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Note: -------------------------
Australia, Birth Index, 1788-1922
Name: Eliza Simpson
Birth Date: 1853
Father's name: James Simpson
Mother's name: Eliza
Birth Place: New South Wales
Registration Year: 1853
Registration Place: Liverpool Plains, Tamworth, New South Wales
Volume Number: V18531823 39A
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Australia, Marriage Index, 1788-1950
Name: Eliza Simpson
Spouse Name: Charles John Wilson
Marriage Date: 1871
Marriage Place: New South Wales
Registration Place: Wee Waa, New South Wales
Registration Year: 1871
Registration Number: 3740
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Nelson Evening News (NZ), 22 Apr 1902, 3.30pm
TWO PEOPLE BURNT TO DEATH
(Received 3.5 p.m.)
SYDNEY, This Day.
A disastrous fire has occurred at Inverell, in the north of the colony, when a dozen business places were destroyed. It was stopped only by pulling down the adjoining buildings. Mr Wilson and his wife, inmates of a shop where the fire started, perished in the flames. The damage is estimated at from 12,000 pounds to 15,000 pounds.
Resourced by Susan Margaret Ecob
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The Barrier Miner, Wednesday, April 23, 1902
THE INVERELL FIRE
Damage, 30,000 Pounds
Many Families Destitute
by Telegraph
SYDNEY, Wednesday.
Many private families and business people at Inverell have been rendered destitute by yesterday morning's fire. In all, 19 buildings were destroyed. The damage is now estimated at 30,000 pounds.
The Premier (Mr. See) has wired to the Mayor of Inverell to relieve all cases of true distress at the Government expense.
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The Inverell Times (NSW : 1899 - 1954), Wednesday 23 April 1902, page 2
FEARFUL FIRE
Two Lives Lost.
Whole Block Destroyed.
Estimated Damage 15,000p
A Terrible Spectacle.
The most terrible conflagration which has ever been experienced in the history of Inverell occurred during the small hours of yesterday morning, and was not only attended by great loss of property, but, sad to say, resulted in the loss of two valuable lives. Monday night was as fair and beautiful as a cloudless sky and a bright moon could make it, in fact a night so calm and peaceful as to forbid all thoughts of grim tragedy, and yet before daylight dawned such was to be enacted. Fire, at all times, is to be dreaded, even where it can be fought with all the modern appliances and unlimited water supply which the ingenuity of engineers and experienced fire-fighters has placed at our disposal in our principal centres of population, but when it has to be fought hand to hand, as it were, in a country town without any adequate water supply and with the most primitive of appliances, it takes on an added terror that might well make the stoutest heart quake. Such was the condition of affairs in connection with the fire which devastated a block in Otho-street early yesterday morning, but the residents of the town faced the terrifying situation with a courageous and indomitable spirit such as cannot fail to command the admiration of the public at large.
HOW IT OCCURRED.
The first question that enters the mind in regard to a great fire is, "How did it occur?" In the majority of instances a satisfactory answer is a matter of impossibility and such is the case, so far, in the case of the awful disaster which befell the town yesterday morning. Those who might have been able to give some definite information on the point have gone from us and their place knows them no more. They fell victims to the fire-fiend in attempting to make their escape from their burning home so that source of evidence is sealed with the irremovable seal of Death.
After all the question of how the fire started sinks into insignificance when one comes to consider the results of the outbreak. Whatever surmises may be indulged in the fact remains that the fire did gain a hold upon the town and worked fearful havoc with life and property before it was got under control.
THE STARTING POINT.
The starting point of the fire was in Mr. Charles Wilson's shop and residence in Otho Street, which proved to be the scene of the most awful act of the whole grim drama. As already stated it is not clear how it originated. In fact the minds of those best able to speak with authority on the subject are thrown into such chaos and inexpressible distress by the fearful disaster which has rendered them not only homeless but orphans, that they are at present quite unable to give any account of the tragedy which was worked out before them. As far as can be gathered at present it would seem that the Wilson family retired as usual on Monday night. Just about midnight an alarm of fire was raised, and it is said that some of the children upon running out of their rooms saw Mr. Wilson trying to extinguish the flames which had gained a hold upon one of the rooms. His efforts were in vain, and the children were urged to make their escape from the building, which, being constructed of light material and containing goods of an inflammable character was evidently doomed. They hastened to do so, and both Mr. and Mrs, Wilson also descended the stair with the object of leaving the burning building to its fate. They were last seen at the foot of the stairs and their children, passing out into the street, were led to believe that they had followed them into the open. It was not until some time afterwards that Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were missed and inquiries made as to their whereabouts.
