THE MUDDLE FAMILIES

 

THE SUSSEX MUDDLE FAMILIES THE BUXTED MUDDLES

 

Chart of Luke & Eliza Muddle's Family

 

Luke and Eliza’s eldest child was John Thomas Muddle who was born at Dungog in New South Wales on 8 December 1856, and baptised at Christ Church in Dungog on 8 February 1857. John never married. He was a butcher living at Barrington when he died on 28 February 1882, at the age of 25 (not 24 as given on his burial record), and was buried in Dungog General Cemetery the same day.

 

 

Luke and Eliza’s second child was George Gorange Muddle who was born at Bandon Grove to the north of Dungog in New South Wales on 6 June 1858 and baptised at Christ Church in Dungog on 25 July 1858. George never married. He died in West Maitland registration district in New South Wales on 7 April 1883, at the age of 24 (not 23 as given on his burial record), and he was buried in plot 58 of row B8 of the Anglican part of Campbells Hill Cemetery at Telarah in the City of Maitland. His burial record gave his name as George Muddell.

 

Luke and Eliza’s third child was Luke Muddle whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1860. When he was about 25 years old Luke married Mary Jane Longbottom, who was about 18, at Chichester River in Dungog registration district on 3 August 1885. Mary was the daughter of William and Susannah Longbottom, and her birth had been registered in Dungog registration district during 1867. Luke and Mary had four children born in Dungog registration district between 1886 and 1897. Luke died when he was about 47 years old, his death being registered in Dungog registration district during 1907. Twenty-nine years later Mary died in Mayfield registration district near Newcastle in New South Wales, when she was about 69 years old, and she was buried in Sandgate Cemetery near Newcastle on 10 November 1936.

 

Luke and Mary’s eldest child was Luke William Muddle, known as William, whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1886. When he was 22 years old William married 20-year-old Viola Celia Jane Taylor at East Maitland Gaol Chapel in New South Wales on 27 November 1908. They were both then living in Dungog, William was a labourer and Viola was working as a domestic. Their only children were twins born at Dungog in early 1909, who both probably died soon after birth, as they both died at Dungog in early March 1909. As well as announcing the death of their twins in The Dungog Chronicle of 9 March 1909 William and Viola also recorded their thanks to Doctor Bowker and Nurse Neilson, who had looked after them. Three years later Viola died when about 24 years old, her death being registered in Stroud registration district, which is about 12 miles east of Dungog, during 1912. Thirty-two years later William died in Mayfield registration district near Newcastle in New South Wales, when he was about 58 years old, and he was buried in Sandgate Cemetery near Newcastle on 4 November 1944.

 

William and Viola’s eldest child, one of twins, was Pretoria Doreen Muddle who was born at Dungog in New South Wales in early 1909. Pretoria died at Dungog on 2 March 1909, probably soon after birth.

 

William and Viola’s second child, one of twins, was William Bowker Muddle who was born at Dungog in New South Wales in early 1909. William died at Dungog on 5 March 1909, probably soon after birth. William's second name is the surname of the doctor who looked after him and his twin sister.

 

Luke and Mary’s second child was Florence M Muddle whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1888. Florence never married. She died when about 22 years old, her death being registered in Stroud registration district, which is about 12 miles east of Dungog, during 1910.

 

 

Luke and Mary’s third child was Ada May Muddle whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1892. In 1911 when she was about 19 years old Ada had an illegitimate daughter. Then when she was about 33 years old Ada married William James Ebenezer Brotherwood, who was about 36, in Junee registration district, which is about 220 miles south-west of Sydney, during 1925. William was the son of William Albert and Elizabeth Brotherwood, he had been born at Southwark in London, England and baptised at the Parish Church of St Alphege in Southwark on 30 December 1888. William and Ada had at least one child, daughter Olive.

There are the following records of William and Ada in the New South Wales Electoral Rolls: In 1932, 1934 and 1935 Willam and Ada were living at Tenterfield on the northern border of New South Wales, and William was working as a fettler. In 1936 and 1937 Ada was still living at Tenterfield but in 1936 William was living at Vera Street in Waratah, Newcastle and still workin as a fettler, then in 1937 he was living nearer to Ada at Black Mountain in Armidale and now working as a ganger. Presumably William had to leave Tenterfield to find work. In 1949 William and Ada were back together and living at 20 John Street in Cardiff near Newcastle with their daughter Olive; William was working as a labourer and Olive a seamstress. In 1954, 1958 and 1963 William and Ada were living at 23 Sixth Street in Boolaroo near Newcastle and William was continuing to work as a labourer. In all these records Ada's occupation was given as home duties.

