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James Charles Wilson (Papa to his grandchildren) was born and raised in country New South Wales. He was 30 years of age when his parents were burnt to death in a fire at Inverell on 22nd April, 1902. His wife Ruth was 26 years of age.
James had to resign from the military band at Victoria Barracks, Sydney, in order to travel to Inverell to rebuild his parents' business. James and Ruth had a son Harry Noel (Noel) who was 2 years old at the time, and Ruth took it upon herself to raise her 4 brothers-in-law aged from 13 years down to 6 years of age. During the next 6 years Ruth also had three more children of her own, Lucy Thelma, Nellie Ruth and Melba Dorothy.
Unfortunately, the business failed as James was a Band Master, not a businessman. He was way too soft and people never paid their debts, so he applied for the job of Band Master in Coonamble. He got the job and he immediately relocated the family. Ruth moved to Coonamble in June 1909, with 4 children of her own and 4 teenage brothers-in-law whilst being 7 1/2 months pregnant with Ruth. They were flat broke and didn't have any furniture. They lived in Aberford Street, Coonamble (5th house on the right after Wingadee Street heading north). Their daughter Ruth was born on 9 Aug 1909. They later moved to the corner of Wingadee and Nash Street, where Ruth took in boarders to make ends meet. Eventually they had a beautiful home with orchards and vegetable gardens; she was a very good cook.
James became the Band Master, Secretary of the Hospital, Secretary of the P&A, a member of the I.O.O.F. (Independent Order of Odd Fellows) and the Masonic Lodge and also a Justice of the Peace; he was always arranging musicals and concerts. He died in Coonamble of congenital heart disease on 7 Jul 1936 aged 63 years and is buried in the Church of England section of Coonamble Cemetery. His only son Harry (Noel) was killed in WWI in Egypt.
Resourced by Susan Margaret Ecob
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The Inverell Times (NSW : 1899 - 1954), Wednesday 30 April 1902, page 4
Story of the Fire
AS TOLD AT THE INQUEST.
The adjourned inquest touching the death of Charles John Wilson and his wife Eliza Wilson, was resumed before Mr. Walterus Brown, District Coroner, and a jury at the Court House on Monday.
Constable Jones stated that he was on street duty on the night of Monday, April 21. At about 12.25 a.m. on Tuesday his attention was attracted by a fire in Mr Wilson's premises. He saw flames coming from a room in the centre of Mr. Wilson's building upstairs nearest Hunt's, the saddler. He then went to Wilson's front door and found it open. The lower part of the building was full of smoke, and witness climbed up a verandah post to the balcony. He blew his whistle as soon as he noticed the fire, and told a lad to go to the police barracks and wake the police up, which he did. The boy's name was Thomas Coleman. Witness got up one of Hunt's verandah posts and climbed to the front balcony rooms of Wilson's. He found a door open and called out 'Is anyone there?' There was no reply. He then came down and roused the other people in the D.I.C. and other premises, and told all females to leave the buildings. By this time Wilson's was completely in flames. He told the people in adjoining premises the whole block was partly in flames.
To Sub-inspector Evans: He saw no one in Wilson's building. When he got on to the balcony the roof was in flames. He looked in and called out, but did not see or hear anyone. At that time there was a chance for anyone inside the front room to escape, but not from the back rooms. He knew where to staircase was. The stairway was in flames when he got to the building.
To the Coroner: He was present when the remains of Mrs. Wilson were recovered at the rear of the building about 7 a.m. the same morning.
To the Foreman: He reached the balcony about 12.25 a.m. The smoke and flames seemed to come from the centre of the building towards the balcony.
Dr: Vallee said that on Tuesday morning he was shown some bones by Sergeant Cowie in a box at the scene of the fire in Otho-street. He examined them and on account of their shape and structure he came to the conclusion that they belonged to an adult male human being. On the following Thursday he was shown another collection of bones by Sergeant Cowie. He examined them and came to the conclusion that they belonged to a female adult human being.
Sergt. Cowie, who was the next witness, said that between 12.30 and 1 o'clock on Tuesday morning April 22, he received a call to a fire in Otho street. He at once proceeded there and saw Mr. Wilson's shop in flames. The shop was totally destroyed. About 4 a.m. witness went to the rear of what had been Mr. Wilson's shop, and in the debris he found some bones, which he afterwards showed to Dr Vallee. Where the bones were would be about under the top of the staircase in Mr. Wilson's premises. He collected the bones and placed them in a box till daylight. About 10 feet from where he found the first lot of bones, further to the rear, which would be at about the foot of the stairs; he saw a quantity of charred bones, which he collected and subsequently showed to Dr. Vallee. A further search at the spot where the bones were found brought to light some keys, a half sovereign, two sixpences and a threepenny piece.
