Alfred Manton (1852-1932)

Obituary
MR. ALFRED MANTON Passed away, at his home, on Saturday last, Back Station Creek's oldest resident, Mr. Alfred Manton.

Born at sea, between England and Australia, in the year. 1852, deceased had reached the ripe old age of 79 years when Death called. After coming to Australia the late Mr. Manton with his parents, came to Gundagai, and settled at Jones Creek, living in the house now ocupied by Mr. W. Stafford. As a boy deceased started out as a carrier, carting quartz to the Adelong batteries; he also carted the bricks to build South Gundagai public school. He helped to burn and cart bricks to build the first bridge accross the river at Gundagai. On December 13, 1875, at Gundagai, deceased married Miss Lousia Fuller, of Nangus, who survives him. They reared a family of eight children—Mrs. W. Sheather, Back Creek; Mrs. J. Worldon, Reno; Mrs. J. Field, Back Creek; Mrs. A. Boobey, Jackalas; and Jack, Albert and Arthur, Back Creek, and Bert, Jackalas. Deceased also leaves 26 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren. The late Mr. Manton worked for the late Mr. J. Robinson, Kimo, as overseer, for close on 40 years; being a very reliable and loyal servant. In the 1891 flood deceased was one of a boat crew that was wrecked when trying to rescue stock.

Although deceased could not swim he managed to climb a tree and was later rescued by Messrs. Battye, Cunningham and Burns, who took a boat from Gundagai in the dead of night. Deceased has been blind for the last six years—this affliction, to a man who always lived an active life, was severe burden. Deceased has been practically bedridden for the last 12 months. He was devotedly nursed by his wife and family. Death came as a happy release to the old gentleman.

The funeral took place yesterday deceased's mortal remains being laid to rest inu the Church of England portion of the North Gundagai cemetery.

Rev. S. G. Davis read the burial service.

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