The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 - 1893)(about) |
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Thursday 9 September 1886
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2 corrections, most recently by BerryDunston - Show corrections
Death of a very Old Victorian
Colonist.
(Argus.)
Warragul, Sunday.
Mr. William Witton, known as " Father" Wit- ton, who was one of tho most prominent figures in connexion with the recent Wesleyan Jubilee Cele- bration held at the Exhibition Building, died at his residence in Warragul this morning, at the ad- vanced age of 76 years. Mr. Witton was the first local preacher and class reader in connexion with
the Wesleyan Church in Victoria and a colonist of 50 years standing, and he was instrumental in founding the Wesleyan Church in Melbourne, Wil- liamstown, Geelong, Portland, Belfast, Warrnam- bool, and other towns in the colony. The deceased gentleman commenced business in Melbourne as a builder and contractor, and among other buildings which he erected were the first offies for the Bank
of Australasia in Melbourne. Having secured a competency, he decided upon visiting England, but, changing his plans, determined to go into business in the ironmongery line. Mr. Witton
then carried on this business on the site now occu-
pied by the London Chartered Bank in Collins street. Having retired from this business in favour of his partner, he removed to the Western district (Port Fairy), and entered upon squatting pursuits. Mr. Witton came to Warragul about 10 years ago, and has since resided here. Councillor J. B.
Witton, J.P., merchant, of this town, is a son of the deceased gentleman. Great sympathy is expressed
at his demise.