Most of the obituaries in this section are
of people who lived and mostly died in the
Towamba, Burragate and Pericoe areas. Some
I retrieved from the local recycling centre
and have included these as they may be of
interest to someone researching their family
tree.
Obituaries are very informative and some
include a history of the deceased and their
family.
The excerpt below is from the Bega Valley
Genealogy Society's introduction to Towamba
Cemetery Inscriptions, Vol. 2
Towamba is a small village in the heart of
the Towamba River valley, 30 kilometers from
Eden on the Far South Coast and about the
same distance from the Pambula-Bombala Road
via Burragate. It was on the original road
from the coast to the Monaro installed by
Ben Boyd in the 1840s.
The first cemetery was situated on a property
to the east of the village beside a creek.
There were 10 graves, but the passage of
time and the ravages of floods over the years
have left only one tombstone to mark a burial
place. The tombstone is reported to be the
work of Thomas Blaze, an early settler, who
came to Australia with Ben Boyd. He is buried
in the present cemetery.
The tombstone remaining in this early cemetery
is that of Jane Mitchell and her daughter.
It was cracked in the 1971 flood, but is
still in quite good order (this is now incorrect
as the headstone has crumbled, Editor 2006) with the inscription in part as follows:
Amelia Mitchell, died 2 July 1864, aged 5
years; also
Jane Mitchell, mother of the above, died
13 Sept 1865, aged 36 years.
![]() |
Grave of Amelia and Jane Mitchell |
There was a footstone still in place with
the initials J.M. on it. (This has now almost
disappeared, Editor 2006)
It was decided to move the cemetery to higher
ground and the present site, west of the
village, was dedicated in June 1886.
The tombstones were transcribed on 9 March,
1988 and checked in June 1989. (Checked again by editor in 1998)
This early cemetery has no official burial
records connected to the site but a list
of early burials in Towamba between 1860
- 1918, recorded at the Bega Court House,
has nine burials between 1860 and 1886, the
year the present site was dedicated.
As the original site had ten burials, (Amelia
and Jane are in the same grave) perhaps these
early burials, dated before 1886, were those
interred in the original cemetery.
Note that the above mentioned headstone,
the only one remaining in the original cemetery,
for Amelia and Jane Mitchell, is the same
Amelia Mitchell mentioned below in Table
One.
'The Manaro Mercury, and Cooma and Bombala
Advertiser'
16 June 1886
Dedicated. - .... 5 acres; for general cemetery
at Towamba, 9 acres 2 roods.
BURIALS ON PRIVATE PROPERTIES NEAR WYNDHAM
There are several burials in the Wyndham
district which have taken place on private
properties, but have no headstones. These
internments took place before the Cemetery
was opened in 1881. This information has
been supplied by Mr. Bernie Cornell, whose
family all came from the Wyndham/Pambula
area.
The burials on "Willow Glen",
now owned by Mr. John Love, situated on the
present Pambula/Bombala Road, west of the
Wyndham village, were those of John Power
and his wife, Mary Donovan, according to
Mr. Cornell's mother. We understood there
was also a child buried there, a son of this
couple, who then owned the property.
On Bruce Grant's property, on the opposite
side of the main road, James Callaghan Senior
was buried after being killed under a moving
dray.
There is some doubt about some members of
the Love family being interred there also,
certainly not John Love or his wife Ellen
as John Love's grave is in the Cemetery and
most likely that of his wife beside him,
although her name does not appear on the
headstone. This couple were married on 29/4/1845
and moved to Wyndham in 1860 where they built
the Stockyard Inn. It was burnt down in 1865
and it was rebuilt when the main road was
changed to its present position, but never
licensed. Mrs. Love was asked to open the
new bridge over the Mataganah Creek at Pretty
point on the Rocky Hall Road (New Buildings
Road).
HART GRAVES AT LOCHIEL
On the property of Mr. Alan Elton, "The
Highland", just 5.2 kilometers west
along the Pambula-Wyndham-Bombala Road from
its junction with the Princes Highway at
South Pambula, there are four grave sites,
unmarked but clearly visible approximately
200 meters north of the homestead.
They are the graves of Richard and Mary
Anne (nee Loney) Hart, who arrived in Sydney
from England on the Ship "Beyapore"
on 9th February, 1853. The couple travelled
down to Pambula and took up land at Lochiel,
where they reared a large family. The other
two graves are those of two of their children
who died of diphtheria.
1. HART Richard Hart, died 21 June 1885, aged 54
years.
2. HART Mary Anne Hart, died 10 Nov 1884,
aged 52.
3. HART Emma Hart, born 12 March 1856, died
14 May 1865.
4. HART William Hart, born 3 Nov 1861, died
15 May 1865.
The information above was received from Dennis
Hart and his mother, of Pambula, by Mr. K.
Umback in August 1988. Dennis is a direct
descendant of Richard and Mary Anne.
TABLE ONE
SURNAME INDEX OF BURIALS IN TOWAMBA BETWEEN 1860 - 1886 |
|
Higgins. Thomas Corcoran. Thomas Higgins. John Mitchell. Amelia Parker. Thomas Sherwin. Frederick Parker. Mary Jane Higgins. Robert Crofts. Herbert |
17-05-1860 22-03-1862 12-06-1861 22-07-1864 27-07-1862 01-08-1864 25-05-1865 29-07-1866 23-01-1886 |
Following is a list of names related to burials in Towamba that are not listed in the Surname Index of Burials in the Present Towamba Cemetery 1890- (Table Three) These graves are without headstones and are unmarked or identified by a number.
TABLE TWO
SURNAME | DATE OF DEATH |
ARMSTRONG. Mabel Susan | 03-03-1908 |
ARNOLD. Daisy | 15-01-1904 |
BEASLEY. Elizabeth | 01-02-1918 |
BEATTIE. Patrick Francis | 11-06-1906 |
BLARJE*. Thomas | 03-08-1890 |
DoSANTOS. Josie Guetherne | 11-07-1891 |
DUFFEY. Henry | 07-11-1891 |
FALKNER. Anthony | 17-07-1890 |
GOWARD. Sylvia Philis | 08-09-1905 |
HAMOND. Arthur Samuel | 14-12-1892 |
HETHERMAN. William | 22-11-1888 |
HIGGINS. Helen | 03-02-1874 |
HIGGINS. Robert | 25-05-1907 |
KEEVERS. Alice May | 05-12-1904 |
LAING. Isabella | 10-03-1891 |
LAING. James | 20-07-1890 |
LOVE. John William | 16-09-1917 |
POLO. Clyde | 06-07-1906 |
RANKIN. Roderick William | 07-05-1915 |
RICHARD. Alice | 28-03-1904 |
RYAN. Mary Jane | 29-08-1893 |
STEVENSON. Ethel Florence | 29-04-1913 |
TARGETT. Mabel Victoria | 01-07-1902 |
WENT. Robert | 15-10-1904 |
WILLIAMS. John | 05-01-1918 |
The index below (Table Three) shows the names
of those buried in the present Towamba Cemetery,
the earliest burial is dated 1890.
NOTE: Thomas Blaze*, below, (Table Three)
who is credited with the masonry of some
headstones in the Towamba Cemetery, is listed
in Table Two as Thomas Blarje. (same burial
dates)
TABLE THREE
SURNAME INDEX OF BURIALS IN THE PRESENT TOWAMBA CEMETERY 1890- |
|||
Alexander | Falkner Farrell |
Laing Legge Love |
Tasker |
Beasley Blaze* Butcher |
Greer Grambower |
McCloy McLeod Martin Mitchell McDonald |
Watson Whitby |
Clements Coombs Christie |
Hartneady Hazelgrove Heathcote Hite |
Parker Phillips Porada |
|
Dickie Donnelly Doyle |
Ingram | Richards Roberts Robinson Ryan |
|
Elton Evan |
Johnstone Jurek |
Slattery Smith Solomon South Stevens Stevenson |
SPELLING IS AS IN THE ORIGINAL NEWSPAPERS
'The Bega Gazette and Eden District or Southern
Coast Advertiser'
6 October 1866
BIRTHS.
September 18 - At her residence, Peryco,
Towamba, the wife of Mr. John Alexander of
a son.
DEATHS. September 23. - At Peryco, Towamba, aged
16 days, Robert, the infant son of John and
Elizabeth Alexander.
'The Bega Gazette and Eden District or Southern
Coast Advertiser'
8 October 1874
Eden.-On the first instant a very old resident
was consigned to her last resting place:
the wife of Mr. James Roberts, senior, formerly of Eden, recently resident
at Towamba. A large number of people testified
their respect by attending the funeral.
'The Bega Gazette and Eden District or Southern
Coast Advertiser'
18 March 1885
Towamba.- At the monthly meeting of the Towamba Progress
Committee on March 14 :- Present, Messrs
R. Bridle, (Chairman); D. Ryan, S. Martin,
Sec., D. Gilpin, T. Hite, J. Mitchell, J.
and H. Richards, H. Bridle, and G. Martin.
Minutes of last meeting were adopted. The
petition to the Works Department was received
and ordered to be sent to Messrs Clarke and
Garvan for presentation. The Secretary was
instructed to write to the proper quarter
asking that money for fencing Towamba Cemetery
be granted. Also to write to apply that the
road Pericoe to Towamba be placed in third
class, same as the Towamba and Eden road.
'The Bega Gazette and Eden District or Southern
Coast Advertiser'
19 September 1885
DEATH.
DOYLE; - Sunday, 6th September, 1885, at his residence,
at Kiah, Towamba River, near Eden, Thomas Doyle, for 46 years a resident of Towamba, aged
78 years; leaving a widow and six children.
Requiescat in pace.
'The Bega Gazette and Eden District or Southern
Coast Advertiser'
18 November 1885
Obituary. - Within a few hours of her 78th birthday,
Mrs. Margaret Weatherhead (the first white woman who ever crossed
"The Moruya") died at Nangutta
on the evening of the 7th instant. About
five weeks ago, her leaving the table, somewhat
abruptly, immediately after dinner, and retiring
to her own room was so unusual that when
shortly afterwards she became seriously ill,
her anxious relatives were not wholly unprepared.
From the day she was first attacked she never
left her bed, and although she suffered severely,
she was patient and en during, sustained
by the skilful, loving, and unremitting nursing,
principally of her eldest grand-daughter
and her own husband. Yet, at no time during
her illness did there seem to be any reason
able hope of her recovery. Mrs. Margaret
Weatherhead and her husband (the much esteemed
proprietor of Nangutta) arrived in the colony
in 1834, fifty-one years ago, and have been
settled in Nangutta since 1857, twenty-eight
years; but, in point of fact, they first
came to Nangutta in 1840, which makes it
45 years since they first came to the station.
They were thus among the earliest pioneers
of a district that has now become rich in
stock and store. Mrs. Weatherhead was a woman
of a robust constitution, tall, active, and
intelligent; a devoted wife, a good mother,
and a kind friend; one who was given to hospitality,
who so used the gifts which God had given
her that to the poor man and the wayfaring
man she was a present help in time of need.
The weary bush traveller, blackfellow, or
white man was always sure of a meal and spell
when he came to her door. Mrs. Weatherhead
has left to mourn their loss a family of
two sons and two daughters, together with
a goodly number of grandchildren. - D. Herald.
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
9 October 1886
Messrs. W. Ryan, G. Martin, S. Martin, M.
Corcoran, J. M'Paul, W. Laing, and T. Hitre
to be trustees of the portion of the general
cemetery at Towamba, county of Auckland,
set apart for general burial ground.
July 24, 1890
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
FALKNER. -July 17. at his residence, Towamba, Mr.
Antony Falkner, many years hotelkeeper at
Eden, Twofold Bay, father of Mr. J. A Falkner,
Birkenhead Hotel, Drummoyne.
August 19, 1898.
Death of an Old Resident
Mrs. Henry Grant sen. at Wyndham on Friday
last, widely known and respected both on
the Monaro and down the mountain. Arrived
with husband and family in 1854 - engaged
first to go on Bibbenluke Station, Monaro.
'The Sydney Stock and Station Journal'
7 May 1901
DEATH OF MR. ALEX. WEATHERHEAD.
(Contributed.)
It is with painful frequency of late that
we have to chronicle the death of veteran
pioneers who have watched the rise and progress
of our country for many years. In the year
1834, Mr. Alex. Weatherhead, with his wife,
arrived in Sydney, having been born at Tweedmouth,
County of Northumberland, in 1809. Having
a letter of introduction to the late Mr.
John Hawden, at that time living at Bodalla,
he engaged with Mr. Hawden to work the farm
and dairy there, and was the first to plough
with horses on this now far-famed estate.
Mrs. Weatherhead was the first white woman
to cross the Moruya River, crossing it in
a log canoe. There the eldest son was born,
being the first white child born at Bodalla.
After some time Mr. Weatherhead went with
cattle overland to Adelaide, through unknown
country most of the time, under the pilotage
of Mr. Chas. Bonny, afterwards Chief Commissioner
for Lands in South Australia. He only remained
a short time in Adelaide, again re turning
to the South Coast district, and afterwards
residing at the Genoa River for several years.
In 1857 Mr. Weatherhead purchased 'Nungatta
Station,' where he had resided ever since.
He also acquired extensive properties at
Wolumla and Towamba. In those early days
the hardships and privations borne by this
worthy pioneer and his good wife are really
indescribable, no roads existing in the vicinity
of Eden, and everything being carried on
pack-bullocks. For some time past Mr. Weatherhead
had been in very indifferent health, of course
due to his great age, and the breaking-up
of his constitution. Some 15 years ago (after
the death of his wife) the de ceased gentleman
journeyed to England, to visit his brother
and revive early associations. For the last
three months he had almost been confined
to his room, and the last occasion that he
partook of a meal with his family was Christmas
Day, 1900. Up till the time of his death
he was able to read and write, and had a
very retentive memory, being able to entertain
visitors with a jovial description of his
early days. He passed peacefully away on
Thursday morning, April 4, at the grand old
age of 91. Mr .Weatherhead had three sons
and seven daughters, and numerous grand and
great-grand children; but a number of his
own children have since been recalled to
their long 'home.' The only surviving son
is Mr. Wm. Weatherhead, J.P., of Nungatta,
while the two remaining daughters are Mrs.
