Cudgegong Valley History Project

Headstone reads:
Clifford Samuel Pickett
Aged 3 months
Departed this life ???uary 2?
1898

Footstone reads:
Clifford ??
Aged 3 ??? ?? ?? ??
J???

PASTORALIST COMMIT SUICIDE. Mr. Samuel Pickett, a well-known pastoralist, residing at Long Gully, about 14 miles from Rylstone, is reported to have committed suicide. Deceased, who was 76 years of age, had been suffering from ill health for the past four or five years, and had recently been much worried with fear that his stock would perish during the coming winter. He took a dose of strychnine, and refused any emetic. He had spent the greater part of his life in the district, and had reared a family of twelve, all of whom, with their mother, survive him. (Sunday Times, Sunday 20 April 1902, p. 8).

LATEST NEWS BY WIRE. [Press Telegraph Association.] SYDNEY A SAD SUICIDE. Samuel Pickett, senr., aged 76, residing at Long Gully, near Rylstone, committed suicide by taking a dose of strychnine from a bottle kept in the house for poisoning dogs. He lingered several hours. Though evidently he underwent great agony, he resolutely refused to take an emetic. He had been in ill health for four or five years past; this, added to the fear that he would lose all his stock for want of feed during the coming winter, brought about a feeling of despondency. (Maitland Daily Mercury, Tuesday 15 April 1902, p. 3)

AN OLD RESIDENT OF LUE. POISONS HIMSELF WITH STRYCHNINE. DEPRESSED BY DROUGHT. (from our Correspondent). On Saturday morning, the 12th instant, between 9 and 10 o'clock, Mr. Samuel Pickett, farmer of Long Gully near Lue, informed his wife and son that he had taken poison, but his statement was at first not believed. Some two hours afterwards symptoms of strychnine poisoning showed them-selves, Mr. Pickett having a fit, followed by another an hour and a half later, in which he died. Deceased, who was in his 77th year, was a native England, and had been residing at Long Gully for forty years, where he made a comfortable home for himself. Mr. Pickett reared a large family of sons and daughters, all of whom are married. During the past few years Mr. Pickett suffered from bad health, especially so for the last six months, and was often heard to say that he wished he was dead, as he was only a trouble to himself and those members of his family near him, but he was never heard to threaten to take his own life. The desolation of the drought had recently worried the deceased, who became much depressed as it became more and more evident that many of his stock would perish. A bottle with a small quantity of strychnine in it was kept on a shelf in the kitchen, for the purpose of poisoning dogs, and deceased must have taken this into his bedroom the night before he took the fatal dose, as he did not leave his room on Saturday until about half-past nine in the morning, when he made the statement of having taken the poison. A cup of tea had been taken to deceased by his wife early in the morning, and appearances indicated that he poured a portion of the tea into the strychnine bottle, stirred the contents and then drank it. Deceased was much respected in the locality in which he so long resided, and very general sympathy is expressed for the members of his family, many of whom occupy good positions in the district. An inquest held at Long Gully on Tuesday, before Wm. Taylor, J.P., Coroner, and a jury of five, when a verdict was returned, of death by strychnine poisoning self administered. The re-mains were interred at Lue. (Mudgee Guardian and North Western Representative Thursday 17 April 1902, p. 11)

IN MEMORIAM NIPPERESS — In loving memory of our dear mother and mother-in-law, Margaret Nipperess, who departed this life June 19, 1912, aged 82 years. Twelve months have drifted slowly by Since dear mother was taken away, But we will meet her by and bye On the Great Judgment Day. [Inserted by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Jane and Samuel Pickett.] (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Monday 30 June 1913, page 3).

Return Thanks. I BEG to tender my sincere thanks to the many kind friends who rendered their assistance at the death of my grandmother, Mrs. Nipperess, of Lue. GEORGE C. COOK (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Monday 24 June 1912, page 3).

DEATH AT LUE.

We regret to have to record the death of a very old resident of Lue, in the person of Mrs. Ann Pickett at the advanced age of 88 years of age. Her death took place on the 28th July at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. J. Thompson, of the LueHotel, with whom she had resided since the death of her husband (Mr. Samuel Pickett) some twelve years ago. The deceased lady had been a resident of the district for over sixty years. She leaves a family of 4 sons and 8 daughters, besidesgrandchildren and great-grand children. The funeral was very largely attended. The Rev. Mr. Walker, of Rylstone, officiated at the graveside. (Mudgee Guardian and North Western Representative, Thursday 14 August 1913, p. 23).

