Story of Mary Cook

Shipping - on 'CASPER' 12th September 1849 - Richard; or 'POSTHUMOUS' 21st or 22nd June 1849 - Richard with wife and children from Devon.

Tantanoola Cemetery Headstone - James McRostie 5th January 1911 and his wife Mary (Cook) 3rd September 1916

TANTANOOLA September 16. (The Border Watch, September 23rd, 1916.)

The death of Mrs. James McRostie has removed another of the pioneers of this district. The deceased who passed away on September 3, was in her 79th year. She was born on the borders of Cornwall and Devonshire, and came to this State about 70 years ago with her father, the late Richard Cook, in the Sir Edward Barry (sic, Parry). The family resided near Adelaide for some time, and in early life made the acquaintance of the late James McRostie, and the young couple were married at Bowden. Their fortunes took them to the Victorian diggings, and later a home was made at Mount Gambier. On the drainage area being opened the family took up land here about 40 years ago. The deceased, who was a sister of the late Mrs. (Gumeracha) Williams, was one who lived a very strenuous life, the rising sun seldom finding her in bed. She took a deep interest in politics, and made many friends, being greatly respected.

The body was interred in the Tantanoola cemetery, the service being conducted by the Rev. P Eckersley, of Millicent.

The following children survive her:- Messres A. J. McRostie, J.P. (Edwardstown), P. M. McRostie, J.P. (Marrogin, W.A.), Fredrick, Alex., and Walter McRostie (Tantanoola), Mesdames S. J. Richards and V. G. Hains (Tantanoola), and J. Carthew (Beachport). There are 45 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren surviving.