| [Index] |
| Spencer William GROVES (1853 - 1923) |
| Founder 'The Tumut and Adelong Times' |
| Children | Self + Spouses | Parents | Grandparents | Greatgrandparents |
|
Eva Violet GROVES (1879 - 1959) Ella Sylvia GROVES (1880 - 1955) Hessie M GROVES (1884 - 1884) Linda Beatrice GROVES (1885 - 1975) Daisy Irene GROVES (1886 - ) Vera Frances GROVES (1888 - ) Daphne Howard GROVES (1891 - 1980) Rita Doreen GROVES (1897 - 1964) Ruby C GROVES (1898 - ) |
Spencer William GROVES (1853 - 1923) + Elizabeth HOWARD (1856 - 1939) |
John GROVES (1818 - 1879) | ||
| Sarah WHITE (1817 - 1899) | ||||
| b. 1853 at Bombala, New South Wales, Australia |
| m. abt 1877 Elizabeth HOWARD (1856 - 1939) at Tumut, New South Wales, Australia |
| d. 25 Jun 1923 at Tumut, New South Wales, Australia aged 70 |
| Parents: |
| John GROVES (1818 - 1879) |
| Sarah WHITE (1817 - 1899) |
| Events in Spencer William GROVES (1853 - 1923)'s life | |||||
| Date | Age | Event | Place | Notes | Src |
| 1853 | Spencer William GROVES was born | Bombala, New South Wales, Australia | 73 | ||
| abt 1877 | 24 | Married Elizabeth HOWARD (aged 21) | Tumut, New South Wales, Australia | 73 | |
| 1879 | 26 | Birth of daughter Eva Violet GROVES | Tumut, New South Wales, Australia | 73 | |
| 1879 | 26 | Death of father John GROVES (aged 61) | Bombala, New South Wales, Australia | ||
| 1880 | 27 | Birth of daughter Ella Sylvia GROVES | Tumut, New South Wales, Australia | 73 | |
| 1884 | 31 | Birth of daughter Hessie M GROVES | Tumut, New South Wales, Australia | ||
| 1884 | 31 | Death of daughter Hessie M GROVES | |||
| 1885 | 32 | Birth of daughter Linda Beatrice GROVES | Tumut, New South Wales, Australia | 73 | |
| 1886 | 33 | Birth of daughter Daisy Irene GROVES | Tumut, New South Wales, Australia | 73 | |
| 1888 | 35 | Birth of daughter Vera Frances GROVES | Tumut, New South Wales, Australia | 73 | |
| 1891 | 38 | Birth of daughter Daphne Howard GROVES | Tumut, New South Wales, Australia | 73 | |
| 1897 | 44 | Birth of daughter Rita Doreen GROVES | Tumut, New South Wales, Australia | 73 | |
| abt 1898 | 45 | Birth of daughter Ruby C GROVES | Tumut, New South Wales, Australia | 73 | |
| 1899 | 46 | Death of mother Sarah WHITE (aged 82) | Bombala, New South Wales, Australia | ||
| 25 Jun 1923 | 70 | Spencer William GROVES died | Tumut, New South Wales, Australia | 73 | |
| Personal Notes: |
|
Spencer Groves was born in the Monaro district in 1853. Learning the newspaper business in the office of the Bombala limes he came to Tumut in 1876 and took over the Tumut and Adelong times which he continued to publish until his death in 1923. In 1878 Spencer Groves married Elizabeth Howard, a daughter of George Howard, the bootmaker. They had eight daughters;
Spencer Groves was an excellent citizen taking an active part in the promotion of every project for the progress of the district. His newspaper was published on the principle of "Truth and Public Benefit without Fear or Favour", but at the same time he was most prudent. He was a warden of the Church of England for thirty-six years and for many years acted as District Coroner. Spencer had been the owner of the Tumut and Adelong Times quite successfully. At the time of his death, his nephews Tweedie and Howard had been appointed as managers of the newspaper. See obit in same paper in 1923. The Tumut and Adelong Times 29 Jun 1923 OBITUARY MR. SPENCER GROVES This paper is now called upon to chronicle the passing in death of that uncommon and grand personality which founded it. For Mr. Spencer Groves gathered the reins ere the "Tumut and Adelong Times " had gained its legs, when it was still in the struggling stages of uncertainty. The paper was established in 1858 by Mr. Elworthy, who conducted it until 1867, when he removed to Gundagai. Its publication was then suspended for a time, until revived by Mr. Windeyer, who carried it on for two years. Two or three changes of ownership followed in quick succesion, and in 1871 Mr. Groves took over the proprietorship. Under his management it grew to a bi-weekly publication, by the addition of the ''Adelong Argus " issued in the mining interests, for circulation in the Adelong district, then in the height of its mining boom. The late Mr. Spencer Groves was born in the Monaro district, in 1853, and learned his business in the offices of the ''Bombala Times" (now conducted by his nephew, Mr. William Tweedie) and the "Bombala Herald'' (since extinct). He was the third eldest son of the late Mr and Mrs John Groves of Bombala. Other members of the family are — John (deceased), Joseph (deceased), James (Bega District), George (Sydney), Mrs. Heritage (deceased), Mrs. Tweedie (deceased), Mrs. Clancy (Gippsland), Mrs. Trevanion (Bombala). In 1878 Mr. Groves was married to Elizabeth, eldest daughter of the late Mr. George Howard, of Tumut. The issue of the marriage was nine daughters, one of whom died in infancy. Those surviving are — Mrs. James de Beuzeville (Sydney), Mrs. Major Norris (Sydney), Mrs. F. W. Arthur (Sydney), Mrs. E. Kehoe (Mathoura), Mrs. C. Leslie (Aberdeen) Mrs. Ritchie (Cowra), Miss Daphne (Tumut), and Mrs. Beattie (Sydney). From the commencement of his career in Tumut, Mr. Groves became a leading public man. His interest in matters for the advancement of the town and district never flagged ; he was a keen and quick thinker ; and he could speak extempore to the point and with a lightening like