Joseph Latham (1827 - 1913)

Obituary.

The Grim Reaper has been at work on the Manning again and has gathered to his fathers another of the well-known residents in the person of Mr. Joseph Latham, senr., of Coopernook, who passed away on Tuesday night, 9th inst., at 10 minutes to 11.

The late Mr. Latham was born in Gloucestershire, in England, and would have been 86 years of age on the 14th November next. He came to Australia in 1857, arriving in the month of August, three days after the wreck of the Dunbag. His wife accompanied him, and they then proceeded to Kiama, but after a few weeks removed to Dungog, and from there to the Maiming. Their first residence on the Manning was at Woolln Woolla, and they afterwards lived at Taree Estate and Mambo Island, before going to Coopernook in 1872.

Deceased was of a sturdy, but quiet, disposition, and was of the type that has done so much to make the Manning a pleasant and prosperous place. His later years had been spent in retirement at Coopernook. Only the day before he died deceased was walking about. He possessed a wonderfully strong constitution.

Deceased was twice married, the wife who accompanied him out from the Old Land passing away at Dungog whilst they resided there. Of the family of that marriage Mr. George Latham, of Camden Haven, and Mrs. Smith, of Moorland, survive. He was married a second time on the Manning to Miss Richards, who died two years ago on the 7th May. She was a sister to Mr. Reuben Richards, J.P., Mitchell's Island, and Mrs. Baines, senr., Taree. Since Mrs. Latham died Mrs. Price (daughter) has been residing with her father. Of the second marriage there were five sons and two daughters, viz., Messrs. Joseph, Eli, Stephen and W. A. Latham, of Coopernook; Mr. John Latham, of Stewart's River; Mrs. F. Price, of Coopernook; and Mrs. W. A. Gill, junr., of Jones' Island. In addition to this large family, deceased left many grandchildren and great -grandchildren.

The funeral of the deceased was largely attended, and gave evidence of the esteem and respect felt towards him. The service at St. Luke's Church, Coopernook, of which he was one of the first trustees, was conducted by the Rev. G. D. Hilder, Rector, and the hymns "When Saints on Earth" and "Abide with Me" were sung, and the 94th Psalm chanted. The Rector gave an address from the words "In my Father's House are many mansions; if it were not so I would have told you." As the funeral left the church the "Dead March in Saul" was played by Miss E. Newton (organist). At the graveside the service was conducted by the Rev. G. D. Hilder and the Rev. E. C. Thomas (Methodist), the latter giving an address on the "Blessedness of the Sympathy of Christ." Four of the sons of the deceased—Messrs. Eli, George, Will, and Steve acted as pallbearers, and the business places of the town were closed as the cortege proceeded on its way to the cemetery.

Widespread sympathy is felt with the bereaved relatives, in which we would join.