STORER   FAMILY  OBITUARIES S

General regret was expressed in the Kiata and Gerang districts when it was learned that Mrs Mabel May Smyth, aged 52 years, wife of Mr W Smyth, of Kiata East, had died at Nhill on Tuesday morning after a comparatively brief illness. She was a daughter of Mr and Mra Jacob Storer, pioneer residents of Gerang, where she spent her girlhood days, and by her cheery and sympathetic disposition she made a very wide circle of friends who mourn her demise. Deep sympathy is expressed for the bereaved husband and children, viz., Marjory June (Mrs Eric L Dahenburg, Nhill) and Vyron Thomas Smyth (Kiata). the internment took place at the Kiata cemetery on Wednesday when the funeral was attended by a large number of mourners. the burial service was conducted by the Rev J J Benjamin, of the Nhill Methodist Church.

The sudden death took place at his home near Charlton on saturday night of Mr Witton (Watty) D Steers, who was well known in the Donald, Jefcott and Charlton districts. He had resided in Donald some years ago, amrrying Miss Gladys Torney and subsequently moving to the Charlton district. He was 43 years and leaves a widow (who is the daughter of Mr and Mrs Stevenson of Gower East) and three children, Nancy, Edward and Kenneth, for whom much sympathy is felt. Mrs Steers is a neice of Mr W Bandy and Messrs A and J McCredden, of Donald, while Mr Steers was the second son of Mr D Steers, Davenport, Tasmania. The funeral took place from the Presbyterian Church on Monday to the Donald Cemetery. Mr W Bandy had charge of funeral arrangements The deceased was highly respected by all who knew him, and was known as an honest and hard working citizen, the news of his death is regretted by all.

OBITUARY - MISS STORER

Miss Storer died at Kia Ora Private Hospital, Hamilton, yesterday morning, following an operation for an internal malady. She had lived in Portland during recent years. Her parents were well known residents of the Branxholme district.

THE LATE MRS STORER  - HER INTERESTING CAREER

By the death of Mrs Ann Storer, of Carapooee West, the district has lost another of the fast diminishing band of old pioneers, who courageously bore the heat and burden of the day, battling strenuously against almost heart breaking difficulties, striving to overcome almost insurmountable pioneering obstacles, and then when advanced in years, were content to live a quiet life and pursue the "noiseless tenor of their way." Mrs Storer passed peacefully away at the residence of her son, Jacob, Silvermines Road, St Arnaud, at the advanced age of 80 years, widely esteemed by all who knew her. She was born on the Bendigo goldfields, and travelled by horse and dray with her parents to the Moonambel, Tunstall and Rostron rushes. Here with her brother Charles, she one day went out with a tin dinner plate prospecting. Seeing a nugget in the clay she directed her brother's attention to it, but another boy pounced on the nugget worth 30 pound, and kept it. Her father was the first to erect a bark hut in Carapooee. This was considered a great advance on the usual tent people lived in then. She went to the common school at Peters, now Carapooee. At that time Peters was a thriving mining village. Mrs Storer was very entertaining when telling interesting anecdotes of the early days, and the times when the young people went possum hunting on moonlight nights. Sixty one years ago deceased was married in St Peter's Church, Carapooee, to Mr Jacob Storer, by the Rev JB Stair. Seventeen years ago her husband died. She had resided in Carapooee West practically all her life, and during the last five years had resided with her son Albert, in the old spot where she lived as a girl.

The deceased lady had a family of ten sons. One son, Robert, died as a result of an accident. Corporal Storer made the supreme sacrifice in the Great War being killed at the battle of Bullecourt. The surviving members of  the family are: Jacob (St Arnaud); Charles Thomas (Wargan); Edward (St Arnaud);  Henry (Medlyn); John F (South Buchan); Albert James (Carapooee West); William (Bruthen); and Samuel (Swan Hill). A brother, Charles, lives at Bruthen.  The deceased lady had 20 grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren. One of these lives in Belfast, Ireland with his parents. The funeral, which took place on Saturday afternoon, was largely attended.

