Catherine Gorman the Mother of Margaret Evans lost her fifth child and her life at near full term. This is the story as recorded in the Goulburn Herald in 1859.
Queanbeyan.
Suspicion of Murder.
I have to report a melancholy occurrence that took place at Bungendore this morning, about seven o'clock. It appears that John Evans, more commonly known by the name of Bristol Jack, in company with two or three shearers, were drinking the night previous at Evan's house, and this morning, about seven o'clock, cries were heard there, which proved to be from Mrs. Evans. Mr Carroll, innkeeper at Bungendore, ran to the spot, and found her lying and bleeding greatly; she died at half past twelve o'clock the same morning. The police were immediately dispatched to Bungendore, and I am informed the Evans is now in custody at the place. A coroner's inquest will be held tomorrow. The unfortunate woman was just at the point of accouchement.
Ref: Goulburn Herald Sat. 10/12/1859.
Queanbeyan:
Inquest:
A coroner's inquest was held on Thursday last, at Bungendore, on the body of Catherine Evans, the particulars of whose death I gave in my last. (sic) The evidence was as follows: - Mr. Carroll, innkeeper of that place, on Wednesday morning, was alarmed by a noise, which he supposed to be at Evans hut. He ran to the spot and discovered Mrs. Evans in a helpless state, weltering in blood. Seeing the state she was in, Mr. Carroll immediately went to Mrs. Fell who at once came, as did also Mrs. Rogers, but their help was of no avail, the woman died a few hours afterwards. Mr. Carroll saw the deceased about five o'clock the same morning, when she appeared to be under the influence of drink, but otherwise healthy. Ellen Walsh proved that herself and the deceased were, on the night previous, drinking until midnight, in company with Evans and two other men, named Fanning and Wire, who were in custody before the inquiry. It was proved that deceased met with a severe fall in the Bungendore Creek that morning. Dr. Hayley gave evidence that deceased met with her death from uteral haemorrhage. A verdict was given - died from natural causes.
Ref: Goulburn Herald 14/12/1859.
So that is the story of Catherine's death, a tragic end.
To find out where Catherine fits into the family check the
Family history page
