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William Frederick von Bibra (1840–1920)

By the death of Mr. W. F. [William Frederick] Von Bibra at his residence, Ulverstone, on Monday, Tasmania has lost one more of the sturdy pioneers who tempted fortune in this little known land at the time. His father came to Tasmania at the age of four, and lived at Macquarie River for some years. The late Mr. Von Bibra was born at Launceston so far back as 1840. He was educated in Launceston and in Melbourne, but spent nearly the whole of his life in Tasmania in farming pursuits, though early in life he showed an engineering turn of mind, which induced him to go in for machinery, he being amongst the first to run a threshing machine of his own in Tasmania. Over 50 years ago he married Miss Plapp, with whom he celebrated his golden wedding very happily some short time back.

There are left his widow, four sons, and a daughter to mourn their loss. The youngest son gave his life at the war.

Deceased took a great interest in public matters, and for a while was a member of the old Harford road trust, but when he moved to Dunorlan some 40 years ago he found that he had no time to devote to outside matters. He was a devoted member of the Methodist Church, and a ready and practical sympathiser in all cases of genuine need, and many will miss his cheery smile and ready help in tunes of distress. The funeral took place yesterday at the Ulverstone general cemetry (Methodist portion). The large attendance testified to the high esteem in which deceased was held. The service was conducted by the Rev. G. T. Doherty.

The chief mourners were the four sons, (Hedley, Leopold Frank and William), and Mr. Plapp.

Original publication

Citation details

'von Bibra, William Frederick (1840–1920)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/von-bibra-william-frederick-18885/text30519, accessed 30 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

1840
Launceston, Tasmania, Australia

Death

20 September, 1920 (aged ~ 80)
Ulverstone, Tasmania, Australia

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Occupation