Obituaries Australia

It is natural with the march of time that the old members of the district pioneer families should be gradually passing away, until now very few remain, and on Saturday last the number was further lessened by the death of Mr. Andrew Bowman, of "Gyarran," after a brief illness. The late Mr. Bowman was the twin brother of Mr. Edward Bowman, of "Skellatar," and son of Mr. George Bowman, of Richmond, where he was born on the 16th October, 1840. He received his early education at the Collegiate School, Windsor, Collegiate School, Cook's River, and at the Sydney University, where, with his brother Edward, he obtained the B.A. degree in 1862, and the M.A. in 1864. In April of the same year the brothers went to England, and joined the Honorable Society of the Middle Temple, and were called to the degree of the Utter Bar in June 1867. In the mean time they had made application to the Senate of the University of London to be allowed — as graduates of the Sydney University — to present themselves for examination in law, without having to pass the matriculation examination. This being granted, they passed the first examination for the L.L.B. degree in 1867, and the second in 1869. Towards the end of October, 1869, they returned to New South Wales, and were admitted to practice at the Sydney Bar, but very soon gave up the profession, and engaged in pastoral pursuits in the Hunter River and northern districts. After residing some years with his brother at "Skellatar" the late Mr. Andrew Bowman established his own home at "Gyarran" in 1890, and had been living in this district altogether about 54 years. For a long time he was a member of the Upper Hunter P. and A. Association, Hospital and School of Arts committees of management, and a prominent figure in all local movements for the general good. A zealous member of the Presbyterian Church he was throughout life a most regular attendant of St. John's, and one of its leading supporters. Though the possessor of the high scholastic attainments mentioned he was most unassuming in manner, and kindly natured. A magistrate of the territory he regularly performed the duties of a Justice of the Peace on the local Bench for many years, but his hearing failing him in recent times he took no part in public matters; but was accustomed to come into town almost daily on business, when he was always pleased to see his friends, or any old acquaintance. A high-minded, cultured, and affable gentleman he was highly esteemed throughout the Hunter Valley, and in the district where he had dwelt for more than half a century. He had reached the ripe age of 84 years, but was fairly active physically up to the time of his fatal illness, and his mind was clear to the last. It is generally felt that the district has been rendered poorer by the death of the sterling subject of this notice, because identified so closely with the most important period of local progress, and so long an active participant in public and social affairs, his passing causes a vacancy in the life of the community that cannot readily be filled. The late Mr. Bowman is survived by his widow (a daughter of the late Rev. J. S. Laing, D.D.) and two sons and two daughters. The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon last, and was largely attended by representative residents of Muswellbrook and neighboring districts. The chief mourners were:—Mr. Edward Bowman (brother), and Mr. Andrew Bowman (son) of "Rotherwood." Cassilis; Mr. Hunter Bowman, Mr. Pierce Bowman "Balmoral" (nephews), Dr. Bowman (Singleton), Mr. Walter Bowman (Strahan), and other relatives from adjoining districts.

The interment was in the local Presbyterian Cemetery, and the burial services were conducted by the Rev. Chas. Anderson, M.A., who delivered a brief address in which he referred to the fine qualities of the deceased who had been blessed by the Almighty in various ways, who had been a good husband, a good father and loyal friend, and who after a life of rectitude had honorably passed to his rest.