Obituaries Australia

It is with feelings of regret that we chronicle the death of Mr Thomas Woodbury, of Cumberland Street Cessnock, which sad event occurred at his home on Saturday.

The late Mr Woodbury was one of the grand old men of the district and was 85 years of age. He had been in failing health for some time and his death was not unexpected.

The late Mr. Woodbury spent most of his long life in the district, and was quite a child when his parents settled at Wattagan. Then, and for many years afterwards, the name of Woodbury was one of the best known in the district, but with time the families scattered.

In the early period of what is known as modern Cessnock, the late Mr. Woodbury was a builder and he erected many homes in the town and district. One of the first business premises he erected was the two storey building in Main street for Messrs. Lane and Quinn. This building is now occupied by Mr P. J. Ryan as a store. In those days it was the leading business house of its kind.

The late Mr Woodbury was a keen reader and a deep thinker. He was firm, yet fair in his dealings and he was a man hard to turn from any set purpose. He was one of the first of the district countrymen to subscribe to Labour politics. He was a staunch supporter of the first and second Labour parliaments but in later years, while he remained loyal to the party, he regretted events had made it as a house divided.

He knew the district as few knew it and was an ardent supporter of anything that meant its promulgation. Up to a couple years ago the deceased gentleman worked at his trade, but failing health compelled him to lay aside his tools. Of a quiet, unassuming nature, he made no enemies, but he was esteemed by friends that were legion.

The deceased is survived by a family of three daughters, one daughter having predeceased him.

His remains were interred in the Roman Catholic portion of the Cessnock cemetery on Sunday afternoon, a large number of old friends being included in the cortege.