One of our oldest residents — Mr. Wm. Spreadborough, of Norbiton— has paid the debt of nature at the mature ago of 68. The deceased gentleman had been thirty years in the colony, twenty-nine of which were passed in the neighbourhood of Warwick. He was an excellent gardener, had many acres of land under cultivation, and for several years his peaches, grapes, &c., were unrivalled in this district. He leaves behind him several children and grandchildren.
WARWICK. (1878, June 1). The Telegraph (Brisbane, Qld. : 1872 - 1947), p. 2. Link to TROVE
One of Queensland's earliest pioneers, Mrs. Susannah Lamb, died at Killarney on December 12 at the age of 86 years. Mr. William Spreadbrough, accompanied by his wife and seven-year-old daughter, Susannah, landed at Parramatta in 1884, after an eight months' voyage from London in the ship Canton. They came on to Moreton Bay, with Ipswich, the then metropolis, as their objective. In 1851 this family trekked by bullock dray over the ranges to Talgai, and shortly afterwards the father took up land near Warwick. This he named Norbiton. About the age of 15 Susannah married Mr. John Peters, and two sons were born. A few years later Mr. Peters died, and subsequently his widow married Mr. Thomas Lamb, who in 1870 secured land in Killarney. Here 12 children were born. In 1902 Mrs. Lamb again became a widow. Ten children are living, and altogether there are 115 descendants - 52 grandchildren, and 63 great-grand children.
Social Gossip. (1923, December 22). The Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld. : 1866 - 1939), p. 10. Link to TROVE
When the sad news spread yesterday as ill tidings always do with celerity that the Town Clerk of Warwick (Mr. John Spreadborough) had passed away at Boonah, there were universal expressions of regret. Flags which had been waving for the Allied victory in France—a victory which the late Mr. Spreadborough was entirely wrapped up in, though he was not destined to see the complete fruition—were immediately lowered to half-mast, and on all sides the people of Warwick expressed their poignant sorrow that a true citizen and a true Christian gentleman had passed away. Mr. Spreadborough, who was aged 68 years, had not been in his wonted state of health for about two years past. The death of his eldest son, Lieut. Ernest Spreadborough, in action in France, was a great blow to him, and though he turned a smiling face to the world infinite sorrow was slowly consuming him. The late Mr. Spreadborough was born at Talgai, his parents being of the English race. When Mr. Spreadborough was a lad the family removed to Norbiton, about a mile from Warwick. Here his father brought him up to orchard work, and the lessons he then imbibed dominated his leisure time up till quite recently. He was exceedingly fond of plants and flowers—a keen student of nature and a lover of all God's handiwork. He first became connected with the Warwick Town Council about 35 years ago, when he received the position of Commonage Ranger. As usual throughout his long and useful work he carried out his duties with zeal and thoroughness.
Had his advice been taken in the early days when the prickly pear pest was beginning to grip the land, the common could have been cleared for a score of pounds, whereas it later cost a thousand pounds. Mr. Spreadborough then became Inspector of Works and Rate Collector, the latter position bringing to him a knowledge of office work under the late Mr. F. B. Woods, then Town Clerk. When the latter died in 1902 Mr. Spreadborough, naturally, was appointed to the position of Town Clerk, which be held up to the time of his death. A more capable, painstaking and zealous officer the Warwick Town Council could not have found. He was thoroughly acquainted with the difficult Local Authorities' Act in all its bearings, and his opinion on disputed points was invariably correct. Mr. Spreadborough was an ideal servant of the ratepayers, who owe a debt of gratitude to him for his tact, urbanity and ability which will only be fully realised now that he is gone. But, beyond his official duties, Mr. Spreadborough was also a splendid citizen. We believe that he was a foundation member of the Eastern Downs H. and A. Association; at any rate he was associated with Mr. Alex. Tulloch, Glencairn, as a steward in the vegetable section ever since the society held its exhibitions. He took a deep spiritual interest in St. Mark's Church of England. For very many years he was superintendent of the central Sunday school, and when the Warwick West Sunday school was established he kept himself in touch with its welfare. He was a churchwarden for years, and was a vice-president of C.E.M. Society—indeed, it can be truthfully said that he was a pillar of Anglicanism in Warwick. The love of nature, to which we have already alluded, was shown by his interest in the Warwick Horticultural Society, of which he was a vice-president. The late Mr. Spreadborough was a sincere patriot. He was neither blatant nor boastful, but he had the earnest conviction that the cause of the Allies was absolutely just, and to this he attuned his outside activities. No patriotic cause ever suffered for want of his support—always given modestly, but none the less effectively. One of his sons was stricken down in France, while another is at present fighting in Palestine. Surely it may be said that he "did his bit" for the race from which he sprang.
