Cudgegong Valley History Project

The late Mr. Jas. Shervey, whose death we briefly chronicled in our last issue, was one of the most estimable residents of the Capertee district. Thirty-five years have rolled by, each leaving its own record of vicissitudes, triumphs, rebuffs, joys and sorrows, since the vigorous young Englishman determined to settle in the district. With indomitable pluck and perseverance he faced the battle of life in a new country, and under conditions before which even the strongest hearts had been known to quail. 'Nil desperandum' was his motto, he profited by the lessons of adversity, and still urged on to the goal which he pictured in the vista of the future. His efforts met with the re ward they deserved, and, although he always led a strenuous life, even to within a few weeks of his death, he had the consolation of knowing that there was no further barrier to burn away. During the time he was licensee of the Capertee Hotel he was a genial and generous hearted host, and his many deeds of kindness will keep his memory green among the hosts of his former beneficiaries. His funeral on Tuesday last was very largely attended. To the sorrowing relatives we desire to extend our sympathy and condolences (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 18 June 1908, p. 12).

DEATH OF AN OLD CAPERTEE IDENTITY. (From our own Correspondent.) At Capertee, on Friday morning last, Mr. James Shervey, sen., passed away to the great beyond at the advanced age of 70 yours. The deceased, who had been ailing for some considerable time, was one of the oldest residents of Capertee, where for many yours he kept an hotel; in fact, his sojourn in that district up to the time of his decease extended over a period of 35 years, he having first landed in Australia half a century ago, being a native of Somersetshire, England. The late Mr. Shervey was greatly esteemed and respected by all who knew him, and he will be sadly missed by his immediate relatives and a legion of friends and acquaintances. While conducting the Capertee Hotel, which was subsequently leased to Mr. E. V. Carr, hc proved himself to be a most honorable, straightforward boniface, one whose kindly advice and assistance will ever be kept in memory by many of his old patrons. He leaves a family of three sons and three daughters, one of the latter being unmarried, to mourn their loss. The funeral took place on Saturday at 3 p.m., and was largely attended. - Western Post (Lithgow Mercury, Wednesday 17 June 1908, p. 3).

SHERVEY -June 12 1908 at his late residence, Lochaber, Capertee, James Shervey, aged 70 years. Born Draycott, Somersetshire Home papers please copy (Sydney Morning Herald, Thursday 18 June 1908, p. 6).

Capertee. (From Our Own Correspondent.) The news of the death of Mr. W. J. Shervey, at Lithgow, on Saturday, cast a gloom over our village. Mr. Shervey was well and favorably known in this district, of which he was a native, having been born here 54 years ago. He was a son of the late James Shervey, the owner and lessee of the Capertee Hotel in the early days of the village. The deceased was a clerk in the employ of the N.S.W. Shale and Oil Co., and the C.O.C., Ltd., at Torbane, for over 20 years. When the works closed down about 12 years ago, he went to Lithgow. The Sherveys are amongst the oldest settlers of the Capertee and Ilford district. Deepest sympathy is expressed for the widow and family (Lithgow Mercury, Friday 24 April 1925, p. 3)