The Macleay Argus

6 January 1925

OBITUARY

MR. JACOB SIMON

There passed away at Gladstone on Christmas morning, one of the most esteemed and respected residents of the Macleay River district in the person of Mr. Jacob Simon. Perhaps not many residents can claim to have weathered the hardships which the deceased endured in the shipping circles on the Macleay as far back as the year 1869. He had the honor of being the driver on the steamship "Signet" belonging to the North Coast S. N. Company in June of that year when Earl Belmore came to the Macleay, from whom Belmore River derived it's name. Here we might mention that the late William Sinclair was also a member of the crew of the "Signet". Deceased was later on the "Nautilus" another North Coast drogher. Another duty he was engaged in during the early days was to tow in cane-laden punts to a sugar mill situated at Fredericton. That tug was named the "Fire Queen". Other North Coast Steamers he was connected with were the "Ulmarra" and "Uloom", being the master of these boats. Deceased had a thrilling experience aboard the "Uloom" when she was taken to Sydney for repairs many years ago, in tow of a North Coast steamer, the weather being very rough. Some idea of the perils of the journey may be gathered when it is stated the "Uloom" was a paddle steamer similar to the stone punts presently on the river. Another experience he had was when in company with the late Oliver Taylor he took a boat named "Ethel" to the Clarence River under her own steam, the vessel being no larger than the cargo launch at present in commission on the Macleay. He was engaged on a steamer in Sydney Harbour during the smallpox outbreak about the year 1876, taking provisions to the quarintine station. The late Mr. Simon also worked on the "Belmore" and the "Lotus", the last named being put in commission especialy for the Belmore River Kinchela Creek trade, in the days when the late James Nicholson had the sugar mill on Belmore River. Later deceased was busy in the passenger trade, the first craft being owned by P. C. Hill, and named "Peiri" and later the "Brolga", owned by a Mr. Walley. Afterwards he had charge of the "Tilly May". His companion on this vessel was the genial Ted Hill, one of his truest friends. Another vessel was the "Petrel" and the last passenger boat he ran was the "Tahlee". with this vessel Mr. Simon, in company with Mr. John Cox, now of Bowraville, traded for many years. Deceased will long be remembered by many of the old hands on the river for his kind and obliging disposition, and his many kind acts during flood time, especialy the many rescues he made with the "Tahlee' in the '90 flood. He was the first man to cross the New Entrance bar in the early days in the "Tahlee", the position of the present Macleay entrance. After retiring from the river services, deceased followed farming pursuits for some years. He would have celebrated his eightieth birthday had he lived until Boxing Day. Two sons, Ernest and Horace, predeceased him, also one daughter, the late Mrs. W. H. Rowe. Deceased is survived by an aged widow and two daughters, Mrs. T. Rowe, of Gladstone and Mrs. Palmer: also two sons, Messrs. William and Albert, of Gladstone. The funeral took place on Boxing Day, being under the conduct of Jos. Walker, the remains being interred in the Fredericton Cemetery. The Rev. Father Farrelly solomised the last rites. §

Margaret Simon with L to R granddaughters Sisters
M. Aiden (Mary Rowe) and M. Damian (Emily Rowe)

Margaret ca. 1938

Backgound Music: Just a closer walk with thee

OBITUARY

MRS. MARGARET SIMON

Mrs Margaret Simon, relict of the late Capt. Jacob Simon, passed away at the Gladstone residence of her son, Mr. Albert Simon, on Sunday morning last, aged 94 years, and with her passing came a shadow of sorrow to every member of the Macleay community, for she was one of the outstanding pioneers personalities of this district, highly respected and well known to young and old. She was the oldest living native-born resident of the Macleay, being a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Fogarty of East Kempsey, whose name is still perpetuated in Fogarty's Flat. It will be pleasing to see her many friends to know she passed away very peacefully, after a few brief days of indisposition.
The late Mrs. Simon was born at Dongingalong, on the 23rd Febrary, 1844, and was baptised at Port Macquarie, although she had not visited that town since her baptism. Her parents were both drowned in the Macleay River when she was but six years old, and she was reared from that age by the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bowen, of Warneton. At Kempsey she married the late Capt. Jacob Simon, who predeceased her thirteen years ago, but whose name still lives on the Macleay in shipping circles as a master mariner of rare ability, keen business judgement, and generous nature. The late Mrs. Simon accompanied her husband on the s.s. Tahlee when he took soundings of the New Entrance to the Macleay River. The late Mrs. Simon, whilst unfailing in the care of her own family, spent a great portion of her life in generous assistance to others, not only to her immediate neighbours, but to all folk scattered far and wide throughout the Macleay and adjoining districts. She was the only woman experienced in midwifery at a period when there were never more than two resident doctors in Kempsey, and when the only means of transport was by horseback or by row boat. No hard ship daunted this fine old pioneer lady, and at all hours and in all weathers she travelled by flood field to succour some pioneer sister in distress. Right to the end she maintained her cheerful outlook on life, and only a week prior to her death was in Kempsey on a visit to a sick friend, and on Sunday, 3rd July, was in attendance at the Confirmation service conducted by Coadjutor Bishop Farrelly at Smithtown Catholic Church. She was always loyal and sincere worker for her church, and for many years a member of the Sacred Heart Society, whilst no worthy public movement lacked her support. After her marriage she resided at East Kempsey for many years, later moving to Yarrahppinni. Forty six years ago she went to Gladstone, and there she has resided ever since. Messr's William and Albert E Simon, both of Gladstone, are the only surviving members of her family. Two sons predeceased her, as also did three daughters, the late Mrs. W. H. Rowe, the late Mrs. C. Palmer, and the late Mrs. T. Rowe. Seventeen grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive her, two of the grand children being Sister Aidan, of Grafton Convent, and sister Damien, of Mallanganee. On Monday the casket was removed to the Catholic Church, Smithtown, where the Requium Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father T. J. O'Regan. The funeral, under conduct of Mr. Jos. T. Walker, took place at eleven o'clock that day, leaving the Church after a service by father O'Regan, and at which Miss Patti Simon a granddaughter of the deceased, played the Dead March in Saul. The Church was filled to overflowing, as there, the members of Smithtown H.A.C.B.S. in full regalia, formed a guard of honour through which the funeral passed en route to the Catholic Cemetery at Fredericton, where the H.A.C.B.S. members again formed a guard of honour, and she was laid to rest along side her late husband. The Rev. Father O'Regan officiated at the graveside, the Rev. Fathers Cranny and Brennan asisting. As a tribute to the late Mrs. Simon, the Macleay Shire Council adjourned their meeting and the Councillors attended he funeral, which was one of the largest ever seen on the river, people coming from far north as the Bellinger and the Nambucca Rivers, as well as all parts of the Macleay to pay tribute to one of the most notable women the district has known. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bowen of Macksville, and Mesrs. Pat and Clem Partridge, of Wirrimbi where amongst the lifelong friends of the deceased in attendance at the funeral. §

Obituaries & photos of Margaret Simon courtesy of great-grandson John Simon.