| [Index] |
| William Henry DARWEN (1872 - 1931) |
| b. 1872 |
| m. 1897 Caroline CHRISTOFFERSON (1877 - 1946) at Bowen, Queensland, Australia |
| d. 1931 at Bowen, Queensland, Australia aged 59 |
| Near Relatives of William Henry DARWEN (1872 - 1931) | ||||||
| Relationship | Person | Born | Birth Place | Died | Death Place | Age |
| Grandfather | James DARWEN | |||||
| Grandmother | Ellizabeth PORTER | |||||
| Grandfather | Thomas TAYLOR | |||||
| Grandmother | Nancy HUME | |||||
| Father in Law | Johannes Marinus CHRISTOFFERSON | |||||
| Mother in Law | Carolina Matilda PETERSEN | |||||
| Father | James DARWEN | 1835 | Chorley, Lancashire, England | 1875 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 40 |
| Mother | Elizabeth Hume TAYLOR | 1835 | Halliwell, Bolton, Lancashire, England | 1901 | Dunwich, Redlands, Queensland, Australia | 66 |
| Self | William Henry DARWEN | 1872 | 1931 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 59 | |
| Wife | Caroline CHRISTOFFERSON | 1877 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1946 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 69 |
| Daughter | Daughter 4 DARWEN | |||||
| Son | Jim DARWEN | |||||
| Daughter | Mildred Doris DARWEN | 1898 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1974 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 76 |
| Son | Victor DARWEN | 1900 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1957 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 57 |
| Son | Ronald "Curry" DARWEN | 1902 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1950 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 48 |
| Daughter | Madge DARWEN | 1904 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1987 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 83 |
| Son | Douglas James DARWEN | 1906 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1988 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 82 |
| Daughter | Mabel DARWEN | 1907 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1997 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 90 |
| Son | Claude Leslie DARWEN | 1909 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1994 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 85 |
| Daughter | Marjorie DARWEN | 1911 | Queensland, Australia | 1987 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 76 |
| Son | Henry William DARWEN | 1913 | Queensland, Australia | 1994 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 81 |
| Daughter | Irene May DARWEN | 1915 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1988 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 73 |
| Daughter | Ivy Caroline DARWEN | 1917 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1917 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 0 |
| Son | Roy Edward DARWEN | 1918 | Queensland, Australia | 1993 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 75 |
| Son | Walter Robert (Bob) DARWEN | 1921 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 2003 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 82 |
| Daughter | Enid DARWEN | 1923 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 2007 | Point Clare, Central Coast, NSW, Australia | 84 |
| Sister | Alice DARWEN | 1856 | Bolton, Lancashire, England | 1889 | Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia | 33 |
| Brother | Albert DARWEN | 1859 | Walton, Lancashire, England | 1896 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 37 |
| Sister | Margaret Ann DARWEN | 1861 | England | 1863 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 2 |
| Brother | Edward DARWEN | 1864 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1912 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 48 |
| Brother | James DARWEN | 1867 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1906 | Barcaldine, Queensland, Australia | 39 |
| Sister | Ellizabeth Ann DARWEN | 1870 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1950 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 80 |
| Brother | John (Jack) DARWEN | 1874 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1954 | Ayr, Queensland, Australia | 80 |
| Son in Law | L. SNELL | |||||
| Son in Law | James Bruce ELLISON | 1899 | Queensland, Australia | 1968 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 69 |
| Daughter in Law | Edith DUVAL | 1904 | Proserpine, Queensland, Australia | 1987 | Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia | 83 |
| Son in Law | Francis Albert KIRK | 1904 | Georgetown, Queensland, Australia | 1976 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 72 |
| Daughter in Law | Mary REYNOLDS | abt 1910 | 1970 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 60 | |
