Obituaries Australia

We have to record the death of one of the oldest identities in this district–Mr Thomas Mitchell, of Bringembrong, N.S.W. The deceased gentleman, who was seventy-two years of age at the time of his death, first came to this part of Victoria in 1845, when he took up the Tangambalanga run, which he afterwards sold to the late Mr Thomas Brown at a good figure. He then went to New Zealand, where he purchased 10,000 acres of freehold land, for which he gave £20,000. Remaining there for a short time, he sold out his New Zealand property, and returned to this colony, afterwards becoming the purchaser, for the sum of £60,000, of the Bringembrong station. Sometime later on he also became possessed of Indi and Cancobin, both properties being on the New South Wales side, and situated conveniently to Bringembrong. The former property originally belonged to Mr Leslie, now in Melbourne; and Mr John Mitchell, a son of the deceased, resides on Cancoban, on which he has erected a magnificent homestead. About ten months ago the deceased gentleman burst a blood vessel, and since then his originally robust frame has broken up rapidly, notwithstanding the assiduous attention of Dr Gillespie, of Corryong. On several occasions the doctor had just arrived in time to save his patient's life, but latterly his recovery was regarded as hopeless, his demise being only considered a matter of a very short time indeed. Mr Mitchell, who was possessed of immense wealth, leaves a widow and a grown-up family of six, two of whom are married. The most striking characteristics of Mr Mitchell were, that he was a most uncompromising Conservative in his political leanings, an able religious controversialist, with intense dislikings, but his friendship was firm and fervid. He was also a kind husband and father. The deceased, we believe, was a native of New South Wales, and was an adherent of the Church of England. Our Corryong correspondent adds the following:–" It is with the deepest regret that I chronicle the death of Mr Thomas Mitchell, of Bringembrong, which took place on Friday, 30th ult. It appears that Mr Mitchell had been an invalid for some time, although the writer hereof was unaware of the fact, and for the last three or four weeks no hope was entertained of his recovery. The lamp of life gradually flickered lower and lower, until it finally ceased to burn, and the soul of Thomas Mitchell passed peacefully away to enter upon that higher, nobler life for which he was so well prepared. In recording the departure from earth of this well known and highly-esteemed gentleman, I cannot but experience some deep emotions, awakened by recollections of the many kindnesses he bestowed upon the writer in conjunction with his excellent and beloved lady, Mrs Mitchell. And not only myself, but many others, have experienced kindness of the most perfect kind at their hands, and in this respect the name of Mitchell is fragrant throughout the district. Mr Mitchell was a man of deep piety, and while of necessity engaged in the business affairs of everyday life, yet ever kept in view the ultimate and principal object of all life, viz., the final and lasting destiny to which this probationary existence leads. Grave, thoughtful, and earnestly devout, he ever loved to hold converse concerning the great truths of our common religion, and from a constant, habitual study of those truths he attained to the clearest conceptions in regard to the teachings of the Bible, and the example of his daily life gave practical evidence of 'the faith that was in him.' A loving husband, a wise, kind, and gentle father, a faithful friend, whose hospitality was never withheld, Mr Mitchell ranks high as a Christian and a man. I do not intend to enlarge upon his life and merits in this issue, as I purpose giving an extended sketch of his career and many personal virtues next week. For Mrs Mitchell, her manly sons and amiable daughters, the deepest sympathy is felt, but they are doubtless comforted with the full knowledge of the fact that the loving husband and father whose heart and life are so thoroughly impregnated with the excellencies of a living faith in all that was good, pure, noble, and true, is now resting beneath the shadow of the Almighty, crowned with a grandeur of existence 'that fadeth not away.' I reserve a more extended notice until next week."