THE TOWN AROUSED
In the meantime the glare of the fire which had seized with fury upon the frail structure aroused several of the residents in the immediate vicinity and before long messengers were speeding through the town crying the startling news. There was dressing in hot haste and a general stampede for the scene of the conflagration, which by this time was sending its ruddy glare far across the surrounding country. Helpers, summoned by the awful beacon, came from near and far, were quickly upon the spot and combined their forces to combat what seemed to be an invincible foe. Of workers there was no lack but unfortunately the means at their disposal were totally inadequate for their needs. The fierce flames fed by a thousand combustible materials sprang from building to building in wild and uncontrolled delight, and even those whose premises were a considerable distance from the original seat of the fire, but nevertheless in its track, had but little time to perform salvage operations. Fortunately, the night was extremely still, there being scarcely any perceptible movement in the air apart from that created by the heat of the fire itself, otherwise the disaster, which it is our painful duty to chronicle, would no doubt have been of a more comprehensive character such being too dreadful to contemplate. A vast crowd of people quickly gathered in Otho-street to watch the fire and render such assistance as might come within their power. And at this point another tribute of praise may fittingly be paid to the manner in which the townspeople bore themselves under the trying circumstances. Wherever help was wanting there was to be found quite an army of those anxious to be of service however great or small. Men, aye! and women and children too, worked in the overpowering heat to rescue goods which were in danger and bear them to a place of safety, with the result that the streets were soon littered with salvaged goods.
FIGHTING THE FIRE.
But the most vital question of the moment, far above that of salvage was how to combat the progress of the fire upon something like equal terms. Of water there was but the most limited supply and all thoughts about extinguishing the fire had to be abandoned. The attention of the fire-fighters was, therefore, directed to blocking the fire at the nearest possible point. The most promising spot for such action was found to be at the Massey-Harris bicycle shop which was divided from the offices occupied by Messrs. A. Fletcher (auctioneer), J. A. Boyd (solicitor), C. G. Gordon (mining agent), and McLean and Davis by a yard. On the recommendation of several of the leading residents it was decided to demolish the Massey-Harris shop without delay. The task was commenced with a will by a host of workers and in a very short space of time the building was razed to the ground and the material of which it was composed hauled out into the street. The gap thus made, however, seemed hopelessly narrow and attention was consequently directed to the old wooden building occupied by Messrs Fletcher, Boyd, Gordon and M'Lean and Davis as offices. Axes were plied with feverish haste and a general onslaught made upon the building but the flames by this time were close upon the workers, and it became a race between them.
THE CRISIS.
This was the crisis of the conflagration, for if the fire once gained a hold upon the half-demolished building it would obtain a new lease of life and no one could say where the end would be. Vast volumes of smoke rolled heavenward from the inflammable building occupied by Mr. Lucock and Mr. Patterson, and it was apparent that it would burst into flame at any moment, with the result that those engaged upon the destruction of the adjoining building would be driven back. The spectators almost held their breath in suspense. Denser, denser and denser grew the clouds of smoke from Mr. Lucock's premises and then blue tongues of flame, like fiery serpents, darted forth and licked as with venomous rate, around the doomed building. A moment later it was a mass of raging flame which towered high into the early morning air and drove back those in the vicinity. Despair settled upon more than one heart but the foremost of the fighters were undismayed and with magnificent courage and true British pluck altered their tactics to suit the altered conditions. Their object now was to prevent the partly demolished building upon which they had been working, from catching fire. Water was commandeered from all parts and the supply, although so meagre as to dishearten the majority, proved sufficient for the purposes thanks to the heroic efforts of the workers. The heat was terrific but each man stuck to his post like the Spartans of old until victory was won and all danger past. All worked with that dogged tenacity which is one of the most admirable attributes of the British race and it would be difficult to say to whom the most praise is due. But without making invidious comparisons special mention may be made of the splendid work done by Constables Conen and Jones, especially during the scene abovementioned. Too much praise cannot be accorded to them and the gallant fellows who did as much as they did but whose identity has not yet been made known.
AWFUL NEWS.
The worst was over but before the flames were conquered a rumour was passed from mouth to mouth which lips stricken with horror, could hardly frame.
BOTH MR. AND MRS. WILSON WERE MISSING.
Many took an optimistic view of the case and declared with confidence that they would be found either at one of the hotels or at the residence of some friend. Inquiries as to their whereabouts were at once instituted but no news could be obtained of them and the anxiety as to their fate became more and more intense as daylight dawned. Then came the terrible news that two lots of human remains had been discovered in the ashes of what was once Mr. Wilson's shop, some of the remains being found at what was formerly the foot of the stairs and others near where a window once existed. The discovery of keys, etc, has led to the belief that the former are those of Mr. Wilson, and the latter of his wife who had so nobly tried to save him. The remains were collected by Sergeant Cowie and will be produced at the inquiry which will be held.
