Obituaries Australia

Mr. Henry E. Stokes, the well-known merchant of this city, died at his residence, Enmore, Waratah, at 9 o'clock yesterday morning. Some four months ago Mr. Stokes, who was 52 years of age, contracted influenza, and after battling with it for some time he was compelled to take to his bed. Just as he was recovering, a relapse set in, and for 13 weeks he had been extremely ill, his condition causing the family great anxiety. He had been attended daily by Drs. Harris and Beeston, and on Friday last when it was known that the end was not far distant the various members of the family were summoned to his bedside. The deceased gentleman was one of the best known men in the northern district, and his death will be mourned by a very large circle of friends. Mr. Stokes was a native of Sydney, and first entered business as a clerk in the Colonial Sugar Company's office in that city. Over 25 years ago he came to Newcastle, and has since been a partner with his brother in the firm of Messrs. C. F. Stokes and Co. of this city, and B. Towns and Co. of Sydney. The deceased was a most energetic man, and besides his private business he was interested in a great many ventures. Amongst other things, he was managing director of the Newcastle Permanent Investment and Building Society, and accountant to the Savings Bank; and not a little of the great success which has attended these institutions is due to his untiring efforts. He was also a director of the Burwood Coal Company, and last year he filled the position of vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce. He was noted as one of the leading accountants in the colony, and although taking no prominent part in public matters he always took a deep interest in politics. In the masonic order the figure of Mr. H. E. Stokes will be sadly missed, and among his work in this direction may be mentioned his connection with Lodge St. George, which is now one of the finest in the colonies. He was a pastmaster of this lodge, and was also a member of the grand lodge, being a past grand junior warden. As a mark of respect to the deceased his remains will be buried on Tuesday with masonic honours, and previous to the funeral the members of St. George will hold a lodge meeting of sorrow. The deceased was married to a daughter of the late Judge Josephson, and leaves a family of ten children, the youngest being two years of age. Dr. Edward Stokes, assistant house surgeon at Prince Alfred Hospital is the eldest son of the deceased, the eldest daughter being Mrs. A. Neilson, wife of the manager of the West Wallsend colliery. The remains of the deceased gentleman will be buried in Sandgate cemetery on Tuesday afternoon, the cortege leaving his late residence for the Waratah railway station at a quarter to 8 o'clock.