William died at the age of 78, his death being registered in Wallsend registration district near Newcastle in New South Wales during 1967. Ten years later Ada died when she was about 85 years old, her death being registered during 1977.

 

Ada’s illegitimate child was Una Muddle whose birth was registered in Wickham registration district near Newcastle in New South Wales during 1911. When she was about 21 years old Una married Cecil F C Bullen in Wickham registration district during 1932.

 

Luke and Mary’s fourth child was Annie Lillian L Muddle whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1897. When she was about 23 years old Annie married Albert Ernest MacGrath, who was about 24, in East Maitland registration district, which is about 25 miles south of Dungog, during 1920. Albert died at the age of 48, his death being registered in Wyong registration district, which is about 30 miles south of Newcastle in New South Wales, during 1944. Twenty years later Annie died when she was about 67 years old, her death being registered in Belmont registration district near Newcastle during 1964.

 

Luke and Eliza’s fourth child was Henry Stephen Muddle, known as Harry, who was born at Bandon Grove near Dungog in New South Wales on 16 May 1862, and baptised at Christ Church in Dungog on 10 June 1862. (Henry had added his second name of Stephen by 1888 when his first child was born.)

When he was about 26 years old Henry married Alice Maud V Galvin, who was about 18, in Stroud registration district during 1888. Alice was the daughter of Thomas and Eliza Galvin, and her birth had been registered in Dungog registration district during 1870. Henry and Alice had eight children; the first six were born in Dungog registration district between 1888 and 1902; the seventh in Camperdown registration district in Sydney during 1906; and the eighth in Annandale registration district in Sydney during 1917.

Henry died in Petersham registration district in Sydney on 4 March 1923, at the age of 60, and he was buried with his son Gus in section H, row 30, grave 4360 of the Old Church of England section of Rookwood Cemetery. Twenty-five years later Alice died at the age of about 78, her death being registered in Dungog registration district during 1948.

 

Henry and Alice’s eldest child was Thomas Henry Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 13 August 1888. When he was about 21 years old Thomas married Adelaide Sarah Jane Stewart, who was about 20, in Newtown registration district in Sydney during 1909. Adelaide was the daughter of Francis and Adelaide Stewart, and her birth had been registered in Redfern registration district during 1889. Thomas and Adelaide had eight children born in Sydney between 1910 and 1926, two of whom died young. Thomas died in Liverpool registration district in Sydney on 10 September 1951, at the age of 63 (not 62 as given on his headstone, which also gives his birth incorrectly as 13 October 1889), and he was buried in section 15, row 23, grave 3481 of the Anglican section of Rookwood Cemetery. Probate of his estate, which was valued at £825, was granted to Adelaide on 12 January 1952. Seven years later Adelaide died in Auburn registration district in Sydney on 22 November 1958, at the age of 69, and she was buried in section 19, row 8, grave 1266 of the Anglican section of Rookwood Cemetery.

 

Thomas and Adelaide’s eldest child was Minnie A Muddle whose birth was registered in Newtown registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1910. Minnie died when only about 2 years old, her death being registered in Newtown registration district in Sydney during 1912.

 

Thomas and Adelaide’s second child was Henry Francis Muddle who was born in Camperdown registration district in Sydney, New South Wales on 28 February 1912. It seems that as a young man Henry was involved in a lot of criminal activity.

The 25 August 1931 edition of the Sydney Morning Herold reported that at Newtown Police Court the previous day 19-year-old Henry Francis Muddle and 18-year-old Frederick Charles Henry were convicted and sentenced to two months’ imprisonment for having stolen 2s 3d, the property of the Australian Gas-Light Company at Camperdown on 22 August. The caretaker of flats at Camperdown had caught the defendants breaking open the gas meter and called the police, who arrested them. Muddle had five previous convictions and his co-defendant two.

Henry seems to have then graduated to more serious criminal activity. The 10 December 1932 edition of the Sydney Morning Herold reported that at the December Quarter Sessions the trial of Henry Francis Muddle on a charge of breaking, entering and stealing was postponed to the February sitting.

Being on bail awaiting trial didn’t stop Henry’s criminal activity. The 10 January 1933 edition of the Daily Examiner reported that at Newton Police Court that day 21-year-old labourer Henry Francis Muddle was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment for having used a priest’s car without permission.

Henry was presumably in prison when his Quarter Session trial came up. The 25 February 1933 edition of the Sydney Morning Herold reported that at the February Quarter Sessions Henry Francis Muddle pleaded guilty to receiving and was sentenced to 12 months’ hard labourer. Later he pleaded guilty to breaking, entering and stealing, and was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment to run concurrently.

