James Hannell

Also See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Hannell

Obituary of Mr James Hannell, first Mayor of the City of Newcastle NSW, was published in "The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser" of Tuesday 2 January 1877:

"Death, of Mr. James Hannell. (Newcastle Pilot of yesterday.)

"We much regret to announce the death, on Sunday morning the 31st Dec, of Mr Jas. Hannell, who was one of the earliest citizens of Newcastle, represented it for some time in Parliament, as also he did the county of Northumber land, and who always endeavoured to identify himself with all institutions calculated to benefit the city that now mourns his loss, as well as to advance its interests in his private and public capacities. The late gentleman had been in failing health for some time past, but so serious a result was not feared.

"As early as 1845, or 1846, he joined one of the first company of citizens who purchased, at the Government auction sale, land at Mosquito Island. He was married to the eldest daughter of Mr. Priest, from which marriage there are now three sons and six daughters living. Mr. Hannoll identified himself with the School of Arts as early as the year 1844, and also with tho Hospital from the date of its establishment. Of this latter institution he was for many years the trea- surer. He was chosen one of the deputation to wait upon Sir William Denison, to urge that the Newcastle harbour should be put in proper condition for ships to come alongside and deliver and receive cargo. At this time no wharves had been constructed here, and Sir William's reply was that the citizens should put their shoulders to the wheel, as did the people of Tasmania when he became Governor of that island. There the result had been that some excellent wharves had been constructed. Mr. Hannell and his friends acted upon this well meant advice, and they did not rest until the Tonnage Dues Bill was passed, which was fol- lowed by the construction of some of the fine wharves now in Newcastle, and the erection of the cranes. In 1853 Mr. Kinnell contested the Parliamentary election with Mr. Hodgson, but he was defeated. The same year he was re- turned as an alderman for the City Ward in the first Municipal Council. He was then, on the proposition of Mr G Tully, seconded by Mr C Bolton, returned as first Mayor without opposition. That honorablo position he filled for several years, and, at his demise, was Mayor of Wickham, and alderman for the City Ward of Newcastle. When returned to Parliament as member for the City, he early acquired a knowledge of the forms of the House and the routine of business, and although he did not profess to be an orator he was very active and successful in advancing the interests of his constinuency. His care for the welfare of the district he well maintained, when subsequently he was returned a member for the County. Two brothers, whom he leaves, are well known and respected in New- castle. Mr Hannell was for many years clergy-man's churchwarden in the Cathedral Church of this City. During his long business career he was successful in accumulating a considerable amount of property ; and his purse, with words of well-chosen advice, were always at the service of those who really needed them. Well known as a president of the Regatta, and the judge at the Newcastle Jookey Club Meeting, at these he will be missed.

"It was on Nov. 19 that he was first attacked with congestion of the lungs, when Dr. S T. Knaggs attended him with success; but on December 19th a similar attack set in, and there being grave symptoms of heart disease, Dr Knaggs hold a consultation with his father on the case. On the 26th he felt compelled to in form Mr. Hannell's family that the symptoms were so serious he would like Dr. Bowker to be called in. The Doctor, on being communicated with, at once complied with the request conveyed to him; and, on his arrival, on Friday last, fully agreed as to the gravity of the case, and acquiesced in the treatment that had been pursued. At the same time he entertained hopes that the threatened danger might be averted. On Sunday morning the deceased gentleman thought himself better, and partook of breakfast. The favourable change did not last, and very soon afterwards he oom plained that he was not well, in consequence of a peculiar feeling at his chest. Suddenly he leaned back, said " I am going," and expired. He was bom in Sydney, in 1813, and was consequently sixty-three years of ago.

"ln consequence of this mournful event, on Sunday the flags from the various staffs in the city, and on the shipping in the harbour, were all half-mast high."