The Tumut and Adelong Times 12 Oct 1943
OBITUARY EDWARD JOHN BRIDLE A link with the early days of Tumut was severed on Monday of last week by the death in the Tumut District Hospital of Edward John, son of the late Mr. John Edward and Mrs. Bridle of Bowler's Flat. The late Mr. Bridle was born at Tumut on 18th December, 1856, and was christened at "Rose Vale'" by Rev. Samuel Fox, first Rector at Tumut. As a lad he was a pupil of Mrs. Large's Private School, which was conducted by that well-known lady in premises near the site of the present Odd fellows' Hall. Later he selected land adjoining his father's property, where for some time he engaged in farming. During his early twenties he followed pastoral pursuits at Brindabella and later travelled through the length and breadth of the eastern States with cattle and sheep. His wide knowledge of the early pastoralists and their holdings, of the times and their customs, was the basis of many tales of the past which have since appeared in print over the names of well-known Australian authors. On 10th June, 1908, he married Margaret Elizabeth Wilkinson, elder daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Wilkinson of Yellowin, thus linking two of the pioneer families of Tumut and of Australia. Mr. and Mrs. Bridle resided in various localities, including Batlow, Campbelltown and Tallong, returning to their home town in 1939. Mr. Bridle has been physically incapacitated for the past few years, but until a year prior to his passing his mental vigor remained keen and unimpaired. During these days Mr. and Mrs. Bridle received much comfort from the ministrations of Mr. John French (licensed lay-reader of All Saints'). The cortege left All Saints' Church on Tuesday last after a short service conducted by Rev. Alexander of Adelong, and later the remains were interred in the New Cemetery in the presence of a representative gathering of friends and relatives. The profusion of beautiful floral offerings was a tribute to the district's sympathy to Mrs. Bridle, and the respect felt for the late Mr. Edward Bridle. |