Rosevale History

Obituaries of Thomas and Ann LAWRANCE

Queensland Times (Ipswich, Qld. : 1909 – 1954), Tuesday 10 August 1926, page 4

A very old resident of the West Moreton district, Mr. Thomas Lawrance, has passed away at the age of 78. Over 50 years he spent as a farmer in various centres in the district. The late Mr. Lawrence as a native of Brightwell, Oxfordshire, England, When 27 years old, he came to Brisbane on the vessel, Alexander and began work at Moggill. After over two years in that locality he commenced farming at Goodna, removing a couple of years later to Rosevale. Here he spent most of his life, carrying on farming all the while. About 14 years ago he retired from the land and went to live at Harrisville, nine years later removing to Ipswich to live with his daughter, Mrs. H. R. Stokes, Short Street. 

For some time past he had been in a weak state of health, but he finally was overcome a week ago, death taking place, at his daughters home, in the early hours of Sunday morning. The late Mr. Lawrence always was of a more or less reserved disposition, and great popularity marked his long terms of residence in the different centres of West Moreton.

His fine qualities as a father make his death a severe blow to his grown-up family of five sons and five daughters. The sons are Messrs. James, Henry, William (Rosevale), Thomas (Biggenden), and Frederick (Warwick): and the daughters, Mesdames J. Gray (Rosevale), S. Thomas (Moorang), J. Dickfos (Brisbane), H. R. Stokes (Ipswich), and A. Zimmerle (Westbrooke, near Toowoomba). He also leaves a widow. 

The funeral took place at the Ipswich Cemetery yesterday, rites at the graveside being performed by Rev. W. Stanley Bath B.A. of the Central Methodist Church.

Queensland Times (Ipswich, Qld. : 1909 – 1954), Tuesday 4 October 1932, page 6

DEATH OF MRS. ANN LAWRANCE. ROSEVALE, October 1.
The death of Mrs. Ann Lawrance, relict of the late Mr. Thomas Lawrance, severs another link with the past. She was one of the earliest setters of the Rosevale district, her association with, which began nearly 60 years ago. Her maiden name was Miss Ann Belson, and she was born at Chelgrove, Oxfordshire (England) 83 years ago. With her late husband and family of three, she embarked from England in the sailing vessel, Alexandria, about 60 years ago, the voyage extending to six months. 

After landing in Brisbane the family came to Moggil in the Settler which at that time plied between Ipswich and Brisbane. Her husband secured work from Mr. Joseph Sellars, who in after years, was one of his closest friends and nearest neighbours at Rosevale. After one year the family came on to Goodna, where they remained for another year. Her late husband having selected land at Rosevale, the family removed to the latter centre about 58 years ago, and engaged in farming, going in somewhat extensively for potato growing, of which crop the late Mr. Lawrance was a capable judge. In slack times he carried out fencing contracts. 

Having reared a large and highly respected family, the late Mr. and Mrs. Lawrance retired from active life. They left Rosevale In 1914, and lived privately in Harrisville for eight years, after which they removed to Ipswich. 

Subsequent to the death of her husband, the late Mrs. Lawrance lived with her daughter, Mrs. H. Wilton. Although of retiring disposition, she made many warm friends. She leaves a grown-up family of five sons and five daughters. Messrs. James (Rosevale), Thomas (Biggenden),Frederick (Warwick), Harry and William (Rosevale), Mesdames T. Gray and S. Thomas (Moorang), J. Dickfos (Biggenden), H. Wilton (Ipswich), and A. Zimmerle (Athol). There are 50 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren.

Thomas and Ann Lawrance (Rosevale State School Centenary 1884-1984)