway
Age: 28
Est birth year: 1891
Location of death: Kandos
Coroner: J M Macdonald
Cause: fatty degeneration of heart due to his intemperate habits
Property: unknown
Dr: N W Hansard
Post mortem: yes
Remarks: intemperance
Deceased:
Janet Cupitt
Inquest date: 30.9.1919
Inquest Location: Wellington
Location of death: Hospital, Wellington
Place of birth: Rylstone
Coroner: A C Lee
Cause: effects of a revolver shot wound in the head feloniously and maliciously
inflicted upon her by one George Thomas Cupitt
Property: nil
Drs: J S MacFarlane, B G Wade
Port mortem: yes
Remarks: Geo T Cupitt committed for trial to charge of murder
SMH 7.10.1919 p9: DOMESTIC TRAGEDY, WELLINGTON Monday
At the inquest on the body of Janet Cupitt, the victim of the Swift-street tragedy, the
evidence showed that her husband, who is at present in custody, came off a train on
the night of the tragedy under the influence of liquor, and a quarrel started between
the man and wife. The police were sent for. There was no trace of him in the house
then, and things quietened down for half an hour when the husband returned with a
revolver. A struggle took place between father, mother and their son, aged 11, for the
revolver, when it went off, wounding the boy in the right hand and entering the head
of the woman on the right side above the ear. The doctor’s evidence showed the track
of the bullet was downwards and backwards. The woman died two hours later. The
husband was committed for trial, charged with wilful murder, to the Dubbo Circuit
Court on October 14.
Incident:
Fire – premises occupied by Andrew Joseph Griffiths
Inquest date: 18.10.1919
Inquest Location: Kandos
Magistrate: J M McDonald
Remarks: destroyed by fire no evidence to show how the fire originated
Deceased:
Inquest date: 4.12.1919
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Mudgee Rd Rylstone
Age: 26
Est birth year: 1893
Location of death: Cox’s siding, Rylstone
Coroner: J M Mcdonald
Cause: struck by lightning
Property: life insured
Dr: H Wall
Post mortem: no
Frederick Edward Moss
Deceased:
John Cassell
Inquest date: 23.8.1920
Inquest location: Rylstone
Place of death: near Caldewood
Est birth year: abt 1872, age 48
Place of Birth: Kellyville NSW
Coroner: J M McDonald
Cause: effects of poison (solution of arsenic of soda) accidentally drunk from a beer
bottle
Property: unknown
Dr: N M Hansard
Post mortem: yes
Deceased:
Archibald Mines
Inquest date: 4.9.1920
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 41
Est birth year: 1879
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: J M Macdonald
Cause: drowned through jumping into a dam of water, he being at the time insane
Property: block of land at Kandos, home and sulky
Dr: N W Hansard
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
John Herbert Kable (along with 8 others)
Inquest date: 11.3.1921
Inquest Location: Cadia and Millthorpe
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 59
Est birth year: 1862
Location of death: Cadia
Coroner:
Cause: injuries received by a fall of stone caused by premature explosion, no evidence
to show what caused the explosion
Property: nil
Dr: C B Howse
Post mortem: no
Remarks: mines dept
Deceased:
Kenneth McCray Taylor
Inquest date: 6.7.1921
Inquest Location: Kandos
Place of Birth: Kandos
Age: 16mos
Est birth year: 1920
Location of death: Kandos
Coroner: J M Macdonald
Cause: falling head first into the closet pan which at the time contained sufficient
water and was drowned
Property: nil
Dr: N W Hansard
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Walter John Hodgkinson
Inquest date: 17.3.1922
Inquest Location: City Coroner’s Court
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 39
Est birth year: 1883
Location of death: St George & District Hospital, Kogarah
Coroner: J Jamieson
Cause: injuries accidentally received through being crushed by a motor car
Property: real estate £1000
Dr: J W Hornbrook Post mortem: no
FIVE PEOPLE SAME FAMILY, SAME INCIDENT:
Deceased:
Arthur John Dellar Ferguson (38) b. Rylstone
Lucy Hannah Ferguson (38) b. Newtown
Edna V Ferguson (10) b. unknown
Bertha M Ferguson (9) b. unknown
Ivy Isabel Ferguson (3) b. Rylstone
Inquest date: 22.8.1922
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth:
Age:
Est birth year:
Location of death: Nulla Mountain Rylstone District
Coroner: J M McDonald
Cause: through being burned by a fire which burnt out their residence, no evidence to
show how the fire originated
Property: unknown
Dr: N W Hansard
Post mortem: no
SMH 22.8.1922 p9: SHOCKING TRAGEDY, FAMILY BURNT TO DEATH – Dela
Ferguson, his wife and three daughters were discovered dead in their burnt-down
home at Nullo Mountain, 27 miles from this town. It is a lonely spot, the nearest house
being two miles distant. The discovery was made on Sunday afternoon by Athol King
while riding in the vicinity. The fire may have occurred the previous day. He galloped
into town and informed the police, who immediately proceeded to the scene. An
inquest was opened this afternoon. It is thought strange that no member of the family
escaped, as the house is only a small building. The bodies were completely burnt, only
the bones of the children being left. The mystery will probably be cleared up at the
inquiry. The deceased family were natives of the district, and were well-known. A
number of relatives live in Rylstone.
