The
Richmond River Express and Tweed Advertiser NSW
13 march
1903
Man with a
Record. —
On the 25th February the oldest resident of Yarramalong,
near Wyong, passed, to the silent majority, at the age of 69 years.
The late
Mr. James Waters, J.P., father of Mrs. John Lancaster, Casino,
had resided in the Yarramalong district for 47 years, and was so mixed up in
all public and social affairs that his departure will be greatly felt.
Having a
good general knowledge of surgery and medicine, his services proved valuable in
days and at times when no medical practitioner was procurable, and no matter the
distance or the state of the weather he always cheerfully answered a sick call.
He is
credited with, having been the inventor of the disc, circular, saw used for
cutting felloes, although he did not patent his invention, and at the time of his
death owned one of the best little mills, for making felloes in the State, a large
quantity of which he regularly exported to West Australia.
He was the
first to grow sugarcane and arrowroot in his district, and subsequently took several
prizes for the manufactured articles at shows.
Mr. Waters was a member of the
School Board, president and secretary of the Progress Association, president of
the Yarramalong Cricket Club, president of the Gun Club, a trustee, of several
cemeteries and, when the roads of the district were under trustees he was
chairman sec of the Trust.
He called the first meeting to advocate the
connection of Sydney and Newcastle by rail, and also took a keen and active interest
in politics.
He was twice married, his first wife being a Miss Thompson, of the
Hunter River district, by whom he had eight children, Mrs; John Lancaster being
his, oldest daughter.
His second wife was a Miss Woodbury of Yarramalong,
to whom nine children were born; and it is 'worthy of note' that fifteen of his
children followed his remains to their last resting place.
The deceased was an
expert violin player, as many old residents will recollect when they bring back
to memory the pleasant parties they attended.
Ripe in years, and honoured by all
who knew him, Mr. Waters has passed quietly to his full reward.
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