The sudden death of Mrs Hugh Storer, of Darlington Road, Mortlake, on Saturday afternoon came as a big shock to her many relatives and friends. Mrs Storer was having afternoon tea at a neighbour's house when she collapsed with a heart seizure. She was 73 years of age and was the widow of the late Mr Hugh Storer. Born at lake Bolac deceased was a daughter of the late Thomas and Betson Leach. The funeral was to the Mortlake cemetery on Monday afternoon.

The Rev. Phillips officiated at St James' Church and at the graveside. The casket was carried by Messrs D McCrow, J Cameron, J Hampson, W Liddle. The pall was supported by Messrs J CAmeron, A Wynd, A McFadzean, W W Spooner, A Barr, T Lane, A Ayres, J Dalton. Mr W Christian was the funeral director.

The death occurred at Kia Ora Hamilton on July 9 of Mr Edward Storer late of South Branxholme and Wallacedale North. The late Mr Storer was born in Adelaide in 1855. In early boyhood he came with his parents to western Victoria where they took up land in the neighborhood of Branxholme, then merely bush country. He later engaged in farming and pastoral industries, and was widely known and respected in the district.

The funeral started from the Wallacedale church where a short service was conducted by Rev Mr Prentice.

A large number of mourners followed to the Branxholme Cemetery. Pall bearers were members of the Returned Soldiers Association.

A memorial service was held in the church on July 11 when a large attendance testified to the respect in which he was held.

Four sons and two daughters mourn their loss. One son Leslie, was K.I.A. at Passchendale October 1917. Another, Cecil, also served in the 1914 - 1918 was and was awarded the Croix de Guerre for bravery in action.

Just as we were going to press we learned with regret of the death of Mrs Ellen Storer, wife of Mr W Storer of Wiseleigh, her death having occurred at the Bairnsdale Hospital on Wednesday evening. The deceased lady who was 56 years of age, had been in indifferent health for some years, and frequently had to seek treatment in the hospital. She was taken to the hospital last Saturday, and died as stated. She was a resident of Bruthen district all her life, and was held in high esteem. A family of one daughter and four sons survive. Two sons (Norman and Gordon) saw active service in the second World War, the latter making the supreme sacrifice.

Bruthen & Tambo Times - Thursday, 27th October 1949

The funeral of Mrs Ellen Storer, whose death was reported in our last issue, took place at the Bruthen Cemetery last Friday afternoon. The service at St Ann's and later at the graveside, was conducted by the Rev. Father Crowe. The mortuary arrangements were carried out by Messrs Williams and Lee.

The death of Mr Ernest A Storer, of Bearii, at Mooroopna Base Hospital, occurred on Saturday, April 28,  at the age of 58 years. He was well known and respected by a very large circle of friends over a wide district. Although he had been in ill-health for about five years, his demise came as a shock to the Bearii district. He has left a widow (nee Joy Simpson) and a family of eight to mourn the loss of a loving father and devoted father; also to mourn their loss is one brother - William (Bearii) and two sisters - Mrs Bert Haynes (Ulupna West) and Mrs Guilmartin Snr (Tocumwal). Two sisters  - Mrs Madgwick and Mrs Doyle - predeceased him.

Despite the fact that deceased had taken no part in public affairs, he could always be depended upon when the need arose.

The funeral to Yalca North Cemetery on Monday, April 30, was followed by a large number of relatives and friends, who placed many wreaths on the grave. The burial service was read by the Rev. Burgess of Nathalia.

We regret to learn, just as we were going to press, of the death of Mrs Ethel Storer, wife of Mr Norman Storer, well-known and respected resident of Wiseleigh, The sad event occurred in the Bairnsdale Hospital, where she had been admitted a short time before. She had apparently, recovered from a serious operation, but her condition suddenly worsened, and she passed away as stated. Deceased, who is the only daughter of Mr and Mrs F Kohte, is survived by her mother, husband and a family of three young children (including one newly born) and the sympathy of the district will go out to the grief stricken relatives in their trouble. The funeral will take place at Bruthen tomorrow.

