Alfred Gosper (1859 - 1925)

Born 9 Jan 1859 in Windsor, New South Wales, Australia

Ancestors

Husband of Sarah Ann (Graham) Gosper — married 16 Aug 1882 in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Descendants

Died 14 Dec 1925 in Newtown, New South Wales, Australia

Profile manager: Geoffrey Johnston [send private message]

Biography

• An item in Windsor & Richmond Gazette dated 31st August, 1901 reads:
• "Send-off to Mr. Alfred Gosper.
• On Saturday evening a number of friends of Mr. Alfred Gosper (son of Mr. John T. Gosper, of the Terrace, Windsor), mail guard on the Temora line, met at the

Terminus Hotel, to take farewell of him over a friendly glass. The Mayor, Mr. E. G. Bartley, presided. Mr Gosper has been associated with the Temora line ever since its inception, some 7-1/2 years since. It goes to show how a humble officer may win the confidence and goodwill of the public by a simple disposition to be obliging, for that seems to be the distinguishing feature of Mr. Gosper, and the people of Cootamundra, Stockinbingal, Temora, Wyalong, and elsewhere are apparently of one mind on that point. At about 9 the Mayor took the chair. Apolo gies were made for Dr. Brennan, Mr. Clyde, and others. The Mayor asked the company to drink the toast of the guest. Mr. Gosper had been promoted to Sydney. He never had more pleasure in presiding at a social of this kind. He had come in contact with Mr. Gosper a good deal, in lodge matters, in railway matters, and otherwise, and never had he come in contact with a more obliging officer, which was the universal opinion. He had often travelled with Mr. Gosper. The public had in him not only a mere railway official, but one who always seemed ready to oblige people. When they found officials so good for the people, he was sure they were also good for the Department. They did not find in him any red tapeism. While they regretted Mr. Gosper was leaving them, they were glad it meant promotion. He knew many more would be present but for it being Saturday night. He then presented Mr. Gosper with a bag of sovs. He said it was not a very big affair (it was a little bag of sovereigns). (Applause). He wished the guest, his wife and family, Health and prosperity. (Applause). Toast duly honored. Mr. Durham and others bore testimony to the good qualities of the guest, as one always ready to lend a helping hand. On behalf of the permanent way, Mr, E. Burns said he did not think anyone could be found to say one word against their guest. Mr. Falconer said that he had travelled on the Temora line oftener, he supposed, than anyone present, and he never heard a complaint, Mr. Gosper was so obliging that every one appreciated him. Contributions had come into the testimonial all the way from Wyalong. Mr. J. Fuller said he had occasion, in a small business way, to come in contact with the guest, and always found it a pleasure to meet him. Mr. J. McBeath added a word, as did Mr. Resch, junr. Mr. Gosper returned his sincere thanks. It was very pleasing to be amongst his friends. What he had done was done in a free and faithful manner. He thanked the chairman, for the kind way he had referred to him, he was too kind, indeed. On the Temora line he had put in 71/2 years, the prime of his life, he supposed, but he had made many friends. He had been along the road that day, and he felt amply compen sated for anything he ever did. His removal was at his own instigation, and he hoped it would be much better for him. He thanked them on behalf of himself and his wife, and he trusted they would always retain his confidence. Here it transpired that (in addition to the presentation just made), there had been presented a watch and chain (from Springdale), and sovs., also a purse of sovs from Stockinbingal. Temora and Wyalong also made presentations, we believe, which shows how much Mr. Gosper is appreciated along the line. Mr. Doidge proposed the health of the Mayor. He was sure they would be sorry to disperse without paying that compliment to Mr. Bartley. He was pleased that he had come to that little gathering to honor a man who, though occupying a humble position, had evidently won, and worthily won the confidence and good will of those he had come in contact with. (Applause.) The toast was received with ' He's a jolly good fellow.' Mayor Bartley, in replying, said he was very pleased indeed to hear the testimony the editor of the ' Liberal' had borne to his conduct in his public position. Similar toasts had been proposed to him many times, but never, he thought, had it been so ably put as Mr. Doidge had put it. It was true he might have been Mayor in the previous term, in fact two years ago. but he hesitated to accept so responsible an office. He was glad to think his conduct won the appreciation of the ratepayers. (Applause). They knew that the Mayor sometimes made enemies— or apparent enemies but they knew also that the Mayor had his duties, and it was his desire to fulfill those duties well and faithfully to all.

• Before the conclusion of the meeting the Mayor proposed ' The Press,' coupled

with the name of Mr. Doidge, which was duly honored. "Cootamundra Liberal"

Sources

• Australia, Birth Index, 1788-1922
• Birth NSW BDM Index 13559/1859 GOSPER ALFRED (parents) JOHN T & GRACE (WINDSOR)
• Marriage NSW BDM Index 1262/1882 GOSPER ALFRED married GRAHAM SARAH ANN (SYDNEY)
• Death NSW BDM Index 19426/1925 GOSPER ALFRED 66 YRS EPA HOSP NEWTOWN (NEWTOWN)
• Taken from MyHeritage 18/05/2017

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