Inquest into the death of Walter John Hulme 1951

Wow, I knew my brain was out of gear with all the Covid stress but it has been nearly 12 months since I posted about Walter John HULME missing in Wangaratta in 1951 and was intending to follow up with details of his Inquest.

Well better late than never.

Walter (1886-1951) was a first cousin of my Mum's maternal Grandmother Ada May Morgan nee Hulme.

He was the second child and only son of John Payne Hulme and Elizabeth O'Rourke of Oxley in Northeast Victoria.

Walter was a farmer who married Elizabeth Mary Skehan in 1913.

They had no children.

An Inquest was conducted by J.C Bell, Coroner.

Page 2

Proceedings before Coroners

Inquisition (without a jury)

An Inquisition for our Sovereign Lord King George, taken at Wangaratta Victoria, the 28th day of July 1951 and the  31st day of August A.D. 1951 in the 16th year of the Reign of our said Lord the King, before me John Colin Bell Gentleman, a Coroner of our Lord the King for Victoria, upon the view of the body of Walter John Hulme then and there lying dead.

Having duly inquired upon the part of our Lord the King when, where, how, and by what means the said Walter John Hulme came by his death, I say the the said died at Wangaratta on or about the 2nd day of July 1951 from Asphyxia willfully self inflicted by drowning himself in the One Mile Creek on or about the date aforesaid.

In witness whereof I the aforesaid Coroner have to this Inquisition put my hand and seal on the day and the year and at the place above mentioned.

J. C. Bell

Coroner

The deceased was a man of 64 years of age and resided at 59 Swan Street Wangaratta with his wife where he had considerable property interests.  Some months ago he had been a patient at the Wangaratta District Base hospital where he had had an operation for a double hernia, and since his discharge he had been going about normally, but in the last week or so before he disappeared from his home, it had apparently become apparent to some his relatives and his wife that he was not acting quite normally in his mental condition and it appears that a close watch was being kept on his movements at his home on the evening of the 1/7/51 the deceased retired to to to bed, and when his wife entered his room the following morning at about 7.45am, it was then found that he was missing.  He was then reported to the Police as a Missing Friend, and later search parties were organised to try and trace him all being of no avail.  At about 2.30pm on 28/7/51, I received a telephone message from Mrs Peacock of Edward Street Wangaratta. I went to her home in company with 1/C Land and Mrs Peacock informed us that he two small children had been down on the One Mile Creek gathering gum tips, and they had come home and told her that they has seen a man's boots in the creek.  The two children accompanied us to a point in Phillipson Street Off the Yarrawonga Road where they pointed out in the bend of the creek where they had seen the boots of man in the water.  I went to the creek at this point where I saw the legs of a man and I got the grappling iron, and pulled the body towards the bank, and then lifted it out of the water, I then saw that there was a heavy piece of railway rail about 12 inches long tied to the deceased neck with a piece of rope the iron rail weight was about 20 lb in weight.  This weight was sufficiently heavy enough to weigh the upper portion of the deceased body down under the water causing the head to rest on the creek bed.  The water at the point where the deceased was found was about 3 feet 6 ins deep.  The body appeared to have been in the water for some considerable time.

The Friday before the deceased disappeared from his home he called at Maroney's garage in Reid Street where he spoke to his sister Mrs Maroney, and as he was leaving he placed his arm around Mrs Maroney and kissed her, and then remarked Goodbye I mightn't see you again and then left.

Report of Death (for Coroner)

Name - Walter John HULME

Age - 64 years

Date of death - Probably the 2nd July 1951

Time of death - Not known

Place of death - One Mile Creek Wangaratta

Usual residence - 59 Swan Street, Wangaratta

By whom found or 

reported - Was reported a Missing Friend.  Found by two children named Peacock of Edward Street Wangaratta

Under what circumstances? - Found drowned in creek.

Was the body examined for marks of violence? - Yes

If so state result of examinations - no marks of violence could be found.

Any relatives?  Were they informed? - Yes

Are friends able to defray cost of burial? - Yes

Is there any suspicion of a criminal act 

or criminal negligence or any doubtful 

circumstances? If so give particulars. - There appears to be no suspicious circumstances

Probable cause of death (if apparent) - Drowning

Was body removed? - Yes

If so, where to? - Mortuary, Wangaratta District Base Hospital

Property found in possession (attach list if necessary) - Nil

Any expense incurred by police? - Nil

Was Coroner informed? - Yes, by telephone at 6.15pm on 28/7/51

State instructions received (if any) - Would hold Inquest.  Inquest opened for purpose of identification, and adjourned to a date to be fixed.