THE PROPERTY DESTROYED.
It has been difficult to obtain details in connection with the property destroyed but the following is a list of the premises:-
Thompson's tinsmith shop.
New Zealand Loan and Agency Company's office.
C. Wilson's mixed shop and private residence.
Michael Hunt's saddlery shop and private residence.
Ealing, Buxton and Co. general store.
Nurse Gough's private hospital.
Friedman's fancy goods shop.
Heffernan's drapery shop and private residence.
Mrs. Finlen's fruit shop, refreshment rooms and private residence.
H. S. Vincent and Co's. stationery shop.
H. Carson's fruit shop and private residence.
W. Finlen's tailoring shop.
Luenck's photographic studios.
Patterson's jewellery shop.
Massey-Harris bicycle shop.
G. E. Minns' residence.
Messrs. Williams and Bevering's establishment, and the offices occupied by Messrs. Boyd, Fletcher, Gordon and M'Lean and Davis also suffered severely. The former through the fire directly, and the latter through the efforts made to destroy the building.
THE DAMAGE.
Various estimates have been made as to the amount of damage done but the consensus of opinion seems to be that the sum of 15,000p would not do more than cover the sum involved. Of this 15,000p damage it would seem from inquiries that have been made that certainly not more than 7000p worth is covered by insurance.
THE LOSERS.
Those who have suffered material loss by the fire have hardly had time as yet to estimate their losses with any degree of accuracy, but from inquiries that have been made it is plain that many have lost heavily.
Messrs. Ealing and Buxton, who had a stock valued at about 3000p, were insured for 1100p, the amount being divided between the Liverpool, London and Globe, Sun and Lancashire Companies. The building belonged to the Knapton Estate, and it is not known at present for what it is insured, if at all.
The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company's office fittings, machinery, etc., were insured for about 400p, and lost everything but a couple of buggies and some harness. Mr. G. H. Chapman, who had gone in for a speculation in chaff and had about 13 tons, for which he paid about 50p some time ago, stored at the rear of the building, lost it all.
Mr. J. W. Anderson, the well-known solicitor, is a particularly heavy loser, practically all his deeds and papers being destroyed. Mr. Anderson had two lead safes in his office but upon bursting these open after the fire it was found that their contents were, for the worst part, nothing more than charred papers. It is quite impossible to calculate the loss and trouble involved in the loss of so many valuable documents extending as they did over 20 years, and much sympathy has been expressed for Mr. Anderson. The office furniture and library was insured in the Royal Insurance Company for 150p, and the building which belongs in the Knapton Estate for 800p.
The contents of Mr. J. W. Thompson's premises were not insured, and as they were all destroyed his loss amounts to about 350p. The building itself was owned by Mr. H. N. M'Lean.
Mr. Michael Hunt, whose skill as a saddler is well known, had the biggest stock he ever had on his premises and as it was not insured is a loser to the extent of about 800p. The building was the property of the Knapton Estate.
Both Mr. and Mrs. W. Finlen were uninsured and although they succeeded in getting some of their things out still their loss amounts to something like 300p.
Messrs. H. S. Vincent and Co., stationers etc., had a big stock on hand, of which a little was saved. The total insurance was 600p, an additional policy for 150p having been taken out by a strange stroke of fortune on Monday. The amount is divided between the Liverpool and the Mercantile Mutual offices. Mr. Vincent intends to carry on his business in premises which have been kindly lent to him by Mrs. George, next to Messrs. Cansdell and Co's store.
The late Mr. Wilson's building and its contents are said to have been insured for 500p in the Lion Insurance Company.
Messrs. Lucock and Co. lost about 250p as the contents of their shop were not insured.
Mr. Patterson who was insured, lost about 80p.
Mr. G. Minns saved about half of his valuables but his loss amounts to some 30p.
The premises from the Massey-Harris Depot to Mr. Friedman's inclusive, were owned by Mrs. Body.
Mrs. Gough lost about 25p worth of property.
THE DECEASED.
A deep gloom has been cast over the town by the tragic deaths of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson, both of whom were extremely popular. Mr. Wilson, whose generous disposition endeared him to all he came in contact, was about 58 years of age and came to this district about 32 years ago. He was married at Burburgate near Tamworth. He was an alderman of the town for 21 years and was twice Mayor. Mrs. Wilson was a daughter of Mr. C. Lovell*, of Inverell, and had a wide circle of friends. Eight children, several of whom are little more than infants are left to mourn their irreparable loss. A public subscription, on their behalf, was opened early yesterday and up to lunch time about 60p had been subscribed and contributions were still pouring in.
