Margaret Littlejohn
Don Congregational Cemetery
DEATH
LITTLEJOHN – On 3rd Inst., at her parents’ residence, West Devonport, Margaret, eldest daughter of Alexander
and Margaret Littlejohn.
The North West Post 4th September 1894
Alexander Littlejohn
Don Congregational Cemetery
DEATH
LITTLEJOHN – On July 23, at his residence, West Devonport, Alexander Littlejohn, aged 65 years.
The North West Post 25th July 1895
FUNERAL
The funeral of Mr. Alexander Littlejohn will leave his late residence, Middle Road, West Devonport, for the Don Cemetery, at 2 p.m. TO-MORROW (Friday). H. Weller, Undertaker.
The North West Post 25th July 1895
Painful surprise was created at Devonport on Tuesday afternoon when it became known that Mr. Alexander
Littlejohn had expired suddenly at his residence at the outskirts of the town. The deceased had been
ailing for the past fortnight, but was not thought to be seriously ill. He got up as usual on Tuesday
morning, and remarked that he felt much better, and took a walk into one of the paddocks. He returned
about half-past 11, and then complained of a severe pain near his chest, and had only been in the house
a few minutes when he suddenly fell forward. Those in the room raised him up, but it was seen that he
was past human aid. A medical man was, however, summoned, and he gave it as his opinion that the cause
of death was heart disease, from which deceased had suffered for some time. The late Mr. Littlejohn,
who was 65 years of age, was an old resident at the Don. He arrived from Elgin, Scotland, with his wife
and family, in the ship Lady Egiddia, with some other old identities at present residing on the Coast,
some thirty-four years ago, and after a short residence at Dunorlan removed to the Don about thirty years
ago, where he entered the employ of Cummings, Raymond, & Co., as a Carpenter. Within a short time after
entering the service his employer, recognizing his exceptional abilities at his trade, placed him in
charge of the large number of workmen who were employed by the firm, a position in which he had the
confidence, respect, and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. The deceased was of a retiring
disposition, but in the early days of the Congregational Church at the Don he was a valued member,
and for years held the position of a deacon. About a year ago he and his family removed from the Don
and took up their residence at West Devonport. The deceased leaves a wife and small family to mourn
their loss, the second eldest of the children being Mr. John Littlejohn, who is highly respected at
Devonport, and who, until his compulsory retirement through ill-health, held the position o of secretary to the Don Trading Company.
The North West Post 25th July 1895
The funeral of the late Mr. Alexander Littlejohn, of West Devonport, took place yesterday afternoon, when the remains were interred in the Don cemetery. A large number assembled to pay their last respect to the deceased, amongst them being one or two with whom the departed had been associated before his arrival in the Colony. The solemn and impressive service at the grave was conducted by the Rev. A. A. Manns.
The North West Post 27th July 1895
Margaret Littlejohn
Don Congregational Cemetery
DEATH
LITTLEJOHN – On 16th instant, at the residence of her son, Devonport, Margaret, relict of the late Alexander Littlejohn, aged 87 years. (Née Gray)
The North West Post 17th August 1916
FUNERAL
The funeral of the late Mrs. Margaret Littlejohn will leave the residence of her son, Mr. J. Littlejohn, Forbes Street, on SATURDAY, at 2.30 p.m., for the Don Cemetery.
The North West Post 17th August 1916
Obituary.
Mrs. A. Littlejohn
The death occurred yesterday of Mrs. Margaret Littlejohn, relict of the late Mr. Alexander Littlejohn, of Devonport and Don, at the age of 87 years. The deceased was born in Perthshire, Scotland, in 1829, where her father carried on a flour milling business. Her brother, the Rev. Andrew Gray, was a minister of the Free Church of Scotland, and he predeceased her some ten years ago. She came to Tasmania with her husband and two young daughters some 64 years ago, and resided for a short period at Dunorlan, where their eldest son, Mr. John Littlejohn, secretary of the Mersey Marine Board, was born. They next removed to the Don, where the family lived for some 30 years, with the exception of a brief period in Ulverstone, where the late Mr. Littlejohn was engaged on the construction of one of the first bridges over the Leven River. Some 21 years ago the family removed to Devonport, and in 1896 the deceased lost her eldest daughter and husband within twelve months of each other. For the last twenty years Mrs. Littlejohn lived at Devonport with her eldest son. Mrs. Littlejohn came to Tasmania in the sailing ship Lady Egedolia amongst the passengers being the late John F. Liddle, well known at the Forth. Mr. Alfred Richardson, of Harford, was also one of Mrs. Littlejohn’s shipmates, together with many Scottish colonists who have since joined the great majority.