Henry could have only been out of prison for a short time before he was caught back in his criminal ways. The 16 March 1934 edition of the Sydney Morning Herold reported that at the Quarter Sessions 22-year-old Henry Francis Muddle and 22-year-old Robert Allan Schubery were charged with breaking, entering and stealing at Fivedock. Schubery pleaded guilty to this and two other charges of breaking and entering. Muddle pleaded not guilty, was tried and found guilty, then pleaded guilty to two further charges of housebreaking. He was remanded for sentencing and the 17 March 1934 edition of the Sydney Morning Herold reported that Henry Francis Muddle was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for the three charges he was guilty of. Muddle then asked the judge to reduce the sentence to 23 months, but the judge would only reduce it to two years less one week.

It was presumably soon after his release from his latest imprisonment that Henry, when he was about 24 years old, married Dorothea Marjorie Hird in Newtown registration district in Sydney (also recorded in Leeton registration district, which is about 280 miles west of Sydney), during 1936. They had one child who died young, in Annandale registration district in Sydney during 1939.

It seems that marriage didn’t stop Henry’s criminal activities. The 15 February 1940 edition of the Sydney Morning Herold reported that at the Quarter Sessions 40-year-old dealer William Halpin and 27-year-old dealer Henry Francis Muddle were each charged with factory breaking at Stanmore on 26 October. With an alternative charge of having received stolen property. Both were convicted of receiving and sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment each.

During the Second World War there are two overlapping records of Henry enlisting in the Australian Army. The first enlistment record, which gives Henry’s correct date of birth, has Henry, at the age of 29, living at Newtown in Sydney when he enlisted in the Australian Army at Paddington in Sydney on 23 April 1941. On this record he was Private NX2511 in the 32nd Training Battalion at Dubbo when he was discharged on 12 January 1943. The second enlistment record, which gives Henry’s date of birth as 28 February 1907, has Henry living at MacQuarie Fields near Sydney when he enlisted in the Australian Army at Forest Lodge in New South Wales on 2 July 1942. On this record he was Sapper N447351 in the RAE T/C when he was discharged on 23 September 1943.

After the war Henry and Dorothea had a son born at Liverpool Hospital in Sydney during 1945, who survived childhood and went on to marry and have children. In 1950 and 1955 Henry and Dorothea had stillborn daughters born in Newtown registration district in Sydney. Then in 1966 another of their daughters died in Liverpool registration district in Sydney during 1966. Henry died during 1980, when he was about 68 years old. Eight years later Dorothea’s death at Liverpool Hospital in Sydney on 31 March 1988 was reported in the 5 April edition of the Daily Telegraph of Sydney.

 

Thomas and Adelaide’s third child was Beryl Gwendoline Muddle who was born in Annandale registration district in Sydney, New South Wales on 22 May 1916. When she was only 15 years old Beryl had a son born on 25 January 1932. Then later that year when she was 16 years old Beryl was working as a tailoress when she married 25-year-old labourer Royden Joseph William Robinson at St Stephen's Anglican Church in Newtown, Sydney on 12 November 1932. Royden was the son of Charles and Victoria Robinson and he was born at Eden in New South Wales on 10 July 1907. Royden adopted Beryl's son but only a month after their marriage Royden was sentaced to a month in prison for forgery. They never lived together after that though Royden occasionally visited Beryl until he was again in trouble with the law and was sentenced to twelve months in prison. Beryl never saw Royden again and in 1937 he entered into a bigamous marriage with a Margaret Jean Fulton using the name Chittick. Meanwhile Beryl started living with a married man and started divorce proceedings against Roydon which ended in them being divorced 1942. The wife of the man Beryl was living with then divorced him due to his adultery with Beryl. With the result that Beryl then married this man, Stanley Raymond Calligeros/Dennis, in Kingsford registration district in Sydney during 1945. Stanley was born in Cairo, Egypt on 13 October 1910 of Greek parents with the name Calligeros but generally used the surname Dennis. Beryl's first husband, Royden, died in Sydney on 21 July 1951. It seems that Stanley and Beryl started using Raymond as their surname. Beryl was living in Sydney when she died on 15 April 1963, at the age of 46. Her death notice was published in the 16 April 1963 edition of the Sydney Morning Herald. Then 20 years later Stanley died on 26 July 1983, at the age of 72. Beryl and Stanley are buried together in Botany Church of England Cemetery.

