Cudgegong Valley History Project

OBITUARY The death of Mr. John Windle last Friday, from natural causes, at the ripe old age of 80 years, marks the passing of yet another of the staunch old pioneers of the Rylstone district, for Jack, as he was known by everyone within 100 miles radius of Rylstone, had lived here for over 60 years. Born at Bathurst in the 50's of last century, he lived in and around that district for a number of years, and following his occupation of general carrier, came to Rylstone as a young man of about 20, his wife accompanying him. Jack had, perhaps, the most intimate knowledge of the country throughout this district of any man who ever resided here, for his occupation as a carrier took him from Wallerawang to Bathurst, to Mudgee and all towns en route and across the ranges to Widden, where his two bullock teams were often to be seen hauling the heavy waggons filled with goods from the city on the up journey, and loaded high with farm produce on the return trip. One team was composed entirely of bald-faced bullocks, and a familiar sight for many years around Rylstone was the baldy team with Jack, a huge figure of a man, striding alongside the team swinging his long whip. Possessed of enormous physical strength, probably the strongest man in the town in his prime, a favorite pastime when in town was to visit one of the smithies' shops in Lue-street, and this scribe, as well as many others who saw him, can vouch for the following occurrences. In the shop stood an anvil weighing sightly over 3cwt., and Jack would take off his greenhide belt, pass it through the hole in the anvil and around the beak, and then placing his hands behind his back, he would take the belt in his teeth, and carry the anvil off its block and across the shop, leaving it there for the smith and his striker to replace as best they might. Deceased is survived by his widow and three sons, Messrs. Ted, Harry and Billy (a fourth son, Jack, being dead), and four daughters, Mesdames S. Morrison, S. Sampson, Godfrey Young and Bayliss, whilst Mrs. Windle, senr., the widow, resides at Kandos. Deceased was laid to rest in the Catholic portion of the Rylstone cemetery alongside his son, John, the Rev. Father King officiating, and a large number of mourners attended to pay their last respects to the old warrior. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 16 June 1932, p. 8. Obituary John Windle

SAD DEATH Mr. 'Ted' Windle MR. Ted Windle, of Kandos. who was admitted to Rylstone District Hospital on Saturday last, suffering from pleurisy and pneumonia, died suddenly on Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Windle, who was predeceased by hiss wife some two years ago, leaves a family of two married daughters, two girls and four young children (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 9 June 1938, page 7).

Kandos Pioneer Passes On Death of Granny Windle Kandos lost its oldest citizen on Tuesday when Granny Windle was called home. Deceased, who resided with her son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Billy Windle, of Fleming Street, was in her 90th year. The late Mrs. Windle, sen., was a dear soul and was loved by all. Her life was spent in the service of the community. The funeral, which was largely attended, took place to the Catholic portion of the Rylstone Cemetery on Wednesday, the last sad rites being performed by the Rev. Father Kenefick. To the bereaved we extend our deepest sympathy. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 12 April 1945, p. 8. Death Julia Windle

Headstone reads: In Loving Memory Of Julia Windle Died 10th April 1946, Aged 86 Years

John Windle Snr. Died 10th June 1932, Aged 80 Years

John Thomas Windle Died 6th Nov 1906, Aged 21 Years

CHARLES ROBERT ROBBINS

After a long illness, the death took place at the district hospital, on Thursday last, of Charles Robert Robbins. The deceased, who had reached his 83rd year, was held in very high esteem in this district. For 30 years prior to his passing he was employed by the Kandos Cement Coy. and the Kandos Colliery, being for over 25 years in the latter's employ. The esteem in which this fine gentleman was held was greatly evinced by the large number who attended to pay their last respects at the funeral, which took place after a service at his late residence, in Rogers Street, on Friday last. Members of the Kandos and Charbon Miners' Lodges preceded the hearse to the overhead bridge. The last sad graveside rites were conducted by the Rev. Father E. Hawkey. To the sorrowing widow and family the sympathy of the whole community is extended.

Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 17 January 1946, p. 8. Charles Robbins Obituary

Death Catherine Mary Robbins

It is with deep regret that we announce the passing, in the District Hospital on Thursday last, of Catherine Robbins. The deceased, who had been ailing for some time, was aged 72 years. The late Mrs. Robbins was one of nature's ladies and she was held in very high esteem in this district, where she had resided for many years. It was only two months ago that this fine lady received the shock of the death of her husband, the late Charlie Robbins. The funeral, which took place on Friday after a service in the Catholic Church conducted by the Rev. Father J. M. Ring, was largely attended. The remains were interred in the Catholic cemetery, Rylstone. To the bereaved the sympathy of the community goes out. (Another grand pioneer passes on, may her soul rest in peace).

Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 21 March 1946, p. 8. Catherine Robbins Obituary