Alexander John Byfield, 1888

Name
Alexander John /Byfield/
Given names
Alexander John
Surname
Byfield
Birth 1888 34 30

Death of a paternal grandfatherRobert Byfield
6 November 1888 (aged 0)

Birth of a sisterBertha Maude Byfield
1890 (aged 2 years)

Birth of a sisterEva Hannah Byfield
19 May 1893 (aged 5 years)

Birth of a brotherWilfred Ernest Byfield
1895 (aged 7 years)

Death of a maternal grandfatherSamuel Pickett
12 April 1902 (aged 14 years)
Note: PASTORALIST COMMIT SUICIDE.

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).

Note: LATEST NEWS BY WIRE.

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)

Note: AN OLD RESIDENT OF LUE.

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)

Death of a paternal grandmotherSarah Emma Cooper
14 September 1904 (aged 16 years)

Death of a sisterEva Hannah Byfield
16 June 1909 (aged 21 years)
Note: SUDDEN DEATH AT CASSILIS.

SUDDEN DEATH AT CASSILIS. Young Girl Dies from Convulsions. On Wednesday, 16th instant, Eva Hannah Byfield, aged 16 years, third daughter of Mr. Samuel Bowden Byfield, died suddenly at her father's residence, Wintobee, near Cassilis, about 9 p.m. On that day deceased was apparently in her usual state of good health, and retired to her room. About half an hour afterwards her parents in passing deceased's bedroom door, on their way to their own room, found their daughter in convulsions and she died in about 20 minutes. She never spoke. Her sudden demise was a great shock to her friends and relatives. An inquest was held before S. J. Scully, Esq., J.P., and Coroner for the district, and a post mortem examination was made by Dr. Blaney, of Coolah, on the 17th instant, when the following evidence was taken: — Senior-constable McCurley deposed: This morning, the 17th instant, at about 4.30 a.m. Edward Lennox reported to me that a young girl, named Eva Hannah Byfield, died suddenly at her father's residence, Wintobee, the previous night. I reported the death to the Coroner, and in company with him and Dr. H. P. Blaney, of Coolah, went to the residence of Mr. S. B. Byfield at Wintobee. I there saw the body of the deceased lying on a bed. The body was clothed in a nightgown only, and bore no marks of violence or abrasions of any kind. The deceased was a stranger to me. I was present when Dr. Blaney made the post mortem examination. Samuel Bowden Byfield, being sworn, deposed: I am a farmer residing at Wintobee, near Cassilis. The deceased, Eva Hannah Byfield, is my daughter. She was 16 years of age on 19th May last. I last saw her alive about 9.30 p.m. last night, the 16th instant. She was then in her usual health. She went to bed about 9.30 p.m. About half an hour afterwards she went to her bedroom. I was passing the deceased's bedroom with my wife (deceased's mother). Deceased was then in bed and covered up with bed clothes, lying on her back, with her face a little to one side facing the door. She was in convulsions; her arms were twitching, her teeth were clenched, her arms and her whole body were working, her lips were blue, while a little f was gathered at the mouth. The spasms were continuous. She remained in that condition from 20 minutes to half an hour, and then died. She was unconscious; her eyes were rolling and the body rose from the bed during the spasms. She usually had good health since she was 2 to 3 years old. The deceased had no property; her life is not insured. Ann Byfield, wife of S. B. Byfield, and residing with her husband at Wintobee, deposed: The deceased, Eva Hannah Byfield, is my daughter. She attended school at Summer Hill, about 1¾ mile from her home. She came home from school with her ber, Wilfred Ernest Byfield, about 5 p.m. last evening. She appeared in good health and made no complaint. She had her tea with the family; we all had tea together. She assisted to wash up the tea things and afterwards she sat at the fire. There were present myself, and husband, Henry Smede, my two sons and the deceased. She left about 9 p.m. to go to bed. She was then in her usual state of health and in good spirits. About half-an-hour afterwards my husband and myself were passing the door going to bed, and as we passed the deceased's bedroom the door was ajar. I carried a light. I saw the deceased then in bed; she was lying on her back with her face turned towards the door. I noticed her face seemed to be twitching; I thought she had nightmare. I went to the bedroom and called her by name, and said "What is wrong with you, Eva?" I said that to her three times. The deceased made no answer. I went close to the bed, and saw she was in convulsions. Her arms were working and her lips were blue. I put hot flannels across her stomach and raised her head. I bathed her head with cold water. She remained in that condition for about half an hour and then died. She had congestion of the lungs when she was about two years old. She was in delicate health up to the time she was four years old, and since that time she had good health. When I saw her twitching about the face last she did not twitch about the legs. I felt her feet, and they were very cold. I did not see deceased raise her body from the bed during the time I was in the room. Deceased, Eva Hannah Byfield, was born at Wintobee, on the 19th May, 1893. Henry Patrick Blaney, duly qualified medical practitioner, of Coolah, deposed on oath: At the request of the Coroner at Cassilis, I examined the body of the deceased, Eva Hannah Byfield, lying dead at the residence of Mr. S. B. Byfield, at Wintobee. I found the body to be that of a well-nourished and well developed female of about 18 years in appearance; found no marks of violence on the body. Post mortem staining had just began to appear behind the neck and arms. Her features were placid; the body was in a state of rigor mortis. At the request of the Coroner and in the presence of the police, I made a post mortem examination of the body, thoroughly examining all the organs, and found uterus, intestines, liver, kidneys, heart and lungs healthy. The spleen was enlarged and unhealthy. The brain tissue itself was healthy, but was streaked with traces of blood. The blood vessels themselves were engorged with blood, which showed signs of deficient aeriation. The stomach appeared healthy and contained but little food. Death was due to pressure on the brain by engorgement of blood vessels during an attack of convulsions, and consequent failure of the heart's action. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 24 June 1909, p. 17. Death Eva Hannah Byfield

