Laura Ada Maud Byfield, 18781965 (aged 87 years)

Name
Laura Ada Maud /Byfield/
Given names
Laura Ada Maud
Surname
Byfield
Married name
Laura Ada Maud /Aldwell/
Birth 1878 21

Birth of a brotherHarry Hubert Byfield
1880 (aged 2 years)

Birth of a sisterEliza S Byfield
1891 (aged 13 years)

Death of a sisterEliza S Byfield
1891 (aged 13 years)

Birth of a brotherRowland John Byfield
1893 (aged 15 years)

Birth of a sisterLena Constance Byfield
1895 (aged 17 years)

Birth of a brotherJack Byfield
1897 (aged 19 years)

Birth of a sonReginald G Aldwell
1903 (aged 25 years)

Birth of a sonRobert E Aldwell
1906 (aged 28 years)

Birth of a sonStanley A Aldwell
1909 (aged 31 years)

Birth of a sonLeslie B Aldwell
1910 (aged 32 years)

Marriage of a parentFrederick HutleyEliza Janne DrayView this family
1914 (aged 36 years)

Birth of a sonWilliam H Aldwell
1916 (aged 38 years)

Death of a brotherHarry Hubert Byfield
14 May 1917 (aged 39 years)

Note: Fatal Accident.

Fatal Accident.

We have just been acquainted with the fact that Mr. Harry Byfield, son of Mrs. F. Hutley (nee Byfield), of Borambil, met with a fatal accident with his motor cycle at Stony Pinch, on the Mudgee to Sydney road. He has been country representative for Messrs. Jas. Loneragan, Ltd., of Mudgee, for some time past, and is well and favorably known in this town and district. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 17 May 1917, p. 13. Harry Byfield Death

Note: DREADFUL CYCLE FATALITY.

DREADFUL CYCLE FATALITY.

ON THE RYLSTONE ROAD. COMMERCIAL TRAVELLER'S VIOLENT DEATH. A shocking fatality, the victim of which was Mr. Harry Byfield, a commercial traveller employed by James Loneragan, Ltd., of Mudgee, occurred between Mudgee and Rylstone, on Monday afternoon. From such particulars of the accident as are available it appears that Mr. Byfield, whilst coming from Rylstone and Cudgegong, where he had been in the prosecution of his business, on a motor cycle, in some way lost control of the machine as he was coming down Stony Pinch, a notably difficult and dangerous point on the road, between the 16 and 17 mile posts. The machine ran off the road for about 50 yards, and, before it could be righted and placed under control, collided with a telegraph pole. Mr. Byfield was by the force of the impact thrown off the machine and clean over a fence running along the road. The machine itself was so tightly jammed between the fence and the telegraph pole that it has not yet been found possible to extricate it. It is stated that the engine was working for some 20 minutes after the accident, none of the few people present being able to arrest it. Near to the scene of the accident is the homestead of Mr Skinner, Miss Skinner and a Mr. Bert Robbins, who were in the house at the time, heard the crash of the machine against the telegraph pole, and rushed to the scene of the collision. They found the unfortunate cyclist lying beside the machine, unconscious and frightfully injured. The right side of his skull was completely smashed and it is probable that he was even then dead. The news of the accident was conveyed to the Messrs. Loneragan by telephone, and Mr. Edward Loneragran at once communicated with Dr. Lester, who at once proceeded to the scene. He found on his arrival that Mr. Byfield was dead. The body was brought into Mudgee by Mr. J. C. Swords, funeral director. The coroner, Mr. M. J. McMahon, was apprised of the fatality, and has arranged to hold an inquest at 11 o'clock this morning. Mr. Harry Herbert Byfield, the victim of the accident, was the third son of the late Mr. Robert Byfield, of Borambil, Cassilis, and of Mrs. P. Hutley, formerly Byfield, of Cassilis. He was 37 years of age and married, and leaves a wife and two young children. Mrs. Byfield was Miss Minnie Scott, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Scott, of Merriwa. He had lived in Mudgee since the beginning of the year, and was employed as a commercial traveller by Messrs. James Loneragan, Ltd., merchants of Mudgee, Gulgong and Dunedoo. Immediately prior to coming to Mudgee he represented Edwards and Co., tea merchants, of Sydney, in Muswellbrook and district, and before that was for many years in the employ of Campbell and Co., storekeepers of Muswellbrook and Merriwa. He was a native of the Cassilis district, and was well known and very highly respected throughout the district, and had made many friends in Mudgee during his short residence here. The "Guardian" offers its very sincere sympathy to the wife, children and family who have been so greatly bereaved, under such singularly tragic circumstances. Mr. Byfield was buried on Wednesday afternoon. The funeral left his residence in Market-street, West End, at 2 o'clock. The remains were taken to St. John's Church of England, where the first part of the burial service was read by the Rev. Canon Dunstan, who afterwards officiated at the graveside. The mortuary arrangements were carried out by Mr. J. C. Swords, funeral director, Mudgee. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 17 May 1917, p. 18. Harry Byfield Accident

