Cudgegong Valley History Project

LATEST LOCAL NEWS DEATH OF MR C. RUSH

THE death occurred at his home at Yamble yesterday, of Mr C. Rush, one of the fine old pioneers of the district, at the advanced age of 83 years. A further reference will appear in Thursday's "Guardian." Mudgee Guardian, Monday 14 December 1931, p. 4. Charles Rush Obituary

PIONEER PASSES

LATE MR. CHARLES RUSH As briefly reported in Monday's "Guardian," Mr. Charles Rush died at his Two Mile Flat home on Sunday last at the great age of 83 years. Deceased was born in England, and came to Australia at an early age. The blood of the pioneer was in him, and over half a century ago he started home-making at Two Mile Flat, where he cleared and ploughed and made marked progress. It was hard work, but settlers of the Charles Rush type heeded little, the discomforts which attended the struggle to carve out a way for themselves in those strenuous days. He, with his worthy wife, overcame the many difficulties presented, and their home became one of the most comfortable in the district. Sturdy, self-reliant, and courageous, the subject of this notice naturally took a leading part in the affairs of his immediate district, and his advice was sought (and freely given) to all those who desired a helping hand. He brought knowledge to bear in the management of his own affairs, and had much success in farming and grazing pursuits. Over a wide area he was known and trusted, and by his passing the district has lost a man who will be greatly missed and sincerely mourned. He is survived by a sorrowing widow and the following sons and daughters:- George and Herbert (Two Mile Flat), Mesdames W. R. Mills, H. S. Mogg, A. Tomkins (Lawson's Creek), and G. Alexander (Sydney). To the bereaved ones the deepest sympathy of all is extended. The funeral took place to the Church of England portion of the Mudgee cemetery on Monday, the Rev. L. V. Caldwell (Gulgong) officiating at the graveside. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 17 December 1931, p. 4. Charles Rush Obituary

MR. THOMAS MILLS

The death occurred yesterday, shortly after midday, of a very old and highly respected resident of the Mudgee district in the person of Mr Thomas Mills, of Lawson's Creek. The deceased enjoyed excellent health until some three weeks ago when, upon his 85th birthday, he had a seizure. Hopes of his recovery were held out for a time, but a second stroke supervened and the grand old gentleman gradually sank into a coma from which he did not rally. The deceased was born at Wilberforce, on the Hawkesbury River, where he spent his early life. Some 53 years ago he came to the Mudgee district in company with his brother, Reuben, who predeceased him by some 15 years. They were inseparable companions and entered into the work of transporting goods to and from Wallerawang by horse teams. The railway to Mudgee was then just commenced. Later, deceased took up land on Lawson's Creek and with his wife (nee Miss Phipps, of Galambine) resided there until the time of his death. He took a keen interest in public life and for years was an alderman of the old Cudgegong Municipal Council before its amalgamation with Meroo Shire. He was elected Mayor of the same council on several occasions. Deceased was also one of the oldest members of the M.U.I.O.O.F. in the Mudgee district. The late Mr Mills was a man of great strength of character. Kindly, unassuming and generous, he won a high place in the affections of his fellowmen. It could be said of him that he had not a single enemy in the district where he lived and labored for over half a century. His wide knowledge of land and stock was ever at the disposal of those who sought his advice, and his help was responsible for more than one man being placed on the high road to success. Many, indeed, will mourn his passing. Besides a sorrowing widow, he leaves the following children to mourn, viz., Messrs T. C. Mills and W. R. Mills ("Wilgowrah'' and "Yarragrin"), and Jack Mills ("Millroy"), Mesdames C. McLean (Melbourne), J. Vincent (Haberfield, Sydney), C. G. Madell and H. Campbell (Mudgee). The remains were laid to rest in the C. of E. portion of the Mudgee cemetery this afternoon after a short service at St. John's. Rev. L. C. S. Walker officiated. The funeral was a very large and representative one. Mr Barton had charge of the funeral arrangements.

Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 24 September 1936, p. 8. Thomas Mills Obituary

OBITUARY

THOMAS MILLS The death occurred at Mudgee last week of a very old and highly respected resident of that district in the person of Mr. Thomas Mills, of Lawson's Creek. The deceased enjoyed excellent health until some three weeks ago when, upon his 86th birthday he had a seizure. Hopes of his recovery were held out for a time, but a second stroke supervened and the grand old gentleman gradually sank into a coma from which he did not rally. The late Mr. Mills was a man of great strength of character. Kindly unassuming and generous, he won a high place in the affections of his fellowmen. It could be said of him that he had not a single enemy in the district where he lived and labored for over half a century. His wide knowledge of land and stock was over at the disposal of those who sought his advice, and his help was responsible for more than one man being placed on the high road to suc-cess. Many, indeed, will mourn his passing. Besides a sorrowing widow, he leaves the following children to mourn, viz., Messrs. T. C. Mills and W. R. Mills ('Wilgowrah" and "Yarragrin"), and Jack Mills ("Millroy"), Mesdames C. McLean (Melbourne), J. Vincent (Haberfield, Sydney) C. G. Madell and H. Campbell (Mudgee). The remains were laid to rest in the C. or E. portion of the Mudgee cemetery, after a short service at St. John's. Rev. L. C. S. Walker officiated. The funeral was a very large and representative one.

