Obituaries Australia

Our Sackville correspondent writes:— 'With regret I report the decease of Mr James Turnbull, who passed away somewhat suddenly on Monday morning, after a protracted illness, from Bright's disease, at the age of 73 years and 11 months. "Jim" (as he was affectionately called) was a jovial character and generally respected throughout the district, with which he was intimately acquainted, and could tell some interesting yarns of bygone times and people generally. No one was so popular at our entertainments and concerts, or so sure to receive an encore as the late Mr Turnbull when singing one of his crooodile yarns. He could always bring down the house, and both old and young will regret his absence. The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon at Ebenezer, and was attended by about 200 relatives and acquaintances, marking the respect in which he was held. Among the mourners were six out of seven sons. Rev. A. Dandie (Presbyterian) conducted the burial service, and was assisted by the Rev. A. Cooper (Methodist), of Sackville, who visited the deceased during his last illness, and ministered to his spiritual wants. Mr Cooper addressed the mourners at the graveside in a few most appropriate and touching words. He instilled into all hearers a strong hope for our departed friend's future, judged by conversations with him. Could wishes give effect the one united cry from this district would be 'Farewell, Jim, end a happy eternity for ever and ever.' Mr T. Collison, of Windsor, conducted the funeral, and the coffin was a massive one of polished cedar, with silver mountings, The late Mr Turnbull was a native of Sackville, and lived there all his life, and people who have known him from boyhood, and were thoroughly acquainted with, his inmost nature, speak of him as one of the finest characters in the Hawkesbury. Straight in all his dealings, and manly in all his actions, with a love and reverence for all things good, no wonder he enjoyed the esteem and respect of all men. A kind and considerate neighbour, and a benefactor to many, the name of James Turnbull will be honored and revered through many years to come. We have had personal dealings with him, and always found him the true type of good Australian, who are becoming scarcer every year. His widow survives him and will live with her son, Mr A. G. Turnbull, of Sackville. To her and her family of manly sons and womanly daughters we extend our sympathy. His death was the first break in the family circle, and naturally they felt poignant grief at losing the fine old head of the family. The family number eleven, viz., Mr Cyrus Turnbull (school teacher at Milton); Mrs Charles Green, of Lower Portland; Mrs Edward Kemp, Ebenezer; Mr Eli J. Turnbull, of Mulgoa; Mr Archibald G. Turnbull, of Sackville; Mr Arthur F. Turnbull, of West Maitland; Mrs Isaac N. Woods, of Seven Hills; Mr Ralph Warr Turnbull, of West Maitland; Mrs William Harrison, of Port Macquarie; Mr Stanley Bligh Turnbull, and Mr Sydney Marshall Dunston Turnbull, both of Sydney. We have also received the following expressive lines : — In Memory of James Turnbull.

Oh ! poor old James has gone,
No more we'll hear his voice —
To Heaven his soul is borne,
And it makes our hearts rejoice.

A cheerful word he always had,
For young and old alike,
And tho' his death has made us sad,
We're pleased to know he's right.

And to you, his loving wife,
I pray that God may give you strength
To bear the trials of this short life,
In heaven to meet your love at length.

And do not weep, ye children dear,
For now your dad has gone to rest.
His life was good, ye need not fear,
His feet from off your shore have passed.

Yea, rather thank God for his love,
For calling thy dear one away
To that blest home of saints above,
There to reign with him for aye.

C.H.B.