THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

 

THE SUSSEX MUDDLE FAMILIES THE BUXTED MUDDLES

 

Chart of George & Elizabeth Muddle's Family

 

George and Elizabeth’s eldest child was Henry Muddle who was born at Allyn River at about 1.15am on 29 November 1847,[1] and baptised in Houghton Parish in New South Wales.

It seems that in about 1869, when he was about 21 years old, that it was probably Henry who fathered a child of Sarah Kemp. This comes from information given to the Sydney Benevolent Society by Sarah Muddle, aged 25, when she was admitted to their Asylum on 14 May 1895 to give birth, when she stated that her father was Henry Muddle a single bootmaker and her mother was Sarah Kemp, who were both then dead. Henry is not otherwise known to have been a bootmaker and was certainly not dead, but he seems to be the only possible Henry Muddle she was referring to assuming that she was giving the correct name of her father.

The following year when he was 22 years old Henry married 13-year-old Mary Elizabeth Page, known as Elizabeth, at Inverell in New South Wales, which is about 220 miles north of Newcastle near the boarder with Queensland, on 7 March 1870. Elizabeth was the illegitimate daughter of butcher Thomas Page and Frances Adams, and she had been born at Cairnmore near Dungog on 23 September 1856. See the page headed ‘Henry & Mary Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.

 

Henry Muddle and Sarah Kemp’s only child was Sarah Muddle who was born in New South Wales in about 1870. That she was their child is only known from the information that she gave the Sydney Benevolent Society when she was admitted to their Asylum on Tuesday 14 May 1895 as a single pregnant woman, aged 25, who had been living as a general servant with Mrs Rain in Ashfield, Sydney. She stated that the father of her child was William Bryant who was supposed to work on one of the New Zealand boats. She had been referred to the Asylum by the Rev Martin of the Ladies Committee. Her child was born in the Asylum on 3 June 1895 and six months later mother and child were discharged from the Asylum on Wednesday 18 December 1895. What then happened to Sarah is unknown as no other records of her under the name Muddle have been found.

 

Sarah Muddle’s illegitimate child was Bert Muddle who was born at the Sydney Benevolent Society’s Asylum in Sydney, New South Wales on 3 June 1895. His birth was registered as Bertie but he was always known as Bert in later life, and the Sydney Benevolent Society’s record of his birth incorrectly gives his name as Betsy. When he was about 40 years old Bert married Lillian M Brighton in West Maitland registration district in New South Wales during 1935. Bert died when he was 66 years old, his death being registered in Maitland registration district in New South Wales during 1967.

 

George and Elizabeth’s second child was John Muddle who was born at Allyn River at about 9.00am on 2 October 1849,[2] and baptised in Houghton Parish in New South Wales. When he was about 24 years old John married Sarah Ann Bacon at Dungog in New South Wales on 10 January 1874. Sarah Ann was the daughter of two convicts that had been transported to New South Wales. Her father was John Bacon alias Wisbey, and her mother was Anna Maria Powers, known as Ann, who had married John Cocking in England and was convicted with him at the Old Bailey on 20 August 1838 of committing robbery and sentenced to transportation for 10 years. John Cocking died after arriving in New South Wales and Ann then married John Bacon in New South Wales during 1845, their daughter Sarah Ann being born in about 1850. See the page headed ‘John & Sarah Ann Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and details of their family.

 

George and Elizabeth’s third child was Isabella Muddle who was born about 7.00am on 5 January 1852,[3] and baptised in Houghton Parish in New South Wales. When she was about 18 years old Isabella married Henry George Hilzinger, who was about 26-years-old and known as Harry, in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1870. Henry was the son of John George and Hannah Hilzinger, he had been born at Bermondsey in London and baptised with the single Christian name of Henry at St Mary Magdalane Church in Bermondsey on 21 June 1844. Henry and Isabella had seven children born between 1873 and 1893. The first two were born in Sydney, the third at Newcastle, the fourth back in Sydney, the fifth at Dungog, and the last two back again in Sydney. Isabella died at the age of 71, her death being registered in Marrickville registration district in Sydney during 1923. Six years later Henry died at the age of about 85, his death being registered in Granville registration district in Sydney during 1929.

 

Henry and Isabella’s eldest child was Florence Henrietta Hilzinger whose birth was registered in Sydney registration district in New South Wales during 1873. Florence never married. She died in Newtown registration district in Sydney on 21 July 1899, at the age of about 26.

 

Henry and Isabella’s second child was Hannah Isabella Hilzinger whose birth was registered in Waterloo registration district in Sydney in New South Wales during 1876. Hannah married in 1899. She died when she was about 82 years old, her death being registered in Sydney registration district during 1958.

