Cudgegong Valley History Project

WELL-KNOWN DROVER DEAD. The death occurred in Sydney last week of James Underwood, at the age of 83 years. For many years, deceased was a resident of Eurunderee, and was a noted drover, having brought many large mobs of cattle from Northern Territory to New South Wales. The following sons and daughters survive: - Henry (Lue), James (Home Rule), Raymond and Albert (Budgee), Thomas (Woolpack Hotel, Mudgee), Claude (Sydney), Mrs. Robertson (Wentworthville), and Mrs. Edward Gossage (Budgee). Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 15 November 1923, p. 18. James Underwood Obituary

DEATH OF MR. J. UNDERWOOD. GULGONG, Friday. Mr. James Underwood, a pioneer of Home Rule, has died, aged 69 years. In his early days Mr. Underwood used to journey to the Northern Territory with his father and drove cattle to the Muswellbrook and Mudgee saleyards. He is survived by Mrs. Underwood and two sons, Richard and James, of Home Rule and a daughter, Mrs. S. Allan, of Dunedoo. Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 30 July 1932, p. 14. James Underwood Death

LATE JAMES UNDERWOOD THE funeral of the late Mr. James Underwood, whose death was reported in Thursday's issue, took place on Monday afternoon. The remains were conveyed from his late residence to the Church of England, at Home Rule, where a funeral service was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Caldwell, of Gulgong. Afterwards the same gentleman officiated at the graveside at Mudgee Cemetery. The pallbearers were the two sons of the deceased, his son-in-law, Mr. Allen, of Dunedoo, and his brother. There were a good many friends present, and many wreaths sent by relatives and friends were beautiful creations. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr H. Barton. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 1 August 1932, p. 4. James Underwood Obituary

DEATH Mr. Harry Underwood Deep regret was expressed in Mudgee on Wednesday when news of the death of Mr. Harry William Underwood reached town. Up till some 12 months ago, deceased had enjoyed remarkably good health and was a regular attendant at the bowling green. Born in the Windsor district 88 years ago, deceased, came to the Budgee district with his parents at an early age, and when quite young he joined other members of the family in some of the greatest overlanding trips in history. In those far-off days roads in the remote parts of Queensland and the Northern Territory were unknown and hostile blacks roamed the country. A wonderful bushman, the late Harry Underwood acted as pilot to the droving outfit, and his duty was to locate feed and water for the cattle in the trackless, and often arid, regions of the vast interior. His knowledge of the country and stock was amazing, and no hardship was too great for him to undergo. One notable feat of the Underwoods was the lifting of 8000 cattle in two mobs from the far distant Anthony's Lagoon, Brunette Downs, and other stations, and for upwards of three years the drovers were on the job. The stock was delivered to properties on the Lower Macquarie. Other equally notable trips followed, and always Harry Underwood was in the lead. After retiring from the track, deceased acquired Bingham Station, in the Lue district, where, as expected, he made a success of the venture. Upon disposing of this property he settled in Mudgee, and, being still a strong, active man, he was not long inactive. Linking up with the Bowling Club, he was soon one of its most enthusiastic members. With his usual thoroughness, he soon got a good grip of the game, and was regarded as a tough opponent by the best of players. Above all, he was a true sport, and his reputation in this respect will live forever. His old comrades on the green will miss him greatly. Horses, as was only natural, found in him an ardent admirer, and he loved racing for its own sake. His association with the sport extended over a very lengthy period. In later years he made his home with relatives at Blackheath, but for some time he had resided in the metropolitan area. Up till his illness he was a regular visitor to Mudgee, and his presence on the bowling green was ever welcome. He was, perhaps, one of the very oldest members of the Masonic Lodge and Manchester Unity Oddfellows, and members of both orders will be among the mourners at the funeral, which leaves St. John's Church of England, Mudgee, at 2.30 o'clock on Friday afternoon. Deceased is survived by two sons and one daughter, viz., William (Rylstone and Glen Davis), Leslie (Sydney) and Mrs. Miskle (Sydney) to whom sincere sympathy is extended. Mr. Jack Underwood, one of Mudgee's oldest identities, is a brother. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 7 July 1949, p. 4. Henry Underwood Obituary