Bridget Hunt, wife of Michael Hunt, said she and her husband had a building next door to Wilson's premises in Otho-street. There was only a wooden pine wall between her bedroom and that of Mr. Wilson. Continuing witness said, 'I went to bed about 10 o'clock on Monday night, the 21st instant, and about 11 I heard someone going upstairs in Mr. Wilson's place. About a quarter past 12 I heard Mr. Wilson calling out "Ernie" several times, his voice getting louder each time he called. He had a son called Ernest. I did not hear any answer. The next thing I heard was a noise as if Mr. Wilson had knocked against his boots. He must have been out of bed and he seemed to be walking about. I did not hear anyone until I heard the noise of the fire about 12.30. When I first heard the roar of the fire it seemed to be in Mr. Wilson's bedroom. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson occupied separate rooms. Mrs. Wilson occupied the last room at the rear of the building. I jumped out of bed and went to the window and saw the light from the fire. I could not say whether the fire was coming out of the roof or through the wall at that time but part of the building was all in flames. I heard screams as I came down stairs but I could not say whether they were those of a male or female. I was very excited myself. I did not see any member of the Wilson family.
Ethel Wilson, who was apparently very weak and distressed and had to be assisted into court, was the next witness. She deposed that she was the daughter of the deceased. She lived with her parents in Otho-street. Continuing, she said, ' On Monday night, April 21, I and my mother were out visiting and got home about 11 o'clock. I went to my father's room when I returned and spoke to him. I took him a cup of coffee. He was awake and I left the coffee on the dressing table. He was sitting on the bed and was not undressed. I and my mother then went to bed. I did not look to see if the light in my father's room was out or not. I put out the light in my room and went to sleep. The next thing I heard was someone calling out "Oh, my God." I thought it was Mrs. Hunt. When I woke up I saw all the side of the bedroom in flames. The flames seemed to be coming from the children's bedroom, which adjoined mine. My father's room adjoined their room. My mother's room was towards the back. All the bedrooms, four in all, were upstairs. When I got out of bed I threw a bucket of water over the fire near the door so that I could get out. I got out into the hall, but the staircase was all in flames. I went to the hall window, which was up, and jumped through onto the roof of a shed below. From there I rolled onto the ground. I did not see anyone and no one called me. I screamed out when I got to the window. At the time I first saw the fire no one could have got away except through the window, it was a practice to keep a bucket of water in each room in case of fire.
To the Foreman : There was a lamp in my father's room when I took him up the coffee.
Sidney Wilson, one of the sons of the deceased, deposed : ' I resided with my parents in Otho street, and attended to the shop. I remember Monday night, April 21. I went to bed at 10 o'clock. I slept with my brothers Harry, Ernest, and Kenneth. We all went to bed together. There was a passage between our room and that occupied by my father. There was a skylight over the passage. My sister's room adjoined mine. When I went to bed my father was in his room and had a light burning. I went to sleep, but woke up later on and saw flames in the room. The flames were coming in from my father's room and had just caught the bed in which two of the boys, Harry and Kenneth slept. There was nobody in the room but myself when I awoke. I saw no one upstairs. I did not see my father or mother. The fire was in the hall upstairs, but I got down the stairs. Each room opened off a hall upstairs. When I got down stairs I did not see any of my family. I went to the dining room door downstairs, but saw no one. The building overhead was then all in flames. I saw my father last in the shop about 8 o'clock on the night of the fire. My father used a small glass hand-lamp in his room. I do not know how my sister or brothers escaped. I have no idea how the fire started. I did not hear anyone calling out during the night.
To the Foreman : ' When I got up the door of my room was open. I do not think that I heard a scream. I think it was about 1 o'clock when I made my escape. I recognise the keys produced as my father's. They were in my father's possession on Monday night. One key is the key of the cash box. The kitchen was under my mother's bedroom.
Harry Wilson, 13 years of age, another son of the deceased, also gave evidence. He said ' I went to bed with my brothers on the night of the fire about 10 o'clock. I heard my father 'snoring' in his room, in which there was a light. I was awakened by the roar of flames and saw a fire in my father's room. Kenneth and I were sleeping in the same bed. Ernie pulled Kenneth out of bed and I got hold of my boots and clothes and ran down stairs to the lane, Ernie and Kenneth following me. I did not hear anyone call out, and I did not do so myself. The fire was near the window in my father's room, and it was not very big then. I did not see anything of my father or mother. I did not hear my father calling Ernie during the night. I last saw my father about 2 p.m. on the Monday. I did not see my sister during the fire. Ernie and Kennie followed me out to the lane about 5 minutes after I got there. I do not remember anything else. Ernie is 11 years old and Kenneth 7. I think the keys produced were my father's.