The deceased was a man of 64 years of age and resided at 59 Swan Street Wangaratta with his wife where he had considerable property interests.  Some months ago he had been a patient at the Wangaratta District Base hospital where he had had an operation for a double hernia, and since his discharge, he had been going about normally, but in the last week or so before he disappeared from his home, it had apparently become apparent to some his relatives and his wife that he was not acting quite normally in his mental condition and it appears that a close watch was being kept on his movements at his home on the evening of the 1/7/51 the deceased retired to to to bed, and when his wife entered his room the following morning at about 7.45am, it was then found that he was missing.  He was then reported to the Police as a Missing Friend, and later search parties were organised to try and trace him all being of no avail.  At about 2.30pm on the 28/7/51 I received a telephone message from Mrs Peacock of Edward Street Wangaratta. I went to her home in company with 1/C Land and Mrs Peacock informed us that he two small children had been down on the One Mile Creek gathering gum tips, and they had come home and told her that they has seen a man's boots in the creek.  The two children accompanied us to a point in Phillipson Street Off the Yarrawonga Road where they pointed out in the bend of the creek where they had seen the boots of man in the water.  I went to the creek at this point where I saw the legs of a man and I got the grappling iron, and pulled the body towards the bank, and then lifted it out of the water, I then saw that there was a heavy piece of railway rail about 12 inches long tied to the deceased neck with a piece of rope the iron rail weight was about 20 lb in weight.  This weight was sufficiently heavy enough to weigh the upper portion of the deceased body down under the water causing the head to rest on the creek bed.  

The water at the point where the deceased was found was about 3 feet 6 ins deep.  

The body appeared to have been in the water for some considerable time.

The Friday before the deceased disappeared from his home he called at Maroney's garage in Reid Street where he spoke to his sister Mrs Maroney, and as he was leaving he placed his arm around Mrs Maroney and kissed her, and then remarked Goodbye I mightn't see you again and then left.

POST-MORTEM EXAMINATION

Date 28/7/51

I have transcribed Post Mortem details but I feel it is a bit too gruesome to copy the transcription here.

If anyone would like a copy feel free to contact me.

Witness Depositions

This Deponent John Walter Maroney on his oath saith - I am an Auctioneer residing at 6 Turner Street Wangaratta.

I have this day viewed the body of a man at the Wangaratta Hospital Mortuary.  It is the body of Walter John Hulme aged 65 years.

He was an Uncle of mine.

signed

J. W. Maroney

***

This Deponent David Maxwell Whittaker on his oath saith - I am a Legally Qualified Medical Practitioner residing at Wangaratta.

On the 28th of July last I performed a post mortem examination on the body of a man which I was informed was the body of Walter John Hulme.

At the time of the examination I prepared a report which I now produce.  It would be correct to say the deceased died from asphyxia due to drowning.

signed DW Whittaker

***

This Deponent Elizabeth Mary Hulme on her oath saith  - I am a Widow residing at 59 Swan Street Wangaratta.

On the 1st day of July 1951 I was at my home in Swan Street with my late husband Walter John Hulme.  He retired to his bed at about 8.30pm, and I later took him in his sleeping tablets, I said to him, "Here are your tablets".  He said "Right Dick and took the tablets and some water and then said "I will sleep now and then kissed him good night and left the room the time would then be about 9.15pm my late husband occupied a room on his own.  Next morning I got up at 5.40am and unlocked the back door for Jack the man who works for us to come in, and I then went back to my room.  At about 6.45am I got up again came down to the kitchen, lit the fire and got the breakfast and about 7.45am I went to call my late husband and found that he was not in bed.  I had not heard the deceased leave the house as I may have dozed off when I went back to bed after unlocking the door.  Prior to my late husband disappearing he had had an operation for double hernia and when he returned home from hospital he appeared to be progressing in his health for a start, and then about a fortnight after he complained that he could not sleep and had a full feeling in the right side of his head, and Dr Roan who was his medical adviser prescribed tablets for him.  He took the tablets but still complained that he could not sleep, and he then lost interest in everything and complained of being very tired and could not sleep.  At no time did the deceased say anything or suggest that he would take his life, and I think the deceased left the house between 5.40 when I first unlocked the door and 6.45am.

