Henry Head (1839-1921)

Biography
He arrived in Australia in 1863.

Obituary
Death of Mr. Henry Head. One of the best known and most respected residents of Maitland, Mr. Henry Head, passed peacefully away  at his residence High-street, at 10 o'clock last night. About 2½ years ago, the late Mr. Head broke his leg in a fall, and had not since been his former self. However, his stout heart enabled him to put up a determined fight, and notwithstanding his years he was able to get about even as late as Friday last. But in the end, he was compelled to give in, and death occurred after he had been laid aside for only two days. He was a native of the Island of Guernsey, and 84 years of  age, but most of his long life had been actively spent in New South Wales. He came to the State when only 16 years of age, and went to live with his brother at Armidale. There he was attracted to the Rocky River diggings, and afterwards tried his luck on various other goldfields. He travelled extensively in his young days, and became acquainted with many parts of Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand. Finally, he married and settled down on the South Coast at Shoalhaven, where he carried on business as a general storekeeper for 30 years. Then he moved to Seaham, and eighteen years ago came to Maitland, where he had since been actively associated with business matters. The late Mr. Head took an active and intelligent part in various movements for the benefit of the town and district, and in politics was an uncompromising Liberal, and later a Nationalist. For over 40 years he was a member of the Masonic Lodge. As a citizen he was generally esteemed for his many admirable qualities. His wife predeceased him 27 years ago. He is survived by a family of four sons and seven daughters—Messrs. Henry Head (Waratah), Harold (Hornsby), Percy (Branxton), and Lindsay (Hornsby), Mrs. A. Davis (Parkville), Mrs. J. D. Hamilton (Newcastle), Mrs. A. C. Skinner (Hintohn), Mrs. W. Bartlett  (Waratah), Mrs. B. T. Dean (Miller's Forest), Mrs. Horace Nichols (Thornton), and Miss Annie Head. There are 16 grandchildren. The funeral will take place to-morrow (Tuesday) morning, at, 11 o'clock, for the Methodist cemetery, East Maitland. At the late Mr. Head's request, a Masonic service will be conducted at the graveside. Morning dress will be worn, but no regalia.

__SHOWFACTBOX__