| Son in Law | Reginald Walter CARVOLTH | 1908 | Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia | 2009 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 101 |
| Daughter in Law | Mavis Dorothy CLARK | 1914 | Queensland, Australia | 1983 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 69 |
| Son in Law | Lennard SNELL | 1915 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1991 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 76 |
| Daughter in Law | Mary (DARWEN) | |||||
| Son in Law | John Overton PAYNE | 1915 | Mackay, Queensland, Australia | 2005 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 90 |
| Daughter in Law | Lorna Dulcie GREENAWAY | |||||
| Son in Law | Sydney Michael JOHNSON | 1926 | Gosford, NSW, Australia | 1981 | Point Clare, Central Coast, NSW, Australia | 55 |
| Niece | Elizabeth Annie DARWEN | 1884 | Queensland, Australia | 1945 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 61 |
| Nephew | Albert Charles (Sonny) DARWEN | 1885 | Queensland, Australia | 1955 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 70 |
| Niece | Alice Mary DARWEN | 1887 | Queensland, Australia | 1968 | Gladesville, New South Wales, Australia | 81 |
| Nephew | Arthur James DARWEN | 1889 | Queensland, Australia | 1949 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 60 |
| Nephew | John Henry DARWEN | 1891 | Queensland, Australia | 1968 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 77 |
| Nephew | William DARWEN | 1893 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1974 | New South Wales, Australia | 81 |
| Niece | Ethel May DARWEN | 1895 | Queensland, Australia | 1896 | Queensland, Australia | 1 |
| Niece | Edie DARWEN | |||||
| Nephew | Wilfred DARWEN | |||||
| Nephew | Allan Edward DARWEN | 1893 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1926 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 33 |
| Nephew | Son SPENCER | bef 1950 | ||||
| Niece | Minnie Ann DARWEN | 1892 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1899 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 7 |
| Nephew | William Howard SPENCER | 1898 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1981 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 83 |
| Niece | Amy Elizabeth SPENCER | 1902 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1998 | Sydney, NSW, Australia | 96 |
| Niece | Martha Hannah SPENCER | 1907 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1994 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 87 |
| Nephew | Granville Beatty SPENCER | 1911 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1998 | Townsville, Queensland, Australia | 87 |
| Nephew | Henry Gordon DARWEN | 1967 | Queensland, Australia | |||
| Nephew | Arthur James DARWEN | 1900 | Queensland, Australia | 1979 | Queensland, Australia | 79 |
| Niece | Ethel May DARWEN | 1901 | Queensland, Australia | 1971 | Queensland, Australia | 70 |
| Nephew | John Thomas DARWEN | 1902 | Queensland, Australia | 1988 | Queensland, Australia | 86 |
| Nephew | William John (Robert) DARWEN | 1904 | Queensland, Australia | 1921 | Queensland, Australia | 17 |
| Niece | Amelia Jane DARWEN | 1906 | Queensland, Australia | |||
| Niece | Daisy Eveline DARWEN | 1908 | Queensland, Australia | |||
| Niece | Dorothy Beatrice DARWEN | 1910 | Queensland, Australia | 1969 | Queensland, Australia | 59 |
| Niece | Mabel Isabella DARWEN | 1911 | Queensland, Australia | 1914 | Queensland, Australia | 3 |
| Nephew | Albert Edward DARWEN | 1914 | Queensland, Australia | 1984 | Queensland, Australia | 70 |
| Nephew | Frederick Alexander DARWEN | 1915 | Queensland, Australia | |||
| Niece | Cynthia Jean DARWEN | 1918 | Queensland, Australia | |||
| Brother in Law | John BARR | 1838 | Nottinghamshire, England | 1913 | Charters Towers, Queensland, Australia | 75 |
| Sister in Law | Annie MEIZNER | 1865 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 1933 | Queensland, Australia | 68 |
| Sister in Law | Sarah Elizabeth WOODWARD | 1865 | Newbury, Berkshire, England | 1929 | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | 64 |
| Brother in Law | George (E. A.) SPENCER | England | 1907 | Townsville, Queensland, Australia | ||
| Sister in Law | Ellen Mary CORNFORD | 1881 | Kent, England | 1934 | Home Hill, Queensland, Australia | 53 |
| Events in William Henry DARWEN (1872 - 1931)'s life | |||||
| Date | Age | Event | Place | Notes | Src |
| 1872 | William Henry DARWEN was born | Obit | |||
| 1875 | 3 | Death of father James DARWEN (aged 40) | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | Note 1 | 52, 60 |
| 1897 | 25 | Married Caroline CHRISTOFFERSON (aged 20) | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | Note 2 | 52 |
| 1898 | 26 | Birth of daughter Mildred Doris DARWEN | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | Note 3 | 18 |
