One by one the original settlers in this district are passing away, after living to a ripe old age. On Friday evening last another of those breathed his last on earth. This was the honoured head of the house of McDougall, the members of which are conspicuosly numerous and respected in the district. Mr. Andrew McDougall was born in the year 1798, and, with his parents, come to this colony when only about five years old. On board the same vessel was the ancestor of another family, now well known in colonial annals. This was the father of all the Bowmans. He and Mr. McDougall's father were appointed to the Commissariat Department in Sydney. When quite a young man, he, Mr. McDougall, in the year 1823, received a grant of land, to the extent of 900 acres, in this district, where, for over fifty years, he has continued to reside. Many years ago Mr. McDougall sought to increase his wealth, and at the same time substantially provide for his large family, by entering into station speculations on Liverpool Plains. Unfortunately, he became involved in litigation with the father of the present owner of Duckenfield, Mr. John Eales, and came off second best. The heavy expenses connected therewith greatly reduced Mr. McDougall's means.
He was possessed of an excellent constitution, and enjoyed the best of health, until within the past few years. Notwithstanding his declining years, he was present at the annual Sacramental Service of the St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, in October last. With several other staunch members of the National Church of Scotland, he was instrumental in the establishment of the Presbyterian Church in Singleton, and since that time–now nearly 42 years ago–he and the late Mr. John Johnstone, of Clydesdale, filled the very important position of elders. Few men are qualified for this important office, and it therefore says much for Mr. McDougall's high character, that he should have been chosen by his co-religionists to fill the highest lay office in their community.
Mr. McDougall held a commission as J.P. for nearly thirty years, anid though he never distinguished himself as a magistrate, yet it can be said of him that he was just, honourable, and true, according to his lights, in all his acts on the Bench. In all our enquiries for the purposes of this notice, we have not heard a single word breathed against his private character; on the contrary, all who knew him speak of him in the highest terms of eulogium, as a gentle man of unimpeachable character.
The funeral took place on Saturday last. His remains were followed to the grave by many of the leading townsmen and residents of the district. Thus another landmark of a past generation —"those good old days"—has passed from sight.
'McDougall, Andrew (1793–1880)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/mcdougall-andrew-17570/text29238, accessed 12 October 2024.
19 May,
1793
London,
Middlesex,
England
28 May,
1880
(aged 87)
Singleton,
New South Wales,
Australia
Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.
Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.