 

Henry and Isabella’s third child was Francis B F Hilzinger, known as Frank, whose birth was registered Newcastle registration district in New South Wales during 1878. Francis married in 1904. He died in Sydney registration district on 2 June 1931, when he was about 53 years old.

 

Henry and Isabella’s fourth child was Clarence Albert Granville Augustave Hilzinger whose birth was registered in Newtown registration district in Sydney in New South Wales during 1880. Clarence married in 1914. He was Private 3388 in the 54th Batallion of the Australian Infantry when he died in France on 23 April 1918, at the age of 37, and was buried in plot I, row D, grave 17 of Vignacourt British Cemetery.

 

 

Henry and Isabella’s fifth child was William Arthur Hilzinger whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1885. William married in 1915. He died in Sydney registration district in New South Wales, at the age of 78, and he was buried in the Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park in Sydney on 23 July 1963.

 

Henry and Isabella’s sixth child was Henry Victor Hilzinger, known as Victor, whose birth was registered in Waterloo registration district in Sydney in New South Wales during 1891. Henry married in 1918 and then again in 1924. He died at the age of about 50, his death being registered in Penrith registration district in New South Wales, which is about 25 miles west of Sydney, during 1941.

 

Henry and Isabella’s seventh child was Mary Olive Elizabeth Hilzinger whose birth was registered in Waterloo registration district in Sydney in New South Wales during 1893. Mary married in 1921. She died in Manly registration district in Sydney at the age of about 78, and she was buried in the Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park in Sydney on 9 August 1971.

 

George and Elizabeth’s fourth child was Mary Ann Muddle who was born at Bendolba near Dungog in New South Wales on 29 December 1853.[4] When she was 39 years old Mary Ann married John A Anderson in Hamilton registration district near Newcastle in New South Wales during 1892.

 

George and Elizabeth’s fifth child was Lucy Muddle who was born in Paterson registration district in New South Wales on 3 September 1856.[5] When she was about 20 years old Lucy married Thomas John Page in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 2 April 1877. They had twelve children born in Dungog registration district between 1877 and 1901. During the First World War they were living at Main Creek near Dungog when their two youngest sons, Douglas and Gregory, enlisted in the Australian Army at the beginning of 1916. These two sons were in the same battalion and sailed for service in Europe together. Gregory was killed in March 1917 and Douglas two months later. Then later that year Lucy was living at Main Creek when she died on 24 November 1917, at the age of 61, and was buried in the Anglican Section of Dungog General Cemetery on 26 November 1917. Twenty years later Thomas was a carpenter and farmer living at Dungog when he died on 25 October 1937, at the age of 84, and was buried in the Anglican Section of Dungog General Cemetery on 26 October 1937.

 

Thomas and Lucy’s eldest child was Percival Harold Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 22 June 1877. Percival married in 1902. He died on 8 November 1934, at the age of 57.

 

Thomas and Lucy’s second child was Thomas G Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 1 June 1879. When he was about 26 years old Thomas married Florence M Redman, who was about 20, in Dungog registration district in 1905. Florence was the daughter of George William and Susanna Jane Lambert, and she had been born in Dungog registration district on 2 September 1885. Thomas and Florence had seven children; the first six were born in Dungog registration district between 1905 and 1916, and the seventh was born in Sydney registration district in 1922. Florence died in West Maitland registration district on 11 April 1923, at the age of 37, and she was buried in the Uniting Section of Dungog General Cemetery. Twelve years later Thomas died in Raymond Terrace registration district on 13 January 1935, at the age of 55, and he was buried with his wife in the Uniting Section of Dungog General Cemetery. Their grave is marked by an inscribed headstone.

 

Thomas and Florence’s eldest child was Herbert T G Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 28 August 1905. Herbert married and had two children. He died on 7 August 1978, at the age of 72.

 

Thomas and Florence’s second child was Enid Lucy J Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 13 June 1907. Enid married.

 

Thomas and Florence’s third child was Edward Harold Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales in 1908. Edward married and had two children. He died on 19 October 1980, when he was about 72 years old.

 

Thomas and Florence’s fourth child was John R Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales in 1911. John married and had one child.

 

Thomas and Florence’s fifth child was Mary Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 12 December 1913. When she was 18 years old Mary married her 21-year-old 2nd cousin Gordon Leslie Muddle at the Methodist Church in Dungog on 21 May 1932. Gordon was the son of William and Caroline Muddle and he had been born in Dungog registration district on 14 May 1911. See the section on Gordon Leslie Muddle on the page headed ‘John & Sarah Ann Muddle’s Family’ for the rest of their lives and also for Gordon’s ancestry.

 

Thomas and Florence’s sixth child was Naomi Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 11 January 1916. Naomi married and had two children.

 

Thomas and Florence’s seventh child was David Lance Page who was born in Sydney registration district in New South Wales on 1 October 1922. David married and had seven children.