| 1900 | 28 | Birth of son Victor DARWEN | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | Note 4 | 18 |
| 1901 | 29 | Death of mother Elizabeth Hume TAYLOR (aged 66) | Dunwich, Redlands, Queensland, Australia | Note 5 | 52 |
| 1902 | 30 | Birth of son Ronald "Curry" DARWEN | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | Note 6 | 18 |
| 1904 | 32 | Birth of daughter Madge DARWEN | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | Note 7 | 18 |
| 1906 | 34 | Birth of son Douglas James DARWEN | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | Note 8 | 18 |
| 1907 | 35 | Birth of daughter Mabel DARWEN | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | Note 9 | 18 |
| 1909 | 37 | Birth of son Claude Leslie DARWEN | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | Note 10 | 18 |
| 1911 | 39 | Birth of daughter Marjorie DARWEN | Queensland, Australia | Note 11 | 18 |
| 1913 | 41 | Birth of son Henry William DARWEN | Queensland, Australia | Note 12 | 18 |
| 1915 | 43 | Birth of daughter Irene May DARWEN | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | Note 13 | 52 |
| 1917 | 45 | Birth of daughter Ivy Caroline DARWEN | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | Note 14 | 18 |
| 1917 | 45 | Death of daughter Ivy Caroline DARWEN | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | Note 15 | 18, 60 |
| 1918 | 46 | Birth of son Roy Edward DARWEN | Queensland, Australia | Note 16 | 18 |
| 1921 | 49 | Birth of son Walter Robert (Bob) DARWEN | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | Burial info | |
| 1923 | 51 | Birth of daughter Enid DARWEN | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | Burial info | |
| 1931 | 59 | William Henry DARWEN died | Bowen, Queensland, Australia | Note 17 | 52, 60 |
| Personal Notes: |
|
founder of the Bowen Independent
Bowen Independent 18 April 1931 The following article is written by Mr. A. V. Vennard, the well-known local journalist who was closely acquainted at intervals during the past 35 years, with the late Mr. W. H. Darwen, and who, from a literary point of view, knew him better than most men.—Ed. Indep.). During my career as a journalist I have been commissioned to write on many things, and touch on the lives of many people, but I doubt if I ever lifted my pen more reluctantly than I do now to record the passing from our midst of the late Mr. William Henry Darwen, proprietor of the “Bowen Independent.” For more years than I care to remember we travelled along the inky way, some times together, but for the most part along widely divided paths. He remained in the town where he was born to conduct his own newspaper office, while I drifted to the cities. Not only did the late W. H. Darwen publish a newspaper as a means of earning a livelihood for himself and a large family, but from beginning to end of his literary career he used his pen to boost Bowen and its resources, and not always were his efforts in this direction appreciated as they should have been. Had we taken more notice of his vigorous writings it would probably have been better for the town and district in general. It is too late now—the dark angel has called, and only the cold clay re- mains of one who was a 100% Bowen- ite until the day he died. The late proprietor, of this news- paper "was born in Bowen in 1873, his parents being the late James Darwen, and his mother, before her marriage, was a Miss Hume, who came from Lancashire. Educated at the local State School with the late J. J. Noble as his headteacher, he received an ordinary education, and at an early age he found himself seeking employ- ment. For a short period he worked for Wally Currell, a local baker, but later earned his weekly wages at the Great Northern Hotel, where he was employed by the late Mr. A. Macken- zie. Then he was apprenticed to the ‘'Port Denison Times” as a composi- tor, Mr. J. Nicol, now of "Lornsleigh," Don River, showing him his cases, and giving him his first instructions in the art of printing. At this time the owner of the “Port Denison Times" was the late F. Raynor, and the paper was established in 1864, be- ing the oldest weekly sheet north of Rockhampton. After serving his time in this office the late Mr. W. H. Darwen worked at “Murroona” for the late Mrs. Hall Scott, then he proceeded to Ayr where he secured employment with the Delta Butchering Company. Some time later he was working for a butchering firm at Brandon, then he returned to Bowen, and was employed by Mr. Blenner Hassett, surveyor, and ac- companied him to the Bowen River country. Shortly afterwards he married Miss Caroline Christofferson, third daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Christofferson, of this town, and both worthy pioneers of the district. Mrs. Darwen, who survives her hus- band, proved a worthy helpmate to him, and together they