My husband suffered loss of memory 15 years ago.  He has had no sign of this from then until after he had his operation.

Taken and sworn before me the 31st day of August 1951 at Wangaratta

J. C. Bell Coroner

signed by E. M. Hulme

***

This Deponent - Jack Drayton on his oath saith - I am a Farm hand residing at 59 Swan Street Wangaratta.

I was Share farming with the deceased Walter John Hulme I last saw the deceased about 8.30pm on the evening of the 1st day of July 1951 he was then at his home.  At about 5.30am I went to the deceased house and got some biscuits it was the practice for Mrs Hulme to unlock the back door for me to go in.  I did not see the deceased that morning.

At about 7.40am Mrs Hulme called me and said "I can't find Watty" meaning the deceased, I then loked around the yard and then entered his bedroom and felt the bed it felt cold as though it had not been slept in for some time.  I was often in the deceased company and at no time did he say he would take his life.

The iron weight which was missing from the tool shed was used on the property by the deceased for an anvil and kept in the tool shed.

The piece of iron produced is similar to the piece used on the farm.  I made a search for the deceased that day and subsequent days.  I reported him missing that day.

Taken and sworn before me the 31st day of August 1951 at Wangaratta

J.C. Bell Coroner

signed Jack Drayton

***

This Deponent - Mary Maroney residing at 20 Warby Street Wangaratta

On the 29th day of June 1951 the deceased came to the Auction Mart in Reid Street and sat behind me where I was cashier at the Auction sale.  The deceased did not enter into any conversation and at no time did he say or give any indication that he would take his life, and as he was leaving he put his hand on my shoulder and said, "Good bye" or words to that effect that was the last time I seen him alive.  

The deceased was my brother.

signed Mary Maroney

***

This Deponent Frank Gardiner on his oath saith - I am a 1st Constable of Police residing at Wangaratta.

At about 2.30pm on the 28th day of July 1951 in consequence to a telephone message I went to Edward Street Wangaratta where I met Mrs Peacock and her two small children aged 6 years and 7 years.  I was accompanied by 1st Const Land.  Mrs Peacock informed me that her two children had been down at the One Mile creek gathering gum tis, and that they had come home and informed her that they had seen a man's boots in the creek.  The two children accompanied 1st const Land and myself to Phillipson Street off the Yarrawonga road to the One Mile creek where they pointed out to me the bend in the creek where they had seen the boots on the top of the water.  I went to the creek at this point where I saw the rubber boots and legs of a body in the middle of the stream.  The upper portion of the body was under the water from the buttocks, and the body appeared to be caught under a snag.  I then got the grappling iron and hooked it into the deceased clothing, and pulled the body to the bank, and with the assistance of 1/Const Land lifted the body from the water, it was in a rather decomposed condition and appeared to have been in the water for some considerable time.  As I lifted the body from the water there was a heavy piece of railway rail about 1 foot long and about 20 lbs in weight tied around the deceased neck with a piece of rope.  This weight was sufficiently heavy enough to weigh the upper portion of the deceased body down in the water, and causing his head to rest on the creek bed.  The water at the point where the body was lying was about 3 feet 6 ins deep.  The creek after flooding had receded and the water was then running within its banks, but before the body had been found the depth of the water at this point would have been approximately 8 fee during the height of the flood caused by the heavy rains after the deceased had become missing, and as the result of the weight around the neck it would not have been possible to see the body until the water had gone down to a level which enabled his legs to come to the surface.  When I first lifted body from the water I could (see) that it was th body of that of Walter John Hulme who had been reported missing from his home since the 2nd July 1951 26 days before the body was recovered, by the description of the clothing, rubber ankle boots and the build.  Apparently the deceased had entered the water some distance up stream from where the body was found as there is a big hole in the bend of the creek above where the body was found and apparently the current when the creek was in flood washed the body down to the point where it was recovered.  I could find no indications on the banks as to which side of the creek the deceased had entered the water or how he entered the water after fastening the wight around his neck.  I have interviewed all available witnesses and it appears that after the deceased had had an operation and returned to his home he commenced to lose all interest in things that he had taken a great pride in before, and appeared to become depressed and tired.  There appears to be no suspicious circumstances surrounding the deceased death.  The weight which was found tied to the deceased neck was used at his home for an anvil, and was kept in the tool shed.  

