James Hawksworth (c1833-1914)

Obituary
Another life has passed away to join the great majority, in the person of Mr. James Hawksworth whose death took place at his residence "Pareenyeen" Balranald on Friday last. The deceased gentleman had reached the ripe old age of 81 years and the end was not unexpected as he has been in failing health for some time past. The late Mr Hawksworth arrived in Australia at the age of 21 from Barnsley, Yorkshire, England, and shortly afterwards went to Emily Park, near Ballan then owned by Mr. David Stead where he remained for nine years. From there he went to Melool station to manage for Mr. Dennis and after six years spent there removed to Spring Hill which was then owned by the late Peter MacPherson. On the latter gentleman securing a half-interest in Paika Station, the late Mr. Hawksworth, accompaned him to Balranald and looked after the Bidura portion of Paika Station for a period of twenty years when he retired from active life and erected a residence in Balranald where he resided until the time of his decease. The late Mr Hawksworth was married at Bendigo then known as Sandhurst by the Revd. Croxton when thirty years of age to Esther Matthews, daughter of Thomas Matthews, late of Geelong, originally of Winslow, Buckingham, England.

The funeral which was attended by many old friends of the deceased took place on Saturday afternoon when the remains were interred in the Church of England portion of the local cemetery alongside the grave of his son Godfrey.

The Rev. A. A. Huntley delivered the burial service.

The late Mr. Hawksworth was of a very retiring disposition and took very little interest in public matters but he was very sincere in his attachments and he could give many interesting reminiscences of his experiences in his early days. His hobby was his home and his garden, where he spent nearly the whole of his time after leaving Bidura. The deceased leaves a widow, 3 daughters, (1 married) and one son to mourn his loss and to them in their bereavement we extend our condolences.

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