Anthrax. Death of a Young Man. At about 3.30 on Monday morning, 15th instant, in the Gulgong Hospital, a very sad death occurred, when Vincent Henry, only son of Mr. and Mrs. S. Pickett, "Autumn Hill,'' Turill, passed away, after a short but severe illness. A few months back the deceased made up his mind to learn shearing, and with that end in view, set out from home full of happy youth, with only one end in view - to add a little more luxury to that home he intended making, and in every way make matters more comfortable for the wife he had chosen. But God willed otherwise. He had finished up and promised his old parents to stay near them in future. Many friends he had and they all loved him. A better and more loving son could not be found, and no sister ever had a more devoted ber. Only three months off his 21st birthday, he was cut off from all he loved. Never once through his illness did he complain. For days before he knew that his days were numbered, yet cheerfully he held up. His father and sister Phyllis were at his bedside continually. The cause of death was anthrax, caused by the blood of a diseased sheep getting in some boils on his wrist. Throughout his illness, prior to being taken to the hospital by Dr. Lees, of Gulgong, in his motor car, his mother nursed and cared for him, helped always by the faithful father. A devoted church goer, deceased had won the loving esteem of both pastor and people. He was an exemplary character of manhood for any community. The deceased leaves a father and mother, and nine sisters to mourn. May God in his mercy lighten their sorrow. Following are the sisters: - Mrs. E. Bayliss (Coonamble), Mrs. H. Smede and A. Byfield (Turill), Mrs. L. G. Imber (Mudgee South), Mrs. L. Cooper (Appletree Flat), and the Misses Phyllis, Daisy, Mima and Gwen Pickett. Miss Lily Dray (the bride elect), of Leadville, was present at the funeral, accompanied by her father. She motored over to Mudgee on Tuesday morning. The remains were interred in the Church of England portion of the general cemetery. The Rev. Canon Dunstan officiated at the graveside. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 18 November 1915, p. 21. Death Vincent Henry Pickett

IN MEMORIAM. PICKETT. - In loving remembrance of our dear ber Vin., who died November 15, 1915, aged 20 years and 9 months. ‘Call not back the dear departed, Anchored safe where storms are o'er. On the border land we left him, Soon to meet, to part no more. Far beyond this world of changes, Far beyond this world of care, We shall find our missing loved one In our father's mansion fair.’ (Inserted by his loving sisters and bers-in-law, Hilda and Les Imber, Janet and E. Bayliss.)

IN MEMORIAM. PICKETT. - In kind and loving remembrance of our dear and only ber, Vin., who departed this life Nov. 15, 1915. ‘We had but one dear ber, How we loved him no tongue could tell. God loved him too, and for the best Took him to his eternal rest.’ Inserted by his fond ber and sister, Harry and Alma Smede, Lowlands.

IN MEMORIAM. PICKETT. - In kind and loving remembrance of our dear uncle, Vin., who departed this life Nov. 15, 1915. ‘We had a dear kind uncle, He would take us on his knee, And sing to us a little song, And fill our hearts with glee. But our gentle Shepherd called him Up to His realms on high; And now he sings with little angels Above the bright blue sky.’ Inserted by his sorrowing little nieces and nephews (Smedes, Lowlands).

IN MEMORIAM. PICKETT - In loving memory of our dear ber, Vincent Henry, who died November 15th, 1915, aged 20 years 9 months. ‘Where the merry birds are singing, Where the flowers gently wave, There the loved and lost is sleeping In his lone and silent grave. Oh, we laid him there in sadness, While our hearts were dull with pain, But before God's Throne of Mercy We shall meet dear Vin. again.’ Inserted by his sorrowing sisters, Daisy, Mima and Gwen, "Autumn Hills."

IN MEMORIAM. PICKETT - In loving memory of our dearly-loved son, Vincent Henry, who died 15th Nov., 1915, aged 20 years 9 months. ‘Death has taken our loved one From our home and fond embrace, But the hour of joy is coming When we'll meet him face to face. Healing balm for wounded spirits, For the Lord will soon appear, And we know that in God's kingdom We shall meet our boy so dear. Inserted by his sorrowing father and mother, S. and J. Pickett, " Autumn Hills." Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 16 November 1916, p. 11. In Memoriam Vincent Henry Pickett

In Memoriam PICKETT. Treasured memories of my beloved parents, Samuel and Jane Ann, dear ber Vincent, dear sisters Janet, Alma, Ruth, Hilda, Bertha and Phyllis. “To live in the hearts of those we love, is not to die”. - Gwen. Mudgee Guardian, Tuesday 23 February 1982, p. 9. In Memoriam Pickett Family

DEATH OF MRS S. PICKETT Mrs S. Pickett, of Autumn Hills, passed away on the 18th inst., and her remains were taken to Mudgee for interment on the 19th inst. Further reference to her life will be made next week (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 24 March 1938, page 11).