 

Thomas and Lucy’s third child was Rose Annie Page whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1881. Rose married in 1929. She died on 9 July 1971, when she was about 90 years old.

 

Thomas and Lucy’s fourth child was Lucy Maud E Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 7 September 1883. Lucy married in 1906. She died on 3 September 1938, at the age of 54.

 

Thomas and Lucy’s fifth child was Mary L Page whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1885. Mary married in 1916. She died on 17 October 1976, when she was about 91 years old.

 

Thomas and Lucy’s sixth child was Isabel Ruby Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 9 April 1888. Isabel married in 1907. She died at Brisbane in Queensland on 7 December 1966, at the age of 78.

 

Thomas and Lucy’s seventh child was Stanley C Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 11 July 1890. Stanley married in 1917. He died on 22 February 1954, at the age of 63.

 

Thomas and Lucy’s eighth child was Joseph Alexander Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 15 August 1892. Joseph married in 1914. He died on 29 August 1950, at the age of 58.

 

Thomas and Lucy’s ninth child was Muriel Daisy Page whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1894. Muriel married in 1923. She died in Dungog registration district on 12 July 1945, when she was about 51 years old.

 

Thomas and Lucy’s tenth child was Douglas Laurie Page whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1896. Douglas never married. He was living with his parents at Main Creek near Dungog and working as a carpenter when, during the First World War, he enlisted in the Australian Army at Dungog on 18 January 1916, at the same time as his brother Gregory. He was Corporal 1218 in the 34th Battalion of the Australian Infantry when embarked on HMAT Hororata at Sydney on 2 May 1916, for overseas service. He was serving in Belgium as Sergeant 1218 in the 34th Battalion of the Australian Infantry when he was killed in action on 17 May 1917, at the age of 21. He was buried in plot II, row G, grave 12 of Tancrez Farm Cemetery at Ploegsteert in Belgium.

 

 

Thomas and Lucy’s eleventh child was Gregory Valentine Page whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1898. Gregory never married. He was a farmer living at Dungog when, during the First World War he enlisted in the Australian Army at Dungog on 18 January 1916, at the same time as his brother Douglas. He was Corporal 1210 in the 34th Battalion of the Australian Infantry when embarked on HMAT Hororata at Sydney on 2 May 1916, for overseas service. He was serving in France as Sergeant 1210 in the 34th Battalion of the Australian Infantry when he was killed in action on 9 March 1917, at the age of 19. He was buried in plot IV, row F, grave 6 of Cite Bonjean Military Cemetery at Armentieres in France.

 

 

Thomas and Lucy’s twelfth child was Clarice Irene Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 11 July 1901. Clarice married in 1930.

 

George and Elizabeth’s sixth child was Alice Mary Helena Muddle who was born at Dungog in New South Wales on 19 December 1858, and baptised at Christ Church in Dungog on 14 April 1859. When she was about 18 years old Alice married James Dalrymple in Newcastle registration district in New South Wales during 1877. James was a wire worker and they had two children born in Newcastle registration district in 1878 and 1880. About two months after the birth of their second child Alice died at Newcastle on 14 August 1880, at the age of 21, and she was buried in the Anglican Section of Dungog General Cemetery on 16 August 1880. It’s thought that the two children then went to live with some of Alice’s relatives in Dungog, as the youngest died there at the beginning of 1881 and the other in 1928. James married Fanny Hesketh in Newcastle registration district during 1881.

 

James and Alice’s eldest child was Arthur James Dalrymple who was born in Newcastle registration district in New South Wales during 1878. Arthur was a labourer living at Dungog in New South Wales when he died on 22 January 1928, at the age of 49, and was buried in the Anglican Section of Dungog General Cemetery on 23 January 1928.

 

James and Alice’s second child was Ethel May Dalrymple who was born in Newcastle registration district in New South Wales in about June 1880. Ethel was living at Dungog in New South Wales when she died on 31 January 1881 at the age only 7 months, and was buried in the Anglican Section of Dungog General Cemetery on 1 February 1881.

 

George and Elizabeth’s seventh child was George Australia Simmons Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 1 November 1860. When he was about 24 years old George married Sarah Jane Barkwill, who was about 23, in Stroud registration district in New South Wales, which is about 12 miles east of Dungog, during 1885. Sarah was the daughter of William and Sally Barkwill; her birth had been registered in Okehampton registration district in Devon, England during the 2nd quarter of 1862. Sarah emigrated with her parents from England to New South Wales in the mid-1860s and they settled in the Port Stephens registration district to the north of Newcastle.