rapidity. In social matters he was particularly excelling : never out of place in any niche. In earlier days he was an enthusiastic follower, supporter and participant in the fields of sport, such as duck and pigeon shooting, cricket, tennis, skating and other such games. He was a member of practically all town committees, on many of which he held the presidency. The A. & P. Association, Turf Club, School of Arts and Tumut Hospital owe much to his energies as committeeman, and to his support, financial and otherwise. He endeavoured at all times to promote harmonious working, and to avoid discord within and without. It was as secretary of the Tumut District Promotion League that Mr. Groves' energies were perhaps most pronounced. The league set out to accomplish the sanction of Tumut as the Federal Capital, and after strenuous efforts succeeded in placing the town second in the final choice, the Gadara site being defeated only by one vote. The brunt of the agitation was borne by the secretary, as in all such movements, and as a reward for his services, the townspeople presented Mr. Groves with a large illuminated address, with the photos inset of himself, his residence and office. This appreciation is greatly treasured by the widow and members of his family, as it was by the recipient in his life time. In his professional and business career Mr. Spencer Groves was successful, and the accumulation of his work was expended in the acquisition of town properties, which are numerous. He was a lover of gardening and it was his delight to arise early and spend his time among the flowers and shrubs that adorn his late homestead. He was possessed of a wonderful capacity for retaining interest and enthasiasm in many things at the one time. His was a mind that could revert at all times to what was required of it. But it was in his home life that the charm and generosity of this uncommon personality was most noticeable, notwithstanding that many persons who have had business dealings with Mr. Groves can testify as to his generous dealings. We who knew him more intimately in every sphere are well aware of the great love he bore for the members of his household their welfare was his chief consideration throughout life ; and they in return paid him fully. But it is unnecessary to dwell upon this— everybody knows. As stated in last issue, it was about October of last year that Mr Groves relinquished active management of this paper, and at the end of March last he dispesed of the business to his nephew, Mr. E. Howard. The skill and regular attention of the doctors failed to arrest the progress of the complaint that was to bring about his ending and a paralytic stroke occurring hastened his death, which took plane early on Monday morning as stated. Dr. Clouston, attended the sufferer daily, and was particularly attentive throughout. The late Mr. Groves was a member of the Masonic fraternity, a member of the M.U.I.O.O.F., and the senior warden of All Saints' Church of England. He was also coroner for the Tumut District. The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon, the remains being interred in the new cemetery. At 2.30 o'clock the body was taken to the church, where requiem service was held by Rev. McKeown, sen. A large crowd of mourners and sympathisers and members of the choir and organist attended. The hymn "Lead Kindly Light," 90th psalm and Nunc Dimittis were sung. After leaving the church the funeral was controlled by the members of the Masonic Lodge and Manchester Unity, many members of both lodges, and of the parochial council taking part in a lengthy cortege. At the graveside Rev McKeown read the Anglican burial service, this being followed by Masonic Burial service conducted by Wor. Master Bro. D. McGruer, during which the Apron of the order, belonging to the deceased Brother (who had passed through the higher office) was placed upon the coffin, and a Sprig of Acacia laid at the head of the grave. Then followed the burial service of the Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows, delivered by Bro. E. Elphick, N. G., sprigs of greenery being used in this ceremony also. The pall bearers were: — Wor. Bro. C W. Burt, and Bros., A. E. Wilkinson, C. Campbell, C. Allatt, E. Elphick and E. G. Bridle. Many beautiful wreaths were sent along by friends and representatives of various public bodies, including the War Memorial committee, Church choir, Sunday school and tennis club, and from the 'Times' Office staff. Mr. James Elphick was funeral director. On behalf of the community we represent, we extend deepest sympathy to the widow and members of the family in their sad bereavement. "Come unto Me, all ye that are weary and are heavy laden, and I will give thee rest." So he is gathered into that fold for which, throughout his lifetime, he did much to assist in preparing himself and others. |
| Source References: |
| 63. Type: Web Page, Abbr: Trove, Title: Trove National Library of Australia, Locn: http://trove.nla.gov.au/ |
| - Reference = The Tumut and Adelong Times 29 Jun 1923 (Name, Notes) |
| 73. Type: Book, Abbr: Pioneers of Tumut Valley, Title: Pioneers of the Tumult Valley , The History of Early Settlement, Auth: H.E. Snowden, Publ: Tumut & District Historical Society Incorporated, Date: 2004 |
| - Reference = 99 (Name, Notes) |
| - Reference = 112 (Birth) |
| - Reference = 112 (Death) |
| - Reference = 112 (Marriage) |