DEATH Mrs. J. A. Pickett THE death occurred at her residence, "Autumn Hills," Turill, of Mrs. Jane Ann Pickett at the age of 79 years. Deceased was of a kindly and lovable disposition, and endeared herself to all those who knew her. Married at the age of 19 years, she resided with her husband for many years at Pyangle. She had always been a loving and capable helpmate to her husband, and shared with him the trials and joys of life on the land. Her interest and pleasure were always centred in her home and family, and she was always ready to help others in the time of need. Until her last moments she was considering the comfort of others. Deceased was an earnest church-woman, and her deep, unwavering faith lightened her hours of suffering. She passed peacefully away at 8.15 a.m. on March 18. The remains were interred in the Church of England portion of the cemetery at Mudgee, after a service in the church by the Rev. Canon Walker. A husband and nine daughters are left to mourn a devoted wife and mother. Two sons predeceased her. We extend our sympathy to the bereaved (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 24 March 1938, page 14).

OBITUARY A very sad death occurred on Friday, March 20, when Mrs Mary Jane Pickett passed away at her home, "Autumn Hills," Turill. Deceased had been a resident of Turill for the past 22 years and had earned for herself a very large and loving circle of friends by reason of her pleasing and kindly manner to all. She was 79 years of age, and prior to coming to Turill, had been a highly esteemed resident of the Lue district. Deceased leaves a husband and nine daughters to mourn. To them the sympathy of the district is extended. They include: Mesdames E. Bayliss (Mudgee), C. Cooper (Appletree Flat), A. Byfield (Mudgee), L. Imber (Mudgee), H. Smede (Lowlands), A. Constable (Cassilis), R. Byfield (Cassilis), H. B. Milton (Turill), and Miss Gwen Pickett, (Autumn Hills). (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 31 March 1938, page 15).

THOMAS EDWARD BAYLISS CASINO, Friday - The death occurred in the Casino Memorial Hospital late on Thursday night of Mr Thomas Edward Bayliss, of Pratt-st, Casino. Deceased was born at Camboone, near Rylstone, 72 years ago, and lived with his parents on the land until his marriage 37 years ago. He later resided at various parts of the south west, Coonamble and Mudgee. For many years he worked with Mr. Hunter White, owner of Havilah Station at Rylstone. For the past two and half years, Mr and Mrs. Bayliss have resided with members of their family, coming to take up residence with their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Eric Bayliss, Pratt-st, Casino, 12 months ago. Mr. E. Bayliss is night officer at the old Casino station. Deceased is survived by his wife, two sons, Eric (Casino), Percy (AIF), one daughter, Mrs. J. Norris (Canowindra), four bers, Herbert (Newcastle), Sydney Wollongong), Walter and Alfred (Rylstone), and two sisters, Mrs. J. McDonald (Newcastle) and Miss Lena Bayliss (Rylstone). The funeral will leave St Mark's Church of England tomorrow morning for the Casino cemetery, following a service, which will be held at 11 o'clock. Northern Star, Saturday 13 June 1942, p. 4. Death Thomas Edward Bayliss

Mr. Samuel Pickett One of the fine old pioneers, in the person of Mr. Samuel Pickett, died in the Mudgee Hospital on Sunday aged 88 years. His wife predeceased him by about six years. For a very lengthy period deceased resided at Turill, where he had a nice little property. He enjoyed excellent health up till a fortnight or so ago and, always active, shore a few of his pet lambs during the shearing period. A fine old type, he enjoyed the friendship of every-one in the district where he lived so long, and his passing will be universally regretted. Among those left to mourn is Mrs. L. Imber (daughter), of Mudgee South. The funeral took place to the Church of England portion of the Mudgee cemetery this afternoon, the Rev. A. G. Powell officiating. The arrangements were carried out by Messrs. J. C. Swords and Son. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 21 February 1944, p. 3. Obituary Samuel Pickett

OBITUARY The Late Mr. Samuel Pickett Still another of our grand old citizens passed over the Great Divide when Mr. Samuel Pickett passed away at Mudgee on 20th February. He had reached the ripe old age of 88, and until a few weeks previously had been well and unusually, active for a man of his years. Before residing at Cassilis he was, for many years, a resident of Pyangle. His long life was marked by industry and usefulness and his home was known to the borders for its ready hospitality; His wife pre-deceased him,also two sons. During his declining years he was lovingly cared for by his youngest daughter, Mrs. C. F. Clarke. He was a dear old father, loved and respected, and after his wife's death he insisted on keeping the home fires burning, and doing his best for his family. Nine daughters survive, together with a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To them sincere sympathy is extended. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 6 March 1944, p. 6. Obituary Samuel Pickett

