Port Fairy Gazette (Vic. : 1914 - 1918)(about) |
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Thursday 19 October 1916
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Obituary. MRS AGNES STEELE. The death of Mrs Agnes Steele (relict of the late James Steele) which took place at her residence, "The Maze," Rosebrook, on Wednesday last, removes another of the early pioneers who helped in the development of the Western District. The late Mrs Steele, who had attained the age of 79, was a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and accompanied her husband to these shores when only 20 years of age, arriving in the ship Anna Maria at Portland in 1854, coming on to Port Fairy in a steam tug. She was a colonist of over 62 years. In i856 Mr and Mrs Steele settled in Rosebrook, part of Atkinson's Survey, at that time little more than a dense bush ; the undu lating fields, fine homesteads, and dairy herds there to-day give evidence of their perseverance and industry, and later of the prosperity which attended- their efforts. Mr Steele predeceased his wite by 28 years, his death also taking place in October-the 22nd. The late Mrs Steele was a womnan of great vigor and energy, and though she had enjoyed but indiffer ent health for some years she continued to discharge her usual duties with a method and thoroughness, characteristic of her, up .to. a short time before her death, which was no doubt hastened by a fall she had last Easter. She was a keen business woman, her honorable and up right dealings in all matters earning the respect of all, even strangers. Her kind. ly charitable disposition rendered smooth the road for weary travellers, and her advice was sought and carefully followed by a large circle, who, knowing her well, found % great deal to admire and love in their neighbor- and friend, whose death, though not unexpected, will be deeply lamented by many. Deceased was an active member of the Presbyterian Church. She was a regular attendant. very rarely missing a service, 'till com pelled by Ill-health. Mrs Steele was an exemplary wife and mother. She leaves a family of five sons-all prosperously following agricultural pursuits-and four daughters to-mourn the loss of a devoted mother. The funeral will leave " The Maze," for the Port Fairy. Cemetery, at It o'clock to-morrow (Friday) morning.