Research Notes:

"Funeral

- The late Mrs. Elizabeth Hely

The funeral of the late Mrs. Elizabeth Hely, widow of the late Mr. John Thomas Hely, of Kincaid Street, Wagga, and one of the very earliest pioneers of the Wagga district, took place yesterday afternoon, leaving the residence of her daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hasson Whiting, in Tarcutta street, Wagga, at four o'clock. A large number of relatives and friends of the deceased lady attended from Ashfield (Sydney), Wagga, and surrounding district, also a large number of members of the P.A.F.S. lodge, of which her late husband was a member for many years. The interment took place in the family enclosure in the Wagga Church of England cemetery alongside the grave of her late husband. The carriers were Messrs. L. Collins, S. Belford, H.R. Beattie, R.S. Inglis, D. Belford, and R. Puckett, six members of the P.A.F.S. Lodge. Pall bearers were Messrs. Norman Hely (grand son). Max Grant (relative), Fred Parker ( a very old friend of the family) S. Stevens, A. Wright. D. Lewis, Norman Menz, and C.R. Matterson. The Rev. C.T. Debenham officiated at the graveside, after which he made touching reference to the long and good life of the deceased lady. She bore her illness with Christian fortitued, and to the members of her bereaved family he tendered his deepest sympathy. The chief mourners present were Messrs. John Thomas Hely of Ashfield, Sydney (son); Mrs. R. Hill, Kincaid Street, and Mrs. H.H. Whiting, of 122 Tarcutta Street, Wagga (daughters); Norman Hely, of Thorne Street (grand son); Max Grant (relative); Mr. H. H. Whiting (son-in-law); Mrs. E. Wunsch (niece); Miss Enid Hill (granddaughter); William and Thomas Whiting (grandsons); Mr. A. Stinson, Mr. and Mrs. W. Kennedy (very old friends); and also the members of the P.A.F.S. lodge and a very large number of old friends of the deceased. The coffin was heavily covered with floral tributes sent by members of the P.A.F.S. and sons and daughters of the deceased...."

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"Mrs. Elizabeth Hely

The death occurred yesterday afternoon at the residence of her daughter and son-in-law, Mrs. and Mr. Henry Whiting, of 122 Tarcutta street, Wagga. of Mrs. Elizabeth Hely, at the age of 88 years and 10 months, after a long illness. The deceased lady was the widow of the late Mr. John Thomas Hely, who was for many years licensee of the Club House Hotel, Kincaid Street, and who predeceased her by 12 years.

The late Mrs. Hely was born in Phillip Street. Sydney, in the year 1837 [sic]. She came to Wagga at the age of 16. She was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. William John Smart, of Manchester, England. Her faiher was at one time chief warder at the Goulburn gaol. She was married to the late Mr. John Thomas Hely at North Wagga in 1856, by the Rev. Samuel Fox, of Tumut Church of England, who at that time made periodical visits to Wagga. The Rev. Samuel Fox will be remembered as the owner of considerable property in Wagga, including Foxborough Hall. Later, what is now known as Fox street. was named after him. The witnesses to the marriage were Messrs Monkhouse, Charles Motimer and Hannah Monkhouse.

The late Mrs Hely was of a kindly disposition, and during her long residence in Wagga endeared herself to all with whom she came in contact. She reared a family of ten children, six of whom survive her, namely, Mrs. M'Kay (The Overflow Station, Warren); Mrs. R. K. Hill (Wagga), Mrs. H. Whiting (Wagga), John Thomas (ex-sergeant of police, Sydney), Alfred Thomas (Stanmore), and Prosper Frederick (Rockdale). She also leaves 42 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.

During her long illness the late Mrs. Hely was constantly visited by the members of her family, many of whom were with her at the last. The funeral will leave the residence of her daughter in Tarcutte, street, to day, at 4 p.m., for interment in the family enclosure in the Church of England cemetery, Wagga. Officers and members of the P.A.F.S. are invited to attend the funeral." ⁵