Cudgegong Valley History Project

The Great Call. Mr. John Rhodes. One of this district's best-known and most respected pioneers, in the person of Mr. John Rhodes, sen., of Limestone, was called to his long home on Thursday, October 2. The cause of death was senile decay. Deceased was 87 years of age. He landed in Australia in 1857, arriving in Melbourne in the old sailing ship "Lightning." Soon after arrival he caught the gold fever, and went to the diggings, but met with little success. Between 40 and 50 years ago he came to Mudgee district, and assisted in the laying out of Hargraves, Merrendee, Louisa, and other district centres. He then went in for general farming, and met with success, gradually improving his property till it was one of the best in the district. He was a careful, thorough, well-read, and obliging citizen, who will be much missed from the community. Deceased was a native of Bingley, Yorkshire, England. He is survived by a widow, 86 years of age, and the following children : - Edwin (Dunedoo), Mrs. Geo. Rayner, sen. (Mullamuddy), Mrs. E. G. Wood (Fairfield, Sydney), Mrs. G. Goag (New Lambton), Albert, John, and George (Limestone). Altogether, over 100 children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren survive. He was married for 64 years. The remains were interred in the Methodist portion of the Cudgegong cemetery, Rev. Mr. Rolfe, of Rylstone, officiating at the graveside (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 9 October 1913, page 18).

DEATHS Henry Thomas Sheppard Mr Henry Thomas Sheppard, who has not enjoyed the best of health for some time died very suddenly at at the residence of a relative in Mudgee on December 22, aged 71 years. Deceased was a member of the pioneer Cudgegong district family and had resided in that locality for practically a lifetime. A man of high character he earned the respect of his fellows, and his passing brought sadness to many homes. He is survived by a widow and one son (Clive), to whom the sympathy of the whole community is extended. After a service in St. John's Church of England by the Rev. A. C. Powell, the funeral took place to the Cudgegong Cemetery the Rev. Archdeacon Bromhead of Rylstone officiated at the grave-side (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 30 December 1943, page 5).

DEATHS: RAYNER. Ellen Esther. - April 10, 1959, at her residence. 52 O'Brien Street, Bondi, dearly dearly beloved mother of Gladys, Enid, Bruce, Dulcie, Reg, Nancy, and May. Aged 78 years (Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday, April 11, 1959, p. 72).

DEATHS: Sheppard, Archibald Gilbert (Arch) September 8, 1980, suddenly at Gregory House, Lithgow, late of 23 Padley Street, and formerly of Mudgee, dearly loved husband of Esther, (dec) loved father and father-in-law of Norman (dec) and Elsie (Lithgow), Dear grandfather of Archie, Suzanne, Norman, Jillian and Peter, loving great grandfather to his eight great grandchildren. In his 96th year. Rest in Peace (Mudgee Guardian, Tuesday 9 September, 1980, p. 14).

FUNERAL NOTICE: The relatives and friends of the late Archibald Gilbert (Arch) Sheppard, 22 Padley Street, Lithgow are respectfully invited to attend his funeral to leave St Pauls Anglican Church, Lithgow after a service commencing at 9am, Wednesday, 10th September thence for interment in the Church of England portion of the Mudgee Cemetery. Mudgee Guardian Tuesday, 09 September 1980.