 

 

Thomas and Adelaide’s fourth child was Mavis Anne Muddle whose birth was registered in Camperdown registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1919. When she was about 19 years old Mavis married John Miles Stapylton in Newtown registration district in Sydney in 1938. John was the son of Miles and Olive Stapylton and his birth had been registered in Waverley registration district in Sydney during 1916. He was the brother of the Henry Thomas Stapylton who married Mavis’ sister Jean. John was living at The Entrance, which is on the coast centrally between Sydney and Newcastle, and was formerly from Newtown in Sydney when he died on 28 May 1967, at the age of 51. His death notice was published in the 29 May 1967 edition of the Sydney Morning Herald. Two years later Mavis was living at Lisarow, which is a few miles inland from The Entrance, when she died on 10 August 1979, at the age of 60. Her death notice was published in the 13 August 1979 edition of the Sydney Morning Herald.

 

 

Thomas and Adelaide’s fifth child was Jean Marie Muddle whose birth was registered in Camperdown registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1921. When she was about 17 years old Jean married Henry Thomas Stapylton in Newtown registration district in Sydney in 1938. Henry was the son of Miles and Olive Stapylton and his birth had been registered in Paddington registration district in Sydney during 1914. He was the brother of the John Miles Stapylton who married Jean’s sister Mavis. Jean died at Palmdale in New South Wales on 9 May 1991, when he was about 70 years old. Eleven years later Henry died at Sydney on 7 June 2002, at the age of 87. His death notice was published in the 8 June 2002 edition of the Daily Telegraph of Sydney.

 

Thomas and Adelaide’s sixth child was Reginald Muddle who was born in Camperdown registration district in Sydney, New South Wales on 7 February 1924. During the Second World War Reginald, at the age of 19, was living at Newtown in Sydney when he enlisted in the Australian Army at Melbourne in Victoria on 3 May 1943. He was Private NX161791 in the 10th Australian MOB LDY & FWD DECN Unit when he was discharged on 19 June 1946. When he was about 24 years old Reginald married Bessie Morris in Newtown registration district in Sydney during 1948. Reginald died in 1985 when he was about 61 years old.

 

Thomas and Adelaide’s seventh child was Stephen H Muddle whose birth was registered in Annandale registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1926. Stephen’s death was registered in Annandale registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1926.

 

Thomas and Adelaide’s eighth child was Merle Minnie Muddle who was born in Newtown registration district in Sydney, New South Wales on 28 August 1926. When she was about 21 years old Merle married Owen Walter Giles in Ashfield registration district in Sydney during 1947. Owen was the son of Walter and Lily Giles and he had been born on 24 April 1925. Merle was living at Hazelbrook in New South Wales when she died on 17 April 1991, at the age of 64. Her death notice was published in the 18 April 1991 edition of the Sydney Morning Herald. Fourteen years later Owen was living at Lawson, just up the road from Hazelbrook, when he died on 18 August 2005, at the age of 80, His death notice was published in the 24 August 2005 edition of the Blue Mountains Gazette.

 

Henry and Alice’s second child was Eliza Hilda Emily Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 25 August 1890. Eliza died when only about 4 years old, her death being registered in Dungog registration district during 1894.

 

Henry and Alice’s third child was Myrtle Mary Maud Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 14 April 1894. When she was about 18 years old Myrtle married Frank Seagrave, who was about 19, in Newtown registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1912. Frank was the son of Thomas Edward and Mary Seagrave, and his birth had been registered in Newtown registration district in Sydney during 1893. Frank died when he was about 47 years old, his death being registered in Canterbury registration district in Sydney during 1940. Fifteen years later Myrtle died when she was about 61 years old, her death being registered in Five Dock registration district in Sydney during 1955

 

Henry and Alice’s fourth child was Henry Stephen Muddle, known as Stephen, whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1896. When he was about 26 years old Stephen married Doris Aileen Knudsen, who was about 21, in Newtown registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1922. Doris was the daughter of Olaf and Florence Knudsen, and her birth had been registered in Camperdown registration district in Sydney during 1901. Stephen died when he was about 66 years old, his death being registered in Liverpool registration district in Sydney during 1962. Five years later Doris died when she was about 66 years old, her death being registered in Burwood registration district in Sydney during 1967.

 

Henry and Alice’s fifth child was Mollie Una Muddle whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1899. When she was about 21 years old Mollie married Theodore O Stone, who was about 21, in St Peters registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1920. Theodore was the son of Henry and Catherine Stone, and his birth had been registered in St Peters registration district in Sydney during 1899. Mollie died when she was about 55 years old, her death being registered in Marrickville registration district in Sydney during 1954.

