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Edwin Herbert (Bert) Willsallen (1875–1917)

Edwin Willsallen, n.d.

Edwin Willsallen, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 16 February 1918

News comes from America of the death, referred to in our last issue, of Mr. Edwin Herbert Willsallen, the well-known New South Wales pastoralist. Born at Gunnible, Gunnedah, in the year 1875, he was the son of the late Mr. Thomas Polke Willsallen, one of the pioneers of the pastoral industry in New South Wales, who only predeceased his son by about seven years.

The latter was educated at King's School, Parramatta, and after leaving there went out to Queensland to manage his father's properties, where he remained several years, afterwards returning to Gunnible to take an active part in the management with his brothers, Leslie and Peter. At the time of his death "Bert," as he was always known, was the owner of Nombi, Mullaley. He had been in indifferent health for some time, and went with his wife and sister-in-law to America to seek medical attention, but, alas! no beneficial effects were gained. The late Mr. Willsallen was a keen sportsman, and a true sport in every sense of the word. With his two brothers and Mr. Eric McKellar he comprised the "Dindemah" Polo Team, and whenever there was a good pony to be got in Australia or New Zealand "Bert" Willsallen was "after" it, and generally "got" it. He was an excellent field and pigeon shot, and the New South Wales Gun Club fellows greatly miss his genial smile and good fellowship.

He imported several field dogs, so keen was he on the sport, and one wonders how he found time for fishing, sailing, and horseracing, together with his other hobbies. He married Kathleen, the youngest daughter of the late George Gidley King, and leaves her and one son, aged three. His two surviving brothers, Major Leslie Willsallen, D.S.O., on active service, and Mr. Peter Willsallen, also well known in pastoral circles, also married daughters of the late Mr. Gidley King.

"Bert" Willsallen was loved by all. The fact that by his will he left his black boy, whom he brought from Queensland, an annuity speaks in eloquent terms of the heart of the man.

His widow is on her way back from America, and is bringing back the body of her late husband for burial in the family vault at Gunnedah.

Original publication

Citation details

'Willsallen, Edwin Herbert (Bert) (1875–1917)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/willsallen-edwin-herbert-bert-1047/text1048, accessed 30 March 2024.

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Edwin Willsallen, n.d.

Edwin Willsallen, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 16 February 1918