THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

 

THE SUSSEX MUDDLE FAMILIES THE BUXTED MUDDLES

 

Chart of Henry & Mary Muddle's Family

 

Henry and Elizabeth’s eldest child was Lucy Ann Muddle, known as Lou, who was born at Inverell in New South Wales on 23 June 1870. In 1890, when she was about 20 years old, Lucy had an illegitimate son. Then when she was 24 years old Lucy married 25-year-old William George Oscar Young, known as Bill, at the Wesleyan Parsonage in Dungog, New South Wales on 24 December 1894. They were both then living in Dungog and William was working as a boot maker. William was the son of William and Maria Amelia Young, and he had been born at Footscray in Melbourne, Victoria on 17 August 1869.

William and Lucy had six children born between 1895 and 1914, one of whom died in infancy. They were living at Dingadee near Dungog when their first child was born, then when their second child was born in 1897 they were living at Narrabri, which is about 200 miles north-west of Dungog, and William was still working as a boot maker. They had moved back south to Newcastle when their third child was born in 1899, then when their fourth child was born in 1901 they were living at Gipp Street in Carrington, which is about 23 miles north-east of Newcastle and William was now working as a coal trimmer. They then moved to Bruce Street in Newcastle where their fourth child died in mid-1904, aged 2, and their fifth child was born in 1905; William was now a labourer.

When their daughter Daphne married at Newcastle in 1915 William was described as being a commercial traveller, and it was probably about this time that William and Lucy separated and William went back to Melbourne to live. William died in the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne on 7 March 1926, at the age of 56, from myocarditis aortitis (inflammation of the heart muscle and the aorta), and he was buried in Burwood Cemetery on 15 March 1926.

In the 1930 New South Wales Electoral Roll Lucy was listed as living at Bendolba near Dungog, which was where her mother was living when she died at the end of 1929, so Lucy had probably been living with her mother. Five years later Lucy had been living at Wallarobba, just to the south of Dungog, when she died in Dungog Cottage Hospital on 14 September 1935, at the age of 65, from pulmonary embolism and femoral perlebritis. She was buried in the same grave as her daughter Florence in the Anglican Section of Sandgate Cemetery in Sandgate near Newcastle, section 47, lot 40, on 16 September 1935. Their grave is marked by a kerb. An obituary for Lucy was published in the 17 September 1935 edition of the Dungog Chronicle.

 

Lucy’s illegitimate son was Kenneth Graham Muddle who was born at Dungog in New South Wales on 25 March 1890. Kenneth's birth was registered under the name Kenneth Graham Muddle, but it was probably after his mother married William George Oscar Young in 1894 that he started to be known by the name Kenneth James Young, which was finally officially recorded on his birth certificate on 17 March 1953.

When he was 24 years old Kenneth married 18-year-old Mabel Muddle, known as Rosie, at Telegra near Dungog on 19 August 1914 by the Presbyterian religion. Kenneth was then a labourer and they were both living at Telegra. Mabel was Kenneth’s 1st cousin once removed. Kenneth and Mabel had three children born between 1915 and 1920 before Kenneth petitioned for divorce in 1922, their marriage was dissolved on 3 June 1924.

Kenneth’s second marriage, at the age of 34, was to 35-year-old spinster Emily Dickie at 139 Castlereagh Street in Sydney on 18 October 1924 by the Methodist religion. Kenneth was then a labourer living at Darlinghurst in Sydney, and Emily was a dressmaker living in Sydney. Emily was the daughter of Joseph and Ellen Dickie, and she had been born at Brisbane in Queensland in 1889. Kenneth and Emily didn't have any children. When his mother died in 1935 Kenneth was living at Homebush in Sydney. Emily died in Burwood registration district in Sydney during 1945, when she was about 56 years old. Kenneth was a foreman biscuit maker. He had been living with his sister Marjorie and her husband at 22 Burchmore Road in Manly Vale, Sydney when he died in Rockcastle Private Hospital, Harbord, Sydney on 24 August 1964, at the age of 74, from congestive cardiac failure, lobar pneumonia and diabetes. Kenneth was cremated at the Northern Suburbs Crematorium on 25 August 1964.

Mabel’s second marriage, using her maiden name of Muddle, was to Arthur Henry Stow in Hamilton registration district near Newcastle in New South Wales during 1924. Arthur was the son of Frederick and Susan Stow; his birth had been registered in Dungog registration district during 1892, and during the First World War he was Private 2162 in the 30th Australian Infantry Battalion, serving from 10 September 1915 to 22 May 1919. Arthur and Mabel had three children born between about 1926 and 1931. They were living at 15 Albion Street in Mayfield East near Newcastle when Mabel died in Mater Misericordiae Hospital at Waratah near Newcastle on 2 August 1957, at the age of 60, from chronic myeloid leukaemia that she had suffered from for several years. She was buried in the Anglican Section of Dungog General Cemetery on 5 August 1957. Eleven years later Arthur died on 9 March 1968, at the age of 76, and he was buried with his wife in the Anglican Section of Dungog General Cemetery. Their grave is marked by an inscribed headstone.

 

Kenneth and Mabel’s eldest child was Alick John Young who was born at Dungog in New South Wales on 24 November 1915. Alick married and had two children. He died at Georgetown in Newcastle on 27 March 1988, at the age of 72, and he is commemorated on the columbarium in Christ Church Anglican Church in Dungog.

