from Windsor & Richmond Gazette
The death rate in this portion of the Hawkesbury has been heavier during the last four weeks than at any previous time since the registration of births, deaths and marriages was introduced. More died within the time mentioned than, under ordinary circumstances, in a whole year. That dire malady, influenza, had not a little to do in sapping away the patients' strength and hurrying them to their end. Who does not know what a weakening effect influenza has, even on a robust constitution, and how long a time it takes to recover from such an attack. Both Mr J. J. Rose, of Rose Vale, who died on the 8th inst, and Mr M. J. [Matthew James] Chaseling, of the Australian Farm, who passed away on the 16th, had to battle with that disease in addition to other ailments, and that reduced their constitutions so much that there was no chance left of a recovery; both returned from Sydney with the knowledge of the hopelessness of their case, and with the wish to die in their own homes, surrounded by those nearest and dearest to them. Both funerals were largely attended, and both conducted by the Rev A. Cooper, of Sackville Reach, who was their spiritual adviser, and who was very gratified to find that both were ready to change this life for a better one. Mr M. J. Chaseling passed away just like a child going to sleep, and a happy smile lit up his face as he breathed his last — a smile that remained even in death. The funeral of the late Mr Chaseling took place on Sunday afternoon last, the remains being interred near his late residence, on the Australian Farm, where one of his brothers and other members of the Chaseling family lie buried. Friends and relatives of the deceased came from all parts of the river to pay their last respect to the remains of one who was universally respected, and who taught a large family of sons and daughters the way in which they should go, setting them a good example as a faithful adherent to the Methodist faith, and a ready supporter of their cause.
'Chaseling, Matthew James (1839–1906)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/chaseling-matthew-james-17414/text29142, accessed 21 November 2024.
6 March,
1839
Hawkesbury,
New South Wales,
Australia
15 November,
1906
(aged 67)
Leets Vale,
New South Wales,
Australia
Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.