Gilbert Hallam Wellard
Forth Methodist Cemetery
Died 9th Feb 1955
Age 83 years
DEATH
WELLARD – On Feb 9, 1955, at General Hospital, Ulverstone, Gilbert Hallam, dearly beloved husband of May Wellard, Don Road, Devonport; aged 82 years. Late veteran South African War. Burial Methodist Cemetery Forth.
The Advocate 10th February 1955
Obituary paragraph
Mr. G. H. Wellard
The death occurred recently in Ulverstone General Hospital of Mr. Gilbert Henry Wellard, at the age of 82 years. The late Mr. Wellard was the second son of the late Mr. Charles Henry and Mrs. Louisa Wellard, of Forth
Born at Kindred in 1872, Mr. Wellard moved to Forth with his parents when he was six years old. When he turned 14, he was apprenticed to Naylor Brothers, coachbuilders, of Ulverstone, and for five years rode an old “bone-shaker” bicycle back and forth to work daily.
A
t the outbreak of hostilities he joined the Light Horse Contingent and served in South Africa for the duration of the war.
Returning home, he worked as a carpenter at several places, principally Launceston and Latrobe. He had some musical ability and occupied the position of choirmaster and conductor at the Forth Methodist Church for some time.
He was 32 years old when he married Miss Jessie Beveridge. They had two children. The elder, Charlie, was drowned in a fishing expedition in the Forth River at the age of 19. The other son Eric, died after a serious operation when he was eight. Mrs. Wellard died some years later. Her sister, May, who survives, was Mr. Wellard’s second wife.
He took a keen interest in sport. In his young days he was an enthusiastic cricketer and in later years listened to football and cricket broadcasts.
He was of a quiet disposition, but always enjoyed a joke and a yarn with old friends.
Some years ago he purchased a farm at Forth, which he worked until age and indifferent health forced him to sell out to Mr. Gordon Day.
During his last years, he lived at the junction of Cemetery and Main Highway roads, Devonport.
Mr. Wellard had two brothers and four sisters, these being Charles (Ulverstone) and Alfred (Wananui, New Zealand), and Mrs. Palmer (Ulverstone), Mrs. Wadley (Hobart), Miss E Wellard and Miss A. Wellard (Ulverstone).
Services at the church and graveside were conducted by the Rev. J. P. Thomas, of Sheffield.
Carriers were Messrs. A. Squitt, A and B. Beveridge and P Archer. Pallbearers were Messrs. N. L. Frost, H. Marshall, G. Dag, H. A. Vertigan.
Wreaths included those from the South African Returned Soldiers’ Association president and committee of the Ulverstone sub-branch of the R.S..L. and Forth and Ulverstone Tent I.O.R. Lodge.
The Advocate 16th February 1955
Jessie Wellard
Forth Methodist Cemetery
Died 28th Sept 1932
Age 59 years
Eric Gilbert Wellard
Forth Methodist Cemetery
Died 5th Sept 1923
Age 7 years
DEATH
WELLARD – On September 5 at the Ulverstone Hospital, Eric Gilbert, beloved youngest son of Gilbert and Jessie Wellard, of Forth, aged 7 years. Burial Forth Methodist Cemetery
The Advocate 7th September 1923
Charles William Wellard
Forth Methodist Cemetery
Died 16th Nov 1929
Aged 19 years
WELLARD – On November 16, at Forth, Charles William, beloved only son of Gilbert and Jessie Wellard. Age 19 years (Accidentally drowned) Burial Forth Methodist Cemetery.
The Advocate 18th November 1929
FORTH TRAGEDY
Young Man Drowned
A Treacherous River.
The Forth River claimed still another victim on Saturday, when a young man named Charles Wellard (19), only surviving son of Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Wellard, of Forth, lost his life.
The young man left his parents’ residence shortly after midday on Saturday, in company with two others, to spend the remainder of the day fishing in the Forth River.
When leaving he expressed his intention of returning home by 6 p.m. and as the night wore on and there was still no sign of him, his parents became anxious. It appears that when young Wellard and his two companions arrived at their destination they separated, both of the latter returning to Forth early in the evening and leaving him still fishing.
When deceased failed to return as expected, his father and a number of residents began to search the locality. Trooper Rice, of Forth, was communicated with and yesterday morning he and Constable Webberley, of Devonport, commenced dragging operations.
First the fishing rod, bag and landing net were found and at about 11 a.m. the body was discovered in the river opposite Mr. Chas. Baulch’s residence, about two miles above the Forth Township. Deceased’s watch had stopped at 4.32 p.m. The body was conveyed to Devonport.
Deceased, who was only 19 years of age, was very popular and news of his tragic death came as a great shock to those who knew him.
Sincere sympathy has been expressed with the parents, who have now lost their only surviving son, a younger brother having died some years ago at Ulverstone.
An inquest will be held at Devonport at 11 a.m. today.
The Forth has always been looked upon as a very treacherous river and it has a long list of victims. Within the past couple of years three lives have been lost.
The Advocate 18 November 1929
FORTH FATALITY
Coroner’s Verdict.
Accidental Death
An Inquiry was held at Devonport yesterday into the circumstances surrounding the death of Charles William Wellard, whose body was found in the Forth River on Sunday morning.
Dr. J. F. M. Payne said he examined the body at the Devonport morgue. Death had evidently been caused by drowning. He considered the body had been in the water not more than 24 hours.
