Mary Matilda SULLIVAN [846]

  General Notes:

The Australian Worker Sydney Thursday 23 December 1915 page 11 -

Mattie Sullivan, Joyce's Creek:
'Dadda belongs to the A.W.U., and gets The Worker. I like the Children's Letters. , I hope you will like my letter, and put it in the paper.

Although this article says Mattie Sullivan, I believe it is more than likely Mary Sullivan.

According to information from family members and newspaper articles of the time, Mary and her sister Ethel were taken to school in a buggy each day by Mr Judson, along with Mr Judson's two sons. In 1918, the Loddon River was in flood and as the buggy was crossing the river, the horse shied. The buggy tipped and the occupants in the buggy were thrown into the river. The two Sullivan sisters and Mr Judson and one of his sons also drowned, but Mr Judson's younger son was rescued. Due to the flooding in the river, searching for the bodies was delayed. Mr Judson was recovered on the 19th of June, his son on the 20th, Mary Sullivan was found on the 23rd of June and Ethel was found on the 25th of June. The Sullivan girls were buried on the 26th of June. The horse also drowned. An inquiry was held into the drownings in late June or early July 1918.

In December 2014 I searched on the National Library of Australia's Trove site and found no less than 50 articles regarding this tragic event in papers all over Australia from Western Australia to Queensland and also in major newspapers in Melbourne and Sydney. This story obviously grabbed the hearts of the country despite the fact that the first World War was still raging. The articles from the Newstead Echo were not found on Trove so I assume they are not yet digitised.

One article from the Maryborough and Donolly Advertiser dated 26 June 1918 is quite moving and states " On Saturday at midday, the body of the eldest daughter of Mr John Sullivan was found about 300 yards from the spot where the body of the young Judson was brought to the surface. A person who viewed the body stated that the appearance was altogether different from that usually associated with the condition of being drowned. The girl appeared as if she had just fallen asleep, and there were no discolourations of the body with the exception of slight bruising to the legs. The body was discovered by Mr Dave Smith."

The following articles are some that I have found regarding the tragic drowning of Mary and her sister Ethel.

Newstead Echo - 19 June 1918
"FATHER AND SON AND TWO LITTLE GIRLS DROWNED WHILST CROSSING STREAM

A sad drowning fatality occurred at Joyce's Creek yesterday morning. Mr H Judson a well known farmer of Joyce's Creek was driving with two of his sons, along with two daughters of Mr & Mrs J Sullivan to school and in crossing the Joyce's Creek, near the school, the current swept the horse off its feet and all the occupants were precipitated into the strong flowing stream and disappeared.

The youngest son of Mr. Judson kept a hold of the vehicle which was being carried down stream, and Mr H McDonald, who was close at hand ran alongside the current and plunging into the water rescued the boy by mere chance, he just gripping the strap of the school bag.

The other four bodies are not recovered, and as the river is only a short distance away from the scene of the terrible tragedy, it is feared that they are carried downstream.

Dragging operations are being carried out, but up to the time of going to press, none of the missing bodies have been discovered.

The horse also drowned."

The Melbourne Age 21 June 1918 page 8
Joyce's Creek Drowning Tragedy.
NEWSTEAD.- The bodies of Mr. Judson and his son, who, together with the two little daughters of Mr. J. Sullivan,- were drowned in Joyce's Creek on Tuesday, were recovered on Thursday.
Over 100 persons are helping in the search.

Maryborough and Dunolly Advertiser (Vic. : 1914 - 1918) Wednesday 21 June 1918 Page 2
JOYCE'S CREEK FATALITY
TWO BODIES RECOVERED.
The drowning fatality at Joyce's Creek is one of the saddest incidents of the district's history. All day long hundreds of people gather in the vicinity of the stream, among them many near relatives of the unfortunate victims. Dragging operations are continued incessantly, and willing operators in this respect are never lacking. Motor cars and vehicles of every description are standing everywhere, and the scene is one not easily to be forgotten.