 

Kenneth and Mabel’s second child was Gregory Douglas Young who was born at Dungog in New South Wales on 30 May 1917. Gregory married and had two children. He died in the John Hunter Hospital at New Lambton Heights in Newcastle on 14 February 1994, at the age of 76.

 

Kenneth and Mabel’s third child was Merle Young who was born at Dungog in New South Wales during 1920. When her parents divorced Merle, at the age of 2, was 'adopted' by her mother's brother George and his wife Emma. Merle married in 1945 and she died in 1974, when she was about 54.

 

William and Lucy’s eldest child (Lucy’s second) was Arthur Edwin Charles Young who was born at Dingadee near Dungog in New South Wales on 17 September 1895. When his mother died in 1935 Arthur was living in Sydney. Arthur died when he was about 71 years old, his death being registered in Hurstville registration district in Sydney during 1966.

 

William and Lucy’s second child (Lucy’s third) was Daphne Amelia May Young who was born at Narrabri in New South Wales on 13 May 1897. When she was about 18 years old Daphne married 18-year-old John Joseph Pearce at St John's Church in Newcastle, New South Wales on 20 July 1915. They were both then living in Newcastle and John was working as a chauffeur. John was the son of Henry Richard and Katherine Mary Pearce, and he had been born at Woollahara in Sydney on 1 September 1896. John and Daphne had three children, but the third, a son, died two days after being born in June 1919. Then about a week later Daphne died in Mater Misericordiae Hospital in Waratah near Newcastle in New South Wales on 29 June 1919, at the age of 22, from pneumonic influenza in the influenza epidemic. She was buried in the same grave as her son in the Catholic Section of Sandgate Cemetery in Sandgate near Newcastle, section 24, lot 5, on 30 June 1919; the grave has no monument to mark it. John remarried two years later and had seven more children. He died when he was about 90 years old, his death being registered in Cooranbong registration district in New South Wales during 1986.

 

John and Daphne’s eldest child was Joyce Irene Pearce who was born at Newcastle in New South Wales on 27 December 1915.

 

John and Daphne’s second child was John Vauxhall Pearce who was born at Merewether near Newcastle in New South Wales on 6 May 1917. John married and had seven children. He died in Mater Misericordiae Hospital at Waratah near Newcastle on 13 July 1977, at the age of 60.

 

John and Daphne’s third child was Arthur Edward Pearce who was born at Adamstown near Newcastle in New South Wales during June 1919. Arthur died at Adamstown during June 1919, when he was only 2 days old, and he was buried in the Catholic Section of Sandgate Cemetery in Sandgate near Newcastle, section 24, lot 5, on 23 June 1919. A week later his mother was buried in the same grave, which has no monument to mark it.

 

William and Lucy’s third child (Lucy’s fourth) was Walter Henry J Young who was born in Newcastle registration district in New South Wales on 16 June 1899. When he was 20 years old Walter married 17-year-old Alma Myra Roese in Waratah registration district in New South Wales on 24 December 1919. Alma was the daughter of Frederick and Mary Roese, and her birth had been registered in Lambton registration district in New South Wales during 1902. Walter and Alma had three children born between 1920 and 1939. Walter was living at 12 James Street in West Maitland when he registered his mother's death in 1935. Walter died in Maitland registration district in New South Wales on 29 December 1964, at the age of 65.

 

William and Lucy’s fourth child (Lucy’s fifth) was Florence Elizabeth Young who was born at Gipp Street in Carrington, New South Wales on 14 September 1901. Florence died at Bruce Street in Newcastle, New South Wales on 14 July 1904, at the age of 2, from pneumonia, empyema and exhaustion, and she was buried in the Anglican Section of Sandgate Cemetery in Sandgate near Newcastle, section 47, lot 40, on 15 July 1904. Her mother was later buried in the same grave which is marked by a kerb.

 

William and Lucy’s fifth child (Lucy’s sixth) was William George Young who was born at Bruce Street in Newcastle, New South Wales on 5 March 1905. When he was 20 years old William married Daisy Joyce Hastings, who was about 26 years old, in Dungog registration district during 1925. Daisy was the daughter of David and Clara Hastings and her birth had been registered in Gosford registration district during 1899. William and Daisy had six children born between about 1927 and 1939, and William worked as a labourer. When his mother died in 1935 William was living at Nambucca, which is on the coast about 180 miles north of Newcastle. They were living at 66 Ridge Street in Nambucca Heads when William died in the Repatriation General Hospital in Concord, Sydney on 20 May 1973, at the age of 68, from a cerebral vascular accident and generalised atherosclerosis. He was buried in the Church of England Section of Nambucca Heads General Cemetery on 23 May 1973. Eighteen years later Daisy died on 19 July 1991, at the age of 91, and she was buried beside her husband in the Church of England Section of Nambucca Heads General Cemetery. Their graves are at plot 35 in row J, and William's grave has the Returned Soldier Emblem on it so he presumably served during the Second World War.

 

 

William and Lucy’s sixth child (Lucy’s seventh) was Marjorie Irene Young who was born in New South Wales on 3 November 1914. When her mother died in 1935 Marjorie was living at Bendolba near Dungog. When she was about 21 years old Marjorie married Frederick G Pocock in West Maitland registration district during 1935. They were living at 22 Burchmore Road in Manly Vale, Sydney when Frederick registered the death of Marjorie's brother, Kenneth James Young, in 1964. Kenneth had been living with them before his death in hospital.

