Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954), Saturday 7 July 1923, page 3

About one mile to the south of Minlaton there is an old cemetery which has not been used for about 40 years. We learn that there are About eight graves in it but it was abandoned owing to the rocky nature of the land, in which it was quite impossible to do any sinking without blasting. The late Mr. Charles Parrington and Mr. Russ, and several children were interred at this spot. The Minlaton District Council have had several applications for the lease of the ground and a communication was sent to the Local Government Association enquiring if the Council had the right to lease the ground. The reply, stated that the Council had no power to lease the cemetery. Before it could be leased the land grant must be cancelled and then dealt with as Crown lands and surveyed. The Council received the letter and did not deal further with the matter.

Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), Saturday 25 July 1896, page 25

Minlaton, July 18.— One of the few remaining pioneers of the colony, Mr. Robert Hyde, proprietor of the Dalrymple Hotel, Stansbury, died on Thursday last, 16th inst., and was buried in the Minlaton Cemetery, in the grave where lies his sister, the late Mrs. John Ford. Mr. Hyde, who was in his 65th year, arrived in the Ariadne in 1839, with his parents, brother, and two sisters, and his brother and one sister atttended his funeral. The family came from Armagh in the north of Ireland. After their arrival the family stayed in Adelaide for about two years, the father, who was a millwright, obtaining work for that period, when they settled at Noarlunga, where they remained for seven year, after which they removed to the Burra. Upon the death of Mr. Hyde, sen., his son, Mr. Robert Hyde, took up land at Hamilton. Leaving there he took the Prince of Wales Hotel at Moonta, but some time after went farming at Kilkerran, whicn he left for Adelaide. He was employed for about seven years in the railway work shops at Islington. Having a severe attack of influenza (from the effects of which he never recovered), he was compelled to resign his position at Islington. He again took an hotel at the Bay, but afterwards purchased the hotel at Stansbury. He suffered almost continuously whilst there, the climate being too bleak for him. Mr. Hyde was well known as a vet, his services being eagerly sought in cases of diseases of horses and cattle. In his younger days Mr. Hyde was an enthusiastic cricketer and played in many matches, and to the last hours of his life watched with great interest the doings of the Australian Eleven in England. He leaves a widow, two sons, and three daughters, besides several grandchildren. He was highly respected.

Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954), Saturday 15 September 1923, page 2

On Monday morning, August 27, there passed away at Minlaton an old and mudi esteemed resident in the person of; Mrs. Sarah J. Illman. She was born in Devonshire, England, in 1836, and had attained the ripe age of 86 years. Mrs. Illman came from England in the year 1839 with her parents by the ship Lysander, and thus was a colonist of 83 years standing. Her parents took up their residence at Happy Valley, where they lived for a number of years. Later they went to Noarlniiga, where Mrs. Illman met and married Mr. Geo. Illman, After short stay at Willunga, the couple went to live at Aldinga, where they lived for 12 years. In the year 1876 Mr. Illman took up land in the Wauraltee district, Y.P,; Here they lived with their family until the death of Mr. Illman 20 years ago. The latter was handicapped throughout life on account of an accident at an early age, but was nevertheless successful as a farmer. After the death of her husband Mrs. Illman lived with her daughter at Mt. Rat, and nine years ago settled in the Minlaton township until the time of her death. For the last two years she suffered much in the way of sickness, and was quite bedridden for the last few months. The funeral took place at Port Victoria on the following Wednesday, when she was laid to rest beside her husband. There were eleven children of the marriage, eight of whom survive her viz., Messrs. John R. (Salisbury), Harry W. (Black Forest), Joseph (Maitland), Caleb (Wauraltee), Mrs Elizabeth R. P. Newbold (Salisbury), Mrs. E. Hester Cliff (Mount Rat), and Misses Mary A. and Sarah J. Illman (Minlaton). There are also 28 grandchildren and five great grand children. Mrs. Illman never took a very active part in public affairs, but her influence was felt in no mistaken manner, especially through the family she successfully reared, She was a life member of the Methodist Church. On Sunday evening, September 2, a memorial service was held the Minlaton Methodist Church at which special reference was made to the life of the deceased. Rev. J. H. Pointon conducted the service.

Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954), Friday 27 April 1934, page 3

The many friends of Mr. John Courtenay Beswetherick will read with regret the announcement of his death, which occurred yesterday morning after a lingering illness patiently borne. He was a comparatively young man, being only 39 years old, and leaves a wife (formerly Miss Mona Goldsmith) and son. The late John Beswetherick was born at Wentworth, N.S.W., and came with his parents to Yorke Peninsula. For a time he conducted farming operations near Minlaton, and in later years has been residing near Hayward Park. The funeral will leave his mother's residence (Mrs. S. Fletcher) at 2 p.m. to-day (Friday) for the Minlaton Cemetery. The Rev. T. O. Scrutton will conduct the Burial Service.

OBITUARY Mr Bill Butler, the last of the old Gum Flat Station 'boys,' and champion rough rider, died at Reynella on August 18th at the age of 84 years. Mr Butler came to Gum Flat with his father, who managed the station for Anstey and Giles. Gum Flat Station House was situated on a slight rise about half a mile east of present Minlaton township Mr. T. J Butler, a grandson of the former manager, now occupies a house very close to the spot on which the old station house stood. The late Capt. H. J. Butler, R F.C., was another grandson. Old Mr and Mrs Butler were both buried on Moorowie Station. Minlaton was originally called Gum Flat, as it was thought to be the only place on Yorke Peninsula where gums grew naturally. The telegraph call is still 'G F.' Many people admire the trees on Ihe Minlaton Showground. Originally pepper trees grew there, and the late Mr Bill Butler was the person who pulled them out with the assistance of Johnnie Lee's bullocks.

Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954), Saturday 9 November 1907, page 2

The late Mrs. J. B. Butter worth, who died at the residence of her son-in-law (Mr. John Anderson, Minlaton) Saturday morning last, was a colonist of 50 years. She was born in Cornwall in March, 1834, and arrived in the State with her husband in the ship Mermaid in June, 1855. They settled first at Aldinga, where they resided for 27 years, and came to Curramulka in 1882. The husband died there in August, 1893, and his widow came to live with her son-in-Iaw. The old lady was highly esteemed. Five daughters and four sons survive, and several grandchildren. The remains were interred at Minlaton on Sunday last.

Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954), Saturday 10 November 1923, page 2

Mr. Joseph Butterworth died at Minlaton on Wednesday last after a lingering illness. Mr. Butterworth was 64 years of age, and was the son of the late Mr James Butterworth, of Aldinga. He was farming for many years in West Australia, but has been residing in Minlaton for the last four years. He left three brothers — Harry And James (West Australia), and Thewlis (Minlaton), and five sisters — Mrs. John Anderson and Mrs. Bird (Minlaton), Mrs. Robert Anderson (Brentwood), Mrs. Jagger Fry (Victor Harbor), and Mrs. P. W Kirsch (Yorketown). The funeral was largely attended, the service being conducted by the Rev. R. Plowes at the Minlaton Cemetery.

Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954), Friday 7 March 1941, page 5

Mr. Owen Button, who passed away on Feb. 26, had lived all his life in the Minlaton district where he has left many friends w ho regret his sudden demise.

He was born at Brentwood 74 years ago, later removing to Minlaton where he married Miss Sarah E. Lock in 1901. Mr. Button occupied himself with farming, in which he was interested until the day of his death. He was a keen, supporter of the Liberal Union and the local Agricultural Society, and an earnest church worker.

He has left a widow, two sons, Messrs. W. E. Button, Minlaton, and Stan, who is abroad with the A.I.F. There are four daughters, Mesdames E. Anderson, of Urania, F. Nankivell. P. Watters and G. Adams, of Minlaton, and 17 grandchildren.

OBITUARY. Sarah Edith Button, who died recently at Minlaton at he age of 80, was the widow Owen Button, who predeceased her by 13 years.

Formerly Miss Lock, Mrs Button was born at Curramulka in 1870, and rememered well the pioneering days of the district.

For some years her parents kept the old hostelry at Mt. Rat and Mrs. Button and her sisters assisted in feeding and housing the travellers who stayed there, in the days when the journey to Minlaton was too long to be accomplished in one day. The also served as a post office, and to it along the rough bush tracks came settlers to get their mail from the lock family.

Mrs Button, who had all her excellent health remained active until her death.

Among her descendants she could count nine great grand children.

FOR KING AND COUNTRY

BUTTON—la proud and loving memory of Stan, killed in action at Tobruk, April 18, 1941. Away in Gods beautiful garden Sheltered from sorrow and pain Some day wben life's journey is ended We shall meet, Dear Stan, again —Ever remembered by Mother.

BUTTON—In proud and loving memory of Stan. A wonderful brother, only lent, We loved you then, we loved you still; Forget you, Stan, no, we never will. —Ever remembered by Brothers, Sisters, nieces and nephews, Minlaton.

Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929), Thursday 7 August 1919, page 6

Our Minlaton correspondent writes:— On Wednesday of last week Mrs. Elizabeth Chester, of this town, relict of the late Rev. Henry Chester, died at the ripe age of 93. The deceased lady was born at Austwick, Yorkshire, England, on April 21, 1826. She was the eldest of 10 children, and survived them all, although, in early life she was very delicate, and at one time her life was despaired of. Sixty years ago she came to Australia, and was married to the Rev. Henry Chester by the Rev. Daniel Draper in Wesley Church, St. Kilda, Victoria. Subsequently, with her husband, she came to South Australia, and resided at Mount Gambier, Burra, and several other centres, including Minlaton. She entered heartily into the activities of her husband's profession, and had a wide circle of influence wherever she went. Her patriotic spirit was stirred by the war, and at 89 she joined the great army of women workers, and knitted no fewer than 300 comforts for soldiers in three years. She was widely known and respected throughout this district. Two children survive her — Miss M. Chester, of Minlaton, and Mr. H. W. Chester, manager of the Bank of Adelaide, Port Pirie. Another daughter was the late wife of Mr. H. W. Water-house, of the firm of Gibbs, Bright, & Co., Adelaide. There are seven surviving grandchildren.

Observer (Adelaide, SA : 1905 - 1931), Saturday 24 October 1908, page 40

The Rev. Henry Chester died at Miniaton on October 17. His charming personality, his kindly sympathies, his devoted service in the cause of religion, his lovable disposition, and his cheerful, tolerant spirit had won the goodwill and esteem of all classes. On Sunday in the various churches in the town the preachers spoke of his death as a personal grief and an irreparable loss to the community. The deceased was born at Skipton, in the West Riding, Yorkshire, in 1831, and began preaching at the age of 19. He went to Victoria by the Champion of the Seas in 1854. He was nominated for the Wesleyan ministry by the late Rev. J. Eggleston, and was accepted by the second Australasian Conference in 1850. He laboured in the Kyneton, Brighton, and Maldon Circuits, and was transferred to South Australia in 1860, in exchange for the late Rev. J. Harcourt. Mr. Chester's first circuit in this State was Mount Barker. In 1862 he took charge of the Burra district. With characteristic zeal and alertness he opened up missions to the far northern stations, and was probably the first clergyman to visit those remote and at that time almost inaccessible localities. His visits extended as far north as Melrose and Port Augusta, and in those early days such journeys involved no small amount of personal hardship. The periodical round generally occupied a month, and took in the pastoral settlements, which then occupied the sites where Terowie, Jamestown, Mannanarie, and Wirrabara now stand. The services were conducted cither in the kitchens or the shearing sheds. Whatever indifference was at first felt by the rough occupants of .those outback stations scon melted in the genial rays of a warm and sympathetic nature, and Mr. Chester's ministrations became very popular. From Kooringa he went to Mount Gambier, thence returned to Victoria. His subsequent pastorales in South Australia included Clarendon, Aldgate, Bordertown, Minlaton, Gumeracha, Salisbury, and Angaston. At Minlaton he was particularly beloved. It was there that he met with a serious accident, which no doubt brought on the illness from which he eventually died. At the conference in February, 1900, he was taken with a slight paralytic seizure, but recovered so far as to resume bis pastoral duties at Angaston, His health gradually failed, and he preached his last sermon at the harvest thanksgiving on March 15 of this year, and resigned from the ministry in April. Mr. Chester went to Minlaton to spend the evening of his life near his son, who is manager of the Bank of Adelaide there. The day before his death he went to visit and cheer a blind old lady who lived near.

Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954), Friday 24 May 1940, page 3

The late Miss Margaret Agnes Chester, of Minlaton, was born in the Methodist Parsonage, Mount Barker, on April 9th, 1862. Her parents, the late Rev. and Mrs. Henry Chester, both came from Yorkshire, England, lauding in Australia during the early l859"s.

Until the time of their death Miss Chester lived with her parents, sharing with them the many homes they occupied in the course of their preaching itinerancy. In many ways she was actively employed assisting her father in his church work.

Being of artistic temperament, she loved to express her thoughts of the beautiful bv means of canvas and brush, painting many pictures herself and passing on her knowledge and artistry by conducting paintiug classes in all the circuits in which she lived. She herself was at one time a pupil of the late James Ashton. Many Show Committees in various parts of the State availed themselves of her ability by obtaining her services as judge of painting at country shows, particularly throughout Yorke Peninsula, where her work is perhaps best known.