Wm. Stevenson, of Wongrabelle, and Miss Ann
Weatherhead, who resides with her brother.
The interment took place in the private cemetery
at Nungatta. The cortege was one of the largest
ever seen at Nungatta, all the towns and
villages within a radius of 30 miles being
well represented.
Feb 26, 1904
Death
It is with feelings of sincere regret that
we have to chronicle the death of Mrs Robertson,
wife of Mr Chas Robertson of Honeysuckle,
near Wyndham. The sad event took place on
Wednesday night. The deceased lady, who was
a native of the district and about 51 years
of age, had been ailing for some considerable
time from an internal complaint, and during
the last few months her sufferings were intense.
Notwithstanding all that the best medical
skill and loving service could do, she gradually
grew worse, and death came as a happy release.
Universal sympathy is felt for Mr Robertson
and family in their bereavement. Deceased
had 14 children, 13 of whom are still living.
The funeral takes place today (Friday), at
Wyndham Cemetery.
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
March 29, 1904
SOUTH COAST.
EDEN
* Mr. Roland Stevenson, a well-known farmer
of Wangrabelle, died at Towamba today from
injuries sustained in a buggy accident while
on his way home from Eden last week.
February 15, 1905
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
SOUTH COAST,
EDEN.
* Mr. Thomas Stevens, Sen., 85, farmer of Kiah
River, one of the oldest residents, died
on Sunday.
August 15, 1906
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
PAMBULA.
Mr. James A. Love, a very old resident of
the Towamba district, died at Pambula this
morning aged 76. He was a Londoner, and went
to Eden when he was quite young, and was
employed by the late Mr. Ben Boyd.
April 26, 1922
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
ROBERT GOWARD'S DEATH
Mr. Robert Goward, senior, of Kiah River,
a well-known farmer and resident of the district,
has died at the age of 64 years.
'Magnet' August 16, 1930
SEVEN NEW TRUSTEES
The following persons nominated by Mr. Bate,
M.L.A., on behalf of a public meeting at
Towamba have been appointed as trustees of
the portion of the General Cemetery at Towamba,
dedicated 11th June, 1886. Set apart for
burial ground for other Denominations:Messers
Thomas Joseph Doyle, Edmund Clements, Donald
Laing, Arthur Charles Beasley, George Thornborough
Dickie, Henry William Mitchell and Benjamin
Daniel Beasley (in the places of Messers
W. Ryan, G. Martin, S. Martin, J. McPaul,
W. Laing and T.Hite, deceased.)
'Magnet'
August 24, 1972
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
FIRST TOWAMBA CEMETERY
Sir, I was very interested to read of the
work of the Apexians at Pambula's first cemetery.
I was wondering how many residents of the
district are aware that on my property at
Towamba here is also a portion of ground
once used as a cemetery prior to the opening
of the present Towamba Cemetery.
Old residents have told me that there were ten graves but the passage of
time and the ravages of floods etc., have
left only one marked grave.
It is that of Jane Mitchell, grandmother
of Mr. R. Mitchell and Mr. A.J.Clements well
known residents of this area. The date of
burial was 1863. The grave is marked by a
headstone reported to have been the work
of Thomas Blaize an early settler who had come out with Ben Boyd.
The inscription on the stone is as easily
read today as it was 109 years ago.
The 1971 floods cracked the stone, heavy logs being the cause but otherwise it is as good as the day it was placed there.
The scroll work on this headstone would have to be seen to be appreciated.
The work of these early tradesmen was really
good.
signed, Charlie Laing, Towamba.
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'The Bega Gazette and Eden District or Southern
Coast Advertiser'
23 September 1865
Sudden Death.-The wife of Mr. Edmund Mitchell died very unexpectedly on Thursday night
the 14th inst, at her residence, Towamba;
it appears that she had been complaining
for some time previous: on the evening in
question she prepared the evening meal for
the family, and shortly after six o'clock
she was dead. The deceased leaves a husband
and young family to deplore their loss.
Sacred to the memory of
Robert Alexander
born at Pericoe 18th September, 1866,
died 23rd September 1866.
Also Ernest Alexander,
born 16th December 1880,
died 31st May 1881.
17 October 1874
'Australian Town and Country Journal'
DEATH
* On September 28, at Towamba, Mrs. James Roberts, mother of Mr. James Roberts, of Craiglie.
July 25, 1882
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
McNEE. - Barbara McNee, wife of James McNee, of
Towamba,
August 1, 1883
'The Bega Standard and Candelo, Merimbula,
Pambula, Eden, Wolumla, and General Advertiser'
Towamba. - The meeting in reference to a cemetery
reserve was fairly attended, and the necessary
application will be made in course of a few
days.
'Pambula Voice' January 12, 1894
Death has recently visited the home of Mr.
W. Clements of this locality and took away
a baby boy about two months old. The funeral
was conducted by the Reverend J. L. Forbes,
the remains being interred in the Towamba
cemetery on the 31st of December. Some sixty
persons attended and had to be conveyed across
the river by boat, the water being high from
the previous rains. The deceased was the
second son in a family of eleven children.
The bereaved family have the sympathy of
the community.
'Pambula Voice' April 22, 1898
EDEN ITEMS
I deeply regret having to record the sad
death of Mr. Jno (John) Alexander, the well-known
proprietor of Pericoe Station, which occurred
at the Great Southern Hotel at Eden during
last night. Mr. Alexander was very widely
known and respected and used many acts of
kindness and generosity to those in need
will not be soon forgotten. He was one of
the pioneers of the district and did a great
deal for its advancement. His loss will be
keenly felt. The funeral takes place tomorrow,
Thursday.
'Pambula Voice' April 29, 1898
PERICOE
The news of Mr. John Alexander's death was
received in this locality with expressions
of deepest regret. The cause of his death
was heart disease, supervening on dropsy.
Mr. Alexander was a native of the colony
having been born at Moruya. He was the first
selector to take up land at Pericoe and resided
here for thirty-four years. He was about
sixty years of age. By his clear foresight
and sound judgement he got together a fine
estate at Pericoe consisting of over six
thousand acres of fair pastoral and some
agricultural land. The deceased gentleman
leaves a wife and thirteen children, most
of whom are grown up to mourn their loss
and they have the sympathy of the whole community.
The funeral took place on Thursday, the remains
being interred in the Eden cemetery in the
presence of a large concourse of relatives
and friends.
'Pambula Voice' June 17, 1898
ROCKY HALL
I regret to have to chronicle the death of
a very old and respected resident here and
one who may be justly termed a pioneer of
this district. I refer to Mr. Jno Sherwin
Snr., who succumbed at his residence New
Building on Wednesday evening the 8th instant.
The deceased octogenarian for such he was,
having just attained his 87th birthday, enjoyed
very fair health until within a week or two
of his death. His remains were interred in
the Roman Catholic portion of the Wyndham cemetery on Saturday. A large number
of relatives and friends assembled at the
grave to pay their last tribute of respect.
'Pambula Voice' December 7, 1900
During the terrific thunderstorm on Friday,
Mrs. Chas.Galli of Bega, a sister of Mr.
Love of Towamba, was struck by lightning
and killed instantly. Seven small children
mourn the loss of a mother. The flash struck
terror in the hearts of most people. The
chimney of the house was split.
Bega Newspaper undated
"Older Bega district residents will
regret the passing of Edwin
William Richards. Deceased, who was in his 77th year, was
knocked down by a car in front of his
home in Kiora Road, Miranda, and died in
Kogarah Hospital on 10th July. "Ned",
as he was
familiarly known, spent his boyhood days
in Bega, where he was well known as a champion
foot
runner, having in his possession two Candelo
Cups won in 1879 and 1880. His wife, who
predeceased him, was formerly Miss Annie
Miller of Stoney Creek. The late Alfred H.
Richards of
Eurobodalla, was his only son. Left to mourn
their loss are two daughters, Bertha and
Molly, two
sisters, Mrs. Slattery and Mrs. Hartneady,
Towamba, and two brothers, Henry of Towamba
and
Alfred of Cowra. The remains were laid to
rest at Sutherland where a large gathering
paid their last
respects., One time residents of Bega present
included Mr. Byrne, who was teaching at Jellat
Jellat, and Mrs. and Miss Dulcie Richie,
Sergeant Tapper, Mrs. Bayliss and Mrs. Burke
(Kitty
Butler)."
April 8, 1904
'Pambula Voice'
"Quite a gloom has been cast over our
little community by the death of Mrs. J. Richards, and Mr. R. Stephenson, who died within
a few hours of each other on 28th March.
Mrs. Richards had been ailing for some months
and was under treatment of Dr.Bruce, Candelo,
who from the first gave no hope of her recovery.
Mrs. Richards was 75 years of age and was
a native of Cornwall, England. She came to
this colony somewhere in the early fifties
and together with her husband, occupied their
industry in farming and dairy pursuits, at
first in the Moruya district and afterwards
in and around Bega, removing again some 19
years ago to Towamba where they continued
for some time to follow the same occupation.
Mrs. Richards was the mother of three sons
and three daughters, five of whom are married,
and Mr. Alf Richards, the well known cricketer,
being her youngest son. Mrs. Richards was
thoroughly conversant with the simple folklore
of the Cornish people of some 60 years ago,
and possessing a good memory of persons,
places and events, her reminiscences of the
past were both interesting and instructive.
The deceased lady was brought up a Primitive
Methodist and her sympathies were with that
body to the last. The remains, which were
followed to the grave by a large concourse
of people, were interred in the CE portion
of Towamba cemetery, the Rev. W. Cowan officiating."
August 16, 1906
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
EDEN
*
Mr. James Love, of Pericoe, one of the earliest
settlers in this district, died at Pambula
yesterday, aged 77 years. Deceased arrived
at Twofold Bay early in the forties.
January 9, 1907
'The Bega Budget'
Mr. John Beasley died at his son's residence, Towamba, on
Saturday week, aged 86 years. He retained
his faculties up to the time of his death.
May 29, 1907
'The Bega Budget'
* Mr. R. Higgins, aged 62, brother of Mr.
Chas. Higgins of Bega, died at Towamba on
Saturday. He leaves a widow and a daughter.
Mr. Higgins only returned to his home from
Bega Hospital a few weeks ago.
November 25, 1909
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
KILLED BY A TICK
* The one-year-old child of Mr. James McMahon,
of Kiah River, died today from the effects
of the bite of a bush tick.
October 29, 1910
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
* ALEXANDER.-October 27 1910 at Lister Private Hospital
Margaret, the dearly loved wife of Percy
V. W. Alexander of Pericoe, Eden and daughter
of Archibald Stewart of Fairview, Cathcart.
'The Southern Record and Advertiser'
18 March 1911
TOWAMBA
Mr. Joseph Miradian, of Yambulla, was buried on Sunday at Towamba.
That same gentleman will be greatly missed
at Yambulla. He has acted a father's part
to many people much older than himself.
November 1, 1913
'The Southern Record and Advertiser'
* A sad drowning fatality took place at Towamba
last Saturday, at about 3.30 p.m. Mavis Beasley, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wm Beasley,
with other children, were bathing in the
river near a deep hole. Poor little Mavis
got out of her depth, and it was over half-an-hour
before the body was recovered. Every effort
was made to restore respiration but to no
avail. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved
parents. Mr. Beasley was in Eden when the
trouble took place. Constable Dunn was on
the scene at once and rendered event assistance.
'Pambula Voice'
April 17, 1914
"An old South Coast resident in the
person of John Richards, died in the Pambula Hospital on Monday
night last. One day last week the old man,
who lived at Broadwater in charge of Mr. H.T.
Edward's property, was coming through a gate
leading his horse when the animal took fright and
crushed him against the gate post, breaking
his leg. He was found by Mr. Calman who happened to be
passing by and was immediately brought to
the
hospital. Being an old man of 80, the shock
was too severe. He passed away conscious
to the last. The deceased was an Englishman by birth
and was first employed on Bodalla Estate
by the Morts some 40 years ago. He subsequently
had charge of the dairy under the late D.
Gowing of Jellat Jellat, and was later employed by
Mr. Lane of Candelo for some years. He afterwards resided at Towamba and Burragate, from the
latter place he came some few years ago to Notice 1 April 1904 in Pambula Voice: "
Death at Towamba - It is with regret we learn
of the death of Mrs. John Richards of Towamba after a
lengthy illness. Deceased, who was about
78 years of age, had been a resident of the Towamba district
for many years and was highly respected.
She leaves a grown up family to mourn her loss.
Mrs. George Murphy of Pambula was a sister."
May 2, 1917
'Southern Star'
* The southern end of the district paid
a heavy war toll last week. First there was
news of Private Cornell, of Pambula, being
killed. Then came word in rapid succession
of the deaths of Private Laing, of Towamba
and Private Gordon Ryan, of Burragate.
May 5, 1917
'The Southern Record and Advertiser'
* Pte. T. Laing, of Towamba, was killed in action on April
9. Pte. Osborne Rixon, of Rocky Hall, has also been killed in
action.
October 4, 1919
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
DEATH
KEYS.- September 28. 1919, suddenly, at Towamba.
Councillor George Keys, aged 89 years, beloved
husband of Isabel Keys. Burragate. South
Coast.
April 21, 1921
'Delegate Argus'
It is with regret that we have to record
the death, which occurred at Burragate on
Wednesday last, of Mrs. Jane Binnie, senior
(widow of the late Mr. Alexander Binnie)
in her 87th year. She and her husband were
both natives of Scotland, from which country
they arrived in Australia while they were
still very young, she herself being at that
time less than two years of age. She was
a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. D. Bell,
of Springs Flat, and had five sisters and
two brothers, her sisters being the late
Mrs. John Hyde, Mrs. John Mudie (Delegate),
Mrs. Thos. Barber (Bega), Mrs. McKeachie
and Mrs. Godber (both deceased); her brothers
were Mr. Robert Bell and Mr. David Bell,
the latter of whom only is living. For some
years in their early married life, she and
her husband lived on the Southern Monaro
tableland, and subsequently removed to Burragate,
where they established their home over half
a century ago, and where most of their family
were born and brought up. The late Mrs. Binnie
was a woman of most kindly disposition and
was high ly respected and esteemed throughout
the district in which she so long resided.
