Obituaries Australia

The funeral of the late Mr. Nathan Julian Simmons, of Lismore, took place on December 21 at Lismore, Richmond River, N.S.W., and was attended by a large and representative gathering from all parts of the district.

The late Mr. Simmons, was one of the earliest residents of Lismore. He had an extensive legal practice and was deservedly popular both in Lismore and in the surrounding districts.

He was born in England and came to Australia at an early age. When a youth, he entered commercial pursuits, but on obtaining his majority, he decided to study for the legal profession. Mr. Simmons went to Lismore in February, 1875, and with but a short interval, resided there till his decease. Though in recent years Mr. Simmons had not been able to take an active part in public life, yet he was, for upwards of half a century, one of Lismore's leading citizens, having been identified with every movement for the advancement of the town and district in which he had unbounded confidence. 

For many years Mr. Simmons was one of the hardest workers on the committees of the Lismore Hospital and School of Arts. The deceased, with the late Mr. Edmund Coleman, defrayed the cost of the bridge spanning Brown's Creek leading to the court-house.

Mr. Simmons was a man of large charity and tolerant outlook, and no worthy cause was allowed to pass unnoticed by his generosity.

The late Mr. Simmons leaves a widow, and two sons to mourn their loss. Prior to the funeral leaving for the Lismore cemetery, a simple but impressive service was held at the home, 'Byron Lodge,' the veteran Rev. P. Philipstein officiating.

Rev. Philippstein paid an eloquent tribute to deceased, whom he said had lived a long and honourable life. He had borne the trials of long suffering with a manly and religious fortitude, and was now to reap his reward for a life of righteousness.