cheerfully en- dured the struggles and sacrifices of those early days. Fate was not lavish in sprinkling the luxuries of life in their path, and due credit must be given the sorrowing widow for the local support, moral and practical, which were the stay of the deceased in those strenuous times. After his marriage the late Mr. Darwen followed many occupations, chiefly woodcutting, wharf-labouring, fencing and roadmaking. At this time there were few men in the dis- trict who were better than him at handling an axe, and he won more than one woodchopping contest in the local show ring. One of the roads on which he worked was the stretch, be- tween Mount Gordon and Newstead. Prior to this thoroughfare being neg- lected when it was closed as a coach- road to Proserpine it was considered a splendid piece of work, and it is to be regretted such roads are not made thes days. He also secured the contract for fencing in the whole of Newstead paddocks about this time. Once again the deceased returned to the printing trade, this time being em- ployed by the late Mrs. J. E. Massy, when she took over the defunct “Mir- ror,” then controlled by Messrs. Field and Wilkins, and altered its name to “The Bowen Advocate.” Prior to this "The Port Denison Times" had strenuously battling for the better- ment of the Bowen district, but fate was against its brilliant owner and editor. Soon after, his death the veter- an newspaper was taken over by Mrs. J. E. Massy,and with it was incor- porated '‘The Bowen Advocate." When Mrs. Massy died the sheet changed its political attitude, and became a supporter of the Labour cause, in fact it would not be too much to say that the ‘Port Denison Times' was res- ponsible for the return to Parliament of Mr. Francis Kenna, the first Labour member for Bowen. The more conservative section of the community, smarting under the lash of the Labour organ, provided suffici- ent financial support to encourage the late Mr. M. Keane, founder of the “Delta Advocate” to came to Bowen, and started an opposition weekly, which would support their political views. Thus was established “The Bowen Record” but when the propriet- or died a few months later, the liter- ary infant lingered for a little under two years, then it ceased publication, and the plant, was put up for auction. The bidding was far from brisk, and did not reach the reserve, but soon afterwards it was purchased privately by the late Mr. W. H. Darwen and the name of the first sheet he ran off the press was “The Bowen Independent.” This was on June 13, 1903, and the new paper had a very humble beginning. It was a stupendous task for a man who at that time had little literary talent, but who was faced with the task of making sufficient out of the venture to keep himself and a large family. With rare grit and re- termination, so characteristic of the deceased, he tackled the job and succeeded but it was a hard battle, and some months before his death Mr. Darwen confided to me that he would not have faced such an uphill struggle again. At this time the deceased was conducting a cycling agency, but with the help of a boy he found time to issue a double demy sheet once a week, and the cycling business became a sideline. Besides this Mr. Darwen continued to act as Secretary for three local organisations. After being issued as a weekly for five years, the services of Mr. Myles Rerricks, later State and Federal par- liamentary representative was secur- ed. and "The Bowen Independent” was published twice a week. A year later the paper was purchased by the Bowen Newspaper Company, and for three months it was conducted by Mr. Ferricks. However, the call of Labour was irresistible and Mr. Ferricks suc- cessfully contested the Bowen seat. The business of changing the owner- ship of the paper not having been finally completed “The Bowen Inde- pendent” again became the ownership of Mr. Darwen. A few years later “The Port Denison times and Bowen Advocate” ceas- ed publication, and until 1918 the "Independent” was the only newspaper published in Bowen. During the above year Messrs. McLeod and Chataway, of Mackay, founded “The Bowen Chronicle,” but after a rather precarous existence of about 13 months the new sheet ceased to circulate in December 1920, and was incorporated with the “Bowen Independent.” A unique record was held by the late proprietor of this paper, and reference to it was made in several of the southern papers from time to time. With a family of 13 children, four of them assisted him to run the paper, and this is something not hitherto known in the production of a bi-weekly periodical and jobbing office. "The Independent” was worked from the editor to newsboy by the Darwen family for many years past and still continues to function under those conditions. During his career as a newspaper owner