Billy Marchant worked at a saw mill at Mayberry, Tasmania, with his brothers-in-law Luck , Dick and George Warren. After the supply of the timber had been exhausted the team disbanded. Billy won a contract to look after the nearby King Solomon Caves. Billy married Eva Warren, and had a daughter, Jessie. Jessie married Billy Simpson who took over the role of managing King Solomon Caves, while Jessie managed the King Solomon Cave Cafe and cooked up to 100 meals every day. In her retirement, Jessie was a fine artist, and bequeathed to Roy Evans her painting of Mt Ireh homestead at Longford.[4]
Death and Burial
Billy Marchant died at his home at Mayberry in 10 October 1943.
Examiner of Tuesday 12 October 1943, reported:
"DEATHS. MARCHANT.—On October 10, 1943, at his residence, Mayberry, William Russell, dearly beloved husband of Eva Marchant, of Mayberry; aged 86 years.
FUNERAL NOTICES. MARCHANT—The friends of the late Mr. William Russell Marchant are invited to attend his funeral, which is appointed to leave his late residence, Mayberry, at 2.15 p.m. this day (Tuesday), arriving for interment at the Mole Greek Cemetery at 3 p.m. —B. J. CAMERON, A.F.D.A., 'phone 7, Deloraine."
"MR. W. R. MARCHANT. The death occurred at his home, May berry. Mole Creek, recently of Mr. William R. Marchant, aged 86 years. Mr. Marchant, at the age of 71, was appointed guide and caretaker of the famous King Solomon Caves. Widely known, he was respected by all who came in contact with him. Visitors to the caves will remember how he could explain the various phenomena that existed there. He was an authority on caves. Born at Athelstone, South Australia, on February 22 1857, he came to Tasmania over 50 years ago, accompanied by his mother and brother, Mr. Albert Marchant, who later re-turned to the mainland, and carried on farming pursuits at Mayberry, formerly Circular Ponds. The funeral look place at the Mole Creek cemetery. It was largely attended. The service at the graveside was conducted by Mr. F. J. Miller, Methodist Home Missioner. Carriers were Messrs. Horace Barnes and W. Simpson (sons-in-law) and Joe Glover and Adrian Ashdown. Pallbearers were Messrs. L. L. Warren (brother-in-law), A. How. J. E. Byard and S. Byard. Mr. Marchant is survived by his widow, who was formerly Miss Eva Warren, and four daughters Ada (Mrs Ross, Victoria), Nettie (Mrs. H. Barnes, Longford). Jessie (Mrs. W. Simpson, Mayberry) and Ellen (Mrs. Keith Macdonald, Victoria). There was one son. He died some years ago as the result of an accident."
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