To the Foreman: The back door and our bedroom door were open, and I think my mother's bedroom door was open too. I did not see my brother Sidney until a quarter of an hour after I got out. The bedroom doors were nearly always open. I did not see a light in any of the bedrooms. I do not think that the front door was open, but it was not unusual for the back door to be left open. When I got out the first persons I saw were Mr. Underwood and Mr. D. Grant.
To the Coroner: My father was shaving customers on Saturday night.
Ernest Wilson 11 years old, brother of the previous witness, gave corroborative evidence. The light in their room on the Monday night was put out by Sidney. He first heard the windows crack and then saw flames coming from his father's room. He caught his brother Kenneth by his pyjamas, pulled him out of bed and downstairs into the yard. He did not see Sidney, and his brother Harry was not in the room when he got up. He did not hear or see his father or mother, nor see anyone throwing water. When he was down in the yard he heard his sister Ethel screaming, but could not make out where she was at the time. When getting out he passed his mother's door, but did not notice if it was open. He did hear his father calling him at any time in the night.
Formal evidence was also given by James Charles Wilson of the R.A.A. Victoria Barracks, eldest son of the deceased, as to the age of his parents and other details.
Constable Jones, re-called at the request of the jury, said that when he got to the front door of Mr. Wilson's shop he found it open about six inches. It was shut when he tried it at a quarter past twelve on Monday night. He last saw Mr. Wilson near the Imperial Hotel about 8 o'clock on the Monday evening.
Sidney Wilson re-called, said that he locked the front door at 9.15 on Monday evening and then locked the back door with the same key and left it in the door. He also placed two shutters, as usual, against the inside of the front door.
The Foreman said that in order to clear up the apparent doubt as to whether the front door was open they might ask how Miss Wilson entered the building upon her return on Monday night.
The Coroner: Presumably through the back door.
Sub-Inspector Evans said that he thought Constable Jones might be making a mistake about the door being open when he went back after seeing the fire. A young man named Robert Wm. Warbrook was with Jones and he might be able to throw some light on the subject.
Robert Wm. Warbrook was then called and deposed that he had been in Mr. Wilson's employ as a hairdresser. On the night of the fire he was asleep at Mr. Thompson's two doors from Mr. Wilson's, and upon being awakened by the fire he aroused young Thompson and went out into the street. He saw Constable Jones running towards Wilson's. He went to Wilson's and looked through the windows. He could not say whether the front door was open or not.
Sub Inspector Evans said that one of the boys had gone down to the scene of the fire with a view to securing the lock of the front door so that they could see whether it had been locked or not. If it had been locked and was subsequently found open by Constable Jones, it must have been forced open by someone.
Sidney Wilson re-called, gave further evidence as to the fastenings on the door. On the Monday night he bolted the doors securely. There were bolts on each door and he was quite sure that they were shut home.
This concluded the evidence and the Coroner having summed up, the jury retired at 4.35 to consider their verdict.
After deliberating some time the jury returned a verdict to the effect that the deceased both died from burns received in a fire on their premises, but that there was no evidence to show how the fire originated. They found, however, that the fire first broke out in Mr. Wilson's bedroom shortly after 12 a.m. on Tuesday morning, April 22.
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The Inverell Argus (NSW : 1899 - 1904), Friday 2 May 1902, page 2
LOCAL AND GENERAL
Mrs. Clift, Miss Ethel Wilson, Mr. J, C. Wilson, and the children will leave Inverell for Sydney next week. Miss Wilson is slowly recovering from the effects of the severe fall she sustained, and the altogether terrible experiences she has gone through. We trust to see her return to Inverell before long restored to health. Mrs. Clift, who was prostrated by the shock of the news and the long journey from Sydney, is much better now. The great kindness and sympathy accorded to these ladies since the late unfortunate occurrence has in a measure atoned for the grievous losses they have otherwise sustained, and we are glad to think that their native town showed itself sympathetic at a time when it was so much needed. But it could not have been otherwise when the respect and popularity of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are called to mind.
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The Inverell Times (NSW : 1899 - 1954), Saturday 3 May 1902, page 4
Local and General.
