(known as Dollie)
b 1 June 1866 at Wallangra Station, Warialda district near Graman NSW
(parents: Alexander Dill Gamble and Fanny O’Donnell)
d 24 May 1914 at Hospital for the Insane, Gladesville NSW Aged 48 years
Interred: Field of Mars Cemetery, Ryde NSW Church of England
Section D, Lot 419
The third child and second daughter, Caroline spent her younger years living on Wallangra Station until the family property “Oakbank” later known as “Girrawheen” now “Ottley” near Graman NSW became established.
Predominantly occupied with domestic duties associated with a growing rural family living in basic and isolated conditions, learning to read and write from daily readings and lessons delivered by her Father from their family Bible.
Caroline never married and began losing her eyesight (cause unknown).
During the period 1905 –1913 her brother Septimus and his family then living in Sapphire NSW took Caroline into their care. This would have coincided with their father Alexander’s failing health and his moving from “Oakbank” into Inverell to be nursed by his daughters there.
During this time along with loss of her eyesight, Caroline developed a medical condition, which by 1914 was unable to be managed by Septimus and his young family. Septimus then took Caroline to their sisters Fanny and Catherine’s home in Inverell.
Caroline’s condition deteriorated rapidly, suffering from depression, restlessness, talking to spirits, singing loudly; refusing to stay clean and clothed her hair became infested with nits. Fanny and Catherine were unable to deal with all of this. Eventually the doctor transferred Caroline to Sydney where she was admitted to the Gladesville Mental Asylum in a state of acute mania and suffering also from advanced heart disease.
This maniacal condition was very exhausting and Caroline never showed any signs of rallying from it. Together with her heart condition she gradually became more and more exhausted until she finally passed away.
Immediate family and relatives were extremely distressed as no one was able to attend the funeral service. This was due to the fact in time delays receiving telegrams of Caroline’s death and having to travel over 400 miles to Sydney, which would have taken fully two days.