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Thomas Spence (1843–1923)

The death took place at Longreach, Queensland, last month of Mr. Thomas Spence, a well-known and highly-esteemed pastoralist. Born at Antrim, Ireland, in 1843, he was in his eighty-first year at the time of his death, and practically up to a few months prior to that event enjoyed vigorous health.

Leaving Ireland as a young man of twenty he came to Australia and took a job on a farm at Bunbury, in Western Australia. After about six years spent in various capacities he proceeded to the eastern States and took up dam and tank sinking contracts, in connection with which he visited such well-known sheep stations as Zara, Wanganella, Coree, and Brookong.

In 1891 he launched out into pastoral pursuits in Queensland, and selected 20,000 acres on Wellshot, a few miles from Longreach, and in course of time increased that acreage to 93,000. In 1898 he acquired Woodlands and Drylands, in the Jundah district. Later on he purchased Culloden Station, and then Dillalah Station, near Charleville, which he finally sold to the Queensland Government.

Mr. Spence was a typical pioneer, ever ready for work and never complaining of the tremendous difficulties with which he had to contend. He was a man of strong character and sympathetic disposition, and as an employer did much for his workmen.

Original publication

Citation details

'Spence, Thomas (1843–1923)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/spence-thomas-928/text929, accessed 29 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

1843
Antrim, Ireland

Death

October, 1923 (aged ~ 80)
Longreach, Queensland, Australia

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Occupation