Ex "B"   The piece for iron produced is the piece referred to.

signed F Gardiner.

Walter John HULME missing in Wangaratta in 1951

 Walter John Hulme was a first cousin to my maternal great-grandmother Ada May Morgan nee Hulme.  

Their mutual grandparents were William Cluff Hulme and his wife Hephzebah nee Land of Oxley.

Walter went missing in Wangaratta, Victoria in July 1951.

Poor cousin Walter, who lived previously at Milawa, met a sad end.

On a recent visit to the State Library of Victoria with my friend Jenny, she happened to spot the news articles about Walter's sad disappearance in the Wangaratta Chronicle news she was going through.  

A subsequent search of Trove found a couple more articles all along the same lines.

Only articles from 1914 to 1918 in the Wangaratta Chronicle have been digitised as yet.

MAN MISSING (1951, July 3). The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), p. 1., http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article23073278

Wangaratta Chronicle July 10

Wangaratta Chronicle July 12

Wangaratta Chronicle July 17

Wangaratta Chronicle July 21

Wangaratta Chronicle July 31

    OBITUARY

Wangaratta Chronicle 2nd August 1951

Walter married Elizabeth Mary Skehan in 1913.  

It appears they had no children.

Walter and Elizabeth are buried at Milawa Cemetery.

Edward "King" Hulme, (1818 - 1904) "A settlers 35 Years Experience in Victoria, Australia 1856-1891"

My 3rd great grand uncle, Edward "King" Hulme, (1818 - 1904) wrote a small book called  "A settlers 35 Years Experience in Victoria, Australia 1856-1891"

I am lucky to have a copy that my Mum found online some years ago.

Below are a couple of excerpts from the book.

Introduction

In giving this little “Life Sketch,” I am actuated by a desire to assist many, not only hard-handed men in the “Old Country,” but many soft-handed ones also, as I was, and especially those who have large families, as I had, and who are struggling for a living, and see but little hope for the future in the already over-crowded hive in the “Old Land,” and a still poorer prospect for the new swarms; I, therefore, think a little advice and encouragement to those desirous to “cast off,” from one who has been through it all, will be welcomed by many, ------ E.H.

SKETCH OF MY ARTIST LIFE

When living in the, Old Land," over 35 years since, I belonged to a class of which there are many thousands ‑ a struggling professor and of the class I have designated as “ soft‑handed." I was an artist by profession; studied from a child; never did anything else; and in I850 and I85I had so far advanced in my profession to have the honour of having my works hung in a creditable position on the walls of the Royal Academy of Arts, of which I was also a student.

I married rather young (at 25), and soon had little ones running round. I started fairly well in the neighbourhood of London, at Clapham, adding teaching. Just about this time (I8I7) artists were invited by the Government to send in specimens of their works for exhibition in Westminster Hall, for competition for the decoration of the new Houses of Parliament, then just finished. I was rather too young and inexperienced an artist for so great and honoured an undertaking; however, I thought I would venture. I got my large picture finished, but from over‑study, excitement, and anxiety, my health gave way. I contracted nervous typhus fever, and consequently could not finish the other one, which was required by the Commissioners to enable me to Compete. But Sir Chas. Eastlake, the President, whose letter I still have, said my painting ‑ under the section of “Scriptural Allegory," subject, “The King of Kings and Lord of Lords "‑ though not entitled to compete, could, if I liked, be hung in the vestibule of the hall; which was an honour I gladly consented to.

On getting up from my long and dangerous illness, my medical advisors persuaded me to go to a milder climate for perfect restoration, and to give up my profession for a time, at least to do very little painting. South Devonshire was recommended. We therefore left our home at Clapham, and took up our residence about four miles from that lovely spot, Torquay. To our residence was attached a small farm and splendid orchard. In this beautiful climate I soon regained my strength. I did all sorts of labour on the farm, so that I got a general insight into all sorts of farming work. This I found exceedingly useful since taking to farming in Australia.