Note: COMMERCIAL TRAVELLER KILLED.

COMMERCIAL TRAVELLER KILLED.

Harry Byfield, a commercial traveller was found dead on the road about 18 miles from Mudgee. He was riding a motorcycle down a hill and probably lost control of the machine which was found against a telegraph post off the roadway. Byfield had hit the post with his head and sustained injuries which resulted almost in instant death. Muswellbrook Chronicle, Saturday 19 May 1917, p. 1. Harry Byfield Death

Note: Obituary.

Obituary.

General regret was felt in Merriwa when it became known that Mr. H. Byfield had met with a fatal motor accident near Mudgee. Mr. Byfield, until recently, had been representing the firm of Elwards and Co., tea merchants, in this district, and was well known. He leaves a wife and two young children. Mrs. Byfield is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Scott, Merriwa. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 24 May 1917, p. 8. Harry Byfield Obituary

Note: Harry Hubert Byfield; DOB, 1880/12367; DOD, 14 May 1917, 1917/8960; Age, 36; father; acc killed; Son…

Harry Hubert Byfield; DOB, 1880/12367; DOD, 14 May 1917, 1917/8960; Age, 36; father; acc killed; Son of Robert Byfield & Eliza Jane Dray; Spouse, Winifred G Scott, 1907/4975

Death of a sonStanley A Aldwell
20 July 1930 (aged 52 years)

Note: JUGULAR SEVERED

JUGULAR SEVERED

Detonator Explodes SYDNEY, Monday Stanley Aldwell, 22, together with two station hands, was experimenting with gelignite in an old tank, some distance from his residence at Jugiong, near Yass, yesterday, when a detonator went off prematurely, some of the fragments striking Aldwell in the neck and cutting clean through the Jugular vein. When carried back to his home he was in a critical condition and he died soon afterwards. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 21 July 1930, p. 2. Stanley Aldwell Death

Note: Gulgong News

Gulgong News DEATH

FATAL MOTOR ACCIDENT Mr. Stanley Aldwell, brother of Mr. Leslie Aldwell, of Gulgong, and son of Mr. and Mrs. A. Aldwell, of Merriwa, was killed in a motor accident, in a southern part of the State, on July 20. Deceased was 21 years of age. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 24 July 1930, p. 17. Stanley Aldwell Death

Note: Playing with Gelignite.

Playing with Gelignite.

Young Man Killed Near Jugiong. A sad happening occurred at Widgeongully, near Jugiong, on Sunday afternoon, when Stanley Arthur Aldwell was accidentally killed by an explosion of gelignite. Constable Davis deposed: Have known Stanley Aldwell about 2½ years. He resided with A. Gambell, of Jugiong. Last saw him alive on afternoon of 19th instant, when he was in good health. From information received from Allan Jeffrey, went to Widgeongully and there saw the body of deceased. Examined the body and found deceased dead. Found a small punctured wound in the left side of the neck, but no further marks of violence. Deceased was 21 years of age, and had been a good living, steady young man. He was working for the McLean Construction Company, in connection with the Jugiong water scheme. Took the body to Mrs. Gambell's residence The accident occurred about 4½ miles from Jugiong.