She was the mother of a family of eight sons
nnd three daughters (all of whom, excepting
one son, survive), the sons being Mr. David
Binnie, J. P., "Dunblane,' Burragate;
Mr. Alexander Binnie, Towamba; Mr. James
Binnie (who died in 1914); Mr. Robert Binnie
(Queensland); Mr. Andrew Binnie, Burragate;
Mr. Albert Binnie, (Nimbin); and Messrs.
Arthur Binnie and Herbert Binnie (Burragate).
The daughters are Mrs. Joseph Keys (Eastwood,
Sydney), Mrs. George Keys (Big Hill, Burragate),
and Miss Jane Binnie (Janco, Burragate).
The remains of the deceased lady were laid
to rest in the Presbyterian portion of the
cemetery at Eden on Friday (yesterday) afternoon,
the Rev. J. L. Forbes conducting the burial
service at the Graveside in a most impressive
manner. - "Eden Magnet," 16/4/21.
March 23, 1922
'Pambula Voice'
A shocking fatal accident occurred on the
Eden-Towamba road about 13 miles from Eden
on the 10th inst, when Leslie Beasley, aged 15, son of Mrs. and the late Mr. George
Beasley, of Towamba, was killed by a team
of horses going over him after becoming frightened
of a mot or-lorry. It appears the unfortunate
young fellow rushed to the leader's head
and was knocked down, and the whole team
and waggon passed over him before it was
realised anything had happened. He was just
conscious when picked up, and murmuring 'I'm
dying,' expired immediately. - Pambula '
Voice' '
MR. J. T. MITCHELL, J.P. (Died 21 September, 1921) |
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'MAGNET'
Mr. John Thomas Mitchell, J.P., whose death, as briefly reported in last
week's issue of the 'Magnet', took place
at his home at Lower Towamba last Saturday
at the age of 58 years, was one of the best
known and most respected, as well as one
of the most popular men in this corner of
the State.
Born at Towamba, on the farm known as "Tyrone"
(now owned by Mr. E. Clements) he made his
home in the district of which he was a native,
and followed the occupation of farmer and
stock buyer with very much more than an average
degree of success. From his youth upwards,
his nature was marked by a kindliness of
disposition and straight forward manliness
of character that earned for him the life-long
goodwill and esteem of all with whom he became
associated, both in business dealings and
in social acquaintance.
He married Miss Fanny Bridle, daughter of
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Bridle, and their union
was blessed with a family of nine children,
of whom the members surviving are Messers.
Edmond, John Thomas, Albert Leslie, Henry
William and Walter Roy, and Misses Ethel
Alice, Pearl Alma, and Evelyn Jane. Wife
and family are left alike bereaved, to mourn
the loss of a devoted husband and affectionate
father.
His sisters now living are Mrs. W. Clements
(Towamba), Mrs. R. Hazelgrove (Bega), and
Mrs. S. Chamberlain (Wroxham). A step-sister
Mrs, John Ryan, resides on the North Coast.
For six or seven years he occupied, as a
representative of C Riding, the position
of Councillor in the Imlay Shire Council,
from which, however, he recently resigned
on account of the increasing severity of
his illness. Until a few months ago he appeared
to be in perfect health, but an insidious
and previously unsuspected malady subsequently
manifested itself and developed with alarming
rapidity. Medical aid was sought, but in
vain, and in a short time, conscious of eh
inevitableness of his fate and facing with
calm and manly resignation, he passed peacefully
from the scene of his earthly labours, amid
the regrets of all who knew him.
The funeral took place at Towamba on Sunday
last, and was very largely attended, the
procession being one of the largest ever seen in the district.
The Imlay Shire Council was represented by
Councillor J.W.Dickie and Mr. E.P.Rodd, Shire
Clerk. The Reverend Blackwell impressively
conducted the burial service at the graveside.
To the bereaved the 'Magnet' extends sincere
sympathy.
September 2, 1922
'Southern Star'
The late Mrs Thomas Hite, who passed away at the residence of her
son, Mr Robert Hazelgrove, in Bega on Tuesday
last, at the age of 91, must have been the
oldest living native of the South Coast.
She was born at Broughton Creek, in the Illawarra
district, and was married at Dapto 74 years
ago to the late Mr Robert Hazelgrove, by
whom she had a family of five- William (Candelo)
Robert (Bega), Mrs Glenn (Bimbaya), Mrs Stubbs
(Queensland), and the late Mrs W. Meaker,
who died in Bega some years ago. Her marriage
to the late Mr Thos. Hite took place at Wolumla
51 years ago, and of that union there were
three children- George (Pericoe), Thomas
(Towamba), and Mrs Greer (Towamba). There
are 65 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
The late Mrs Hite resided in the Eden and
Towamba districts for many years, and was
greatly respected. About five years ago she
fractured a leg, and during the past two
months she had suffered a lot, but faced
the end bravely. The remains of this fine
old colonist were laid to rest in the Church
of England cemetery, Bega, on Wednesday,
the Ven. Archdeacon Dore Bryant conducting
the service.
'Magnet' June, 1924
THE LATE MR. CLEMENTS - A TYPICAL PIONEER
As mentioned in last issue of the 'Magnet',
Mr. William Clements Snr., one of the oldest
and most highly respected pioneers of the
district, passed peacefully away on Tuesday
in last week (June 24th) at his home "Model
Farm" Towamba, at the age of 80 years.
The following brief additional reference
to his career will doubtless be of interest
to many of our readers.
Mr. Clements was a native of County Tyrone,
Ireland. Strongly imbued with the spirit
of pioneering, he, as a young man, embarked
for Australia and arrived in New South Wales
on October 9, 1863, in the sailing ship 'Severn'.
His shipmates included Messers B. H. McCabe
(Lochiel), R. Cunnane (Eden) and M. McMahon
(once of Merimbula), all now deceased. He
first went to the Shoalhaven district, where
he worked for a couple of years. He then
came on to Eden, where he spent eight years
in the employ of Barclay & Co., who at
that time were merchants here in a big way.
during his employment he saved a few hundred
pounds, which he invested in the purchase,
from Mr. Stiles, a block of land at Towamba.
This he made his home and he resided there
for close on 51 years. He married in 1874,
a daughter of the late Mr. Edmund Mitchell,
of Lower Towamba and thereafter, with undeviating
purpose, and by hard work, good management,
and careful saving, he, assisted by his wife,
developed on of the best farms in the Towamba
district. Mr. & Mrs. Clements reared
a family of nine daughters and three sons.
The daughters are Mrs. R. Gordon (Kyogle),
Mrs. J. Jaggers (Tweed River), Mrs. A. Whitby
(Parramatta), Mrs. A. Parker (Towamba), Mrs.
W. Parker (Towamba), Mrs. J. N. Harris (Kiah),
Mrs. Heathcote (Sydney), Mrs. Jones and Mrs.
E. Love (deceased). The sons Messers Edmund,
Arthur, and William Clements reside in Towamba.
There are 44 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
At the funeral, which took place at Towamba,
the Reverend J. L. Forbes, who officiated,
referring to the deceased gentleman, spoke
of him as a man of exemplary character, honest,
straightforward and upright, a pioneer of
the right type, one who had helped to make
the district and one who the district could
ill afford to lose. He was a steadfast adherent
of his church, and regularly attended divine
service as long as his health permitted.
The very large attendance at the funeral,
the arrangements which were in the hands
of Mr. W. Ryan, Bega, evidenced the general
esteem in which the deceased gentleman was
held, and some beautiful wreaths were placed
upon the coffin, which was of polished oak.
all the deceased's children now living, with
the exception of Mrs. Jaggers (Tweed River),
were present at the graveside.
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'Magnet' October 3, 1925 The Late Mr. GEO. MARTIN Towamba's Centenarian |
Mr. George Martin, whose death at almost
105 years of age, took place at his home
at Towamba on Thursday in last week, was
born at Liverpool, Lancashire, England, on
October 29, 1820.
He distinctly remembered seeing the first
railway train run between Manchester and
Liverpool, and the first steamer to cross
the Atlantic Ocean.
Of a roving disposition, he followed the
sea for many years, on vessels trading to
Russia, Denmark, America (mostly to New York),
Japan and China. Finally he became imbued
with the idea of emigrating to Australia
and on Christmas Day in the year 1849 he
arrived in Sydney Harbour. A week later -
New Years day - he arrived at Boydtown.
On the voyage from Sydney to Eden the ship's
company was filled with admiration of a beautiful
northward-bound yacht, which, on arrival
at Twofold Bay they learned was Benjamin
Boyd's yacht, the Wanderer, bearing her owner
to the Solomon Islands on his ill-fated cruise.
The colony at Twofold Bay was at that time
administered by Mr. Plunkett (a relative
of the well-known Keon family of Eden) and
afterwards by Governor Bligh, whose son,
Dr. Bligh, a very nice gentleman, lived in
Pambula for many years. Mr. Martin shortly
proceeded to Pambula, where he was employed
by a Mr. Breen, a bootmaker, the wages at
that time being £10 a year and food; but
six months later, being himself a bootmaker
by trade, he set up in business on his own
account.
Some time later he moved to Bombala, but
soon returned to Pambula, acquired a property,
and opened a store business there. Those
were stirring times; the Kiandra gold rush
was in full swing; settlement was proceeding
apace; convicts were numerous and cruelly
treated, and some known to Mr. Martin on
the Monaro, goaded into lawlessness, became
bushrangers.
When free selections became available practically
everyone able to leave Pambula did so and
Mr. Martin, having perforce to follow suit,
took up farming and later opened a store
at Towamba, where he resided ever since.
His wife died fifteen years ago, and his
son - the only child - died twenty-five years
ago.
Of amazing strength and energy, Mr. Martin,
at 85 years of age, built the accommodation
house now owned by Mrs. Ambrose Parker, and
at 95 he built a small room. He only retired
from business 13 years ago.
Of a long-lived family, he lived a plain,
wholesome, simple life, and enjoyed wonderful
health (it was said that he never required
a doctor) until about two months ago, when
bronchitis, which was the principal cause
of his death, confined him to his bed and
caused him much suffering.
He had long been prepared for the end, and
honored and esteemed by all who know him,
Towamba's Grand Old Man was finally laid
to rest in the Church of England portion
of Towamba cemetery. "Vale, George Martin,
Vale"
February 19, 1926
'The Bombala Times'
* Miss Mary Love (41), daughter of the late Mr. James A.
Love, of Pericoe, and sister of Mrs. A. L.
Platts, of Mountain Top, died on Sunday last
in Omrah Hospital, Darlinghurst. Miss Love
had been operated on for appendicitis the
previous Wednesday and was progressing satisfactorily.
She died suddenly on Sunday morning, the
cause of death being heart failure. The coffin
was brought to Bombala by train and interred
in the Presbyterian cemetery on Tuesday,
the Rev. W. G. Bradley reading the burial
service.
'Queanbeyan Age and Queanbeyan Observer'
October 26, 1926
DROWNING FATALITY
* A sad drowning fatality occurred at Eden
Sunday afternoon, just before 6 o'clock,
Mr. Jack Davidson, son of Mr. G. Davidson, the well-known
master-whaler, and his two children being
the victims. It appears Mr. Davidson, accompanied
by his wife, and three children - a boy and
two girls, were returning in a dinghy from
Eden, when, at a spot known as "The
Bar",at the entrance to Kiah River,
a wave upset the boat, and the occupants
were thrown into the sea. Mrs. Davidson clung
to the upturned boat, whilst her husband
grabbed the little girl, and, left her with
their mother, whilst he endeavoured to rescue
the other children. Just then a breaker struck
the boat, and the little girl was washed
away. A whale-boat rescued the mother and
daughter, but no sign of the father, son,
and other daughter, could be found. A diligent
search was kept up till the early hours of
the morning, but without success.
January 18, 1929
'The Southern Record and Advertiser'
MR. ARTHUR TINDALL. The death of Mr. Arthur Tindall, at the
residence of his daughter Mrs J. W. DeCosta
on the 4th instant, removed a highly respected
old gentleman from these parts. He was 83
years of age, and had lived for a good many
years in the Towamba district, but spent
the greater portion of his active life around
Nimmitabel. His family comprised seven daughters
and two sons - Mrs. J. W. DeCosta (Candelo),
Mrs Geo. Beasley (Towamba), Mrs Jerrett (Bemboka),
Mrs. Coffey (Canberra), Mrs Green and Mrs
Dawson (Manning River), Mrs Hyde (Thirroul),
Mr. C. Tindall (Kameruka) and another son
deceased. He had been engaged in farming
pursuits all his life, living a very vigorous
and industrious life, and earning the respect
and esteem of all with whom he came in contact
for his kindly good-nature and fine personal
qualities generally. The whole of his surviving
family came to his bedside during his illness,
which, as previously reported in this paper,
was due to a paralytic stroke. His remains
were taken to Towamba for burial.
'Magnet' June 15, 1929
MRS. ARTHUR BINNIE
We were saddened on Wednesday last by the
news that Mrs. Arthur Binnie, one of Towamba's
most highly esteemed and respected residents
had during the night succumbed to an illness
of some month's duration. She was under the
care of a Sydney specialist and was subsequently
under treatment by Dr. Stafford of Berry
and Dr. White of Candelo. All efforts to
check the malady failed however, and the
prospect of recovery being hopeless. She
endured the affliction with cheerfulness
and truly Christian fortitude until death
released her and she passed peacefully at
the age of 54 years of age to the Great Beyond.
Prior to her marriage the deceased lady was
Mary Jane Chegwidden, a daughter of the late
Mr. & Mrs. William James Chegwidden of
Candelo. She leaves surviving her husband,
a sister, Mrs. Herbert Binnie of Berry and
two brothers, Mr. Ernest Chegwidden, Berry
and Mr. H. J. Chegwidden of Inverell. The
funeral took place on Thursday in the Presbyterian
portion of Eden cemetery where a very large
number of relatives and friends from all
parts of the district assembled to pay their
last sad tributes of respect to the memory
of the deceased. The funeral service was
read by Reverend J. L. Forbes M A., D. D.,
who also gave an address in which he extended
sympathy to the bereaved and feelingly referred
to the loss which the people of Towamba and
district had sustained by the death of one
who was held in the highest esteem for her
many exemplary good qualities and of whom
it might in very truth be said that hers
had been a blameless life. The greatest sympathy
is felt throughout the district for Mr. Binnie
and his sad bereavement. There were many
beautiful floral tributes from friends far
and near. The funeral arrangements were carried
out by Mr. M. J. Ryan of Bega.
