The late Mr. Thomas Medwin
A correspondent writes - The last living pioneers of the North West Coast are slowly being severed from their places by the grim messenger death. The late Mr. Thomas Medwin, who died on the 14th inst., at West Devonport, was an old identity of the coast, and like his father and brothers had borne the burden that beset all pioneers. The deceased was 67 years of age, and was a son of the late Mr. William Medwin, and was a child when the father and mother, and family numbering eight, landed in the year 1840 in New Zealand. The natives at that time were very wild and turbulent, and about the year 1841 the family deemed it best to move to Tasmania. At that time the V.D.L. Co. offered very strong inducement to settlers, and a settlement was made in the forest, which name the district is now known by, and there was the commencement of farming by a family who are recognized as being amongst the most successful and energetic farmers of the Circular Head district. The deceased retired from farming about 25 years ago, and as a successful storekeeper, was well known. A few years ago the late Mr. Thomas Medwin removed to West Devonport, where he had built a nice home, but, unfortunately, heart disease deprived him of that reward which he had earned – a rest to enjoy the competency gathered by incessant toil and thrift. The deceased left a widow and large family, now grown up, to follow the footsteps of a worthy farther. The funeral cortege was a large one, friends and relatives coming from various parts of the island to do respectful homage to one whose just and kindly acts will long be cherished.Death of Mrs. T. Medwin
There passed away at her residence “Ninevah”, Mrs. T. Medwin, yesterday morning, relict of the late Mr. Thomas Medwin. Deceased who had reached an advanced age had been ailing for a long time. Her husband predeceased her by about 10 years. A daughter, Mrs. J. Duncanson, died a short time ago at Ulverstone, another daughter Mrs. E. Shephard, died a couple of years since, while Private L. Medwin died in France a short time ago. Mr. Geo. Medwin, of Kindred, Mr. David Medwin, of East Tamar, and Mr. Herbert Medwin, of Forest, are sons, Mrs. Walter Higgs, of Gladstone, Mrs. C. Walker, of Kindred, and Mrs. Herbert, of Sydney, are daughters. Deceased was a native of Wales, and came out with her uncle, Mr. John Davis, of Kentish, in the ship “George Monmouthshire” in 1852. Mr. Geo. Atkinson, of Latrobe, was amongst her shipmates. Sometime after arrival, Mrs. Medwin married and moved to Stanley, with which district her late husband was associated till about 15 years ago, being one of the pioneers.Mrs. T. Medwin’s Funeral
The mortal remains of the late Mrs. Thomas Medwin where yesterday afternoon laid to rest in the Don General cemetery. Services at the house, at St. Olave’s, Don, and at the grave side were conducted by the Rev. G. A. Rowe, in the presence of a very large and representative attendance, including many of the oldest residents. The surviving sons, Messrs. David, George and Ernest, were the chief mourners, and the bearers were Messrs. C. A. Stackhouse, J. H. Henry, F. Edwards and J. W. Wood. Four of deceased’s grandsons acted as carriers. A large number of floral tributes and messages of sympathy were received by members of the family.