Cudgegong Valley History Project

Deaths

NEVELL. - August 29th, at Rylstone, Mary, dearly loved wife of Thomas Nevell, aged 71 years.

Daily Telegraph, Tuesday 6 September 1904, p. 1. Mary Nevell Death

LOCAL BREVITIES.

The death is reported of Mrs. Nevell, of Riversdale, near Rylstone. Deceased was one of the old identities, and highly respected. The deceased lady's connection with the district dated from the pioneer time, when conveyance over the Blue Mountains was per bullock dray.

Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 8 September 1904, p. 14. Mary Nevell Death

THE CHURCH TRIUMPHANT

Mary Nevell. Mary White was born in 1833 in the village of Simly, near Shaftesbury. She reached New South Wales with her father and family in 1849. After having lived for five years in Rylstone she married Mr. Thomas Nevell. They then bought a station property on the Castlereagh, where they resided for five years. In 1860 she returned with her husband to the Rylstone district, and settled at Riversdale, where she spent 26 years of active life in serving God by helping her fellow creatures. Being naturally of a retiring disposition, her light shone brightest in the precincts of her own home. We had the privilege of enjoying her sweet and blessed friendship for the last 16 months of her life, and during that time we were impressed with her characteristic patience and exemplary Christian life. Hers was no sudden conversion, but a "growing in grace" from her early childhood. Born of pious parents, she was encouraged to serve her Master while still young, and continued through the varied experiences of her life to have as her great aim, by her influence and example, the bringing of her dear ones to her Saviour. A few weeks before her call home she was seized with a paralytic stroke. Although she was not what could be termed a "sufferer" for many years, she was called to pass through seasons of intense physical pain on many occasions, especially during the later weeks of her life. As her end was simply a "falling asleep," due to heart failure, most of her dear ones were not permitted to see her again in life, but abound her bedside all of her large family - but one - of sons and daughters, who had gathered from distant and various parts of the State, assembled at this pathetic home gathering. A most impressive service was conducted in the church, after which the solemn procession was formed, and at their quiet country home at Riversdale she was laid to rest, in the presence of a large assemblage of mourning friends. Many and fervent are the prayers that ascend to the Throne of God on behalf of the stricken partner in life and his family, that He may endue, them with strength sufficient to their day.

Methodist, Saturday 12 November 1904, p. 9 & 10. Mary Nevell Obituary

DEATH OF MR. THOS. NEVELL. After a long illness extending over several months, Mr. Thomas Nevell, one of the oldest residents of this district, died at the good old age of 81 years. The history of the Nevell family with this district dates back probably 80 years, the deceased gentleman coming to Carwell when a child with his parents. He was born at Kelso, near Bathurst. The deceased survived his wife nine years, until on Tuesday he slept in peace, to meet the loved one where there will be no more parting. So, in the ordinary course of things, on Thursday morning members of his family and nephews followed the mortal remains to the family burial place at Riversdale, the picturesque estate where the family of two sons and seven daughters were born. The Rev. Mr. Rolph conducted the burial service in a most impressive manner, making feeling reference to the deceased in his life. A memorial service is to be held in the local Methodist Church on Sunday evening next. The only resident members of the family who could be present at the last were Mr. T. E. Nevell (Glen Nevell), Mrs. L. O. Taylor, Mrs. L. S. Bisley. Mr. Wilfred Nevell is residing in Queensland, and five married daughters are in various other portions of the State. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 29 January 1914, p. 34. Obituary Thomas Nevell

Obituary. Thomas Nevell. There passed away, at East Lynne, Rylstone, on Tuesday, January 21, an old identity of this district, in the person of Thomas Nevell, aged 81 years. He was the third son of the late Mr. John Nevell, of Carwell, and in his young days was a noted athlete, being a splendid horseman, as well as a sprinter and good swimmer. In his boarding school days he was lying reading on the bank of the Parramatta River, whilst some of the other boys went in bathing (of course, they were all "out of bounds" being near the river at all). One of the swimmers was subject to fits, and was never supposed to go into the water in consequence. Presently a cry was raised that this boy had taken a fit in the river. Young "Tom" Nevell sprang up from his reading, and jumped in just as he was. He swam round and round the struggling boy, despite the cries of "Catch him! Save him!" and when, at last the poor boy was exhausted, his rescuer grasped him and brought him safely to land, remarking, in reply to the eager questions of the other boys, "If I had tried to catch him while he was in that fit, we would both have been drowned." Another noted rescue by the deceased was effected one morning over fifty years ago. His mother and ber Henry were driving in a gig along the bank of the Cudgegong River, near Riversdale, long before the present road was formed. The rough track ran between a high mountain and the bank of the river. The horse they were driving suddenly propped, commenced to back, and precipitated Mr. and Mrs. Nevell into the river. The subject of this brief notice was riding to overtake them, and was just in sight of the accident. He galloped up, and jumped into the water. A glance showed him that his ber was in the worst plight - he was sinking for the last time: so he rescued him, and laid him on the bank. He then swam to his mother, whose clothes were keeping her afloat, and he took her to where she could get a footing. By this time he was too exhausted to lift her up the bank; so they waited until Henry had come round sufficiently to walk around the water hole to where they were, when, after many attempts, the two bers lifted their aged mother out of the water. Another time he showed great presence of mind when galloping after wild horses, in company with his ber Joseph. The latter was thrown, and lay apparently dead. Thomas then seized his head and pulled his neck in (for it was out of joint), and thus saved his life, for he lived until typhoid fever claimed him as a victim years afterwards. The deceased always showed great presence of mind in times of danger. As a schoolboy, when returning to Parramatta after his grandfather's (the late James Vincent) funeral, he was riding behind two companions, when a large stringy bark tree, which was burning alongside the road, commenced to fall. He put his hands on the pommel of the saddle, and sprang backwards, and escaped unscathed; but the tree fell across the saddle, killing his mare instantly. The spot is still known as "Dead Horse Camp," near Cullen Bullen. Mr. Thomas Nevell married Miss Mary White (sister of the late Mr. Jethro White, of Coonabarabran), who predeceased him by eight years. He leaves two sons and eight daughters and a number of grandchildren to mourn. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 5 February 1914, p. 10. Obituary Thomas Nevell

DEATHS: BISLEY. August 28, at her residence, Everton, Leura, Vera Grace, beloved wife of Leslie S. Bisley, Leura and Rylstone. Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 30 August 1919, p. 16. Death Notice Vera Grace Bisley

Headstone reads: In loving memory of Vera Grace beloved wife of Leslie Stuart Bisley Died August 28th 1919 Aged 43 years Lead kindly light