A striking coincidence is the fact that the late Mr. William Shaw, so closely associated with the Don and Devonport during the period of Mrs. Littlejohn’s residence in these two centres, came from the same town, Forres, near Elgin, in Northern Scotland, as deceased’s husband. Mr. Shaw and his sister some years ago revisited their native town, and made the acquaintance of members of Mr. Littlejohn’s family, including Mr. Jaces. Younie, who came to Queensland before Mr. Shaw’s return to Devonport. This young fellow subsequently met Mr. and Miss. Shaw in Melbourne on their return from Scotland, and accompanied them to Devonport on a visit to their relatives before returning to the old country. He was a member of one of the North Scottish Volunteers for Kitchener’s Army with other brothers. The late Mrs. Littlejohn was known to many of the pioneers of the North West Coast. One son and two daughters survive. The young son, Andrew, who will be remembered as a clerk in the late Bank of V.D.L., at Devonport, relinquished this occupation many years ago, going to the mainland and subsequently to England, America and Africa. He had been lost sight of for over 20 years.
The funeral will take place at the Don cemetery on Saturday afternoon.
The North West Post 17th August 1916
The Last Sad Rites
The mortal remains of the late Mrs. Margaret Littlejohn were laid to rest on Saturday afternoon. There were a number of vehicles in the procession, which left her late home for the Don Cemetery, where interment took place beside her deceased husband, Mr. Alex Littlejohn. In the first carriage was the son, Mr. John Littlejohn (the chief mourner), with whom were Messrs. A. E. Choveaux, W. Eastland and A. J. Stokes, and the Rev. W. Owen Lewis, the latter conducting the religious service at the graveside. The pall-bearers were Messrs. S. S. Field, J. T. Henry, A. Lillico, and G. Poulter, and the carriers were Messrs. R. Charleston, W. Fannon, R. Gibson and M. Vertigan. The Marine Board of Mersey, of which Mr. J. Littlejohn is secretary, was represented by the Master Warden (Mr. J. Watt), Wardens H. Hays, M.H.A., and D. Loane, in addition to those already mentioned. There was a very large attendance, many of whom had known the deceased for up to 50 years, and included Messrs. W. and H. Archer, W. G. Buck, H. Browne, J. H. Henry, T. E. Hardy, J. Keddie, G. Parker, T. Savage, W. D. Winspear, H. Wood, James York, E. R. Reynolds, H. J. Nickols and many others, whilst the Municipal Council was represented by Crs. W. B. Cocker and W. Innes.
The Advocate 21st August 1916
Isabella Littlejohn
Don Congregational Cemetery
DEATH
LITTLEJOHN – At Mersey Hospital on 19th instant, Isabella Littlejohn, daughter of the late Alexander and Margaret Littlejohn.
The Advocate 21st August 1918
FUNERAL
The funeral of the late Isabella Littlejohn takes place on Thursday, leaving the residence of Mr. J. Littlejohn at 2 p.m., for Don Cemetery. Jeffrey Undertaker
The Advocate 21st August 1918
The death occurred at the Mersey Hospital on Monday evening of Miss Isabella Littlejohn, eldest sister of Mr. J. Littlejohn, secretary of the Mersey Marine Board. Deceased, who was born in Lanark, Scotland, came out to Tasmania in 1860 at the age of two years. The family have since resided in the district. For the past two years Miss Littlejohn has been in failing health and the end was not unexpected. The funeral will leave the residence of Mr. Littlejohn, Middle Road, at 2 o’clock to- day for the Don Cemetery.
The Advocate 22nd August 1918
Funeral Obsequies
The funeral of the late Miss Isabella Littlejohn took place yesterday, the cortege leaving the residence of the brother, Mr. J. Littlejohn, at 2 o’clock for the Don Cemetery. The pallbearers were Messrs. J. Watt (Master Warden of the Mersey Marine Board), J. York, J. H. Henry, and W. D. Winspear, while the coffin bearers were Messrs. W. Fannon, R. J. Gibson, J. Hennigan, and J. Stack. There was a representative attendance to pay the last tribute of respect, despite the very inclement weather. The chief mourner was the brother, Mr. J. Littlejohn. The funeral service was impressively conducted by the Rev. J. Ebery.
The Advocate 23rd August 1918
John Littlejohn
Don Congregational Cemetery
DEATH
LITTLEJOHN – On December 9, at his residence, Symbister Street, West Devonport, John Littlejohn, in his 63rd year.
The Advocate 10th December 1926
FUNERAL
LITTLEJOHN – The funeral of the late John Littlejohn, will leave his late residence, West Devonport, on Saturday, at 2.30 p.m., for the old Don Cemetery. Friends please accept this intimation. Jeffrey, Undertaker.
The Advocate 10th December 1926
Mr. J. Littlejohn Dead
Respected Devonport Resident.
Heart Failure the cause
Deep and general regret was expressed in Devonport yesterday when it was learned that Mr. John Littlejohn, the well-known secretary of the Mersey Marine Board, had been found dead in his bed. The cause was heart failure, and Dr. Payne, who had been attending him, gave a certificate to that effect. The deceased, who was 62 years of age, appeared to be in his usual health, and that evening announced his intention of returning to the Marine Board office to attend to some work. Instead, he went to his room and divested himself of his boots and lay on the bed with an overcoat over him. Not arising for breakfast yesterday morning, his sister, Miss Annie Littlejohn, entered the room and made the horrifying discovery that her brother was dead. The end had apparently been peaceable.