William Gambell deposed: Have known deceased about two years, and he resided with my mother for about 18 months. Last saw him alive yesterday afternoon. Was with deceased and Allan Jeffrey yesterday afternoon out shooting, and letting off gelignite. Allan Jeffreys and I got the gelignite from one of the pipes near Bradley's camp. Also got some caps and fuse. The three of us went together to an old tank near the river, and put a plug of gelignite with a cap and fuse attached into the tank, and deceased lit the fuse. We then went away about 60 yards to see the gelignite go off. When it went off deceased put his hands to his neck and said something had bit him. Went over to him and saw blood rushing out. Put my hand to the wound to stop the flow of blood. Deceased walked with Jeffrey and me about 100 yards and then said, "Let me get down till the giddy feeling fit goes off." He then said, "Let the blood go." I still kept my hand on the wound, but deceased appeared to get weaker and weaker. Jeffrey went and got some water, but deceased could not drink it. Jeffrey then went for help and came back with Constable Davis. Deceased was then dead. Deceased was a sober young man. His parents live at Merriwa. Knew gelignite was a dangerous explosive, but we all thought we were safe where we were standing.

Allan Jeffrey deposed: Last saw deceased alive about 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, 20th inst. Was with him and William Gambell on Widgeongully Station, we were letting off gelignite. Gambell and I got the gelignite from Bradley's camp, also caps and fuse. We placed the plugs of gelignite in an old tank near the river and fixed the cap and fuse to the gelignite. Deceased lit the fuse and the three of us walked away about 60 yards, and watched the gelignite go off. After it went off deceased put his hand to his neck and said something had hit him. He pulled his hand away and blood rushed out. Gambell then put his hand on deceased's neck and tried to stop the bleeding. Deceased then walked with Gambell and me about 100 yards, when deceased said, "Leave me alone and let the blood flow." He first said, "Let me lie down till the dizziness goes." He collapsed then. Went down to the river and got some water in my hat. Deceased could not drink any. He was coughing and spitting up phlegm. Went over the river in a boat to get help from a house there, but no one was at home. Then went to Jugiong and informed Constable Davis. Went back with the Constable and found deceased dead.

Dr. Byrne deposed: Examined the body of Stanley Aldwell, shown to me by Constable Davis. Found a wound in the left side of the neck at the level of the thyroid cartilage, about an inch and a quarter from the middle line of the neck. It was roughly circular, and about a third of an inch in diameter, and could be caused by a piece of sharp material striking deceased's neck. In my opinion death was due to hemorrhage from the wound in the neck. It could have been caused by a piece of metal being ejected by the explosion of the gelignite referred to by the two previous witnesses.

The Coroner found that in accordance with the medical testimony and evidence that deceased died from hemorrhage caused by the wound in the neck, brought about by the explosion.

Gundagai Times, Friday 25 July 1930, p. 2. Stanley Aldwell Death

Death of a sonWilliam H Aldwell
25 October 1931 (aged 53 years)

Note: FATAL INJURIES

FATAL INJURIES

William Aldwell, 14, victim of the blasting powder accident at Merriwa on Sunday last, died in hospital, and was buried on Wednesday. All business houses were closed during the funeral. Maitland Daily Mercury, Thursday 29 October 1931, p. 7. William Aldwell Death

Note: MERRIWA TRAGEDY.

MERRIWA TRAGEDY.

Death of "Billy" Aldwell. From the time the young sufferer was taken to the hospital everything possible was done, but the doctor held out little hope of saving his life. On Tuesday morning, however, he seemed to show a slight improvement, and it was thought the unfortunate lad had a fighting chance of recovery. The improvement proved only temporary, and the patient gradually sank and died just before 7 o'clock on Tuesday night. The sad occurrence has caused quite a gloom over the town and district, where the family is widely known and highly respected, and much sympathy is expressed for them in their hour of sorrow. Their grief is the more poignant, owing to the fact that it is barely 15 months ago when an elder son lost his life in similar tragic circumstances. "Billy," as he was popularly known to his wide circle of friendly, was a general favorite with all. He was of a bright and cheerful disposition and unassuming character. Possessed of a good voice, he was a valued member of Holy Trinity Church choir and, it will be remembered, had acted and sang with much success in the C.W.A. pantomime some months ago. Practically throughout his suffering, Billy was fully conscious and was able to converse with the members of the family and bore himself bravely.

