Obituaries Australia

Frederick Goleby, 1906

State Library of Queensland, 94827

There were many expressions of regret in the city on Monday, when the news of the death of Mr. Frederick John Goleby, which occurred last Sunday night, and was recorded in yesterday’s issue of the Queensland Times, became known. There were few better known citizens in this city than the deceased, who was prominently concerned with numerous public bodies, and who had done much to assist in pushing forward the city. He carried out any of the duties which he undertook with a quite dignity and an enthusiasm which soon won for him the respect of those with whom he became associated. In his business dealings, as well as in his public offices, the late Mr. Goleby always maintained a strictly upright course. Flags were flown half-mast yesterday from the Town Hall, the Technical College, and other buildings in the city, as a mark of respect to the memory of the deceased.

The late Mr. Goleby was born at Brundish, Framlingham, Suffolk (England) on March 19th, 1859, and was the second eldest of 19 children. His mother still lives at Southport, being 85 years of age. Deceased came to Australia with his parents when he was five years of age, the family being passengers on the Great Victoria. He received his early education in Ipswich schools, and was afterwards apprenticed to the saddlery trade under the late Mr. Alexander Morrison, of Toowoomba. Subsequently deceased travelled to the West to gain experience, and later he commenced on his own account as a saddler in Brisbane Street, in premises now occupied by Mr. J. Vogler.

When the business had developed Mr. Goleby removed to the site of the premises known as Goleby’s Chambers, in a wooden building. The connection which he had gained gradually increased, necessitating further extensions of the shop to the building now occupied by Mr. W. Pratt, and subsequently to the adjoining premises in which Messrs Hunter and Langer now conduct their respective businesses. The demands made upon the firm necessitated further additions, with the result that a few years ago Mr. Goleby – who had then taken his sons into partnership, under the firm name of "F. Goleby and Sons" – erected an imposing structure, which is one of the most up-to-date shops of its kind in the State. Owing to ill-health Mr. Goleby was obliged to retire from business a few months ago. Deceased was married in 1881 to Miss Ellen King, daughter of the late Mr. Thomas King, a former well-known resident of Ipswich.

The late Mr. Goleby was an alderman for many years, and during the year 1906 he occupied the Mayoral chair with credit to himself and to the city. He was a churchwarden of St Paul’s Anglican Church for many years, being associated with the late P. L. Cardew in the time of Archbishop Bartlett’s ministry, and during the period when Rev. Sandford Woods was curate. He was a particularly energetic worker for the Ipswich Technical College, having filled the position of chairman of the committee and as a member of that body for some years. He was also a chairman of the cemetery reserve trustees for many years. Deceased was one of the most enthusiastic workers which the General Hospital has had, and up till the time of his death he took the keenest interest in the work of the institution. For some years he serves as treasurer of the board of management, holding this office during the occupancy of the presidential chair by the late Col. W. T. Deacon. When the latter passed away, Mr Goleby was elected to preside over the deliberations of the board, and it was recognised that Mr. Goleby was a most worthy successor to those capable presidents in whose footsteps he followed. He was obliged, owing to ill health, to decline nomination for the position of president at the last annual meeting, but he retained his seat as a member of the board of management up till the time of his death. Deceased was a foundation member of the Ipswich Chamber of Commerce and Industry, having the honour of being elected first president, and he was an old member of the Queensland Lodge, E. C. The late Mr. Goleby was an enthusiastic bowler, and was one of the first members of the Ipswich Bowling Club.

Deceased took a trip to England in 1911, accompanied by Mrs Goleby, and returned greatly benefited in health. He leaves a widow and two daughters and two sons. The daughters are Mrs. A. M. Johnson and Mrs. E. M. Franklyn; and the sons, Messrs. T. J. A. and F. J. Goleby, both of whom have, for some time, been associated with the firm of Messrs. Goleby and Sons.