Cudgegong Valley History Project

MUDGEE. (from our correspondent ) Another of the few remaining pioneers of the district has passed away in the person of Mr. Evan Richards, father of the member for Mudgee. It may be said of the deceased that he never left an enemy behind. Although a Protestant, he counted amongst his best friends members of the Catholic community, many of whom came miles to attend the funeral, one coming from Wollar (40 miles) and another from Gulgong (20 miles). Monsignor O'Donovan also paid his last respects to the memory of the deceased gentleman by his presence at the funeral. In his demise Mudgee lost a man whose charitable and broadminded spirit caused him to be loved and respected by everybody. (Freeman's Journal, Saturday 12 August 1899, page 22).

DEATH OF MR. E. RICHARDS, SEN. MUDGEE, Tuesday. - Last night Mr. Evan Richards, father of Mr. E. Richards, M.L.A., died at the age of 78 years. Deceased had been for 50 years a resident of the district. When he first arrived in the colony he was connected with the old St . Jame's School, but was subsequently selected by the late Archdeacon Gunther to open St. John's School, in Mudgee. He afterwards joined the Civil Service, from which he retired. He leaves a widow well provided for. In early politics deceased was a prominent factor locally, having fought in all the principal battles side by side with the late Dan. Cassin, and he took an active part in the first election under Responsible Government (Evening News, Wednesday 26 July 1899, page 3).

Death of Mrs. Richards. At a Ripe Old Age On Tuesday last, the Angel of Death claimed one of Mudgee's oldest identities in the person of Mrs. Evan Richards, relict of the late Mr. Evan Richards. The deceased lady had attained the ripe old age of 72 years at the time of her demise, and was one of the good old stock whose activity and vitality were wonderful to behold at such an advanced age. Mudgee has been the good old lady's home for over 50 years, and though only surviving her late widely-respected husband by two years, she lived to see all the members of her family - a large one - married, and comfortably settled in life, which is so pleasing to a mother. The deceased lady's end was sudden and unexpected, and it came as a shock to her family and friends. She had been suffering from an ailment of the foot, but nothing serious was anticipated, although confined to her bed. On Tuesday however, the end came, when she was conversing with members of her family, who were gathered at the bedside after dinner. The late Mrs. Richards was plain and unassuming in manner, and many acts of charity performed by her in a quiet and unostentatious fashion, have been revealed now that she is no more, and shows that in life she carried out the precept, "Help thy neighbor as thyself." The deceased's family are Mrs. Moore, of Sydney; Mrs. Town (now in England), Mrs. Wells, Mrs. Deane, Mrs. Leslie, and Mr. Edwin Richards, M.L.A., Mr. David Richards, and Mr. Evan Richards, and they are left to mourn her loss, and to them we extend our heartfelt sympathy. The funeral was largely attended, and one vehicle contained quite a number of deceased's old and intimate lady friends, who came to pay their last respects to their old friend. The coffin was covered with a large number of beautiful floral tributes, in the shape of wreaths and crosses, one being sent from Parliament House, Sydney. The remains were interred in the Primitive Methodist portion of the cemetery on Wednesday, the Rev. J. H. Lewin, assisted by the Mr. F. Walkden-Brown, officiating at the grave. On Sunday morning next a memorial service will be conducted in the Primitive Methodist Church by the Rev. J. H. Lewin (Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative, Thursday 16 May 1901, page 12).

Mr. H. E. A. Wells. Death in Mudgee. Mr. H. E. A. Wells, one of the oldest and best-known men in this district, died in Mudgee on Friday last, and was buried in the local cemetery yesterday. The old gentleman had been ill for a considerable time, he having sustained a paralytic stroke which sent him to his bed many months ago. Despite all that could be done, he gradually sank and passed away. Deceased was one of the most capable men in the North-West, and was universally respected. He leaves a wife and family to mourn. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 12 June 1916, p. 2. Obituary Henry Wells