 

Henry and Alice’s sixth child was George Parnell Muddle who was born at Dungog in New South Wales on 10 March 1902. When he was about 20 years old George married Susan Alice McMillan, who was about 18, in Newtown registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1922. Susan was the daughter of Matthew and Emily McMillan, and her birth had been registered in Burwood registration district in Sydney in 1904. George and Susan had eight children born at Leichhardt in Sydney between 1925 and 1943. George died at Leichhardt on 1 November 1951, at the age of 49, and he was buried in grave section 13, row 38, grave 3209 of the Anglican section of Rookwood Cemetery. Susan second marriage, at the age of about 48, was to John Thomas Black in Petersham registration district in Sydney during 1952.

 

 

Henry and Alice’s seventh child was Augustus Edwin Muddle, known as Gus, whose birth was registered in Camperdown registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1906. Gus died in Petersham registration district in Sydney on 7 March 1921, at the age of 14 years and 8 months, from injuries accidentally received, and he was buried in section H, row 30, grave 4360 of the Old Church of England section of Rookwood Cemetery. This same grave was to receive his father two years later.

 

Henry and Alice’s eighth child was James Albert Muddle who was born in Annandale registration district in Sydney, New South Wales on 8 January 1917. His birth was registered as Albert James Muddle, but he seems to have always been known as James Albert Muddle. When he was 19 years old James married Elvena Mary Cooke, who was about 20, in Belmont registration district near Newcastle, New South Wales in 1936. Elvena had been born on 28 August 1916.

During the Second World War James, at the age of 25, was living at Hurstville in Sydney when he enlisted in the Australian Army at Melville in Western Australia on 7 December 1942. He was Private NX140583 at Australian Training Centre J W when he was discharged on 28 April 1945.

James and Elvena had at least one child born in Sydney in 1937, who died in Parramatta registration district in Sydney in early 1953. James died on 2 December 1984, at the age of 67, and was buried in North Rocks Catholic Cemetery in Sydney where his grave is marked by an inscribed headstone. Seventeen years later Elvena died on 9 July 2001, at the age of 84, and was buried in Point Clare Cemetery at Gosford, New South Wales where her grave is marked by an inscribed headstone.

 

James and Elvena’s only known child was Patricia Dawn Muddle who was born in Sydney, New South Wales in 1937. She died in Parramatta registration district in Sydney on 9 January 1953, at the age of 15, and was buried in North Rocks Catholic Cemetery in Sydney where her grave is marked by an inscribed headstone.

 

Luke and Eliza’s fifth child was William Edward Muddle who was born in Paterson registration district in New South Wales on 6 May 1866, and baptised at Houghton on 16 September 1866. When he was 22 years old William married 25-year-old Minnie Eliza Gertrude Day at Dungog in New South Wales by the rites of the Presbyterian Church on 11 July 1888. They were both then living at Dungog and William was working as a butcher. Minnie was the daughter of Army Captain Caleb Day and his wife Serena, and she had been born at Geelong in Victoria during 1863. Minnie already had an illegitimate daughter, also called Minnie Eliza Gertrude Day, who had been born at Newtown in Sydney in 1883.

William and Minnie had four children, born in Dungog registration district between 1889 and 1895. They then moved to Sydney, and in 1900 they were living at 6 Dixon Street in Newtown, Sydney when William deserted Minnie, as reported in the New South Wales Police Gazette of 5 September 1900 page 327:

Newtown. A warrant has been issued by the Newtown Bench for the arrest of William Muddle, charged with wife desertion. He is 34 years of age, 5 feet 7 inches high, medium build, fair hair and complexion, moustache only, a coachman or cab driver, usually wears a light tweed suit and hard black hat. Complainant: Minnie Muddle, 6 Dixon-street, Newtown.

It seem that Willliam was soon found by the police and brought to justice, as reported in the New South Wales Police Gazette of 24 October 1900 page 393:

William Muddle charged with wife desertion, has been arrested by Sergent Mathews and Constable Buzzacot, Sydney Police. Ordered to pay 10s. a week for twelve months.

When their daughter Esther married in 1912, they were living at 93 Cavindish Street, Stanmore, Sydney, and William was still working as a cab driver. Then when their son died in 1917 during the First World War they were living at Enmore in Sydney. Minnie managed (owned) a 'Mission for Seamen' in the Rocks area of Sydney.

William died in Marrickville registration district in Sydney on 22 January 1932, at the age of 65, and he was buried in section 10, row 34, grave 5570 of the Anglican Section of Rookwood Cemetery. Four years later Minnie died in Mater Misericordiae Hospital in North Sydney on 27 January 1936, at the age of 72 (not 65 as given on her death certificate an headstone), from exhaustion and carcinoma of the rectum. She was buried in section 12, row 20, grave 2682 of the Anglican Section of Rookwood Cemetery on 29 January 1936.

