Obituaries Australia

  • Tip: searches only the name field
  • Tip: use double quotes to search for a phrase
  • Tip: lists of awards, schools, organisations etc

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Walter Orton Windeyer (1833–1879)

The regret that we feel in announcing the death of Mr. Walter Orton Windeyer, of Wantabadgery, will be shared by everyone residing in this district. An old resident, honoured by all who knew him, he has passed from amongst us, and so suddenly that but few could realise the fact that he, whom they had but a day or two ago seen in their midst, apparently in the full possession of health, had gone "beyond the river." On Friday last, the deceased gentleman left Wagga for Wantabadgery station, with the intention of returning on the following day. Business matters, however, detained him longer. On Sunday night he retired to rest to all appearance in perfect health. At an early hour on Monday morning, his nephew, Mr. Henry S. Eldershaw, who occupied an adjoining room, heard him moaning, and upon going to his bedside, found him insensible. Up to the time of his death, which occurred at ten o'clock, he never spoke, although he recovered partial consciousness. The cause of the lamented gentleman's death was epilepsy. Mrs. Windeyer and family were in Wagga at the time of the sad occurrence, and with them, in their deep affliction, it is needness (sic) to say that the sincerest sympathy is felt. In his case it is no mere figure of speech to say that he died universally regretted; genial in disposition, kind of heart, he lived respected and loved, bearing throughout without a stain "the grand old name of gentleman."

The late Mr. Windeyer was an old resident in the district, having come to Wantabadgery in 1856. His remains, in accordance with the wishes of his widow, were interred beside those of his first wife in a private cemetery at Wantabadgery. By his desire, expressed some time before his death, the impressive service of the Freemasons, of which body he was an old and valued member, was performed at the grave by the R.W. Master of the Lodge of Harmony. After the Church of England burial service had been performed by the Ven. Archdeacon Pownall, the body was carried to the grave by four of the station employees, the pall-bearers being Messrs. Willans, Hawkins, Gowlland and Fosbery. A large number of the residents of the district assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to the deceased gentleman.

The Wagga Wagga Advertiser says - "There is no resident of the Riverina district whose career can be spoken of in higher terms than that of the deceased gentleman. A native of the colony, although he eschewed politics, he displayed an energy and perseverance in forwarding its material interests. He was one of the oldest settlers in Riverina, and at the time of his death possessed one of the most completely appointed stations in the district. Born in Sydney in 1833, he was consequently only 46 years of age at the time of his death. He was twice married, and leaves a widow and three children to mourn their loss. The deceased was a son of Mr. John Windeyer, of Raymond Terrace, in the Hunter district, and was a cousin of the Hon. W. C. Windeyer, the present Attorney-general. The funeral which took place at Wantabadgery yesterday afternoon, was largely attended by the leading residents of the town and district. The members of the Masonic body, in which craft the late Mr. Windeyer held a high position, mustered largely. The deceased was buried in the consecrated cemetery close to the station, where the remains of his first wife repose."

Original publication

Citation details

'Windeyer, Walter Orton (1833–1879)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/windeyer-walter-orton-1061/text1062, accessed 19 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

1833
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Death

3 March, 1879 (aged ~ 46)
Wantabadgery, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

epileptic fit

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
Properties