Death of a Pioneer. Late Mr. H. E A. Wells On Thursday evening last one of the oldest and most respected residents of the district, in the person of Mr. Henry Edward Alexander Wells, died at his residence, Lewis-street, at the age of 66 years. Deceased had been very unwell for a long period. About 18 months ago he was suddenly stricken down with a paralytic stroke, and, although he rallied at times, still nothing that medical care or careful nursing could do enabled him to shake off the effects. Of late months he was bedridden, and gradually grew more and more feeble, till at last death supervened and he passed away, mourned by the whole district. The deceased was born in Castlereagh-street, Sydney. He was the son of the late Mr. William Henry Wells, who was for years a prominent member of the State Survey Department, and whose name is perpetuated in the parish of Wells (Rylstone), and William Henry Street, and Wells Street, Sydney. His father was one of the best known Government officers in the State, and, in his spare time, devoted his attention to the compilation of a New South Wales "Gazeteer," the manuscript of which was, after many years, purchased by the State Government, and is now lodged in the State Museum. The late Mr. H. E. A. Wells was educated at St. James' School, and at Kane's Academy, Sydney. The latter institution was one of the foremost schools of its day, and taught some boys who afterwards became famous in the annals of the Commonwealth. On leaving school he entered the office of Messrs. Want, Johnson, and Want, who, at that time, was one of the biggest firms in the metropolis. Here he received a thorough grounding in law, which stood him in good stead in later life. On reaching the age of 20 years he came to Mudgee, and took up a position as clerk in the office of Messrs. Brodribb and Clarke, who practiced their profession in the offices later on occupied by the junior member of the firm (the late Mr. Edward Clarke), and which are now occupied by Mr. H. J. McPhenson. This position had become vacant owing to the death of the occupant, Mr. Bayliss Ramsay (son of the late Dr. Ramsay, and a ber of Mrs. Herbert Lowe, of Goree), who was thrown from a horse and killed. Two years after reaching Mudgee Mr. Wells married a sister of Mr. Edwin Richard, ex-M.L.A. for Mudgee and now proprietor of the Rylstone "Express," and Mrs. F. Leslie, of Mudgee. This lady's father was the first school teacher chosen by the late Ven. Archdeacon Gunther for the old St. John's Denominational School, which had some brilliant teachers, and yet more brilliant scholars. After some years spent in the legal profession, Mr. Wells about 35 years ago, forsook it, and turned his energies into land dealing and general auctioneering. He read up the land laws, and soon became recognised as one of the leading authorities on land matters in New South Wales. In the settlement of the Mudgee district he took a leading part, and knew the history of almost every one of the old estates for many miles around. In this connection his knowledge of law stood him in good stead. Not one of his articles has ever been found faulty in construction, while the cases he had before the Land Appeal Court were so lucidly and carefully prepared that he invariably won them. Such a leading authority as Mr. George Briner, M.L.A., once took a case for deceased, and remarked at its conclusion that the preparation of the case was so thorough and comprehensive that success was absolutely assured. Old hands will recall the big case of James Dixon Little and the A.J.S. Bank, the hearing of which occupied several days. The late Sir Frederick Darley was the counsel for the bank, he being instructed by the late Mr. Edward Clarke, who had Mr. Wells to assist him. The plaintiff was represented by the late Mr. "Jack" Want, instructed by Mr. Geo. Davidson, of Mudgee. The case was keenly fought out, but it was a point suggested by Mr. Wells in reference to a cheque that gained the day for the bank. The deceased started business first in premises in Lewis-street, near the Royal Hotel, and built up a large connection by keen business acumen and fair dealing. Some years later he purchased premises which stood on the site which his market has occupied for years past. This was at one time the Mudgee Post Office and Town Hall, and was two stories high. A quarter of a century ago a big fire gutted the building, and Mr. Wells bought the destroyed place, rebuilt it, and started business therein. He had an abiding faith in the future of this town and district, and dealt extensively in properties. He owned a number of residences and business places, including the Miners' Arms and Railway Hotels, and the Mudgee Motor Garage at the time of his death. The late Mr. Wells always took a keen interest in public matters, For a time he was a councillor of the Meroo Shire. Just prior to the last State election he was appointed returning officer for the electorate of Mudgee, vice Mr. A. S. Tuckerman. He conducted the last elections, but, shortly afterwards, was stricken down with paralysis, and had to resign his post. He was one of the oldest trustees of the Mudgee Race Course, and, in politics, was a leading organiser for the late Mr. A. G. Taylor, M.L.A., and Mr. W. C. Wall, M.L.A. His great organising capacity gained his man the victory, on almost all occasions. Hundreds of people have been freely assisted with advice by the deceased. His advice was always sound. He was generous in assisting charitable objects, many of those in necessitous circumstances being quietly and unobstentatiously helped in time of trouble. He was a great believer in building societies, and was a director of several during his lifetime. Besides a sorrowing widow, the following children are left to mourn: Mrs. Hairt (Fiji), Mrs. Francis (Fiji), Mrs. Harold Hardwick (Mudgee), Mrs. T. Nicolls (Cremorne, Sydney), Mr. P. G. Wells (Mudgee), and Mr. V. H. Wells (Justice Department, Sydney). The remains were laid to rest in the Church of England portion of the Mudgee Cemetery on Sunday last, the Rev. W. J. Dunstan officiating at the graveside. The funeral cortege was very large, being headed by members of the Mudgee Friendly Societies Association, including the Oddfellows, of which lodge he was a member for 45 years, and the alderman of the Mudgee Council, who were the pall-bearers To the sorrowing family and relatives we extend our sympathy. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 15 June 1916, p. 12. Obituary Henry Wells