(*Eliza's father was James Simpson)
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Thursday 24 April 1902, The Sydney Morning Herald
INVERELL, Wednesday.
Miss Wilson, the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C. Wilson, who were burnt to death yesterday, was much improved to-day. She was unable this morning to leave her bed at McCosker´s Hotel. She states that her mother and she spent the evening out, returning at 10.30. She went to her father´s room and gave him a cup of coffee. He seemed well then. She went to bed, and was awakened by hearing Mrs. Hunt (a neighbour) calling out. The fire had then reached her room, and the clothes hanging on the wardrobe were burning. She sprang from the bed, and met the flames in the hall. A bucket of water was kept in each room, and she threw one on the fire. She rushed to the window overlooking a lane. She leaped on to a shed, off which she fell to the ground, a distance of 10ft, her hip being slightly injured. She did not hear or see anything of her parents. Mr. Wilson occupied a room next to the drawing room, the boys the adjoining room, and Miss Wilson the next one. The boys have no recollection of how they were awakened, but all ran downstairs together.
The wife of Mr. Hunt, who kept a saddler´s shop adjoining Mr Wilson´s, says she heard Mr. Wilson call for a light at 12 o´clock. She dozed off. but was awakened about an hour afterwards by a hissing sound. She at once awoke her husband, who leaped to the window, and saw flames beginning to issue from the roof of Mr. Wilson´s building. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt at once rushed for their three children. Before they got to the staircase the wall of Mr. Wilson´s house fell outwards, and almost instantly their place burst into flames.
Constables Jones and Conen observed the fire when they were at the west end of Byron-street, about 300 yards away. They gave the alarm, and on reaching the scene the flames were bursting through the centre of the roof. They climbed the balcony, the door opening on to which was ajar. The place was full of smoke. They called out loudly, but got no answer. Flames almost immediately rushed through the door and drove them from the balcony. The police roused the inmates of the adjoining premises.
Mr. L. D. Bice, stock agent, who followed the constables to the fire, says he saw the youngest boy running up and down Otho-street screaming ``Mother, father´s burnt.´´ He pacified the little boy. The eldest son of deceased, Mr James Wilson, a member of the Permanent Artillery Band, and a daughter, Mrs. Clift arrived from Sydney to-day.
There is no water supply beyond well tanks, most of which are empty. There is no fire brigade here.
Resourced by Susan Margaret Ecob
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Extract from the `The Inverell Argus´ Friday 25th April 1902
The Deceased
Mr & Mrs Wilson were so well known that remarks concerning them are unnecessary. Mr Wilson had been in business here for about 25 years and in `The Emporium´ for 15 years.
He was always prominent in town affairs, he had been Mayor, Worshipful Master of the Masonic Lodge, Noble Grand Master of the Odd Fellows, Founder and Chief supporter of the band, good amateur actor and character singer, good public speaker, an advocate of progression, a man of considerable reading and intelligence and a staunch friend.
As an honorary Magistrate he carried out his duties well, often sitting on the bench and always at hand and ready to sign documents.
Mr Wilson was an investor and was a member of `The Shamrock Silver Mining´ syndicate and various tin mining companies.
He was likewise an athlete, a champion walker and a good swimmer, as was his custom to bathe in the river every morning winter and summer alike.
He was of sensitive nature and felt severely his rejection at the late Municipal elections, which in our opinion (as given at the time) was not justifiable.
Mrs Wilson was a soul of kindness and hospitality and was esteemed and respected by all.
They leave nine children all of whom (with the exception of Mr Victor Wilson who lives in Fremantle) are now here, their eldest son and daughter Mr James Wilson and Mrs Maude Clift, having arrived from Sydney on Wednesday afternoon. The deaths have caused deep and unfeigned regret, and sympathy with the bereaved is universal. The funeral will take place Sunday afternoon.
Resourced by Susan Ecob)
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The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Monday 28 April 1902, page 8
THE INVERELL FIRE.
FUNERAL OF THE VICTIMS.
FIRE RELIEF FUND.
INVERELL, Sunday.
