Obituaries Australia

John Frew

B 16729, State Library of South Australia

DEATH OF MR. JOHN FREW. On Sunday night our Mount Gainbier correspondent telegraphed: — Mr. John Frew, of Hedley Park, died at 3 o'clock this afternoon. He had suffered for a considerable time from several serious affections of the hearf, liver, and kidneys, which since November last had assumed an acute form, and compelled him to keep to his room very much. He was, however, able to take an occasional ride and attend to the affairs of his estate up to a few days ago. The hot weather affected him very much, and last week he became worse. Since Friday night he had been unconscious. The deceased gentleman was born near Adelaide, and was in his fifty-ninth year, he was educated at the late Mr. J. L. Young's educational institution. Thirty-two years ago he came to Mount Gambier, and with the exception of a few years spent at Port Darwin he had been a constant resident since. For many years he was Manager of the local branch of the English and Australian Chartered Bank. His first, wife was Mrs. Helen Mitchell, widow of the late Mr. Alexander Mitchell, through whom he became the possessor of a considerable area of valuable property in the town of Mount Gambier and country. She died about eighteen years ago. Thirteen years ago Mr. Frew married Miss Bassford, who survives him, and by whom he leaves two children—a daughter and son. The deceased had numerous relations in South Australia, among whom are four sisters—the wife of the Rev. John Lloyd, of Wallaroo; the wife of the Rcv. T. Hope, of Adelaide; Mrs. Josiah Bonnin, of Nalpa; and one unmarried, who resides here at present. My. Frew was a sharp and foreseeing businessman, and was prominently connected with several local business concerns, including the Commercial Milling Company and the Rabbit and Meat-preserving Company. He was for many years a committeeman of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Frew was the first Master of the Mount Gambler Hunt Club in 1873, and a Steward of the local racing club.

MOUNT GAMBIER, February 20. — The funeral of the late Mr, John Frew took place this afternoon. There was a large attendance, including most of the leading residents of town and country, but there would have been many more had the death and funeral been more generally known. The cortege consisted of about forty vehicles. At the grave a large crowd gathered to pay their last respects to the deceased. The Rev. R. A. Caldwell officiated. The pall-bearers were Messrs. T. Williams, J.P., J. Watson, J.P., J. Alexander, A. Loutit. and J. Umpherston, J.P., old friends of the deceased gentleman. Mr. R. G. Cross ley was the undertaker.