Person:Walter Gadd (1)

Walter Gadd died in Maryborough, Victoria in 1899. His age is given as 79 indicating that he was born about 1820. His parents are listed as Thomas Gadd and Mary Unknown.

The following article appeared in the Maryborough and Dunolly Advertiser on Wednesday, 1st November 1899:

"DEATH OF MR. WALTER GADD

"The news of the death of Mr. Walter Gadd, the well known and respectable trustee and Estate Agent, came as a sudden and painful shock to the community on Monday last. Suffering from an attack of influenza Mr. Gadd was on Friday last compelled to take to his bed, Dr. Miller who was called at once pronounced the case to be serious. Mr. Gadd lost consciousness on Saturday, and quietly and peacefully passed away about 5 a.m. on Monday, at the ripe age of 80 years. Residents of the town could hardly realise the terribly sudden termination of a life which a few days ago gave full promise of at least another decade of usefulness.

"Mr. Gadd was a native of Essex, England, and arrived in South Australia nearly 60 years ago. He resided at Koonunga, famed for the great Burra Burra copper mine, out of which an immense wealth of mineral was obtained. On the closing of the mine, Mr. Gadd removed to Wallarooo and Kadina, both well known as copper producing districts. About 25 years ago Mr. Gadd came to Melbourne, where he carried on the business of an Estate Agent. In 1892 finding that a drier climate would be more beneficial to his health, he visited Maryborough (Vic.) and decided to make it his home. He has since carried on business at his office in Nolan St., and although at his advanced age he refrained from taking part in public affairs, he was always looked upon with respect. A quite, conscious and experienced man of business. He took a great interest in horticulture, and spent all his spare time in his garden, Park Road. Many people, especially the poor, were frequently recipients of presents of fine vegetables which he took a pride in, and was successful in growing. Mr. Gadd frequently entertained friends with vivid and interesting accounts of his reminiscences of colonial history between 50 and 60 years ago.

"The deceased gentleman leaves a widow, well advanced in years, who we regret to hear was at the time of his death was very ill suffering from the prevailing epidemic, and who is still in a precarious state. Besides there are a grown up family of three sons and three daughters, five of whom are married. Two daughters are living in South Australia, and owing to the suddenness of their fathers death were unable to be present at the funeral obsequies. The other daughter is married to Mr. Harkness, register of courts, this town.

"The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, and was preceded by a short but impressive service conducted at the deceased residence by the Rev. D. Gunson. A number of residents joined in the procession to pay the last tribute of respect to the memory of the deceased, among them being, His Worship the Mayor (Mr. J. Logan, J.P.) Mr. James De Lacy, and Mr. E. F. Jolly. The chief mourners were the three sons of the deceased. Viz. Mr. W. S. Gadd J.P. ex Mayor of Fitzroy, Mr. C. R. Gadd, accountant of Melbourne, and Mr. William Gadd. Mr. David Harkness, son-in-law and Mr. Leet Harkness, grandson of the deceased. The pall-bearers were Councillor E. E. Virtue, Messers, G. A. Moss, Geo. Edwards, W. Russel, J. Moizer and W. Schmidt. The Rev. D. Gunson conducted an impressive service at the grave. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messers. T. Casey and Son."