OLD MOLKA RESIDENT DIES

The death occurred on the 3rd inst. at the Euroa Bush Nursing Hospital, of Mr. Richard Cullen of Molka, one of Victoria's pioneers, after a short illness.

Mr Cullen was born at Kyneton on September 2, 1858, so was almost 80 years of age.

When a small boy, he moved with his parents to Spring Plains, where he resided until 1880, when he selected land at Molka. In 1884 he married Miss Sarah Cooney, and has resided in Molka ever since.

At first he went in for dairying when butter had to be made by hand and sent to Melbourne, for sale. Later he was instrumental in establishing a local creamery, a a branch of the Euroa co-operative butter factory, of which he was a director.

Mr Cullen was a member of the Euroa agricultural society from its inception in 1885, and always took an active interest in its affairs, particularly the draught horse section, in which he was a frequent prize winner. He was a splendid neighbor and friend, and was much sought after for his veterinary knowledge. In sport, he was a prominent footballer, and for many years played with the Miepoll team. His residence has been the local post office, for over 30 years.

Mr Cullen carted timber and assisted with the erection of the Branjee state school, and was chairman of the school committee for many years. He also built several of the local homes in the early days and helped to assemble the first reaper and binder that ever worked in Australia, and often competed at ploughing matches with the late Hugh McKay. He saw a neighbor of his Mr. Jack Diegan, at Spring Plains, making the first aeroplane that flew in Australia.

During the railway strike many years ago, Mr Cullen came to the people's assistance and with his team carried their produce to and from Melbourne.

Mr. Cullen was the oldest member of a family of eight, and is survived by two sisters, Miss Mary Cullen, who lives at the old home at Mia Mia, Maggie (Sister Aloysius Convent of Mercy, Bendigo), and one brother, Mr James Cullen, of Lyndhurst.

His wife predeceased him 4 1/2 years ago.

Sympathy is extended to his family for the loss of a wonderful father, and they will receive some comfort from the knowledge of the very high esteem in which he was held by all who knew him, and will be proud to know he has left his footprints in the sand of time.

Mr Cullen leaves a family of three daughters and six sons, one of whom Rex is a councillor in the Euroa shire council, also Mary (Molka), Sarah (Mrs O'Connell, Finley N.S.W. ), James (Cobram), Michael (Manildra, N.S.W.), Eileen (Mrs Daniher, Ungarie, N.S.W.), John (Cobram), Rex (Molka), Leo (Molka) and Patrick (Benalla).

Mass was celebrated at 8 a.m. at St John's church, Euroa, and prayers were said in the church at 2.45, the Rev. Father Armstrong officiating. He aIso conducted the service at the graveside. The coffin-bearres were his five sons, James, John, Rex, Leo and Patrick, and Mr. Con Kelly. Pall bearers were Mr P. M. O'Connell, Mr James O'Connell, Mr. J. Brougham, Mr John Daniher (Numurkah), Mr John Daniher (Koo-wee-rup), Mr James Cullen (Lyndhurst), Mr John Linkister ( Mia Mia) and Mr Arthur Barton. The flower bearers were Mr. Arthur Bond and Mr L. Carey.

The committee of the Euroa agricultural society lined the entrance to the cemetery. A very large crowd paid their last respects at the graveside

Goulburn Valley Stock and Property Journal (Vic. : 1916 - 1942)

Wed 17 Aug 1938 Page 6 OBITUARY