The Tumut and Adelong Times 13 Jul 1943
OBITUARY MR. JOHN PURCELL The Tumut district received a shock on Sunday and yesterday when the news was circulated of the sudden death on Sunday of Mr. John Purcell of 'The Gap,' Wondalga. Although deceased had not been enjoying good health for some time he was in his usual good spirits on Sunday morning, he suddenly collapsed and passed away whilst sitting in a chair at his home, heart failure being the cause of his demise. The late Mr. Purcell, who would have attained his 70th birthday next mouth, was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles Purcell of Adelong Creek, where he was born . In his early days he followed mining pursuits and later took up grazing acquiring property at Wondalga. He continued on and made it a great success, principally with sheep and cattle and greatly improved and developed the holding. In recent years he has been assisted in the conduct of the property by his son Ben, and it is now a competence for his wife and family. At one time the late Mr. Purcell worked the Great Wondalga Mine, which prove successful to a degree of development. The mines remained idle for a few years and were then taken over by a city company, which did not persevere with further development after a short trial. The late Mr. Chas. Purcell took a decided interest in horse racing, in which the late Mr. John Purcell and his brothers assisted in the training of a number of successful performers. Deceased was a good citizen, taking an interest in all public affairs and most sport. He married Miss Honor Prowse, of Adelong, by whom he is survived together with two sons, Milton (Canberra) and Benjamin (Wondalga), and one daughter, Mary(Mrs. Baker, of Tenterfield) . Brothers and sisters also surviving are Charles (Gilmore), William (Adelong Creek), Frederick. (Wondalga). Benjamin (Brungle), Frances (Mrs. Richard Prowse, Nacki), Cecilia (Mrs. Walsh, Wondalga), Annie (Mrs. Cabban, Canberra), Jennie (Mrs. F. Alldis), Rhoda (Mrs. Humphries., Sydney) and Miss Millie Purcell, of Canberra. Deepest sympathy is felt for the bereaved in their great loss. The funeral leaves the residence, Wondalga, at 2.30 p.m.; to-day for the Methodist portion of the Adelong cemetery. |