Cudgegong Valley History Project

Death

MRS. JAMES JENNINGS, OF TOOLAMANANG. It will be learnt with very great regret, that Mrs. Margaret Jennings, wife of Mr. James Jennings, of Toolamanang Station, who had been seriously ill for some months, died, at Toolamanang, on Thursday night. Mrs. Jennings, who was 73 years of age, some time ago contracted a poisoned leg, up to the time of which happening she had been in excellent health and full vigor. The poisoning developed, despite all remedial treatment, and finally the affected leg had to be amputated. The amputation was most successfully performed by Sir Alexander McCormack. For a time, the patient who rallied splendidly after the operation, appeared to be doing well. After a while, however, it became apparent to her anxiously observant relatives and friends that her health was not what it should be, and that especially she chafed under the inaction to which she, always a singularly active woman, was forced, and her more or less removal from the scheme of things in which she had had so large and so useful a part, and a part in which she greatly delighted. The worry of the inaction had its necessary effect upon Mrs. Jenning's health, which became worse week by week. For several months prior to her death Mrs. Jennings had been confined to her room, and latterly she suffered a great deal of pain, which she bore with remarkable fortitude and resignation, and in spite of which she was uniformly patient and cheerful. The end came, as stated on Thursday, when this truly good woman passed away, full of honor and surrounded by an affectionate family, who had left nothing undone to minimise her sufferings and to minister to her comfort. The late Mrs. Jennings was a devout and fervent Catholic, and she passed away in the atmosphere of sanctity and fortified by all the rites of her faith. Mrs. Jennings is survived by her husband, four sons (three of whom are shire councillors) and one daughter, Mrs. Kearns (Queenie), of Blayney. The sons are Messrs. John Jennings (Councillor Meroo Shire), Thomas (President of Rylstone Shire) Arthur (Councillor Rylstone Shire) and Walter (Mendooran). She also leaves several grandchildren, to whom she was devotedly attached, and who she delighted to have about her. Mr. and Mrs. Jennings came to the Mudgee district from Goulburn side, where Mr. Jennings had been a pastoralist, 37 years ago, and purchased a pastoral property at Cudgegong (Toolamanang). He prospered on the land, and as time wore on increased his holding considerably. until today, Toolamanang is one of the largest, as it is one the best, and one of the best managed and one of the most profitable pastoral properties in the district. There is no district family more highly respected or more greatly esteemed than that of the squire of Toolamanang, himself one of the district most respected and popular residents. With him and with all the family the greatest sympathy will be felt. The late Mrs. Jennings was of a most amiable disposition, and a most attractive and lovable personality, and she was greatly esteemed in the very large circle in which she moved, and of which she was in a large sense the centre. She was the ideal wife and mother, and of exemplary character. She was kindly, sympathetic, helpful, and actively charitable. Her heart was large and her hand generous, as many whose necessities she has quietly and unostentatiously relieved will be able to testify. Her passing away will be deeply regretted by the very large number who knew and valued and loved her. The deceased lady's remains were laid to rest in the Catholic section of the Cudgegong General Cemetery on Saturday. The funeral was large and representative. The Very Rev. E. J. Flanagan, P.P., Mudgee, officiated at the graveside. The four sons of the deceased, Messrs. John. Thomas, Walter and Arthur Jennings were the pall bearers. Mr. J. C. Swords, Mudgee, had the direction of the funeral.

Mudgee.

The death of Mr. James Jennings, of Toolamanang Station, occurred recently. Deceased was a pioneer of the district. He was for many years a member of the Licensing Court Bench at Rylstone, and always took an active interest in public affairs. He leaves a family of four sons and one daughter: Mr. Jack Jennings (member of the Meroo Council), Mr. Walter Jennings (Mendooran), Mr. Thomas Jennings (president of the Rylstone Shire Council and Mudgee P.P. Board), and Mrs. W. Kearns.