 

Henry and Elizabeth’s second child was Frederick John Muddle, known as Jack, who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 5 June 1872. When he was about 22 years old Frederick married Martha Sleith Robson, who was about 21, in Dungog registration district during 1894. Martha was the daughter of William and Jane Robson, and she had been born in Dungog registration district on 28 July 1873. Frederick and Martha had six children born in Dungog registration district between 1894 and 1904. Martha died in Dungog registration district on 27 April 1907, at the age of about 33, and she was buried in the Uniting Section of Dungog General Cemetery where her grave is marked by an inscribed headstone.

 

 

Two years after Martha’s death Frederick, at the age of about 37, married Ellenetta Victoria Haggarty, who was about 44 and known as Victoria, in Dungog registration district during 1909. Victoria was the daughter of James and Jane Haggarty, and she had been born in Dungog registration district on 2 October 1865. Frederick and Victoria had one child born in Dungog registration district in 1910. When his mother died in 1935 Frederick was living at Dungog. Victoria died in Dungog registration district on 12 February 1936, at the age of 70, and she was buried in the Anglican Section of Dungog General Cemetery. Frederick died in Dungog registration district on 8 May 1947, at the age of 74, and he was buried with his wife in Dungog General Cemetery. Their grave is marked by an inscribed plaque.

 

Frederick and Martha’s eldest child was Alice May Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 3 November 1894. When she was 19 years old Alice married George Randolph Berry, who was about 20, in Dungog registration district on 25 August 1914. George was the son of Edward and Annie Berry, and his birth had been registered in Dungog registration district during 1894. George and Alice had eight children born between 1915 and 1932.

George died at Dungog on 9 January 1961, at the age of 66. Twenty-six years later Alice died on 14 October 1987, at the age of 92. They are buried together in the Baptist Section of Dungog General Cemetery, and an inscribed headstone marks their grave.

In the book A Centenary of Memories - Dungog Chronicle 1888-1998 on page 133 it states:

69 Years Service November 26. In 1911, Mr. G. R. Berry purchased a milk run in Dungog. Next Saturday his son Don will retire from the same milk run. Not a bad effort for a father and son team. Don has disposed of his run to Mr. David Berry, present proprietor of the other milk run in Dungog. Don said it was about 1930 he officially went to work for his father. 'I left school then but naturally I had been doing the run for a few years before that.' He said 'Dad paid 26 pnds for the horse, cart and utensils, and said it was a lot of money to raise in those days. He bought the run off a Mr. Haines. We used to deliver twice a day and between times handled ice deliveries and milked our own cows.

 

Frederick and Martha’s second child was Jane Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 16 May 1897. When she was 22 years old Jane married Ernest Mooney, who was about 30, in Dungog registration district on 20 December 1919. Ernest was the son of John and Sarah Mooney, and his birth had been registered in Stroud registration district in New South Wales during 1889. Ernest and Jane had one child, a daughter.

Jane died when she was about 68 years old, her death being registered in Newcastle registration district in New South Wales during 1965. Eleven years later Ernest died when he was about 87 years old, his death being registered in Newcastle registration district during 1976.

 

Frederick and Martha’s third child was Edna Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 7 May 1899. Edna died on 7 September 1899, when she was only 4 months old.

 

Frederick and Martha’s fourth child was Mary M I Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 21 August 1900. When she was 20 years old Mary married Patrick Joseph Ryan in Sydney registration district in New South Wales on 20 September 1920. Patrick was the son of Patrick and Mary Ryan, and he had been born on 4 March 1899. Patrick and Mary had two children; the first born at Waverley in Sydney in 1921 and the second at Lismore in northern New South Wales in 1923. Patrick died in Chatswood registration district in Sydney on 1 July 1936, when he was 37 years old. Mary died on 31 August 1979, at the age of 79.

 

Frederick and Martha’s fifth child was Linda Mabel Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 1 January 1902. When she was 44 years old Linda married Alfred Richards in Islington registration district in Newcastle, New South Wales on 9 June 1946. Alfred died during October 1985.

 

Frederick and Martha’s sixth child was Edith Eileen Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 27 February 1904. When she was 20 years old Edith married 21-year-old William Onslow in Dungog registration district on 3 November 1924. William had been born on 12 June 1902. William and Edith had one child, a son, born at Gloucester in New South Wales five months before they married.

 

Frederick and Victoria’s only child (Frederick’s seventh) was Freda Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 15 December 1910. When she was about 21 years old Freda married William S Webber, who was about 22, in West Maitland registration district in New South Wales during 1931. William had been born on 28 July 1909. William and Freda had five children born between 1931 and 1954. William died on 8 February 1978, at the age of 68.

 

Henry and Elizabeth’s third child was Arthur Henry Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 13 September 1874. When he was about 22 years old Arthur married Maud Alice Teague, who was about 18, during 1896 at Kempsey in New South Wales, which is about 110 miles north-east of Dungog on the Pacific Highway and 10 miles in from the coast. Maud was the daughter of Charles and Alice Teague, and her birth had been registered under the name Alice Maud Teague in Macleay River registration district in New South Wales during 1878. Arthur and Maud had six children born at Kempsey between 1897 and 1911. Arthur was a farmer at West Kempsey where he owned four Lots of land in Verge's Subdivision of the Clenugie Estate, and he also owned three Lots of land in the Concord area of Sydney.

