Cudgegong Valley History Project

CULLEN BULLEN. THE LATE MR. CORLIS. (From our own Correspondent.) Great gloom was cast over the locality when the sad news was known of the death of Mr. Michael Corlis, sen., of Ben Bullen, at the age of 75, after several weeks' illness. His wide circle of friends did not think the end was so near till a change manifested itself, on Tuesday and on Friday he passed peacefully away. The loss the district has sustained no one can express, for our deceased friend was ever ready to help those in need, and his kind, unselfish disposition won respect and universal approbation. As the hearse made his way to the abode of the dead - Capertee cemetery - representatives of nearly every family in the district, and for miles beyond, followed, making one of the larg-est funerals witnessed for years. The Rev. Father Corbett, of Sofala, officiated at the graveside. Deceased has left a sorrowing widow and family, and many relatives to mourn their loss. In offering my sympathy to the bereaved ones I tender a universal sentiment. Lithgow Mercury, Friday 4 September 1908, p. 3. Obituary Michael Corlis

MR. W. CORLIS. The death is announced of a western district pioneer, Mr. William Corlis, of Bandanora, near Capertee. Born in 1836, at Galway, he, with his parents, arrived in Sydney in 1841. After some years he struck out for practically unknown country, where only indomitable pluck and energy would pull him through. In 1852 he acquired Bandanora, which was his first holding. There he carried on grazing and in later years he added considerably to the area of his property. It was about this time that the first discovery of gold was made at Hargreaves. There was no communication of any kind, and tracks had to be blazed. The homestead, situated in rough and mountainous country, was known far and wide for its hospitality. About 15 years ago Mr. Corlis retired, and lived with his family at Beronga, Richmond-avenue, Cremorne, enjoying good health until a few weeks ago, when he had an attack of acute appendicitus. Bandanora is still held by the member of of deceased a family, which consists of five daughters - Mother Imelda, Superior of the Convent of Mercy, Bathurst; Mrs. Rogers, and Misses K., J., and M. Corlis - and four sons Messrs. John and Edwin Corlis, of Laurel Vale, Moree; William Charles Corlis, of Bandanora; and H. B. Corlis, staff surveyor, of Glen Innes. Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 19 November 1923, p. 10. Obituary William Corlis

MR. WILLIAM CORLIS'S DEATH. In last issue it was briefly announced that Mr. William Corlis, of Bandanora station, Capertee, had died. Death took place at Cremorne on Monday. Mr. W. C. Corlis, of Bandanora station, is a son, Mrs. Malone, wife of Mr. Hugh Malone, formerly police magistrate at Mudgee, a sister, and the Keenan family, of Kandos, nephews and nieces, of deceased. Mr. Corlis was very highly thought of, and his funeral, which took place at Gore Hill, was largely attended. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 22 November 1923, p. 19. Obituary William Corlis

OBITUARY. Mr. W. Corlis. The death was announced of a western district pioneer, Mr. William Corlis, of Bandanora, near Capertee. Born in 1836, at Galway, he, with his parents, arrived in Sydney in 1841. After some years he struck out for practically unknown country, where only indomitable pluck and energy would pull him through. In 1852, he acquired Bandanora, which was his first holding. Then he carried on grazing and in later years he added considerably to the area of his property. It was about this time that the first discovery of gold was made at Hargreaves. There was no communication of any kind, and tracks had to be blazed. The homestead, situated in rough mountainous country, was known far and wide for its hospitality. About 15 years ago Mr. Corlis retired and lived with his family at Beronga, Richmond-avenue, Cremorne, enjoying good health until a few weeks ago when he had an attack of acute appendicitis. Bandanora is still held by members of deceased's family, which consists of five daughters - Mother Imelda, Superior of the Convent of Mercy, Bathurst; Mrs. Rogers (Guyra), and Misses K., J., and M. Corlis - and four sons - Messrs. John and Edward Corlis, of Laurel Vale, Moree; William Charles Corlis, of Bandanora, and H. B. Corlis, staff surveyor, of Glen Innes. Glen Innes Examiner, Thursday 22 November 1923, p. 5. Obituary William Corlis

