Cudgegong Valley History Project

The Coonamble Epidemic. Further Details. [By Telegraph.] COONAMBLE, Wednesday. The fever epidemic seems to be abating, fewer cases being reported. The total number is now over 260. Mr. Francis Stewart Caswell, stock agent and ex-manager of the Commercial Bank here, who has been in the hospital since the start of the outbreak, died early this morning, aged 41 years. He will be buried this evening, and accorded a masonic and Oddfellows' funeral. Mrs. Bridget Halpin, a married woman, aged 22, died last night. The latter was not an inmate of the hospital. Dr. Ashburton Thompson is expected by today's train. A very numerously-signed petition from medical men and rate-payers was presented at last night's council meeting urging the immediate removal of the present nightsoil depot, which is very close to the town, and the nightsoil is only covered a few inches. The council intends to consult Dr. Ashburton Thompson on the matter. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 5 March 1903, p. 10. Obituary Bridget Halpin

TYPHOID FEVER. COONAMBLE, Wednesday. Mr. F. S. Caswell, general agent, and Mrs. Halpin died at the hospital from typhoid, making 11 deaths. One fresh case was reported yesterday and two this morning. The weather is very oppressive and unfavourable. Sydney Morning Herald, Thursday 5 March 1903, p. 8. Typhoid fever Bridget Halpin

The Passing. AN OLD IDENTITY. Another of Gulgong's old identities died on Saturday morning last, in the person of Mrs. M. Derwin. The deceased came to Gulgong in the first rush. She was 68 years of age, and leaves a large number of children, and grandchildren to mourn. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 9 May 1912, p. 21. Obituary Johanna Derwin

Death of Mr. Martin Derwin. Sydney last week, Mr. Martin Derwin (80) a one time resident of Gulgong. Deceased left about seven years ago for Sydney. He came to Gulgong when the gold rush broke out and set up as a bootmaker. His was the first business of its kind to open in Gulgong. His wife predeceased him by seven years. Deceased is survived by the following sons and daughters:- Mrs. Somerfield (Gulgong), Mrs. T. Boddle (Rooty Hill), James Derwin (Coonamble), Mr Patrick Derwin (Queensland) and Private Cornelius Derwin who is on active service, another daughter is residing in Coonamble. The remains were brought to Gulgong. The burial service was conducted at St. John's Church, and in the afternoon the remains were interred in the Catholic portion of the cemetery. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 7 April 1919, p. 3. Obituary Martin Derwin

MRS MARY LYONS. There passed to her eternal reward recently, Mrs Mary Lyons, of 35 Dowling-street, Kensington, fortified by the rites of Holy Church. Mrs Lyons was born at Gulgong, and was the eldest daughter of the late Martin and Johanna Derwin. She married Henri Lyons, of Harve, France, who predeceased her 23 years ago. Twenty years of her life was spent in Coonamble, where she worked untiringly for the Church and Convent. For 21 years Mrs. Lyons resided in the Manly district, still doing her work for the Church she loved. The last four years of her life were spent at Kensington. She was only ill two weeks, and during that time was attended untiringly by Rev. Father McGinley. Deceased leaves four sons, Harry (Adelaide), Joseph, Leon and Louis (Sydney), and two daughters, Pauline (Sydney) and Marie (Mrs. Carew, of Oakleigh, Victoria) to mourn the loss of a wonderful mother. She was buried in Manly alongside her husband, the prayers at the church and graveside being recited by Rev. Father McGinley, of Kensington, and Rev. Father McDonnell, of Manly. - "Freeman's Journal." Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 29 July 1937, p. 17. Obituary Mary Lyons