The Tumut and Adelong Times 15 Nov 1949
OBITUARY MR. ROBERT DANIEL FRENCH An old identity of the Tumut and Brungle districts passed away in a Sydney hospital on November 7 in the person of Mr. Robert Daniel French, at the age of 90 years. Deceased, who was the last of a family of eight, was a son of the late Mr. William French, of Bungle, the first white child born at that centre. Mr. Robert French carried on his father's property 'Oakview', on the latter's death, and as time went on extended the original area of 40 acres by another 3000 acres. The late Mr. French was twice married. His first wife was Miss Martha Kell, of Lacmalac. who predeceased him. To that union were born two sons and four daughters, all of whom survive, viz.: Lill (Mrs. N. McDonell, Parkes). George (Goulburn), Emily (Mrs. J. Hill, Mascot), Robert (Kurrajong), Belle (Mrs. C. Green, Tumut Plains), Nellie (Mrs. A. Gordon, Auburn). His second wife was Miss Elizabeth Frost, by whom he is survived, together with the one daughter of the marriage, Mary (Mrs. V. Young, Mittagong). One son Willie died in infancy. There are also nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren surviving. The only grandson carrying the name of French, Herbert, died three years ago. In 1920 Mr. French sold his Brungle property where he had lived all his life and went to Cootamundra to reside. During his residence at Brungle the late Mr. French took an active part in all district activities, especially those associated with the Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the M.U.I. O.O.F. For the eight weeks prior to his entering a Sydney hospital a fortnight prior to his demise he had been staying with his son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Green, of Tumut Plains. The remains were brought back to Tumut for interment and after a service at St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church the funeral left for the Tumut Old Cemetery where they were laid to rest beside his first wife. Rev. Hayman officiated at the graveside and W. W. Beavan and Son had charge of the funeral arrangements. Floral tributes were received from Lill, Emily, Belle and Nellie; George and Bob; Wife, daughter Mollie and Victor; granddaughters Jessie, Lena, Joyce and Beryl; Mr. and Mrs. J. Kell; Harry and Jessie Kell and family; Maurice, Regie, Mack and May; Maude, Bert and boys; Eileen and boys; Bob and Annie Kell; Donald and M. McGruer; Mrs. Owen and Mari.; Ada and Mabel; Kathleen and Matt French; May Jones and family; Lill and Charlie Clout;: the Carr family; Reg, Joan and family; Belle and Lisle; Os, Norel and John; May, Ruby and Claude; Mr. and Mrs. W. Percival and family; Jess Vallance; Claude and Ruby; Linda and Frank; Doll, Fred and family; Mary, George and family; Snow and Daisy Lubke and family. |