 

William and Minnie’s eldest child was Serena A Muddle whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1889. Serena died soon after birth, her death being registered in Dungog registration district during 1889.

 

William and Minnie’s second child was Reginald William Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during July 1890. Then in the late 1890s Reginald moved with his parents to Newtown in Sydney, New South Wales. Reginald attended Newtown Public School in Sydney. When he was about 19 years old Reginald married Florence Annie Elizabeth Smith, who was about 20, in Newtown registration district in Sydney during 1909. Florence was the daughter of James and Isabel Smith, and her birth had been registered in Petersham registration district in Sydney during 1889. Reginald and Florence had one child, a son, born in 1910.

Reginald was a 24-year-old greengrocer living at 116 Simmons Street in Newtown, who had already served in the Home Artillery, when, during the First World War, he enlisted in the Australian Army at Enmore in Sydney on 24 August 1914. He was Bombardier 189 in the 1st Australian Field Artillery Brigade when he embarked on transport ship A8, HMAT Argyllshire, at Sydney on 18 October 1914 for Europe. In the 1916 New South Wales electoral roll Florence was listed as living at 49 Edgeware Road in Newtown, and Reginald was listed as being at 116 Simmons Street and to have the occupation of carter, presumably they were recording his address and occupation at the time he enlisted as he was then with the Australian Army in Europe. Reginald was Sergeant 189, in the 1st Australian Field Artillery Brigade when he died from his wounds on 4 October 1917 at the age of 27. Reginald was buried in plot 20, row H, grave 4, of Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West-Viaanderen, Belgium. This cemetery was near a large clearing hospital, where Reginald presumably died. Florence was then living at 71 Marian Street, Enmore, Sydney. Reginald's name is on Memorial Panel 11 at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.

Florence died at Concord in Sydney during 1963, at the age of about 74 (not 69 as given on her death certificate).

 

Reginald and Florence’s only child was George Reginald Muddle whose birth was registered in Camperdown registration district in Sydney, New South Wales during 1910. When he was about 27 years old George married Vera Ellen Munro in Petersham registration district in Sydney during 1937. Vera was the daughter of George and Eliza Munro, and her birth had been registered in Petersham registration district in 1906. George and Vera had two children born in 1938 and 1941. Vera had been living at Eastwood in Sydney when she died on 25 October 1992, at the age of about 86.[1] Five years later George had been living at Eastwood in Sydney when he died on 24 April 1997, at the age of 86.[2]

 

William and Minnie’s third child was Cecil Sydney George Muddle who was born in Dungog, New South Wales during March 1893. Then in the late 1890s Cecil moved with his parents to Newtown in Sydney, New South Wales. In the 1912 & 1913 editions of the Sands Directory Cecil S G Muddle was listed as living 78 Regent Street, Newtown, Sydney.

On 8 August 1915, when he was 22 years and 5 months old, Cecil enlisted at Holdsworthy, New South Wales in C Company, 2nd Battalion, Australian Expeditionary Force. He was then working as a motor mechanic, and stated that he had served 3 years in the Lancers, which was presumably a militia force. He was described as 5ft 6¼ins tall, weighed 135lb, with a 35½ins chest, fair complexion, grey eyes and fair hair. He stated that he was married, though this was untrue, and that his wife was Annie Maud Muddle of 99 Flinders Street, Moore Park, Sydney. On the 16 September 1915 Cecil was allotted pay of 4s per day with 1s 9½d per day separation allowance for his wife and child. On 9 February 1916 his wife wrote a letter requesting his discharge on the grounds of her ill health. This was granted and Cecil was discharged on 15 February 1916.[3]

In the 1916 edition of the Sands Directory Cecil Muddle was listed at 1 Herbert Street, Newtown, Sydney and Mrs L Muddle at 99 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney, the same address as Cecil's mother Minnie.

When he was about 24 years old Cecil married Lilian Maude Long in Sutherland registration district, which is about 12 miles south of central Sydney, during 1917. It is assumed that Lilian is the same woman as the Annie Maud recorded in Cecil's service records, Annie probably being the name she was normally known by at that time. They had probably been living together since at least 1914 and had one child who was born that year.

In the 1920 edition of the Sands Directory Cecil Muddle was listed at Belmore Road, Sydney. In the 1922, 1923 & 1924 editions Cecil Muddle is at 7 Glenfarne Street, Bexley, Sydney. In the 1930, 1931 & 1932-3 editions C Muddle is at a garage at 33 Flinders Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney.