'Magnet' August 3, 1929
MR. ALLAN LAING
The death occurred at the home of Mr. Hector
Laing, Towamba, on the night of July 22,
of Mr. Allan Laing, one of the oldest and
best known identities of the Towamba district
in which he had resided for some 40 years.
For some years he resided at Rockton before
moving to Towamba. He was a brother of Mr.
Donald Laing, probably the oldest mail man
in the state who for years conveyed the Eden-Pericoe
mail by horse coach and who has since been
running the Pambula-Nethercote mail by horse
and sulky and for the last several years
on horseback. Other brothers are Jim (deceased)
and Will. Mr. Laing who leaves a large family,
all married, was a native of Moruya and was
81 years of age. Internment took place at
the Presbyterian portion of Towamba cemetery.
The Reverend J. Allison officiating at the
graveside.
'Magnet' September 21, 1929
MISS ETHEL SAWERS
Miss Ethel Sawers aged 21, youngest daughter
of Mr. & Mrs. Jack Sawers of Burragate
died on Thursday night after an illness of
brief duration. She had been staying with
her sister, Mrs. W. Love at Pericoe and on
Thursday became seriously ill. She was taken
home and her condition was so critical that
she was taken on to Pambula Hospital where
she died a few hours after admission. The
funeral which was largely attended took place
at Rocky Hall yesterday.
'Magnet' January 4th, 1930
MR. JOHN CHARLES ROBERTS
On Saturday night last there past to his
well earned rest one of the oldest of the
Far South Coast pioneers in the person of
Mr. John Charles Roberts Snr., aged 88 years.
He was the second son of the late Mr. James
Roberts and was born in Melbourne on October
1st, 1841. He arrived with his parents at
Twofold Bay in 1845 at which time Boydtown,
the building of which had been commenced
in 1843 by Benjamin Boyd, was a flourishing
settlement and a scene of great activity.
Mr. Robert Snr., had much to do in those
busy times. He knew Boyd well and was familiar
with many of the details of his local enterprise
and helped him carrying some of them out.
He later kept a Hotel at Eden and was here
during the great rush to the Kiandra goldfields
for which Eden was then the main port of
access and a town of considerable importance.
Mr. John Charles Roberts was liberally endowed
with the hardiness and enterprise of the
earliest pioneers.
He was the first mail man who traversed in
that capacity, the track from Eden to Bega.
This journey he used to make on foot and
for each trip there and back, was paid the
princely sum of £1. In one emergency on reaching
Bega, he without resting, turned around and
walked straight back. It was a common experience
for him to have to swim every creek and river
met with on the road. In his early years
he was a foot stockman and one of the finest
of bushmen. He once made a wager for a nominal
sum that he would strike across country from
Towamba and travelling through the dense
forest country, come out at an old stockyard
at Genoa in a given time, an undertaking
that he punctually performed. He was an indefatigable
worker and up to quite recently could be
seen engaged in light yet constant work on
the farm at Towamba where the family home
has been for the last 65 years.
His wife, who as recorded in the 'Magnet'
several weeks ago died on December 9th, was
a daughter of the late Mr. & Mrs. Patrick
Pendergast of Mowarra. He leaves surviving
three sons and four daughters. There has
passed from the district one of its oldest
residents, a man of genial disposition and
sterling worth of character. His loss will
be deeply mourned by a large circle of friends
and relatives. Internment took place in Towamba
cemetery on Sunday afternoon. The funeral
was largely attended and the Reverend Father
Leanne officiated at the graveside.
'Magnet' January 25, 1930
MRS. J. V. SLATTERY
Quite a gloom was cast over Kiogle on Wednesday,
8th instant, when the sad news became known
of the death of Mrs. J. V. Slattery (nee
Miss Thelma Gordon) as very few knew of her
serious illness. She spent Christmas with
the other members of the family complaining
only of not feeling too well. She was at
once taken to the Lorretto Private Hospital
where the best nursing and medical aid was
sort. Also a special sister and doctor secured
from Casino but despite all that was done
to save her, she gradually sank and after
a serious operation had been performed as
a last resort, she passed away. Prior to
burial a most impressive service was conducted
in the Anglican church which was crowded
to overflowing, there scarcely being a dry
eye. The Minister also conducted an impressive
service at the graveside. The funeral was
very largely attended and numerous lovely
wreaths, representing almost every citizen
in Kiogle were laid on the grave. The deceased
was 28 years old and born at Towamba being
the second daughter of Mr. & Mrs. R.
A. Gordon now residing near Kiogle. Before
her marriage the deceased was attached to
the nursing staff of Ballina Private and
Kiogle Memorial hospitals where her sympathetic
nature and kindness of heart won her the
affection of patients with whom she came
in contact. She is survived by a sorrowing
husband and two young sons for whom the deepest
sympathy is felt. Mr. James Slattery is also
from Towamba and is a son of Mrs. E. and
the late Mr. J. Slattery. Mrs. J. Painter,
Cedar Point, Mrs. E. Parker, Kiogle, Mrs.
W. Lavelle, Roseberry, are sisters and Mr.
M. Gordon and Master Stan Gordon are brothers.
'Magnet' February 22, 1930
MR. G. HITE
The death took place at Wonboyn on Wednesday
last of Mr. George Henry Hite aged 60 years.
Mr. Hite had, for a considerable time, presented
the appearance of being in indifferent health,
nevertheless he continued to carry out the
ordinary duties and on the morning of his
death appeared to be as active and cheerful
as usual. At about four in the afternoon,
when he ceased work on which he had been
engaged in the vicinity of the house, shortly
afterwards had a violent fit of coughing
which bought on a severe haemorrhage. Mrs.
Hite went for her son-in-law Mr. Tom Hall
and on her return with him a few minutes
later found that her husband had gone to
the nearby bush and laid down and died. For
the last three years or so Mr. Hite had,
with his wife, been managing the Wonboyn
Lake
accommodation house. Prior to that he was
dairy farming at Towamba and before that,
during the later years of Yambulla goldfield,
kept the Yambulla Hotel. His wife was Miss
Ada Greer, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. T.
Greer of this town. The family surviving
consist of six daughters, Dorothy, (Mrs.
G. Brooks) Cann River, Elsie, (Mrs. R. Warren),
Eden, Lena, (Mrs. T. Hall), Wonboyn, Veronica,
Molly and Nola. A brother is Mr. T. Hite
Snr., of Platts, Bombala and Mrs. H. Greer,
Eden, is a sister of the deceased. The deceased's
parents, the late Mr. Tom Hite and Mrs. Hite
died several years ago. Internment took place
at the Eden cemetery yesterday afternoon.
The Reverend Mr. Genge officiated at the
graveside.
'Magnet' October 4, 1930
MR. DAVID BINNIE
The death occurred at his home 'Dunblane'
Burragate on Monday September 29th, when
Mr. David Binnie, J. P. one of the district's
most highly respected and esteemed residents,
at the age of 76 years. The late Mr. Binnie
was the eldest of a family of eleven of the
late Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Binnie and
was born at Spring Flat, Monaro. He came
with his parents to live at Burragate when
he was ten years of age and he resided there
until the time of his death. In those days,
the days of the wild blacks, he early displayed
the hereditary spirit of the pioneers, adapting
himself to his environment and gaining practical
knowledge and experience that materially
contributed to his success in later life.
As a mere lad he was fearless and adventurous
and before the country was opened up by road
he used to ride alone from Burragate up what
was called the Old Mountain Road but was
really an apology for a bridle track, to
Spring Flat. He also used to go frequently
with his uncle Mr. D. J. Bell of Bairnsdale,
with mobs of horses for sale. He was a great
horseman and a keen judge of horses and cattle
and was frequently called upon to officiate
as judge at various shows in Victoria and
New South Wales. He devoted considerable
time and money to the breeding of Jersey
cattle and the Dave Binnie breed of Jersey
became favourably known far and wide. A man
of integrity, hospitable, neighbourly and
commanding general respect, Mr. David Binnie
will be greatly missed in the district of
which he was almost a lifelong resident.
Forty-nine years ago he married Miss Eliza
Jane Keys second daughter of the late Mr.
& Mrs. John Keys of Candelo. He is survived
by his widow and son Mr. D. H. Binnie, Burragate,
a daughter Mrs. J. T. Mitchell, Pericoe and
two grandchildren, Gwen and Ella Mitchell.
The funeral on Thursday was attended by a
large concourse of relatives and friends.
Internment took place in the family burial
ground in the Eden Cemetery and the graveside
service was conducted by the veteran Presbyterian
Minister and friend of the family, the Reverend
J. L. Forbes.
'Magnet' August 22, 1931
MRS. I. STEVENSON
It is with regret that we record the death
of Mrs. Isobel Stevenson, widow of the late
Mr. William Stevenson of Wangrabelle. This
grand old lady passed away on the 8th instant
at the great age of 93 years and 11 months.
She had been confined to her bed for the
last three months and during the last three
weeks suffered much pain. She was the eldest
of the family of the late Mr. & Mrs.
W. A. Weatherhead and was the last surviving
member of that family. She was born at Moruya
on August 23, 1838 and it is said that her
mother was the first while woman to cross
the Shoalhaven River. When she was two years
old her parents took her with them to Nungatta
where her father was overseer for Mr. Mort.
When Mr. Mort sold Nungatta Station the Weatherhead
family shifted to Wallagaraugh and then to
Timbillica at which place Isobel celebrated
her sixth birthday. When she was thirteen
years of age she went with her parents to
Merrimingo, there they lost their home with
floods in 1851. In 1856 Mr. Weatherhead bought
Nungatta Station and from there Isobel was
married at 22 years of age, to Mr. William
Stevenson. Mr. & Mrs. Stevenson went
to live at Wangrabelle and Mrs. Stevenson
afterwards familiarly and affectionately
known as 'Granny' lived there till her death.
She had a family of eleven comprising one
son, Mr. William Stevenson, Wangrabelle and
ten daughters, namely, Mrs. Middleditch,
Wangrabelle, Mrs. C. Tasker, Wangrabelle,
Mrs. H. Murray, Wangrabelle, Mrs. C. Fairweather,
Ballarat, Victoria, Mrs. D. Jones, South
Coast, New South Wales, Mrs. P. Pendergast,
South Coast, Mrs. G. Young, Cann River, Mrs.
T. Stevens, (deceased), Mrs. Falkner, (deceased),
and Elizabeth who died of burns when a child.
Granny had 44 grandchildren, 56 great grandchildren
and one great great grandchild. Until the
last three months before her death she had
enjoyed excellent health and only once in
her life had she received medical attention.
Dr. Nettleton of Orbost attended her two
days previous to her death. She was endowed
with a most cheerful disposition and was
highly respected by all who knew her. She
was greatly attached to her home and in later
life derived much happiness from attending
to her pet birds and animals. During the
latter part of her life she was attended
with untiring devotion by her daughters Mrs.
Middleditch and Mrs. Tasker and her granddaughters
Misses Emolene and Annie Tasker whose loving
care and health coupled with Mrs. Kiernan's
skilled nursing did much to alleviate the
suffering which preceded a peaceful passing
into the Great Beyond. The funeral which
took place at Wangrabelle on the 10th was
largely attended by people from Towamba,
Genoa, Kiah, Cann River, Timbillica and Ballarat.
The Reverend F. James of Cann River officiated
at the graveside.
'Magnet' October 10, 1931
MRS. MARY SAWERS
The death took place in Pambula District
Hospital on Tuesday last, October 6th, of
Mrs. Mary Sawers at the age of 83 years.
Mrs. Sawers as a member of the well known
family of Whitbys and as a native and life
long resident of the Far South Coast, experienced
many of the vicissitudes of the hardy pioneers.
Born on August 18, 1848 at Pambula, then
a diminutive settlement, occupied by ten
or a dozen residents, she was brought up
by her parents on their farm until she attained
the age of about 13 years when she went to
stay at Mrs. White's hotel at Bega. While
there she noted various incidents she readily
recollected in later years. She mentioned
as an unforgettable impression of a black
woman whom she had instructed to scrub a
veranda and had finished her work went for
her reward, a glass of whiskey, but not being
able to immediately obtain it, threw a half
brick at Miss Whitby (as she then was) and
hit her in the back disabling her for several
weeks. On another occasion an old black fellow,
named Black Charlie, was out shooting when
the gun exploded and blew a hand almost off,
the doctor completing the severance by amputation.
Leaving Mrs. White, she returned to Pambula
and was employed at the old Roan Horse Hotel
by the proprietor, Mr. Hibburd and two years
later she went to the Rocky Hall Hotel in
employment of the proprietor, Mr. Heritage.
There she remained two years and later married
James Sawers - son of Mr. Peter Sawers. Her
husband became stock-keeper for Mr. Hibburd
and held that position for 15 years. Subsequently
they took up a selection at Rocky Hall and
after a time sold their holding and went
dairying for Mrs. Sawers' brother, Mr. James
Whitby continuing in that occupation for
15 years. While there, during one season
she milked 40 cows twice daily by herself,
churned three times a week and packed all
the butter in 1 cwt kegs and after milking
in the evening, cut wattle bark off the farm
till 11 o'clock. At this time, her husband
and brother were away fencing Mr. Underhill's
property.
Later they went dairying for Mr. Jack Ramsey
at Wog Wog and later the same for Mr. J.
H. Martin at 'Lyndhurst' at Burragate. Finally
to Mr. King's property which they bought
and where she lived upwards of thirty years.