Deceased:
Ellen Mary Scott
Inquest date: 8.11.1922
Inquest Location: Portland and Sunny Corner
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 36
Est birth year: 1886
Location of death: District Hospital
Coroner: A Boyd JP
Cause: effects of burns accidentally received through falling in the fire whilst in a fit
Property: 3 cows
Dr: J B Wilson
Post mortem: no
Remarks: coroner 10/11/22
Deceased:
John Fern
Inquest date: 3.1.1923
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: unknown
Age: 65
Est birth year:
Location of death: District Hospital Rylstone
Coroner: J M Macdonald
Cause: injuries accidentally received by falling backwards down from steps, his head
striking the cement pavement causing a fracture of base of skull
Property: unknown
Dr: N W Hansard
Post mortem: no
Remarks: intemperance
Deceased:
Clifton Walter Dunn
Inquest date: 18.5.1923
Inquest Location: Ironstone Creek
Est birth year: abt 1890, age 33, born Rylstone
Location of death: Ironstone Creek
Coroner: J M Macdonald
Cause: effects of a gunshot wound in the head wilfully self inflicted
Property: unknown
Remarks: intemperance
SMH 19.5.1923 p14: LANDOWNER FOUND SHOT – Mr Clifton Walter Dunn was
found shot dead last night with the bullet of a rifle through his head. The deceased
was 32 years old and was only married three weeks but leaves two children from a
former marriage. Mr Dunn was a large landowner and a member of a very old and
highly-respected family of Rylstone. The furniture for his new home arrived at
Rylstone on the day of his death. The Coroner will hold an inquiry.
Deceased:
Rachel Ethel Writer
Inquest date: 25.9.1923
Inquest Location: Junee
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 35
Est birth year: 1888
Location of death: Slabo
Coroner: A Burrell JP
Cause: effects of an active deadly poison known as creosote? Wilfully administered
by herself
Property: nil
Dr: McLean
Post mortem: no
Remarks: intemperance
Deceased:
Edward Joseph Gallagher
Inquest date: 6.12.1923
Inquest Location: Kandos
Place of Birth:
Age: 43
Est birth year: 1880
Location of death: Cement Mill Kandos
Coroner: J M McDonald
Cause: injuries accidentally received by his right foot being caught by the driving belt
and being pulled round the shaft fracturing his skull
Property: nil
Dr: W R Darton
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Frederick De Veigne
Inquest date: 21.2.1924
Inquest Location: Kandos
Location of death: Rylstone Hosp
Age: 17
Place of Birth: Ben Buckley
Coroner: J M Macdonald
Cause: injuries accidentally received through being thrown from a motor cycle
Deceased:
Samuel James Freeman
Inquest date: 27.2.1924
Inquest Location: Kandos
Place of Birth: McDonald’s Hole near Rylstone
Age: 58
Est birth year: abt 1866
Location of death: District Hospital Rylstone
Coroner: J M McDonald
Cause: effects of injuries accidentally received by being run over by a railway truck
on the Kandos Cement Company’s siding at Kandos
Property: unknown
Dr: Barton
Deceased:
Alfred William Smede
Inquest date: 8.8.1924
Inquest Location: City Coroner’s Court
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 49
Est birth year: 1875
Location of death: Sydney Hospital
Coroner: J Jamieson
Cause: injuries accidentally received through falling from a skylight at the Railway
Signal Yards, Sydney
Property: £54 A.M.P.
Dr: A E F Chaffer
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Inquest date: 2.1.1925
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Penrith
Age: 67
Est birth year: 1858
Location of death: Rylstone to Glen Alice Road
Coroner: J M Mcdonald
Cause: overturning of a motor car
Property: farm and life insured
Dr: N W Hansard
Post mortem: no
Frederick Willis
Deceased:
Inquest date: 11.4.1925
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 52
Est birth year: 1873
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: J M Mcdonald
Cause: heart failure
Property: £150 Mutual Life Ins Coy
Dr: N W Hansard
Post mortem: no
Clarence Edward Taylor
Deceased:
Inquest date: 30.5.1925
Inquest Location: Clandulla Mountain
Place of Birth: not known
Age: 55
Est birth year: 1870
Location of death: Clandulla
Coroner: J M Macdonald
Cause: heart disease myocarditis
Property: nil
Dr: N W Hansard
Post mortem: no
Remarks:
Martin William Curran
Deceased:
Robert Henry Smith
Inquest date: 19.8.1925
Inquest Location: Kandos
Place of Birth: Hillgrove
Age: 26
Est birth year: 1899
Location of death: District Hospital Rylstone
Coroner: J M McDonald
Cause: injuries accidentally received by being drawn by the belt into machinery
Property: unknown
Dr: W R Darton
Post mortem: no
Cairns Post 21.8.1925 p5: CRUSHED TO DEATH, MAN’S ARM CAUGHT IN
MACHINERY – Robert Smith, a cement worker, was putting a belt on a wheel when
his sleeve caught and he was dragged into the machinery. His cries brought men to
his aid. The machine was stopped but one arm was reduced to pulp and the left side of
the body was crushed. While he was being released he smoked a cigarette. He died a
few hours after in the hospital. He leaves a widow and three children.
