Thomas William DISCOMBE [14270]

  General Notes:

Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 - 1904) Sat 13 Mar 1897 Page 13
Family Notices
A GOLDEN WEDDING.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Discomb, old and respected colonists of upwards of forty years, celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding-day at Woodside on Monday. They
were married on March 7, 1877, at Newton Abbott, England, and cams to South Australia in the ship Standard, Captain Blyth, which arrived on December 21, 1854. They then came to Balhannah, and have lived in the Onkaparinga district ever since. Mr. Discomb soon after his arrival in the colony entered the service of Mr. William Rounsevell as mail-driver
between Adelaide and Mount Torrens. After Mr. Rounsevell retired he went on with Messrs. Cobb & C., and finally with Hill and Co. Mr. Discomb was very popular with the passengers, who had great confidence in him as a driver. After laying aside the whip he
commenced brick-making at North Woodside, which business he has carried on
for a number of years with success.

He takes a great interest in horticultural and floricultural pursuits, and many gardens
around Woodside bear evidence of his skill in that direction. Mr. and Mrs. Discomb have
had eight children; they are grandparents to thirteen and great-grandparents to seven.
Mr. Discomb takes a lively interest in liberal politics, is an active worker in Church matters,
and interests himself largely in local charities.

The first part of the festivities in connection with the wedding-day cerebration took the
form of a garden party in the afternoon at Mr. Discomb's residence, when songs, recitations, and speeches were indulged in. Afternoon tea was served under the trees, and this was chosen as the fitting time to cut the wedding cake. Quite sixty friends took the opportunity of congratulating the happy couple. In the evening Mr. and Mrs. Discomb gave a social in the Institute, when the host and host ss entered heartily into the fun, and Mrs.
Discomb, in spite of her three score and ten years, cheerfully responded to a young
gentleman's invitation to dance with him. Just before adjourning to supper Dr. Esau
took the opportunity of presenting to Mr. and Mrs. Discomb a handsome tea service, which
had been contributed for by old friends. The doctor wished them many years of health and
happiness, and hoped they would live to celebrate their diamond wedding. Mr. Discomb
feelingly responded.

Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 - 1904) Sat 10 Jan 1903 Page 34
OBITUARY.

Mr. Thomas Discombe, an old and respected colonist, died at his residence at North Woodside last week, after a brief illness. The deceased gentleman was born in Devonshire, England, on July 18, 1826.
He served an apprenticeship of seven years at Torquay with the firm of Messrs. Morgan,
horticulturists, and was gardener on one of the local estates prior to leaving for South Australia, where, with his wife and young children, he arrived in 1854. The family proceeded to Balhannah, and they have resided in the district ever since.

After two years' work at brick-making Mr. Discombe removed to Woodside, and entered into partnership with Mr. Northcott. Subsequently he drove the mail coach between Mount Torrens and Adelaide for about 20 years, being respectively employed by Messrs. Rounsevell, Cobb, & Co. and
Hill & Co. For several years afterwards he took the reins again during the busy periods. He was a skilful driver. For some years he conducted the Mount Torrens Hotel. He purchased the brickyard
at North Woodside, which he successfully carried on. Six children, 13 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren survive.

Thomas married Sarah Ann NORTHCOTT [14271] [MRIN: 5119]. (Sarah Ann NORTHCOTT [14271] was born on 12 Mar 1826 in , Devonshire, England and died on 11 Oct 1910 in Woodside, SA, Australia.)