In 1931 Cecil shot a man in the leg and was charged with attempted murder, various details of this incident were reported in several Australian newspapers. It seems that John Johanson had been living with a woman for about 12 years and treated her badly. She left him to seek employment, which she found with Cecil Muddle, who gave her the job of housekeeper to four men that he employed at his garage. On the evening of Saturday 11 July 1931 Cecil was with this woman in a flat on Bourke Street when Johanson found them there and is alleged to have attacked Cecil, who in his defence fired a shot that hit Johanson in the fleshy part of upper leg. Johanson fled into the street and the driver of a passing car took him to St Vincent's Hospital. Cecil gave himself up to the police and was charged at the Central Police Court on Monday with the attempted murder of John Johanson, he was remanded until 20 July and granted bail of £100. Then on Wednesday 22 July at the Central Police Court the charge against Cecil was discharged when John Johanson fail to appear for the prosecution and couldn't be found by the police.

In the electoral rolls for 1930 & 1931 both Cecil Sydney George Muddle, a mechanic, and Lilian Maud Muddle are listed at 9 Gevu Avenue, Chatswood, Sydney. Then in 1932, 1933 & 1934 Cecil and Lilian are at 60 Houston Road, Kensington, Sydney. In 1935 Cecil is at 200 Gardeners Road, Kensington, then in 1936 & 1937 both Cecil and Lilian are there. In 1943 Lilian and her daughter-in-law Dorothy are living at 489 Bronte Road, Clovelly, Sydney.

Cecil died when about 51 years old, his death being registered in Rozelle registration district in Sydney during 1944. In the 1949 electoral rolls just Lilian is living at 489 Bronte Road, Clovelly, Sydney. In the 1954 & 1958 electoral rolls Lilian was living with her son and daughter-in-law at 36 McIntyre Street, Narrabundah, Australian Capital Territory. Lilian died at Canberra on 26 August 1963, at the age of 70, and she was buried in Canberra Church of England Cemetery.

 

Cecil and Lilian’s only child was Albert Reginald Muddle, known as Jack, who was born at Annandale in Sydney, New South Wales on 13 May 1914, about three years before his parent's marriage. His birth was only registered when he was about 14 years old, in Sydney registration district in New South Wales during 1928. In the electoral rolls for 1936 & 1937 Jack is listed as a clerk living with his parents at 200 Gardeners Road, Kensington, Sydney.

When he was about 26 years old Jack married Dorothy Irene Clutton, known as Dot, in Waverley registration district in Sydney during 1940.

During the Second World War Jack was living at Randwick in Sydney when he enlisted in the Australian Army at Paddington in Sydney on 11 December 1940. He was Lieutenant NX66530 with 43rd Australian Landing Craft when he was discharged on 13 May 1946.

In the 1943 electoral rolls Dot was a barmaid living with her mother-in-law at 489 Bronte Road, Clovelly, Sydney. Then in the 1949 electoral rolls Jack and Dot were living at 29 Giles Street, Kingston, Australian Capital Territory. In the 1954 & 1958 electoral rolls Jack and Dot were living at 36 McIntyre Street, Narrabundah, Australian Capital Territory and they had Jack's widowed mother living with them. Jack's mother died in 1963 and in the electoral rolls for 1963, 1968, 1972, 1977 & 1980 just Jack and Dot were living at 36 McIntyre Street. In all these electoral rolls Jack was recorded as being a clerk.

Jack and Dot had three children while living in Canberra. Jack died in Canberra in about 1994. Dot and family then moved to Sydney.

 

William and Minnie’s fourth child was Esther Myra Muddle, known as Myra, who was born at Dungog in New South Wales on 11 August 1895. Then in the late 1890s Myra moved with her parents to Newtown in Sydney, New South Wales. When she was 16 years old Myra married 18-year-old Henry Herbert Andrews, known as Harry, at St Stephen’s Church, Newtown, Sydney on 3 August 1912. Harry was then a linesman living at 54 South Street, Marrickville, Sydney, and Esther was doing domestic duties while living at 93 Cavendish Street, Stanmore, Sydney. Harry was the son of Robert and Alice Andrews, and he had been born in Sydney on 11 March 1894.

Harry and Myra had three children born between 1913 and 1920, and they were living at 8 Denby Street, Marrickville when their first child was born. During the First World War Harry enlisted at Sidney on 17 September 1914 and served abroad as a Sapper in the 1st Divisional Signal Company, he was discharged as medically unfit on 23 October 1917.

When his eldest daughter married in 1936 and also when his son married in 1938 Harry was working as a carter. Then during the Second World War Harry was a storekeeper living at Marrickville when he enlisted at Paddington in Sydney on 18 November 1940 as Private N100522 in the 140th Australian General Transport Company; he was discharged as medically unfit on 5 March 1943. Harry had fair hair, grey eyes and tattoos on both forearms.