Deceased:
Varsilios Lakios
Inquest date: 27.10.1925
Inquest Location: Office of the Standard Foment Co, Charbon
Place of Birth: Greece
Age: 26
Est birth year: 1899
Location of death: Charbon
Coroner: J M Macdonald JP
Cause: injuries accidentally received through being run over by a truck
Property: not known
Dr: W R Darton
Post mortem: no
Remarks:
Deceased:
Inquest date: 26.11.1925
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: NSW
Age: 60
Est birth year: 1865
Location of death: near Kandos
Coroner: J M Macdonald
Cause: valvular disease of the heart
Property: nil
Dr: W R Darton
Post mortem: yes
John Kelton
Deceased:
Henry Mow
Inquest date: 25.2.1926
Inquest Location: Capertee
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 53
Est birth year: 1875
Location of death: off main road ½ a mile from Capertee
Coroner: A Boyd
Cause: suffocation wilfully caused by hanging himself
Property: value not known
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Sydney Norman William
Inquest date: 23.3.1927
Inquest Location: Kandos
Place of Birth: not known
Age: 32
Est birth year: 1895
Location of death: Kandos lock up
Coroner: V S Flanagan
Cause: suffocation wilfully caused by hanging himself
Property: not known
Dr: Darton
Post mortem: no
Remarks: coroner 25/3/27
Deceased:
Arthur Walter Bayliss
Inquest date: 23.11.1927
Inquest location: Rylstone
Coroner: M W Hayward
Est birth year: abt 1860, Rawdon, Rylstone
Verdict: haemorrhage from a wound in his throat inflicted by himself
Property: about £100
Deceased:
George England
Inquest date: 5.12.1927
Inquest Location: Kandos
Place of Birth: Bungaree Wattle Flat Victoria
Age: 40
Est birth year: abt 1887
Location of death: District Hospital Rylstone
Coroner: V S Hanagan
Cause: met his death through accidentally falling from the quarry face and hill in
pursuance of his duty at the Kandos Quarry
Property: £250 & cheque for £100
Dr: K M Hansard
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Leslie Ross Knight
Inquest date: 13.2.1928
Inquest Location: Kandos
Place of Birth: Sofala
Age: 22
Est birth year: 1906
Location of death: District Hospital Rylstone
Coroner: V S Flanagan
Cause: bullet wound in the head wilfully inflicted by himself
Property: nil
Dr: W R Darton
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Inquest date: 16.5.1928
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Berkshire, England
Age: 64
Est birth year: 1864
Location of death:
Coroner: N W Hayward
Cause: Natural causes – heart failure
Property: £18.4.1
Dr: N W Hansard
Post mortem: no
William Waite
Deceased:
Inquest date: 3.9.1928
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Denmark
Age: 22
Est birth year: 1906
Location of death: Dabee Station Rylstone
Coroner: N W Hayward
Cause: gunshot wound accidentally received
Property: nil
Dr: N W Hayward
Post mortem: no
Ahlefelds Lauwig
Deceased:
Jack Mulholland
Inquest date: 1.10.1928
Inquest Location: Wolumla
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 37
Est birth year: 1891
Location of death: Wolumla
Coroner: H M Blanfield
Cause: gunshot wound feloniously and maliciously of both ... him by some person to
me known
Property: real estate £30, personal £300, insurance £135.6.0
Dr: J McKee
Post mortem: no
Remarks: police
SMH 2.10.1928 p11: WOLUMLA CRIME; STORIES OF MULHOLLAND’S
CONDUCT – VERDICT OF MURDER, Bega Monday.
The deputy coroner, Mr H M Bloomfield, held an inquest today on John Mulholland,
a schoolteacher of Wolumla who was shot dead near his home on the night of
September 14. Constable Cox, of Wolumla, deposed to finding the body of Mulholland
outside Nathaniel Reid’s house on the night of Sept 14. The body was in a kneeling
position. He searched but could not find a weapon. Deceased had never told him that
his life had been threatened. Muriel Irene Mulholland said she lived with her husband
and three children. She was 37 years of age and a native of Rylstone. On the day of
the tragedy her husband taught till 3.30 then he did odd jobs about the house.
Constable Cox and Andrew Summers were there part of the time. Summers and
witness’ mother (Mrs Plows) had tea with the family. After tea deceased went to the
wireless room for some time. Then he said he was going to Mr Reid’s opposite to talk
about school repairs. Summers helped her mother to wash up and he then went to the
post office with a parcel returning about 7.30. Deceased left for Reid’s just before
that. He said he would not be long.
Witness went on to say that she did some ironing while her mother was sewing and
Andy Summers sat in the kitchen. About 8.30 she heard a shot and remarked,
“Someone is shooting himself,” and laughed. They took no further notice but after 9
o’clock she heard footsteps on the veranda. Summers went outside and did not return.
Witness went out with a lamp and saw a crowd on the opposite side of the road. She
and her mother walked to the gate, wondering what had happened and saw the form
of a man on the road, with one hand all red. Constable Cox asked her to go inside, but
she rushed across and threw herself on the body. Witness broke down at this stage.
Nobody, she went on to say, left the house after Summers returned from the post
office.
There was no gun in the house. Deceased had no gun. She believed that his life was
insured for £100. He never complained of being threatened. They lived happily during
the last few months. They had ordinary domestic quarrels but there was no ill-feeling.
Last year witness resented her husband’s attentions to a certain young lady.
Sarah Jane Plows, of Mudgee, mother of Mrs Mulholland, said that she knew what
time Andy Summers came back because when he returned her change she put it near
the clock. It was 7.30. she never saw a gun at Mulholland’s. Deceased and his wife
were very happy since she was there especially in the last few weeks. She did not hear
them have words over a girl at a dance. There was no hot words at lunch that day.
Mrs Mulholland never quarrelled with anyone. Witness never had words with
Mulholland and never heard deceased say that anybody was going to shoot him. Mrs
Mulholland did not accuse him of bringing a girl from Bega to a dance. She asked if
he had done so. That was three weeks ago. Andy Summers and his brother were
regular visitors at the house. Mulholland used to get Andy to do the car and odd jobs.
