Obituaries Australia

The death occurred in Adelaide on Monday, at the residence of his son-in-law, Senator J. V. O'Loghlin, of Mr. John Besley, who was for many years a resident of this town. The deceased, who was 81 years of age, had been in weak health since he left Mount Gambier ten years ago, and for the last year of his life was confined to his room. He was, as we have said, a resident of Mount Gambier for a long series of years, and was engaged for about 20 years as a schoolmaster, and afterwards as confidential clerk for Messrs. E. French & Son. The latter position he held for several years before he left Mount Gambier about the middle of 1906. Mr. Besley was of a most gentlemanly disposition, and was highly valued and respected by all, both in his social and business relations. As a musician he was well known and much in demand, and he was always prepared in this way, as well as others, to assist any cause he considered for the good of the town. He was a loyal and active member of St. Paul's Roman Catholic church, and was organist and choir conductor in it for many years. He continued in that capacity until he was disabled by weakness, and then his daughter, Mrs. O'Loghlin, performed the duties of organist until he left Mount Gambier. Nine children–six sons and three daughters–and a step-son survive him. They are–Mother Mary Ligouri, Convent of Mercy, Mount Gambier; Mr. John Besley, of Western Australia; Mrs. Gillen, of Adelaide; Mr. A. Besley, Western Australia; Mr. Thos. Besley, Western Australia; Mr. Geo. Besley, Western Australia; Mr. Richd. Besley, Adelaide; Mr. Robt. Besley, South Africa; and Mrs. J. V. O'Loghlin, Adelaide. His step-son is Mr. Patrick Byrne, of Charlotte Waters. The remains of the deceased were brought to Mount Gambier last night, and will be interred this afternoon in the Mount Gambier Cemetery. Mr. W. Pearce is funeral conductor. Our Adelaide correspondent telegraphs further facts regarding the deceased.