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Childhood Deaths - Edward Patrick (Neddy) Agnew

Edward Patrick (Neddy) Agnew (1906 - 1922)

Neddy is the next in a series of posts I have been writing about childhood deaths in my family.

Neddy Agnew was the 6th child of Adam John Agnew and his wife Bridget Josephine Murphy of Warren's Corner, Numeralla, east of Cooma, NSW. Living on a farm there were probably many dangers, none more so than riding a horse.

FATAL ACCIDENT
AT NUMERALLA
(From our Correspondent)

"We are very sorry to report the death of Edward P. Agnew, aged 13 years and 9 months. Deceased was riding home when, it is surmised his horse slipped on the wet road, throwing the lad on his head. The deceased lad, who was the youngest son of Mr and Mrs A.J. Agnew, of Warren's Corner, Numeralla, was well liked by everyone. He took great interest in all clean and manly sport and was a good horseman. He was a most trustworthy lad and of a very obliging nature and no matter what he promised to do he never broke his work."
Cooma Express, 6 January 1922, p. 3

An inquiry into Neddy's death was held on 26th December at his father Adam's house. Unfortunately I don't have the whole newspaper clipping and some of the inquiry is missing. On Boxing Day 1922, Neddy and his second cousin Gordon McDonald left his older brother Adam's house to go back to his father's house. They had only ridden a short distance when Gordon came racing back on his horse to let them know that Neddy had fallen. According to Gordon's evidence at the inquiry they had cantered as far as the crossing, and steadied their horses to go into the creek. Gordon was ahead and went to open a gate 200 yards from the crossing, he turned and noticed that Neddy wasn't there. (This is where the newspaper clipping ends.)

Neddy had obviously fallen from his horse and was carried to his brother's house and they sent for Mr Godfrey, the school teacher who held a First Aid Certificate. He advised them to send for the doctor as Neddy was unconscious and there was blood coming from his ear. He didn't regain consciousness and died the following day.

Cooma Express, 6 January 1922, p. 3

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