Arthur died at 51 Wardell Road, Undercliffe, Canterbury, Sydney on Saturday 29 June 1929, at the age of 54 when he committed suicide by cutting his throat. This was the verdict of an inquiry into his death held at the City Coroner's Court in Sydney on 8 July 1929. He was buried in Kempsey West General Cemetery on 3 July 1929. Arthur's death was reported in 1 July 1929 edition of The Argus of Melbourne, Victoria:

FOUND DEAD IN CREEK

SYDNEY, Sunday. - The body of Arthur Henry Muddle, aged 52 years, retired farmer, was found in a creek near his home at Undercliff on Saturday. Muddle's throat had been cut, and there was a razor near by. Muddle left home in the morning with the intention of inspecting a building in the district. The police say that he was worried about some property at Dungog.

Arthur had made his will on 30 September 1926 and in it he described himself as a farmer of Kempsey. Probate of Arthur's will valued his dutiable estate at £4079. In his will Arthur made the following bequests: his land that was Lot 16 of the Tulloch Estate in the Municipality of Concord to his daughter Evelyn Cook; his land that was Lots 46 and 47 of the Yaralla Estate in the Municipality of Concord to his daughter Gladys Wrightson; his land that was Lot 43 of Verge's Subdivision of the Glenugie Estate in West Kempsey to his wife absolutely; his land that was Lot 42 of Verge's said subdivision together with the house thereon to his wife for her sole use and benefit during her lifetime and after her death to his three daughters Netta Muddle, Esma Muddle and Minna Muddle as Tenants in Common in equal shares; his farm that was Lots 31 and 35 of Verge's said subdivision to his wife for her sole use and benefit during her lifetime and after her death to son Arthur Lester Muddle absolutely; all his money held in current account and fixed deposit to his wife and all his children in equal shares; and any residue of his estate was to go to his wife. Arthur made his wife and Norman Leopold Parker joint executors of his will.[2]

Twenty-eight years after Arthur's death Maud died in Kempsey registration district on 2 June 1957, at the age of 79 and she was buried with her husband in Kempsey West General Cemetery. Their grave is marked by an inscribed headstone.

 

Arthur and Maud’s eldest child was Eveline Maud Muddle whose birth was registered in Kempsey registration district in northern New South Wales during 1897. When she was about 18 years old Eveline married Frederick William Leslie Cook, who was about 21, in Glebe registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1915. Frederick was the son of Francis and Mary Cook, and his birth had been registered in Bellingen registration district in northern New South Wales during 1894. Frederick and Eveline had two children; the first was born at Newtown in Sydney during 1916. When Frederick registered his father-in-law's death in 1929 they were living at 20 Blackboard Avenue, Dulwich Hill, Sydney. When Eveline's father died in 1929 Eveline inherited his land that was Lot 16 of the Tulloch Estate in the Municipality of Concord, Sydney, and also a seventh share of the money he had on deposit. Frederick died in Kempsey registration district in New South Wales during 1939 when he was about 45 years old.

Twenty-four years after Frederick's death Eveline married Hugh Branford at Newcastle during 1963. Hugh was the son of Walter and Eveline Branford; he had been born at Narborough in Leicestershire, England and his birth registered during the 1st quarter of 1897. Hugh had been living at Kempsey when he died on 1 February 1976, at the age of 79. His obituary was published in the 27 February 1976 edition of the Guardian News of Nambucca Heads. Three years later Eveline had been living at Kempsey when she died in 1979, when about 82 years old. A probate notice for her was published in the 22 December 1979 edition of the Macleay Argus of Kempsey.

 

Arthur and Maud’s second child was Ida Gladys Muddle, known as Gladys, whose birth was registered in Kempsey registration district in northern New South Wales during 1898. When she was about 20 years old Gladys married Harold Wrightson, who was about 30, in Kempsey registration district during 1918. Harold was the son of Thomas and Janet Wrightson, and his birth had been registered in Newcastle registration district in New South Wales during 1888. Harold and Gladys had five children, two of whom died at Waratah in New South Wales in 1920 and 1924. When her father died in 1929 Gladys inherited his land that was Lots 46 and 47 of the Yaralla Estate in the Municipality of Concord, Sydney, and also a seventh share of the money he had on deposit. Harold died in Newtown registration district in Sydney on 7 February 1973, when he was about 85 years old. Three years later Gladys died when she was about 78 years old, her death being registered during 1976.

 

Arthur and Maud’s third child was Arthur Lester Muddle, known as Lester, who was born in Kempsey registration district in northern New South Wales on 30 August 1901. When he was about 24 years old Lester married Doris Smith in Balmain North registration district in central Sydney, New South Wales during December 1925. Doris had been born in Victoria on 29 June 1901. They had three children born at Kempsey in northern New South Wales between 1926 and 1939. When his father died in 1929 Lester inherited a seventh share of the money his father had on deposit, and then after his mother's death in 1957, under the terms of his father's will, he inherited his father's farm that was Lots 31 and 35 of Verge's Subdivision of the Glenugie Estate in West Kempsey. Lester had been living at Kempsey when he died in Camelot Nursing Home at Maroubra in Sydney on 22 November 1981, at the age of 80.[3] He was buried in Kempsey East Cemetery. Fifteen years later Doris had been living at Kempsey when she died on 23 June 1995, just six days short of her 94th birthday.[4] She was buried with her husband in Kempsey East Cemetery. Their grave is marked by an inscribed headstone.