Yesterday morning the body of Harry Judson the father was found close into the bank, near where the gig was discovered, and in close proximity to the railway bridge. At this point there is a deep hole, and, in the hope of recovering the bodies of the other victims, the dragging was confined to this quarter, but without success.

During the afternoon, however, the body of the boy Judson was brought to the surface a little lower down the creek. So far neither of the Sullivan girls have been recovered.


Newstead Echo - 26 June 1918
"Operations on the creek to recover the bodies (after the sad fatality of Tuesday) could not be resumed on Wednesday last to any great extent, owing to the creek being in heavy flood, an inch and a half of rain being recorded locally.

Early on Thursday the body of Mr Judson was recovered near the Railway bridge on the down stream side, very close to where the gig and pony came to a standstill.

From early until late, willing helpers arrived, trusting the results of their efforts would relieve the tension on everybody's mind. Residents of the district from miles around came, and all the menfolk of Newstead suspended their various vocations and went out in a body.

In mid afternoon at Lancaster's bridge the body of Master Bill Judson was brought to the surface. By this time over 100 people were in active search, and the boat from Castlemaine arrived and was of great assistance in the making of a more systematic overhaul of the creek, but to no avail, and Friday and Saturday the result was the same.

The body of the eldest girl (Sullivan) was recovered on Sunday in about 12 feet of water on the opposite side of Lancaster's bridge to where the boy was found. The buggy rug was also recovered from the same spot and the cushion to which the little boy Judson who was saved, clung, was discovered a little lower down the creek and not far distant, the horses halter was brought to the surface.

Very great sympathy is expressed for the bereaved widow as well as Mrs Judson Senr, of Smeaton, and Mr and Mrs Sullivan in the great loss sustained.

A large number of willing workers in co-operation with the police, are still searching, and as the three others were discovered in the creek, also the cushion etc., it is now considered that the other little girls body has not reached the Loddon.

LATE: Just as we are going to press, news has reached us that the body of the other little girl Sullivan was found in the blind creek which runs to the left of the main stream beyond the Railway bridge."

Maryborough and Dunolly Advertiser (Vic. : 1914 - 1918) Wednesday 26 June 1918 Page 2
JOYCES CREEK TRAGEDY.
ANOTHER BODY RECOVERED.
On Saturday at. midday the body of the eldest daughter if Mr. John Sullivan was found about 300 yards from the spot where the body of young Judson was brought to the surface. A person who viewed the body states that its appearance was altogether different from that usually associated with the condition of the drowned. The girl appeared as if she had just fallen asleep, and there was no discolorations of the body, with the exception of slight bruises on the legs. The body
was discovered by Mr. Dave Smith.

At 4 o'clock the gig cushion was found about half a mile down the creek. On Monday a big party of men from Maldon assisted in the work of searching the stream for the remaining body, and yesterday two car loads from Smeaton also joined in the search.

THE FUNERAL
The funeral of the late -Mr. Judson and his son took place on Saturday afternoon, the bodies being conveyed to the Mount Prospect cemetery by motor.

Three motors followed the remains from Joyce's Creek. and at Smeaton they were joined by a number of others from all parts of the district. Over 500 people gathered in the vicinity of the grave, and the scene was most impressive. The coffin-bearers and pall -bearers in the burial of Mr. Judson were as follow :-.Messrs. R. Richardson, W.Jayes, W. Fletcher, Watkins, R. Tankard. .T. Fletcher. E. Boyd. J.Quine. T. Parkyn, A. Greeves. T. Archibald. E. Andrews, J. Pedrotti. G. May,M. Prendergast. W. Whatmore. I. Gates, W. Anderson, T. Redmond. A. Stewart, A. Ross, A. Annand, F. Butler, A. McKay. and T. Strahan.

