Obituaries Australia

The death occurred on Saturday at Hayfield Rest Home, Homebush, of Mr. George Kable who for over half a century was a resident of this city, where more than half of his children were born. He left Bathurst about 8 years ago to end his days in the warmer climate of Parramatta and Strathfield. His wife predeceased him by about five years. The late George Kable was 88 years of age and his wife lived to 83 years. He was not only a link with old Bathurst, but also of the Hawkesbury of which he was a native. His death recalls the fact that he was a descendant of the first white couple married in Australia. His grandfather, Henry Kable, came to Australia as a free settler in Governor Phillip's first fleet in 1788. As the story is told, when rowing ashore the boat grounded on the sand and Henry Kable, taking Govrnor Phillips on his shoulders carried him ashore to Sydney Cove. This was the first landing. Henry Kable married Susanna Holmes soon after landing, she being a first fleeter also. The wedding ceremony was performed by the Rev Richard Johnson. This was the first wedding in Australia. Henry Kable was appointed Chief Constable for the settlement a position he held for some time. Later he started storekeeping and in conjunction with Messrs Underwood and Lord, who was a large shipowner and engaged in the Sealing trade in Bass's Straits.

The late George Kable was for many years a carrier on the Western road from Sydney, before the advent of the railroad. Later he kept the Miners' Arms Hotel (now Athol House) in Piper street. From there he went contracting with farmer's etc. He had a family of eleven children of whom six survive him viz: — Mrs. Alex Sweet of Strathfield, Mr. Percy Kable headmaster of Haberfield Public School, Mr. Walter Kable, the well-known accountant in this city, Mrs. W. Clark of Perth, W.A., Mrs. W. J. Thomas of Balmain, and Mrs James Newell of Bandon, Forbes. Mr. Walter L. Kable left by train last night to attend the funeral which will take place at Rookwood tomorrow.