 

 

Arthur and Maud’s fourth child was Netta M Muddle whose birth was registered in Kempsey registration district in northern New South Wales during 1903. When she was about 24 years old Netta married Thomas Julian Conners, who was about 26, in Marrickville registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1927. They had two children. When her father died in 1929 Netta inherited a seventh share of the money her father had on deposit, and then after her mother's death in 1957, under the terms of her father's will, she inherited a third share of her father's land that was Lot 42 of Verge's Subdivision of the Glenugie Estate in West Kempsey together with the house thereon as tenants in common with her sisters Esma and Minna. Thomas died in Kempsey registration district on 7 October 1970, when he was about 69 years old. Nine years later Netta died on 11 May 1979, when she was about 76 years old.

 

Arthur and Maud’s fifth child was Esma Adelene Muddle whose birth was registered in Kempsey registration district in northern New South Wales during 1908. When her father died in 1929 Esma inherited a seventh share of the money her father had on deposit, and then after her mother's death in 1957, under the terms of her father's will, she inherited a third share of her father's land that was Lot 42 of Verge's Subdivision of the Glenugie Estate in West Kempsey together with the house thereon as tenants in common with her sisters Netta and Minna.

When she was about 25 years old Esma married Gordon Llewellyn Leech, who was about 25, in Kempsey registration district during 1933. Gordon had been born at Parramatta in New South Wales during 1908. Gordon and Esma had four children. Gordon died at Gosford in New South Wales on 16 July 1991. The following year Esma died at Wyoming in New South Wales on 17 August 1992.

 

Arthur and Maud’s sixth child was Minna Page Muddle who was born at Kempsey in northern New South Wales on 7 November 1911. When her father died in 1929 Minna inherited a seventh share of the money her father had on deposit, and then after her mother's death in 1957, under the terms of her father's will, she inherited a third share of her father's land that was Lot 42 of Verge's Subdivision of the Glenugie Estate in West Kempsey together with the house thereon as tenants in common with her sisters Netta and Esma.

When she was 22 years old Minna married 23-year-old Dudley David Raye Rankin in Five Dock registration district in Sydney, New South Wales on 20 October 1934. Dudley had been born at Oakey in Queensland on 29 July 1911. Dudley and Minna had four children born in Sydney between 1936 and 1948. Minna died at Arncliffe in Sydney on 13 July 1989, at the age of 77. Five years later Dudley died at Kogarah in Sydney on 16 October 1994, at the age of 83.

 

Henry and Elizabeth’s fourth child was Sydney Muddle/Muddell whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1876. When he was about 28 years old Sydney married Mabel Annie Poole, who was about 18, in Raymond Terrace registration district in New South Wales, which is about 30 miles south of Dungog, during 1904. Mabel was the daughter of Daniel and Annie Poole, and her birth had been registered in Patricks Plain registration district in New South Wales during 1886. Sydney and Mabel had one child born in Raymond Terrace registration district during 1905, probably after Sydney’s death, which was in Dungog registration district on 15 January 1905, when he was 28 years old. Sydney was buried in the Uniting Section of Dungog General Cemetery. Sydney was married and buried, and his child was born, under the name Sidney Muddell, but his death was registered as Sydney Muddle.

Five years later Mabel, at the age of about 24, married Cecil Charles Chapman, who was about 24, in Kurri Kurri registration district in New South Wales, which is about 20 miles west of Raymond Terrace, during 1910. Cecil was the son of John and Matilda Chapman, and his birth had been registered in Ryde registration district in New South Wales during 1886. Cecil and Mabel had one child, a son, born in Kurri Kurri registration district during 1911. Mabel died when she was about 68 years old, her death being registered in Wyong registration district in New South Wales, which is about 45 miles north of Sydney, during 1954. Eighteen years later Cecil died when he was about 86 years old, his death being registered in Wyong registration district during 1972.

 

Sydney and Mabel’s only child was Sidney Daniel Wallace Muddell whose birth was registered in Raymond Terrace registration district in New South Wales during 1905. When he was about 23 years old Sidney married Gladys S Burford in Newcastle registration district in New South Wales during 1928. Sidney died in New South Wales during 1981, when he was about 76 years old.

 

Cecil and Mabel’s only child (Mabel’s second) was Wilfred C Chapman whose birth was registered in Kurri Kurri registration district in New South Wales during 1911.

 

Henry and Elizabeth’s fifth child was Mabel Annie Muddle, known as Annie, who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 4 July 1879. When she was 32 years old Mabel married widower Charles Turfit Middlebrook, who was about 42, in Dungog registration district during 1911. Charles was the son of Turfit and Mary Ann Middlebrook, and his birth had been registered in Dungog registration district during 1869. Charles had married Alice Jane Barnes in 1899 and they had three children before Alice died in 1908.

Charles and Mabel had six children; the first three were born in Dungog registration district between 1911 and 1914. Their fourth child was born in Dunedoo registration district, which is about 140 miles west of Dungog, in 1915, and then their fifth child was born back in Dungog registration district in 1918.

