OBITUARY 

Mrs John Booshang 

The death occurred on Wednesday 6^th inst., at 84 Hargrave Street Paddington, where she had been residing for some time past, of  Mrs Anastasia Casey Booshang, widow of the late Mr John Booshang, of Adaminaby, at the age of 70 years. Deceased had been ill during the past two years, and had been confined to her bed for the last seven months. 

Deceased was a twin sister of the late Mrs C J Yen of Adaminaby, and they were the only daughters of the late Mr and Mrs Thomas Thomas, of Adaminaby. Her husband predeceased her some 10 years ago and they are survived by four sons, four daughters and six grandchildren.

She was held in high regard in Adaminaby and district where she was known for her kindliness of heart and good deeds. 

The body was brought to Cooma by Friday morning’s train and the taken to St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Adaminaby, whence after a brief service by Rev Father Brennan it was placed to rest in the Catholic section of the Adaminaby General Cemetery. Father Brennan again officiating. There was a large attendance at the graveside and the pall bearers were Messrs. Thomas, William and Walter Booshang, and Vic Yen. Mr J.F. Allen had charge of the funeral arrangements. 

Wreaths were noted from – Joe, Emily and Jane; Tom, Jack, Will, Burge, Rose and Eliza; Jinnie and husband; Ainy, Maud, Arthur and Vic; the girls and boys; Catering Department, Hotel Metropole; all at Hazelwood; Mrs J Burgess and Mr and Mrs E Burgess and family; Jessie Green and Mary Williams; Mrs M Wilson and Ronnie; Mrs W E Russell and family; Mr and Mrs McMahon; Mr and Mrs A A Watkins and family; Barbara and Walter;  Frank, Minnie and children; Mr and Mrs G W Mackay and family; James Casey; Mrs Monaghan and Rose Kershaw; Mrs W H West; Mrs Rossiter and family; Mr and Mrs Arthur Eccleston and family; Mr and Mrs Chapman, Alice and Mavis.

Submitted by Christine Casey <caseal@pcug.org.au>

THE MANARO MERCURY, COOMA 

An Adaminaby Identity 

DIES AT ADVANCED AGE 

One of the identities of Adaminaby, Mr John Booshang, whose residence of fifty years in that centre, and business connections have brought him in contact with the whole of that district, died at his home in Denison Street on Thursday last. His great age, ninety-seven years, proclaimed him as on of robust constitution and his activities up till recent years gave the impression that he would reach the century before nature claimed him. Death was due to senile decay, following a period of enfeebled health. 

The funeral took place at the Adaminaby Cemetery on Friday last, and was attended by a large number of residents of Adaminaby and district, the service being conducted by the Rev Father McGee. The pall bearers were Messrs James Turner, A Kearns, Arthur and Frank Yen. 

Wreaths were placed on the coffin from the following: Mr and Mrs H Stanley and family, Mrs M Casey, snr. and family,  G.J. and  L.K. Rose and family, and Mr and Mrs Russell and family. 

The deceased leaves a widow and family comprising; Mrs Stockell, Haberfield; Mrs Coleman, Woollahra; Mrs Brooks,  Katoomba; and Miss Rose Booshang, Woollahra;  Messrs Thomas Booshang, Adaminaby; John ,Brisbane; Walter, Woollahra; and William Booshang, Kensington. The last named was an Anzac, who was four years on active service in the war. 

The late Mr Booshang was a native of Heungshan, China, and at the age of seventeen came to Australia. He went to the Tumut district, where he resided for some years, until the gold rush to Kiandra took place, and like many others he was attracted to that mountain field. Life in that region during the mining days, when Kiandra could count its population in thousands, was beset with many hardships, and the pioneers of those days had every opportunity for the display of initiative and ‘grit’. In the rush, the late Mr Booshang proved his mettle, and during one winter season helped to carry provisions to the camp when the snow was too deep for horses to travel. When Kiandra offered no further inducement he went to Adaminaby, where he kept a store and carried on a market garden. 

 He married Miss Anastasia Thomas of that centre, where he reared his family. He was a devotee of the turf, and ran several of his horses at the Adaminaby, Cooma and district race meetings. Two of his string, Black Ringer and Captain won the first two cups put up for competition by the Adaminaby Jockey Club. Walladon, another of his racers, also won a cup, and he was the owner of Active Boy, Golden Ringer, Golden Prior, and Kimba. He was also noted as a billiard player of no mean order, and may be described generally as an enterprising resident.

Submitted by Christine Casey <caseal@pcug.org.au>