Lawson Smith (1855-1920)

Obituary
Another highly respected native of the Hawkesbury district has gone over to the great majority, deeply regretted by all who knew him. We refer to the death of Lawson Smith, which took place at his home at Freeman's Reach on the 12th instant. The deceased was 65 years of age, and was born in Richmond. His father, the late Robert Smith, was a native of Bristol, and married Margaret Hartley, a member of' one of the pioneer families of Pitt Town. Robert Smith died in the eighties. He was on the land in the Pitt Town district for some time, and afterwards lived in Richmond. Later he lived at Freeman's Reach, where he acquired a fine property, which went to his sons, Lawson being one of them, on his death. The late Lawson Smith married, on July 17, 1876, at St. Matthew's, Windsor, Miss Essie Clarke, of Freeman's Reach, a descendant of another old Hawkesbury family. That was 44 years ago, and 42 years of their married life were spent in the home where he died. His parents had 13 children—seven boys and six girls— of whom only two boys and two girls are now living, viz.: Mr. Alex Smith, senior, of Freeman's Reach; Mr. Samuel Smith, of Goolmangar, Lismore; Mrs. George Gibbs, and Mrs. Henry Gibbs, both of Wellington. Nine daughters were born to Mr. and Mrs. Lawson Smith, and the mother and six daughters are living to mourn for a loving husband and father. The surviving children are all married, and are:—Elsie (Mrs. Geo. Clothier, of Tweed Heads); Alice (Mrs. Walter Harris, of Stanmore); Helena (Mrs. Robert McEnally, of Glebe Point); Gertrude (Mrs. Walter Phipps, of Carlton); Ruby (Mrs. David Thomas, of Stanmore); Clarice (Mrs. L. W. Berry, of Glebe Point). The late Lawson Smith enjoyed a splendid reputation among his fellowmen, and his death is deeply deplored by a large circle of friends. His probity was unquestioned, and by his death the Hawkesbury has lost a truly good man. He was one of the old school of true-hearted Hawkesbury natives, and one of those genuine, modest and unassuming men who "did good by stealth and blushed to find it fame." The remains were laid to rest in St. Matthew's cemetery, Windsor, Rev. N. Jenkyn performing the last sad rites.

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