At the advanced age of 81 years Mr Henry Jacob Storer died in the Dimboola Bush Nursing Hospital early yesterday morning and a wide circle of friends regret his death. He was a fine type of man aand one of the pioneers of this district. Deceased was born in Modbury, SA, and came to Victoria at the age of nine years with his parents who lived at Gerang. As a young man he tried his luck on the goldfields of Western Australia and was in that state for 22 years before returning to Dimboola where he has resided for the past thirty years. His wife formerly Miss Maria Auguste Petschel who predeceased him four years ago and there are no children. The funeral took place at the Dimboola cemetery yesterday afternoon and was preceded by a service at the home in Lloyd St, conducted by Rev J S Tanner, Presbyterian Minister. Messrs W O'Brien, L Howland, R Koop and W Walker acted as casket bearers and Messrs Martindale and Sons had charge of the mortuary arrangements.

Mr Jacob Storer, a colonist of 88 years, died at his residence, 19 Nottage Terrace, Medindie, on Monday, at the age of 89 years. Born in England on July 16, 1838, the late Mr Storer came out to South Australia with his parents in October, 1839. His father died a few weeks after arrival. The widow subsequently married to Mr James Cronk, and the family removed from Halifix Street, city, to Modbury. Mr Cronk was in charge of the local pound, and young Storer frequently had to walk long distances to notify persons that their cattle had been impounded. Mr Storer was married at the age of 25 years and entered the carrying trade between Adelaide and Mannum. Within a month he lost his wife and two children from typhoid. After he had married again Mr Storer went to Victoria, and took up land in the Wimmera district, and remained their for 44 years. For a period of 18 years he was a member of the Dimboola Shire Council, and only had to contest an election for the position on two occasions. At the start of the War he disposed of his property in Victoria and returned to South Australia.

Many friends will regret to hear that Mr Jacob Storer, a well known and highly respected resident and one of the pioneers of Carapooee West, died at his home in that locality on Sunday last  after a comparatively brief illness. Deceased was born in Middleton, Warwickshire, England, in 1843, and was thus 74 years of age at the time of his demise. He came out to South Australia when a boy with his parents. After remaining in Adelaide for a short period, they travelled overland to Victoria, and followed the gold rushes which were then the all-absorbing attraction. Ararat, Armstrongs, and other localities were visited in turn, and finally Peters' Diggings at Carapooee, which was by that time a remarkably busy and flourishing locality  with a large population. That was about sixty years ago. Some years later, deceased selected land at Carapooee West, where he lived continuously, following farming pursuits. He was of a very kindly disposition. The late Mr Storer enjoyed good health until a few weeks ago, when it was noticed he was failing. He was married about 43 years ago to Miss Ann Dennis, sister of the late Mr Robert Dennis, of Carrapooee West. He leaves a widow and nine sons, for whom deep sympathy is expressed. The family are - Messrs. Jacob Storer, Wanalta; Charles T Storer, Western Creek; Edward Storer, Carrapooee West; Henry Storer, Western Creek; John Storer, Wyelangta; Albert James Storer, Carrapooee West; William Storer, Wiseleigh; Corporal Herbert Storer and Corporal Samuel Storer, both on active service. There are also 13 grandchildren. the funeral took place yesterday afternoon, the cortege being a very lengthy one. The remains were interred in the St Arnaud Cemetery.  The coffin bearers were Messrs. CT, E, H, and AJ Storer (sons of deceased), JW Torney, and W Torney; the pall bearers, Messrs. J Torney, J Smith, G Medlyn, J Thwaites, jun., H Clover, and W Harman. The Rev F Boyling (Anglican) read the burial service. Deceased's remains were enclosed in a polished oak coffin with silver mountings.

Mrs Jane Storer

The death occurred at Fern Hill, Branxholme of Mrs Jane Storer, wife of the late Joseph Storer, at the age of 91 years. She was the youngest daughter of the late Mr & Mrs John Grey. Born at Kilwinning, a suburb of Glasgow Scotland, she migrated to Australia with her parents at the age of 3 months. The family landed in Adelaide and thence removed to Bordertown, where her father was employed for about 6 years as a boundary rider on Binney's station. Seeking more adventure, he decided to try his fortune in the Big Racket. After waiting three weeks, he drew an allotment at Branxholme adjacent to the present Glenlogie Estate. He immediately returned to Bordertown and removed his family to Branxholme.

The late Mrs Storer was well respected, she was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church and took a keen interest in the PWMU. She was an active worker in the Red Cross during the 1914 - 1918 war.