George and Sarah had eight children, three of whom died young. Their first two children were born in Dungog registration district in 1885 and 1887, and the next was born in Stroud registration district in 1890. They then moved about 45 miles north to Taree registration district where their fourth child was born in 1892. Their next move was back south and inland to Dubbo registration district, which is about 190 miles west of Newcastle, where their last four children were born between 1894 and 1903; during this period in Dubbo three of their children died. The New South Wales Police Gazette of 26 October 1904 reported that George Muddle had been tried at Dubbo Circuit Court on 4 October 1904 with carnally knowing Elsie Rubina Alderman and he was bound over to appear at the next Dubbo Circuit Court.

When his son Herbert married in 1911 George was described as being a saddler. During the First World War George and Sarah were living at Macquarie Street in Dubbo while their son Ernest was in the Australian Army. They lost this son in early 1916 while he was serving in the Gallipoli Campaign.

George died at the age of 72, his death being registered in Dubbo registration district during 1932. Six years later Sarah died when she was about 76, her death being registered in Chatswood registration district in Sydney during 1938.

 

George and Sarah’s eldest child was George William Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 17 September 1885. George died when about 10 years old, his death being registered in Dubbo registration district in New South Wales during 1896.

 

George and Sarah’s second child was Herbert Ernest Muddle who was born at Dungog in New South Wales on 15 October 1887. In about 1893 Herbert moved with his parents to Dubbo, New South Wales where he joined the Boys Club. The Wednesday 20 December 1899 edition of The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate reported that at a social held at the Dubbo Boys Club on Saturday night songs and recitations were given by the boys, one being Herbert Muddle. Herbert it seems was a keen gymnast because when the Saturday 25 July 1903 edition of The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate reported on a gymnastic display given by members of the Church of England Gymnastic Club in the Protestant Hall the previous Thursday, special mention was made of two members of the club who had not missed a single practice session, one being Master Herbert Muddle. It's thought that Herbert later continued his sporting activities by taking up boxing.

Herbert was living in North Sydney, New South Wales and working as a painter when, at the age of 23, he married 22-year-old Eleanor Kate Bell Evans, known as Nell, at Christ Church in North Sydney on 10 May 1911. Eleanor was the daughter of George Frederick and Annie Evans, and she had been born at Violet Street, South Bathurst, New South Wales, which is about 90 miles west of Sydney, on 3 August 1888. Herbert and Eleanor had four children. The first was born in Rockdale registration district in Sydney during 1912; the next two in St Leonards registration district in Sydney in 1914 and 1916 During the First World War they were living at 5 Chuter Street, North Sydney when Herbert's brother Ernest, who was serving with the Australian Army at Gallipoli, made Herbert the sole beneficiary in his will. Then when their fourth child was born in 1926 they were living at 7 Chuter Street, North Sydney and Herbert was a master painter.

The deaths of both Herbert and Eleanor were registered in Chatswood registration district in Sydney during 1960. Herbert was about 73 years old, and Eleanor was about 72.

 

Herbert and Eleanor’s eldest child was Iris Marjorie Muddle, known as Dickie, whose birth was registered in Rockdale registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1912. Dickie died at her parents' home, 6 Chuter Street, North Sydney on 25 February 1918, when only 6 years old, and she was buried in plot 8 of row T of the Anglican section of Gore Hill Church of England Cemetery in St Leonards, Sydney on 26 February 1918. Her death notice was published in the 26 February 1918 edition of the Sydney Morning Herald.

 

 

Herbert and Eleanor’s second child was Allan George Muddle whose birth was registered in St Leonards registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1914. As a young man Allan was a member of the Australian Army Cadets or Reserves. Allan never married. He died when he was about 44 years old, his death being registered in Chatswood registration district in Sydney during 1958.

 

 

Herbert and Eleanor’s third child was Herbert Leslie Muddle whose birth was registered in St Leonards registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1916. Herbert sailed tourist class on the Umgeni of the P & O Line from Greenock in Scotland on 23 June 1942 bound for Sydney, Australia. On the passenger list Herbert's last address in England was given as the Imperial Hotel in Liverpool and his occupation as assistant storekeeper.[6] It's not know how Herbert had got to England but it might have been as a member of the crew of a merchant vessel as there were several other Australian seamen going to Australia as passengers on this voyage.

When he was about 26 years old Herbert married Edna May Hayes in North Sydney registration district during 1942. They had three children, the first was born in St Leonards registration district during 1943. Herbert had been living at Marayong in Sydney when he died on 21 August 1979, at the age of about 63.[7] Fourteen years later Edna had been living at Kallangur in Queensland when she died on 15 May 1993.[8]

 

 

Herbert and Eleanor’s fourth known child was Frank Ross Muddle, known as Ross, who was born at 7 Chuter Street in North Sydney, New South Wales on 26 June 1926.