Alfred James Fisher saw Wellard fishing in the Forth River on Saturday afternoon, near Mr. Sayer’s property. Witness and his brother Ernest joined Wellard, who was wading in the stream. He was still wading when witness left him about 4 p.m. to go further up the river. They missed their companion shortly afterwards and concluding that he had gone to another part of the river, went home. Witness returned in the evening to search for Wellard, as the latter’s mother was becoming anxious.
Albert Allen Dudfield said he assisted in dragging the river for Wellard’s body on Sunday morning. A fishing rod was found and a few minutes later the body was recovered in about 10 feet of water.
Constable Rice said a search was made on Saturday evening, but was unsuccessful. The body was bought to the surface by means of grappling irons at 9.30 the following morning.
The Coroner (Mr. F. N. Stops) found that Wellard accidentally came by his death through drowning.
The Funeral Service
There was a large and representative gathering at the funeral of the late Charles Wellard, which took place yesterday at the Methodist cemetery. Services were conducted at the house and graveside by Revs. Shephard and Ba….. and Mr. James. The coffin was borne by Messrs. V. Wellard, A. Beveridge, G. French and J. Allen. The chief mourners were Messrs. G.Wellard (father),T. Wellard, W. Palmer, ….., H., C. and L. Beveridge (uncles), ….Gibson, G. Trebilco and F. Solomon (cousins). Included in the large number of wreaths was one from the Methodist Church choir, of which deceased was a member. Another wreath was received from the teacher and children of the Forth State School, and a large number from relatives and friends of the family.
The Advocate 19th November 1929
May Emma Wellard
Forth Methodist Cemetery
(his second wife)
Died 21 Oct 1966
Age 89 years
Emmeline Louisa Wellard
Forth Methodist Cemetery
Died 29th Jul 1956
Age 78 years
Charles Henry Wellard
Forth Methodist Cemetery
Died 24th Oct 1923
DEATH
WELLARD – On October 24, at his residence, Best Street, Devonport, Charles Wellard (late of Forth), in his 84th year. Burial Methodist Cemetery Forth.
The Advocate 25th October 1923
Last Sad Rites
Another old and highly respected resident was laid to rest yesterday afternoon, in the person of the late Mr. Charles Henry Wellard. Mr. Wellard had attained the ripe old age of 83 and the respect in which he was held was shown by the large and representative attendance at the funeral. The interment took place at the Forth cemetery, the officiating minister being the Rev. W. J. Palamountain, of Devonport, assisted by the Rev. Henry Clarke, of Ulverstone and Mr. N. Goldsworthy, of Forth. The chief mourners were Messrs. C. T. and G. Wellard (sons), V. Wellard, N. Palmer, and M. Nicholls (grandsons), H. Nicholls (son-in-law), O. Wellard (brother), and W. Trebilco (brother-in-law). The pall bearers were Messrs. M. Nicholls, G. Trebilco, V. Wellard and R. Gibson. The Rev Clarke delivered a most impressive address at the grave side, referring to the late Mr. Wellard’s long and useful life and his fine work in the cause of Methodism.
The Advocate 27th October 1923
Louisa Wellard
Forth Methodist Cemetery
Died 1st Jul 1922
W/o Charles Henry
Dorothy Theresa Wellard
Forth Methodist Cemetery
Died 12th Aug 1904
D/o Charles & Louisa Wellard
DEATH
WELLARD – On the 12th inst., at her parents residence, Hamilton on Forth, Dorothy Theresa, fifth beloved daughter of Charles and Louisa Wellard; aged 24 years. Burial Methodist Cemetery Forth.
The North West Post 13th August 1904
The death occurred yesterday, at her parents residence, of Miss Dorothy Theresa Wellard, fifth daughter of Mr. Charles Wellard, at the age of 24 years. The funeral takes place tomorrow, leaving the parents’ residence at 2 p.m. for the Methodist cemetery, Forth. The sad event has caused a widespread heartfelt feeling of sorrow, the deceased being highly esteemed for her many estimable qualities. Great sympathy is felt for the members of the family so sadly bereaved.
The Advocate 13th August 1904
Sincere regret was generally expressed in the township (writes our Forth correspondent) when it became known that death had removed from our midst Miss Dorothy, second youngest daughter of Mr. G. Wellard. She had been failing for some months, consumption having seised her for its victim and during the last few weeks, the disease made rapid strides, so the end was not unexpected and she just passed away peacefully. Much sympathy is felt for the parents and friends in the bereavement, which has cut short a life so full of promise. The funeral will leave her parents residence tomorrow at 2 o'clock.
The North West Post 13th August 1904
The remains of the late Miss D. Wellard were laid in their last resting place in the Methodist cemetery at the Forth (writes our correspondent), on Sunday afternoon. The service was conducted by the Rev. Mr. Anguin. The chief mourners were Mr. Wellard, Sen., and Messrs. T. and G. Wellard, father and brothers of deceased, Mr. W. J. Palmer, Hon. H. A. Nichols and Messrs. T. Trebilcock, W. Trebilcock, G. Y. and P. Trebilcock, O. Wellard, A. Wellard, F. Soloman, A. Soloman and R. Gibson. The cortege was one of the largest seen here for some time, friends attending from far and near, all being united by the same motive, that of showing their sympathy with the bereaved family
North West Post 16th August 1904