I found many kind friends in Devonshire. (I cannot help naming the Savile family. God bless them for their kind patronage and introduction in my profession!) We resided in Devonshire about four years. We then came again to London, but found a difficulty in looking up a connection again, had to fill up my time in decorating in the various courts of the Crystal Palace, at Sydenham, just then being erected. I however, saw but little prospect of advancing in my profession, or even making a living, and less prospect for a large and increasing family, we having by this time seven children, six boys and one baby girl, besides I had contracted a great taste for rural life while in Devonshire. We were determined therefore to depart for Australia, the land of gold.

The goldfields being at that time in full swing. A wide field indeed for enterprise, and anticipated prosperity, with God's blessing, for, I am happy to say, I had long sought His grace and guidance, and committed my ways unto him, and was sure He would guide our steps.

In the first place, I applied to the Commissioners of Emigration for a situation as schoolmaster for the voyage, on a Government emigration ship, my wife to act as matron. I presented letters of recommendation, one from the Bishop of London (Blomfield). I was well known to him, as Fulham, near London, where he resided, was my native place. The commissioners said my letters were more than enough, but desired to know the number of children I had. On hearing the number they informed me that they regretted to say that, according to to their regulations, this would be a bar to my appointment. Three I think was the number allowed.

This was a great blow to us, as we should have saved our passage money, and had a salary besides. I think about I50 pound as schoolmaster, and wife as matron. Parties told me I could have managed it if I had liked, by getting some of the passengers to take the other four children, but this I could not do from principle. To pay our passage in a general passage ship, therefore, exhausted all our little means.

FAREWELL TO DEAR OLD ENGLAND

We did intend taking our passage in the new ship "Schomberg" just launched, owned by the "White Star Company". On enquiring at the London office, they informed me that I could send our goods on at Liverpool, but they would not be put on any ship until our passage money was paid, and that I could find them in the company warehouse at Liverpool, consequently, I sent the goods on. We could not however get ready to go by the "Schomberg". On arrival at Liverpool, and enquiring for our luggage, I found it had been sent on in that vessel.

Now the fate of that fine new ship, I presume is generally known. The captain had a bet with the captain of the ship "Kent", a well known clipper, and declared "if he did not beat the "Kent" he would knock the "Schombergs" bows in". On hearing that the "Kent" had made the passage before him, the "Schomberg" was wilfully run on shore just a little way from Cape Otway. Luckily it was fair weather and the passengers and crew were taken off, but with only the luggage they could carry in their hands, there being only just standing room on board the rescuing steamboat. The "Schomberg" became a total wreck.

This I suppose, is one of the most wicked and shameful incidents that ever happened on the shores of Australia. We took our passage in the next ship, the good ship "SULTANA" from Liverpool, on the 2Ist October, I855.

MELBOURNE AT LAST

We were thankful to arrive safely, after a fine passage of 8I days. We arrived off Cape Otway in the night, and stood 'on and off' until daylight when the pilot came on board, and the first thing he told us was the loss of the 'Schomberg'.

Well of course, we then knew also that all our goods were at the bottom of the sea. We were thankful though, that we did not ship on board that ill fated vessel, but ought we to attribute her loss to fate? No! It was wilful wickedness. I regretted our loss the more as my Westminster Hall picture was among the things lost, as it was the highest class work I ever attempted.

OFF TO THE DIGGINGS.

I started alone with swag, blankets, billy, pannikin, etc., in orthodox style, for a 200 miles' tramp through the bush. (See frontispiece.) This, however, was not much of an undertaking for me, as I was a great pedestrian, could do my six miles an hour easy, and often over 50 miles per day on my sketching tours in the “Old Country;" being tall (fully six feet), I had a good stride. At that time the Sydney Road was only formed a few miles out of Melbourne, and from the Rockey Waterholes to the foot of the Big Hill (commonly then called Pretty Sally's Hill) was swamp ground. I found a difficulty in getting over this; I had to tread the thistles down for miles to prevent bogging, and it was raining fast. The contractors were just forming the road, and on the first rise on the other side of the swamp the camp was formed. The men had knocked off on account of the rain. Just as I was level with the camp, I beard my name called out in true Irish accent, and out ran one of our shipmates to greet me. He occupied the next berth to us on board ship, and was ill a great part of the way. He had been a tradesman in Dublin. He was lively enough now, as he grasped my hand and cut a real, Irish caper, with “Hurrah! for Australia and I4s. a day, and wood and water”! He was driving one of the contractor's drays. He wanted me to stay, as it was far into the afternoon, but no ‑ my alloted mileage was not done, so I marched on.