She never saw Andy with a gun. Mrs Mulholland did not quarrel with deceased on the
day of the tragedy. He made a sharp remark which upset her and she would not have
lunch. It was only a frivolous remark. They always made up after quarrels. Deceased
drove a lady to Bega but there was no ill-feeling over that. Mrs Mulholland did not
point a gun at him. Deceased did not say it was a good job no cartridge was in it.
Witness went on to say that in February last year while she was keeping house in the
absence of Mrs Mulholland, one afternoon she heard voices in a small room off the
school veranda. She went down and knocked at the door and asked Mulholland to let
the girl out, mentioning her name. She got no response and she then said, “I know you
are there, Jack,” and asked him again to let the girl out. She found some parcels and
the mail on the ground outside. She waited some time and seeing Constable Cox on
the road, she called out to Mulholland, “I will call the police if you do not let the girl
out.” He opened the door and came out. Witness again asked him to let the girl out.
He replied, ‘There is no girl there.’ Witness asked him for his wife and children’s sake
to let the girl go. He said that if she went up to the house he would and he led witness
up by the hand. He then went back to the school. Next morning the girl called saying
she wanted to explain the happening. Witness replied that no explanation was needed
and told the girl not to come again. Mrs Mulholland was at Mudgee at the time.
Witness told her of the incident. Andrew Summers, a young, said he knew the
Mulhollands for two years and was a constant visitor at their house. He had driven
Mrs Mulholland to the seaside and taken her to dances without Mulholland. He went
to Mulholland’s at 3 o’clock. He did not own a gun. He borrowed one eight weeks
ago but returned it the same afternoon. He bought two boxes of cartridges, used one
box, and gave the other to James Westaway of Wolumla. Nathaniel Reid, a farmer and
carpenter said that Mulholland arrived at his place at 8 o’clock to discuss school
repairs, leaving at 8.30. Almost immediately he heard a shot. Mulholland was rolling
a cigarette as he left. Witness rushed out and found Mulholland lying outside the gate,
groaning. He saw no one about. Deceased did not speak. Dr McKee, Government
Medical Officer, said he considered that the fatal shot was fired from a distance of a
few feet. A verdict of wilful murder by some person unknown was returned.
Deceased:
Inquest date: 21.11.1928
Inquest Location: Kandos
Place of Birth: Kandos
Age: 8
Est birth year: 1920
Location of death: Kandos
Coroner: V S Flanagan
Cause: accidentally drowned
Property: nil
Dr: W R Darton
Post mortem: no
Remarks: coroner 23.11.28
Leonard William McManus
Deceased:
Leslie Zeehan Cox
Inquest date: 13.4.1929
Inquest Location: Kandos
Place of Birth: Devonport, Tasmania
Age: 32
Est birth year: 1897
Location of death: District Hospital Rylstone
Coroner: V S Flanagan
Cause: effects of injuries received through being thrown from a motor car then being
negligently driven by Marshall Alexander Rose
Property: unknown
Dr: W R Darton
Post mortem: no
Remarks: Marshall A Rose committed for trial for manslaughter to CH Mudgee
23.4.1929 Dep Clerk of the Peace 16.4.29
Deceased:
Alfred George Rope
Inquest date: 25.8.1929
Inquest Location: Lue
Place of Birth: Mudgee
Age: 49
Est birth year: 1880
Location of death: Lue
Coroner: C Haffenden
Cause: asphyxia by drowning, no evidence how
Property: nil
Dr:
Post mortem:
Remarks: intemperance, coroner 29/8/29, police 12/9/29
Deceased:
Inquest date: 23.12.1929
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Lisle Arnold Joseph Byrne
Est birth year: abt 1905 age 24, born Portland
Location of death: Rylstone District Hospital
Coroner: C Haffenden
Cause: injuries accidentally received through being thrown from a motor car which he
was driving
Property: nil
Dr: N W Hansard
Post mortem: yes
Deceased:
Herbert Oscar Wyldes
Inquest date: 1.2.1930
Inquest Location: Kandos
Place of Birth: Jourdy Creek NSW
Age: 36
Est birth year: 1894
Location of death: Kandos
Coroner: E R Sein
Cause: injuries accidentally received through a fall of rock in a coal mine
Property: nil
Dr: W R Darton
Post mortem: no
Remarks:
Deceased:
William Gibson Caldwell
Inquest date: 10.10.1930
Inquest Location: Sydney
Location of death: Coogee
Born: Rylstone
Coroner: E A May JP
Cause: gunshot wound he had self inflicted while temporarily mentally deranged
Property: 2 houses and block of flats
Drs: G B Manning & S H Smallpage, written report, no autopsy
Deceased:
George Santlan McPherson
Inquest date: 6.12.1930
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 41
Est birth year: 1889
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: C Haffenden
Cause: strychnine poisoning wilfully self administered
Property: nil
Dr: N W Hansard
Post mortem: no
Remarks: intemperance
Incident:
Fire Bent st Kandos premises owned by Marie Stolzenhein
Inquest date: 8.5.1931
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Magistrate: Flanagan
Remarks: accidentally destroyed by fire
Deceased:
Mary Waters
Inquest date: 7.8.1931
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Cessnock
Age: 3
Est birth year:
Location of death: District Hospital Rylstone
Coroner: G A Coyle
Cause: injuries accidentally received through being struck by a car
Property: nil
Dr: W R Darton
Post mortem: no
SMH 11.8.1931 p10: CHILD KILLED KANDOS – a fatal accident occurred on the
Rylstone road, opposite the new golf links when the 4 year old daughter of Mr and
Mrs James Waters of Angus Avenue was knocked down by a motor car driven by Mr J
T Hawkins of Rylstone. The child was running across the road to her parents, who
were on the opposite side, when the car crashed into her, the driver being unable to
see her until he was within a few feet of the child, the view at this spot being obscured
by bushes growing at the roadside. The child was conveyed to the Rylstone District
Hospital but died on reaching there. An inquest was held at the Rylstone Courthouse
by Mr Coyle and a verdict of accidental death was recorded.