THE FUNERAL.

The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon. The remains were taken from the hospital on Tuesday night to the home of Mr. and Mrs. R. Townsend, and from there to Holy Trinity Church on Wednesday afternoon. Relatives of the family acted as pall-bearers, and the cortege was preceded by the pupils of the public school, where deceased was a pupil. Arriving at the church the children formed up on either side of the church entrance, paying a last sad tribute to their popular school mate. The church was filled to overflowing. Rev. C. Stretch read the burial service, and later officiated at the graveside, a large number of mourners being present. There were many floral tributes. As showing the esteem in which the Aldwell family is held and the sympathy expressed for them in their sorrow, all the business places of the town closed during the time of the funeral, and the flag at the school was flown half-mast. The shire was represented at the funeral by the president (Mr. A. M. Jennings), the clerk and engineer also being present. The hearts of the whole community have been touched by the particularly sad and tragic happening, and we join in extending our sympathy to the bereaved. Muswellbrook Chronicle, Friday 30 October 1931, p. 2. William Aldwell Obituary

Death of a motherEliza Janne Dray
3 November 1943 (aged 65 years)

Note: Mrs. E. J. Hutley

Mrs. E. J. Hutley

The passing of Mrs. Elizabeth Hutley (known too, as Mrs. Byfield) on Wednesday last was received, with sincere regret, right throughout the Gulgong and Merriwa-Cassilis districts. Aged 86 years, she died at the residence of her daughter, Mrs W. R. Cross, of Herbert Street, Gulgong, after 19 years residence in the town, during which time she was held in the highest regard by all sections of the community. At all times the late Mrs Hutley (married formerly to the late Mr. Byfield) devoted a great deal of attention to her home life, but at the same time found pleasure in performing those kindly acts which so often brought a little more happiness into the lives of others. Her many gracious deeds in years gone by will not easily be forgotten. Prior to interment taking place in the Church of England portion of the Gulgong cemetery on Thursday last, a service was conducted by Revs. R. Douglas (rector) and L. V. Caldwell (late rector, now of Coolah) in St. Luke's Church. The Rev. Mr. Caldwell officiated at the graveside, arrangements being carried out by Mr. D. Whale. The following grown-up family is left to mourn their loss: Messrs Arthur Byfield (Quirindi, late Gulgong), William Byfleld (Merriwa), Jack Byfield ?, ?Roland Byfield (?Merriwa), Mesdames A Aldwell (Merriwa), M. Heard (Gulgong), W. R. Cross (Gulgong). Our sympathy is extended to to bereaved. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 11 November 1943, p. 5. Eliza Hutley Obituary

Death of a sisterLynda Amelia May Byfield
24 August 1944 (aged 66 years)

Note: DEATH

DEATH Mrs. B. Heard

The sad and sudden death occurred on 24th inst., at her residence in Gulgong, of Mrs. Linda Amelia May Heard, wife of the late Mr. Bert Heard, who predeceased her some 10 years ago, at the age of 58 years. Mrs. Heard will be very much missed as she was noted for the assistance she was always willing to give in the many organisations of which she was a member. She was a devoted member of the Church of England, for which she organised many functions. She leaves four daughters and one son to mourn, viz., Coral (Mrs. Herb Rush, of Two Mile Flat), Lilly (Mrs. Hughes, Lithgow), Laura (Mrs. J. Ritchie, Lithgow), Bob (Lithgow), Bryde (Gulgong). She was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Robert Byfield, and leaves two sisters, Mrs. A. Aldwell (Ada, Merriwa) and Mrs. W. A. Cross (Connie, Gulgong) and four brothers, Arthur (Quirindi), Will (Merriwa), Rolley (Merriwa) and Jack (Brewarrina). A sad feature of the death of Mrs. Heard was that she had earned a holiday, and was to leave on the Friday night for the city with her daughter, Bryde, who was getting her annual holidays. An impressive service was held in the Church of England, Gulgong, by the Rev. Howard Ellis. The hymn, "Jesus, Lover of my Soul," was sung. The remains were laid to rest in the Church of England portion of the Gulgong Cemetery, Rev. Howard Ellis officiating. There were many nice wreaths from the different organisations of which Mrs. Heard was a member. Funeral arrangements were in the hands of Mr. D. Whale, for Gulgong Motor Funerals. Our sympathy is extended. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 31 August 1944, p. 16. Lynda Heard Obituary

