“EAGLEHAWK.
A tombstone of unique design has recently been erected in the Eaglehawk cemetery, over the graves of the late Mr. John Thomas and Mrs. Margaret Thomas, two old residents of California Gully, who died in 1879 and 1897 respectively. Deceased were the parents of Messrs. Michael and Robert Thomas and Mesdames Jas. Taylor, R. Williams and Stevens, and the former gentleman, whilst in England, some 10 years ago, visited a niece who was very skilful in the work of painting on porcelain tiles. He arranged with her to have tiles suitably painted for his father's grave, and since the death of Mrs. Thomas the work of erecting the tombstone and railing has been carried out. The stone is of Scotch granite, and surrounding the inscription is an appropriate design of a chain with broken link. The inscription itself is done on the tiles, which are inlaid on the face of the granite. A wreath of flowers, nicely painted, and surrounding a cross of gilt, forms the upper portion, and on the tiles, underneath are the usual inscription and a suitable verse. The work on the tiles, which is painted before they are baked, is quite unique. The grave is surrounded by a railing, and the whole forms a very suitable, whilst very novel, form of tombstone.”[i]
John died in 1879, his death certificate reveals he had been suffering from disease of the brain for two years. [ii][iii]
“DEATH. On the 21st of
May, at California Gully, after a long illness, John Thomas, late of Par,
Cornwall, England, aged 70 years. Home papers please copy.” [iv]
“THE Friends of the late Mr. JOHN THOMAS are respectfully invited to Follow his Remains from his late residence, next Johnson’s Reef Hotel, California Fully, to the Eaglehawk Cemetery. Funeral to move This Day (Thursday), at four o’clock.
JOSEPH SKUES, Undertaker,
1661 California Gully.”[v]
His wife, Margaret died 18 years later.[vi]
[vii]
“Obituary. —The news of
the death of Mrs. Margaret Thomas, of California Gully, will be learned with
regret by her many friends. It occurred at her residence on Monday. She was a
native of Wales, and had resided in Victoria for over 30 years. She was highly
respected by all who knew her. She leaves a large family of two sons and five
daughters Messrs. Michael and Robert Thomas, and Mesdames R. Williams, E.
Stephens, D. Pellow, J. Taylor and J. Ebbott. The interment takes place this
afternoon to the Eaglehawk cemetery.”[viii]
[i]
1900 'EAGLEHAWK.', Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), 4 August, p. 3. ,
viewed 26 Apr 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89615460
[ii] Victoria, Australia Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages, Death certificate of John Thomas died aged 86, 21 May 1879 California Gully, Eaglehawk, Reference 4501/18777
[iii] Remembrance Parks Central Victoria, "Deceased search," database (http://rpcv.com.au/ : accessed 26 Apr 2020), entry for John Thomas buried May 22 1879, Eaglehawk Cemetery section Mon K, grave 307, interment number 2266.
[iv]
1879 'Family Notices', Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), 22 May, p. 2. ,
viewed 26 Apr 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88212642
[v]
1879 'Advertising', Bendigo Advertiser (Vic. : 1855 - 1918), 22 May, p. 3. ,
viewed 28 Apr 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article88212636
[vi] Remembrance Parks Central Victoria, "Deceased search," database (http://rpcv.com.au/ : accessed 26 Apr 2020), Margaret Thomas buried October 6 1897, Eaglehawk Cemetery section Mon K, grave 307, interment number 5311.
[vii]Victoria, Australia Registry of Births Deaths and Marriages; Death certificate of Margaret Smith died aged 90 Eaglehawk, 4 October 1897 Reference 12420/1897
[viii] 1897 'No title', The Bendigo Independent (Vic. : 1891 - 1918), 6 October, p. 2. , viewed 28 Apr 2020, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article183751077
