MR. DAVID MASTERS.
Another link with the pioneer families of the Lower Manning was severed on Sunday morning, when Mr. David Masters breathed his last,
at the age of 75 years. For some years he had not been in the best of health. Deceased was the son of thelate Mr. and Mrs. David Masters, of Mitchell's Island, where he was born.
The late Mr. Masters was a man of the soil all his life, following farming pursuits, maize-growing, etc.. in the early days, and then dairying. He was one of the earliest suppliers to the Manning River Dairy Society, and later on he was elected to the board of directors, of which he was a member for a good number of years.
He was twice married, the first union being with Miss Ada Annie McPherson (daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Hugh McPherson, of Tinonee). That was in 1888. Mrs Masters died in 1898, leaving, in addition to her husband, two daughters Mrs. D. M. Anderson and Mrs. W. Rose, both of whom live in Ryde. In 1901, Mr. Masters was married the second time, his wife before marriage being Miss Lilias Kerr Templeton (daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Templeton of Mitchell's Island). She died in February, 1935. Of the second marriage the following family survive: Mrs. Lilias Wiemyss, wife of Mr. Vic. Wiemyss, of Taree, and Mr. John David Masters. Mitchell's Island.
Some 14 years ago the late Mr. Masters retired from farming and with his wife and daughter, came to live at Taree. He purchased the fine home built by Mr. Harry Robinson, overlooking the river at the lower end of Taree, and there he lived during the intervening years. He was a well-known identity about town. The late Mr. Masters was an industrious, thrifty and upright man, one who had definite convictions which he always stood up to. There were few men on the Lower Manning who were better known or more respected. Mr Jr. Fred. Masters, of Taree, is a brother and the following sisters survive: Mrs. A. Wualson (Cundle), Mrs. C. Whatson (Taree), Mrs. L. McBroom (Rawson River), and Mrs. W. Napier (Bowral). Deceased brothers and sisters are: Messrs. Harry Masters (Bulliac), Owen, Arthur and Sam (Mitchell's Island), and James (Rawson River); Mrs. John Delves (Taree), Mrs. F. Remington (Canterbury) and Mary Ann (died when a. child). There were 14 in the family.
The funeral took place on Monday afternoon. The Rev. H. S. Parsons conducted the service at deceased's late home, at 1.45 pm and then the cortege moved to the Mitchell's Island cemetery, being followed by a large number of friends and relatives Rev, Parsons completed the burial service at the graveside.
The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales, Wed 6 Jan 1937