Obituaries Australia

William Gosper, one of the good old sort, and one of the best known men not only in the Hawkesbury but throughout the whole State, passed away at Macquarie-street, Windsor, on Sunday night. Born in Windsor and having spent the greater part of his life here, during which time the whole of his interests were closely interwoven with those of the district, it can be readily understood that there has been no more familiar — nor more respected — name than William Gosper in the Hawkesbury district during the past three-quarters of a century. He had passed his 80th year, and his long life had been in every way an honorable one. We believe that in the early days the late Mr Gosper was licensee of one of the many hotels which Windsor then boasted. It is certain, however, that he embarked in that line of business on the Namoi River, and amassed considerable wealth, but lost it all in speculations of different kinds. After a few years on the Namoi, he returned to Windsor, and was among the first batch of aldermen elected for the Borough in 1871. He served in the Council for about 30 years and was twice Mayor (1887 and 1891) For many years he carried on the business of an auctioneer and land agent, and, whether in a business deal or in private life there was not a larger-hearted man than William Gosper. He had been very feeble for months before his death. The family consists of one daughter (Mrs. W. McQuade and five sons — William, James (the well known stud-master of Windsor Farm), Charles, Frederick and Sidney. The funeral on Tuesday was an exceedingly large one, the hearse being preceded by the brethren of Richard Coley, Lodge Freemasons. Rev. N. Jenkyn conducted the Church service and Wor. Master J. J. Paine read the beautiful service of the Masonic fraternity. Mr Chandler was undertaker.