Obituaries Australia

It is with the most profound regret that we have to record the death, on Friday last at his residence, Macquarie-street, Sydney, of Mr. John William Chisholm, late of Wollogorang, Goulburn.

Deceased, who was seventy-nine years of age, was born in George-street, Sydney, in a house then belonging to his father, situated near the present site of Paling's music ware-house. His father, Mr James Chisholm, merchant, was one of our early colonists, and acquired much valuable property, notably the land in question, sold in recent years to a syndicate, and now occupied by some of the finest shops in the metropolis; a hundred acres of land at Eveleigh bought by the government a few years back, and now occupied by the railway department; Kippilaw, in the neighbourhood of Goulburn, for many years the residence of his eldest son, the late Hon. James Chisholm; and, we believe, Gledswood, near Campbelltown, where the present Mr. James K. Chisholm, eldest son of the last-named gentleman, resides. Mr. F. Chisholm of Wagga, who died a few years ago, was another brother to the gentleman, whose death we now record. When scarcely yet arrived at manhood Mr. J. W. Chisholm took cattle over to Victoria and formed a station on one of the rivers near the border of New South Wales, which he held for many years. He married a daughter of the late Mr. Peter Stuckey of Longreach, near Marulan, and settled in this district, first at Mummell and afterwards at Wollogorang, which he purchased from the late Captain Edinborough; adding to it by subsequent purchases till it became one of the finest properties in Argyle. There were five children on the marriage; three sons, John (unmarried) who dropped dead a few years ago while riding on the estate; Dr. William Chisholm M.D. of Sydney, married to his cousin Miss Mitchell of Victoria; Harry, who married the daughter of Mr. Alexander Mackellar; and two daughters; one who married the late Mr. S. F. Gibson and died some years ago, and the second who is the wife of Mr. John Gilchrist, member of the Sydney Stock Exchange.

Mrs. Chisholm died a few years before her husband, and lies buried in the Waverley cemetery alongside her daughter Mrs. Gibson.

The deceased was one of the first of our cattle breaders to embark in the breeding of pedigree stock. He imported from England and from Victoria some of the finest bulls that have come to New South Wales. For some years annual sales used to be held at Wollogorang, and high prices were realised. The herd still maintains a high reputation, and the Wollogorang cattle are always in favour with the butchers.

Mr. Chisholm was appointed to the commission of the peace over fifty years ago. In 1856, at the first general election under the Constitution Act, he stood for Argyle. The late Mr. D. H. Thorn announced his intention to stand in opposition; but Mr. J. H. Plunkett, who had been attorney-general for many years and who for various reasons was one of the most popular men in the colony, was brought forward. Mr. Thorn retired and Mr. Plunkett was elected by a majority of nineteen, many influences being brought to bear in his favour. Mr. Plunkett was shortly afterwards appointed president of the Legislative Council, and Mr. Chisholm was asked to stand again but declined. Mr. D. H. Denlehy was then elected. On several other occasions Mr. Chisholm was asked to come forward but declined. He was twice offered a seat in the upper house; but this honor also he declined.

Mr. Chisholm was a member of the old Goulburn Rifle Club and was distinguished as one of the best shots. When the first volunteer company was formed here he became an honorary member, and on the inauguration of the band subscribed the entire cost of the instruments. On the resignation of the first captain (Mr A. G. Finlay) he was asked to qualify for the position; but declined. He was a very liberal contributor to the funds of S. Saviour's Cathedral. Few of our local institutions were without a share of his support.

Amongst other offices he filled at different times was that of president of the Argyle Agricultural Society.

In 1858, in conjunction with Mr. W. R. Riley, Mr. Chisholm purchased the Goulburn Herald. The partnership continued for about twenty years, when Mr. Chisholm, contemplating a voyage to England which afterwards took, and wishing to reduce the compass of his affairs sold his interest to his partner. The latter takes this opportunity of bearing sorrowing tribute to the worth of one who was a true friend, a wise and considerate partier, and who was in every way an enterprising colonist, a good citizen, and a true man.

About thirty years ago Mr. Chisholm had a very severe illness, and it is doubtful whether he was ever very strong afterwards. Eight or ten years ago he took to his residence in Sydney. His health gradually declined. He suffered from heart-disease and for the last three or four years was unable to walk more than a few yards at a time. Becoming worse, he was confined to his bed for some months. Throughout his illness he was attended to with devoted care by a nurse who had been with the family for many years. Latterly a trained nurse also was obtained.

The funeral was advertised to start from his late residence at 8.50 yesterday morning and take place at Waverley.