Mr. James Wilson, eldest son of the late Mr. Charles Wilson, is applying for the administration of the Estate of his father who died intestate. The necessary fourteen days notice was given in our last issue, and all particulars of claims, etc., should be forwarded by Wednesday next to Messrs. Borthwick and M'Intyre, proctors for the intended administrator, or to their agents, Messrs. Band and Drew, No. 2 Hunter-Street, Sydney. Mr. J. Wilson, Miss Wilson and other members of the bereaved family will shortly leave for Sydney where they will remain until matters in connection with the estate are settled.
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The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Friday 11 July 1902, page 5
PRESENTATION TO MR. J. C. WILSON.
The fire at Inverell, by which the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wilson lost their lives, necessitated their eldest son, Mr. J. C Wilson, who for eight years was librarian of the R A.A. Band, giving up his position in the band to take the management of his father's business. The band entertained him on Tuesday last. Bandmaster McCarthy presented him with a silver service, as a mark of the esteem in which he was held by the non-commissioned officers and men of the band. Mr W. G. Bentley, brigade bandmaster, also spoke in laudatory terms of the retiring librarian. In reply, Mr Wilson expressed regret at leaving the R.A A. Band.
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The Inverell Argus (NSW : 1899 - 1904), Friday 18 July 1902, page 2
LOCAL AND GENERAL
Mr. J. C. Wilson has at length secured his discharge from the Permanent Artillery Band, and will in future carry on the Emporium business in Inverell. Prior to leaving Sydney, Mr. Wilson was presented with a handsome piece of plate by his fellow bandsmen, as a token of their goodwill and hopes for his future prosperity.
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The Inverell Argus (NSW : 1899 - 1904), Friday 29 January 1904, page 2
The Ellis Benefit.
On Tuesday the Oxford Hall was packed with people to hear the variety entertainment that was given as a benefit for Mr. Jack Ellis who has been an invalid for years.
The first part of the programme was devoted to nigger minstrelsy, Mr. H. A. Witton being the interlocutor and Messrs. G. Morrow and G. Cameron bones and M. Walsh and F. Bussell tambos. The stage was very tastefully decorated with greenery and presented a bright and pleasing appearance. Every item was warmly received and the performance was a distinct credit to all those who took part, each of whom worked very hard indeed to make the evening as pleasant as possible to the large audience. Their efforts were well rewarded by the manner in which they were appreciated. The programme was as follows : -
Part I. : Overture, Mr. Wilson's orchestra ; opening chorus, the company ; ballad, 'The Steeple on the Hill,' Mr. Joe Kelly ; comic song, 'Underneaf Dat Ole Umbrella,' Mr. F. Bussell ; song, ' Elsie of the Glen,' Mr. E. C. Kelly ; comic song, ' 'Blige a Lady,' Mr. T. S. Morrell ; ballad, ' Clorine,' Master E.Wilson ; comic song, ' Why Don't You get a Lady of Your Own,' Mr, G, Morrow; song, 'Ring Down the Curtain,' Mr. E. Elliott ; comic song, ' The Coon Club Raid,' Mr. G. Cameron ; song, ' Wearing My Heart,' Mr, A. Tilse ; comic song, ' Elegant Bertie,' Mr. Gus. Soltau. Part II. : Song, ' Annie Laurie,' Mr. J. F. Cullen ; comic song, Mr. T. Morrell ; baritone solo, Mr. F. Palmer ; clog dance, Mr. J. Patterson ; solo, Miss Maud Leseberg ; a German recitation, Mr. F. Buckle ; solo, Miss Gladys Leseberg ; comic song, Mr. G. Conway ; dance, Sailor's Hornpipe, Mr. M'Vicar ; comic song, Mr. Gus Soltau.
All the items were so well rendered that it is a difficult matter to particularize. We cannot, however, let the occasion pass without referring to the singing of Master E. Wilson. This little fellow has a very sweet voice which promises to be something above the ordinary when it develops. The Misses Leseberg who bear a great reputation as musicians made their debut before an Inverell audience and sang a solo each. These items were the gems of the evening and the young artistes were accorded the applause which they justly merited. Mr. J. Patterson proved himself a skilled dancer and his exhibition was much admired. Mr. J. F. Cullen's singing of 'Annie Laurie' was an excellent item and was favorably received. Mr. R. N, Meston, the musical director, worked early and late to make the entertainment a success and he is deserving of great praise for his energetic efforts in so good a cause. As stage manager Mr. J. C. Wilson displayed his usual skill and energy, and he is to be highly complimented upon the creditable way in which the programme was executed throughout. The bean guessing competition was won by Mr. J. Delaney who struck the exact number, 942.