My first night's ”bushing” was a strange experience. Rolled up in blankets, at the foot of a gum tree, I had not turned down long (I cannot say turned in) when I was conscious of something being upon my shoulder, and, cautiously turning roundsaw an animal perched quite innocently there. It was an opossum. I presume he did not recognise me from a log.

He appeared quite content to sit there until I gave him a cant and sent him some distance off.

This " camping out" is not at all an unpleasant experience, as many might think, and this was a splendid moonlight night. At that time it was far more safe to keep clear of restaurants and shanties as they were the resort of the vilest characters. Neither was it safe to camp out alone with a fire at night, as this was an attraction, and you were pretty sure to get objectionable company. The plan, therefore, generally adopted, was to boil the billy for tea, then, after tea, leave, and go on a little distance in the dark, and turn off the road or track into the silent bush, and roll up in your blankets; thus you avoided unpleasant company. I got through in about seven days. I passed through the famous “Woolshed Diggings," where the rich claims were, and where the men had to wash the gold off their boots when they left work. There was a “ strike'' on just then. The claim‑holders wanted to reduce the wages to £I per day.  I was interviewed, and offered work at that price, but of course, I refused, as I was on my way to join my wife's brothers. I then went on through Beechworth – Spring Creek diggings. The scenes on the diggings were strange and novel to me. Beechworth was the chief centre of the mining district, and the other diggings around were named by the distance from Beechworth, thus – “ The One Mile,"  “ The Three Mile," and “The Nine Mile." This last was my destination. It was also called "Snake Valley," from the  winding course of the creek. It was late in the evening when I arrived, quite dark and pouring rain, and there had been a long rain before, so that the roads in the township were wretched. At the crossings of the creek it was impassable, and was only indicated by side logs, on which I had to crawl. The worst of it was, I had to wander up and down the creek to find my brothers' hut. The storekeepers knew them by sight, but could not say where they lived. I was directed to a large restaurant, about a mile down the creek. There were about 40 diggers, just at tea. I walked up and down between the tables, and I think they were the finest, strongest, and roughest set of men I ever saw. I did not see my brothers, though. Came back, enquired at the police camp, also to no purpose. Over the creek again, when at last I found a butcher who pointed out on the bank, on the other side of the creek, the light shining through the calico top of their hut. He lent me a piece of candle to cross the creek with, and I managed to work my way among the holes and sludge, etc., to the other side. And glad I was to get there, and I was as “wet as a rat," and pretty well tired out. I soon got  “a shift " however, and such a fire as they had never saw before; enough to roast a bullock; at which also I got a good roasting; and after a good supper of beef, damper and tea, soon felt all right. This for my first tramp in Australia.

I'm happy to know that the book is now available to read online through the State Library of Victoria.

The link is http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/245578

Hephzibah HULME nee LAND of Horseshoe Creek, Milawa

Hephzibah HULME nee LAND was my 3 x Great-Grandmother.

Hephzibah Land was born in 1814 in Norfolk, England, the eldest daughter and first born child of Mary Bush and Joseph Land. She was baptised on the 14th of August at Guist, Norfolk.

She married William Clough/Cluff Hulme on the 4 of  March 1841 in St. James, Westminster, London, England. 

They had eleven children in 18 years. 

Hephzibah died on 26 July 1887 in Oxley, Victoria, at the age of 72.