The pall bearers in connection with the boy Judson were Messrs. J.- Jaye, R. Judson. Rex. Judson . F. Judson (cousins of deceased) . W. Robinson, and J Richardson.

FOURTH- VICTIM FOUND.
Later.-A- message received from Newstead - yesterday states that the body of the other girl was found in a blind creek about a quarter of a mile from the railway bridge.

The funeral of the two girls will take place this afternoon at 2 o'clock.

The Melbourne Argus 26 Jun 1918 page 5
CASUALTIES AND FATALITIES.
JOYCE'S CREEK DROWNINGS.
Yesterday afternoon the body of the girl Sullivan, one of the four victims of the recent drowning tragedy at Joyce's Creek, near Newstead, was recovered. It was found in a blind creek about a quarter of a mile from where the body of the boy Judson was discovered.

The Melbourne Age 26 Jun 1918 page 8
FATALITIES AND ACCIDENTS.F
Joyce's Creek Fatality.
NEWSTEAD. - The body of the second daughter of Mr J. Sullivan- the fourth victim of the drowning fatality in Joyce's Creek on 18th inst.-was recovered in a blind creek which runs off the main stream on Tuesday afternoon, just beyond the railway bridge, and about half a mile from the scene of the accident.

Castlemaine Mail (Vic. : 1917 - 1918) Thursday 27 June 1918 Page 3
JOYCE'S GREEK TRAGEDY
FUNERAL OF THE GIRLS.
INQUEST TOMORROW
The funeral of the two girls. Sullivan, took place yesterday afternoon.
Their remains were followed by a large number of sympathisers, over 50 vehicles being in the cortege from Joyce's Creek to the Sandon Cemetery, where the interment took place.
The finding of the little girl on Tuesday in the blind creek was unlooked for as Mr E. J. Mitchell and Mr.D. Sullivan, after searching the main creek, proceeded to The mouth of the blind creek, and had only applied the grappling rods a few minutes when they brought to the surface a piece of dress material. They again applied the rods, and were successful in raising the body. The depth of the water was only two feet.
The inquest opens on Friday.


Newstead Echo - 3 July 1918
"The funeral of the two little girls Sullivan took place on Wednesday afternoon, the remains being interred in the Sandon Cemetery.

Over 50 vehicles conveying more than 100 sympathisers, comprised the procession from Joyces Creek Hall to the cemetery, and very great sympathy was expressed for the bereaved parents.

The coffin bearers at the cemetery were, Messrs E Butler, R Cassidy, J Caulfield, J Butler, T Sullivan, J O'Connor, W Crowhurst and R Cox.

Father Murphy officiated at the grave."

Newstead Echo - 3 July 1918
"JOYCES CREEK TRAGEDY MAJESTERIAL INQUIRY VERDICT OF ACCIDENTAL DEATH

Mr Coutts JP conducted an inquiry in the Joyce's Creek Public Hall Friday afternoon, into the circumstances attending the drowning fatality at Joyces Creek.

Claude Watts, a schoolboy, said on the 18th inst. he was near the footbridge when Mr Judson came along, with him were his 2 sons and the two Sullivan girls. The horse became restive about the middle of the crossing. He heard Mr Judson call out "help!". He tried to turn the horse round, but failed, and the horse, gig, and occupants, went down stream. The horse then tried to get up the bank but the gig capsized. Witness went a little distance away and called for help, and Willie McDonald came.

Mr J Caulfield, State School teacher, said on hearing screams in the direction of the creek he ran down, and asked one of the boys present who was in the water, and was told that, Mr Judson, his son, and the two Sullivan girls had been capsized into the creek, the gig having been overturned. Witness saw the youngest boy Judson in the water about 50 yards downstream. He saw the horse and gig in the stream behind the boy he was following. Mr McDonald crossed over the other side of the creek, and caught the boy as he was floating down.

William Crowhurst, a railway employee, said he assisted in the search for the bodies on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. He found the body of Mr Judson on Thursday at 6.50am. It was lying face downwards on a bed of silt.

