William Townsend Onus (1868–1937)
William Onus was registered as William Hibbs on his birth certificate. Only his mother's name — Martha Hibbs — was provided. He gave his name as 'William Townsend Onus' when he married Mary Nelson on 17 September 1900 at Echuca, Victoria, and gave his father's name as Joseph Onus.
It has been suggested that Joseph Onus (1818-1895) was his first employer and trained him to be a drover; William took his surname, as was often customary practice, when he reached adulthood.
Pastoralist, William Hibbs (1833-1917), who lived in the Wollombi area, has also been named as a possible father.
Additional Resources and Scholarship
- funeral notice, Sydney Morning Herald, 15 October 1937, p 9
Related Entries in NCB Sites
- Onus, William Townsend
- Onus, William Townsend (son)
- Everingham, Martha (mother)
- Everingham, Ephraim (stepfather)
Citation details
'Onus, William Townsend (1868–1937)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/onus-william-townsend-29982/text37165, accessed 14 April 2025.
Life Summary [details]
Alternative Names
- Hibbs, William Townsend
Birth
27 August,
1868
Wollombi,
New South Wales,
Australia
Death
12 October,
1937
(aged 69)
Lidcombe, Sydney,
New South Wales,
Australia
Cause of Death
Cultural Heritage
Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.