Mr. Spreadborough was also secretary of the Warwick Cemetery Trust, but to detail all the successful movements with which he was connected would cover columns of space if given in extense. Suffice it to say that Warwick is the poorer by the loss of an honest, Christian gentleman, whose private life was spotless, and whose good works will live after him. He is survived by his widow and family of seven. The daughters are Mrs. T. W. Flood (Quilpie) and Misses Dora and Florence Spreadborough. The sons are Trooper Arthur Spreadborough (at present on active service in Palestine), Mr. Cuthbert Spreadborough (Toowoomba), Mr. Edgar Spreadborough (Boonah), and Mr. Harold Spreadborough (Warwick).
Messrs. Richard, Tave, Tom and Isaac Spreadborough are brothers of deceased, while Mrs. S. Keable (Tannymorel) and Mrs. T. Lamb, senr. (Killarney) are sisters.
The funeral is announced to take place to-day. The body will be brought to Warwick by the mail train, and after a short service at St. Mark's Church, commencing at 3.15 p.m., the cortege will move to the Warwick cemetcry from the church. The teachers and scholars of St. Mark's, Sunday school are requested to meet at the Sunday school to-day at 3 p.m. as a tribute of respect to the departed gentleman. The bell at St. Mark's Church will be tolled at intervals during the day out of respect to the deceased who, all his life, had been prominently connected with St. Mark's.
OBITUARY (1918, August 14). Warwick Examiner and Times (Qld. : 1867 - 1919), p. 5. Link to TROVE
Mr. John Sprendborough, Town Clerk, received word on Wednesday of the death of his brother James at Rockhampton. Deceased, who was 52 years of age, left Koreelah about twelve years ago to take charge of Kilcoy Station, and on the expiry of the lease the bank gave up the property. Mr. Spreadborough then engaged in hotelkeeping for a couple of years. During the last twelve months his health had been unsatisfactory.
OBITUARY. (1905, July 8). Warwick Examiner and Times (Qld. : 1867 - 1919), p. 7. Link to TROVE
SPREADBOROUGH.—At Rockhampton, on the 5th inst., James Spreadborough, late of Koreelah ; aged, 52 years.
Deeply regretted.
Family Notices (1905, July 8). Warwick Examiner and Times (Qld. : 1867 - 1919), p. 7. Link to TROVE
SPREADBOROUGH.-In loving memory of our dear husband and father, who departed this life 29th April, 1923.
We do not forget you, nor do we intend.
We think of you always, and will to the end.
In silence you suffered and patiently bore,
Till God called you home to suffer no more.
(Inserted by his loving wife, sons, and daughters.)
Family Notices. (1927, April 29). Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton, Qld. : 1878 - 1954), p. 8. Link to TROVE
Mr. Richard Spreadborough died at Killarney on July 5. The late Mr. Spreadborough was born at Norbiton, Deuchar`s Creek, 75 years ago, and he commenced farming at Acacia Creek, New South Wales. Later he acquired a farming and dairying property in the Killarney district. For many years he was engaged in the timber industry around Killarney and Acacia Creek. He married Miss. Rachel Grayson, second daughter of the late Mr. John Grayson, of Silverwood. He is sur- vived by his widow and four sons, Messrs. Johng, Irwin, and Octavus Spreadborough (Killarney) and Frank Spreadborough (Toowoomba).
OBITUARY. (1932, July 12). The Brisbane Courier (Qld. : 1864 - 1933), p. 15. Link to TROVE
According to Margaret WICKHAM of Karara in Queensland, Daniel died at the home of his daughter and son in-law Ann and Francis SPREADBOROUGH. Margaret also gave the birth information in her letter.
THE FRIENDS of the late Mrs. Moss are invited to attend the FUNERAL of deceased which leaves the residence of Mr. Frank Spreadborough, Rosenthal Road, at 9 o'clock THIS MORNING.
Family Notices (1896, December 2). Warwick Examiner and Times (Qld. : 1867 - 1919), p. 2. Link to TROVE