Death of a brotherArthur Robert Byfield
22 August 1945 (aged 67 years)

Note: Obituary

Obituary

MR. A. R. BYFIELD

The death occurred at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Anderson, of Quirindi, of Mr. Arthur Robert Byfield, eldest son of the late Mrs. E. J. Byfield, at the age of 70 years. The late Mr. Byfield was a resident of Gulgong for a few years. He was for a time caretaker of the Gulgong Golf Links, where his services were appreciated. His quiet way and courteous manner, won for him a number of friends, all of whom will learn with regret of his demise. The funeral took place in Merriwa on Friday morning last. His wife pre-deceased him by about five years. He leaves six daughters and one son, viz., Maude (Mrs. Anderson, Quirindi) , Laura (Mrs. Anderson, Quirindi), Gladys (Mrs. R. Wicks, Merriwa), Ruby (Mrs. Miller, Newcastle), Rita (Mrs. Blayden, Quirindi), Doris (Mrs. Lawler, Merriwa), and Arthur (A.I.F.). Mrs. W. R. Cross, Gulgong, and Mrs. A. Aldwell, Merriwa, are sisters, and William and Roland, Merriwa, and Jack, Brewarrina, are brothers. Much sympathy is extended to the bereaved.

Death of a husbandArthur Ernest Aldwell
1959 (aged 81 years)

Note: Mainly About People

Mainly About People Mudgee District Personalities Mr. Arthur Ernest Aldwell, who died in Rydalmere Hospital quite recently, was a native of Mudgee, and spent his early life in this town. He was, for some years, one of the district’s leading billiards players. From Mudgee he went to Merriwa, and for 20 years was a trusted member of the Shire Council staff at that centre. He is survived by a widow, three sons, and two daughters. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 12 February 1960, p. 2. Arthur Ernest Aldwell Death

Death of a brotherWilliam Alfred Byfield
1962 (aged 84 years)

Death of a brotherJack Byfield
18 September 1964 (aged 86 years)
Note: DEATHS

DEATHS MR. J. BYFIELD The death occurred of Mr. Jack Byfield, aged 67, at the Prince Henry Hospital, Sydney last Friday, September 18. Mr. Byfield resided at Bourke Street, Brewarrina. His wife, who survives him, was Miss Mary Haynes, and is well known in the district. Also surviving him are three children, Robert, Noel and Constance. The funeral took place yesterday (Tuesday) after a service at the Church of England, Ulan, for theUlan Cemetery. Messrs. Eastaugh and Carroll, Funeral Directors of Mudgee and Gulgong had charge of funeral arrangements. Mudgee Guardian, Wednesday 23 September 1964, p. 2. Jack Byfield Obituary

Death 1965 (aged 87 years)

Family with parents
father
mother
Marriage Marriage1874
2 years
elder brother
1 year
elder brother
4 years
herself
3 years
younger brother
sister
younger sister
3 years
younger brother
3 years
younger sister
18951969
Birth: 1895 38
Death: 14 April 1969Mudgee District Hospital, Mudgee, New South Wales, Australia
3 years
younger brother
18971964
Birth: 1897 40
Death: 18 September 1964Prince Henry Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Mother’s family with Frederick Hutley
step-father
mother
Marriage Marriage1914
Family with Arthur Ernest Aldwell
husband
herself
son
4 years
son
4 years
son
2 years
son
daughter
Private
son