Cudgegong Valley History Project

Death of Mr. A. Hardwick. It is with sincere regret we record the death on Thursday evening last of Mr A. Hardwick, a gentleman who as far back as 30 years ago was connected with the business life of Mudgee. Mr Hardwick was born in Wandworth, Surrey, in 1840, and when 18 years of age arrived in New South Wales. He secured a position with the old firm of Prince, Ogg and Co., and his business ability becoming conspicuous, the firm gave him the responsible position of traveller. The appointment resulted in great benefit to the firm, as the young traveller transacted considerable business on their behalf. Those were the days of road travelling, when the railways only served the country a few miles from the metropolis. No sleeping cars then, just a van for samples and a team of horses, and the energetic man in charge did the rest. In the case of Mr Hardwick it was done well, and for 11 years he bravely faced all weathers and discomforts inseparable from road travelling in those early days. Mudgee beckoned to him that there was something better ahead, and in 1871 he opened in business in Market-street, which he carried on for eight years. The road called him again, and once more he went out as traveller, only relinquishing the position some years back, when ill-health commenced to sap his energies. Since then Mudgee has been his home, and during the whole period he has nobly fulfilled all the duties of citizenship, and has maintained the respect of all classes. November last was the beginning of the end. He contracted a severe attack of sciatica, and despite all that medical attention could devise, months of pain embittered his life and the busy brain was racked with sleepless nights. Four weeks ago the approaching end came suddenly nearer. Other complications joined issue with the painful disease from which he had suffered so long, and he was unable to leave his bed, until, as above stated, on Thursday evening last the brave spirit went out into the dark just as Dr. Nickoll had commenced an examination of his condition. He leaves a wife and family of three sons and nine daughters and thirteen grand-children to mourn their loss. He was a kind father and husband and followed the Great Master in his love for little children. The funeral took place on Saturday after-noon to the Church of England portion of the general cemetery, Ven. Archdeacon Dunstan officiating at the graveside. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 8 June 1908, p. 2. Arthur Hardwick Obituary

Deaths MRS. SOPHIA ANN HARDWICK The death occurred on Tuesday of Mrs Sophia Ann Hardwick, relict of the late Mr Arthur Hardwick, of Mudgee, aged 74 years. The deceased was one of the most highly regarded and esteemed residents of the Mudgee district and was loved by all who knew her. With her husband and family she came to Mudgee in 1878. The late Mr. Arthur Hardwick, who was at that time a commercial traveller, brought his wife and family to Mudgee per Messr. Cobb and Cos coach, and entered into business in the town as a draper in a shop next to the Goy? Hotel. The late Mrs Hardwick for many years lived with her daughter on the corner of ?? and Douro Streets, Mudgee, and it was at this home that she passed away. She took a great interest in her flower garden, which is one of the show places of the town.The deceased is survived by three sons and nine daughters, including Mr. Arthur H. Hardwick, draper, of Market Street, Mudgee, and Misses Ada, Muriel and Nancy, of Mudgee, and ??? grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. The remains were interred in the Church of England portion of the general cemetery. Rev. ??? officiated at the graveside. Mr. J. C. Swords had charge of the funeral arrangements (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Monday 25 April 1921, page 6).

Headstone reads: Also Sophia Ann Hardwick Died 19th April 1921 Aged 74 years.