| Albury banner & Wodonga Express, 30 March 1900
OBITUARY DEATH OF MR. CONRAD REIS ________________ AN OLD PIONEER |
| It is with regret we have to announce the death of Mr. Conrad Reis, one of the pioneers of the district, at the age of 52 years. The sad event took place at his residence, Wilson Street, at a quarter to 6 on Sunday evening.
For weeks he had laid on a bed of sickness, and although the medical attendants had no hopes from the first, everything had been done to ease the sufferings of the patient. Mr Conrad Reis was born in Baden, Germany, in 1848, and was only about four years old when he accompanied his parents to Australia. This was early in the fifties, when a steady tide of immigration was setting in to Melbourne and Sydney through rumours of the phenomenal finds on the few gold-fields that had been discovered. Among those who were not actuated by these glowing reports of mineral wealth but had determined to try his fortune in the pursuit of agriculture and vine growing was the father of Mr. Conrad Reis, who landed with his family in the beautiful harbour of Sydney in 1852. Having a moderately large capital and hearing of the adaptability of the soil, he determined to settle at Albury, and in the absence of any other means of reaching his chosen destination, purchased drays and teams of horses and thus deported himself, at a cost and under difficulties that all old pioneers can imagine. On arrival at Albury the father of the late Conrad Reis bided his opportunity, and at the first Government land sale thereafter purchased about 40 acres of land, which formed the nucleus of the large farm on the Sydney road (now in the occupation of Mr. D�Arcy), and had the satisfaction of seeing, before he died, a model farm and vineyard of over 250 acres. On the death of Mr. Reis senior, Mr George Reis, a younger brother (who died in 1896) of Mr Conrad Reis, and who was born on the farm in January, 1855, took the management of the farm, vineyard, and other grazing properties belonging to the brothers. Such has the popularity of wines from the Mungabareena vineyard, that the Reis Bros. found it a necessity to build a large and commodious store for the storage of wine, and the Riverina wine stores now form one of the business places of the town and testify to the commercial thrift and business capabilities of the late Reis Brothers. Mr. Conrad Reis assisted his father at the farm until he was 27 years of age, when he married and started on his account about 25 years ago by purchasing the land and store in Wilson Street. Entering heavily into the produce trade he soon commanded a very large business connection, and as his family increased he built a very handsome villa attached to the store for their comfort and convenience. The late Mr. Conrad Reis was a devoted adherent of the Catholic Church, and by his death the Church has lost one of its most devout worshippers, an earnest worker and an official whose loss will be felt by all the congregation. As one of the leading citizens, the late Mr. Conrad Reis took a deep interest in the affairs of his fellow rate-payers. At every municipal election for many years past he has been petitioned to come forward, but only once did he answer the call, when he was defeated by a very narrow majority. Of a kindly, genial disposition, Mr. Reis was a favourite with all whom he came in contact. All movements for the furtherance of religious or charitable purposes were sure of his hearty support, and indeed it was seldom that he was appealed to in vain for a subscription for any worthy object. Mr. Reis leaves a large family behind to mourn their loss. They are all grown up, and have all the more reason to know what a kind, generous and affectionate parent they have lost. We sympathise deeply with Mrs. Conrad Reis and her family in their great bereavement. The funeral took place on Monday afternoon. As the close of the funeral ceremony the Very Rev. P. Dunne, V.G.., referred in very eulogistic terms to the late Mr. Conrad Reis. Referring the deceased, the priest remarked that �he was a good, honest man, a loving husband, a kind father, and a worthy citizen. He was a man who was an ornament to society. By his excellent life and his kindly nature he made many friends and no enemies. May God rest in soul in peace.� In the funeral cortege were the members of the Hibernian Society and the Ancient Order of Foresters in funeral regalia, and a very lengthy train of mourners from all parts of the district. |