Obituaries Australia

Adam Park, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 16 July 1926

A notable pastoralist in the person of Mr. Adam Park, of The Braes, Manilla, N.S.W., died on 30th May at the ripe age of 89 years. Of those 89 nearly 70 were spent in Australia.

Born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1837, he migrated to Australia with his brother Alexander in 1857. His first ''colonial" experience was gained with his uncle, the late G. L. Gibson, of Longford, near Bendemeer, N.S.W. Fired with an ambition to try his fortune in the northern State, he entered into a partnership with Andrew Murray, and in 1863 started off for the then unknown central Queensland. Their track lay across the Darling Downs and over the watershed of the Dawson to the tributaries of the Fitzroy, and was sprinkled thick with hardships and adventures. The partners travelled with a mob of sheep purchased in New England, which lambed and were shorn en route. After considerable danger from blacks, to say nothing of the difficulties of blazing a trail through virgin bush, they settled down on a spot about 100 miles north of where Clermont stands to-day. The conditions, however, proved too much for them, and they decided to return to New South Wales. The partnership was subsequently dissolved.

It was after this that Mr. Park selected the site of his future home on an old run then held by T. P. Willsallen, and called Mundowey. With courage and determination he subdued the wilderness, and in a few years the holding had been greatly improved and enlarged. The property was named Glen Barra, and carried good sheep and Durham cattle, he being an excellent judge of stock. As his circumstances prospered, Mr. Park acquired adjoining properties, most of which are now in the hands of his sons.

In recent years Mr. Park acquired The Braes, and the closing days of his active life were spent there. A good husbandman in every sense of the word, he did his utmost to improve the carrying capacity of his various properties. He had a wonderful faith in the future of his adopted country, and played a notable part in its development.

His home was noted for the kindly rites of hospitality practised therein and the old-time welcome that visitors were assured. Prosperity never tarnished the gold of his heart, and many institutions will miss the anonymous benefactor who left his gifts but not his name.

Mr. Adam Park was twice married. His first wife was Miss Janet Murray, of which union the following survive:— Messrs. George Park, Airlie, Bendemeer; Robert Park, Retreat and Kirkconnel, Manilla; Dr. Alex. J. Park, Narrabri; Ernest Park, Lowry, Manilla; Mungo Park, Dunmore, Manilla; Mrs. Maclean; Miss E. J. Park; Mesdames M. S. Lewis and B. O. Miller; and Miss Janet Park.

His second wife was Miss Mary Edwards, of Bendemeer, and the family is:—Messrs. G. A. C. Park, Glen Barra and Klori; Wallace Park, Braemar; Bruce Park, The Braes; Mrs. Bourne, and Miss Enid Park.