When her father retired from circuit work in 1908. Miss Chester came with her parents to reside in Minlaton. The father passed on a few months late!, and her mother in 1919. Her brother. Mr. H. A. Chester, now deceased, was manager of The Bank of Adelaide at Minlaton from 1905 to1915. Her sister was the late Mrs. H. W. Waterhouse.

Miss Chester had the wonderful gift of cultivating deep and lasting friendships. Although moving from place to place every few years in accordance with the Methodist itinerant system, she developed the habit of keeping in touch with her ever-widening circle of friends, and she was beloved of all who came into contact with her.

Her life was spent in untiring service and loving loyalty to the Methodist Church. Appeals for varied charities never found her indifferent to their claims. She was also intensely interested in the Mission to Lepers, the W.C.T.U-, and Country Women's Association. For a long time she was Secretary to the Minlaton Band of Hope, and and an untiring servant to the cause of temperance reform generally.

She loved the Minlaton Methodist Church, and this was exemplified with two beautiful memorial windows erected in honour of her late parents. After an illness of some months she was laid to rest in the Minlaton Cemetery on May 10th, 1940. The mass of floral offerings at that ser vice was a tribute from her many friends of a long life spent in service for others. Tired out from her many years of service and wearied by the weight of years, she quietly laid down and went to sleep.

THE LATE MARGARET AGNES CHESTER

Rev. F. Albury writes:— Margaret Agnes Chester was born in the Methodist parsonage at Mount Barker on 9th April, 1862, and was the daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. Henry Chester, who are well known and remembered to a large circle of friends. Miss Chester lived her whole life with her parents until the time of their death, travelling with them to the many places to which they were appointed under our itinerant system. Always keenly active in church life, she was of much assistance to her father in his various charges. She will be remembered by numbers who were her pupils in painting classes organised by her in each of the circuits in which she lived. Being a pupil of the late James Ashton, she was well grounded and trained in the art, and loved to express her thoughts of the beautiful by means of canvas and brush; in her home were many pictures, the work of her own hands, as well as some by her master's. She willingly gave of her time and talents to many Show comnittees by acting as judge and critic of the art section. Particularly was this so in Yorke's Peninsula, where her work of this nature is perhaps best known. When the Rev. Henry Chester retired from the active ministry in 1908, to take up residence in Minlaton, Miss Chester also came with her parents. Her father only enjoyed the quiet of retirement for about five months, and his wife joined him in the higher sphere of life in 1919. The late Miss Chester continued to reside in the family home at Minlaton until her death on 9th May, 1940. During her long life Miss Chester gained and maintained a very large circle of friends, methodically keeping in touch with them all. The loving gentleness of her character made her the friend of all, the enemy of none. During my ministry here, I have heard a great deal of good regarding her life, but not one breath of evil. She was one of God's good women. Always she did what she could for the betterment of her fellowmen and the glory of God. She was a mine of information regarding Methodism, and at varying times held many of the offices in the Church that are open to women. Never happier than when serving in some way, even if to the detriment of her own physical powers. Home and Overseas Missions found in her a keen supporter, as did also the various Central Missions. For years she has been a successful collector for the Mission to Lepers, and was also president of the local branch of the W.C.T.U., and a member of the C. W.A., but her life interest and loyalty was the Methodist Church. She was a most regular attendant at every service and means of grace. Her wide associations and close touch with the Church spread over many years made her a valuable member of the quarterly meeting. She was a keen Bible student, her favourite passages being the 91st Psalm and John xiv and xv. She had a wonderful faith in the Heavenly Father; what we call death had no terrors for her. Her thoughts of the future life could be summed up from Browning's "The Gathering Place," which was among her carefully collected extracts:

