Charles Wood and Nora O'Brien

 



  

Charles Edward, the son of John Wood and Bridget McShane was born in Echuca in 1867. The family returned to live in Geelong, before settling in the Pyramid Hill district in 1875.


Nora Crena O'Brien, the daughter of  Denis O'Brien    and Johanna Ryan married Charles Wood , in 1905. Charles and Nora had seven children.  Nora died in 1927 after a long illness (believed to be cancer)




 

Pyramid Hill Advertiser Fri. Jan 18th 1897: Two members of the Durham Ox detachment, Victorian Military Rifles who have for some time been qualifying for promotion of rank, viz., Messrs A. M. Royan and C. Wood have got through their theoretical practical examination very creditably and have been appointed Corporals.

Pyramid Hill Advertiser August 27th 1897: A match was fired at the Durham Ox range on Friday last between teams selected by Sergeant McPherson. The ranges were 400-500 yards and 7 shots at each range. Sixteen members competed - the result being a win to Cpl. Wood's team with 37pts. Cpl. Wood scored a possible (short range) 34 out of 35points




Charles & Nora with their children

back row (left to right): Denis, Bridget, Jack
front row: Bert (hand in pockets), Charles, Mary,
Nora holding Kath, andCharlie

 
 
Charles & Nora's adult children with spouses

 
 
Charles & Norah's adult children
back row (l-r) Kath, Denis, Mary & Bert
front row Charlie, Bridget (Sr. Mary Francis) and Jack

 
 
 
OBITUARY : Late Charles Edward Wood

Another of Pyramid Hills pioneers in the person of Mr. Charles Edward Wood died here peacefully on Wednesday, March 30. Although the deceased had not been enjoying good health for some time, his death was sudden and unexpected.

Born at Echuca in 1867, Mr. Wood was taken to Geelong , whilst still very young, and at the age of eight came with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. John Wood, to the well-known "Greenfield Farm" at Maloga Central. It was here that he spent the greater part of his life

He became well known throughout the Shire of Gordon as a contractor and much of the Shire's early construction work was done by him. With Mr. Charles Marfleet, he shared the honor of being among the first workmen at Waranga Basin scheme which was destined to consolidate the irrigation supply on the land they were later to successfully farm. The late Mr. Wood showed he was a practical and successful farmer, and became the first to sow a large area to permanent pasture in this district. The area sown down in 1926 is still one of the best plots in the district.

Of a kindly and generous nature, Mr. Wood made and held many firm friendships and many charities will miss his regular and generous support. He was a devout member of the Catholic Church and took a keen interest in parish affairs. He was a member of the Hibernian and Holy Name Societies until his death.

All local affairs for the advancement of Pyramid Hill and district commanded his support and for many years he was a member of the Pyramid Agricultural Society and the local branch of the A.N.A.

In 1905 he married Miss Nora O'Brien of Bridgewater, who predeceased him 22 years ago. A family of seven, namely John, Bridget (Sister Mary Francis), Denis, Charles, Bert, Mary and Kathleen (Mrs. H. Mahony) are left to mourn the loss of a devoted and loving father. The funeral which left St. Patrick's Church on Thursday, March 31 for the Pyramid Hill cemetery was largely attended and showed the esteem and respect of the residents of the district.

The Rev. Father Scott officiated at the graveside and read the burial service. The coffin bearers were Messrs. William Mahoney (son-in-law), David Morley (nephew), John Flynn.

Pyramid Hill Advertiser Wed. April 20th 1949