the late Mr. W. H. Darwen was connected with many local institutions, and took a prominent part, in the various movements set foot for the advancement of the district and community in which his lot was cast. He was an alderman on the local Town Council for close on thirty years and for the three years of 1911-17-18 occupied the mayoral chair. He relinquished municipal honors only two years back, when falling health hindered his activities in this direction. He also rendered invaluable service in connection with the Kennedy Hospital, in fact, everything of a charitable or patriotic nature always received his warm co-operation. On two occasions he was approached by prominent residents to stand as a candidate for State Parliamentary honors but declined, feeling that he could do more to advance the district by personally attending to his news paper. As a member of the Chamber, of Commerce the deceased was always an active worker, and here again his public spirit was emphasised, through his practical manner of helping matters forward in developing the resources of the district, particularly when it came to encouraging tourists to our beauty spots on mainland and coastal isles, he was always to the fore in advocating anything that would assist in eventually making Collinsville into another Newcastle, and it is to be regretted that he did not live to see the day when this dream would be realised. The local Town Band will miss his support, and the enthusiasm which he installed into that worthy institution. On more than one occasion the de- ceased was responsible for saving the band from going out of existence, and his hand was always in his pocket when funds were needed to further its activities. There are none in Bowen who will miss the late proprietor of this paper more than the Band, and evidently they are aware of this fact, seeing that they are holding a memor- ial service to the deceased to-morrow night. It is a fitting tribute that one of his sons is at present carrying on his activities in this sphere, being President of the Institution. For many years the late Mr. Dar- wen was also a prominent worker on the local Pastoral and Agricultural Show Committee, and it was in no small measure due to his untiring activities that the association met with whatever success it can claim. Many other local institutions, some of a temporary nature, claimed his support, and he did all in his power to further their interests. The late Mr. Darwen also took a keen Interest in the Loyal Bowen Lodge. M.U.I.O.O.F., and was a prominent member of the order for many years, holding various positions, including the secretaryship at one time. The deceased gentleman had a remarkable career as an athlete and follower of sport. There were few forms of sport in which he did not excel, and probably the many honors he gained on the athletic field in his younger days have never been approached by any other man in the far north. Possessed of a splendid physique, and strength beyond that of many men, it is said that on one occasion he entered a local circus ring where a strong man was doing his turn. Mr. Darwen lifted most of the weights which had previously aroused the enthusiasm of the audience when hoisted into the air by the travelling Samson. As a cricketer he was a player who could always he relied up- on to make a good score. He was at his best in this form of sport when a member of the Cyclones, one of the best local cricket teams that ever played in Bowen. Somewhere be- tween the years 1890—1901 he played in this team with such worthy knights of the willow as Jim Thompson (captain) and Harry Beor, the most brilliant batsman we ever possessed, and whose death at an early age was regretted by everyone in the district, as followers of local cricket, had held out hopes he would yet gain international honours. The Ryan brothers —Tom, Bob, Mick, and later on Ned, whose bril liant play caused him to be taken from the Tornadoes, a junior team, were a tower of strength to the Cyclones, and they were ably supported by such sterling players as O. K. Bacon. Jim Ballard and “Iky” Clarke. In such company the late Mr. Har well was often responsible for mak ing top score. One time when the Cyclones were playing against the Ramblers, the deceased came in from a hard week’s woodechopplng and put up a score of 52, which resulted in his team winning the match. When the first Charters Towers team—the Shamrocks—came to Bowen, Mr. Darwen, representing Bowen, was again responsible for making top score for his team. Some years back he injured a knee in a hurdle race, and did not play much again, but almost to the time of his death he took a keen Interest in the game, even participating in a match with the present Cities team last October. It was the late Mr. Datwen, sup ported by Mr. H. Kelly, now