William Amed Demasson
| William Amed Demasson | |
|---|---|
| Born | 14 May 1853 |
| Died | 14 May 1924 (aged 71) |
| Occupation | Carpenter, wheelwright |
| Spouse(s) |
|
William Amed Demasson, a carpenter and wheelwright by trade, was one of Toodyay's citizens who made a substantial contribution to the civic life of the town. Among the many organizations that he belonged to, he is particularly associated with the formation of a branch of the Independent Order of Oddfellows Manchester Unity in Toodyay, or Newcastle, as it was known at the time.
Demasson was born in Guildford on 14 May 1853 to James Amed and Eliza Jane (née Cook). He worked as a carpenter, wheelwright and contractor in Guildford and around 1872 married Sarah Dudley (1847-1874) of Northam, daughter of John and Ann Dudley. In 1872 a daughter Esther Ann was born. Sarah died in 1874 while giving birth to their second child, a son William Amed, who also died.
By 1875 Demasson was living in Toodyay. He became actively involved in the town’s activities, and in March 1877 became a foundation member of the Newcastle branch of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, a benevolent global organization that used members’ contributions to provide assistance in times of sickness and need. As such it attracted a number of members to its cause. Demasson was its first and only secretary, serving the organization for 42 years before it was disbanded.
Every March, on the anniversary of their foundation in Newcastle, the Oddfellows gathered at their meeting place at Leeder’s Hotel, where they formed a procession in full regalia and marched to the Anglican Church. They were headed by Marris’ Brass Band and Brother Demasson bearing the family Bible on a velvet cushion.
In 1877 Demasson and W. Donegan were elected to represent the East Ward following Newcastle becoming a municipality in that year. He continued to serve as a town councillor for about 16 years. The first meeting of the council was held in the Mechanics' Institute building. Demasson was the secretary of the Mechanics' Institute for 20 years. He also became a justice of the peace, serving the Toodyay and Northam Magisterial Districts for 22 years.
...
Wikipedia