After leaving Burragate, Mrs. Sawers came
to Eden where she enjoyed the best of health
until the recent death of her daughter Alice,
an event that gave her such a shock that
her health rapidly failed and she entered
the district hospital for treatment which,
however, proved of no avail and she passed
peacefully away as previously stated on Tuesday
last. It is a remarkable coincidence that
she died on the same day, same month (6th
Oct) at precisely same hour (8 am) as her
husband - twenty years previous. They had
13 children.
Children still living are Sarah, (Mrs. A.
L. Binnie), Lismore, Jack, Burragate, Mary
Ann, (Mrs. Powers), Granville, Eliza Jane,
(Mrs. Young), Bankstown, Caroline, (Mrs.
Jack Kennedy), Marylands, George Edward,
Bodalla, Agnes, (Mrs. Powers), New Zealand,
Henry Charles, (Mick), Burragate, Lilian,
(Mrs. E. Keevers), Bukajo, Arthur Peter,
Coogee. Three daughters deceased were Margaret,
Alice Emily, and Janet Emma Rachel, and a
son Robert, was killed in action in France,
in 1918. Brothers of Mrs. Sawers are Mr.
Edward Whitby, Eden, Mr. Harry Whitby, Sydney.
Sisters are Mrs. Thomas Copeland, Eden and
Mrs. James Pheeney, Wolumla. Internment took
place in the cemetery at Rocky Hall on Wednesday
in the presence of a large assembly of relatives
and friends. The Reverend Mr. Maidment officiated
at the graveside.
'Magnet' November 19th, 1932
Mr. Donald Laing of Pambula, a well known
identity in the Far South Coast, died in
the district hospital at Pambula last Sunday
aged 82 years.
He was a native of Moruya and as a youth
arrived with his parents at Eden by steamer.
At the age of 21 Donald took up mail contracting,
the first being the Eden-Towamba service
on a bridle track over the mountain between
the Towamba and Nullica valleys. Later he
ran the Pambula - Nethercote mail, which
he continued till the end of 1931, thus completing
61 years of continuous mail contracting service,
most of it carried out on horseback.
'Sydney Morning Herald'
November 6, 1932
DEATH
BINNIE. At his residence, Towamba NSW. Alexander
Binnie beloved husband of Sarah aged 74.
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Towamba cemetery looking North with Jingera
Mountain in background. Photo K. Clery |
Delegate Argus
26 October 1933
Obituary
Mr. S. Parker
Mr. Samuel Parker, who died at Delegate on
Thursday morning last, was born at Towamba
82 years ago. He lived at Towamba until his
marriage to Miss Jessie Oliver, whose parents
then lived at Little Plain. He selected land
and lived at Burke's Creek for several years,
and when he sold out there he went to Towamba
and had lived there ever since. About the
time he lived at Burke's Creek he engaged
in carrying between Bombala and Eden. Mr.
Parker was a man of kindly nature and was
held in high esteem by all who knew him.
He is survived by Mrs. Parker and one son,
Walter (Towamba), and one daughter, Mrs.
Lewis '(Tweed River). Mr. and Mrs. Parker
were visiting relatives in this district.
They had stayed for a few days with Mrs.
Parker's sister, Mrs. Stone, and had then
gone to stay for a few days with Mr. W. Oliver
at Quinburra. It was while at Quinburra that
Mr. Parker was taken ill and was brought
in to the Delegate Hospital. The funeral
took place at the Delegate Cemetery on Friday
afternoon. Rev. S. Broadfoot read the burial
service.
'Magnet' October 28, 1933
MR. SAMUEL PARKER
Mr. Samuel Parker, whose death occurred at
Delegate on the 19th instant, was born at
Rocky Hall on April, 23, 1853 and was thus
aged 80 years and 6 months. He lived at Towamba
all his life. Years ago he used to drive
a horse team between Pericoe and Eden and
later when the Yambulla-Eden mail was run
by coach, he had the contract for nine years.
At times when carrying gold to Eden from
the Yambulla mine he was escorted by police
officers Campion and Meek. Afterwards he
took up farming on one of his father's farms
at Towamba. He leaves a wife, two children,
Mrs. G. Lewis, Dungay, and Walter William
Parker, Towamba, 14 grandchildren and 19
great-grandchildren. Two brothers are also
living, Ambrose, Towamba and John, Bega.
'Magnet' November 18, 1933
MR. ROGER DOYLE
Mr. Roger Thomas Doyle whose death briefly
reported in the last issue of the Magnet
whose death took place at Pambula District
Hospital on Wednesday, 8th instant, was a
member of a well known and respected pioneering
family and was a lifelong resident of the
Eden district.
He was born at Wog Wog on the 21 July 1853
and as he grew up he took an active interest
in all matters associated with the life of
a man on the land. Like his brothers he had
a good knowledge of stock and was a good
judge of cattle. For some years he went in
for dairying from which, however, he retired
several years ago and has since resided quietly
at Towamba.
His wife who survives him was miss Dorothy
Whelan a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick
Whelan pioneers of the Kiah River settlement.
He is also survived by a brother, Michael
Dennis at Kiah and a sister, Mrs. R. Bruce
at Kiah. Brothers who predeceased him were
James Bernard, John, and sisters, Mrs. John
Boland of Rocky Hall and Mrs. Jack Harrington.
Children living are Thomas Joseph, and Roger
Vincent, (Towamba) Bertha Theresa, (Towamba)
Esther Eugene, a daughter Mary Margaret died
some years ago.
The father and mother of the late R.T.Doyle
came from Ireland and were identified with
the early history of the Eden district, the
father being sometime storekeeper for the
Imlay brothers at their Towamba Station property
and the mother taking her full share of the
pioneering work of those times. They later
moved to Wog Wog where they lived for some
time then shifted to Monaro subsequently
to Narrabarba and then to Kiah where they
resided for the remainder of their lives.
The body of the late Mr. R. T Doyle was conveyed
from Pambula to Towamba and burial took place
at the cemetery there on Thursday afternoon
in the presence of relatives and friends
who assembled to pay their respects to the
memory of the deceased gentleman. Rev Fr.
Donnelly officiated at graveside.
'Magnet' June 9, 1934
MR. JACK McLEOD
Death of a well known Towamba ex-soldier.
District wide regret was expressed at the
announcement of the death at his home in
Towamba on Monday evening of Mr. Jack McLeod a well known returned soldier and a popular
and esteemed member of a well known family.
The deceased who was only 42 years of age
enlisted in 1915 and at Bullecourt in 1917
received a severe head wound, this necessitated
him being invalided home and despite the
most skillful treatment caused him considerable
suffering at intervals up to the time of
his death which nevertheless came as a great
shock to all who knew him. A wife, formerly
Miss Inez Dickie, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs.
J. T. Dickie, Towamba. Two daughters Elva
and Roma and a large number of other relatives,
many of them in the Towamba district are
left to mourn a great loss.
The funeral which was very largely attended
took place on Tuesday, internment being made
in the Church of England portion of the Towamba
cemetery. Many returned soldiers were present
to pay their last tributes of respect to
the memory of a gallant comrade and returned
men acted as pole bearers. Rev H.T. Genge
conducted the last rites. Funeral arrangements
were carried out by Mr. C. Phillipps of Bega.
'Magnet' June 23, 1934
MR. ALFRED TASKER SNR.
As briefly announced in the last issue of
the 'Magnet', Mr. Alfred Tasker Snr., died
at his home at Towamba on Thursday, 14th
instant. He had for a long time been suffering
from a weak heart, a trouble that was responsible
for his sudden though not altogether unexpected
demise. He was born at Bombala 67 years ago
and when quite young came to the Towamba
district where he followed farming pursuits
until within the last few years. A fine type
of man he was highly respected and esteemed
by all who knew him. He was a son of English
parents who settled in the Bombala district
and had a family of eighteen of whom only
two now survive. Mrs. Ken McLeod, Towamba
and Mr. Thomas Tasker, Wyndham. The deceased
left surviving three sons, Alf, Harry and
Jack and two daughters, Rene, Mrs. Collins,
Queensland and Dorothy, Mrs. King, Pericoe.
The funeral took place at Towamba cemetery
on Friday and the Rev. H. T. Genge impressively
officiated at the graveside.
MRS. HERBERT BINNIE
Mr. Herbert Binnie of Berry and formerly a widely known and
respected resident of Towamba has sustained
a sad bereavement in the death of his wife
who passed away on Thursday of last week.
'Magnet' August 11, 1934
MR. THOMAS POOLE
An old district identity in the person of
Mr. Thomas Poole died suddenly at one o'clock
on Friday, Aug. 3 at 'Freshwater' Kiah at
the residence of Mr. & Mrs. W. Switzer
where he had lived of late years. Born in
County Kilkenny, Ireland in 1857, he came
to Australia 50 years ago finally selecting
land at Nungatta he settled in this district
with his cousin Mr. T.P. Shelley. Always
of a bright and genial nature he was loved
and respected by old and young and was greatly
admired for his sterling qualities. He leaves
brothers George (Brisbane), James (West Wyalong),
and the Shelley and Switzer families of Kiah
to mourn the loss of a devoted cousin. Burial
took place at Kiah on Saturday in the presence
of his many friends and relations. Reverend
Father Donnelly officiated at the graveside.
MRS. GEORGE KEYS
The death of Mrs. George Keys an old and
respected resident of Burragate occurred
on Monday last. Mrs. Keys, who prior to her
marriage was a member of the well known Binnie
family, was the widow of the late Mr. George
Keys, for some years a 'C' Riding councilor
in Imlay Shire. Internment took place at
Kameruka on Tuesday alongside the remains
of her late husband who predeceased her by
many years.
January 15, 1935
'The Courier-Mail'
The death has occurred of Mr. J. H. Stubbs, elder son of Mrs. M. Stubbs, Middle Park,
Tamborine, and the late Mr. A. C. Stubbs.
The late Mr. J. H. Stubbs was born at Towamba,
New South Wales, in 1882, and for the last
14 years had resided at Tallebudgera, South
Coast Line. He was a P.M. of Burleigh Masonic
Lodge, 307, and also & member of the
Royal Arch Chapter, Southport. Mr. Stubbs
was also a member of the Bega, New South
Wales Odd fellows Lodge, a member of the
Tallebudgera Rifle Club, a warden of the
Anglican Church, and a member of the committee
of the Tallebudgera School. He is survived
by his widow, four sons, and two daughters.
'Magnet' March 16, 1935
MRS CLEMENTS SENIOR.
Profound regret was caused throughout the
district by the news that Mrs. Wm. Clements
Snr, had, after having been in failing health
for some time, passed away in her 79th year.
Death occurred in the Pambula District Hospital
on Monday last and internment took place
in the cemetery at Towamba on the following
day, the remains being laid to rest alongside
those of the deceased's late husband.
The deceased lady was the eldest daughter
of the late Edmund Mitchell, a well known
pioneer of the district. She was born at
Pambula on the 29th of July, 1856, and was
married at Lower Towamba at the early age
of 16 years to Mr. William Clements who was
also a direct descendant of early pioneering
stock. He pre deceased his wife nearly eleven
years ago at their home at what it is now
known as 'The Model Farm'. Mr. & Mrs.
Clements established their always hospitable
home and developed one of the finest properties
in the district. Their family consisted of
thirteen children, three of whom are deceased,
vis, Hannah (Mrs. John Jones, Lakemba), Ruth,
(Mrs. E. Love, Towamba) and William David
who died in infancy. Daughters living are
Jane, (Mrs. R. A. Gordon, Kyogle), Rebecca,
(Mrs. Joseph Jaggers, Tumbulgum), Alice,
(Mrs. A. Whitby, Towamba), Edith, (Mrs. A.
Parker, Towamba), Adeline, (Mrs. J. N. Harris,
Kiah), Mary, (Mrs. W. Parker, Towamba), Elsie,
(Mrs. E. Heathcote, Canterbury). Sons surviving
are Edmund, Towamba, Arthur, Lower Towamba,
William, Cobargo. Their are forty-six grandchildren
and thirty-five great grandchildren. One
sister, Mrs. R. Hazelgrove, Bega and a step
sister, Mrs. S. Chamberlin, Eden. She had
two brothers, Messers J. T. and E. Mitchell,
both now deceased.
Mrs. Clements was highly respected and widely
esteemed on account of her quiet friendly
disposition and her many homely and neighbourly
good qualities. Always sympathetic with others
in their trouble, she was ever generous in
giving help to those in misfortune or distress.
She was also a staunch adherent of her church
taking throughout her life the Christian
example as her ideal. She was a most estimable
lady, a devoted wife and mother and a considerate
and sympathetic and constant friend. At the
funeral there was a large and representative
gathering of relatives and friends and the
Reverend H. T. Genge and Reverend R. Maidment
officiated at the graveside. Six grandsons
acted as pall-bearers. At the service in
the Church of England the Minister spoke
of Mrs. Clements as a woman of sterling worth,
a good church woman who conscientiously did
her duty in this life and held fast to her
belief in the world hereafter and one who
had set an example of goodness to those left
to mourn her departure.
Mrs. Heathcote came from Sydney by 'plane
and she and her sisters and brothers attended
their mother doing all that was possible
to soothe and ease her in her dying hours.
Messers Manning & Son, Bega had charge
of the funeral arrangements. The coffin was
of polished oak with heavy silver mountings
and was covered with a profusion of beautiful
wreathes.
'Magnet' August 17, 1935
Mr. John McLeod, 93, died at his home at Mila, near Bombala
on Friday in last week. He had lived for
83 years in that district. He was born in
the Isle of Skye, Scotland and came to Australia
when he was ten years of age. Three daughters
and four sons are living. The Towamba McLeods
are relatives.
'Magnet'
May 30, 1936
OBITUARY
MRS. E. J. BINNIE
District wide regret was occasioned by the
news that Mrs. Eliza Jane Binnie widow of the late Mr. David Binnie had after
an illness of considerable duration passed
away at her home 'Dunblane', Burragate on
the morning of Monday last. For some time
she had been under medical treatment and
in the hope of enhancing her chances of recovery,
she spent one week in Candelo Private Hospital
and five weeks in Bega District Hospital
but the malady proved to be beyond remedial
skill and she returned home last Saturday
and at 2.15 am on Monday, passed peacefully
away.
