Agnes Bower

Obituary Mrs Hugh Bower Mrs Hugh Bower an old and respected resident of Balclutha passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 68. The deceased went to Christchurch last Easter to visit her second son Hugh and while there had s stroke of paralysis, from the effects of which she never wholly recovered and had been practically confined to her bed for the last six months.

She was the daughter of Mr and Mrs Marshall, was born at Williamsburg near Paisley and came out with her parents on the Philip Laing in 1848. They settled at Halfway Bush where her father died in 1887. Mrs Marshall still being alive and living there.

Mrs Bower was married in Dunedin at the age of 18, the Rev Robbie Burns tying the nuptial knot. The young couple lived at Maori Hill for some time, and after Mr Bower had essayed gold digging for a short time at Gabriel's Gully came to the Clutha in 1868. Mr Bower having been engaged as shepherd for Mr James Shand of the Taieri, who had a run on the North Bank of the Molyneaux which was subsequently known as the Greenfields estate. Mr Joseph Bower was associated with his brother looking after the sheep After 18 months Mr and Mrs Bower took up land near Manuka Island which they called Aberturf' There they lived to just previous to 78 being resident in Balclutha during the big flood. Mr Bower who was a tanner by trade followed the occupation of wool classing until his death about 8 years ago.

The deceased lady was of a kindly disposition, and was heartily liked and respected by all who knew her. She leaves 6 children to mourn her loss. They are Mrs John Ramage (Balclutha) Mrs Manley (Dunedin) Messrs Frank (Balclutha) Hugh (Christchurch) Matthew (presently in Levin) and John the youngest, who joined the Colonial Naval Reserve in January 1905 and is at present one of the crew on the HMS Challenger. All the family were here yesterday with one exception. The funeral cortege included a number of the fast diminishing band of 'Old Identities'. Rev Ian Wilson Currie and F W Boys conducted the funeral services at the house and graveside