James Nokes, said he assisted in the search, and recovered the body of the boy Judson at Lancaster's bridge on the 20th inst.

Harold McLeay, of Moolort, assisted in the search, and recovered the body of Ethel Sullivan, a short distance from the Railway bridge on the 25th inst. [Mary's body was recovered on the 23rd but this is not mentioned in the article nor is the name of the person who found her body]

Constable Ellis said at about nine o'clock am on the 18th inst. He was informed of the fatality and proceeded to the spot. The creek near the school is crossed by a very much exposed and dangerous crossing. A footbridge is built across the stream on the side of the road in such a way that little protection is offered. The bridge itself is not safe for children to cross. It appears that when half way across the stream, the horse became frightened. At the side of the road downstream, there is a deep hole, and no fence to protect any persons crossing. The horse, when it turned to go back, fell into the hole, and the gig and occupants were thrown into the water. He considered the occurrence was purely an accident.

Henry McDonald said he saw Mr Judson driving through Joyces Creek, and spoke to him before the accident. Shortly afterwards, he heard screams, and ran down and crossed the footbridge. He could then only see the horses head some distance downstream. He ran past the gig and horse and then saw Mr Judson in the water but he immediately disappeared. Witness continued running towards the Railway bridge, and saw two children in the water, one in the middle of the stream and the other on the opposite side. A little further on Mr Caulfield joined him, and they threw a log into the water in the hope of someone might catch hold of it. He then left Mr Caulfield, and ran across the railway bridge to get near to the children. He was then able to rescue Thomas Judson.

A verdict was returned that the deceased persons came to their death on the 18th June from drowning and the occurrence was purely accidental."

FOURTH- VICTIM FOUND.
Later.-A- message received from Newstead - yesterday states that the body of the other girl was found in a blind creek about a quarter of a mile from the railway bridge.

The funeral of the two girls will take place this afternoon at 2 o'clock.

The Creswick Advertiser - 5 July 1918 page 3
JOYCE'S CREEK TRAGEDY.
MAGISTERIAL INQUIRY.
Mr Coutts, J.P., conducted an inquiry in the Joyce's Creek public hall last Friday afternoon, into the circumstances attending the drowning fatality at Joyce's Creek, whereby Mr H. Judson, one of his sons, and two daughters of Mr and Mrs J. Sullivan lost their lives, and another son of Mr and Mrs Judson's-had a very narrow escape.

Claude Walts, a schoolboy, said on the 18th ult. he was near the foot bridge when Mr Judson came along; with him were his two sons, and the two Sullivan girls. The horse became restive about the middle of the crossing. He heard Mr Judson call out "Help!" He tried to turn the horse round, but failed, and the horse, gig, and occupants went down stream. The horse then tried to get up the bank, but the gig capsized. Witness went a little distance away, and called for help, and Willie McDonald came.

J. Caulfield, State school teacher, said on hearing screams in the direction of the creek, he ran down, and asked one of the boys present who was in the water, and was told that Mr Judson, his son, and the two Sullivan girls had been capsized into the creek, the gig having been overturned
Witness saw the youngest boy Judson in the water about 50 yards down stream. He saw the horse and gig in the stream behind the boy he was following. Mr McDonald crossed over the other side of the creek, and caught the boy as he was floating down.

William Crowhurst, a railway employee, said he assisted in the search for the bodies on Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday. He found the body of Mr Judson on Thursday at 6.50 a.m. It was lying face downwards on a bed of silt.

James Nokes, said he assisted in the search, and recovered the body of the boy Judson at Lancaster's bridge on 20th ult.

Harold McLay, of Moolort, stated he assisted in the search, and recovered the body of Ethel Sullivan, a short distance from the railway bridge on 25th inst. [Although it is not mentioned in this article, my research shows that Mary's body was found on the 23rd of June]