of the Commercial Hotel, who persuaded Tommy Burns, the famous pugilist, to visit Bowen, and there is still in our midst, in the person of Sergeant Parker, one of the men who put on the gloves with the Canadian heavy weight. As a footrunner Mr. Darwen will perhaps be better remembered by the few survivors in our midst who remember the bygone athletic meetings in this district. In his boyhood days he had a running track in front of his parents’ residence, where the Club Hotel now stands and here he was only too eager to win and vanquish any other lad who cared to run against him. In inter years he raced against such men as Ambrose Palmer, Billy Nelson, Alex Gordon, Wylie Wilson, Charlie Bamford, and others whose names I now forget. He won many contests in Bowen, Ayr and Proserpine, and at the latter place he once won the three lending events of the day. There may still be some who will remember the occasion on which he was defeated by Harry Smethurst, but in a private match for £5 aside, which followed, Mr. Darwen proved to be the better runner. The deceased recently referred to his many running triumphs in this paper. Another form of sport in which the late Mr. Darwen took a prominent part was cycling. Some twenty years back cycle races were a weekly fea ture in our midst, and were generally held on Saturday afternoons or holidays. Most of the road-racing events generally started from the Grand View Hotel, and the route lay along the racecourse road, then the stretch of thoroughfare fringing the Don River, and hack to the starting point along the Bowen road. Although the late Mr. Darwen was usually on the scratch mark, or very near it, he generally finished up handy to the winner, and on two occasions was the winner of such events. Races were also held between events during meetings of the local Turf Club, and in these contests the deceased, also distinguished himself on more than one occasion. One of the hardest cy cle contests in which he ever rode was held on the cricket ground. This was the Five Mile Championship of Bowen and district held in 1911, and amongst the riders were Don. Nic holson, Anthony, a clever Brisbane rider, A. R. Heron, now chemist in Herbert Street, W. H. Darwen, and two others. Mr. Heron defeated the late proprietor of this paper by half a wheel, and they were the only two riders to finish. It was no disgrace, for Mr. Darwen, and it was a case of youth against advancing age, the winner being many years his junior. Mr. Darwen also played a prominent part In racing circles in this district during the past thirty years, he having been a member of the com mittee of the Bowen Turf Club for numerous years and in about the year 1907 held the position of Secretary, in later years holding every office in the Club. He was President on many occasion's, latterly holding the position in the years 1925, ’26, '27, ’29 and 1930, being then compelled to relinquish the position owing to ill health. He took a great interest in horses and was a keen student of pedigrees and racing generally. He also owned and raced many useful horses, Including Mexican and Weston, two good performers about 30 years ago, and later raced Automatus, Togo, that good pony IXL., Royal and the well known Doodah, which latter he owned at the time of his demise. He always had the Interests of the club at heart. He was also a member of the early Wangaratta Jockey Club, but mostly confined his activities to the Bowen Turf Club, which is practically the oldest Club in North Queensland. Sailing was also a favourite sport of the late Mr. Darwen and he had be come well known in the sport in the North and his name ranks with the noted personalities in the history of the game. Away back in about 1906 he purchased the 12 footer Madge, although he had previously sailed in other craft. He also owned at different periods the sharpie Growler, the 14 footer Ivy, both smart boats, the sharpies Foam and Acorn, the flattie Sunbeam and the 27 footer Irene. All of these boats he raced with varied success and also sailed the latter boat up the coast to Townsville to compete In regattas on several occa sions. On one occasion he and his nephew, Artie Farwen sailed the Irene and Foam back from Townsville successfully, one man in each boat, a daring performance. The weather was light for the trip, but on the day after getting home it blew a raging South Easter. He took a prominent part in the Port Denison sailing Club, of which he was a foundation mem ber, and held every position from Patron to Secretary, being a tireless worker in his efforts to fur ther the interests of the sport. He relinquished active participation in the sport several years ago, but was Patron of the Club up till last year, when forced to retire on account of ill-health. He has been represented since in the Club by his sons Vic. (Secretary at one period), Ron, Jim, and Claude, who at different times, have owned and sailed their own boats, and It is safe to say that his descendants will keep his name fresh ln memory In this sport by their deeds for many years to come—a fitting tribute to the great work he has accomplished in this sphere. |
