Cudgegong Valley History Project

PERSONAL.

Our Cassilis correspondent wires - Mr Robert Byfield, of Borambil, an old resident of the Cassilis district died on Monday from septic pneumonia, aged 52 years. Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 29 July 1903, p. 6. Robert Byfield Death

DISTRICT NEWS.

(FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT.) Cassilis. At the comparatively early age of 52 Mr. Robert Byfield, of Borambil, eldest son of Mrs. Sarah Byfield, storekeeper of this town, passed away on Monday last after a painful and long illness. General regret is expressed in this community, where he has resided all his life, at his demise, and universal sympathy is expressed with those he has left behind. The remains were interred in the C. E. Cemetery on Tuesday afternoon in the presence of many sorrowing friends. The Rev. Mr. Chapman, of Merriwa, officiated at the grave. Muswellbrook, Saturday 1 August 1903, p. 2. Robert Byfield Obituary

News, Notes, and Comments.

Mr. Robert Byfield, of Borambil, an old resident of the Cassilis district, died last week from septic pneumonia, aged 52 years. Sydney Mail, Wednesday 5 August 1903, p. 329. Robert Byfield Death

District Movements. News from Everywhere. The death of Mr. Herbert Norman Byfield took place at Cassilis last week. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 1 May 1913, p. 12. Death Herbert Norman Byfield

THE LATE MR. T. J. BYFIELD. When the news spread throughout Cassilis, Merriwa, and Mudgee districts, this week, that Mr. Thomas John Byfield had passed away, great sorrow was expressed, as deceased was universally liked and respected. He was recognised as a 'white' man, and one who was always ready to help a fellow man when needed. Deceased, who was only 65 years of age, was a son of the late Mr. Robert Byfield. The latter was first a storekeeper, and afterwards the owner of Rosedale estate, near Cassilis, now owned by Mr. T. Milton. After his father's death, the late John Byfield managed Rosedale station for a number of years. During the last few years he conducted a carrying business between Cassilis and Mudgee and Gulgong and Merriwa. He is survived by a widow and two sons, Messrs. Harold and Stanley, both of Merriwa, and two daughters, Mrs. A. A. Hansen, wife of Mr. Hensen, of the Telegraph Department, Newcastle, and Miss Byfield, of Cassilis. Dr. Lawrence, of Merriwa, attended him, and on account of his case becoming serious, Drs. Hull and Allport, of Gulgong, were called - in consultation with Dr. Lawrence. But despite all medical efforts, he passed away. Deceased has numerous relatives in the district. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 25 January 1923, p. 18. Obituary Thomas John Byfield

DEATH OF AN OLD PIONEER. Quite a gloom was cast over the town on Wednesday, the 24th inst., when it was known that Mr. Thos. Byfield had passed away, at his residence, Ancrum-street, Cassilis. Although he had been ailing some weeks, the public were unaware that his illness was of a serious nature. Dr Anderson, who attended him, diagnosed his case as typhoid fever. Wishing for a confirmation of his diagnosis, Dr. Gallagher, locum tenens for Dr. Lawrence, of Merriwa, was called in, but failed to agree as to the nature of the illness. Dr. Hull, of Gulgong, was then called in, and, together with Dr. Paling, who was on a visit to him, they confirmed Dr. Anderson's diagnosis. In spite of all that medical science could do, internal hemorrhage set in, and he passed peacefully away. The late Mr. Byfield was born at old Rosedale station, five miles from Cassilis, his father being the late Robert Byfield, who conducted the Union stores, at present occupied by Messrs. Kellett and Sons, Ltd., for many years, and was interested in considerable grazing properties, including New Rosedale, now the property of Mr. T. J. Milton. He spent the whole of his life of 66 years in the district. As a young man, he assisted his father in the management of his several properties, afterwards having full control of New Rosedale, which he managed for 22 years. He afterwards established a carrying business in Cassilis, which he carried on until the time of his death. He was twice married. His first wife was Miss Holman, of Cootamundra, who died 12 months afterwards, under the saddest of circumstances. His second wife, who survives him, was Miss E. Hutchinson, of Cassilis. He leaves a family of four to mourn his loss, Messrs. Harold and Stanley, both of Merriwa, Mrs. Hewson, of New-castle, and Miss Ivy, who resides with her mother. The late Mr. Byfield took a keen interest in matters pertaining to the welfare of the town and district. He was an ardent church worker, being at the time of his death a warden of St. Columba's Church. During this long life in the district his sterling character won for him the respect and esteem of all who came in contact with him, and his familiar figure will be missed in the town for many years to come. His remains were laid to rest in the family allotment in the pretty little churchyard adjoining St. Columba's Church, in the presence of a large gathering, on the 25th inst., this Rev. Rees officiating. Mr. S. Amies had charge of the funeral arrangements. A memorial service was held at St. Columba's Church on Sunday evening, the 28th inst., the Rev. Rees conducting the service. We extend to the bereaved family our deepest sympathy. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 1 February 1923, p. 20. Thomas Byfield Obituary