"Life changes all our thoughts of Heaven : At first we think of streets of gold, Of gates of pearl and dazzling white, And things all strange to mortal sight, But, in the afterward of years, It is a more familiar place: A home unhurt by sighs or tears, Where waiteth many a well-known face. With passing months it comes more near, It grows more real day by day; Not strange or cold, but very dear, The glad homeland, not far away, Where none are sick, or poor, or lone, The place where we shall find our own." The Minlaton Methodist Church is enriched and beautified by two stained glass windows, erected by this lady to the memory of her late parents; these are reproductions of the "Light of the World" and the "Good Shepherd," designed in their colouring by Miss Chester. Her presence is sadly missed in local circles of Christian life and activities. Her last months-were a real triumph of the soul. With physical powers weakening, her spirit and faith seemed to grow stronger. She longed for rest, and the Father heard her cry and called her to His eternal rest. Tired out with her many activities on behalf of her Lord and Saviour, wearied with the burden of years, she heard the Father's call to "Come Home." So, with gradual weakening of the fiesh, she lay down with little pain and calmly went to sleep. "Safe in the arms of Jesus, Safe on His gentle breast, There by His love o'ershadowed, Sweetly her soul doth rest." We, of the Minlaton Church, sympathise with those who are thus "bereaved; but we glory in her great triumphant victory. "He giveth to His beloved rest."

Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954), Friday 29 March 1946, page 6

Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1931 - 1954), Saturday 13 April 1946, page 7

Mrs. Louie Trehearne, who died recently at her borne In Minlaton, was bom in Merthyr Tydfll, in Wales. At the age of 10 she came to Australia with her family on the Ocean Chief. In 1872 she married Mr. W. B. Trehearne at Wentworth. NSW. In 1883 they came to Minlaton. After three years they moved to Mount Gambier, but in 1890 returned to Minlaton where Mr. Trehearne started business as a general storekeeper. The business, probably the oldest established in Minlaton, is still being carried on by bis descendants. A family of one son and six daughters survive, viz.: — Mrs. Peck (South Perth, Western Australia), Mrs. Treasure (Urania. SA). Mrs. Sutherland (St. Peters), Mrs. W. Peterson (Minlaton), Misses M. E. and M. M. (Minlaton). and Mr. Alf Trehearne (Adelaide). There are 11 grandchildren.

Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954), Saturday 4 March 1922, page 3

The death of Mr. W. R. Trehearne, the well-known-storekeeper of Minlaton, took place early on Sunday morning. v The deceased gentleman had been ailing for some time, and his death was not unexpected. Mr. Treheame left a widow, one son; and six daughters to mourn their loss. He was in his 74th year, and bad been a colonist for 56 years.. The funeral, which was largely attended, took place at the Minlaton Cemetery on Monday afternoon. The burial service was conducted by the Rev. C. W. E. Swan. The surviving members of the family are Mrs. S. Treasure, Unley Park; Mrs. B. Peck, Perth ; Mrs. Alad Sutherland, Mrs. W. Peterson. Misses M. M. and M. E. Trehearne, of Minlaton; and Mr. Alf. Robert -Trehearne, of Port Victoria. The late Mr. Trehearne came to this State when 18 years of age. He arrived on April 15, 1866, in the ship Atlanta. He was the youngest son of the late Mr William Abb Treharne, a builder, of London, and was educated at the Church of England Training College, Highbury, and Dr. Ireland's Board School at Edmonton. After a residence at Wentworth, N.S.W., he came to Yorke Peninsula in 1883, and identified himself with the storekeeping business of Mr. W.H. Quartley until 1897, when happened on his own account and built up a large and successful business. For some time Mr. Trehearne has been in indifferent health, and the business has been successfully carried on by his daughters as " Trehearne Ltd."

TREHEARNE.—On the 26th February, at his residence. Minlaton. Walter Robert, in his 74th year. At rest. A colonist of 56 years.

Register (Adelaide, SA : 1901 - 1929), Friday 16 December 1927, page 8

Mrs. Mary Ann Whyte, one of tho oldest and most highly esteemed residents of Minlaton died recently at the home of her sister (Mrs. John Smith), of Murray road, West Preston, Victoria. Born at Lisdoonvama, County Clare, Ireland, in 1885, she was the daughter of Mr. J. Lee, and came to South Australia in the ship Wharfashire in 1877. On the vessel she met Mr, James White, who also came from County Clare. After having lived at Norwood and Mount Pleasant for two years she was married to Mr. Whyte. The young couple went to Minlaton in 1870 took up land and began farming. Mr. Whyte also started a butchering business in conjunction with the farm. He died 15 years ago, and since that time Mrs. Whyte had carried on the farm. The deceased lady was of a cheerful disposition, and her generosity and hospitality were widely known throughout the peninsula. She was a stanch member of St. Malachy's Church. There was a family of nine four of whom survive - Mesdames M Walsh (Forestville), and Theodore Higgins (Morphett Vale), and Messrs. James Whyte (Port Julia), and Con Whyte. There are also six grandchildren.