During the Second World War Ross, at the age of 18, was living at Crows Nest in Sydney when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force at Sydney on 13 July 1944. He was Leading Aircraftman 164670 in the 60th Operational Base Unit when, on demobilisation, he was discharged on 28 June 1946. His conduct was described as very good and his RAAF trade had been Cook's Assistant. For his service Ross was awarded the Pacific Star, War Medal 1939-45 and Returned from Active Service Badge.

When he was 22 years old Ross married Rose Brackin, who was one day short of her 22 birthday, at Christ Church, Lavender Bay, North Sydney on 4 September 1948. Rose was born Kathleen Mary Cullen at Auburn, New South Wales on 5 September 1926, the daughter of Daniel Joseph Cullen and Muriel Downer. Kathleen's mother deserted the family and went to England with a man called Grimaldi. Kathleen's father then left Kathleen with friends while he went to work at Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, where he was found unconscious in a yard behind the Pier Hotel on 7 November 1937 and died in hospital a few hours later. Kathleen was then adopted by Richard and Lois Rose Hannah Brackin and given the name Rose Brackin.

Ross and Rose had five children, two sons and three daughters. Ross worked for HM Customs Australia for most of his working life. He died on the 17 January 1982 at the age of 55, and was buried in Arakoon Cemetery, which is on the New South Wales coast about 150 miles north of Newcastle. His grave is marked by an inscribed plaque.

 

George and Sarah’s third child was Amos Muddle whose birth was registered in Stroud registration district in New South Wales during 1890. When he was about 23 years old Amos married Mary Jane Frost, who was about 20, in Stroud registration district during 1913. Mary was the daughter of Alfred and Mary May Frost, and her birth had been registered in Stroud registration district during 1893. Amos and Mary had two children, the first born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1915, and the second in Stroud registration district during 1918. Mary died on 5 November 1959, at the age of 66, and she was buried in the Uniting Section of Dungog General Cemetery. Twelve years later Amos died on 7 November 1961, at the age of 71, and he was buried with his wife in the Uniting Section of Dungog General Cemetery. An inscribed headstone marks their grave.

 

Amos and Mary’s eldest child was Ernest Clyde Muddle whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1915. When he was about 29 years old Ernest married Doris Edna Cowell, who was about 28, in Chatswood registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1944. They had two children. Ernest had been living at Wentworthville in Sydney when he died on 27 June 1996, at the age of about 81.[9] Four years later Doris had been living at Pendle Hills in Sydney when she died on 11 August 2000, at the age of 84.[10]

 

Amos and Mary’s second child was Mavis Muddle who was born in Stroud registration district in New South Wales on 16 October 1918. When she was 21 years old Mavis married her 23-year-old 2nd cousin once removed Donald George Berry in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 21 October 1939. Donald was the son of George Randolph and Alice May Berry, and he had been born in Dungog registration district on 18 February 1916. See the section on Alice May Muddle on the page headed ‘Henry & Mary Muddle’s Family’ for Donald’s parents.

 

George and Sarah’s fourth child was Leslie James Muddle whose birth was registered in Taree registration district in New South Wales during 1892. Leslie’s birth had been registered as James Leslie Muddle but he seems to have always been known as Leslie James Muddle.

When he was about 31 years old Leslie married Gladys A May, who was about 28, in St Leonards registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1923. Gladys was the daughter of William and Maud May, and her birth had been registered in Redfern registration district in Sydney during 1895.

Leslie had been living at Baulkham Hills in north-west Sydney when he died in Parramatta registration district in Sydney on 19 May 1944, at the age of 52.[11] He was buried in the Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park Cemetery on 22 May 1944, where his headstone describes him as a husband and father.

 

George and Sarah’s fifth child was Ernest Muddle who was born in Dubbo, New South Wales in about July 1894.

During the First World War Ernest gave his occupation as bushman and was living with his parents at Macquarie Street in Dubbo when he enlisted in the Australian Army at Dubbo on 17 September 1914, as Private 881 in the 13th Australian Infantry Battalion. He was then 20 years old, 5ft 5ins tall, weighed 140lbs, had a 35ins chest that expanded to 37ins, and was of medium complexion with brown hair and eyes. He embarked on transport ship A38, HMAT Ulysses, at Melbourne, Victoria on 22 December 1914 for Alexandra in Egypt where he was one of the Australian and New Zealand troops training prior to being sent to fight in France.

But after the decision to invade the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey had been taken in early 1915 the Australian and New Zealand infantry in Egypt were formed into the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) that became part of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force that was to invade Gallipoli. Ernest joined this force on 12 April 1915 and was presumably involved in the landings that started on 25 April 1915. He had only been on the peninsula a few days when on the 2 May 1915 he received a gunshot wound in the neck and was transferred to Hospital Ship Gascon and then on to Alexandra. Six weeks later he was pronounced fit and on 14 June 1915 embarked on the Southland to return to the Gallipoli Peninsula where he rejoined his battalion on 20 June 1915.

