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Joshua Britten
c1853 Jincumbilly, near Bibbenluke
Descendants Report | William Britten
By the passing away of Mr. Joshua Britten, at his home in Bega, on Friday Morning, the district has lost one of its oldest and most notable pioneers, Mr. Britten, who was born at Lake Bathurst would have been 85 years of age in December next, and as he came to the district, when nine years of age, he has seen it develop from the earliest days of white settlement. From Lake Bathurst, his parents moved to the Monaro, settling at Jincumbilly, near Bibbenluke. Later on they came to Bega district, taking up land known as Ravenswood, where they resided for some years, and where the Britten home gave kindly shelter to many a traveller. Disposing of Ravenswood, Mr. Britten senior came to town to live on the property where years later the late David Kiss family lived, and which is now occupied by Mr. Cooper. There were very few families in this district when they came here, the best known being probably the McNamara’s the Hayden’s and the McGregor’s. It was while his parents were living near Kiss’s Lagoon, that Joshua Britten was married in 1868 to a sister of the late Mr. Gilbert Warren, the ceremony being performed by the Rev. Knight the first resident Church of England Minister here.
His wife died some years back. Mr. Joshua and his Brothers selected land at Numbugga and the former added to his holding by purchasing further areas from Mr. Leeman and Mr. John Spence, which properties are still in the possession of the family. Deceased had a family of six sons and five daughters. Messrs William and Joshua (Numbugga) Walter and Arthur (Sydney) Harold (Tarraganda) and Thomas Bemboka, Miss Mary (Bega).
Miss Sarah (Sydney) Mrs. James (Coopers Glen) Mrs. Anderson (Sydney) and Miss Lydia (Sydney) Of his brothers only Thomas survives and is supposed to be in Queensland William, John, Samual and Harry are dead and of the sisters only Mesdammes C.Anderson and Connors survive. Deceased’s Father died at the age of 65.
But his Mother almost reached the century, being 99 years and 9 months of age when she died. The Mother of Mr. W. H. Child, Commissioner of Police in New South Wales, was a sister of deceased. After carrying on dairying at Numbugga for many years, Mr Joshua Britten retired, handing the property over to his sons, and buying a residence in town, where he resided with his daughter Mary. Like all the members of the Britten family he was of fine physique and iron constitution, and only three weeks ago he mowed a crop of oats at his home with a scythe. He had been ill for about a fortnight, an attack of influenza with bronchitis supervening, bringing about his end. He had played a big part in the development and progress of Bega district. For many years he was one of the leading cheese makers, and took many prizes at Bega and other shows. When the Bega Co-operative Creamery was being established he took a leading part in canvassing for shares and impressing his fellow farmers with the wisdom of such a move. He was a man of strong opinions, and very outspoken. For many years he was a valued worker for the hospital. He was also a big helper for the Agricultural Society, acting as honorary caretaker of the ground for many years, and his services were always in request as a cattle judge and as judge of the tooth test. Years ago with his Brother John he took a big interest in horse racing and they bred some good winners. “Progress” probably being the best known. His passing removes a picturesque and popular personality from our midst, and his family has lost, not only a kind and considerate Father, but one who was also a Guide, philosopher and friend to them.. In addition to his sons and daughters there are
34 grandchildren and nine great grand children. The funeral on Saturday afternoon was one of the largest seen here, and never before have we seen so many cars at a funeral here. With the exception of one daughter, who could not come from Sydney all the members of the family were present. Rev J.Don conducted the service.
Also transcribed is his wife’s Notice
Agnes died on 16th August 1905 Bega District Times that week
Death: Great regret was felt throughout the district on Wednesday afternoon when the sad news of Mrs. Joshua Britten’s death became known. As announced in our last issue she had been suffering from influenza and on Tuesday was thought to be recovering, but other complications set in and she passed away at 2PM on Wednesday. Up till a week or so back deceased was hale and hearty, and she appeared to have many years of life before her. Her death is a great blow to Mr. Britten, for only a couple of years or so ago, he and his wife handed their dairy over to the boys and built a residence nearer town, where they were enjoying the comfort and ease so well earned by both of them, for it must not be forgotten that in the pioneer days the women played as big a part making the homes and fortunes as did the men, and the late Mrs. Britten was one of the best women to be found amongst the hundreds of good and noble women in the rural homes of this district. Her home was her castle, and her husband and family her first thoughts, she caring naught for the frivolities and excitement of the outer world. We could with more such, but their type is gradually passing away. And the world is all the worse off for it. She was 58 years of age and was a sister of the late Gilbert Warren. The funeral took place yesterday and the procession of buggies and horses must have been a record for the district, showing the sympathy and respect held towards the bereaved family by the whole community. Canon Martin held an impressive service, referring to the sudden death of the deceased and exhorting his listeners to turn to God. He pointed to an unusually large number of deaths in Bega during the past few months as a proof of the uncertainty of life. Appropriate music was rendered by the choir, including the deceased’s favourite hymn,
”Hark Hark my Soul” The funeral then proceeded to the new Cemetery. The arrangements were carried out by P. Manning and a beautiful polished coffin was provided.
This material was supplied by Barbara Adams [davida8-at-bigpond.com]
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