DEATH OF MR. JOHN GILLESPIE

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 2772, 16 August 1924, Page 2

DEATH OF MR. JOHN GILLESPIE

Tin? death occurred at Palmerston N: on Thursday night of Air .folin Gillespie, om> of the oldest and well known settlors of the Mansiwatu district. Mr Gillespie, who resided at Gillespie’s Line, had resided in the district for over 40 years. He had been ailing for some little time, and the death of his wife about eleven weeks ago, assisted to hasten his end.

Deceased was horn at Plean, in Scotland, 73 years ago. and came In New Zealand in the sailing vessel Aslerope, 57 years ago, and settling in the Marlborough distinct for a short while. With many another adventurous v«nith. lie was attracted |>v tho gold boom anil he went to the Tiiron gold fields (N.S.W.) and put in 15 months prospecting. Upon bis return to the Dominion, he settled in the Renwiektown district as a contractor until 187fi when ho joined the police force. He was pin - eed in charge of the TTuft district. Tn 1878 he was transferred to Pal-mer-ton North. Tn ISS4 he went to l‘’eilding, ISBS to Wailara. 1888 to Whiteeliffs, 1880 to Normasby, 1800 to Mnnnia. ISOI-7 to Foxton. from whence he was transferred to Tenmka (South Canterbury) where he tilled the dtij:ies of constable and clerk of the court from 1807 to 1010, and also held the office* of inspect dr of licensed houses, registrar of electurs. and returning oflieer for the Geraldine district. In 1010 the late Mr Gillespie resigned to engage in private pursuits. He returned to Palmerston North and eomhieuced to farm n piece of land n : l Kairniign. wbicli he had possessed for nearly 30 years. Had Mrs Gillespie survived. I heir golden wedding wofild have been celebrated on Sal unlay lasi. Tlie deceased gentleman o leaves six sons and four daughters to mourn their Ins-. The sons are: William Andrew (Dannevirke). John Udwnrd, Joseph Francis, Poland. Oswald Percy, and Arthur Creagh (all of Palmerston N.t and the daughters are: Mrs Iti'osnahan (Onmaru), and ALs Tfowarth Palmerston NO, and ATisses Elsie and Zoe Gillespie (Palmerston N.).