Deceased:
Robert Collins
Inquest date: 22.2.1932
Inquest Location: Kandos
Place of Birth: Bedford, England
Age: 52
Est birth year: 1880
Location of death: Charbon
Coroner: W P Jones
Cause: injuries accidentally received by falling down step
Property: nil
Dr: W R Darton
Post mortem: no
Remarks: intemperance
Deceased:
George Bernard O’Connell
Inquest date: 7.2.1934
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Sydney
Age: 45
Est birth year: 1889
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: Bossley
Cause: a gunshot wound in the head wilfully self-inflicted
Property: unknown
Dr: C P Gordon
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Cecil Valentine Howe
Inquest date: 8.3.1934
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 50
Est birth year: 1884
Location of death: Cudgegong River
Coroner: J I Bossley
Cause: asphyxia by drowning caused by immersing himself in water whilst
temporarily of unsound mind
Property: abt £800
Dr: N W Hansard
Port mortem: no
Remarks: ‘to be corrected’
Deceased:
Jeremiah Patrick O’Brien
Inquest date: 18.7.1934
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Mt Morgan Qld
Age: 32 2/12
Est birth year: 1902
Location of death: District Hospital Rylstone
Coroner: Bossley
Cause: injuries accidentally received through being crushed between two skips
Property: nil
Dr: W R Darton
Post mortem: no
Remarks: mines
Deceased:
Cecil Oswald Robbins
Inquest date: 30.9.1934
Inquest Location: Mudgee
Place of Birth: Kandos
Age: 11
Est birth year: 1923
Location of death: Lawson Park Mudgee
Coroner: W F Brady
Cause: asphyxia from drowning accidentally caused through falling into a river
Property: nil
Dr: W W Cameron
Post mortem: yes
Deceased:
Bridget Ann Babidge (age 63 born Rylstone)
Inquest date: 4.10.1934
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Location of death: C
Coroner: I J Bossley
Cause: injuries accidentally received through being knocked down by a motor car
Property: nil
Drs: N W Hansard, W R Darton
Deceased:
Rita May Waters (aka Douglass)
Inquest date: 8.10.1934
Inquest Location: Camboon near Rylstone
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 3
Est birth year: 1865
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: T J Bossley
Cause: accidentally drowned through falling into a bath tub
Property: nil
Dr: N W Hansard
Post mortem: no
SMH 9.10.1934 p12: BABY DROWNED IN TUB – the Rylstone coroner returned a
finding of accidental death by drowning at the inquiry into the death of the infant
daughter of Mrs Alma Douglas of Camboon Rylstone. The baby fell into a tub of
water during her mother’s absence.
Incident: fire Dabee rd and Donoghue sts Kandos premises by Coronation Building
Society No 3 Mudgee
Inquest date: 23.7.1935
Inquest Location: Kandos
Magistrate: C L Taylor
Remarks: destroyed by fire maliciously ....by person or persons unknown
Deceased:
William John Macdonald
Inquest date: 10.8.1935
Inquest Location: Temora
Place of Birth: Rylstone NSW
Age: 46
Est birth year: 1889
Location of death: Temora
Coroner: Bradley
Cause: injuries accidentally received through his motor car crashing into an electric
light standard
Property: unknown
Dr: Kelly
Post mortem: no
Remarks: Prothonotary
Deceased:
Stanley Leader
Inquest date: 3.3.1936
Inquest Location: Richmond
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 45
Est birth year: 1891
Location of death: waters of Grose River at Grose Wold
Coroner: R S Chaston
Cause: asphyxia from drowning, no evidence to show cause
Property: nil
Dr: S C Steele
Post mortem: no
Remarks: police
Deceased:
Albert Guthrie
Inquest date: 10.3.1936
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Ilford NSW
Age: 37
Est birth year: 1899
Location of death: District Hospital Rylstone
Coroner: J I Bossley
Cause: injuries accidentally received through being struck by a stone
Property: nil
Dr: W L Barton
Post mortem: no
Remarks: Mines Dept
Deceased:
Rachael Harriett Brown
Inquest date: 14.1.1936
Inquest Location: Parramatta
Location of death: District Hospital, Parramatta
Est birth year: abt 1882, age 54
Place of birth: Rylstone
Cause: haemorrhage from wound in the neck feloniously and maliciously inflicted by
Percival Henry Thomson – committed to Central Criminal Court 9.3.36 on charge of
murder
Property: unknown, no post mortem
Drs: J Kingsley
(ditto Annie Muriel Thomson age 33 born Parra died at Parramatta)
(BDMs: Rachael’s parents were William James Whittacker and Mary Ann Deadman,
she was born 1883, birth registered at Tambaroora as Rachael Millicent Whittacker;
she had two siblings, Alberta Victoria and Victory (m); her husband was Arthur
Edwin Brown. It’s possible her father died 1895 at Hill End and her mother 1939
Sydney)
Sydney Morning Herald 16.1.1936 –
THROATS CUT – TWO WOMEN DEAD – DOUBLE MURDER ALLEGED
SYDNEY, January 14
At the conclusion of the inquiry conducted by the Parramatta district coroner (Mr H
Clark) at Parramatta today into the deaths of Rachael Harriett Brown (54) and her
daughter, Annie Muriel Thomson (33), who were found with their throats gashed at
their home in Western Road, Parramatta about 1 am on December 27 1935, Percival
Henry Thomson (55) laborer, husband of Annie Muriel Thomson was committed for
trial at the Central Criminal Court on a charge of double murder. Bail was not applied
for. Thomson is alleged to have cut the women’s throats.