The late Mr. Littlejohn was born at Dunorlan and when young came to Don with his parents. His father was an employee of the Don Trading Company. Young Littlejohn attended a school at Don. He was early remarked as a bright pupil, and soon gained distinction. He became a school monitor, and later entered the teaching profession. After some years he retired owing to unsatisfactory health, and entered the service of the Don Company, where he soon made his mark, and it was with much regret to the late Hon. J. Henry that Mr. Littlejohn retired from the clerical service of the company owing to health reasons. He was a smart accountant and was regarded at Devonport in those days first and foremost as a man of figures, while his literary talents were also in evidence. Some years afterwards he took up a position as agent for John Darling and Sons at Devonport, and later engaged in the produce trade on his own account.
Nineteen years ago he was urged to enter the Marine Board, and contested a seat and was elected. The board affairs at that time called for a financier, and Mr. Littlejohn was, immediately after his election, chosen as Master Warden. In the following year he was persuaded to take the position of secretary, which he held till his death, being regarded as a most competent and reliable official with a penchant for figures and with the ability to write well-worded and cogent letters. It is due to the efforts of Mr. Littlejohn in those days that the Mersey Board occupies its present strong financial position. He made his mark in the management of the Board, and seeing what he thought was the right course insisted on it being followed.
Mr. Littlejohn was of a quiet and reserved disposition, and only became animated when some question of interest on matters with which he was associated came up for discussion. As one of his life-long friends remarked yesterday, he was the best known man in Devonport, and at the same time the least known. His reputation was high and wide, but the man himself, except to a few associates, was close as an oyster. He never married, and lived with his sister at their home in Forbes Street.
Loss to Marine Board
There were many and open testimonies yesterday to the work of the deceased. Mr. James Watt, Master Warden, came to Devonport after receiving a telephone message regarding the untimely end. He said he would be a great loss to the Marine Board, as only wardens knew of his great value in the office, which he held, and his untiring work in the interests of the organization. He was more than a secretary, he was a confidential adviser, and every warden paid due regard for what the secretary said, though he was seldom anxious to put his own views forward. Accordingly, his advice was sought by the members, and his judgement, on financial matters especially, was generally recognized as being sound. Mr. Watt said he felt the bereavement keenly, as he and the deceased had been schoolmates at Don school in the years gone by.
Senator Herbert Hays, who is also a member of the board, said he felt Mr. Littlejohn’s death very keenly, and he regarded him as an old and valued friend. He had also been a fellow school-mate of the deceased at Don, though he did not see much of him there, as when he entered school Mr. Littlejohn was in the higher classes and was regarded as the dux of the school. He remembered him being monitor after finishing his own education. He had been associated with the late secretary for the most of the time he had occupied that position on the board, and had the friendliest relations with him. Senator Hays paid a tribute to his character as a man as well as an official. He said that he was possessed of the most absolute probity in his every transaction, and would scorn to take advantage of any one for his personal betterment. He had set the highest standard in his own relations with his fellows, whether as an official, a public man, or a citizen.
The funeral will take place tomorrow afternoon, the place of interment being the old Don cemetery.
The Advocate 10th December 1926
Late Mr. Littlejohn.
There was a large and representative cortege at the funeral of the late John Littlejohn on Saturday afternoon, over 50 motor cars following the remains from the residence in Forbes Street to the place of interment, the old Don cemetery. Deceased, who had for the past 18 years been secretary of the Mersey Marine Board, was an old and greatly respected resident of the town, and his untimely end caused deep regret. The esteem with which he was held throughout the district was much in evidence on Saturday. There were numerous floral tributes from public bodies and friends, including tokens from the wardens of the Mersey Marine Board, from the staff and from the employees of the Marine Board, the Warden and councillors of the Devonport council, the Export and Produce Merchants’ Association, the Devonport club, the golf club, Messrs. W. Holyman and Sons, the Union Steamship Company, Messrs. Finlayson Bros., and the Melbourne Steamship Company. Amongst the concourse at the graveside were Senator Herbert Hays, Hon. A. Lillico. M.L.C., Mr. H. H. McFie, M.H.A., Mr. P. B. Willis, secretary of the Burnie Marine Board, who represented the Master Warden, the Master Warden and members of the Mersey Marine Board, members of the Devonport council, and many prominent town and country citizens. The last sad rites were conducted by Rev. F. Menzies. The pallbearers were Messrs. Jas. Watt, G. F. Cutts, J. Shaw, G. C. Rudge, V. Wellard, and the carriers, Messrs. C. Mitchell, J. Hope, C. Slater, and F. M. Calvert.
The Advocate 13th December 1926
Annie Littlejohn
Don Congregational Cemetery
DEATH
LITTLEJOHN – On August 25, 1947 at her residence, Steele Street, Devonport, Annie, daughter of the late Alexander and Isobel Littlejohn, in her 81st year.
The Advocate 26th August 1947
FUNERAL
LITTLEJOHN – The funeral of the late Annie Littlejohn is appointed to leave 37 Steele Street, Devonport THIS DAY (Tuesday, August 26), at 3 p.m. for interment in the old Don Cemetery. Haslock and Gillard, Devonport
The Advocate 26th August 1947