A Deadly Trifecta for one family

Every family experiences its fair share of tragedy and death. For the Seccombe family, however, a triple portion was heaped on their plate when three children left this life before their time.

John and Rebecca Seccombe were early pioneers in the Wollongbar district on the Northern Rivers and had established themselves with their nine children. They had taken up the third selection in the area and were very involved in the dairy industry.

It was first in 1903 that tragedy struck the family when son, John Frederick, was heading to a party on horseback with his brother and sister. His horse had become lame so he told the others not to wait for him and he would catch them up.

At first John’s siblings didn’t worry when he didn’t turn up but, as they travelled home, they made the gruesome discovery. John and his horse were both dead on the side of the road.

It seems the horse had fallen dead on top of his rider, killing him as well.

John had been a NSW Lancer and had seen action in the Boer War and was only 24 years of age when he died

John Frederick's headstone in Alstonville cemetery. Photo Samantha Elle

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Then in 1914, the second youngest daughter, Eunice Edith, had complained of a headache.

In the early hours of the next morning she was found in her bed unconscious. She died at midday, never regaining consciousness. An inquest into her death found that inflammation of the brain was the cause.

Eunice Edith's grave in Alstonville. Photo Samantha Elley.

Finally, in 1930, son Arthur, who had moved to California in the United States, died at 55 years old. He had only recently visited his parents in Australia.

Both John and Rebecca died a couple of years later and were buried with their children in Alstonville cemetery.

References

·       ‘Strange Fatality’, The Scrutineer and Berrima District Press, Wednesday, June 24, 1903, Page 3.

·       ‘Inquest at Alstonville’, Northern Star, Saturday, February 21, 1914, Page 6.

·       ‘Summary’, Clarence and Richmond Examiner, Thursday, February 12, 1914

·       ‘Mr Arthur Seccombe’, Northern Star, Friday, July 11, 1930, Page 6

·       ‘Fruitful Life’, Northern Star, Friday, April 1, 1932, Page 6