After 7 weeks back on the peninsula, on 9 August 1915, he was wounded a second time, this time it was a bayonet wound on the left hand. He was sent to No 15 Stationary Hospital at Mudros on the Greek island of Lemnos, which is about 60 miles west of Gallipoli. But the wound was not serious and two weeks later, on 22 August 1915, he was admitted to the 24th Casualty Clearing Station at Mudros to return to active duty.

The evacuation of Gallipoli started in early November 1915 and was completed on 9 January 1916. After the evacuation Ernest became ill and was admitted to No 15 Stationary Hospital at Mudros on 24 January 1916 dangerously ill with pneumonia, and just 4 days later, on 28 January 1916, Ernest, aged 21 years and 6 months, died there of pneumonia. He was buried the same day in plot 3, row F, grave 173, of the East Mudros Military Cemetery on the island of Lemnos.

Ernest had made his will on 15 April 1915, just after becoming part of ANZAC for the invasion of the Gallipoli Peninsula; leaving all his property and effects to his brother Herbert, which resulted in the army sending Ernest's personal effects, consisting of identity disc, photos, letters and pocket note book, to Herbert, who received them on 4 August 1916. Ernest was awarded three campaign medals, the Victory Medal, the British War Medal and the 1914/15 Star, and his name is recorded as one of Australia's fallen on Memorial Panel 70 at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

 

 

George and Sarah’s sixth child was Allyn E Muddle whose birth was registered in Dubbo registration district in New South Wales during 1897. Allyn died soon after birth, his death being registered in Dubbo registration district during 1897.

 

George and Sarah’s seventh child was Sidney Clyde Muddle whose birth was registered in Dubbo registration district in New South Wales during 1900. When Sidney was about 28 years old he married Esme C Forbes in Newcastle registration district in New South Wales during 1928. They had a daughter born in Sydney in 1930. Sidney was a labourer living at Dungog when he died on 19 December 1965, at the age of 65, and was buried in the Anglican Section of Dungog General Cemetery on 21 December 1965.

 

George and Sarah’s eighth child was Harold Muddle whose birth was registered in Dubbo registration district in New South Wales during 1903. Harold died soon after birth, his death being registered in Dubbo registration district during 1903.

 

George and Elizabeth’s eighth child was Rose Muddle who was born at Lewisbrook in Paterson registration district in New South Wales on 25 April 1863.

When she was 22 years old Rose married 23-year-old George Henry Page at Newcastle in New South Wales on 15 June 1885. George, who added the second forename of Henry later in life, was the son of Thomas and Frances Page, and he had been born in Dungog in New South Wales on 22 July 1861. George and Rose had four children born in Dungog registration district between 1887 and 1892, the first of whom died when only 5 weeks old. They were living at Dungog, where George worked as a carrier, when Rose died on 29 July 1892, at the age of 29, from tuberculosis, two months after the birth of their fourth child. Rose was buried in the Anglican Section of Dungog Cemetery on 31 July 1892.

Three year after Rose’s death George, at the age of 34, married 23-year-old Elizabeth Jane Moore at Monkerai, which is about 15 miles north-east of Dungog, on 19 September 1895. Elizabeth was the daughter of William and Charlotte Moore, and she had been born in Port Stephens registration district on 21 May 1872. She was also a first cousin of George’s first wife, Rose Muddle, as Elizabeth’s father was a brother of Rose’s mother.

George and Elizabeth had two children born at Dungog in 1896 and 1903. Then in 1905 they moved to Horseshoe Creek near Kyogle, which is about 300 miles north of Dungog near the boarder with Queensland, where George drove a bullock team for Bob Walters and then worked on W S Walter’s farm. In 1911 George took land at Collins Creek and started dairy farming. He lived there until he died on 30 June 1921, at the age of 59, and was buried in Kyogle Cemetery on 2 July 1921. Thirty-three years later Elizabeth died in Kyogle registration district on 6 February 1954.

 

George and Rose’s eldest child was Emily Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 2 June 1887. Emily died at Dungog on 12 July 1887, when she was only 5 weeks old, and she was buried in the Anglican Section of Dungog General Cemetery on 13 July 1887.

 

George and Rose’s second child was Arthur Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 9 September 1888. Arthur married and had fifteen children. He died on 1 February 1969, at the age of 80.

 

George and Rose’s third child was Robert George Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 10 July 1890. Robert married and had ten children. He died at Kyogle in New South Wales on 24 March 1981, at the age of 90.

 

George and Rose’s fourth child was May Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during May 1892. May married and had six children. She died at Bendolba near Dungog on 3 November 1936, at the age of 44, and she was buried in St Peter’s Church of England Cemetery at Bendolba on 4 November 1936.