When her mother died in 1935 Mabel was living at Myall Creek. Charles was a farmer living at Bendolba near Dungog when he died on 22 April 1937, at the age of 68. He was buried in St Peter's Church of England Cemetery at Bendolba on 23 April 1937. Mabel was living at Myall Creek in New South Wales when she died on 4 May 1953, at the age of 73. She was buried in St Peter's Church of England Cemetery at Bendolba on 6 May 1953.

 

Charles and Mabel’s eldest child was Victor Harold Middlebrook whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1911.

 

Charles and Mabel’s second child was Frederick Sydney Middlebrook, known as Sid, whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1913.

 

Charles and Mabel’s third child was Winifred May Middlebrook whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1914.

 

Charles and Mabel’s fourth child was Mabel Edith Middlebrook, known as Faith, who was born in Dunedoo registration district in New South Wales on 4 May 1915. When she was about 29 years old Mabel married her 1st cousin Ray Kingsford Page Muddle, known as Dick, who was about 25 years old, in Dungog registration district during 1944. Ray was the son of Leslie and Lily Muddle, and he had been born at Bendolba in Dungog registration district, New South Wales on 3 June 1919. See the section below on Ray Kingsford Page Muddle for the rest of their lives and also Ray’s ancestry.

 

Charles and Mabel’s fifth child was Edna Grace Middlebrook whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1918.

 

Charles and Mabel’s sixth child was Clarice Middlebrook.

 

Henry and Elizabeth’s sixth child was Nellie Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 27 January 1882. When she was 21 years old Nellie married 29-year-old William Irwin, known as Bill, at the home of her brother Frederick in Dungog on 11 March 1903. William was the son of John and Elizabeth Irwin, and he had been born at Tillegra near Bendolba in Dungog registration district on 15 January 1874. The marriage was reported (with at least one error as one of the bridesmaids couldn't have been the bride's sister Alice as both sisters called Alice had died in infancy, it was probably the bride's niece Alice the daughter of the bride's brother Frederick) in the 17 March 1903 edition of the Dungog Chronicle:

The marriage of Miss Nellie Muddle, youngest daughter of Mr H Muddle of Bendolba, & Mr William Irwin, the youngest son of the late Mr John Irwin of Tillegra, was celebrated at the residence of Mr F J Muddle of Dungog on Wednesday 11th inst, the ceremony being performed by Rev R Mowbray. The bride, who was given away by her brother Mr F J Muddle, was gowned in white floral silk, with a fichu of lace & chiffon & wore a chiffon hat trimmed with feathers & orange blossoms. The bridesmaids, Misses Alice Muddle (sister of the bride), & Clara Flaherty, were prettily attired in cream muslin. Mr Harry Muddle brother of the bride, acted as best man. The many friends of the young couple recognising the occasion presented them with numerous valuable & useful gifts, besides which numerous letters & telegrams of congratulations were also received.

William and Nellie had two children born in Dungog registration district in 1903 and 1905. When her mother died in 1935 Nellie was living at Telegra (modern spelling Tillegra), which is an area of scattered farms in the district of Munni on the Williams River about 8 miles north of Dungog. William was a farmer living at Telegra when he died on 21 February 1951, at the age of 77 (not 78 as given on his headstone). He was buried in St Peter's Church of England Cemetery at Bendolba, which is just to the east of Telegra, on 22 February 1951. Sixteen years later Nellie was still living at Telegra when she died on 17 May 1967, at the age of 85. She was buried with her husband in St Peter's Church of England Cemetery at Bendolba on 18 May 1967. An inscribed headstone marks their grave.

 

William and Nellie’s eldest child was Eric John Irwin whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1903. When he was about 25 years old Eric married Winifred M Ready, who was about 22, in Dungog registration district during 1928. Winifred was the daughter of Oliver and Ann Ready, and her birth had been registered in Bundarra registration district in New South Wales, which is about 200 miles north of Newcastle, during 1906. Eric and Winifred had two children, Jim and Thea. Eric died on 20 March 1980, at the age of 76, and he is commemorated on the columbarium at Christ Church Anglican Church in Dungog.

 

William and Nellie’s second child was Kenneth Irwin whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1905. When he was about 21 years old Kenneth married Mary Frances Jane Bignell in Waratah registration district in New South Wales during 1926. Kenneth and Mary had one child, a daughter. Mary’s death was registered in Hamilton registration district in New South Wales during 1969. Four years later Kenneth died when he was about 68 years old, his death being registered in Newcastle registration district in New South Wales during 1973.

 

Henry and Elizabeth’s seventh child was Harry Muddle, also known as Henry, who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 4 August 1884. When he was about 23 years old Harry married Mary M Moy in Newcastle registration district in New South Wales during 1907. Before their first child was born the family name was changed to Muddell. They had six children born in Sydney registration district between 1908 and 1921. In the 1925 New South Wales electoral roll Harry and Mary were listed as living at 455 Crown Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, and Harry's occupation was fitter. During the Second World War Harry was 58 years old and living at Hunters Hill in Sydney when he enlisted in the Australian Army at Gladesville in Sydney on 16 February 1943. He was Private N458197 in the 28th Battalion of the Volunteer Defence Corps when he was discharged on 21 May 1945. Mary's death was registered in Sydney registration district in New South Wales during 1951. The following year Harry died in Sydney registration district at the age of 67 (not 68 as given on his burial record), and he was buried in the Eastern Suburbs Memorial Park Cemetery on 24 March 1952.