Prior to her marriage she was a Miss Keys,
a member of the well known district family
of that name. She was married at Candelo
to Mr. David Binnie in 1887 by the C of E
Minister, Reverend Mr. Newth. Children were
David Harold and Ethel (Mrs. John Mitchell)
and grandchildren are Gwen and Ella Mitchell
all of whom survive her.
Mrs. Binnie's husband died at the family
home 'Dunblane' in 1930. Brothers and sisters
of the deceased lady were seven boys and
two girls namely, Margaret Lilly and Mary,
and boys, William, David, James, Joseph,
John, George and Tom. The brothers have passed
away but the sisters are living, Mary (Mrs.
J. T. Collins, Queensland) and Margaret Lilly
(Mrs. Morton, Sydney).
Mrs. Binnie's father and mother were both
born in Ireland, they were married there
and came to Australia ninety odd years ago.
At first they stayed at Wollongong went to
Pambula where most of the family were born
and their last home was at Candelo. The father
and mother of the deceased lady came in a
sailing boat to Australia and the voyage
occupied six months. Mrs. Binnie's death
has caused a very keenly felt family bereavement
and has created a deeply deplored gap in
the life of the local community. On account
of her neighbourly good qualities, Mrs. Binnie
was most highly esteemed. Her home, 'Dunblane'
was noted for its hospitality which she and
her husband dispensed with open-handed and
open-hearted liberality. In the illness of
others she was truly wonderful, she spared
no effort to alleviate the sufferings of
the sick and administer relief. There are
few in the locality in which she lived who
were not under a debt of gratitude to her
for her kindly help to themselves or to relatives
in time of need. Her goodness of heart was
proverbial. She was well known as a judge
in the food section of all district shows
in the Far South Coast and at Orbost and
Cann River in Victoria. She was a great supporter
of the Bush Nursing Association and took
a leading part in the establishment of the
Burragate branch and promoting its welfare.
Internment took place in the cemetery at
Eden on Tuesday morning when the remains
were reverently laid to rest beside those
of her deceased husband in the presence of
a large gathering of town and country residents
who had assembled to pay by their presence
a farewell tribute to the memory of one who
will be sadly missed by a very large circle
of sorrowing relatives and sympathising friends.
The burial service of the Church of England
was impressively conducted by the Reverend
R. Upjohn who also paid a splendid tribute
to the fine personality and lovable nature
of the deceased.
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Courtesy Eden Killer Whale Museum |
'Eden Magnet'
26 December, 1936
Obituary
The death took place in hospital on December
17 of Mr. Robert Henry RICHARDS of Towamba, at the age of 80 years. Mr. RICHARDS
had for a long time been in a state of failing
health, and the end, though it came suddenly
was not entirely unexpected. Interment took
place in the C of E portion of the cemetery
at Towamba last Saturday, the rector of Bombala
Parish officiating at the graveside. "Harry"
RICHARDS, as he was familiarly known, acquired
some fame from his acquaintance with the
Kelly gang of bushrangers, who took him prisoner
at Jerilderie at the time of the hold up
of that town, and would have shot him but
for the intercession of his fellow police
officer's wife, Mrs. Devine. He had a splendid
record of 5 years' service in the police
force, and until very recent years would
discuss at length his experience with the
bushrangers. For some years after his retirement
from the force he was interested in horse
racing but in later years lived a retired
and comparatively secluded life. He was unmarried.
He is survived by a brother, Alf, who lives
at Cowra, and two sisters, Mrs. Slattery
and Mrs. Hartneady, Towamba. A brother Ned,
was killed in an accident at Narrandera a
few months ago.
October 8, 1937
'The Southern Record and Advertiser'
EDEN.
* On Monday, Edwin Love, 58 years, a sleeper cutter camped on the
Wog Wog road at Pericoe, was found lying
on a bunk in his tent groaning. A cord suspended
from the tent ridge pole was noosed round
his neck and was taut, but not sufficiently
to cause strangulation. There were two pea
rifle bullet wounds in the head. A pea rifle
and an empty cartridge shell were lying on
the bunk, and a discharged shell was in the
rifle. Love was conveyed to hospital at Pambula,
but he died there a few hours after admission.
The Coroner (Mr. A. I. Nicholson) held an
inquiry, and re turned a verdict of suicide.
'Magnet' February 4, 1939.
MRS. BERTHA JANE HARTNEADY
Towamba and district residents were greatly
shocked to hear of the sad death in Pambula
District Hospital on Thursday morning of
Mrs. Jack Hartneady of Towamba, at the age
of 69 years. Although Mrs. Hartneady had
been in indifferent health for some time,
and had been a patient in the hospital on
several occasions, her demise was entirely
unexpected, and widespread sympathy is expressed
for the bereaved relatives.
Born at Jellat Jellat, in the Bega district,
she was a daughter of the late Mr. John Richards.
Mrs. Slattery, of Towamba, is her only surviving
sister, and the late Constable Henry Richards,
who was a policeman at the time when the
Kelly gang of bushrangers was in action,
was her brother. Mrs. Hartneady was married
at Eden at the age of 21 years, where her
husband, a noted footrunner, in his time,
had a storekeeping business. Among her many
charitable and social activities one of the
most notable was her work as organist for
Church services for many years at Station
Hill, Towamba.
Her husband and one daughter, Thelda, (Mrs.
Jack McLeod) survive the deceased lady.
After service in the Church of England at
Towamba on Friday morning the large funeral
cortege wended its way to the Towamba cemetery,
where the Rev. A.W. Tonge, of Pambula conducted
the last sad rites. The floral tributes were
both numerous and beautiful.
'Magnet'
July 22, 1939
MEMORIAL TO REV. J.L. FORBES
A memorial fund had been opened by the Rev.
H. Perkins for a memorial to the late Rev.
J.L. Forbes who was for many years Presbyterian
Minister for this district.
The memorial will be in the form of a Communion
Table to be placed in the church at Eden.
It is expected that the State Moderator Right
Reverend A.D. Marchant B.A., B.D., will be
able to make the trip down to dedicate the
memorial.
Any friends of the late Mr. Forbes desirous
of contributing to the fund may do so and
the contributions will be appreciated and
accepted by Mr. J.A. Ireland, Eden or Rev.
H. Perkins at the Manse, Bega.
'The Braidwood Review and District Advocate'
21 January 1941
MR. JOHN HARTNEADY
Residents of the district received the sad
news on Sunday last of the death in Sydney
of Mr. John Hartneady, of Towamba, says the
Eden 'Magnet.' Mr. Hartneady had flown from
Bega by 'plane on Wednesday of last week
to seek specialist advice, and after entering
hospital died on the operating table. The
late Mr. Hartneady was 76 years of age, and
made his last visit to Eden to be present
at the funeral of the late Mrs. S. Cole last
week. He was met in Sydney by Mr. Ollie Kiss,
an old friend, who was with him to the last.
A splendidly-built man, Mr. Hartneady was
a noted athlete in his day, and carried off
many trophies for footracing and other athletic
events. A native of Braidwood, he came to
the Eden and Towamba districts at an early
age, and married Miss Bertha Jane Richards,
of Jellat Jellat, at Eden 50 years ago. Entering
the storekeeping business at Towamba after
some time working with surveyors, Mr. Hartneady
built up a good connection with district
residents and with the miners at Yambulla
gold field. He had a hand in surveying the
proposed Eden-Bega and Eden-Bombala railway
routes. His wife predeceased him by several
years, but his daughter, Thelda (Mrs. J.
T. McLeod) survives him, and to her goes
the sympathy of a large number of friends
and acquaintances of the deceased. His passing
will leave a place hard to fill in the community
life of Towamba. The funeral took place at
Towamba Cemetery on Monday afternoon, the
remains having been brought from Sydney by
train to Bombala. Well over 100 district
residents were present when Rev. A. W. Tonge
(Anglican) read the graveside service, and
the floral tributes were numerous and beautiful.
April 1, 1943
Delegate Argus
Obituary
Mr. J. T. Beasley
Mr. John Thomas Beasley, who died on Wednesday,
March 17th, at the Delegate Hospital, was
an old resident of this district. He was
82 years of age. He was born at Burragate
and came to this district when he was a boy.
For many years he lived on his property at
Hayden's Bog. In the days of the horse teams,
Mr. Beasley engaged in carrying between Delegate
and Merimbula. Not many of the carriers of
those days are living. He was a lover of
horses and was a good hand with them. As
a young man be rode in flat and hurdle races.
He is survived by two sons, George (Hayden's
Bog), and Charles, who left this district
some years ago, and two daughters, Mrs. John
Jamieson (Hayden's Bog) and Mrs. Mackay (Melbourne).
His wife died a few years ago. The funeral
took place at Towamba on March 18.
September 18, 1946
'The Sydney Morning Herald '
BINNIE.-September 17, 1946, at a private hospital,
Burwood, Margaret Verona (late of Lakemba), widow of the late Andrew
Binnie of Towamba, and dearly loved mother
of Alexander Bruce Binnie. Watson's Bay,
aged 73 years.
March 8, 1950
'The Sydney Morning Herald '
* ALEXANDER. Alfred Ernest.-March 6. 1950. at Pericoe. N.S.W., loved
husband of Irene, father of Thelma, Joy.
June 13, 1951
'The Sydney Morning Herald'
PARKER, George Arthur.-June 8, 1951, at Pambula
District Hospital, of Towamba my dearly beloved
husband, loved father of Una (Mrs. Halliday),
May (Mrs. Stevenson), Tom, Jim, and Gwen,
aged 76 years.
'Sydney Morning Herald'
May 27, 1954
DEATH
BINNIE. David Harold, at his residence, Towamba,
beloved husband of Alice and dearly loved
father of David John, aged 64 years.
Magnet November 9, 1972 DEATH OF MRS. LIZZIE TASKER |
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The death occurred in the Pambula District
Hospital on Wednesday of last week of Mrs.
Lizzie Tasker of Eden.
The late Mrs. Tasker was aged 74 and her
funeral took place in Pambula last Friday.
The deceased was a member of the early pioneering
family of the late Thomas Love in the Kiah
and Pericoe district and lived most of her
life in the Towamba area.
She married the late Mr. Alfred Tasker a
veteran of the First World War who predeceased
her by some years.
Mrs. Harry Tasker of Eden is a sister of
the deceased and Mr. Oscar Love of Towamba
is a brother.
Magnet
November 23, 1972
DEATH
The death occurred at the weekend of Mr.
Thomas Doyle an elderly resident of the Narrabarba
district and the last descendent of the pioneering
Doyle family in the Kiah and Towamba area.
Magnet
December 7, 1972
DIED IN CANBERRA
The death occurred at Canberra on October
27, of Mr. R.J. (Ron) Whitby at the age of
83 years. Ron Whitby was born at Rocky Hall
in 1889 and worked on his father's property.
He later worked in Bega where he enlisted
for duty in the first world war.
Magnet
May 30, 1974
DIED IN HOSPITAL
The death occurred on May 16, in Bega Hospital
of Mr. Leo Thomas Ryan aged 76 years of Burragate.
Burial took place in Rocky Hall Cemetery
after a service at Wyndham on Monday, May
20th.
Magnet
April 11, 1974
JOHN VINCENT SLATTERY
John Vincent Slattery died in St.Vincents
Hospital, Sydney at the age of 74. 'Jack'
as he was known was born at Towamba where
he spent all his youth being very prominent
in all sporting activities in the district.
He left Towamba to go to the North Coast
where he married a Miss Gordon, a relative
of the Clements family.
On the death of his wife he moved to Sydney
where he joined the staff of the New South
Wales Railways, a position he held until
his retirement. He also remarried and lived
at Miranda. In his retirement he was a staunch
supporter of the Labor Movement .
His many friends on the South Coast will
regret the passing of one of 'nature's gentlemen'.
'Magnet'
October 3, 1974
DIED IN SYDNEY
Mrs. Doreen Whelan long time resident of
Kiah and Eden passed away in Sydney recently
at the age of 72 years. The late Mrs. Whelan
was a member of the well known Geraghty family.
She was a woman with a pleasant personality
who had the happy knack of making visitors
immediately feel at home. In her younger
days she was a noted tennis player. She is
survived by her husband George and children,
Isobel (Mrs. J. Rhatigan) and Nicholas both
of Sydney and Anne (Mrs. Stuart) of Brisbane
and brothers Jack (Eden), Bill and Dan (Sydney)
and sister Mrs. Jean Buckland of Merimbula.
They have the sympathy of a wide circle of
friends in their sad loss.
'Magnet'
April 14, 1977
DEATH OF OLD TOWAMBA RESIDENT
The death occurred recently in Sydney of
Mr. Jennings, one time mounted policeman
stationed at Towamba during the Yambulla
gold mining days. Mr. Jennings married the
Towamba publican's daughter Maggie McKee.
'Bega and District Times'
August 17, 1977
DEATH OF MR. JAMES SAWERS
The late Mr. James Henry Sawers who died
suddenly last month did much for the community
during his life.
The late Mr. Sawers who was in his sixties,
born at Burragate and later began farming
at Towamba where he became prominent in the
Progress Association, the Fire Brigade and
sporting bodies.
His many friends throughout the district
were made sad by his death.
The late Mr. Sawers known to all as Jim,
was to become a director of the Pambula Co
Operative Dairy Co., representing the Towamba
and Kiah districts and was later appointed
a director of the Merimbula Co Operative
Bacon Society.
He retired about eight years ago and settled
in Pambula where he became a committee member
of the Pambula Show Society and vice President
of the Pambula Progress Association.
His sporting activities covered cricket,
tennis and shooting, always retaining a keen
interest in local football.
For many years Mr. Sawers was an Elder of
the Presbyterian Church. A staunch supporter
of the Presbyterian Church he worked hard
for it, in fact it can, be said without doubt
that much of his time was given to the church
and to the community.
Whenever possible he went out of his way
to assist anyone who needed help. No job
was ever too hard for him to take on and
he will be sadly missed by his family and
friends.
He is survived by his widow, a son Max of
Pambula and a daughter Barbara (Mrs. Grant
of Wyndham.)
No date
No Paper
DONALD LAING LIVED FOR TOWAMBA
The death occurred in the Pambula District
Hospital on June 27th, of Mr. Donald Laing.
