Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

On the 29th ult. there passed away, at his residence, Fitzroy-street, Campsie, the late Mr. John Theodore Bruning, one of the earlier settlers of this  State and one who had led an eventful and strenuous life. Born in Brussells, Belgium, he arrived in Port Jackson as mate of the ship Albatross, in  1854. The gold fever being then at its height, he left his ship, as did most others, and proceeded to the Kinandra diggings. Achieving but a qualified measure of success, he discarded digging in favour, of contracting; and, proceeding to Queanbeyan, constructed tho first bridge there, remaining in the district to farm for some years. He then migrated to Sydney, where he remained till the outbreak of the South African War.
Proceeding to the seat of hostilities, he enjoyed the unusual experience of witnessing a battle, in which, without his knowledge, his eldest son was  engaged. Returning to Sydney, he journeyed to West Australia, and later again to South Africa, from which he finally returned, when 70 years of  ago, three years since. He was attended in his last illness by tho Rev. Father Dalton. The interment was made in Rookwood Cemetery, and amongst  those who attended were his widow (Mrs. Josopha Emily Bruning), his sons and daughters (Messrs. Fred, John, Joseph and Leonard Bruning; Mrs.  Felwood, Mrs Davis and Miss Bruning), together with Messrs Felwood, Davis, Hamer, Hardy, Mangus, Owen, Mrs. Wallace and Miss Howell, and others. Messrs. Coffill and Co. carried out the funeral arrangements— RIP .