Obituaries Australia

We regret to have to record the death of one of the oldest identities in the colony who passed away yesterday afternoon. For nearly two years now Mr. Robert James Brockman has been ailing but although he had been confined to his house for that period it was not until within the last few weeks that his demise was expected as for that period he had been unconscious and had not even recognised the members of his own family. The deceased gentleman had with very few exceptions enjoyed good health throughout his life and had reached the ripe old age of 86.

Mr. Brockman had been in the colony for 66 years, arriving here in the year 1831 in the ship Egyptian and on his arrival settled in the Swan District. He did not, however continue for very long there he moved to the Eastern districts where he was actively engaged in agricultural and pastoral pursuits. After being engaged in farming for about 40 years he retired and settled in Bunbury, and a little while afterwards his name was added to the Commission of the Peace for the colony. Mr. Brockman was married in April 1836 to Miss Walcott and last year celebrated his diamond wedding. He leaves his wife and six sons to mourn his loss. Amongst his sons are Mr. C. S. Brockman, and Mr. William Brockman both of whom are living in this district and Mr. John Brockman the R.M. of Roebourne. The rest of his family are scattered about the colony.

The funeral service was conducted by Mr. T. W. Paisley, in the absence of the Rev J. Orchard, and the pallbearers were Messrs W. H. Timperley, R.M., Thos Hayward, J.P., E. M. Clarke, J.P., T. E. Spencer, Jas. Moore J.P., and W. B. Mitchell. Messrs C. S. Brockman, W. Brockman, and S. Walcott, brother-in-law of the deceased gentleman, were the chief mourners. Wreaths had been sent by Mr. and Mrs. W. Spencer, Mr. and Mrs T. E. Spencer, Mr and Mrs R. Gale, Mr. and Mrs W. H Timperley, Mr and Mrs R. Kelly, Mr. and Mrs Robert Forrest, the Rev A and Mrs Buchanan, and others.

Mr. Brockman was the ninth son of the late Rev Julius Drake Brockman, Rector of Cheriton, Kent. Several of his brothers were officers in the Indian Army and distinguished themselves in service there.