The late Mr. Laing was born at Rockton 84
years ago, the son of Allan Laing. He married
the former Miss Annie Higgins of Towamba
(who predeceased him) and on doing so took
over and managed the well known Higgins farm
for 58 years.
This he did with his only son Charlie with
marked success right up until the time of
his death.
Mr. Donald Laing was a good horseman and
a dairyman always producing the best of pigs
and stock of all kinds. He was also a very
neat farmer in his work and keeping weeds
down amongst his maize crop was a speciality
for him.
It was a well known fact amongst old hands
that Donald Laing would discuss farming with
anyone he knew was interested. His advice
was only given freely where he knew it was
going to be made use of.
In his younger days he took part in all Towamba
Valley requests for better deals in roads
and bridges and right up till his last days
Donald Laing knew of every local development
that may take place.
He was an ardent supporter of the Presbyterian
Church always a familiar figure at the church
door.
He is survived by his son Charlie, four sisters,
Mrs. Or, Sydney, Mrs. Lawson, Sydney, Mrs.
Lewis, Bombala, Mrs. Dent, Bombala, one brother
Charles, Inverell. Four brothers predeceased
him, James, William, Hector and Thomas who
was killed in the First World War in France.
EDITOR'S NOTE: We are in debt to Mr. I.W.
Ryan of Towamba for this obituary.
'Magnet'
February 16, 1978
C.H. LAING
Mr. C.H. Laing formerly of Towamba and Tenterfield
passed away in the Armadale Hospital on January
26th, 1978. Mr. Laing was born 84 years ago
at Rockton and was educated in Towamba.
He commenced his first job as assistant to
the late Mr. Alf Robertson in the Towamba
Butter Factory.
He served in WW1, was wounded and invalided
home in 1917. He then went to the North Coast
where he worked in various butter factories
retiring as manager of the Tenterfield factory.
Mrs. Laing passed away two years ago and
a family of four children and twenty-nine
grandchildren mourn his loss.
Remaining members of the family are three
sisters, Mrs. Lewis of Bombala and Ada and
Sadie of Sydney.
Brothers Jim, Hector, Donald, William and
sister Bella all predeceased him.
'Magnet' October 4, 1978 DEATH Ben Beasley |
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The death occurred at Towamba on Monday,
September 25, of Mr. Ben Beasley aged 85
years.
A funeral for the late Mr. Beasley was held
last Friday at Bombala. Obituary to follow.
'Magnet'
March 29, 1979
MALLACOOTA WILL MISS JACK McLEOD
The death occurred on March 5th of Mr. John
Thomas (Jack) McLeod and took from Mallacoota
one of the town's best known and respected
citizens. Jack 69 is survived by his wife
Thelda (nee Hartneady) and daughter Kitty.
He will be remembered for a number of reasons
by Mallacoota residents not the least of
which was his ability as a pianist which
put him in demand for many dances and functions.
Jack spent his early years at Towamba and
from there moved with his wife to Genoa to
take over the Genoa Hotel.
After several years in his business they
moved to Mallacoota and built their home
which is now the Fisheries and Wildlife residence.
Together with his late brother Ken he followed
a professional fishing pursuit and conducted
the local ice works.
From fishing, Jack McLeod made one more change
to take employment with the Orbost Shire
Council and finally retired from the shire
several years ago.
A very good golfer he was a well known figure
in the local club. He was also a staunch
member of the Senior Citizens Club which
will surely miss him and his music.
Burial took place at Mallacoota on March
9th.
'Magnet'
April 5, 1979
The death took place at her home at Towamba
last Saturday of Mrs. Grace Clements aged
86 years. A funeral for the late Mrs. Clements
was held at Towamba on Tuesday. She is survived
by her husband Arthur, sons Vern (Eden),
Ronald (Towamba), Clive (Towamba) and Gordon
and one daughter Gloria (Dapto).
'Magnet'
October 11, 1979
DEATH OF MISS RYAN
Miss Minnie Ryan died in the Bega District
Hospital on Sunday, September 30, aged 79
years. A requiem mass was held at Rocky Hall
on Wednesday October 3, with burial in Rocky
Hall Cemetery.
Miss Ryan is survived by her brothers Gilbert,
Henry, Issy (Bega), Ted (Burragate) and sisters
Elsie (Burragate), Maria McMahon (Merimbula)
and Josie McMahon (Gerringong).
'Magnet'
October 25, 1979
CEC McDONALD DIES
The death occurred in the Pambula Hospital
on Saturday last of Mr. Cecil McDonald aged
71 years. He is survived by his wife and
adult family. 'Apparently he lived in Towamba'
(added in pencil)
'Magnet'
August 7, 1980
MR. ARTHUR JAMES CLEMENTS
The death occurred on Monday July 28, at
his home in Towamba of Mr. Arthur James Clements
aged 85 years following a lengthy illness.
For most of his life Mr. Clements was on
the land at Towamba and together with his
family built their property 'Model Farm'
into a truly model farm and one which was
admired by all. There never seemed to be
a blade of grass out of place. The property
specialised as a dairy and stud venture up
until about ten years ago. It also boasted
some excellent maize crops.
Mr. Clements made a name for himself as a
cattle buyer and seller and was a familiar
figure at district sales where he often represented
the Huttons company in buying stock.
Another of Mr. Clements' interests was in
purchasing wattle bark for the Craig Mostyn
Mill at Eden.
About 25 years ago when Mr. Clements suffered
a serious injury to his left eye which resulted
in him losing its sight and fate dealt him
a further blow soon after when glaucoma began
to rob him of sight in his other eye.
Despite his suffering and declining health
over recent years Mr. Clements remained an
uncomplaining sufferer and displayed courage
to the end.
His wife, formerly Grace Stevens of Wangrabelle
whom he married over sixty years ago predeceased
him six months ago.
Of the marriage there are four sons, Verner
(Eden), Ron and Clive (Towamba) and Gordon
(Kyogle) and one daughter Gloria (Wollongong).
His funeral took place at Towamba on Wednesday,
July 30.
'Magnet'
September 4, 1980
DEATH OF RONALD ERNEST CLEMENTS
The death occurred in the Bega District Hospital
on Thursday, August 28, of Ronald Ernest
Clements aged 62 years. Mr. Clements lived
at 'Model Farm' Towamba and the funeral service
was held in the Towamba Church followed by
burial in the Towamba Cemetery on Monday,
September 1. Mr. Clements is survived by
a wife and adult family.
'Eden Magnet'
January 24, 1980
PASSING OF WELL RESPECTED CITIZEN
The death occurred in Bega district of Eric Oliver Parker on January 1, 1980 aged 72.
Eric was born at Towamba and was the eldest
son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Walter Parker
formerly of Towamba until they retired but
lived the latter part of their life at Bega.
Eric went to school at Towamba but later
assisted his parents on the land. He later
worked for the late Reg Johnstone, the late
Os Gutherie and many more. He served with
the C.M.F. during W W 11.
Eric is survived by two daughters of his
first marriage. They are Thelma (Mrs. Shelley,
Cobargo) and Joyce (Mrs. Payne) of Nowra
and two grandsons, Peter and Trevor.
Eric is survived by a widow of his second
marriage Rachel and six adult step-children.
Up until the time of death of this well respected
man who was a keen sportsman, he had the
title of champion shooter of the Bega Rifle
Club and also champion bowler with the Candelo-Kameruka
Bowling Club.
Even after his major operation of having
his legs amputated he was presented with
a special chair from Cronulla Bowling Club.
Many a time, Eric was called away from his
dinner to assist a motorist who had broken
down at Wolumla.
Eric has six sisters and one brother. He
was also a member of the Wolumla Bushfire
Brigade and Wolumla Hall Committee and held
his driving licence up until his passing.
In all that time he was not involved in one
traffic accident.
'Magnet'
September 17, 1981
PATRICK FRANCIS WHELAN
One of the best known identities of the local
community, Patrick Francis Whelan passed
away at his residence at Wonboyn Lake recently.
Pat, or Paddy as he was called, was the third
son of Will Whelan whose father Patrick Whelan
settled at Corcoran's Flat at Kiah about
1834 a far cry from his native Tipperary.
The property remained in the family for over
140 years. It was situated on the banks of
the Kiah 'where the river takes a bend in
the shape of a silver horseshoe…a horseshoe
that has no end.'
In his school days, Pat was an outstanding
athlete and represented the Far South Coast
against Monaro in Cooma where he won the
hop, step and jump.
PLAYED LEAGUE FOR NULLICA
As a young man he played with the Nullica
Rugby League Club where his speed proved
a great asset. Pat was also a member of the
strong Kiah cricket team.
He worked on the family property for some
years and after working in Sydney he enlisted
in the AIF and saw service in New Guinea.
After his discharge he followed his profession
as a dental mechanic on the North Coast for
a time before returning to Kiah to join his
brothers Greg and George on the farm.
Pat made many friends in the time when he
was the Eden 'milko' and after the sale of
the milk run be bought Kiah Store and Post
Office which he and his wife Francis run
for many years when it was located on the
bend of the old highway just north of the
old tennis courts.
When he sold out he spent a period of business
on the Central Coast before coming back to
the district and building a home on the shores
of Wonboyn Lake.
He did relieving jobs in various local businesses.
Pat's friendly manner won him many friends
and played a major part in his successive
business.
Pat had a great love of children and having
none of their own he and his wife took Gaylene
Bell into their home following the death
of her mother and treated her with the same
love and affection as if she had been their
child.
An illustration of his own unselfish nature
was shown during the Depression of the 1930's
when the dairy farmers were only receiving
6 ½ pence a pound for their butter.
Following a series of floods in 1934 when
the roads were badly damaged Pat took a temporary
job with the DMR using two horses and a dray.
When he came home each week he used to put
the whole of his pay in a container and any
member of the family was free to take whatever
they needed.
As one mourner stated "There maybe men
as good as Pat but there would be none better."
He will certainly live on in the minds and
hearts of those who knew him.
'Magnet'
October 7, 1982
TOWAMBA PIONEER LADY PASSES
Towamba district lost one of its oldest and
most respected pioneer women by the death
in the Bega District Hospital on the morning
of Sunday last week, September 26th when
following a short illness Mrs. Gertrude Alice
Ingramof Widden Farm, Towamba passed away,
she was 89 years of age.
Born at Quidong, Bombala district, she was
a daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Smith
and was the only surviving member of the
family, her brothers and sisters having all
predeceased her.
Ernest Smith had been a noted horseman in
his day and was well known all over the Monaro
for his ability to handle all kinds of stock.
Alice married Robert William Ingram in 1914
and their only child Wilfred was born at
'The Laurels' Parsonage Creek, Bombala in
the old building which Mrs. Groves had converted
into a Nursing Home.
Shortly after this in 1916 the Ingrams moved
to Nangutta Station where Robert was employed
as head stockman for Phippard & Sons
and took up duties there in November of that
year.
Apart from neighbours, the nearest of whom
lived six miles distant, other visitors were
rare; but like all the fine pioneering women
of her time, Alice made the best of a frequently
lonely life, her time being occupied by cooking,
preserving fruit, baking bread (she was famous
for her bread) and cooking for other workers
on the big station property.
News of the outside world came on the recently
installed telephone but mostly from the menfolk
who meeting with other district stockmen
and travellers making their way through to
Bombala from Genoa side were able to pick
up news of relatives and friends together
with such foreign news as came in occasional
newspapers.
Robert died in Bombala District Hospital
in 1942 and was buried in Bombala Cemetery.
His son Wilfred then 27 years of age had
to shoulder all the heavy farm work at 'Oaklands'
on the borderline between Towamba and Pericoe
to which property they had shifted after
eleven years at Nangutta.
Besides coping with household chores Alice
always helped with such outside work as was
within her capability.
The move to 'Oaklands' had been made so Wilfred
could get proper schooling.
Alice Ingram as predicted a daughter of Ernest
Smith, was a good judge of horses as well
as cattle and sheep and had for thirty years
or more ridden in every week to collect mail
and groceries from Ira Parker's Post Office
Store at Towamba village. Then, packing groceries
and mail on to her pony, she would ride three
miles home to 'Oaklands'. The loads varied
of course, and at one time Alice brought
home a portable gramophone and a supply of
records, while to improve a strain of poultry
she had amongst other things, eight lively
pullets. The saddle pony knew every tree,
stump and creek on the way but for a reason
known only to itself, ignored the rider's
efforts to keep it on the regular track and
made a little detour always at the same place
before obeying the rider's orders. Apart
from this idiosyncrasy the pony was quiet
and dependable.
In 1963 Wilfred and his mother purchased
the present home 'Widden Farm' at Towamba.
Then came the time when Alice's sight began
to fail and she was taken to Wollongong Hospital
where she underwent operations which unfortunately
were not successful.
For more than twenty years she had been completely
blind. A serious affliction which folk with
good vision cannot readily understand but
despite this she managed to prepare vegetables
for cooking and to clean kitchen utensils.
Now confined to the house Alice evinced a
lively interest in national and district
matters and took to listening into Current
Affairs programmes on radio.
Neither Alice or Wilfred ever lived in a
town, that is apart from a few short days
in hospital. They had always been in an environment
where stock, mainly cattle, horses and sheep
were their livelihood. That was a life, healthy
country living, good neighbours and always
some job to occupy both body and mind which
suited them both.
Robert Ingram had been a great and good influence
during his son's early years and Alice's
example of thrift and honesty played a big
part in preparing him for the regular employment
with people who valued those qualities.
In her earlier years Alice had been active
in church affairs a fact which had been commented
upon by the Reverend Keith Stephens (Anglican)
who conducted the funeral service at Towamba
Cemetery on Tuesday, September 28th.
Manning & Son of Bega had charge of the
arrangements and relatives and friends from
Bonang and Canberra were among those gathered
to pay a last tribute of respect to one whose
courage in the face of adversity, all had
admired.
'Bega District News'
October 29, 1982
ONE OF FIRST TO WALK TO TOP OF
MOUNT IMLAY
The death last week of Isobella May Hopkins, 92 , brought to an end part of the pioneering
spirit that helped establish this district.
In the year 1911 the late Mrs. Hopkins walked
to the top of Mount Imlay with a party of
other women making them the first people
climb the mountain.