 

Harry and Mary’s eldest child was James Henry Muddell, known as Jim, who was born in Sydney registration district in New South Wales on 20 November 1908. His birth had been registered as Henry James Muddell but he was always known as James Henry Muddell. During the Second World War James was 33 years old and living at Hunters Hill in Sydney when he enlisted in the Australian Army at Paddington in Sydney on 3 March 1942. He was Private NX91025 in the 2/17th Battalion of the 13/14th RFTS when he was discharged on 24 September 1944.

When he was about 39 years old James married Ella Frances Bissaker, who was about 35, in Manly registration district in Sydney during 1947. Ella was the daughter of Charles Edward and Winifred Jean Bissaker; she had been born on 25 April 1912 and had previously been married to Walter George Pomroy Elly. James and Ella had four children born between 1946 and 1952. Ella had been living at Drummoyne in Sydney when she died on 28 January 1978, at the age of 65.[5] Two years later James had been living at Drummoyne in Sydney when he died on 1 May 1980, at the age of 71.[6]

 

Harry and Mary’s second child was Frederick Richard Muddell who was born in Sydney registration district in New South Wales on 19 May 1910. When he was 26 years old Frederick married 26-year-old Cecily Ellen Willis in Hunters Hill registration district in Sydney on 3 October 1936. Cecily had been born in Sydney on 18 August 1910. Frederick and Cecily had three children. Cecily had been living at Gladesville in Sydney when she died on the 19 August 1994, at the age of 84.[7] The following year Frederick had been living at Gladesville in Sydney when he died on the 29 April 1995, at the age of 84.[8]

 

Harry and Mary’s third child was William L Muddell whose birth was registered in Sydney registration district in New South Wales during 1912. William died when only about 2 years old, his death being registered in Annandale registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1914.

 

Harry and Mary’s fourth child was John Edward Muddell, known as Jack, whose birth was registered in Sydney registration district in New South Wales during 1914. John died on 24 July 1985, when he was about 71 years old.

 

Harry and Mary’s fifth child was Winifred M Muddell whose birth was registered in Sydney registration district in New South Wales during 1918. Winifred died in 1919, when she was about 1 year old.

 

Harry and Mary’s sixth child was Ronald Bernard Muddell who was born in Sydney registration district in New South Wales on 10 July 1921. During the Second World War Ronald was 20 years old and living at Hunters Hill in Sydney when he enlisted in the Australian Army at West Ryde in Sydney on 14 October 1941. He was Sapper N175651 in the 17th Field Company when he was discharged on 23 May 1946. Ronald died on 8 January 2000, at the age of 78.[9]

 

Henry and Elizabeth’s eighth child was Alice Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 20 October 1886. Alice died at Dungog on 3 March 1887, when only 4 months old, and she was buried at Christ Church in Dungog on 4 March 1887.

 

Henry and Elizabeth’s ninth child was Alice Hilda Muddle who was born at Clarence Town in Dungog registration district, New South Wales on 6 July 1888. Alice died at Dungog on 20 December 1888, when only 5 months old, and she was buried at Christ Church in Dungog on 21 December 1888.

 

Henry and Elizabeth’s tenth child was Leslie Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 25 March 1890. When he was about 24 years old Leslie married Lily Bland,who was about 19, in Dungog registration district during 1914. Lily was the daughter of Horace and Kathleen Bland, and she had been born at Dungog on 7 November 1895. Leslie and Lily had eight children born at Dungog between 1915 and 1933. Leslie was a retired labourer living at Bendolba near Dungog when he died on 7 February 1958, at the age of 67, and was buried in St Peter's Church of England Cemetery at Bendolba on 8 February 1958. Two months later Lily was living at Dungog when she died on 21 April 1958, at the age of 62 (not 63 as was recorded on her burial record), and she was buried with her husband St Peter's Church of England Cemetery at Bendolba on 22 April 1958.

 

Leslie and Lily’s eldest child was Ronald Leslie Leonard Muddle who was born at Bendolba in Dungog registration district, New South Wales on 19 August 1915. During the Second World War Ronald was 25 years old and living at Dungog when he enlisted in the Royal Australian Air Force at Sydney on 9 October 1940. He was Leading Aircraftman 34250 at 5 Service Flying Training School when he was discharged on 23 November 1945.

When he was 25 years old and in the Air Force Ronald married 26-year-old Esther Frances Bray in Muswellbrook registration district in New South Wales, which is about 50 miles west of Dungog, on 9 August 1941. Esther had been born on 20 October 1914. Ronald and Esther had three children born between 1942 and 1946. Ronald died on 24 April 1986 at the age of 70. Sixteen years later Esther had been living at Dora Creek, which is about 17 miles south of Newcastle, when she died on 12 August 2002, at the age of 87.[10]

 

 

Leslie and Lily’s second child was Ray Kingsford Page Muddle, known as Dick, who was born at Bendolba in Dungog registration district, New South Wales on 3 June 1919. When he was about 25 years old Ray married his 1st cousin Mabel Edith Middlebrook, who was about 29 years old and known as Faith, in Dungog registration district during 1944. Mabel was the daughter of Charles and Mabel Middlebrook, and she had been born in Dunedoo registration district in New South Wales on 4 May 1915. See the section above on Mabel Edith Middlebrook for her ancestry. Ray and Mabel had one child born at Dungog in 1947. Ray was a milk carrier living at Bendolba when died on 1 July 1979, at the age of 60. He was cremated at Beresfield and his ashes are in the columbarium in St Peter’s Church of England Cemetery at Bendolba. Mabel was a pensioner living at Bendolba when she died on 26 March 1997, at the age of 81.[11] She was buried in St Peter’s Church of England Cemetery at Bendolba on 1 April 1997 and she is commemorated on the columbarium there.

