Obituaries Australia

The news of the death of Mrs. Louisa Deuchar, widow of the late Mr. George Deuchar (Kilmorey), on Tuesday, May 13, was received with deep regret by a large circle of friends. The late Mrs. Deuchar was a most interesting lady, who had many anecdotes of the early pioneering days to tell. She had also the gift of a facile pen, and her reminiscences, published in 1911, recalled many who were makers of Queensland's history. She came to Brisbane in the ship Duncan Dunbar, amongst the passengers being Miss Arabin (a sister of the late Mrs. Jephson), afterwards Mrs. Saunders, and now a missionary in China, and Mrs. Jones, wife of Canon Jones, of Indooroopilly. Mrs. Deuchar landed in South Brisbane on Christmas Day, 1861, and crossed a ferry to the North side. She was met by friends, and walked—no cabs being then available—to where the Edward-street ferry now is, and to the home of Mr. Robert Douglas, where she was welcomed as a guest. Her brother (Mr. James Watkin Jackson) was manager of the A.J.S. Bank in Warwick, and as he was unable to come to her, she was obliged to take the journey under other escort. One stopping place was Mr. Arnold Wienholt's Maryvale station. She also stayed with Mr. and Mrs. Buckland at Rosenthal station. At that time the families settled round Warwick included the Deuchars of Glengallan, the Wienholts of Maryvale, the Davidsons of Canning Downs, the Hammers of Talgai, St. George Gore of Lyndhurst, and others. In Warwick she met Mr. Morgan (father of Sir Arthur Morgan). While at Yandilla she had her first experience of a flood, and rode some distance with young Mr. Ralph Gore, afterwards Sir Ralph Gore. The Deuchars were an old Angusshire family, and Mr. John Deuchar came to the State with Mr. Patrick Leslie. In 1865 her marriage with Mr. George Deuchar was celebrated by the late Canon Glennie, and Mr. and Mrs. Deuchar settled at Kilmorey station. Among those entertained at their hospitable home were the Hon. James Lalor, M.L.C., Sir Thomas McIlwraith, Mr. Smythe, Mr. H. G. Biscoe, and others. After a series of reverses Mr. Deuchar entered the Government service as C.P.S. and Land Commissioner at Stanthorpe, where he remained until his death. Both Mr. and Mrs. Deuchar were highly respected in the district. Mrs. Deuchar removed to Brisbane after the death of her husband. A few weeks ago she met with an accident, which resulted in a fractured thigh, and, as stated, her death took place on May 13. The body of the deceased lady was conveyed to Stanthorpe, and the remains laid to rest beside those of her husband. A number of old friends attended the funeral, and the service at the graveside was conducted by the Rev. A. H. Stokoe.