MILAWA. (1887, August 6).
Ovens and Murray Advertiser (Beechworth, Vic. : 1855 - 1918), p. 2http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article198652087

Transcription - On Thursday the last remains of Mrs Hulme, wife of Mr W. Hulme, of Horseshoe Creek, Milawa, were interred in the Oxley General Cemetery. Mrs Hulme was very much respected by a large circle of friends, and at the time of her death had almost reached the allotted "threescore years and ten." The funeral train was attended by a large number of persons, who thus testified to the great respect in which the deceased lady was held, the Rev. A. Macfarlane conducting the funeral


Milawa CemeteryMilawa Cemetery (from http://milawa.vic.au/town-history/)

"The cemetery at Milawa is often known as the Oxley Cemetery. It was established in 1864, after considerable discussion about a suitable site. It was expanded in area by approximately two acres towards the west within the first twelve months – Robert Snowdon being the first interment there. The different denominations have their own areas, and all the graves face the east. The cemetery contains a number of European settlers, Aboriginals and Chinese, although the burial places of the Aboriginals and Chinese are not known, many early records having been lost, damaged or destroyed.” from Memories of Oxley, p. 46

William Thomas Morgan Obituary 1950

My Mum's Grandad, Bill (William Thomas) MORGAN, passed away on the 19th of December 1950.
He was born in Euroa, Victoria in 1872.  The fourth son of Thomas Fitzherbert MORGAN and Mary Ann (Marian) nee PIKE.

photo from his daughter, Daisy's album.

OBITUARY

Mr. William T. Morgan

Aged 78, Mr William Thomas Morgan, Moyhu, died in the Wangaratta Base Hospital early on Tuesday morning.  He had been in failing health for the past few months, and a patient in Hospital for a week.

Born at Euroa, he came to the Moyhu district over 50 years ago.

He was first employed at Redcamp and was then share farming with Shanley Bros.  He retired from active life about eight years ago.

Mr. Morgan took no active part in public life, but was well liked by all.

He is survived by his wife, who was formerly Miss Ada Hulme, Milawa, and the following family: Herbert (Moyhu), Clarice (Mrs. Jones, Moyhu), Daisy (Mrs. A Fleming, Hansonville), Mavis (Mrs. L. Robinson, Myrtleford), and Lila (Mrs. H. Flanigan, Katamatite).

Brothers are George (Euroa), Robert (Edi Upper), Jack (Berrigan, NSW), and Edward (Seymour).

Funeral took place yesterday at the Milawa cemetery where the Reverend A.T. Stevens officiated at the graveside.

Handley's supervised arrangements.

Coffin bearers were Messrs H. Morgan, son, K Fleming, N Jones, grandsons, H Flanagan, son-in-law, Messrs H. Hulme, brother-in-law, P. Shanley, K. Lewis, F. Bowen, R. Jones, A. Gibson and W. Gibson.

From The Chronicle Despatch, Thursday, December 21st, 1950

Courtesy of my lovely and very helpful friend Jenny who was paying a visit to the State Library of Victoria and managed to get this obituary despite a "scuffle" with a rogue microfilm machine.  

So glad you survived the flying film, Jen! 

Copyright free Photo by John Moeses Bauan on Unsplash

Birthday Remembrance - Ada May Hulme

Today is the 134th anniversary of the birthday of my maternal great-grandmother, Ada May Hulme, who was born at Oxley, Victoria on the 10th of May 1884 to parents Joseph Hulme and Anna Dorothea Bartsh.

Ada married William Thomas Morgan in 1905.  

Their daughter Daisy Marion was my maternal grandmother.

Ada and Bill Morgan had five children and seventeen grandchildren.

Clarice May (nickname Tod) 1905 – 1998.

Daisy Marion (nickname Billy) 1908 – 1998

Ellen Mavis (nickname Bobby) 1910 – 1981

Lila Elaine (nickname Johnny) 1913 – 1990

and finally their much-wanted boy! 

Herbert William (nickname Bert of course) 1926 – 1971

L-R Daisy, Clarice, Bert, Mavis and Lila.
Grandma Morgan (Ada May nee Hulme) seated.

Bert, Lila, Mavis, Daisy and Clarice

They lived for many years at Boggy Creek near Moyhu in Victoria.

Grandma Morgan died at Wangaratta, Victoria, at the age of 80, on the 22nd of April 1965.  

  Grandad had pre-deceased her by 15 years.

52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks - Week 9 - Herbert Hulme's Will

Herbert Joseph Hulme
photo from the album of my
maternal grandmother
Daisy Fleming
nee Morgan.

The theme for week 9 of the 52 Ancestors challenge is 

"Where there's a Will". 

My grandmother's maternal Uncle Herb was born Herbert Joseph Hulme at Oxley, Victoria in 1892.

I think Uncle Herb must have been a bit of a character judging by this photo that is in my Nan's album.