WHYTE, Mary Ann 9/06/1922

WHYTE, Patrick Peter 11/12/1894

Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 - 1954), Friday 17 October 1919, page 2

A Moitfeith correspondent writes:- An old identity of the Callington district, and one of its pioneers, Mrs. Elizabeth Williams, died on October 6, at the ripe old age of 94 years, at the residence of her son, Mr. Joseph Williams, of Minlaton. Born at Bisley Common, Gloucestershire, in 1825, Elizabeth Davies, as she then was, anteceded the steam-driven factory loom, and she well remembered the terrible riots and burning down of the mills by the striking hand-loom weavers, who feared modern methods would ruin them. Her father was a weaver, and owing to the troublous times he was forced to remove to Leeds, in Yorkshire, with his family, and here she married the late Mr. Williams, with whom, several years later, in 1851, she sailed for South Austrialia, together with their young family, in the ship Hydaspes. They settled in a part of the bush which ultimately became known as Cheltenham, and endured much hardship for several years. The Adelaide plains were at that time peopled by a small colony of white women and children, and large tribes of blacks, of whom the poor women were in constant dread. Mr. Williams and one other white man were all that could be found for miles around, for, having become crazy with the gold fever, almost the whole male population had stampeded off to Victoria. Mr. J Williams ultimately selected land near the Bremer, about three miles from Callington, and in May, 1856, the family journeyed thither per bullock dray, taking several days in the pouring rain, and having to chop trees from the track as they went. In a rude hut they lived for a time, and in the hot weather the children, with a cask and rough sledge, would drag the house water from the Bremer for two miles over an unmade road, driving their two old trusty bullocks as best they could. Mrs. Williams regularly walked to Callington (three miles), carrying her butter and eggs to sell to the miners, and as there were no bridges she had in flood time to cross the creeks oq a fallen tree. But plucky battles bring their rewards, and in ten years "Hill Farm" was paid for,eand soon the family began to find themselves in comfortable circumstances. Then came a terrible misfortune. Mr. Williams, in blasting out an underground tank, was blown up, and fatally injured. With the assistance of a manager the widow ran the farm until the boys were old enough to leave school. About 1879 Mrs. Williams sold the farm, and retired into Adelaide, where she lived until about 16 years ago, when she took up her residence with her son in Minlaton. Although the old lady has been visibly failing for several months past, up to that time she retained all her faculties unimpaired, even reading without glasses, and to the last was very fond of motoring for long distances on the splendid roads for which the Peninsula is famous. A great war worker, her keen fingers were ever at work, creating wonders in wool or other mediums. A bright conversationalist, with an unusually winning manner, and a cheery word for all, she endeared herself to everyone, and far and wide, to old and young, alike she was familiarly known as "Gran"everybody's "Gran"! All her life she has been a staunch member of the Anglican Church. Her five surviving children are: Messrs. J. W. Williams (Mount Barker), C. Williams (Nuriootpa), J. Williams (Minlaton), and Mesdamcs J. Ferries (Monteith) and ' A. H. Hanton (Mitcliam). There are 28 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, the senior of whom is Miss Muriel Sanders, of Taptou, Woodchester.

Pioneer (Yorketown, SA : 1898 - 1954), Saturday 12 December 1925, page 3

District Clerk for 32 Years. With a fine record of long and faithful service Mr. Joseph Willams will retire at the end of the year from the position of Clerk of the Minlaton District Council. Mr. Wiliiams was born on tho Bemer, near Callington, South Australia. He is the fourth son of the late Mr. George Williams, who came to the State in 1851 in the ship "Hydaepes " Mr. Jos Williams was brought up to farming occupations on his father's farm near Bremer untii reaching the age of 18 years, when he turned his attention to the blacksmith and wheelwright trade in South of Adelaide. He first became identified with the Peninsula in 1874, when he engaged at the trade for a couple of years at Stansbury. After a subsequent sojourn ai Long Horne Creek, whence he proceeded to Palmer. In 1880 Mr. Wiliiams came to Minlaton, where he opened in business on his own account. He had always taken an interest in public matters, and has occupied the position of clerk of the District Council of Minlaton since 1893. He is a past President of the Institute committee, and was elected Secretary of the Order of Oddfellows in 1891, which position he held for 20 years. He is -- Treasurer of the Masonic Lodge. He held the office of Church steward of the Methodist Church for a number of years. During the war Mr. Williams was a prominent worker in all patriotic movements. He was President of the Soldiers' Fund, which raised nearly £4,000.