MarriageBertha Grace PickettView this family
1913 (aged 25 years)

Note: Wedding.

Wedding.

BYFIELD - PICKETT.

A very pretty, but quiet, wedding was celebrated at Turill on August 27, when Rev. B. C. Wilson joined in the holy bonds of matrimony Bertha Grace, fifth daughter of Mr. Samuel Pickett, Autumn Hill, Cassillis (late of Lue), and Alexander John,fourth son of Mr. Samuel Byfield, Wintobee, Cassilis. The bride, who was given away by her father, looked charming in a dress of white silk, with cream overall lace and silk ribbon trimmings, and wore the orthodox wreath and veil, and carried abouquet of white stocks and ferns. She also wore a gold watch and chain and gold brooch, gifts of the bridegroom. The bride was at-tended by her sister, Miss Daisy Pickett, who wore a dress of very pale green silk muslin, trimmed with creamoverall lace, and a white hat,with white silk and marguerite daisies; she also carried a bouquet of white and pink stocks and ferns. The bridegroom's gift to the brides-maid was a gold brooch. Mr. Vincent H. Pickett, ber of the bride, wasbest man. After the ceremony the wedding party drove to the residence of the bride's parents, Autumn Hill, where cake and wine were partaken of. The relatives and friends of the bride and bridegroom very nicely sang "The Voice That Breathed O'erEden," Miss Phyllis A. Pickett presiding at the organ. After a very pleasant afternoon being spent, the happy couple left for their future home, amidst showers of rice and confetti. The bride and bridegroom were the recipients of many pretty anduseful presents. (Mudgee Guardian and North Western Representative, Thursday 11 September 1913, p. 21).

Death of a maternal grandmotherAnn Drake
28 July 1913 (aged 25 years)
Note: DEATH AT LUE.

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).

Burial of a maternal grandmotherAnn Drake
30 July 1913 (aged 25 years)
Death of a fatherSamuel Barlow Byfield
7 August 1946 (aged 58 years)

Note: Mr. S. B. Byfield

Mr. S. B. Byfield The death occurred on Wednesday last of Mr. Samuel Barlow Byfield, of 'Wintobee,' Cassilis, at the age of 91 years. Deceased was a very old and respected resident of the Cassilis district and was within one month of his 92nd year. He leaves a sorrowing widow and a family of five sons and two daughters to mourn. The funeral took place to the Cassilis Cemetery on Thursday, Rev. Smith, of Merriwa, officiating. Mr. H. Barton, of Mudgee, attended to the mortuary arrangements (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Monday 12 August 1946, page 2).

Burial of a fatherSamuel Barlow Byfield
8 August 1946 (aged 58 years)
Note: Children;

Children; James Lewis (ID 15606803); Percy Charles; Isabella A; Albert George (ID 139821); Florence Jane (ID 10065029); Alexander John (ID 4227604); Bertha Maude (ID 8648034); Eva Hannah (ID 4227610); Wilfred Ernest (ID 8648479)

Headstone reads: In loving memory of Our dear father Samuel B Byfield Died 7th August 1946 [With Ann Byfield]

Death of a motherAnn Pickett
24 August 1952 (aged 64 years)

Note: Mrs. Ann Byfield, a very old identity of Cassilis, died in a private hospital at Homebush recently.…

Mrs. Ann Byfield, a very old identity of Cassilis, died in a private hospital at Homebush recently. An old and respected resident of Cassilis, and relict of the late Mr. Samuel Byfield, she had resided with her daughters in Sydney and. Goulburn for some years. Deceased was a fine old character, and was beloved by all with whom she came in contact. Her death will be regretted by friends all ever the district. She is survived by the following sons and daughters, to whom sincere sympathy is extended : James (Hazelbrook), Percy (Cassilis), Albert (Ulan), Alec (Cassilis), Wilfred (Cassilis), Isabel (Mrs. Paulter, Goulbourn), Florence (Mrs. Timson, Sydney), Bertha (Mrs Constable, Sydney), Miss Ida Byfield (Orange). An impressive service was held in the Cassilis Church of England prior to the funeral, the officiating clergyman being Rev. E. R. Elder, of Merriwa, and a large congregation was in attendance. The arrangements were carried out by Mr. A. P. Connor, of Mudgee. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 28 August 1952, p. 2. Obituary Ann Byfield

