Cudgegong Valley History Project

DEATH. The death took place on Friday last of Mrs. Susana Menchin at her residence, Inglis-street, Mudgee, at the age of 73 years. Mrs. Menchin was an old resident of the district, and for years was on a farm at Bombira Hill, Mudgee, with her late husband, Mr. Isaac Menchin. The funeral took place on Saturday. The remains were interred in the Church of England portion of the general cemetery, the Rev. W. J. Dunstan officiating. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 5 May 1913, p. 3. Death, Susana Menchin

ACCIDENTAL DEATH.- The District Coroner (Mr. R. Laing) conducted an enquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death of Justin Menchin, son of Mr. and Mrs. F. Menchin, of Gulgong, who was found drowned on July 1. The Coroner found that death was caused by asphyxia from drowning, caused by accidentally falling in a tank. Mudgee Guardian, Wednesday 9 July 1930, p.13. Death, Justin Menchin

CHILD DROWNED SAD DEATH AT GULGONG On July 1, a very sad death occurred at Gulgong, when Mr and Mrs Fred. Menchin lost their beautiful child Justin, aged 1 year 9 months. The bonnie little chap was playing as usual in the garden at his home, when he evidently climbed up on a small open tank containing about 15 inches of water, and overbalancing, fell into the water and was drowned. Drs. Allport and Tunley and also the nursing staff of a private hospital nearby were quickly on the spot, and though they worked hard for some considerable time - effort to restore life failed. The little spirit had fled. A great gloom fell over the town and district of Gulgong, when the sad news was circulated, and the expressions of sympathy which came from far and near, to the grief-stricken parents, testified to the high esteem in which they are held. The funeral, which was very largely attended, moved from the parents' residence the following day, and after a short service, conducted by the Rev. Father Brosnan, at the Catholic Church, proceeded to the local cemetery. Beautiful floral tributes covered the coffin, and a quiet sadness seemed to pervade as the procession moved along. The Rev. Fathers Brosnan and Coughlan conducted the service at the grave. On Sunday last at Mass the Rev. Father Brosnan made touching reference to the sad event. Mr R. Bayliss conducted the funeral arrangements. Mudgee Guardian, Friday 11 July 1930, p. 11. Justin Menchin Obituary

OLD IDENTITY PASSES MR. ADAM MENCHIN. The death occurred in the Mudgee Hospital, on Tuesday, of Mr. Adam Menchin aged 61 years. Deceased had been ailing for some time and on Friday last underwent a serious operation. He was a member of a very old district family, being a son of the late Isaac Menchin, a pioneer farmer. For over 30 years, deceased carried on farming operations at Wilbetree Flat, and, after retiring, settled in Mudgee. He was widely known and universally respected, and his death will be deeply regretted right throughout the district. He is survived by a widow and the following sons and daughters: - Reginald (Wilbetree Flat), Stanley and Bruce (Sydney), Robert (Mudgee), Mesdames L. Baer, G. Gough, J. O'Keeffe, B. Randall (Sydney) W. Callaghan (Mudgee), and Misses Eileen and Jessie (Mudgee). The following brothers and sisters are also left to mourn: George (Sydney), Isaac (Eurunderee), Fred and William (Gulgong), Edward (Buckaroo), Mesdames J. Fryer (Sydney), J. M Spears (Gulgong), and W. Crowley (Wyalong). The funeral took place to the Church of England portion of the Mudgee cemetery on Wednesday afternoon, the Rev. Canon Parr officiating. Mr. J C. Swords conducted the arrangements. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 18 September 1930, p. 14. Adam Menchin Obituary

DROWNING FATALITY Old Resident's Death ATTEMPT TO RESCUE FAILS While Mr. William was fishing in a deep hole at Pipeclay Creek, Eurunderee, on Saturday, at about 3 p.m., he saw Mr. Isaac Menchin, an old age pensioner, residing at Douro-street, Mudgee, coming along the Creek. They had some talk and Menchin said he was going to cross over and get figs on the other side. He then left Mr. and went on his way. A few moments later he slipped and fell into the hole, but on rising to the surface immediately commenced to swim to the other side. Mr. who had seen his misadventure, went round to his assistance. Menchin, it appears, kept going till within a yard of the opposite bank, when either from exhaustion or cramp, he ceased to swim. By this time Mr. had reached a spot near him, and held out his hands to the struggling man. He managed to get hold of him, and endeavored to drag him from the water. This was, however, beyond his strength, as the old man was powerless to help himself. Mr thereupon slipped a pair of braces round one of Menchin's wrists, and made it fast to a tussock of grass. He then left to get help. Patmore's, of Eurunderee, was the nearest place, and there Mr. went as fast as he could go. He saw Mr. Frank Patmore, and the latter rushed off to the scene. On arriving there he got hold of the old man and drew him up on to the bank, where he applied artificial respiration, but without result, and shortly after, when medical assistance arrived, life was pronounced to be extinct. The body was conveyed to the morgue. An inquest will be held on Friday. The deceased was a man of 72, and a very well known identity in Mudgee, where he had resided all his life. The remains were interred in the Church of England portion of the Mudgee cemetery on Sunday, the Rev. Canon Parr conducting the funeral service. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. H. Barton. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 7 March 1932, p. 5.

