The Gambles of Graman
The GAMBLES of GRAMAN
A story of early settlers, Alexander Dill Gamble, his Wife Fanny O'Donnell and their family.
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Pioneers and early settlers in the Inverell region of NSW.
Their story and those of their children speak of the hardships and loss experienced by early settlers throughout the new British colony of New South Wales. It tells of their resilience, love and family bonds.
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This website comes about after the publication of the book ~The Gambles of Graman~ in September 2017.
Researched and written by Rae Black a descendant of Alexander Dill and Fanny Gamble (nee. O`Donnell).
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You can order a copy of the book by clicking on the contact page and sending a request through.
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C. 1898
Back Row: Caroline Elizabeth, Rachael, Fanny Anne, Catherine, Cornelius
Middle Row: Alexander John (cradling his son Annesley Alexander), Margaret Jane (Maggie) Parr (cradling baby Margaret Mona), Alexander Dill, Clara (cradling her son Erle), Julius Speers
Front Row: Valentine Park, Septimus Frederick, William, Robert Dill.
Already deceased: Roland d. 1878 9 years, Fanny (nee. O’Donnell) d.1884 42 years, Ebor d. 1891 1year 9 months, Matilda Jessie d. 1894 17 years.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
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Over the years, I had heard on more than one occasion, stories of the Gamble Family as told by my grandfather Neil Connell Gamble, son of Alexander John Gamble who had been raised for many years by his Aunty Fan in Inverell, also my father Annesley Raymond Gamble (son of Neil Connell Gamble) who had deep affection for and spent many hours with his grandfather Alexander John Gamble.
These stories were of a castle in Ireland and land holdings in the Inverell district of NSW.
Having jotted many notes with interesting information during the time, I have now tried to substantiate their stories with facts from past records, a visit to Ireland for research purposes and valuable contributions from other family members.
Thank you to the many family members for sharing their memories, recollections and photos.
I especially acknowledge and thank Beverley Timms (granddaughter of Cornelius Gamble) with her eye for detail and exceptional research capabilities.
To John Pye (grandson of Clara Speers nee Gamble) with his vast collection of old family photographs and who rallied the distant cousins to a meeting and encouraged this publication.
To Chris Challis (granddaughter of Rachael Denshire nee Gamble) for her interest and contribution.
To Tracy Grover (great great great granddaughter of Alexander Dill Gamble) for her research and invaluable assistance with this publication.
This is the story as understood thus far. However I would always welcome any new facts which come to light and may be contacted by clicking on the Contact tab at the top of the website.
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DEDICATION
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Dedicated to Annesley Alexander William Robert Bede GAMBLE
A Station Hand.
(Parents: Alexander John Gamble and Margaret Jane Parr)
lst grandchild of Alexander Dill Gamble and Fanny O’Donnell
b. 22 September, 1897 at Spencers Gully, Warialda District, Graman NSW
d. 26 September 1917, Western Front, France
Interred: Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery 1.75 miles South West of Poperinghe, Belgium
Plot XIX, Row C, Grave No. 20A as Robert Alexander Gamble
In remembrance of his ultimate sacrifice – 100 years ago
Originally enlisted at Moree, NSW on 11th September 1915, assigned to the lst Australian Light Horse Regiment, proceeded to Liverpool NSW. It was here on 20th December 1915 that he deserted the Imperial Forces, only to re-enlist on 25th September 1916 at the Show Ground Camp Sydney, as Robert Alexander Gamble, where he was assigned to 60th Battalion, 7th Reinforcement, Australian Infantry 15th Brigade.
Embarking from Sydney 3rd November 1916 on board HMAT A19 Afric and disembarking at Plymouth 9th January 1917, thence into Hurdcott Training Camp. Proceeding to France via Folkestone 5th April 1917 and marching into Base Depot on 7th April 1917.
Battalion taken by force on 20 April 1917. Marched out to Pigeon Course Field 4 July 1917.
Received gunshot wounds to left leg and right arm in action in the field, 25th September 1917 at the Battle of Polygon Wood. Transferred to 10th Casualty Clearing Station, however, died from those wounds on 26th September 1917, just 4 days following his 20th birthday.