Death of a brotherJames Lewis Byfield
23 September 1958 (aged 70 years)
Note: DEATHS: BYFIELD James Lewis. September 23, 1958, at hospital Katoomba of "Calare," Great W…

DEATHS: BYFIELD James Lewis. September 23, 1958, at hospital Katoomba of "Calare," Great Western Highway, Hazelbrook, dearly beloved husband of Jane Meredith Byfield. dear father of Eva Ann (Mrs T. Bingham of Forbes), dear grandfather of Valerie (Mrs C. Brenden. of Forbes), aged 79 years. Private Interment. (Sydney Morning Herald, Thursday, September 25, 1958)

Death of a brotherPercy Charles Byfield
22 July 1965 (aged 77 years)
Note: Obituary

Obituary

Mr. P. C. Byfield

Percy Charles Byfield, grazier, of “Oakville,” Turill, died in the Mudgee District Hospital on Tuesday, aged 84. He was a bachelor. A funeral service was conducted yesterday at the Church of England, Cassilis, at 3 p.m. before interment in the Cassilis Cemetery. Funeral arrangements were in the hands of Messrs. Eastaugh and Carroll, funeral directors of Mudgee and Gulgong.

Death of a sisterIsabella Anne Byfield
1965 (aged 77 years)

Death of a brotherWilfred Ernest Byfield
28 December 1967 (aged 79 years)
Note: Obituary

Obituary

Mr. W. E. Byfield

The death occurred in Mudgee District Hospital, on Thursday, December 28, of Mr. Wilfred Ernest Byfield. Mr. Byfield, a retired grazier of “Wintobee” Turill, was aged 73. The interment took place in the Mudgee cemetery on December 30, after a service in the St. John’s Church of England at 3 p.m.

Death of a sisterFlorence Jane Byfield
13 December 1975 (aged 87 years)

Note: DEATHS: TIMPSON, Florence Jane. December 12, 1975, at hospital, of 17 Broe Avenue, East Hills, dearl…

DEATHS: TIMPSON, Florence Jane. December 12, 1975, at hospital, of 17 Broe Avenue, East Hills, dearly loved wife of John (deceased), dearly loved mother of Raymond, Norman, Marjorie and Jack, devoted mother-in-law of Evelyn, Edna, Edith and Bill, devoted grandmother and great grandmother of their families (Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday, December 16, 1975).

Death of a wifeBertha Grace Pickett
about 1977 (aged 89 years)

Note: In Memoriam

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 a sisterBertha Maude Byfield
20 January 1977 (aged 89 years)

Burial of a motherAnn Pickett

Family with parents
father
mother
Marriage Marriage1877
3 years
elder brother
18791958
Birth: 1879 25 21
Death: 23 September 1958Katoomba, New South Wales, Australia
3 years
elder brother
18811965
Birth: 1881 27 23
Death: 22 July 1965Mudgee District Hospital, Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia
2 years
elder sister
5 years
elder sister
3 years
himself
3 years
younger sister
18901977
Birth: 1890 36 32
Death: 20 January 1977
3 years
younger sister
18931909
Birth: 19 May 1893 39 35
Death: 16 June 1909Wintobe, Cassilis, New South Wales, Australia
3 years
younger brother
18951967
Birth: 1895 41 37
Death: 28 December 1967Mudgee District Hospital, Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia
Family with Bertha Grace Pickett
himself
wife
Marriage Marriage1913
Marriage

Wedding.

BYFIELD - PICKETT.

A very pretty, but quiet, wedding was celebrated at Turill on August 27, when Rev. B. C. Wilson joined in the holy bonds of matrimony Bertha Grace, fifth daughter of Mr. Samuel Pickett, Autumn Hill, Cassillis (late of Lue), and Alexander John,fourth son of Mr. Samuel Byfield, Wintobee, Cassilis. The bride, who was given away by her father, looked charming in a dress of white silk, with cream overall lace and silk ribbon trimmings, and wore the orthodox wreath and veil, and carried abouquet of white stocks and ferns. She also wore a gold watch and chain and gold brooch, gifts of the bridegroom. The bride was at-tended by her sister, Miss Daisy Pickett, who wore a dress of very pale green silk muslin, trimmed with creamoverall lace, and a white hat,with white silk and marguerite daisies; she also carried a bouquet of white and pink stocks and ferns. The bridegroom's gift to the brides-maid was a gold brooch. Mr. Vincent H. Pickett, ber of the bride, wasbest man. After the ceremony the wedding party drove to the residence of the bride's parents, Autumn Hill, where cake and wine were partaken of. The relatives and friends of the bride and bridegroom very nicely sang "The Voice That Breathed O'erEden," Miss Phyllis A. Pickett presiding at the organ. After a very pleasant afternoon being spent, the happy couple left for their future home, amidst showers of rice and confetti. The bride and bridegroom were the recipients of many pretty anduseful presents. (Mudgee Guardian and North Western Representative, Thursday 11 September 1913, p. 21).