 

George and Elizabeth’s eldest child (George’s fifth) was Emily Charlotte Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 16 April 1896. Emily married and died on 9 May 1985, at the age of 89.

 

George and Elizabeth’s second child (George’s sixth) was Jack Page who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 16 January 1901. Jack married and he died in Lismore registration district in New South Wales on 22 September 1973, at the age of 72.

 

George and Elizabeth’s ninth child was  Sarah Jane Muddle whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1867. Sarah’s birth was registered with just the name Jane, but she had become Sarah Jane by the time she married. When she was about 24 years old Sarah married 33-year-old Henry Oscar Baker in Newcastle registration district in New South Wales during 1891. Henry was the son of William and Susan Baker, and his birth had been registered in Macdonald River registration district in New South Wales on 22 May 1858.

Henry and Sarah had five children; the first born in Kempsey registration district in New South Wales in 1890, the year before their marriage, and four born in Manly registration district in Sydney, New South Wales between 1892 and 1905. Sarah died when she was 63 years old, and she was buried in Manly Cemetery on 2 December 1930. Nine years later Henry died when he was nearly 81 years old, and he was buried in Manley Cemetery on 15 May 1939.

 

Henry and Sarah’s eldest child was Florence Amy Baker whose birth was registered in Kempsey registration district in New South Wales during 1890, the year before her parents' marriage. When she was about 20 years old Florence married Joseph Bloomfield, who was about 22, in Waterloo registration district in New South Wales in 1910. Joseph was the son of Samuel and Eliza Bloomfield and his birth had been registered in Manly registration district in Sydney, New South Wales in 1888. Joseph and Florence had six children born in Manly registration district between 1912 and 1922. Florence died when she was about 67 years old, her death being registered in Manley registration district in 1957. Seven years later Joseph died at North Manley on 14 August 1964.

 

Henry and Sarah’s second child was Henry Harold Baker whose birth was registered in Manly registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1892. When he was about 31 years old Henry married Ella May Erickson in Drummoyne registration district in New South Wales in 1923. Ella was the daughter of Samuel and Henrietta Erickson. Henry died in Manly registration district on 22 September 1951 when he was about 59 years old. Eighteen years later Ella died in Gosford registration district in New South Wales on 1 March 1969.

 

Henry and Sarah’s third child was Lillian Grace Baker whose birth was registered in Manly registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1900. When she was about 41 years old Lillian married David Russell Fraser in Manly registration district in 1941. They had at least one child before, after four years of marriage, David died, his death being registered in Liverpool registration district in Sydney in 1945.

 

Henry and Sarah’s fourth child was Edward Ernest Baker who was born in Manly registration district in Sydney, New South Wales on 1 October 1902. When he was about 32 years old Edward married Annie Helen Murphy, who was about 21, in Manly registration district in 1934. Annie had been born on 15 July 1913. Edward and Annie had four children born in Manly registration district between 1934 and 1944. Annie died in Manly registration district on 12 March 1982, at the age of 68. The following year Edward died in Manly registration district on 14 July 1983, at the age of 80.

 

Henry and Sarah’s fifth child was Ada Olive Baker whose birth was registered in Manly registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1905. When she was about 21 years old Ada married William Thomas Walters, who was about 24, in Manly registration district in 1926. William was the son of Thomas and Helen Walters and his birth had been registered in Camperdown registration district in Sydney in1902. William died in Manly registration district on 7 May 1972, when he was about 70 years old. Seven years later Ada died in Manly registration district on 29 September 1979, when she was about 74 years old.

 

George and Elizabeth’s tenth child was Elizabeth Ellen Muddle, known as Lily, whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1870. In 1890, when she was about 20 years old, Elizabeth had an illegitimate son. Then when she was about 25 years old Elizabeth married Alfred S Taylor, who was about 30, in Dungog registration district during 1895. Alfred was the son of Stephen and Hannah Taylor, and his birth had been registered in Dungog registration district during 1865. Alfred and Elizabeth had three children, a daughter born in 1895, and then twin sons born in 1897 who both died soon after birth. Alfred died on 21 July 1935, at the age of 70, and he was buried in the Anglican Section of Dungog General Cemetery. Nine years later Elizabeth died on 13 October 1944, at the age of 74, and she was buried with her husband in the Anglican Section of Dungog General Cemetery.

 

Elizabeth’s illegitimate child was Frank William Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 10 July 1890. Frank never married. He died when he was about 73 years old, his death being registered in Maitland registration district in New South Wales during 1963.

 

Alfred and Elizabeth’s eldest child was Olive Mary Taylor whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1895. Olive married and she died in 1974, when she was about 79 years old.

 

 

Alfred and Elizabeth’s next two children were unnamed twin boys whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1897. They both died soon after birth, their deaths being registered in Dungog registration district during 1897.

