Preece Family Tree

The Late Mr. John Hannaford

Mr. John Hannaford, who died at his residence, Wattle Vale, Finnis Point, adjacent to Riverton, on Tuesday, May 25, was a gentleman widely known and highly-respected throughout the Mid-north. Having been identified with these parts for nearly half a century, and taking a leading active part in his profession as a sheep-breeder and agricultural farmer, he was recognised as an authority on these phases of life. As a representative in the Gilber District Council at a time when farming was at low ebb, and rates difficult to pay he rendered good service for the district. In politics he strongly opposed "experimental" legislation and in no uncertain voice did he at times of election render yeoman service in the cause of those whose policy nearly approximated his own. As a Methodist, he was as in other matters, pronounced in opinion, and strong in support. A monument to his religious life is standing at Finnis Point in the little rural church erected many years ago largely through his instrumentality. Through Mr. John Hannaford and his regular attendance and financial help, the cause of Methodism on the outskirts has been materially advanced. About twelve months ago the deceased was stricken down by paralysis, and for the past year he was confined to his house, but through the long illness he took a keen interest in the welfare of his farm and kindred. Beside the widow (a daughter of Mr. Jas. Shearer), there survive Messrs. James, Frederick, John, Samuel, David and Alfred (sons), and Mesdames J. Elliott Kelly, T. Cornish, and Misses Martha and Janet Hannaford (daughters) of the decease.

The late Mr. John Hannaford was the eldest son of Mr. G. W. Hannaford (a pioneer colonist), who early settled on the Hatchlands Estate, in the Gumeracha district, where the subject of this sketch was born in 1849. In the year 1867 he, with a younger brother, was sent to Wattle Vale Farm by their father. The younger brother carried on the farm, subsequently purchasing it from his father. The deceased was an up-to-date farmer, and had a gift for mechanics. Some of his improvements to machinery are now in general use.