Mainly About People The following daughters of the fine old pioneer, Mr. Samuel Pickett, of Autumn Hills (notice of whose death we recently published), are left to mourn, viz., Mrs. Janet Bayless (Bowenfels), Mrs. Alma Smede (Turill), Mrs. Ruth Cooper (Apple Tree Flat), Mrs. Hilda Imber Mudgee): Mrs. Bertha King (Kandos), Mrs. Phyllis Byfield (Kurrajong), Mrs. Daisy Milton (Turill), Mrs. Jemima Constable (Cassilis), and Mrs. Gwendoline Clarke (Sydney). To the bereaved our sincere sympathy is extended. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 13 March 1944, p. 2. Obituary Samuel Pickett

In Memoriam PICKETT. Treasured memories of my beloved parents, Samuel and Jane Ann, dear ber Vincent, dear sisters Janet, Alma, Ruth, Hilda, Bertha and Phyllis. “To live in the hearts of those we love, is not to die”. - Gwen. Mudgee Guardian, Tuesday 23 February 1982, p. 9. In Memoriam Pickett Family

Obituary: HILDA JANE IMBER The death occurred in the Mudgee District Hospital yesterday of Mrs. Hilda Jane Imber, formerly of 165 Church Street, Mudgee. Deceased was 72. She leaves a sorrowing husband and son Ronald. The funeral was to have taken place at 3 o'clock this afternoon from St. John's Church of England with Rev. Barrie Close officiating. Mudgee Guardian Friday 15 December 1960

In Memoriam PICKETT. Treasured memories of my beloved parents, Samuel and Jane Ann, dear ber Vincent, dear sisters Janet, Alma, Ruth, Hilda, Bertha and Phyllis. “To live in the hearts of those we love, is not to die”. - Gwen. Mudgee Guardian, Tuesday 23 February 1982, p. 9. In Memoriam Pickett Family

Obituary ALMA MARGARET SMEDE Mrs Alma Margaret Smede, of Lowlands, Turill, passed away in Daphne Bowman Hospital, Cassilis, on Friday, September 14. She was the widow of the late Henry John Smede. She is survived by the following family: Ivy, Rita, Alma, Athol, Winifred, Roderick and Molly. Her funeral will take place from St John's Church of England, Mudgee, on Wednesday, at 2 pm, for interment in the Mudgee Cemetery. Messrs Eastaugh & Carroll have charge of the funeral arrangements. Mudgee Guardian, Monday, 17 September 1962, p. 5, Obituary Alma Margaret Smede

Obituary Mrs. Alma Smede, of Lowlands, Turill, aged 79, died in the Daphne Bowman Hospital on Friday morning last. The late Mrs. Smede was born and reared in the district where she spent all her life. Her husband predeceased her by several years. This grand old lady endeared herself to many by reason of her pleasing personality and her kindness to all with whom she cme in contact. She assisted at most sports and other functions over many years and was greatly attached to her church. There was a family of nine, seven daughters and two sons, Misses. Ivy, Rita, Hilda (Mrs. Marskell) deceased, Alma (Mrs. Stan Constable), Millie (Mrs. Alva Nevell) deceased, Winnie (Mrs. Papworth), Mollie (Mrs. Ted Miles) Sydney, Athol and Roddy to whom we extend our sympathy. She was buried on Monday in the St. Columbas Cemetery at 3 pm. The Rev. Winder, of Denman, officiated at the church and graveside. Mudgee Guardian, 20 September 1962, p. 21. Obituary Alma Smede

In Memoriam SMEDE, - In loving memory of our dear mother and grandmother, Alma Margaret, who passed away on the 14th September, 1962 - aged 79 years. 'The golden gate stood open on that unhappy day, With farewell words unspoken you sadly passed away. Our hearts still ache with sadness, Our eyes shed many a tear, God alone knows how we miss you, As it ends the first sad year.' So sadly missed by her loving daughters, Ivy and Rita, son Roderic, daughter-in-law Josie and grandchildren. Mudgee Guardian Friday 27 September 1963, p. 2. In Memoriam Alma Margaret Smede

In Memoriam PICKETT. Treasured memories of my beloved parents, Samuel and Jane Ann, dear ber Vincent, dear sisters Janet, Alma, Ruth, Hilda, Bertha and Phyllis. “To live in the hearts of those we love, is not to die”. - Gwen. Mudgee Guardian, Tuesday 23 February 1982, p. 9. In Memoriam Pickett Family