DEATH OF MR. W. CORLIS. The death is announced of a western district pioneer, Mr. William Corlis, of Bandanora, near Capertee. Born in 1836, at Galway, he, with his parents, arrived in Sydney in 1841. After some years he struck out for practically unknown country, where only indomitable pluck and energy would pull him through. In 1852 he acquired Bandanora, which was his first holding. There he carried on grazing and in later years he added considerably to the area of his property. It was about this time that the first discovery of gold was made at Hargreaves. There was no communication of any kind, and tracks had to be blazed. The homestead, situated in rough and mountainous country, was known far and wide for its hospitality. About 15 years ago Mr. Corlis retired, and lived with his family at Beronga, Richmond-avenue, Cremorne, enjoying good health until a few weeks ago, when he had an attack of appendicitis. Bandanora is still held by members of deceased's family, which consists of five daughters - Mother Imelda, Superior of the Convent of Mercy, Bathurst; Mrs. Rogers, and Misses K., J., and M. Corlis - and four sons - Messrs. John and Edwin Corlis, of Laurel Vale, Moree; William Charles Corlis, of Bandanora; and H. B. Corlis, staff surveyor, of Glen Innes. Sydney Stock and Station, Friday 23 November 1923, p. 9. Obituary William Corlis

OBITUARY MR. WILLIAM CORLIS. As time rolls on death is gradually claiming all the "old hands," who are the connecting link between the past and present history of land settlement in the Western district of New South Wales. What daring deeds were performed by those men, who, in the early fifties, braved all the privations and hardships of the bush in order to secure land? Such a type of manhood was Mr. William Corlis, who passed away on Saturday, November 17, at the Mater Misericordiae Private Hospital, North Sydney, after having undergone an operation for acute appendicitis about three weeks previously. The deceased, born in 1836, hailed from the great County of Galway, Ireland. Mr. Corlis, with his parents, arrived in Sydney in 1841, and after some years he set out for unknown country, eventually reaching the Capertee Valley in 1851. The blacks were numerous; there was no communication of any kind; tracks had to be blazed, and provision could only be obtained at long intervals. It was about this time that gold was discovered at Hargreaves. In the following year he acquired a grazing property, now known as "Bandanora," which has since been considerably added to, until today, it is one of the finest grazing properties in the Capertee district. The homestead was situated in mountainous country, and was well known for its hospitality. Fifteen years ago the deceased gentleman retired from the active management of his station, and, accompanied by his wife and family, he established his new home at "Beronga," Richmond Avenue, Cremorne, where he made hosts of new friends by his kindly, genial and unassuming manner. He had a wonderful memory, and was a most interesting man to listen to when he spoke of the early history of the Western district. His wife predeceased him about twelve years ago. Rev. Father E. O'Brien (Mosman) and Father Tyrell were constant in their ministrations, and during his illness he was visited by his daughter, Rev. Mother Imelda, Superior of the Convent of Mercy at Bathurst, Mrs. Rogers (Guyra), his sons, who came from far distances, and his daughters, who resided with him. Bandanora is still held by the members of deceased's family, which consists of five daughters - Mother Imelda, Mrs. Rogers, and Misses K. J. and M. Corlis - and four sons - Messrs. John and Edwin Corlis, of "Laurel Vale," Moree; William Charles Corlis, of "Bandanora," and H. B. Corlis, staff surveyor, of Glen Innes. On Sunday night the remains, encased in a beautiful oak coffin were removed to the Sacred Heart Church at Mosman, and placed on a catafalque in front of the high altar. On Monday morning a Requiem Mass was celebrated for the repose of deceased's soul, and at 10 o'clock the funeral moved from the church for Gore Hill cemetery, the church organist playing the 'Dead March in Saul' as the coffin was borne down. The cortege was a long one, and besides the members of the family, there were amongst those present: W. and E. Corlis and J. Moran (nephews), Mrs. Street and Mrs. Malone (nieces), Mr. H. Malone and Ber Celestine (representing St. Joseph's College), Messrs. J. Maroney (Brigadier-General Lassetter), P. Quinn (Farmers and Graziers' Association), J. H. Keen (Maitland), Dr. Deakin, J. McPhee (Trunkey), W. Coulson, N. and R. Stephens, Bulkley (Wallerawang), W. Gawne, J. Hickling, A. Ralston, P. Croll, E. O'Brien, T. M. Cauley, J. Merrick, P. Collins, P. and J. Flynn, J.Mawhiney, A. Fanelley, S. Owens, R. G. Marshall, D. McHugh, R. H. Leahy and G. Timney. Beautiful wreaths were sent by Mrs. T. Buckle, Mrs. Craknell, Mr. and Mrs. Coulson, Mr. and Mrs. Street, Mrs. A. Ralston and family, Brigadier-General Lassetter, and Mr. and Mrs. Rogers and family. The prayers at the church and at the graveside were said by the Rev. Father E. O'Brien. Thus was laid to rest one who had lived up to the traditions of his race and left a fine Catholic family to mourn their loss. R.I.P. Freeman's Journal, Thursday 29 November 1923, p. 35. Obituary William Corlis