The remains of Mr ard Mrs Wilson, the victims of the recent fire, were buried to-day at 3 o'clock. The procession extended over three-quarters of a mile. The local Oddfellows' lodge conducted the arrangements. Mr. Wilson was one of the oldest members, and a P.G. The ashes were carried in an especially prepared bier in a polished cedar casket with silver mountings by the members of the order, who were followed by the members of the Druids' Lodge, the Salvation Army, the inverell bandsmen, and the Mayor and aldermen in a four-horse drug. Then came the general public, there being nearly 100 vehicles, a large number of horse-men, and hundreds on foot lined the streets through which the procession passed. The ramains were interred in the Church of England portion of the cemetery. The Rev. R. Fairbrother conducted the service and the Oddfellows' service was read by the N.G. There were over 100 Oddfellows in the procession. A great number of wreaths were sent, including those from the municipal council and other public bodies and private citizens.
A public meeting was held on Friday to express sympathy with the sufferers in the late fire and for augmenting the fire relief fund. The Mayor stated that over 230p had been received. A large number of telegrams and letters from all parts of the State were read expressing sympathy and forwarding subscriptions. Speeches were made in support of the movement by the Rev. R. M. Legate, Staff-captain Winter (Salvation Army), Messrs. A. Bloore, J. Borthwick, G. A. Cruickshank, M.P., J. W. Moore, A. E. Stiefvater, E. Roos, and C. L. Kendall. Feeling references were made to the late Mr. and Mrs. Wilson. Mention was made of the splendid work done at the fire by the police. A committee was appointed to collect and distribute subscriptions. At the meeting 18p 12s was collected.
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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 Singleton Argus, Thursday, May 1, 1902
GENERAL GLEANINGS
At Inverell an inquest into the cause of the late fire in Otho-street was held on Wednesday when the jury found that the evidence did not enable them to say how the fire occurred, but condemned the use of calico for ceilings or linings.
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The Inverell Times (NSW : 1899 - 1954), Saturday 3 May 1902, page 5
Thanks.
THE family of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Wilson desire to return their sincere THANKS for the many expressions of sympathy, floral tributes, and practical assistance received during their sad bereavement lnverell, May 1st.
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Taken from `The Sydney Mail´ Sat May 3rd 1902 page 1109
The Fatal Fire last week in Inverell
Last week´s `Mail´ contained a view of the block of buildings in Otho Street Inverell which was burnt so rapidly on the morning 22nd April, that 2 lives were lost the late Mr & Mrs Wilson the victims were universal favourites in the north. Mr Wilson took part in many charitable movements and was an excellent amateur actor. The inquest on the fire began last week, it brought forth little other than what has been published of the sad event.
There is nothing further authentic as to the origin of the fire or why the victims failed to escape. Miss Wilson (Ethel) the only one from whom reliable information is likely to be obtained is prostrated by the shock and awful death of her parents, she remembers nothing distinctly beyond climbing through the upper window and falling on an adjoining roof, finding herself in a back lane.
Mrs Wilson finding her husband missing returned to help him and met a tragic death. Of the children the youngest (Ken) aged 6 years escaped by the stairs. Some clambered down the balcony posts. A boy (Harry) of 13 years rushed into his father´s office to save the books containing accounts. He had his feet and legs slightly injured.
Mr Hunt saddler next door only rescued his family with difficulty, the whole escaping in nightdresses. Other occupants received timely notice. Some succeeded in saving part of their household goods and contents of the shops. Kelly´s Red Flag stock of drapery suffered by removal. The insurance on this was p1500 and the damage in estimate at p500.
Probably the most far reaching ill effects on premises burned were sustained by Mr Anderson Solicitor whose safe contained several thousand pounds worth of Title Deeds and other valuable documents. The whole was reduced to cinders. In a similar one in New Zealand Loans Office the contents were found intact.
Mr Anderson also lost p200 in cheques and notes likewise the whole of his books.
Esling Baxten and Co adopted the precaution of removing the books every night but this is all the firm saved. Their stock is insured for p1100 and the premises for p800.
Mr Anderson was insured for p150 in the Royal company Mrs Body´s building for p1250.
Messer´s Williams and Beveridges butcher shop owned by Mr George Grove which stayed the flames in one direction was covered for p550 in the north Queensland Company and the estimated damage is p320 part only of these was burnt. But the rest was wrecked in a successful attempt to stop the fire.
The Mayor has started a subscription list for the children orphaned and homeless. There was a liberal response the sum of p230 being promptly subscribed.
The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon and was very largely attended. The procession extended three quarters of a mile.
The local Odd fellows Lodge of which Mr Wilson was a Passed Grand conducted the arrangements.
Resources by Susan Ecob & Robyn Allman
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Articles reporting the fire on 22nd April 1902 are found in:
Inverell Times 23/4/1902
Inverell Argus 25/4/1902
Armidale Express 25/4/1902
All these are kept in the Newspaper room Public Library of New South Wales Macquarie St Sydney.
Some pictures are in the Sydney Mail around the same dates.
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