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John Thomas Gosper (1801–1886)

At the residence of his son on the Terrace, Windsor, Mr. John Gosper, sen., of Colo on Saturday last, in his 87th year. This is a truly grand old age –and only one of many such that have shuffled off this 'mortal coil' the last two or three years. The late Mr. Gosper was a native of the colony – and, we believe, of this district, out of which he never resided during his long and honoured life. He was reared, we believe, at Freeman's Reach, where he resided with his parents until they removed to Colo, and there spent the remainder of their days in agricultural pursuits, until death came, and there they were buried. They left behind them four sons – the deceased being one of them – the three other brothers were Thomas, Joseph, and James. Joseph is still alive; he is in his 84th year, and resides at Kurrajong. Thomas and James are both dead – the later as long ago as the year '36, when he was in his 36th year. He was the father of Mr. William Gosper, J.P., in this town; and it was alongside him John was interred on Monday last. The wife of deceased is still alive, aged 80 years and in good health. She is a native of Windsor, and was present at her husband's funeral. Their family consisted of seven sons and five daughters – all of whom have long since gained maturity. These now living are Mr. Alderman J. T. Gosper, of the Terrace, Windsor, Mr. Richard Gosper, of Nambucca; also Messrs. George, Francis, and Charles Gosper, of the same place, and two daughters – both of whom are married. The issue of these sons and daughters number 130 grand children, and 200 great grand children – many of whom are married and have families. The deceased patriarch appears to have led a blameless life; if he made no great stir in the world he made but few enemies, and left many sorrowing friends. As we have said, he died at his son's house on the Terrace, where he has been residing at intervals these last five years – and from there he was borne to his last earthly resting place, in St. Matthew's (C. of E.) burial ground, on Monday afternoon, there to lie by the side of a brother from whom he had been parted for 50 years. A very large concourse of relations and friends attended the funeral, and the very impressive and feeling address delivered by the Rev. A. R. Blackett at the grave side, was listened to with much attention by all – but by none more than by the venerable old lady, who stood firm and strong by the open grave of her aged partner of over half a century. Mr. Primrose was the undertaker, and everything was carried out most carefully, and in good taste.

Original publication

Citation details

'Gosper, John Thomas (1801–1886)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/gosper-john-thomas-17294/text33174, accessed 19 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

1 May, 1801
Freeman's Reach, New South Wales, Australia

Death

20 November, 1886 (aged 85)
Windsor, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

bladder disease

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Religious Influence

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Occupation