top of page
Search
Writer's pictureSamantha Elley
Oct 12 min read

Parents die while Bill is on the world stage

Imagine you are at the peak of your career as one of Australia's elite cricketers. So much so, you have been chosen as part of the Australian Eleven to travel to England to compete on the world stage.


While you are there, however, you receive news that your mother has passed away. And then only a week later, your father also dies. This was the experience of William 'Bill' Peter Howell, Australian cricketer who played a total of 18 tests for Australia.


Sadly, Hannah Howell (nee Colless) had fallen sick and died in 1902. On hearing of his wife's death, George Howell also fell sick and was unable to attend her funeral. It was reported that he became delirious and never rallied.

Gravestone of the Howell family, George, Hannah and their son Athol. Courtesy: Australian Cemeteries Index.


The couple had owned two farms at Castlereagh, west of Sydney. After his retirement from cricket, Bill returned to one of the farms while his brother, Athol, took over the running of the adjoining farm.


Bill had married Neva Hunter in 1899, after he had appeared in his debut match the year before, where Australia played England in Adelaide in January 1898.


His first appearance on the England stage saw him dismiss the whole Surrey eleven, 10 for 28, in the third match of Darling's team in 1899. He became a regular member of the team after that. Although his cricketing wasn't exceptional in following tests, he was a local celebrity back in Castlereagh, for not only his cricketing prowess but his general character.


Willliam Peter Howell, better known as Bill. Courtesy: Findagrave


A memorable incident in his cricketing career happened in Melbourne when he was batting against Jack Saunders, a left-handed bowler. Bill drove the ball over the outer fence and toward the river. After being congratulated for it, he replied, 'Thanks, but what if I had only got fair on to it.'


At the end of his career he had played 18 test for Australian between 1898 and 1904.


Bill lived in Castlereagh with his family until his death in 1940, aged 70 years of age. He left behind Neva and five sons and three daughters. He was cremated at Rookwood memorial and his ashes scattered in the rose gardens.


References


174 views0 comments

Comentarios

bottom of page