Myra died at 5 Lido Avenue, North Narrabeen, Sydney on 31 May 1955 from a cerebral haemorrhage at the age of 59, and she was buried in section 12, row 20, grave 2683; next to her mother's grave in the Anglican Section of Rookwood Cemetery, on 2 June 1955. Then three months later Harry died in Sydney Hospital on 8 September 1955 at the age of 61, and he was buried with Myra in the Anglican Section of Rookwood Cemetery.

 

Harry and Myra’s eldest child was Minnie Alice Andrews, known as Nancy, who was born at 1 Herbert Street, Newtown, Sydney, New South Wales on 4 February 1913.

When she was 23 years old Nancy married John Macquarie Delaney, known as Mac, at St Stephen’s Church, Newtown, Sydney on 2 April 1936. Mac was then a clerk living at 2 Dibble Avenue, Marrickville, Sydney, and Nancy was a weaver living at 41 Llewellyn Street, Marrickville, Sydney. Mac was the son of John and Lily Delaney, and he had been born at Dubbo, which is about 200 miles north-west of Sydney, on 28 November 1910. Mac and Nancy didn’t have any children.

During the Second World War Mac was still living at Marrickville when enlisted in the Australian Army at Mareeba in Queensland on 18 June 1943. And he was Private NX154219 in the 64th Australian Infantry Battalion when he was discharged on 9 January 1946.

Mac continued to work as a clerk, and they were living at 5 Lido Avenue, North Narrabeen, Sydney, when Mac died at Narrabeen Lakes Nursing Home, Narrabeen, Sydney, on 13 March 1988, at the age of 77. Mac was cremated at Northern Suburbs Crematorium, North Ryde, on 16 March 1988. Nancy had been living at North Narrabeen when she died in Lady Davidson Hospital in Sydney on 12 December 2000 from cancer at the age of 87. Nancy was cremated at North Suburbs Crematorium.

 

 

Harry and Myra’s second child was Olga Doris Andrews who was born in Sydney, New South Wales on 16 April 1914. Olga married Charles Alan Hartley, known as Alan, in Newtown registration district in Sydney during 1935, and they had one child. Alan died at Miranda in Sydney on 29 October 1986. Olga died at Miranda in Sydney on 31 July 1997, at the age of 83, and she was cremated at North Suburbs Crematorium.

 

Harry and Myra’s third child was Reginald Henry Andrews who was born at Tempe in Sydney, New South Wales on 20 October 1920. When he was 17 years old Reginald married 17-year-old Kathleen Isobel Allan at St Stephen’s Church, Newtown, Sydney on 7 February 1938. They were both then living at Marrickville in Sydney where Reginald was a furnace hand and Kathleen was a shoe machinist. Kathleen was the daughter of Joseph and Annie Allan, and she had been born at Beaconsfield in Tasmania on 23 April 1920. Reginald and Kathleen had one child born in Sydney during 1938. Kathleen died at Arncliffe in Sydney on 16 February 1975, at the age of 54, and she was buried in Rookwood Cemetery, Sydney. Reginald’s second wife was Merle Trotter. Reginald died at Gorokan, which is 45 miles north of Sydney, on 22 September 1995, at the age of 74; he was cremated at Gosford and his ashes buried in Rookwood Cemetery.

 

Luke and Eliza’s sixth child was Samuel Septimus Muddle who was born in Dungog registration district in New South Wales on 10 October 1868. Samuel never married. He died when he was about 63 years old, in Hornsby Mental Hospital, which is about 12 miles north of central Sydney, during 1932.

 

Joseph and Eliza’s eldest child (Eliza’s seventh) was George Thomas W S Brooker whose birth was registered in Paterson registration district in New South Wales during 1876.

 

Joseph and Eliza’s second child (Eliza’s eighth) was Esther Eliza Brooker whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1878. Esther never married. She died on 22 March 1912, at the age of 33, and she was buried in the Uniting Section of Dungog General Cemetery. An inscribed headstone marks her grave.

 

Joseph and Eliza’s third child (Eliza’s ninth) was Susannah Maud Brooker whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1879.

 

Joseph and Eliza’s fourth child (Eliza’s tenth) was Harriet Sophia Brooker whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1881.

 

Joseph and Eliza’s fifth child (Eliza’s eleventh) was Mary A M Brooker whose birth was registered in Dungog registration district in New South Wales during 1883.

Copyright © Derek Miller 2008-2016

Last updated 8 June 2016