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John Smallwood (1847–1928)

One of the finest men in the Hawkesbury district has been 'gathered to his fathers' in the person of Mr. John Smallwood, who, after a short illness, breathed his last on Monday at his home at Pitt Town. He had reached the great age of 81 years.

The late John Smallwood was a man who was liked and respected right throughout the Hawkesbury district. He possessed a wonderfully kind disposition, and was a good and upright man. There was no more industrious farmer in the district, and by his industry and thrift he made a success of life. Indeed, until within a few weeks of his death it was a remarkable fact that he was able to do a day's hard work behind a plough, and he would shame many farmers of the younger generation. He was a great horseman, and practically died in the saddle. Even at his great age he used to ride to Windsor, though his trips were not so numerous in recent years.

To his church he was conspicuously faithful and devoted, and was a regular attendant in his place in God's Home until he was laid aside a week or so before his demise. Good John Smallwood was a Christian gentleman in the true sense of the term, and he will be missed by many. Let it be said that his life was an example for all — he being a man of sterling character, and one whose word was his bond. His kindness and hearty welcome will be long remembered by those who had the pleasure of visiting his home.

Born at Pitt Town he was a son of the late James and Sarah Smallwood. He lived in the district all his life, and at the age of 21 years was married to Celia Cavanagh, a member of another well-known Hawkesbury family at the time. They reared a family of five children, two of whom predeceased their father. Those living are: Sarah, George and Vienna.

The remains were laid to rest in the Church of England cemetery at Pitt Town the day following his demise. The funeral was a large one, a further proof of the great respect in which John Smallwood was held. Rev. S. Howard, M.A., carried out the last solemn rites, and Mr. Chandler was the undertaker.

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Citation details

'Smallwood, John (1847–1928)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/smallwood-john-24215/text32992, accessed 4 December 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

26 January, 1847
Pitt Town, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Death

23 July, 1928 (aged 81)
Pitt Town, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

heart disease

Religious Influence

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.

Occupation or Descriptor