She was born at Kiah to Robert and Elizabeth
Jane Hazelgrove in 1890 and spent her school
years at Lower Towamba. She often told how
she had to be rowed across the flooded rivers
to school.
Her parents were children of early pioneering
families living most of their lives in isolation,
their only contact with the outside world
being by horse. Her mother gave birth to
some of her children unassisted.
On one occasion Mrs. Hopkins and her sister
drove a sulky from Lower Towamba to Cooma
for a dance making it a three day ordeal.
SIX CHILDREN
She married James Hopkins, a PMG linesman
and settled in Bega where she gave birth
to six children. They were James (deceased),
Kevin, Elizabeth, Betty "Giddy",
Noel, Esma (Fisher) and Irene (Watson). In
1930 they moved to Orange and six years later
Mr. Hopkins was transferred to Dubbo after
promotion to line inspector.
During the war years. Mrs. Hopkins entertained
the troops including Bega boys at her home
which was open house to them.
The late Mrs. Hopkins was involved in assisting
many public charities up until she left Dubbo
to settle back in Bega. On returning she
sheltered four young children for various
periods to help mothers having difficulty
in providing a suitable home environment.
NURSED MOTHER
The couple's return to Bega in 1946 was in
order for Mrs. Hopkins to nurse her mother
who was suffering severely from ulcers. She
died nine years later.
She was a Justice of the Peace having received
this honour for her work for the Labor Party
over many years. Mrs Hopkins, even at 92,
always had a twinkle in her eye and was 'good
fun'. She enjoyed a talk and a joke and was
deeply involved in her faith. She always
sat in the front row of St.John's Anglican
church Bega in what she jokingly called the
'sinners' seat'.
Her impact on the local community was demonstrated
last Monday at her funeral when St.Johns'
church was filled to capacity with people
ranging from the very young to senior members
of our community.
No Date
No Paper
OBITUARY
MRS. EMILY ALICE CHAMBERLIN
The sad death occurred in Pambula Hospital
on Tuesday morning of Emily Alice, beloved
wife of Mr. Stanley Chamberlin of Eden at
the age of 73 years. She had been suffering
for a lengthy period and the end came as
a happy release to her.
Mrs. Chamberlin was the youngest daughter
of late Mr. Edmund Mitchell and his second
wife and was born at Lower Towamba where
at the age of 18 she married Mr. Chamberlin.
Her husband who came from Wroxham, Norfolk,
England in the ship 'Cairnburg' in 1878 visited
Tasmania before coming to Eden in 1880. The
couple took up residence at Lower Towamba
on a holding now owned by Mr. Martin McMaster.
Later they bought a property at Wangrabelle
and engaged in farming pursuits besides conducting
the Post Office. The locality was later named
Wroxham after Mr. Chamberlin's home town.
About thirteen years ago they had the misfortune
to lose their home by fire then came to Eden
to reside. A house in Maling Street was purchased
and they had lived quietly in retirement
up to the present time.
Mrs. Chamberlin had a wonderful disposition
which endeared her to her neighbours and
all who came in contact with her. She was
a devoted wife and in earlier years helped
many people in the Towamba district in time
of trouble.
She is survived by her husband and two step-sisters,
Mrs. R. Hazelgrove (Bega) and Mrs. M. Ryan
(Combulgum), two step-brothers Messrs. Edward
and John Mitchell and one step-sister Mrs.
W. Clements predeceased her.
Internment took place at the Eden Cemetery
on Tuesday afternoon in the presence of relatives
and friends. Reverend A.W. Tonge (Anglican)
who officiated, delivered a very fine graveside
address paying tribute to Mrs. Chamberlin's
many good qualities and great fortitude in
time of suffering. Many fine floral tributes
were laid reverently on the grave at the
conclusion of the service. Arrangements were
in the hands of Mr. T. McMahon Snr., and
pall bearers were Messrs. H. R. and J. Mitchell,
H. C. Hartup, A.J. Clements and J.P. McMahon.
Bega District News April,1965 BURRAGATE FIRE KILLS RIDER |
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A prominent show ring rider, Mr. Leslie James "Copper" Farrell, was burnt to death on Friday night.
The tragedy occurred when the house in which
Mr. Farrell was sleeping, at Burragate, was
completely destroyed by fire.
The late Mr. Farrell's father, Mr. David
John Farrell, 74, who was in the same house,
escaped from the fire with minor burns.
The two men had been to a cattle sale at
Wyndham, on Friday, and had returned home
later that evening. Mrs. Farrell, the wife
of Mr. Farrell snr., was in Sydney on holidays.
The two men cooked a meal and sat by an open
fire, Mr. Farrell snr., going to bed first
in a room in the front of the house. His
son slept in a room at the rear of the house.
Mr. Farrell said that his son had gone outside
to attend to the horses and after they had
gone to bed, they talked for a while through
the room partitions. Later, at about 10 o'clock,
Mr. Farrell heard his son call out and he
went to investigate. He found that the house
was ablaze and he could do nothing to help
his son.
The small weatherboard house had tanks for
a water supply and was about one and a half
miles outside the small settlement of Burragate.
Mr. Farrell attracted the attention of Mr.
Stan Umback who lived about half a mile away,
but there was nothing that could be done.
Constable J. Trent, who investigated the
tragedy with Detective J. Avery, of Bega,
said the house burnt fiercely, being lined
with a light inflammable type of lining.
The fire may have started from the open fireplace
as electric power was not connected.
The date of the coroner's inquest into the
tragedy had not been fixed yesterday.
The late Mr. Farrell, who was 39 years of
age, was a very well known show-ring rider.
This tragedy has taken one of the most popular
personalities from the local show rings,
for "Copper" was everybody's friend
through his friendly manner, courage and
splendid sportsmanship.
He rode with tremendous natural ability and
was never worried by the difficulties and
height of the obstacles, although his eyesight
was somewhat impaired.
The last image of "Copper" will
be a solid, little man - becoming a little
rotund - strolling into the ring leading
his pony high jumper 'Robin', filled with
quiet expectancy for the contest ahead.
If he won he was reserved in his elation,
and if he lost he celebrated with the winner.
"Copper" took some unnerving bumps
when he crashed to the ground in a mix-up
with horse and bars, but had to be incapable
of rising from the ground before he would
submit to first-aid attention. This son of
the bush, and disciple of hard riding, never
accepted the modern equestrian style, but
he appreciated the technique and enjoyed
watching the events.
The young, modern riders were his great champions,
and he was not one to become lugubrious about
the days before "the fancy riding"
took over.
Perhaps everybody took this good chap too
much for granted, and now that he has gone
his unostentatious strolling into the local
rings will be missed, and show-ring people
will recall his deeds when the horses assemble
for the high jump.
His funeral left the Church of England Church,
Towamba, after a Presbyterian service, for
the Towamba Cemetery. The Rev. R. G. McKinnon
conducted the services.
OBITUARY
Harold Leo Farrell
1942 - 2003
On Sunday, September 7, Leo Farrell died suddenly at his home in the village
of Towamba. He was 61.
Born in Bombala in 1942 he spent most of
his pre school years living with his parents
and younger brother on Nangutta Station.
After moving to Burragate he attended the
local primary school and later Bega high
school. He grew up experiencing a lifestyle
that was based on hard work. While his father
was cutting sleepers in the bush, Leo and
his brother, William, trapped rabbits, wallabies,
wonga pigeons and currawongs for food.
"Those black currawongs...I'll never
forget them. The stink of the things! God,
they were terrible! And tough!"
When old enough, he helped his father in
the bush and learned that if you wanted something,
then you had to work for it.
Leo had a deep respect and love for the bush
and was aware of the necessity to maintain
a natural balance.
"Mum was always a conservationist, probably
where I got it from, she was reared in the
bush too. She never went to school a day
in her life. She taught herself to read and
write and so she taught me to read and write,
and my brother."
In 1967 while working at a saw mill in Bombala,
Leo was caught up in the drive shaft of a
machine and was severely injured. He spent
three years in hospital in Canberra and Sydney
undergoing further operations and treatment.
In 1978 while over in Perth, a car ran him
down and again he was severely injured. Six
months in hospital and many operations later
Leo, in telling the story, could still find
something to laugh about.
"After I got smashed up and I eventually
got out of hospital, no money, stayed with
the Salvos, and then I hitch hiked home on
broken legs from Perth back to Bombala. That's
one thing...if you're going to hitch hike,
take crutches! No worries about getting a
lift then!"
Surviving two horrific accidents which would
have finished off most men, Leo had a strong
spirit, a life saving humour and determination
that got him through those years of operations
and hospitalisation.
For several years he worked on a logging
crew in the local and northern forests of
New South Wales and through that involvement
he eventually became a committed conservationist,
brought on by his deep dissatisfaction at
the lack of sustainability of the environment
by the process of extracting timber from
the south east forests for the chip mill.
His property Fulligans was built up and improved
by hard physical labour. Its unique buildings,
the huge dam, the bush golf course, horse
rides for the kids, bush walks or sitting
around the kitchen table talking or playing
cards into the night; anyone who visited
left with a laugh and a good memory.
He was passionately Australian and was determined
to preserve what he believed was being lost
to Australians. He rescued whaler horses
and brought them back to Fulligans where
he continued the breed so they would live
on for future generations.
Although Leo was raised into a simple life
style he was also a man who could still move
with the times. He saw many changes in his
life time and although he would acknowledge
the modern pace, he preferred to live a simple,
basic life.
In later years Leo became interested in camels
and travelled interstate and brought back
camels and knowledge. Leo's ideas were never
confined within a boundary; he was an innovative
and free thinker. He introduced to the district,
and freely promoted the soft-footed camel
as a method of weed control much to many
property owners' amusement until the proof
was for the eye to see.
Leo was a committed community member. He
was the instigator behind efforts to gain
a bicentennial grant to build a mud brick
extension to the old Towamba hall. The result
is the present mud brick hall built by members
of the Towamba community. He kept the recycling
center at the local tip going for the Towamba
P & C. He was the character and a major
attraction that led to the continuing success
of the Annual Towamba Stockman's Ride.
Leo will be remembered for his stories, his
open house, his bush philosophies and his
colourful descriptions and language. He had
a genuine interest in people and when giving
an opinion, he shot from the hip. He was
a dependable friend, mate and chronic story
teller. His passing has left a void in the
lives of those who knew him but this space
will hold memories of the laughs, stories
and home-spun philosophies that will be treasured
by his friends. He was a unique and popular
identity.
Sally, his eldest daughter, remembers the
four words that her father never wanted his
children to say: 'I can't' and 'I'm bored.'
Leo is survived by his children, Debbie,
Russell, Sally, Lorna, Ruby and Lily. Grandchildren
Hayley, Colin, Anthony, Kerryn, Jack, Abbey,
Felicity and Jemma and by the rest of those
who loved him.
Leo was a legend in his own lifetime.
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Leo Farrell | Leo Farrell and camels at Candelo | Leo yarning |
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'MAGNET' (excerpt) PHYLLIS CLEMENTS - October 1913 - September 2003 |
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'Magnet' March 10, 2005 Bill, expert bulldozer driver Walter William (Bill) McDonald 4.1.1939 - 27.2.2005 |
'Imlay Magnet' August 3, 2011 DORIS PAGE OCT 21, 1918 TO JULY 15, 2011 |
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'Magnet' Oct, 18, 2012 Towamba born Molly Lucas, nee Tasker, was well known on the Far South Coast. |
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BEVERLY JUNE SAWERS 1936-2013 |
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The following memorial notices were found
in the local recycling centre. There are
no dates or names of newspapers.
IN MEMORIAM
In memory of our dear little baby, who died
on September 23rd, 1909.
Another little lamb has gone
To dwell with Him Who gave;
Another little darling babe
Is sheltered in the grave.
God needed one more angel child
Amidst His shining Band,
And so He vent with loving smile
And clasped our darling's hand.
Inserted by her loving parents, G. and A.
Hite.
Dulcie Hite died 1909 aged 3 years. Buried
in Towamba Cemetery.
GRANT. In memory of our dear
granddaughter, Coralie Grant, who
died on August 24th, 1906; aged 13
years.
"'Tis hard to break the tender cord,
When Love has bound the heart,
'Tis hard, so hard to speak the word,
We for a time must part.
Dearest loved one, we have laid thee
In the peaceful grave's embrace,
But they memory will be cherished
Till we see they heavenly face."
Deeply regretted by her loving grand-
parents, J. and M.A. Robinson.
IN MEMORIAM
ALEXANDER.-- In sad but loving
memory of my dear husband, Arthur N. Alexander,
who departed this life on October 5, 1900.
Friends may think I have forgotten,
When at times they see me smile,
But they little know the aching heart
That smile hides all the while.
I mourn for you, dear husband,
But not with outward show----
For those who mourn sincerely
Mourn silently and low.
Inserted by his loving wife, Ethel Alexander.
IN MEMORIAM
In sad but loving memory of our dear
son and brother, HAROLD BOYD GOWARD, who departed this life
March 6, 1908.
We loved him, yes, no tongue can tell
How deeply, how dearly, and how well.
Inserted by his loving parents, brothers,
and sisters.
McLEOD.--- In loving memory of my
dear wife, Elizabeth Mary, who
departed this life September 5, 1930.
I am lonesome, dear, without you,
And sad am I to-day,
For life is not the same to me
Since God took you away.
Inserted by her loving husband, James.
In affectionate remembrance of our darling
twin-son, Frederick William (Freddy) who
de
parted this life at Nethercote on the 9th
day
of September, 1908, aged 3 months 16 days.
A little flower of love
That blossomed, but to die,
Transplanted now above
To bloom with God on high.
You are not forgotten, Freddy dear,
Nor will you ever be;
As long as life and memory last
We will remember thee.
Inserted by his loving father and mother,
W.T. and E. Hall.
GREER.----- In loving memory of our
dear mother, who passed away July
13th, 1935; also our dear father, who
died September 23rd, 1930.
In our home there is a beautiful photo,
To us it is more precious than gold.
It's the photo of our dear mother and father
Whose memories will never grow old.
Inserted by their loving daughters
Dorrie and Hellena.
..............................................