DEATH

PICKETT. - August 24, 1930, at her daughter's (Mrs. S. N. Searle) residence, 6 Bedford-street, Willoughby, Sarah Jane, relict of the late James Pickett, of Gulgong, in her 81st year. Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 25 August 1930, p. 8. Sarah Jane Pickett Death

DEATH

News has been received in Cassilis that Mrs. Jas. Pickett, of Manly, passed away on Sunday, August 17, at the advanced age of 80 years. The late Mrs. Pickett was the eldest daughter of the late Mr. Robert Byfield, who was for many years a prominent business man in Cassilis. Mrs. Pickett lived for many years in Gulgong, where her husband died some years ago. Mrs. W. J. Soles, of Cassilis, is a daughter of deceased, and Messrs. A. H. Byfield (Cassilis), S. B. Byfield (Wintobee, Cassilis), are brothers, and Miss S. E. Byfield (Cassilis) is a sister of deceased. Sympathy is extended to the bereaved family. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 28 August 1930, p. 6. Sarah Pickett Obituary

FUNERALS.

PICKETT. - The Funeral of the late Mrs. SARAH JANE PICKETT, will leave Wood Coffill's Mortuary Chapel, corner Orchard-road and Brown street, Chatswood, THIS MONDAY, after service commencing at 3 p.m., for Church of England Cemetery, Northern Suburbs. Motor Funeral. WOOD COFFILL LIMITED, Motor Funeral Directors. Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 25 August 1930, p. 7. Sarah Jane Pickett Funeral

DEATH A very sad death took place last week when Mr Arthur Byfield passed away at the "Daphne Bowman" hospital. He had been painting his home the previous week when he collapsed and it was found necessary to remove him to hospital, where he remained only a matter of a few days. He had been employed by Messrs W. Kellett and Sons for some years and at the latter end of last year was entertained by his fellow workers and presented with a very fine settee, in memory of his untiring efforts to please his employers and the general public. He had a very cheery disposition and had endeared himself alike to young and old. So another member of the old school passes, at the age of 68, leaving a sorrowing wife and two sons (Charles and Mervyn) to mourn. Much sympathy is extended to them. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 3 June 1937, p. 19. Obituary Arthur Byfield

THE LATE ARTHUR BYFIELD On May 27th an old and respected resident of the district in the person of Mr. A. H. Byfleld passed away at the "Daphne Bowman" Cottage Hospital, after an illness of one week. Deceased was born in Cassilis in 1869, being a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Byfield, who, for many years were residents of the town, where Mr. Byfield conducted a store, and was also the owner of several properties in the district. Deceased spent the whole of his life in Cassilis. In his early days he assisted his father in business, and later was employed by the firm of T. H. Marks & Co., of Mudgee, as their country representative. After leaving their employ, he joined the firm of Mr. T. J. Scully & Sons, of Cassilis, for a time, and later embarked in a business of his own in the town. Twenty-three years ago he entered the employ of W. Kellett & Sons, Ltd., of Cassilis, and remained with them until his retirement in the latter part of last year. During his long residence in the district, his sterling worth as a citizen won the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in con-tact. He had a bright and genial manner, always had a good word for everyone, and, in his early days, he was a cricketer of no mean ability. He was a church warden of St. Columbus' Anglican Church for many years, and was a trustee of the Cassilis Memorial Park. He is survived by a sorrowing widow and two sons, Vernon (Sydney) and Charlie (Cassilis), whilst one son, Reg, was killed at Bullecourt, France, in 1917. His remains were laid to rest in the Church of England Cemetery on the 29th May, and the funeral was largely attended by all sections of the community. The employees of Messrs. W. Kellett & Sons, Ltd., acted as pall bearers, and the burial service was conducted by the rector, Rev. Mr. Brown, who gave a very eloquent address in the Church, during which he spoke of the many excellent qualities of deceased. The funeral arrangements were in the capable hands of Mr. F. C. Lahene. Farewell, Arthur! Cassilis will miss your familiar figure for many years to come. We join in expressing our deepest sympathy with his widow and family. Mr. S. B. Byfield, of Turill, is a ber, and a sister resides at Cassilis. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 10 June 1937, p. 17. Obituary Arthur 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).

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]

Robert Byfield; Spouse, Sarah Emma Cooper; DOD, 6 Nov 1888; Age, 71; Buried, Cassilis Anglican; Children, Samuel Barlow

Sarah Emma Byfield (nee Cooper); Parents, Thomas Cooper & Emma Rollinson; Spouse, Robert; DOB, 9 Sep 1828, Richmond, NSW Australia; DOD, 14 Sep 1904, 1904/8925; Age, 73; Buried, Cassilis Anglican; Children, Samuel Barlow