28 April 1896 - Former long-standing Premier of NSW Sir Henry Parkes died yesterday morning with his wife at his bedside.
Flags on government buildings and shipping were lowered to half-mast throughout the day as a mark of respect to the memory of the distinguished public figure.
Parkes, 80, is widely regarded all over Australia as the founding father of Federation. Sadly he did not live to see his dream fulfilled.
Sir Henry’s death was described by today’s Sydney Morning Herald as a ‘sharp blow to thousands’. ‘Everywhere amongst the public, in tramcars, in the streets, at shops and business places, were to be gathered the signs of genuine regret that the long and distinguished life had closed,’ the Herald reported.
Parkes, born in Warwickshire, England, began life as a tenant farmer. He set sail for Australia in 1839 and found work in Sydney as a customs house officer. After several business ventures, including his own newspaper titled the Empire, he entered politics in 1854.
Married three times, to Clarinda Varney, Eleanor Dixon and Julia Lynch. Parkes was father to 11 children.