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Gilgandra Weekly (NSW : 1915 - 1929), Thursday 26 August 1926, page 2
HOSPITAL RACE MEETING
The programme for the Coonamble Hospital benefit race meeting, to be held on Friday, September 17 (prior to horses going to paddock for the Amateur Turf Club's meeting), has been issued, and may be obtained from the secretary, Mr. J. C. Wilson. The prize money amounts to 75p for six events. Nominations for all events close at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 14. The attention of those interested is drawn to an error appearing in the Trial Stakes, the amount of which is stated to be 25p. This should read 5p. Present indications point to a most successful meeting.
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Gilgandra Weekly (NSW : 1915 - 1929), Thursday 26 August 1926, page 4
SECRETARY IMPRESSED.
Mr. J. C. Wilson, secretary of Coonamble P. and A. Association, was present at the Gilgandra show. He was much impressed with the exhibition generally, and remarked that the attendance on the second day exceeded that of Coonamble show. What the popular official lacks in show knowledge is not worth troubling about, and his opinion of our show is, therefore, worthy of special mention. Some years ago Mr. Wilson paid periodical visits to Gilgandra in connection with matters relating to the town band, and, looking into the past, spoke in high appreciation terms of the late Mr. Con Curran, of the Royal Hotel.
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Gilgandra Weekly (NSW : 1915 - 1929), Thursday 16 September 1926, page 3
NO SUPPORT
TO DISTRICT HOSPITAL
Gulargambone 'On the Mat'
At Wednesday night's meeting of the Coonamble District Hospital, the secretary read the following item of outward correspondence:
August 12th, 1926,
Councillor J. F. Brien,
Gulargambone.
Dear Mr. Brien,
At the last meeting of my committee the matter of lack of outside support to the Institution was discussed, and it was mentioned that although this Hospital continues to treat quite a large number of patient from the Gulargambone town and district, no financial support has been received for some years from your area. I am quite sure that you will agree with me that there is something lacking if this town has to bear the whole burden of the cost of treatment. You will note from the annual report of which I have posted you a copy that in1925, from the Gulargambone district, 41 patients were treated, and I have asked the matron to furnish me the number treated this year.
As an outcome of this discussion I was instructed to write you as the representative of that portion of the shire, to ask if you would be good enough to make representations to the leading residents of the town and district and point out to them the liability due to the Coonamble Hospital for the continued treatment of the sick from your area.
Yours Faithfully,
J.C.WILSON,
Secretary.
The Chairman: No reply?
The Secretary: No reply, yet.
Mr. Garling: August 12th; there may be one later.
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Gilgandra Weekly and Castlereagh, Thursday 9 July 1936, page 4
Many friends and acquaintances in this district will regret to learn of the death of Mr. James Charles Wilson, aged 63, who passed away at the Coonamble District Hospital at 12.30 a.m. yesterday. Deceased played a prominent part in the public life of Coonamble, and for 26 1/2 years was secretary of the District Hospital, and for over 20 years had capably guided the destines of the Show Association. In addition he had held the secretaryship of the M.U. Lodge for about 12 years. The late Mr. Wilson first went to Coonamble some 27 years ago, and two years after his arrival associated himself with the Town Band, of which he was bandmaster for many years. A native of Narrabri, he spent many years of his early life at Inverell. He is survived by a widow and four daughters, Mrs. W. Farrell (Warren), Mrs. A. Clark, Misses Nellie and Melba (Coonamble). An only son, Noel, was killed at the Great War. The funeral took place at 3 p.m. yesterday, headed by the Town Band and members of the M.U. Lodge, the remains being laid to rest in the Church of England portion of the Coonamble cemetery.
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The Sydney Morning Herald, Friday, 24 July 1936, page 16
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW SOUTH WALES - Probate Jurisdiction - In the Will of JAMES CHARLES WILSON late of Coonamble in the State of New South Wales Bandmaster deceased - Application will be made after fourteen days from the publication hereof that Probate of the last Will and Testament of the abovenamed deceased may be granted to RUTH WILSON the surviving Executrix named in the said Will, the other Executor JOHN MARLES REES named therein havlng predeceased the Testator and all notices and claims against deceased's Estate may be served at the office of the undersigned, J. D. Y. BUTTON and SON. Proctors for Executrix Coonamble By their Agent L. G. B. CADDEN, 79 Elizabeth Street, Sydney.
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