Obituaries Australia

James Ashton, by Townsend Duryea, 1864

State Library of New South Wales,874632

James, or "Jimmy," Ashton, died on the 21st instant at the Metropolitan Hotel, Gladstone (says the Rockhampton Bulletin). Mr. Ashton was the proprietor of the circus of that name, and has been connected with that line of business since he was able to cross a horse, having served his apprenticeship to it in the old country, where he travelled with Bell and Batty for a long time. Forty years ago he came to the colonies, and until ill-health compelled him a few months ago to desist he never left the ring. He travelled through almost every town in Australia and Tasmania, and paid his first visit to Queensland some twenty-seven years ago. His last trip was an overland one from Sydney, and it was while they were at St. George's Bridge on the Balonne River that the illness which has since proved fatal overtook him. His last appearance in the ring was at Broadsound, where he received quite an ovation, and, in thanking the audience for their kindness, informed them that he did not anticipate seeing them again, but hoped their patronage would still be extended to his family should they again visit that part. The company afterwards played at all the chief towns along the coast, Rockhampton being the last. He was very ill at the latter place, and his medical attendants advised his friends to get him out into the country as soon as possible. They did so, but as he did not seem to improve they pushed on to Gladstone. The poor old man was in a very exhausted condition, and although Dr. Symes was at once called in, and everything that loving hands could do to revive him was done, he never rallied.