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William Cohen (1832–1871)

It is with feelings ot the deepest regret, which are shared in universally by the residents of this district, that we have to announce the sudden and unexpected death of one of our most respected residents–Mr William Cohen, of the firm of William Cohen and Co, storekeepers and millers, of Tamworth. The sad news of the lamented gentleman's decease, while in the very prime of life, has cast a gloom over the township, and there are scores who cannot yet realise the distressing fact that one who was to all appearance in the enjoyment of perfect health only a fortnight ago should now be no more. Of all the men in Tamworth the deceased looked a fortnight since as hale and hearty as any, and no one could have had the slightest idea of the melancholy event which has occurred. It appears that on last Tuesday evening, after returning home from a friend's house, he complained of a soreness in the throat, a complaint which we should state is common in almost every household in the township, but it does not seem that he paid much attention to the matter then. Next morning he was much worse, and all available medical assistance having been procured, it was discovered that the lungs and liver were enormously affected, and some anxiety was felt by his medical attendants, but the unfortunate gentleman had no serious misgivings himself. In this state he continued until Saturday, when it was evident to all that he was in a most critical state, and the medical attendants were much perplexed and feared a fatal issue. The deceased still retained his consciousness throughout Sunday, and to within a few seconds of his death, which occurred early on Monday morning, the illness having lasted only five days. Early on Tuesday morning his remains were conveyed by special coach to Sydney for interment in the Jewish cemetery, many of the townspeople, as a mark of respect, following the coach out of town. His funeral, we learn, took place in Sydney on Thursday. The deceased has been a resident of Tamworth for about a quarter of a century, and during that time has secured the good will and respect of all with whom he came in contact He was a man of singularly happy disposition, genial and pleasant in all he said and did, without a harsh word for any fellowcreature. He was kind-hearted and charitable–as, indeed, are most of his faith–when real sorrow or suffering has to be relieved. He took a pretty prominent part in public affairs, and although not what might be called a fluent speaker what he did say was always sensible and to the point, while his advice was invariably valuable. His nature was not such, howover, as to enable him to be a strong party man, for he hated harsh words, and could not use that vigorous language which all who assume to lead must at times employ. We need not say more than that his death is deeply and sincerely lamented by everyone in this township, and his place amongst us will not, we feel certain, be readily supplied.

The Armidale Telegraph of the same date says–The town was taken bv surprise early this week by a telegram from Tamworth, announcing the death of Mr William Cohen, of the firm of Cohen and Co, of that place, from inflammation of the bowels. The deceased gentleman was of a generous nature, and universally respected. A great many of the poor of Tamworth will now miss a charitable benefactor. An affecting incident occurred connected with this event. Miss Cohen, who was at school in Sydney, had been telegraphed, for her father's illness to Tamworth, and on her way thither, met the coach conveying her departed parent's remains. The distressing scene threw the unhappy daughter into violent fits.

Original publication

Citation details

'Cohen, William (1832–1871)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/cohen-william-19783/text31059, accessed 19 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

1832
England

Death

2 October, 1871 (aged ~ 39)
Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia

Cultural Heritage

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