The Register, Saturday 29 May 1926
(Adelaide, South Australia)

OBITUARY
The death of Mr. William Symons on Tuesday, at the age of 80 years, has removed one of the oldest and best known residents of Kadina and district. He was born in Cornwall in 1846, and came to South Australia with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John Symons, in 1853. The family went, like most Cornishmen at that period, to the Burra, where Mr. Symons, sen., opened a store. In 1868, Mr. William Symons came to Kadina, and took up an engagement with the Wallaroo and Moonta Mining Company. He was in the company’s employ for several years. He then secured employment with Mr. Nicholas Rosewarne, in the hay and chaff trade, and was with that firm for about nine years. A desire for independence culminated in his taking up land in the vicinity of Alford, in 1886, and the next 10 years were spent on the farm. Mr. Symons then went to Kadina, and opened a grocery establishment in Graves street, which he kept until his death. Mr. Symons took a keen interest in public affairs, and sat in the town council for various periods between 1884 and 1910. Although offered the Mayoralty, he declined the honour. He was also connected with other public bodies, and rendered valued service as treasurer of the Kadina Benevolent Society for many years. He was also a member of the old school board of advice. An ardent Methodist, Mr. Symons was a local preacher for a long period. He was a member of the Oddfellows Lodge, M.U., for more than 60 years, and went through the chairs, joining the lodge at the Burra. He was a foundation member of the Kadina Bowling Club, and only relinquished the game comparatively recently. He was of a genial and winning personality, and his passing is deeply regretted by a large circle of friends. He was married at Kadina in 1870 to Miss Mary S. Harris, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Harris, of Kadina. The surviving family are the widow, two sons—Messrs. William Symons (Kadina), and Harry Symons (Lithgow, N.S.W.)—and four daughters—Mesdames R. J. Pearce (Kadina), F. J. Mills (St. Peters), James Harris (Hector Plains), and W. B. Mitchell (Adelaide). There are 21 grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren.

Contributed by Bob Bolitho