Gilgandra Weekly, Thursday 1 October 1936, p. 1. Thomas Mills Obituary

DEATHS Mrs. T. Mills BY the passing of Mrs. T. Mills, which sad event occurred on Tuesday evening last, the Mudgee district has lost one of its sturdiest and most lovable characters. Although she had been ailing for some considerable time, and only slight hopes were held out for her recovery, she never for a moment showed despondency. Right till the last her great courage was manifest. Deceased, who was in her 79th year, lived in the district all her life. With her husband, the late Thomas Mills, she went to the old home at Lawson's Creek over half a century ago, and there commenced a long reign of usefulness. First with her came the home life, and she proved a worthy partner to her industrious husband. A large family was reared, and the members were taught in the way that they should go. As the care of the family became less pressing, the late Mrs. Mills, with unbounded energy, entered into the religious and charitable life of the community. She associated herself with the various organisations of the Church of England, and over a long period of years she was foremost in practically every movement launched. The Mudgee Hospital had in her a warm and generous friend. She undertook, in her usual thorough manner, to raise funds in various ways, and the full extent of her gifts in kind to the institution will probably never be known. It was a work of love with her, and nothing gave her greater pleasure than this branch of charitable endeavor. It was, perhaps, in the dark hours of the great war that she performed her greatest and most enduring work. She regarded the boys in the trenches as members of her family, and labored unceasingly to provide comforts for them. The parcels that she was instrumental in having sent overseas bulked largely, and many a gallant lad, far from home and often in desperate circumstances, had reason to bless her. It was only at a recent meeting of the Mudgee Red Cross that Mr. F. , a digger, recalled the good deeds of this "lady bountiful," and spoke regretfully of her illness. In many other ways the late Mrs. Mills made herself helpful. Hospitable and kindly to a degree, she was a neighbor to be treasured, and everyone in trouble who came under her gentle influence was comforted. The whole community will miss her, and while life lasts a wide circle of devoted friends will cherish her memory. Her husband predeceased her some years ago, and she is survived by the. following sons and daughters:-Thomas, William and Jack (Lawson's Creek), Mrs. C. McLean (Melbourne), Mrs. H. J. Vincent (Haberfield), Mrs. C. G. Madell (Mudgee), and Mrs. A. Campbell (Mudgee). To the bereaved ones the deepest sympathy will be extended. Yesterday afternoon the Rev. A. G. Powell conducted an impressive service to St. John's Church of England, and later officiated at the graveside. The funeral was attended by old friends from far and near, and there was many a tear-dimmed eye during the sad service at the graveside. Mr. H. Barton was in charge of the arrangements (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 21 September 1939, page 2).

DEATHS Mrs. Eliza Jane Rush The death occurred at her home at Two Mile Flat on Friday last of Mrs. Eliza Jane Rush, relict of the late Mr. Charles Rush, aged 84 years. Deceased, who was intimately known and highly respected by practically everyone in the district, was a member of the old pioneering McManus family, and spent the whole of her long, useful and honorable life in the Two Mile Flat area. Her friendship was valued by a large circle of admirers, and her memory will be held in reverence for many years to come. To the sick and suffering she was a haven of refuge, and never was an appeal for help refused. To her sorrowing family of sons and daughters the deepest sympathy of the whole community will be extended. Mesdames A. Tomkins, H. Mogg and W. Mills, of Mudgee, are among the chief mourners. The funeral, which was largely attended, took place to the Church of England portion of the Mudgee Cemetery on Saturday afternoon, the Rev. Canon Powell officiating at the graveside. The arrangements were carried out by Messrs. J. C. Swords and Son. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 5 June 1944, p. 8. Elizabeth Rush Obituary

Gulgong Personal

The death took place at her home at Two Mile Flat recently of Mrs. Eliza Jane Rush, relict of the late Mr. Charles Rush. Deceased, who was well known and highly respected by practically everyone in the district, was 84 years of age. She was a member of the old pioneering McManus family. Our sympathy is extended to the bereaved. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 22 June 1944, p. 17. Elizabeth Rush Obituary

Death MILLS, Edith Caroline. - September 8, 1971, at hospital, late of “Wilgowrah,” Mudgee, loving mother of Miriam (Mrs. Poulton, Mudgee) and Dudley, Mudgee. Sydney Morning Herald, Thursday 9 September 1971, p. 38. Death Edith Caroline Mills

Deaths MILLS, Charles Dudley (Dud) — at his home, late of Wilgowrah, Louee Road, Mudgee, beloved husband of Mary, father of Tim and John (deceased). Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 10 July 1985, p. 34. Death notice Charles Dudley Mills

Death of Dud Mills Widely acclaimed and respected author and Mudgee identity, C. D. “Dud” Mills, died at his Lue Road home, “Wilgowrah”, on Monday night. Mr. Mills’ funeral was held yesterday at St. John’s Anglican Church, Mudgee, where a large crowd gathered to pay their respects to him and his family. Mr. Mills is probably best known for his collection of ballads and stories depicting the life of pioneering Australia and the spirit of the bush. His first book “Stockwhip And The Spur” was printed in three editions and was last published in 1975. “Hobble Chains and Greenhide” was printed in 1976 and his last book “Looking Back” was published by Mr. Mills in 1981. A “Country Life” critic reviewing Mr. Mills’ first book described him as “a man who loved his country, his people and its ways”. He said Mr. Mills had a more than adequate command of the Australian idiom and atmosphere. Dud Mills was a self-acknowledged bushman and he spent much of his early life with stockmen and stock related work. He lived in the West Kimberleys in Western Australia and Queensland. He has spent the most part of his latter life in the Central West and Mudgee area. During World War II Mr. Mills served with the 2/7 Commando Regiment and served later with Angua in New Guinea. He is survived by his wife Mary, son Tim and by grandsons, Andrew and Bruce. Mudgee Guardian, Friday 12 July 1985, p. 1. Death Dud Mills