William Rudland Hawkins (1807-1889)

Obituary
Death of Mr. W. R. Hawkins, late of Laguna.

(From our Mount View Correspondent.) Mr. William Rudland Hawkins, one of the oldest and most highly respected residents of the Wollombi district, expired early on Sunday morning, Sept. 22, at Wattagon, at the residence of his son, with whom he had lived for some few months prior to his death. The deceased gentleman was a native of England, and at the time of his death was in the 84th year of his age. Mr. Hawkins' residence in the district of Wollombi had extended over a period of more than 40 years. In his younger days he led a very active and useful life, but owing to the infirmities of age he had, for many years, been compelled to live in comparative seclusion. He was a great student, was possessed of considerable scholastic ability, and even up to within a short time of his death, could converse intelligently upon the various topics of the day. In his declining years, he received every care and attention from his devoted sons and daughters. Mrs. Brown, the esteemed wife of Mr. Henry Brown, of the Laguna Hotel, is his eldest surving daughter, and I am happy to record the fact that she was, in conjunction with other members of the family, most assiduous in the affectionate care and attention which she bestowed upon her aged father. Everything was done that could be done to soften pain, and to lighten life's burden. When the Lord's time came to call him hence, our last friend passed peacefully away, and it may be truly said that "His end was peace." The remains of the deceased were interred in the Church of England cemetery, Wollombi, the Rev. P. Luscombe officiating at the grave. The funeral was largely attended, about 300 persons being present. The deceased gentleman has left a large circle of relations to mourn their loss, and with them in their bereavement we can all deeply sympathise.

Laguna, Oct. 1st., 1889.

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