b. 25 April 1884 at “Oakbank” Gullengutta, Warialda District near Graman NSW
(Parents: Alexander Dill Gamble and Fanny O’Donnell)
d. January 1930 at her home “Bonnydoon” Urabatta Street, Inverell.
Aged 45 years.
Interred Inverell Cemetery – Presbyterian Section
Married January 1912 Ernest George Denshire
(Parents: John Griffiths Denshire and Emma Perfrement)
The thirteenth child and sixth daughter of the family, Rachael’s mother died the day after giving birth to Rachael. Rachael was sent immediately to her mother’s sister Elizabeth to be cared for.
After a short time the sister fell ill and Rachael was returned to “Oakbank” where eldest sibling Fanny then 21 years her senior became her primary carer.
Rachael was the only child in the family to receive a formal education, attending the Church of England Grammar School, Armidale from 1895-1900. Like some of her elder siblings, Rachael was very artistic, genteel and refined.
In January 1912 Rachael married Ernest George Denshire who resided in “The Court”, Urabatta Street, Inverell, a residence for bachelors. Together they began married life in the Gambles’ property “Bonnydoon”. There were four children from the marriage:
Jean Alexia
(pictured at right)
b. October 1912
d. October 2001
m. John Ward Burne in Orange NSW
two children John Alexander b 17 August 1951 Vicki Leigh b 11 December 1952 m ……Tamandl
Roderick (Derick)
b November 1915
d 1973 at Grafton aged 58 years D’Arrietta
m. Bonnie Howie 1946
one child Roderick Scott b 1950 d 2004 m Dorothy………
Doris Valma
b 23 May 1918
d 4 April 2007
m. Norman Henry Challis April 1945
three children Christine Margaret b August 1946 Robin Alexia b March 1951 m …...... Pasalich Lynne Valmai b 20 June 1955 m Christopher Rowland
Bruce Reginald
b 6 January 1921
d 1979 in Port Douglas Queensland with lung cancer
m Rosina no issue
Ernest Denshire had been born in Murrurundi in 1875 the son of John Griffiths Denshire and Emma Perfrement. Ernest became a Stock and Station Agent and was also Mayor of Inverell for a short time.
Rachael was described as a woman of most attractive personality, always put her family first and found time to take an active part in social and charitable welfare work of the town. She was always to the fore wherein interests of the hospital were concerned, a willing and tireless worker involved with Ross Hill P & C Association, Country Women’s Association, being a member since its inception and establishing a branch of the Association in Warialda. Rachael had a skill for organising.
Rachael had been to Sydney for an operation in previous years, but in 1929 was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her sisters Fanny and Catherine returned from Sydney to nurse her until she passed away at her family home “Bonnydoon” in January 1930.
Following Rachael’s death, Ernest and the children left Inverell and moved to Casino. It was here eldest daughter Jean Alexia found work at the butter factory, which helped to keep the family alive during the’ Depression’ years.
Derick the eldest son moved to Grafton for employment and remained there until his demise.
Doris Valmai moved to Sydney and found employment with a bank.
Ernest also moved to Sydney, falling ill due to the effects of depression and loss of his wife Rachael to a tragic death. He remained in Sydney for many years, and for a short time lived with Doris Valmai and her family on the northern beaches.
Following an accident where Ernest was hit by a car on the highway, he developed a tendency to wander. This caused the family to decide he should move to Orange to be with his eldest daughter Jean Alexia, where he could be closely monitored. It was here he died aged 84 years never having remarried.