Obituaries Australia

Quite a gloom was cast over the district on Friday morning of last week, when it became known that good Andrew Stephens had passed away. Andrew Carmichael Stephens was one of the most popular men in the Hawkesbury district, where he was known far and wide as an honourable, upright man. No man had a higher conception of what was straight, fair and just than he, and he lived up to those precepts. He was one of the genuine types of men who liked genuine people, but he had no time for those who were crooked in their dealings. Broadminded in all things, whether in religion, politics or the everyday things of life, he naturally detested bigots, and people of intolerant views, and it was for these commendable traits of character that he was so much liked. He was a honest and hard working man all his life, and implicit trust was placed in him by all for whom he worked. For many years he was a valued and trusted servant of the Government, as a maintenance man, under various road superintendents, and they all had a good word for him. Later he was employed by the Colo Shire Council and it was with regret that they parted with their faithful old servant, when he was compelled by infirmity to resign his position. For 23 years he worked on our roads, proving himself a very capable man. He was always of a bright and cheery disposition, and ever ready to do a good turn for friend or stranger. For many years he was a prominent cricketer in the Hawkesbury district, and was one of the best wicket-keepers that over donned the gloves. For some years he had been a martyr to rheumatism, and after leaving the service of Colo Shire Council some years ago, he settled down in Windsor, where, with his eldest daughter, Miss Ethel Stephens, he was carrying on the business of a fruiterer when he died. About two years ago he sold his orchard property and home at Ebenezer. There he had lived for many years, and grew excellent fruit, a seedling apple which he raised being in great request, not only in the Hawkesbury, but in other parts of the State. For some time his health had been unsatisfactory, but no one expected his end so suddenly. He was about on Thursday morning of last week, but not feeling well went to bed in the afternoon, and medical advice was sought. But he passed peacefully away in his sleep about 7 a.m. next morning. The late Andrew Stephens, who was sixty one years of age, was born at Portland Head, on the Hawkesbury River, and was the second youngest son of the late John Stephens. He was was one of a family of 7, and his brothers and sisters all survive him. They are: –George (Newcastle), Mrs. John Melville (Penrith), James (Ebenezer), John (Wilberforce), Mrs. Walter King (Ebenezer), and Charles (Ashfield). The subject of this notice married in 1880, Miss Sarah Cobcroft, daughter of the late John Cobcroft, of Wilberforce. They were married in St Matthews' Church of England, Windsor, but his wife died 24 years ago, leaving him with a young family. His children are Ethel (who lived with her father), Lizzie (Mrs. John Bennett, North Sydney), Herbert (Windsor), Stella (Mrs. Ron Bennett, Windsor), Horace (Ebenezer), Jessie (Mrs. W. Rutter, North Sydney), Millie (living with her sister, Mrs. Rutter), and Amy (living with her aunt, Mrs. King). The burial took place at the Church of England cemetery, Wilberforce, on Saturday afternoon, when the funeral was very largely attended. The 'Dead March' was played as the coffin was carried in and out of the church, and during the service a hymn was sung. Rev N. Jenkyn officiated, in the absence of the rector, and in the course of a short address, paid a tribute to the excellent character of the deceased. Some beautiful wreaths were sent by sorrowing friends and relatives, including one from the deceased's comrades at the Fire Station. The remains were laid to rest by the side of those of his late wife, the funeral arrangements being carried out by Mr. Chandler.