Death of Mr Robert McAlister

11 August 1925 The Tumut Advocate and Farmers and Settlers' Adviser

The oldest native and a pioneer of the Tumut district, in the person of Mr. Robert McAlister, died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Rowley Ibbotson, Newtown, on Friday last at 4.20 p.m., at the age of 82 years, death being due to senile decay.

Deceased, who was the son of the late Thomas McAlister, of Tumut, was born on the late William Shelley sr's estate, Tumut Plains, known now as "Camelot," Mr. A. N. Stacy's homestead, on Sept. 10, 1842.

On Sept. 11, 1866, he married Sophia Clout, sister of the late George Clout, who died on March 23, 1906.

The issue was a family of 15 12 of whom are living.

They are Carolina Amelia (Mrs. Sol Kitto), Tumut; Henry William, Goulburn; Alfred Edward Ernest, Gilmore; Thomas David, Sydney; Ethel Sophia (Mrs. Tom. Bridle,), Newtown, Tumut; Charles Frederick, Gilmore; Elizabeth Ellen (Mrs. John Emery), Tumut; Robert Rowland, Brungle; Florence Sarah (Mrs. Rowley Ibbotson), Newtown, Tumut; Mary Anne (Mrs. W. Johnson), Sydney; Herbert John, Tumut; Alice May (Mrs. Norman Beegling), Tumut.

Two daughters (Emily Francis, 19 years), and Hessie Jane, an infant) and one son (Edward, an infant), predeceased him.

There are 45 grand-children and nine great grand children.

Until old age and the racking effects of bronchitis and asthma, from which he suffered for many years, rendered him incapable of engaging actively in his vocation, some 15 years ago, the late Mr. Robert McAlister followed farming pursuits in this district, in various localities, and since then he has lived with different members of his family.

He was a genial, kind hearted man, with always a smile and cheery word, and beloved by his large family as well as highly respected by all who gained his friendship and acquaintance.

Through all his physical troubles he bore up with fortitude. 

The last 12 months gave marked signs of his falling strength, and though he rallied after one of his severest bouts towards the end of last year and was afterwards able to get about and commingle with the Tumut Centenary celebrants, it was not long afterwards that the weakening infirmities again manifested their effects.

For two months before death claimed him, he was confined to his daughter's home, where he had every care and comfort that daughters and sons could bestow. 

His end was calm and peaceful— life simply flickered out.

The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon last.

The M.U. Oddfellows, of which order he was a foundation member, marched in regalia, and six of their number (Bros. G. and E. Curll, J. T. Butler, W. Butler sr., C. C. Campbell and F. Atkinson) acted as pall-bearers.

It was a very large cortege that proceeded to the new cemetery, where Rev. F. Johnson (Church of England) officiated, and Wor. Bro. Arthur W. Davis, D.P.G.M., read the Oddfellows' burial service. Mr. H. W. Baker faithfully carried out the undertaking duties.