February 21, 1919 Obituary Mr Thomas LEAR A colonists of 63, and a resident of the Gymbowen district for 43 years, died on Saturday evening last at the home of his daughter, Mrs Arthur RICHARDS, Gymbowen, in the person of Mr Thomas LEAR at the ripe age of 90 years and 9 months. The old gentleman had enjoyed good health up to November last, but since then had gradually grown weaker. He was held in high esteem by a large circle of acquaintances. He had helped considerably in letting the sun shine on the lands of Nurcoung, and thereby making them productive, the sound of his axe, mingling with the songs of the birds, being the only evidence that the bush was being reclaimed from the happy hunting ground of the kangaroo and dingo. He was spared to enjoy, in the evening of his life, the productive appearance of a district which produced practically nothing when he took a hand in its development. He was born at Chudleigh, Devonshire, in 1828, and was married in 1846 to Miss Mary STONE, of Exeter, and they, together with three children, landed at Portland in 1856. Mr LEAR proceeded to Hillgate station, near Coleraine, then occupied by the late Alfred ARDEN, of Tahara. From there, Mr LEAR went to reside at Colraine, and selected land at the Salt Pans in 1863, where he farmed until he removed, 43 years ago, to Spring Hill, near Gymbowen, he and his family having selected a good scope of country there. Retiring some years ago, he had since resided with his daughters in and around Gymbowen. His family consisted of four sons and six daughters, of whom three predeceased him. His wife died about 16 years ago. The surviving members of the family are Messrs John (Mitre Lake) and Henry (Underbool) and Mesdames D. MAYBERY (Mitre Lake), A. BUFFHAM (Gymbowen), A. RICHARDS (Gymbowen), and ERFORTH (Melbourne). He leaves also 49 grandchildren, and 32 great grandchildren, three of his grandsons having been killed at the war. The funeral took place to the Goroke cemetery on Monday, the remains of deceased being placed beside those of his wife. The Rev A.C. EDWARDS, of the Church of England, conducted the burial service, and the coffin-bearers were four grandsons, Messrs Leslie LEAR, Reginald MAYBERY, Thos P. KNIGHT, and Arthur RICHARDS. Daryl Crabtree Gladstone Qld www.ballaratgenealogy.org.au/goroke/