A large gathering at the graveside testified to the high esteem in which she was held. The coffin bearers were:

Messers: R. Grey, R. Barber, W & S Farquharson. Rev. Munro officiated at the graveside. Messers Greed & Sons carried out the mortuary arrangements. She left a family of 7 daughters and 5 sons living to mourn their loss.

In the death of Mr Joseph Storer of Fern Hill, Branxholme at the age of 75 years, an old resident of the district has gone to the Great Beyond. He was born in Adelaide, and at the age of ten years came to the district and has resided in the neighborhood ever since.

He was engaged in farming and grazing pursuits, and at one time did a large business in stock dealing. He was ill for only a few weeks, and passed away peacefully at his residence on September 2.

The funeral took place at the Branxholme Cemetery on the 4th, the coffin bearers were sons of the deceased.

Messers William, Joseph, Gordon, Leonard & Frederick Storer and son in law Mr C. Crabbe.

His widow, a large grown up family, several grandchildren and one great grandchild are left by the deceased.

Hamilton Spectator - Saturday, 4th September 1926

STORER -  The friends of the late Mr Joseph Storer are respectfully informed that his funeral will leave Fern Hill Branxholme This Day (Saturday) September 4 at 2pm for the Branxholme Cemetery.
Frank Greed, Funeral Director, Hamilton.

The death of an old resident of Branxholme, in the person of Mrs Mary Ann Storer, relict of the late Moses Storer, took place yesterday evening before 6 o'clock at the age of 87 years. The immediate cause of death was heart failure, the old lady, who was well known, having breathed her last at the residence of her daughter (Mrs Pierce). The funeral will take place tomorrow, leaving Mrs Pierces residence, Best Street, at 2 o'clock for Branxholme Cemetery.

Hamilton Spectator -  8th February 1911
Branxholme ...........From our own Correspondent.

The funeral of the late Mrs MA Storer took place on Thursday afternoon at the local cemetery. A large number of mourners followed the remains of the deceased. The late Mrs Storer was loved by all who knew her. She was closely identified with the Methodist Church here, and until lately was fairly regular in attendance and many a word in reason the young folks received from her in her quiet humble way.

Our Branxholme Correspondent writes - The death took place on Tuesday of Miss Olive Storer, youngest daughter of the late Mr M Storer at the early age of 23 years. The deceased, who was well and favourably known in Branxholme, contracted an illness about six week s ago, and though at one time her case was considered hopeless, she appeared to rally and gave her friends hope of a recovery. She, however, took a bad turn at the end of last week and passed away at midday on Tuesday.

Hamilton Spectator - 18th  October 1917

On the 16th inst at Rosebank, Branxholme, Olive Edith, youngest daughter of the late Moses and Ellen Storer, aged 23. She was buried at Branxholme on the 18th.

An old resident of Merbein, Mrs T Storer, passed away at the residence of her daughter, Mrs Rose, Distillery Hill, on Saturday afternoon. Deceased with her husband, who survives her, went to Merbein just on 20 years ago in the early days of settlement taking up residence in Commercial st East. In indifferent health for the past 10 years, the end was not altogether unexpected. Mrs EF Harding of Werrimull and Mrs F Rose of Merbein are daughters and Messrs. Irwin, Joseph, Albert, Harold and Robert, all of Merbein, sons of the deceased, are well known in the sporting world of Sunraysia. The Funeral is appointed to leave the residence of Mrs Rose at 2.30 this afternoon for the place of interment, the Merbein general cemetery.

Early yesterday morning, another pioneer of the Merbein District, in the person of Thomas Storer, died at the Mildura Base Hospital, aged 76 years. Deceased who arrived in the early days of settlement, was the first to obtain a contract for the supply of wood to the Merbein pumping plant. Mrs Storer pre-deceased her husband some three years ago, but two daughters (Mrs Harding of Wood Wood and Mrs Rose of Merbein) and five sons (Irwin, Joseph, Albert and Robert of Merbein, and Harold of Mildura) mourn their loss. The funeral is to take place at Merbein this afternoon.

Late on Wednesday afternoon a sudden death occurred at Hilgay. Mr William Storer of Branxholme, who was on a visit to his son, was loading sand into a dray when he fell down and on being picked up a few moments afterwards, was found to be dead. The deceased gentleman was aged 71 years. The deputy coroner on being apprised of the circumstances, gave an order for the burial.