 

George and Elizabeth’s eleventh child was Ernest Edwin Muddle whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1873. When he was 10 years old Ernest became a bellringer at Christ Church in Dungog and continued and to be a bellringer there until his death some 59 years later.

When he was about 29 years old Ernest married Olive H Coleman, who was about 24, in Dungog registration district during 1902. Olive was the daughter of William and Jane Coleman, and her birth had been registered in Port Stephens registration district in New South Wales, which is to the north of Newcastle, during 1878. Olive already had two illegitimate children, a son born in 1898 and a daughter born in 1901, who had both been born in Stroud registration district. It seems likely that these had both been fathered by Ernest as they adopted the Muddle name. After their marriage Ernest and Olive had two children born in Dungog registration district in 1903 and 1905.

Then five years after the birth of their second child Olive died in Dungog registration district on 8 June 1910, at the age of 32 (not 33 as given on her burial record and headstone), and she was buried in the Anglican Section of Dungog General Cemetery. Ernest was living at Lord Street in Dungog when his son Claude enlisted in the army during 1916. Thirty-two years after Olive’s death Ernest died in Dungog registration district on 26 January 1942, at the age of 69, and he was buried with his wife in the Anglican Section of Dungog General Cemetery. Their grave is marked by an inscribed plaque

 

Olive’s first illegitimate child was Claude Coleman/Muddle who was born at Stroud in New South Wales on 11 June 1898. During the First World War Claude was an 18-year-old sawyer living at Stroud when he enlisted in the Australian Army on 10 November 1916. He was Private 2821 in the 9th Infantry Brigade of the 34th Australian Infantry Battalion when he embarked on transport ship A72, HMAT Beltana, at Sydney on 25 November 1916. He was Private 2821B in the 2nd Australian Infantry Battalion when he returned to Australia on 22 February 1919, after serving overseas.

During the Second World War Claude, at the age of 43, was living at Stroud when he enlisted in the Australian Army at Stroud on 11 February 1942. He was Private N470607 on part time duty with the 4th Battalion of the Australian Volunteer Defence Corps when he was discharged on 30 September 1945.

Claude never married, and he named his sister Isabella as his next of kin when he enlisted during the Second World War. He was spelling his surname Muddell when he died at Summer Hill in the Burwood registration district of Sydney on 7 April 1967, at the age of 68, and was buried in section 19, row 26, grave 3536 of the Anglican section of Rookwood Cemetery. The military plaque on his grave states that he was Private 2821 in the 2nd Battalion of the Australian Infantry Force.

 

Olive’s second illegitimate child was Sylvia Grace Coleman/Muddle, known as Grace, whose birth was registered in Stroud registration district in New South Wales during 1901. When she was about 21 years old Grace married James F Brooker, who was about 21, in Dungog registration district during 1923. James was the son of Frederick and Rose Brooker, and his birth had been registered in Paterson registration district during 1902. Grace died soon after her marriage, at Dungog on 2 July 1923, at the age of 21, and she was buried in the Anglican Section of Dungog General Cemetery on 3 July 1923. Her grave is marked by an inscribed headstone.

 

Ernest and Olive’s eldest child (Olive’s third) was Isabella Mary Muddle whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1903. When she was about 45 years old Isabella married Arthur Gordon Spencer, who was about 41 and known as Gordon, in Wallsend registration district in New South Wales, which is near Newcastle, during 1948. Gordon was the son of Thomas John and Mary Ann Spencer. Gordon and Isabella didn’t have any children.

Gordon died in Dungog registration district on 31 May 1960, at the age of 53, and he was buried in Dungog General Cemetery. Twenty-one years later Isabella died on 24 August 1981, at the age of 78, and she was buried with her husband in Dungog General Cemetery. Their grave is marked by an inscribed headstone.

 

 

Ernest and Olive’s second child (Olive’s fourth) was Lillian Glenthorne Muddle whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1905. When she was about 39 years old Lillian married Jack Osborn Hoad, who was about 33, in Wickham registration district in New South Wales, which is near Newcastle, during 1944. Jack had been born in Sydney in New South Wales on 16 January 1911. He had enlisted in the Australian Army at Gympie in Queensland on 10 July 1942 and was Corporal NX127140 in the 2/27 Australian Infantry Battalion when he was discharged on 4 January 1946.

Jack and Lillian had one child, a son. Lillian died on 5 June 1984, when she was about 79 years old (not 77 as given on her headstone), and she was buried in Dungog General Cemetery. Eleven years later Jack died on 31 March 1995, at the age of 84 (not 83 as given on his headstone), and he was buried with his wife in Dungog General Cemetery. Their grave is marked by an inscribed headstone.

Copyright © Derek Miller 2008-2016

Last updated 29 February 2016