Death of Mrs Laura Wells OLD AND RESPECTED MUDGEE NATIVE. The death occurred early on Tuesday morning last of Mrs. Laura Wells, relict of the late Mr. H. E. A. Wells of Mudgee. The deceased, who was one of the oldest Mudgee natives, was born in Mudgee 67 years ago. She was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Evan Richards, who were old and respected residents of the town, Mr. Richards being the first school teacher in Mudgee. The deceased lady has been ailing for some time, and her death was not altogether unexpected. She was very widely and popularly known right throughout the district, and has numerous friends. She is survived by the following children: - Mrs. J. S. Hart (Fiji), Percy George Wells (Mudgee), Mrs. Harold Hardwick (Mudgee), Mrs. Francis (Fiji), Mrs. T. H. Nicholle (Cremorne), Vincent Wells (District Court, Sydney). She is also survived by the following bers and sisters: Mrs. Moore (Sydney), Mr. E. Richards (Rylstone), Mrs. F. Leslie (Mudgee), and Messrs. David and Evan Richards. The remains were interred in the Church of England portion of the general cemetery yesterday afternoon. Rev. R. C. Johnston officiated at the graveside. Mr. J. C. Swords had charge of the funeral arrangements. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 2 June 1921, p. 14. Obituary Laura Wells

Mudgee Mourns FINE CITIZEN PASSES DEATH OF MR. GEO. WELLS FUNERAL TO-MORROW. Very rarely, if ever, in the history of Mudgee has the public been so deeply grieved as this morning, When the sad news of the death of Mr. Percy George Wells was circulated. It was known that he was fighting bravely for his life in a local private Hospital, and reports of his condition were awaited from hour to hour with the deepest anxiety. At an early hour this morning the last spark flickered out, and one who was honored and loved by all classes and creeds, was no more. George, as he was familiarly known throughout the whole district, had a personality which made him a commanding figure, and rarely has a man been so genuinely loved and respected. His loss will be irreparable, and Mudgee will mourn him for many days to come. To those immediate relatives who have been bereaved the deepest sympathy is extended. Further reference to the sad event will appear in a later issue. The funeral will leave St. John's Church at 2.30 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, and the Mayor and aldermen of the Mudgee Council, with which deceased was connected for several years, will be in attendance. The members of the Manchester Unity will march at the funeral, and the members of the Mudgee Town Band and the Salvation Army are joining forces and will march and play appropriate music. Mudgee Guardian, Friday 12 July 1929, p. 5. Obituary Percy George Wells

