Obituaries Australia

Another old, widely known, and highly respected colonist is dead. The Hon. William Byrnes, M.L.C., died yesterday at his residence, George-street, Parramatta, from influenza, an attack of which came upon a constitution enfeebled by age, with fatal results. The hon. gentleman was born in Sydney in 1807, and was thus 84 years of age. He and his brother, the late Hon. James Byrnes, carried on an extensive trade as general merchants at Parramatta. A considerable sum of money was expended by the brothers in the erection of woollen and flour mills, the latter at the bottom of George-street (since converted into an asylum for infirm and destitute old men), and the former on the banks of the Smith-street (long since passed into desuetude). Mr. William Byrnes was the oldest member of the Legislative Council, having been appointed by the Cowper Ministry in 1857. Up to late years he was a constant attendant at the Chamber. He was one of the oldest Freemasons in the colony, and at one time a magistrate of the territory. He leaves a family of six sons and five daughters. Mr. James Byrnes, his eldest son, is an alderman and magistrate at Wilcannia. Mr. C. J. Byrnes (for many years Mayor of Parramatta), and Mr. Henry Byrnes J.P., are nephews of the deceased gentleman.