Michael de Dear

Captain Michael De Dear, who died recently at Port Pirie, was one of the pioneers of the town. He was 86 years of age and was a native of Crete. He came to Australia when little more than a youth. During the early years of his residence in the State his home was at Port Augusta, where he owned several sailing craft. In 1872 he removed to Port Pirie, and was for many years in the coastal shipping trade in Spencer Gulf. At one time he possessed considerable means, but he sustained a severe stroke of ill fortune in having his vessel, the Mercury, when loaded with flour, run down and sunk by a steamer. Neither the Mercury nor the cargo was insured. A few years ago Captain De Dear, with the members of his family (his wife died several years ago), removed to Sydney, but he returned here and remained at Port Pirie until his death. He was a foundation member of the Port Augusta Foresters' Lodge, and had been a member of Court Pirie for upwards of 47 years. He was a foundation member of the Port Pirie Pioneers' Association. He left six sons (Messrs. C. De Dear, Port Adelaide; B. De Dear, Port Broughton; Hector De Dear, Pirie South: and Leo, Claim, and (Clem, De Dear, New South Wales) and four daughters (Mesdames West, Norwood; H. M. Pimlott, Pirie South, and Misses Clythe and Gwen De Dear, New South Wales). There are 14 grandchildren.

Obituary. (1920, June 26). Chronicle (Adelaide, SA : 1895 - 1954), p. 12. Retrieved January 29, 2016 http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article89189641