Walter Butler (c.1807-1870)- the life of a 'currency' lad born in the colony of NSW: Walter Butler- Ch. 24: Deaths of Walter and wife Frances

Frances Jane Catherine Butler nee Edwards

Walter’s wife, Frances died 23 April 1866 in Hobart (Collins St) aged 47, probably at the “Ship Hotel”. She died of rheumatic disease and disease of the stomach. [1] Walter, in his insolvency case stated that she had been very ill for three years before her death.

The following appeared in

The Mercury, 24 April 1866:

DEATHS

BUTLER- At her residence, Collins-street, at half-past 8 last night, after a long and painful illness, Frances Jane Catherine, wife of Walter Butler, of this city.

Walter Butler

Walter died four years later on 4 October 1870 in Hobart (Liverpool St) of “general debility” aged approximately 62/63, although his death certificate gives his age as “60, born in Sydney, parents unknown”. He was described as a “licensed victualler” on his death certificate. [2] The newspaper report stated he had been “long ill”. No doubt the stress and distress caused by his insolvency and the loss of everything he had worked so hard for throughout his life, took its toll on his health, and he succumbed less than two years after his humiliating fall from grace.

The following notices appeared in The Mercury on the 5^th and 6^th October:

DEATHS

Butler- On the 4^th October, at his residence, British Hotel, Liverpool-street, Mr Walter Butler (formerly of Williamstown) in the 60^th year of his age. The funeral will move from his late residence on Friday afternoon, at half-past two. Friends are respectfully invited to attend.

The Mercury Fri 7 October 1870 p1
MASONIC
The Brothers of the Masonic Lodges, Companion of the R(?) A Chapter, and other Members of the Order, are requested to assemble at the Lodge Room, Victoria Tavern, Murray-street, at 2 o'clock prompt, This Day, 7th Inst., to attend the funeral of the late Brother Walter Butler, of the Tasmanian Operative Lodge, 345.
Costumes, black with white gloves. Brethren to wear aprons, with three crepe rosettes.
T.S. Stewart, Sec. 345
J.W. Chisholm, Sec. 536
T.H. Magrath, Sec. 801
C. Toby, Scribe, Chapt., 536

DEATH OF OLD COLONISTS

Mr Walter Butler, formerly keeper of the Ship Hotel, and one of the aldermen of the city, but of late the landlord of the British Hotel, Liverpool Street, also paid the debt of nature yesterday, having been long ill.

The Cornwall Chronicle, Mon 10 October 1870 p3:

The Colonial Times (Sat 8 Oct 1870 p5) reported:

DEATHS- BUTLER- On the 4^th October, at Hobart Town, Mr. Walter Butler, formerly of Williamstown in the 60^th year of his age.

Walter and his wife were buried by the St. David’s Parish Church, in St David’s Park. [3]

The Cemetery transcription says:

Frances Jane Catherine Edwards

Daughter of Rev. William Edwards of Bath, England &

Wife of Walter Butler of Hobart

Died 23 April 1866 aged 47

Walter Butler

Died 4 October 1870 aged 60

Another transcription says:

Frances Jane Catherine, daughter of the Rev. William Edwards of Bath, England, and the affectionate wife of Mr Walter Butler of this City, who died April 23^rd, 1866; aged 47 years. [Jane Elizabeth Butler, buried April 26]- also Walter Butler, died October 4^th, 1870; aged 60 years.

This record mentions a Jane Elizabeth Butler (in square brackets- see above ref.), who is unknown- possibly a mistake in the recording of Frances’s burial date. (She was variously recorded as Frances Jane Catherine, Jane Catherine and Catherine.)

St David's Church Hobart c.1860

When St David’s Cemetery was converted into St David’s Park, some of the pioneer stones were placed around the border of the park, but have since been placed in stone walls within the park. Walter's is not included.

Contact email:butler1802 @hotmail.com (no spaces)

Link back to Introduction chapter:
http://butlerfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/walter-butler-introduction.html

[1] Tasmanian Registry of BDM: 35/1866/6186; and Tasmanian Pioneer BDM records

[2] Tasmanian Registry of BDM:35/1970/99

[3] Richard Lord, Inscriptions in Stone, p165 Appendix- compiled from the Hobart Municipal Council record of Graves St David’s Cemetery c. 1920. It contains 691 names inscribed on 452 Headstones that were not in the Park in 1972. Information in square brackets is taken from the Burial Registers of St David’s Church.

Friday 24 August 2012

Walter Butler- Ch. 24: Deaths of Walter and wife Frances

Wife of Walter Butler of Hobart