DEATHS Mr. G. C. Menchin LAST month the death occurred of Mr. George C. Menchin, aged 75 years and a native of Mudgee, where his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Menchin, sen, conducted a farm. Surviving brothers include Mr. William Menchin (Gulgong) and Mr. Frederick Menchin (Lithgow) - Mrs. J. N. Spears (Gulgong) is a sister. Our sympathy is extended. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 9 January 1941, p. 12. George Menchin Obituary

GULGONG DISTRICT NEWS Record of Worthy Deeds Left by Late Mrs. Mary A. Spears The death of Mrs. Mary Ann Clara Spears in the Gulgong District Hospital on December 7th removes a well known and popular figure from the business life of Gulgong. Widow of Mr. James Spears, who passed away about 12 years ago, the late Mrs. Spears was a native of Mudgee and was 73 years of age. News of her death cast a gloom over the town. She was one of Gulgong's most highly esteemed residents, and her fine traits and unfailing courtesy endeared her to everyone. After leaving school she became a schoolteacher, first appointment being to Narrabri. She taught at the Gulgong Public School during a period that Mr. A. P. ("Cocky") Lambert was headmaster. Most of her useful and honorable life was spent in Gulgong, where her friendship was valued by a large circle of admirers. To the sick and suffering she was a haven of refuge and never was an appeal for help refused. Like so many of the early settlers, deceased held it to be her duty to assist the sick and distressed, and she made many sacrifices in carrying out her great-hearted work. Tribute must be paid to the social work carried out by Mrs. Spears at a time when distress was experienced in the town because of the effects of the depression some years ago. Her constant and successful endeavors to give relief to those who were in need are well known. But many a good turn she did unknown to the public. To mention just one thing: Day after day she made rich, palatable soup, in huge quantities and had it sent to people who were living on the dole. She was indeed a "white woman." After the death of Mr. Spears she carried on the Times Bakery and storekeeping business with which Mr. Spears had for so long been honorably associated, but closed the bakery section some years ago. She never spared herself in the work inseparable from the conduct of a business. Many a person was in debt and indebted to her. The late Mrs. Spears will be remembered as a woman of integrity, who ever had the interests of Gulgong and its people at heart. She has left behind her a record of worthy deeds. There are many people around Gulgong who could say that life was all the sweeter for having known Mrs. Spears. Yes, older Gulgongites will sorely miss a great friend. She was most thoughtful and considerate in all things. Deceased was a grand worker for the Catholic Church, to which her late husband belonged. She was a foundation member of the Gulgong branch of the Country Women's Association, of which she was a practical supporter. She was also a valued member of the Red Cross Society. Deceased was a Justice of the Peace and was most approachable in this regard. Mrs. Spears' death reminds us of these words: Let there be no sadness of farewell when one whom we have known and loved - rich with honors and the deep regard of countless friends - lays down the task so well accomplished here and passes on "to ports beyond the margin of the stars." The voyager has gone to brighter things; leave ? ? ? ? of a life well lived, she joins the shining company above - and marches on to her reward. Deceased is survived by three brothers, Messrs. William Menchin, Frederick Menchin (both of Gulgong) and Edward Menchin, and two sisters, Mesdames Emily Saunders (Sydney) and Martha Crowley (Tallimba). After a service was conducted in St. Luke's Church of England, the funeral took place to the Church of England portion of the Gulgong cemetery, the Rev. Howard Ellis officiating. Arrangements were carried out by Mr. David Whale (Gulgong Motor Funerals). Our sympathy is extended. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 28 December 1944, p. 16. Mary Spears Obituary

MR. WM. H. MENCHIN The death occurred on the 12th of December of Mr. William Henry Menchin of Black Lead at the age of 71 years. Deceased had been a resident of the Gulgong district for about 40 years and had previously resided in the Mudgee district, where he was born. On coming to Gulgong he took up employment with the late Mr. Spear and later acquired his own property at Black Lead. He had been in ill-health for about 13 years past. The late Mr. Menchin had a quiet unassuming nature and his graciousness and many kindly acts earned for him a legion of friends. His good nature coupled with a strong sense of humour, made him a lovable character. He is survived by his wife and one son (Mr. Joseph Menchin, of Inverell and late of Gulgong) two bers (Messrs. Frederick Menchin, of Gulgong, and Edward Menchin, of Mudgee), and one sister (Mrs. M. Crowley, of Talimba). The funeral took place to the Church of England portion of the Gulgong cemetery on Monday, Rev. Howard W. Ellis officiating. The arrangements were carried out by Mr. D. Whale (Gulgong Motor Funerals). Our sincere sympathy is extended to the bereaved ones. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 23 December 1948, p. 8.