Mudgee Mourns LATE GEORGE WELLS CITIZENS' WONDERFUL TRIBUTE. LARGEST FUNERAL EVER KNOWN. As briefly reported in our last issue, Mr. Percy George Wells died in a private hospital in Mudgee early on Thursday morning, aged 54 years. He had been ailing for some considerable time with diabetes, and about a fortnight before his death added trouble in the form of a carbuncle manifested itself. An operation, which proved successful, was performed, but, although the patient put up a brave fight, the insidious complaint from which he had so long suffered took its sad toll, and his life flickered out. A specialist (Dr. Ritchie) was summoned from Sydney on Tuesday, but he could do no more than was being done by the local medical men. The late George Wells, as he was familiarly known throughout the district, was an institution in Mudgee. Stepping into the place so long occupied by his late father (Mr. H. E. A. Wells) as an auctioneer and agent, he conducted the business on lines which earned for him the respect, admiration, and love of all classes of the community. To those sorely stricken by the buffetings of adverse fate he was a haven of comfort, and so generous was his dealings that he became rightly known as "the poor man's friend." He delighted to do good by stealth, and the fullness of his great charity can only be guessed at. It was George Wells who was always appealed to when the tide of misfortune was running strongly against the hapless one, and prompt assistance was always forthcoming. Many a man and woman in the community owe their rise to better things to the influence and aid of George Wells. It was not his part to question whether it was, in the eyes of a rather censorious world, always a deserving object. The sufferers may have been brought low through their own fault, but that they were in urgent need of comfort was enough for George Wells, and he acted promptly. Was it any wonder that he earned the love of those whom he succored? And it was not only by those in lowly circumstances that he was admired and respected. Solid citizens had a great and abiding faith in him, and in times of trouble sought advice, which, freely given, lifted from their shoulders a weight of care. Mudgee will probably never know his like again, and his memory will be cherished for all time. In the public life of the town George Wells played well his part. He was returned at the head of the poll when he sought municipal honors, and he served the ratepayers well and faithfully. As a director of the Mudgee Co-operative Benefit Building Society he also served with distinction, and his place will be hard to fill. The funeral on Saturday afternoon showed beyond doubt the love in which he was held. From east, west, north, and south the mourners came, all cast down by the blow which had descended upon them. The streets were lined with people who knew the work of a sturdy friend, while the church was filled with a solemn gathering of sad-eyed mourners. The Rev. L. Walker spoke simply, but eloquently, of the great soul that had passed beyond man's ken, and bid those who sorrowed to be of stout heart for their loved one had earned a name which would be honored for all time. The sad cortege, which was the largest ever seen in Mudgee, was preceded by the combined Mudgee and Salvation Army bands, and the "Dead March" was rendered in all its solemnity. Members of the Manchester Unity Lodge, of which deceased was an honored member, marched in the procession, as also did, the brethren of other Friendly Societies and many close friends who desired to show their last sad tribute of respect. The casket was heaped high, and the hearse was covered with beautiful flowers, the contribution of the great army of loving friends. The Rev. Walker's service at the graveside was most impressive, and as the mortal remains were lowered to their last resting place there were very few dry eyes in the huge gathering of mourners. Mr. J. C. Swords conducted the arrangements. To mourn the loss of a loving husband and devoted father are a widow, five sons and four daughters, the oldest of whom is Mr. Norman Wells. The following bers and sisters also survive: - Vincent (Sydney), Mesdames Hart and Francis (Fiji), Nicholls (Sydney), and H. R. Hardwick (Mudgee). To the bereaved ones the heartfelt sympathy of the whole community is extended. Mr. V. Wells and Mrs. Nicholls, in answer to an urgent summons, arrived in Mudgee a couple of days before the end, and were present at their ber's bedside before he died. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 15 July 1929, p. 7. Obituary Percy George Wells

DEATHS Florence Adele Hardwick The death occurred in the Mudgee Hospital on Thursday afternoon last of Mrs. Florence Adele Hardwick, widow of the late Mr. Harold Hardwick, aged 65 years. Deceased met with a serious accident, quite recently, sustaining a fractured thigh, and apparently she never recovered from the shock. The late Mrs. Hardwick was a member of the widely-known and highly-respected Wells family, and resided in Mudgee for practically a lifetime. She was a kindly, cheery lady, and made friends on all sides, being always ready to help those less fortunately situated than herself. Her passing will be very deeply deplored in town and district. She is survived by two sons and two daughters, to whom the sympathy of the whole community will be extended. The funeral took place on Friday afternoon, the remains being interred in the Church of England portion of the general cemetery. The Rev. A. G. Powell officiated at the graveside, while the arrangements were carried out by Messrs. J. C. Swords and Son. Mudgee Guardian, Monday 21 June 1943, p. 8. Obituary Florence Adele Harwick

Mainly about People MUDGEE DISTRICT PERSONALITIES Mr. Vincent Henry Wells, who retired in March this year as chairman of the Full Bench of the Licensing Court, died in a rest home at Point Piper last week, aged 69 years. The late Mr. Wells, who leaves a widow and two daughters, was a member of one of Mudgee's oldest families, and was well known to very many of the older hands. Mr. Norman Wells is a nephew of deceased. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 24 December 1953, p. 2. Obituary Vincent Henry Wells

Death NICOLLE, Effie Richards. - February 13, 1971, at hospital, of 41 Kareela Road, Cremorne, wife of the late Thomas Henry Nicholle, loved mother of Mavis, grandmother of Kira and Robert Wright. Privately cremated. Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 17 February 1971, p. 64. Death notice Effie Richards Nicolle