Cudgegong Valley History Project

DEATH OE A PIONEER. Mr. William Keech, aged 86, passed away at his residence, Camboon, on Tuesday evening, 14th instant. Deceased was one of the pioneer settlers of Rylstone district, and was one of the most successful. He came from the Motherland. He was not afraid of hard work and long hours, and did things thoroughly. These qualities were the medium of his success. His motto might have been "Waste not, want not." Few, if any men, were more respected, and he leaves a family of sons and daughters who will honorably sustain and preserve the reputation of their parents. Mrs. Keech predeceased her husband by several years. To record all that might be written of the late Mr. Keech's life and connection with this district would run into columns. Suffice it to say that he was a moral, exemplary unit of this locality during the fifty odd years of his residence, and as he lived so he died. The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon, and was well attended, though the news of the passing had not reached far into the surrounding district. The remains were interred in the Methodist portion of the cemetery, the Rev. Mr. Drummond carrying out the service at the grave most impressively (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 23 April 1914, page 7).

The late William Keech came out to this country with the father of the well-known Dewey family, now deceased. Both were hardy pioneers, and knew how to hold money when they earned it. A coincidence was that both men, though they parted, when landing, eventually drifted to this district. (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 23 April 1914, page 7).

Obituary JAMES FREDERICK SMEDE Mr. James Frederick Smede, one of the pioneers of the Mudgee district, died in the local hospital on Tuesday night, aged 90 years. Deceased arrived at Lue over 70 years ago, and for a considerable period was sheep overseer for the late Mr. W. V. Dowling. Later he acquired a nice grazing property near Lue, from which he retired some years ago, coming to reside in Mudgee. It is considered that the shock he received when fire destroyed the residence of his daughter (Mrs. King) a week or so ago hastened his end, as he was only rescued with some difficulty from the burning building. His wife predeceased him by several years. The following daughters are left to mourn:- Mesdames J. King, H. Rope, W. Kurtz, and Miss May Smede (all of Mudgee), Mrs. F. Williams (Sydney), Mrs. A. Anderson (Sydney), Mrs. D. Clarke (Sydney), and Mrs. A. Keech (Rylstone). The body was taken to St. John's Church of England where a service was conducted by the Rev. Canon Parr, who afterwards officiated at the graveside. Mr. J. C. Swords conducted the funeral arrangements. Mudgee Guardian, Friday 24 January 1930, p. 8. Obituary James Frederick Smede

Return Thanks MISS SMEDE and Sisters wish to tender sincere thanks to Dr. Fletcher, the Matron and Nursing Staff of the Mudgee District Hospital, also Sister O'Brien, for their great kindness and attention to their late father during his illness. Mudgee Guardian, Wednesday 29 January 1930, p. 11. Death Frederick John Smede

MR. ARTHUR BOWLES After a lengthy illness the death occurred on Saturday at Lewisham Hospital of Mr. Arthur Henry Bowles. Deceased was born at Rylstone 64 years ago and had resided in the district all his life. In the early days of the Kandos Works erection, he was employed by the company, and later transferred to the Kandos Colliery, where he carried out his duties as an electrician until he retired owing to ill health some 5 years ago. The late Mr. Bowles was a grand gentleman, held in very high esteem by his employers, workmates, and by everyone with whom he came into contact. After a service in the Kandos Catholic Church, conducted by Rev Father Goodacre, the remains were interred in the Rylstone General Cemetery on Tuesday morning. The esteem in which deceased was held in the community was evinced by the large numbers who attend to pay their last sad tribute. The casket was covered by many beautiful floral tributes. The last sad graveside rites were conducted by Father Goodacre. To the sorrowing widow, daughters, Joan and Nola, and son, Henry, we join in extending our heartfelt sympathy. Mrs. Roy George and daughter, Jan are holidaying in Sydney (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 19 April 1951, page 11).