Cudgegong Valley History Project

The Great Call. Mr. John Rhodes. One of this district's best-known and most respected pioneers, in the person of Mr. John Rhodes, sen., of Limestone, was called to his long home on Thursday, October 2. The cause of death was senile decay. Deceased was 87 years of age. He landed in Australia in 1857, arriving in Melbourne in the old sailing ship "Lightning." Soon after arrival he caught the gold fever, and went to the diggings, but met with little success. Between 40 and 50 years ago he came to Mudgee district, and assisted in the laying out of Hargraves, Merrendee, Louisa, and other district centres. He then went in for general farming, and met with success, gradually improving his property till it was one of the best in the district. He was a careful, thorough, well-read, and obliging citizen, who will be much missed from the community. Deceased was a native of Bingley, Yorkshire, England. He is survived by a widow, 86 years of age, and the following children : - Edwin (Dunedoo), Mrs. Geo. Rayner, sen. (Mullamuddy), Mrs. E. G. Wood (Fairfield, Sydney), Mrs. G. Goag (New Lambton), Albert, John, and George (Limestone). Altogether, over 100 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren survive. He was married for 64 years. The remains were interred in the Methodist portion of the Cudgegong cemetery, Rev. Mr. Rolfe, of Rylstone, officiating at the graveside (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 9 October 1913, page 18).

Mrs. Phillips A particularly sad death occurred in a Sydney hospital on Thursday last, when Mrs. Rhoda Alvina Phillips passed away at the early age of 43 years. Deceased, who was a member of the respected Rhodes family, resided at Tunnabutta, and there she enjoyed the love and esteem of everyone. A gentle, kindly lady, she never tired of rendering assistance to those in need of comfort, and her generous deeds will never be forgotten. She had been unwell for some time and, although her death was not entirely unexpected, the blow, nevertheless, was a terrible one to the bereaved husband, young family and other dear ones, to whom the deepest sympathy is extended. The funeral took place from St. Mary's Church, Mudgee, on Saturday morning, both services being conducted by the Rev. Father Cass. The arrangements were carried out by Messrs. J. C. Swords & Son. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 24 March 1947, p. 2. Rhoda Phillips Obituary

Mainly about People MUDGEE DISTRICT PERSONALITlES Mrs. Esther Rhodes, a grand old Gulgamree lady, died in the Mudgee Hospital on Sunday at the advanced age of 83 years. Deceased, who spent the greater part of her long and useful life in the district, was beloved by a wide circle of devoted friends, who will deeply mourn her passing. She is survived by a sorrowing husband and two daughters, viz: Mrs. S. Gudgeon and Miss Cynthia Rhodes. The funeral took place to the Catholic portion of the general cemetery this afternoon. Rev. Father McGuinn officiating. Messrs. Eastaugh and Carroll were in charge of the arrangements. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 4 February 1952, p. 2. Esther Rhodes Obituary