The Northern Champion Wednesday 5th February 1930
OBITUARY
MR. SEWARD LARGE CLERKE
A very old resident of the Manning, in the person of Mr. Seward l.arge Clerke passed away at his home in
Tinonee on Sunday last. at 2.15 p.m.
Tinonee on Sunday last. at 2.15 p.m.
The old gentleman (he was 94 years of age) had just enjoyed a hearty meal and appeared to be in good spirits.
He was conversing with his wile and son (Mr. G. T. Clerke, of Taree ) and then went to his bedroom.
His wife went in a few minutes later and found him supporting himself on the dressing table. She called out to her son,
who reached the old gentleman just in time to catch him as he fell.
Before he could be placed on the bed his weary old heart gave its final beat and he quietly expired in his son’s arms.
It is probable that the old gentleman had a presentiment that the end was not far away, for he told his wife shortly
before that he did not feel too well and asked her not to leave him during the afternoon.
before that he did not feel too well and asked her not to leave him during the afternoon.
The late Mr Clerke was born in County Kerry, Ireland, and at the age of 16 years he set out for Australia on his own.
For 9 years he lived with an uncle (Mr. C Roach, of Yass) and then he came to the Manning, settling down at Croki.
From this centre he ran a dealing boat, to Wingham, occupying a full week for each trip. He later relinquished this business to
work in the store which the late William Cowan conducted in Croki.
He then felt an urge to go on the land, and purchased a property near Tinonee, which he later sold to establish a bakery in
Tinonee.
After a few years in the baking trade he again engaged in farming near Tinonee until some 25 years ago, when he went to
Taree Estate and, subsequently to Tinonee, to live in retirement.
Taree Estate and, subsequently to Tinonee, to live in retirement.
The late Mr. Clerke did not identify himself with public matters, but nevertheless he did a great deal, in a quiet, unobtrusive
way, to help forward worthy causes.
In his private life, he adopted a strict line of conduct and in all his dealings he was scrupulously honest and
straightforward.
He was one of the old school who looked with disfavour on the sometimes questionable methods used to
make money easily.
Right up to the time of his death, the late Mr. Clerke was in splendid health.
He had never had the services of a doctor or dentist in his long life, and in the week prior to his death he was able to
write letters without the aid of spectacles.
write letters without the aid of spectacles.
He was married at Cundletown bv the Rev. W. C. Hawkins to Miss Elizabeth W. Carle, daughter of the late Mr and
Mrs. P. Carle of Cundle.
Mrs. P. Carle of Cundle.
His aged widow and the whole of his children survive him. The sons are: Messrs. John (Cessnock). George T.
(Taree), William (Urunga), Robert (Quaker’s Hill, near Sydney), Frederick (Raymond Terrace), Peter and Richard
(both of Tinonee). The only daughter is Mrs. J. J. Stephens, of Bronte, and formerly of Taree.
There are a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
The body was moved to St. Luke’s Church, Tinonee, and at 1.30 p.m. on Monday a short service was held, after
which the cortege moved off for the Tinonee cemetery.
The Rev. P. de Laure Musgrove conducted the services at the church and graveside in the presence of a
large and representative gathering of relatives and friends of a worthy citizen.
W. T. Howard carried out the funeral arrangements..
