William Frederick Blood (1873-1952), of Grafton, became one of the best known and highly respected businessmen on the North Coast of New South Wales.
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He won a firm place in the esteem of the community for his public spirited efforts, both in time of peace and war, not only in the realms of commerce, but in church life and the field of sport.
Mr Blood started in the business world as a youth working for E.Webb and Company of Bathurst, established in about 1850.
Subsequently, he joined James Loneragan, later Loneragans of Mudgee, with who, he spent 15 years in a responsible position before moving to Grafton in 1909.
His new undertaking was one of the largest and most varied in the country buying and selling almost every thing that could be sold.
He was the son of William Fredrick and Emily Louisa Blood, of Sara, Oban near Armidale, born in 1873, and later moving to Cadia in the Orange district. His story is one of a steady climb to success due to indefatigable endeavour, integrity and acute business insight.
On moving from Mudgee to Grafton Mr Blood bought the business then known as the Palace Stores conducted for many years by the late Fred Dean.
From a small concern Mr Blood built it up to one of the leading stores on the North Coast. He achieved this by assiduous attention to the demands of Grafton and district.
In 1895, Mr Blood married Francis Burfitt of Bathurst. On his death in 1952 Mr Flood was survived by sons F R Blood of Grafton and F Bindon Blood of Killara, Sydney, and Emily “Bobbie”, wife of Canon Francis G Alexander of Maclean. Emily and her husband, married in 1928, and later resided in Wharf Street, Maclean, opposite my family’s residence for at least 20 years.
William Frederick Blood was one of seven in 1915 formed a company to purchase the “Grafton Daily Examiner” newspaper.
It was bought from G H Varley, who had run the business as the “Clarence and Richmond Examiner”.
From its small beginning it was mainly under the control of Mr Blood and grew to a large and successful newspaper and general printing business.
Mr Blood’s name will always be remembered for his service to the Anglican Diocese of Grafton, in which he was closely associated with from its beginning.
He was promptly known as a Synodsman for many years, and held office on every board, committee etc. that could be held by a layman.
In addition he was the moving figure behind many local organisations.
He will perhaps be best remembered, in this regard, for his work with the Grafton Chamber of Commerce, of which he was president for many years.
Mr Blood was known far and wide for assisting returned soldiers from the First World War.
Besides helping in raising public funds, particularly for those who could not find work during the Great Depression he “staked” many deserving families from his own private resources.
Apart from his abiding practical interest in the Grafton Bowling Club, Mr Blood played an active part in the Clarence River Jockey Club.
He was a member of the Committee for 25 years. On resigning he was made an honorary life member for conspicuous service.
Mr William Frederick Blood was known to all in the Grafton and surrounding districts as “Mudgee Blood”. Although 66 years have passed on, since he died, he will be remembered for many years yet in our local history annals.
Wedding Canon Francis Alexander and Emily Blood
I have been told that when Emily and Canon Alexander married he arrived at the Church in a well-worn car. During the wedding ceremony in the Church, unknown to the Canon and Emily, the old car was towed away, and replaced with a shiny new vehicle. What a wedding present!