1851-1943
Father
William Loomes
Mother
Martha Dunk
Siblings
Martha Ann, Anna, Charlotte Elizabeth, Sarah, George, Jane Charlotte, Thomas Henry, John Edward
Married
Children
William Amos, Martha Anna, Ada May, Percy Charles, Ella Gertrude, Elsie Jane, Roy Edward Thomas, Howard James Miller
William’s Life
Born at Brownlow Hill, near Camden, he, at the age of 24, trekked with three companions and their belongings, over the mountains and selected at Barragan as Cranbury was then known. Having made a home he returned to Camden and wedded Miss Rebecca Miller. A lovely story was published Western Daily Advertiser in 1927 on the occasion of their 50th Wedding anniversary –
‘After the honeymoon, which was spent in Sydney, Mr. Loomes travelled through Burrangarang Valley with his stock, via Triglow, Rockley, Mandurama, Cherry Tree Falls to Toogong, at which place he had taken land some six months previously. Here he built a home, where their present homestead stands. Mrs. Loomes followed afterwards with their household furniture. Catching the train at Penrith she went as far as Bathurst, which at that time was the extreme western station. Here she was met by her husband, and the two made the remaining journey by team which passed through several tollbars between Bathurst and Orange.’
At the new home ‘Loomville’, they raised their family of four sons and four daughters and took full part in the development of the district. Always keenly interested in their church they were in the lead of the many activities, which resulted in the erection of All Saints Church, Cranbury, in 1908. Consecrated by Bishop Camidge in 1910, this fine building has been the centre of the church life of the district. William Loomes, as trustee and warden, played his part and was always in his place at Divine Service until the last few years of his life, when, though unable to go to church, was always ‘in it,’ and was ever mindful of his church and her ministry. The old home at ‘The Oakes,’ where his parents removed, is still farmed by one of the family, Mark Morton Loomes, a grandson.
William was also treasurer and trustee of this church and was appointed a Justice of the Peace around 1908.
He had taken a keen interest in cricket and watched many a game at ‘Loomville,’ and when confined to his home listened carefully to many a game over the air. He, who had seen so many changes in the development of the district, will be fondly remembered by his children and a great host of friends. Many gathered at the home around the family before removing to Toogong cemetery, where, by the side of his partner, who predeceased him in 1928, he was laid to rest. ‘A grand old gentleman,’ was heard on every side. May he rest in peace, and may his children and their children rise up and call him blessed.
Authored by Leah Burnheim