Thomas Coto, Gravestone
Date Published
: cemeteries / graves / headstones, Amoy / Xiamen
: Gippsland
: Sale
: 1883
The Late Mr. Thomas Coto
Thomas Coto
Considerable surprise and regret was evinced in Sale on Monday afternoon when it became known that Mr Thomas Coto of Bundalaguah had died of inflammation of the lungs caused by a cold that he had recently contracted. He was one of the oldest, and most enterprising farmers in the district and was noted for his undoubtcd integrity and honesty, and was in consequence highly respected and esteemed. The deceased who was a native of Amoy in China arrived in Gippsland in 1849, with the late Mr Angus McMillan, the discoverer of Gippsland and some time afterwards entered into farming pursuits on a small scale which occupation he pursued with varying success for many years, having on several occassions nearly succumbed to the misfortunes which continued bad seasons brought upon him. By indominable perseverance and energy he struggled on and latterly fortune smiled upon him and at the of his death, he had accumulated a large amount of valuable property. He was a large employer of farm labourers, by whom he was always greatly respected, was ever ready and willing to extend a helping hand in cases of distress and in an unassuming and quiet manner he performed charitable deeds that would set an example to his more enlightened and wealthy brethren. Some years ago a movement was on foot amongst the farmers, to reduce the wages of farm labourers, and it was due to the decided stand taken in opposition to it by Mr Coto that the matter fell through. In addition to his farming pursuits, he for some years carried on a general produce business in Sale, and latterly purchased the Cheese Factory, both of which he conducted with varying success. He embraced Christianity some years ago, and at the time of his death was a staunch adherent to the Presbyterian Church. He was twice married and leaves a widow and five children to mourn his loss. His remains will be interred in the Sale Cemetery this afternoon.
Gippsland Times, 20 June 1883, p.3.
Thomas Coto 2