AWAKENED BY CRIES
William George Roots who lived opposite the Thomson’s said that he was awakened
early in the morning by cries. He saw Thomson standing on the verandah of his home,
waving his arms and shouting. Roots asked Thomson what he had done and Thomson
replied that he had killed his wife and her mother and added, “I knew it was coming.”
THOMSON DEPRESSED
Police evidence was given that Thomson had been on the dole and was depressed. It
was also stated that Thomson’s 12 months’ old baby was asleep in its cot beside its
mother when the tragedy occurred. Dr Reginald Waugh, Government medical officer
at Parramatta, said he had recommended that Thomson should be placed under
observation for traces of insanity.
SMH 30.5.1936, p18 – DEATH SENTENCES – SIX CASES TO BE REVIEWED
BY CABINET TODAY
Percival Henry Thomson (55) for the murder of a woman at Parramatta.
SMH 2.6.1936 – DECISIONS – SIX MURDER CASES – ONE SENTENCE TO
TAKE EFFECT, FIVE OTHERS COMMUTED
Percival Henry Thomson (55) commuted to penal servitude for the term of his natural
life (never to be released). ... (later issue) - Sodeman dies on gallows
(Editor: Percival Thomson died 1960 at Wyong, parents Henry and Harriet – was
there a gaol at Wyong? what happened to baby?)
SMH 28.12.1935 p9: FUNERAL NOTICE: BROWN-THOMSON – the relatives and
friends of Mr and Mrs Roy Brown are invited to kindly attend the funeral of his
mother, Rachel Harriett (widow of the late Arthur E M Brown, of Western road
Parramatta); and the Funeral of his sister, Annie (Muriel) Thomson; to leave our
mortuary chapel this (Saturday) afternoon at 2 o’clock for the Church of England
Cemetery Rookwood (Section 12). A service will be held commencing 1.45 o’clock.
CHARLES INNES and SON Funeral Directors Parramatta.
Deceased:
Inquest date: 22.1.1935
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 38 5/12
Est birth year:
Location of death: Rylstone District Hospital
Coroner: Bossley
Cause: bullet wound in head wilfully self inflicted
Property: nil
Dr: N W Hansard Post mortem: no
Sydney Harwood Turner
SMH 23.1.1935 p14: DEATH FROM BULLET WOUND – Sidney Turner, 37, died in
the Rylstone Hospital this morning from a bullet wound in the head. The coroner (Mr
I T Bossley) returned a verdict of suicide.
Deceased:
Edna Mary Pritchard
Inquest date: 2.5.1936
Inquest Location: Parkes
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 37
Est birth year: 1899
Location of death: Parkes
Coroner: S J McGrath
Cause: injuries received through being run over by a train through placing her head on
the line while temporarily insane
Property: nil
Dr: W L Henderson
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Joyce Hope Beasley
Inquest date: 30.5.1936
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Location of death: District Hospital Rylstone
Age: 12
Place of birth: Paddington, Sydney
Coroner: J J Bossley
Cause: natural causes – valvular disease of the heart
Property: Nil
Drs: N W Hansard
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Lillian Amy Turley
Inquest date: 20.8.1936
Inquest Location: Burwood
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 53
Est birth year: 1883
Location of death: “Wandeen” Private Hospital Ashfield
Coroner: R R Clark JP
Cause: injuries received through deliberately falling from a balcony whilst
temporarily of unsound mind
Property: nil
Dr: R J Waddington
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
John Henry Schofield
Inquest date: 2.4.1937
Inquest Location: Hornsby
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 50
Est birth year: 1887
Location of death: railway line near Berowra
Coroner: G R Williams
Cause: haemorrhage following injuries accidentally received when run over by a train
Property: £126
Dr: F A Lawes
Post mortem: no
Remarks:
Deceased:
Keith Edward Mcdonald
Inquest date: 29.11.1937
Inquest Location: Kandos
Place of Birth: Rylstone
Age: 13
Est birth year: 1924
Location of death: Buckeroo Mudgee
Coroner: R L Taylor
Cause: injuries accidentally received in collision between motor car and his bicycle
Property: nil
Dr: Darton
Post mortem: no
Remarks:
Deceased:
Thera Gladys Nina Pike
Inquest date: 5.5.1939
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Canterbury Sydney
Age: 26
Est birth year: 1913
Location of death: District Hospital Rylstone
Coroner: Bossley
Cause: injuries received when a motor car left the road and overturned
Property: nil
Dr: W R Darton
Post mortem: no
Remarks: coroner
Deceased:
William Henry Farrar
Inquest date: 5.6.1939
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Rylstone NSW
Age: 71
Est birth year: abt 1868
Location of death: District Hospital Rylstone
Coroner: E J G Howe
Cause: natural causes to wit cerebral haemorrhage
Property: unknown
Dr: I F Bossley
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Charles Alfred Cecil Black
Inquest date: 4.7.1939
Inquest Location: Gunnedah
Location of death: District Hospital Gunnedah
Place of birth: Rylstone NSW
Estimated birth year: abt 1892 aged 47
Coroner: W Kruse
Cause: Effects of injuries accidentally received by horse he was riding falling with
him
Property: £800
Drs: P H Stanley
Post Mortem: No
Deceased:
William John Black
Inquest date: 29.12.1939
Inquest Location: Sydney
Location of death: RPA Hospital, Camperdown
Age: 56, born Rylstone NSW
Est birth year: abt 1883
Coroner: E J Oram
Cause: cerebral contusion accidentally received through standing up in tram to
retrieve his hat blown from his head and falling to door.
