Obituaries Australia

Sir Edward Knox, by J. Hubert Newman, c1894

State Library of New South Wales, a128680

Sir Edward Knox, who is well known as the chairman of the Colonial Sugar Company and the Commercial Banking Company, died suddenly on Monday, at his residence, "Fiona," South Head road, Woollahra, Sydney. The deceased gentleman was born in Denmark in 1819, and came to Sydney in 1839. In 1856 he was appointed a member of the first Legislative Council, under responsible government. He resigned owing to absence from the colony, but was re-appointed in 1881, and served till 1894. Sir Edward was for 50 years connected with the Colonial Sugar Refining Company and Commercial Banking Company, and also held the positions of chairman of Prince Alfred Hospital and treasurer of the Carrington Convalescent Hospital. He was created a K.B. in 1898.

The death of Sir Edward Knox was very sudden. Despite his great age (he was in his 82nd year), he had enjoyed fairly good health, and on Sunday he was present at the morning service at St. Andrew's Cathedral. He retired to bed as usual on Sunday evening, but on Monday about 7 a.m. he became very ill. His medical adviser, Dr. Chisholm, was at once sent for, and Dr. Neale was also speedily in attendance. But medical aid was useless, and, surrounded by his wife and family, Sir Edward passed away about half-past 9 o'clock. Death was caused by congestion of the lungs. Sir Edward Knox leaves a widow and three sons and four daughters. The sons are Major T. F. Knox, Mr. E. W. Knox (the manager of the Colonial Sugar Company), and Mr. Adrian Knox, the barrister, who was formerly M.L.A. for the Woollahra Electorate. The daughters are Mrs. Gilchrist, Mrs. Mackay, and two unmarried daughters. Sir Edward Knox, who arrived in Australia when 20 years of age, married in 1844, his wife being Miss Rutledge, sister of Mr. Thomas Rutledge, of Molonglo.