| OBITUARY.
MRS. SARAH ANN DRURY
On Sunday morning last at about 8.30, a very fine old pioneer of the Manning River passed to that reward which no doubt is hers and which her truly christian life fully merited. We refer to the passing of Sarah Ann Drury, at the residence of her son, Mr. W. H. Drury, of Stevenson Street, Taree. The late Mrs. Drury was born at Bolwarra, and had she lived till June would have been 90 years of age. She was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. George Unicomb, who in the early days came from the Maitland district to the Lower Manning and settled on Jones' Island. That was over 70 years ago, when the Manning was little known, settlement was sparse and the hard-ships of life then were in their early stages. At the age of 19 years the subject of this notice was married to Mr. Edward Drury, the father of a family well-known all over the district. They lived on the lower river, around Ghinni, and later on the Lansdowne, until Mr. Drury died, 20 years ago next November. Following that severe break in half-a-century of married life, Mrs. Drury decided to live with members of her family, and this she did until the end. In Taree the fine old lady, devoutly attached to the cause of christianity, was well known. Her life had been one of uprightness in every action and high Christian standard. She was charitable to a fault, and looked for the best in others no matter what their misfortune. Some six months or so ago she eased up in a wonderfully active life. Despite her four score and ten years almost she would be up with the dawn and walking from one friend to another, no matter how far apart, did not worry her. In fact she looked on it as healthy exercise. Eight weeks ago she had the misfortune to fall down some steps, sustained concussion, and this was the beginning of the end, for the feeble yet willing frame was nearing the end of life's journey. Her end was typical of the life she lived, one of peace. Members of the family had been advised the day before that the end was near and they foregathered around her bedside and were with her when the soul left the flesh to return to the God who gave it. In connection with the passing of this fine old lady, it is interesting to recaIl that a couple of months or so ago she was the central figure in a photograph taken in Taree of five generations. The group consisted of Mrs. S. A. Drury (now deceased), her daughter (Mrs. Duncan McAlpine, of Lansdowne), her grand daughter (Mrs. A. McRay, of Upper Lansdowne), her great grand daughter (Mrs. C. Bignell, jr., of Stoney Creek, Kendall), and her great, great, grand daughter (infant child, of Mrs. C. Bignell, already mentioned). On that occasion it was stated that Mrs. Drury had 10 children living, 63 grand children, and over 100 great grand children, together with one great great grandchild. It falls to the lot of few women to have such a record. Members living of the late Mrs. S. A. Drury's family are: Mrs. McAlpine, Lansdowne; Mr. Chas. E. Drury, Purfleet; Mr. Nathaniel Drury, Oxley Island; Mr. William Henry Drury, Taree; Mr. Jonas Drury, Taree; Mr. Thomas Andrew Drury, Lansdowne ; Mr. Alfred Ernest Drury, Ghinni; Mr. Edwin James Drury, Moto; Mr. Harold Manning Drury, Hannam Vale; and Mr. Allan Stanley Drury, Bowraville. One son, George, died at the age of 28 years, some 33 years ago. Of deceased's own family, the following sisters and brothers survive: Mrs. William Evenden and Mrs. Philip Carle, of Cundle; Mrs. Bostock, Taree; Mrs. Godfrey Gill, Richmond River; Mr. William Henry Unicomb, Newrybar, Richmond River; and Mr. Caleb Unicomb, Sydney. The late Mrs. Drury was a staunch adherent of the Salvation Army, and by the members of that body she will be much missed, she being regarded amongst them as a mother. The funeral took place on Monday afternoon. At 1.30 a service was conducted in the Salvation Army Hall, Manning Street, by Major Olson, at which there was a large attendance. Then the cortege, proceeded, headed by the Salvation Army Band, to the Dawson cemetery, where the remains were interred, Major Olson again conducting the service. Other speakers were Mr. F. B. Dingle, Mrs. H. M. Drury and Mr. Jonas Drury, all of whom made touching references to the exemplary christian life of the departed one. Mr. W. T. Howard carried out the mortuary arrangements.
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