Probable indirectly intemperance
Property: furniture
Post mortem: yes
Drs: C E Peasy
Deceased:
Samuel Hubert Little
Inquest date: 7.2.1940
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Summerhill, Tingha NSW
Age: 35
Est birth year: 1905
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: J I Bossley
Cause: bullet wound to the head wilfully inflicted by himself
Property: £3.0.10
Dr: E J G Howe
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Alfred Ulric Hansell
Inquest date: 28.3.1940
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Gulgong NSW
Age: 37
Est birth year:
Location of death: District Hospital Rylstone
Coroner: J I Bossley
Cause: injuries accidentally received through colliding with a motor lorry whilst
riding a bicycle
Property: nil
Dr: W R Barton
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Eliza Jane Illingworth
Inquest date: 17.5.1940
Inquest Location: Wollongong
Place of Birth: Rylstone NSW
Age: 55
Est birth year: 1885
Location of death: 85 Wilga St Corrimal
Coroner: S R Musgrave
Cause: natural causes to wit coronary occlusion due to coronary sclerosis
Property: nil
Dr: R C Uebel
Post mortem: yes
Deceased:
David Clark (aka David Williams)
Inquest date: 10.6.1940
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Est birth year: abt 1897, age 43
Place of birth: Blackstone, O’land
Location of death: Kandos Coomber Colliery, Rylstone
Coroner: I I Bossley
Cause: natural causes, to wit coronary embolism, accelerated by lifting of coffers of
coal
Property: nil
Dr: W R Darton
Post mortem: yes
Remarks: Mines dept
Deceased:
Albert Farrelly
Inquest date: 25.6.1940
Inquest Location: Goulburn
Place of Birth: Rylstone NSW
Age: 21
Est birth year: abt 1919
Location of death: Mental Hospital Kenmore
Coroner: I P Marian
Cause: natural causes to wit heart failure brought on by clonic convulsions
Property: nil
Drs: J H Coles, E G Sunbrook, S J Minogue, W K Cope
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
William Robert Edmonds
Inquest date: 6.12.1940
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Goulburn NSW
Age: 34
Est birth year: abt 1906
Location of death: Rylstone
Coroner: I I Bossley
Cause: bullet wound in the head self inflicted while temporarily of unsound mind
Property: £3536
Dr: E J G Howell
Post mortem: head only
Deceased:
Patrick James Foley
Inquest date: 17.12.1940
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: New Zealand
Age: 46
Est birth year: abt 1894
Location of death: Kandos
Coroner: J I Bossley
Cause: died from being struck on the head by a stone whilst working on floor of
Kandos Quarry
Property: abt £200
Dr: W R Darton
Post mortem: no
Remarks: mines dept
Deceased:
Milton Henry Isaac Seymour
Inquest date: 18.3.1941
Inquest Location: Kandos
Place of Birth: Portland NSW
Age: 25
Est birth year: 1916
Location of death: Rylstone Road, Kandos
Coroner: H L Taylor
Cause: injuries accidentally received when the motor cycle he was riding collided
with a motor lorry
Property: nil
Dr: W R Darton
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Michael Joseph Gibbons
Inquest date: 31.7.1941
Inquest Location: Kandos
Place of Birth: Bally Gally, Ireland
Age: 69
Est birth year: 1872
Location of death: Kandos
Coroner: H L Taylor
Cause: injuries accidentally sustained when struck by a moving railway train
Property: nil
Dr: W R Darton
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Isaac John Roberts
Inquest date: 27.10.1941
Inquest Location: Rylstone
Place of Birth: Wales
Age: 57
Est birth year: 1884
Location of death: Recreation Reserve Rylstone
Coroner: E J McQuiggin
Cause: natural causes the nature of which the evidence does not enable me to
determine
Property: nil
Dr: E J G Howe
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
William Berrit George
Inquest date: 28.3.1942
Inquest Location: Lithgow
Place of Birth: Rylstone NSW
Age: 64
Est birth year: abt 1878
Location of death: No 3 Tunnel Clarence Siding
Coroner: D W Cregan
Cause: injuries accidentally received through falling from railway carriage in motion
Property: motor truck
Post mortem: no
Deceased:
Norman Lyle Mason
Inquest date: 7.4.1942
Inquest Location: Kandos
