Cudgegong Valley History Project

A SAD CASE OF SUICIDE. On Saturday last a young man named Colin Oakley committed suicide in a most determined manner at Uarbry. From the fullest inquiries subsequently made with regard to his tragic end, there can be no doubt that the poor young fellow, who was a member of a most respected family, was suffering with mental aberration shortly before and at the time he committed the rash act. It appears that on Saturday morning he made many vain attempts to purchase firearms from several persons. From the keenness of his desire to do so it has since been considered that he then had only one purpose in view, viz., to terminate his life with a bullet. Failing to effect a purchase he secured a razor, and betaking himself to an old house he inflicted an awful gash in his throat, the wound extending from ear to ear. When discovered he was in his death throes, but he managed to express a last wish that he should be allowed to die when efforts were being made to staunch the wound from which the blood was flowing as from a fountain. He expired in about 20 minutes from the time he inflicted the gash, but gave no reason for doing so. The deceased was a quiet, decent young fellow, a native of Cooyal, where his parents had resided for many years. Subsequently they removed to Linburn, and with them the young man generally made his home. Much sympathy is expressed with the family upon whose home the sombre cloud of sorrow has now settled. A magisterial inquiry was conducted by Mr. S. J. Scully, and a verdict of suicide whilst temporarily insane was recorded. The remains were interred at Linburn on Monday last, Archdeacon Geer officiating at the graveside. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 18 February 1909, p. 15. Colin Oakley Suicide

LOCAL AND DISTRICT NEWS DEATH AT COOK'S GAP - Mr. Richard Oakley, son of Mr. and Mrs James Oakley, of Cook's Gap, died on Thursday last, aged 50 years. Deceased had been an invalid practically all his life. In addition to his parents he is survived by the following brothers and sister:- James (Marrickville), Cecil (Brow-?), Thomas (Sutherland), Luke (Cook's Gap), and Mrs. W. Anshaw (Cassilis). The funeral took place to the Church of England portion of the Ulan cemetery, The Rev. L. V. Caldwell officiating at the graveside. Mr. J. C. Swords conducted the arrangements. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 8 December 1930, p. 7. Richard Oakley Obituary

Mr. James Oakley Mr James Oakley, aged 84, died in the Mudgee District Hospital on Saturday afternoon after a short illness. A well known member of the farming community of Cook's Gap, Ulan, the late Mr Oakley was a greatly loved and honored man, and by his death many are deprived of a good and true friend. A wife and grown-up family survive. The burial took place on Sunday afternoon in the Church of Eng-land cemetery at Ulan, the service at the graveside being conducted by Rev. L. V. Caldwell, of Gulgong. During the course of the service, Mr Caldwell described Mr Oakley as one of the most respected and hon-orable men with whom he had ever come into contact, and as a good husband, father and citizen. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs J. C. Swords and Son. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 5 August 1935, p. 4. James Oakley Obituary