Obituaries Australia

Thomas Edols, n.d.

from Australasian Pastoralists' Review, 15 September 1898

Mr. Thomas Edols, of Burrawang Station, N.S.W., died at the homestead on 22nd August. For a considerable time the deceased gentleman's health had been a cause of anxiety to his family and friends, and the end was not unexpected, especially as he had attained the ripe old age of 79 years. The deceased gentleman was beloved of all classes, especially his own employees and working men generally, to whom he had endeared himself by his universally kind consideration, whilst thousands of visitors to Burrawang can testify to his many good qualities as a jovial and generous host and an affectionate and exemplary husband and father. Mr. Edols was born at Bridgewater, Somersetshire, England, in July, 1819. His colonial experience was obtained in Tasmania and Victoria, where he devoted himself to farming pursuits. It was with great pride that the deceased gentleman spoke of those days, for his farming capabilities won for him the first prize at the Geelong District Show for the best-managed farm. This was in 1857. After farming for some years in the Wimmera district, he left Victoria and crossed to New South Wales, where, in 1873, he purchased Burrawang Station from Messrs. Francis and Martin. At that time Burrawang pastoral holding embraced an area of over half-a-million acres, but, generally speaking, no improvements had been effected, and consequently, the carrying capacity of the station was limited. With the indomitable energy which characterised the man, Mr. Edols threw himself heart and soul into the work which he had before him. Full particulars of the improvements effected and the establishment and improvement of the Burrawang flocks have from time to time appeared in these columns.

Mr. Edols, who was of a somewhat retiring, though amiable and genial, disposition, troubled little about public affairs, and although a warm and liberal supporter of every good work, relegated to his manly sons the representation of his property in the councils of the various pastoral boards, &c. These, with an afflicted widow and daughters, will keenly feel the removal of the head of their house, who has thus passed away full of years and honours.