 

 

Leslie and Lily’s third child was George Leslie Muddle who was born at Bendolba in Dungog registration district, New South Wales on 21 August 1921.

During the Second World War George, at the age of 21, was living at Bendolba when he enlisted in the Australian Army at Gympie in Queensland on 26 September 1942. He was Sapper NX149450 in the 2/14th Australian Infantry Battalion when he was discharged on 15 January 1946.

When he was about 23 years old, and still in the army, George married Daphne May Doherty, who was about 19, in Dungog registration district during 1944. They had one child born in about 1948 before their marriage ended in divorce. George then married Elsie May Wilson in Wingham registration district in New South Wales during 1958. George died on the 13 December 1974, at the age of 53, and he was buried in Redbank Cemetery at Taree in New South Wales where his headstone describes him as the husband of Elsie.

 

Leslie and Lily’s fourth child was Hilton James Bosworth Muddle who was born at Bendolba in Dungog registration district, New South Wales on 22 February 1923.

During the Second World War Hilton, at the age of 18, was living at Dungog when he enlisted in the Australian Army at Dungog on 22 October 1941. He was Private N156410 in the 7th Australian Infantry Battalion when he was discharged on 15 January 1946.

While he was serving in the army Hilton, at the age of 20, married 20-year-old June Natalie Hudson, who was also serving in the army, at St Mary's Church in West Maitland, New South Wales on 2 July 1943. Their marriage was reported in the 19 October 1943 edition of the Dungog Chronicle. June had been born in Sydney, New South Wales on 4 October 1922, and she was living at East Gresford near Dungog when she enlisted in the Australian Army at Paddington in Sydney on 5 January 1943. June was Private NF446739 in the Australian Women's Army Service when she was discharged on 30 October 1945.

Hilton and June had a stillborn son born in Dungog registration district during 1947, and then two more children born in 1950 and 1952. The 22 December 1950 edition of the Dungog Chronicle reported that Mr and Mrs Hilton Muddle, who were then living at Ulladulla, which is on the coast to the south of Sydney, were visiting friends and relatives in Gresford and Paterson over Christmas and the New Year.

Hilton was a shire foreman living at Dora Creek when he died on 20 January 1976, at the age of 52 (not 53 as given on his headstone). He was buried in St Peter’s Church of England Cemetery at Bendolba where an inscribed headstone marks his grave. Twelve years later June died on 5 June 1988, at the age of 65. She is commemorated by a plaque on the columbarium in Gresford Anglican Cemetery.

 

 

Leslie and Lily’s fifth child was Lorraine Myrtle Muddle, known as Topsy, who was born at Bendolba in Dungog registration district, New South Wales on 18 November 1924. When she was about 18 years old Lorraine married Colin George Bishop, who was about 21, in Dungog registration district on 23 May 1942. Colin had been born on 29 September 1921. Colin and Lorraine had five children born at Dungog between 1942 and 1960. Colin died on 1 June 1978, at the age of 56, and he is commemorated on the columbarium at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Dungog. Thirty years later Lorraine died at Dungog on 2 April 2008, at the age of 83, and was buried at Dungog.

 

Leslie and Lily’s sixth child was Kathleen Jean Muddle who was born at Bendolba in Dungog registration district, New South Wales on 27 December 1927. When she was about 18 years old Kathleen married Noel William Hancock, who was about 23 and known as Will, in Dungog registration district during 1946. Will had been born at Dungog on 8 January 1923. During the Second World War Will, at the age of 19, was living at Dungog when he enlisted in the Australian Army at Paddington in Sydney, New South Wales on 23 September 1942. He was Driver NX115439 in the 3rd Australian Pack Transport Company when he was discharged on 5 October 1944.

 

Leslie and Lily’s seventh child was Charles Donald Muddle who was born at Dungog in New South Wales on 25 June 1930. When he was about 29 years old Charles married Emily Joy Shelton, who was about 21 and known as Joy, at Dungog during 1959. Emily had been born on 16 November 1938. They had two children born in 1961 and 1964. Charles died on 3 November 1999, at the age of 69, and he was buried in Dungog General Cemetery.[12] His grave is marked by an inscribed brass plaque.

 

 

Leslie and Lily’s eighth child was Horace Ulm Muddle who was born at Dungog in New South Wales on 18 October 1933. When he was about 30 years old Horace married Myrna Joy Jupp in Maitland registration district during 1963. They had two children born in 1964 and 1968. Horace was a pensioner living at Alison via Dungog when he died on 19 October 1996, at the age of 63. He was buried in St Peter's Church of England Cemetery at Bendolba near Dungog on 22 October 1996, and an inscribed plaque marks his grave.

Copyright © Derek Miller 2008-2016

Last updated 8 June 2016