Charles Wood & Norah O'Brien

 


  Charles Edward Wood, the son of John Wood and Bridget McShane  was born in Echuca in 1867. The family returned to live in Geelong, before settling in the Pyramid Hill district in 1875.
Charles was an active member of the local VMF : Two members of the Durham Ox detachment, Victorian Military Rifles who have for some time been qualifying for promotion of rank, viz., Messrs A. M. Royan and C. Wood  have got through their theoretical practical examination very creditably and have been appointed Corporals.
Pyramid Hill Advertiser Fri. Jan 18th 1897     

  A match was fired at the Durham Ox  range on Friday last between teams selected by Sergeant McPherson. The ranges were 400-500 yards and 7 shots at each range. Sixteen members competed - the result being a win to Cpl. Wood's team with 37 pts. Cpl. Wood scored a possible (short range) 34 out of 35points

Pyramid Hill Advertiser August 27th 1897     

In his Mother's obituary in 1901, Charles's rank is given as Colour-Sergeant

 

 

 
  Charles married Nora Crena O'Brien, the daughter of  Denis O'Brien    and Johanna Ryan in 1905. Charles and Nora had seven children.   Nora died in 1927 after a long illness (believed to be cancer)

back row (left to right): Denis, Bridget, Jack
front row: Bert (hand in pockets), Charles, Mary,
Nora holding Kath, and Charlie

Death Notice and Obituary
Nora Wood

On 7th March at her home, Central Mologa, Nora, beloved wife of Charles E. Wood and loving mother of Jack, Bridgie, Denis, Charlie, Bertie, mary and Kathleen, and fond sister-in-law of Emily, Lizzie, Mrs Maloney (Kamarooka) and Lottie. Deelply regretted

Mrs Nora Wood, wife of Mr. C. E. Wood, passed away at her home at Central Mologa on Monday afternoon at the age of 52 years. For some weeks she had suffered and life came to its end despite all possible measures and the sympathy of a wide circle of friends is extended to the breaved husband and seven children, and other relatives.

Mrs Wood took a zealous part in the efforts for the building of the Roman Catholic Church, though working unobtrusively to that end her part was effective. On Tuesday afternoon, after the Rosary and prayers were said, the body was borne from the Church and the cortage of forty cars and several other vehicles moved to the cemetery where the graveside service was conducted by Prior Powell, head of the Dominican order, assisted by Rev. Father Cremin.

The pall bearers were Messrs M., D., and M. O'Brien, brothers of the deceased, and Messrs McFarlane, D. and D. Ervin and J. P. Owens.

Mrs Wood was the eldest daughter of Denis and Johanna O'Brien of Derby and sister of Sister St. Clair (deceased), Mrs McFarlane of Bendigo and the Messrs Denis, Michael O'Brien of Derby. The boys and girls of the Central Mologa school conveyed their sympathy with the family in a floral cross.

Pyramid Hill Advertiser March 11th 1927

OBITUARY
Late Charles Edward Wood

Another of Pyramid Hills pioneers in the person of Mr. Charles Edward Wood died here peacefully on Wednesday, March 30. Although the deceased had not been enjoying good health for some time, his death was sudden and unexpected.

Born at Echuca in 1867, Mr. Wood was taken to Geelong, whilst still very young, and at the age of eight came with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. John Wood, to the well-known "Greenfield Farm" at Maloga Central. It was here that he spent the greater part of his life

He became well known throughout the Shire of Gordon as a contractor and much of the Shire's early construction work was done by him. With Mr.Charles Marfleet, he shared the honor of being among the first workmen at Waranga Basin scheme which was destined to consolidate the irrigation supply on the land they were later  to  successfully farm. The  late  Mr. Wood showed he was a practical and  successful farmer, and became the first to sow a large area to permanent pasture in this district. The area  sown  down in 1926 is still one of the best plots in the district.

Of a kindly and generous nature, Mr. Wood made and held many firm friendships and many charities will miss his regular and generous support. He was a devout member of the Catholic Church and took a keen interest in parish affairs. He was a member of the Hibernian and Holy Name Societies until his death.

All local affairs for the advancement of Pyramid Hill and district commanded his support and for many years he was a member of the Pyramid Agricultural Society and the local branch of the A.N.A.

In 1905 he married Miss Nora O'Brien of Bridgewater, who predeceased him 22 years ago. A family of seven, namely John, Bridget (Sister Mary Francis), Denis, Charles, Bert, Mary and Kathleen (Mrs. H. Mahony)  are left to mourn the loss of a devoted and loving father.

The funeral which left St. Patrick's Church on Thursday, March 31 for the Pyramid Hill cemetery was largely attended and showed the esteem and respect of the residents of the district. 

The Rev. Father Scott officiated at the graveside and read the burial service. The coffin bearers were Messrs. William Mahoney (son-in-law), David Morley (nephew), John Flynn.

Pyramid Hill Advertiser Wed. April 20th 1949



back row (l-r) Kath, Denis, Mary & Bert
front row Charlie, Bridget (Sr. Mary Francis) and Jack