Place of Birth: Kandos
Age: 5
Est birth year: 1937
Location of death: Kandos
Coroner: H L Taylor
Cause: suffocation accidentally caused by fall of earth in natural storm water channel
Property: nil
Dr: W R Darton
Post mortem: no
TABLE 1: CAUSES OF DEATH
Accident, general / unknown: Lue Sue, John Donoghue, Samuel Highfield, John Byng Lang, John
Burke, Simon Mansfield, Catherine Moore, John Simpson, Edward Moss, Jackey, Eliza Gore, Ellen
Maloney, Sarah Mulholland, Boy Cooper, Holmes Thanklin, George Pike, female child, James Young,
Maria Hong, Sarah Joyce, George badford, Jn Stafford, Wm Quick, Peter Rasums, Jn Writer, Wm
Abbot, Catherine Purvis, Susan Leeson, male baby, George Curnow, Joseph Drew, Henry White, Jn
Gore, Peter Mulholland, Geo Plain, Henry Abbot, Fred Moss, Jn Cassell, Jn Kable, Lauwig, Rbt
Collins, Cec Robbins, Alb Guthrie
Alcohol a factor: Robert Moore, Alexander Christoson, Connor Hogan, Jn Carter, Jn Love,
Mulholland, Thos Nobbs, Jn Fern, Rachel Writer, Rbt Collins, Wm Black
Burns: William Kirkland, Alfred Baker, Wm Mow snr, Rosanna Papworth, Wm Kennedy, Sarah
Leighton, Eliza Anshaw, 5 x Ferguson, Ellen Scott
Drowning – Hannah Ferguson, Robert Buddy, William Rideout, Arthur Freestone, Albert Bentzen,
Andrew Dewey, Arthur Edwards, Emily Todd, James Staff, Joseph Russell, Rbt Honeysett, Claude
Lereux, Wm Lloyd, Ken Taylor, Len McManus, Alf Rope, Rita Waters, Stan Leader, Norm Mason
Horses: Thomas Byrnes, True Loot, Jennings Ward, Mary Walton, Alexander Christoson, Frank
Kennedy, Michael Bragan, Jarman Hughes, Chas Davis, Jas Walmsley, Geo Bonnor, Chas Black
Mine: Ed Gallagher, Sam Freeman, Rbt Smith, Geo England, Herb Wyldes, Jere O’Brien, David Clark,
Pat Foley
MV: Jn Collins, Reg Jones, Ed Burke, Walter Hodgkinson, Fred De Veigne, Fred Willis, Lakios, Lisle
Byrne, Mary Waters, Bridget Babidge, Wm Macdonald, Keith Mcdonald, Thera Pike, Alf Hansell, Milt
Seymour
Murder, Manslaughter: Thomas Mason, unknown female infant, Janet Cupitt, Jack Mulholland, Les
Cox, Rachael & Annie Brown
Natural causes: James Macgovern, James Keelan, Martha Brimmer, George Baker, George Russell,
Mary Ann Ives, Sarah Gander, Daniel Moore, Margaret Enright, James Smith, Thomas Marsh, Dee
Wang, Ann Fairhurst, Jane Milligan, Andrew Dunn, male unknown, Wm Hanson, male unknown, Wm
Mason, Ann Train, Henry Harris, Yorkey, Pat Oshea, Dan Kearney, male Halloran baby, Jas Young,
Nelly Harden, Anton Salvesen, Clar Taylor, Mart Curran, Jn Kelton, Wm Waite, Joy Beasley, Wm
Farrar, Eliza Illingworth, Alb Farrelly, Isaac Roberts
Shot by police: La Ju
Suicide: Eliza Kable, Martin Hersch, John Kilmurray, Walter Jenkins, Goodwin Hall, Chas Stewart,
Jos Powell, Ab Clarke, Ethel Nash, Thos Nobbs, Arch Mines, Cliff Dunn, Rachel Writer, Henry Mow,
Syd William, Art Bayliss, Les Knight, Wm Caldwell, Geo McPherson, Geo O’Connell, Cecil Howe,
Syd Turner, Edna Pritchard, Lily Turley, Sam Little, Wm Edmonds
Trains: Wm Turner, James Hazelton, Jn Graham, Jn Schofield, Michael Gibbons, Wm George
Visitation of God: William Stewart
SURNAMES
Abbot
Anshaw
Babidge
Badford
Baker
Bayliss
Beasley
Bentzen
Black
Bonnor
Bragan
Brimmer
Brown
Buddy
Burke
Byrne
Byrnes
Caldwell
Carter
Cassell
Christoson
Clark
Clarke
Collins
Cooper
Cox
Cupitt
Curnow
Curran
Davis
De Veigne
Dewey
Donoghue
Drew
Dunn
Edmonds
Edwards
England
Enright
Fairhurst
Farrar
Farrelly
Ferguson
Fern
Foley
Freeman
Freestone
Gallagher
Gander
George
Gibbons
Gore
Graham
Guthrie
Hall
Halloran
Hansell
Hanson
Harden
Harris
Hazelton
Hersch
Highfield
Hodgkinson
Hogan
Honeysett
Hong
Howe
Hughes
Illingworth
Ives
Jackey
Jenkins
Jones
Joyce
Kable
Kearney
Keelan
Kelton
Kennedy
Kilmurray
Kirkland
Knight
La Ju
Lakios
Lang
Lauwig
Leader
Leeson
Leighton
Lereux
Little
Lloyd
Loot
Love
Macdonald
Macgovern
Maloney
Mansfield
Marsh
Mason
McManus
McPherson
Milligan
Mines
Moore
Moss
Mow
Mulholland
Nash
Nobbs
O’Brien
O’Connell
Oshea
Papworth
Pike
Plain
Powell
Pritchard
Purvis
Quick
Rasums
Rideout
Robbins
Roberts
Rope
Russell
Salvesen
Schofield
Scott
Seymour
Simpson
Smith
Staff
Stafford
Stewart
Sue
Taylor
Thanklin
Todd
Train
Turley
Turner
Waite
Walmsley
Walton
Wang
Ward
Waters
White
William
Willis
Writer
Wyldes
Yorkey
Young