Philadelphia Wheatley, Free Settler "William Metcalfe" 1838

DEATH OF A NONAGENARIAN.MR. JOHN WHEATLEY. J.P., AETAT 93 YEARS. -
News was wired to his sister, Mrs.John Gale of this town, yesterday morning, of the demise, at his residence, Dalton, near Gunning, of Mr. John Wheatley, J.P., one of the oldest identities of the Southern Districts. The deceased gentleman was a native of Sussex, England and was born on June 21st, 1823, and so, had he lived a couple of months longer, would have attained the extreme and venerable age of 93 years.

He was the eldest son of the late Mr. John Wheatley, who settled in the southern districts of New South Wales 77 years since, and who for many years was a resident of Collector, and spent the latter days of his long and useful life at Gunning. This early settler was grandfather to the well-known stock and station agent at Goulburn, Mr. W. H. Wheatley. The subject of this memorial spent the whole of his Australian life in the southern districts.

He and some of his brothers were amongst the successful gold diggers in the early fifties of the last century, the Ovens and the Turon goldfields being the principal places of their operations. He subsequently entered into business pursuits, first at Wagga Wagga, and then at Adelong, and finally at Dalton, where for many years past he conducted a general store, to which was attached the local post-office. Another venture of his was the erection of a gristing-mill at Dalton. A short time after he parted possession with this branch of his business it was unfortunately destroyed by fire.

For many years the deceased was in the Commission of the Peace. For probity of character, generosity of disposition, and other sterling qualities, his name was proverbial, and earned him universal respect. Physically the deceased was of small stature, but nevertheless marvelously robust. He retained his vigour almost to the last and was able to ride on horseback and engage in active laborious work till only a few months ago. He was stricken with paralysis a few weeks back, and though retaining consciousness up to the last, passed away as stated.

He leaves a widow (his second wife) and a numerous family, amongst whom are several unmarried daughters, The remains of Mr. Wheatley were to be interred at Dalton this morning.