Obituaries Australia

The death occurred on Tuesday at Marulan of Mr. Richard Chapman, an old colonist, and the father of Mr. Austin Chapman, Minister for Trade and Customs. The deceased, who was a native of Goulburn, spent the whole of his life in the southern districts of this State, but was best known in Braidwood. At different periods he was an hotel keeper and a storekeeper, and was also engaged in the butchering trade. He led a strenuous life until about 20 years ago, when he retired from business. Mr. Chapman was able to relate many sensational incidents of the early days, and was regarded as one of the historians of the southern districts. There were only two houses in Goulburn at the time he was born, but he saw this little settlement develop and expand until it became not only a cathedral city, but one of the principal country centres of the State. Since the death of his wife in October last year the deceased had been ailing. He removed to Sydney for a time for a change, but recently returned to Marulan, where his daughter and son-in-law reside. Mr. Chapman was stricken down with paralysis a year ago, and had another fit last week. His son, Mr. Austin Chapman, was telegraphed for on Saturday last, and spent Sunday with him, but as Dr. Burkitt appeared to think that Mr. Chapman's condition had improved, the Minister for Customs returned to Sydney on Monday. A sudden change, however, took place on Tuesday morning, and Mr. Chapman died at midday. The deceased, who celebrated his 76th birthday in March, leaves six children, namely, Mr. Richard Chapman, of Moss Vale and Pitt-street, Sydney; Mrs. John Hogg, of Marulan; Mr. Austin Chapman, M.P.; Mrs. Thomas Pooley, of Sydney; Mrs. Martin Byrne, of Queanbeyan; and Mr. A. E. Chapman, ex-M.L.A. for Braidwood, and now of Sydney. The funeral took place on Wednesday at Sutton Forest, and was largely attended, the principal mourners being Messrs. Richard, Austin, and Albert Chapman (sons), Mrs. Pooley and Mrs. Byrne (daughters), Miss Mary Hogg (granddaughter), Masters Keith and Lance Hogg (grandsons), Messrs. Joe, Byrne and Jno. Hogg (sons-in-law), and Mrs. W. M. Cunningham (niece). The funeral arrangements were in the hands of Mrs. A Kelly, of Goulburn. The coffin was of polished oak, heavily mounted, and was a splendid piece of workmanship. Father Reidy, of Goulburn, attended the deceased as spiritual adviser.