| Source References: |
| 52. Type: Australia Birth Marriage Death Index 1787 - 1985 Record |
| - Reference = (Death) |
| - Notes: Name
William Henry Darwen Death Date 12Apr1931 Death Place Queensland Father's Name James Mother's Name Elizabeth Hume Registration Year 1931 Registration Place Queensland Registration Number 001132 Page number 384 |
| - Reference = (Marriage) |
| - Notes: Name
William Henry Darwen Spouse Name Caroline Christofferson Marriage Date 22Jun1897 Marriage Place Queensland Registration Place Queensland Registration Year 1897 Registration Number 000086 Page number 6097 |
| 60. Type: Newspaper, Title: Trove, http://trove.nla.gov.au |
| - Reference = (Death) |
| - Notes: Bowen Independent 18 April 1931
OBITUARY. WILLIAM HENRY DARWEN. It falls to our sad lot to record the passing of William in and Henry Darwen, Editor-Proprietor and founder of “The Bowen Independent,” which took place at his residence, Brisbane Street, Bowen, on Sunday last at about 1.40 a.m., after a lengthy ill ness, following a breakdown. The late Mr. Darwen was born in the year 1873, and at the time of his death was but two months off his fifty-ninth birthday. He was well known in Bowen and outside centres and during the past 27 years or more took an active interest In the welfare of the community in general, being a member of practically every muni cipal and sporting body that function ed during his lifetime in Bowen, and at all times did his utmost to further their aims, often to the detriment of his own interests. A serious break down 18 months ago, compelled him to curtail his activities in this direction, but almost until the last, while he was able, he did his utmost to continue his activities in this direction, against the wishes of his family. His death came rather suddenly and his passing was deeply regretted by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife and family of thirteen (seven sons and six daughters and five grand, children, also a brother, Mr.T. Darwen (Ayr) and sister, Mrs. E. Spencer (Bowen). The funeral, which was largely attended, headed by the Bowen Town Band, took place at 4.30 p.m. on Sunday, Rev. Palmer (Holy Trinity Church) performing the last sad rites at the graveside. Members of the Loyal Bowen Lodge, of which deceased was a member, acted as pall-bearers, and Bro. J. E. Kelly read the burial service of M.U.1.0.0.F. "Wreaths were received from the following:—Mrs. F. Betzel and fam ily, Miss L. Muller, Mr. and Mrs. C. Fraser and family, Nurse Barker and family, Mr. and Mrs. J. Ellison and Mrs. A. E. Ellison, Betzel Bros., Mic hael family, Mrs. Curren (Strand Ho tel), Mr. and Mrs. J. Dennis and family, Mrs. Gall. Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Gaffney and family, Mrs. A. E. Smith and family, Len Conroy, Mr. and Mrs. F. Sellars and family, Mrs. McCab bin, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Sawyer, Mr. and Mrs, A. J. Darwen, Gibson family (Home Hill), Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Boulter and family, Kirk Bros., Mr. and E. Pott, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Payne, Gillespie family, Mr. and Mrs. (Arthur Pott, Mrs. E. A. Spencer and family, J. and S. Burr and fam ily, Mr. and Mrs. W. Carson and fam ily, Mrs. A. Darwen Jnr., Mr. and Mrs. J. Carson Jnr., Mrs. A. Cooper and family, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Coop er and family, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Anderson, Mrs. Debney,, Mrs. Scott W. L. and D. Debney, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Carroll, Miss Reah Kelly (Townsville), Mr. and Mrs. Pelgrave, T. Anderson and family, Mawhirt family, Mr. and Mrs. G. Muller and Charlie, Mr. and Mrs. M. J. Corbett, Mr. and Mrs. W. Gall (Merinda), Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Kent, Mr. and Mrs. A. Burrell and family, Mr. and Mrs. J. Edgerton senr., Mrs. A. E. Anderson and family, Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Car volth and family, J. H, Cashin and family, Mr. and Mrs. J. Lowcoek and family, The Bachelors, Mr. and Mrs. F. Shardlow and family, Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Schilling, Mr. and Mrs. L. Cogle, B. Andrews and family, Wan garatta Shire Council, Bowen Town Council, Bowen Town Band, Bowen Turf Club, Bowen P. A. & M. Association, Port Denison sailing Club, Bowen Cricket Association, Bowen cham ber of Commerce, Hospital Committee. |
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