Front left is my Nan, Daisy Morgan, behind her is "Aunt Chub" who was Herb's sister Pleasance Alice Hulme.  Nan couldn't remember who was hidden behind the pole. The young girl peeping around the post is Herb's niece, Dulcie Simmonds (the executor of his Will, Dulcie Simmonds), then Herb pulling a face and in the background is Nan's father Bill (William Thomas) Morgan.

Herb never married and died on the 8th of October 1969 at Wangaratta aged 77 years.

He was the second son and second youngest child of the ten children of Joseph Hulme and Anna Dorothea nee Bartsh of Milawa.

Herbert and his sister Pleasance, who I wrote about in week 6 of this challenge, were both unmarried and were left the family farm when their father died in 1920.  Their mother had died in 1908 at the young age of 53.

Pleasance had died in 1965 so Herb may have sold the farm.
I am awaiting the Probate inventory to find out but Herb left quite a sum of money to both the Wangaratta Technical School and St. Paul's Church at Milawa for scholarships in his name as described below.

The family Bible was left to his niece Jessie Jean Pollack, nee Hulme who was the only daughter of Herb's older brother, Sydney Frederick Hulme.

One day I will take a trip to Milawa to see the Church.

*Updated - A couple of months later my son took me on that trip to Milawa.

More information and photos of St. Paul's Church can be seen at the
website of Australian Christian Heritage
ChurchesAustralia

Transcription.
THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me HERBERT JOSEPH HULME of Milawa in the State of Victoria, Farmer.

1. I REVOKE all former wills and testamentary dispositions made by me and declare this to be my last will and testament.

2. I APPOINT John Kenneth Gibb and my niece Dulcie Enid Collier, hereinafter called my Trustees, to be the executors of this my will and Trustees of my Estate.

3. I GIVE AND BEQUEATH to my niece Jean Pollack my family bible.

4. I DIRECT my Trustees to divide my household furniture and effects in accordance with any directions I may leave.

5. I DESIRE that my body be cremated and my ashes deposited within the Church yard at St. Paul's Church of England Milawa and that a suitable memorial Tablet in bronze be placed over my ashes at a cost not exceeding the sum of Forty dollars to be paid out of the residue of my Estate.

6. I GIVE AND BEQUEATH the sum of Six thousand dollars to the Wangaratta Technical School Advisory Council upon trust to invest the same and to apply the Income from time to time therefrom arising, for the provision of Scholarships for students at the said school studying a course in Agricultural Science such Scholarships to be known from time to time as the "Herbert Joseph Hulme Scholarship" and I direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer for the time being of the said Council shall be a full and sufficient discharge for my Trustees.

7. I GIVE AND BEQUEATH the sum of Eight thousand dollars to the Church of England Trusts Corporation of the Diocese of Wangaratta upon trust to invest the same and to apply the Income from time to time therefrom arising for the provision of Scholarships for students at St. Columb's Hall Theological College Wangaratta or at such other Theological College as the Bishop in Council of the said Diocese may from time to time decide such scholarships to be known from time to time as the "Herbert Joseph Hulme Scholarship" and I direct that the receipt of the Treasurer or other proper officer for the time being of the said Trusts Corporation shall be a full and sufficient discharge for my Trustees.

8. ALL THE REST RESIDUE AND REMAINDER of my real and personal property whatsoever and Wheresoever I give devise and bequeath to my Trustees upon trust to sell call in and convert the same into money with discretionary power to postpone such sale calling in and conversion for such time as they shall think fit and after payment thereout of all my just debts Funeral and testamentary expenses Federal Estate and State Probate duties to hold the same upon trust for the Church of England Trusts Corporation of the Diocese of Wangaratta and I direct that the same and the Income from time to time therefrom arising shall be applied by the said Trusts Corporation for such general purposes fo the Church of England in the said Diocese including the provision of homes for elderly
people or the maintenance education and benefit of children as the Bishop in Council of the said Diocese may from time to time in its absolute and uncontrolled discretion decide and I further direct that the receipt of the treasurer or other proper officer for the time being of the said Trusts Corporation shall be a full and sufficient discharge to my Trustees without their being bound to see to the application thereof.

IN WITNESS whereof I have hereunto set my hand this 15th day of May One thousand nine hundred and sixty-seven.