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BEGINNNG OF 20th CENTURY
By the beginning of the 20th Century "Charcoal" Williams was one of the oldest men living in Australia and he had resided in New South Wales for 80 years. According to a newspaper article, on the day when he celebrated his centenary on 3rd Mary 1900 - he was "....brighter, more cheerful and talkative than many men would be at half his age".
"CHARCOAL" WILLIAMS CELEBRATES 100th BIRTHDAY
On his 100th birthday, "Charcoal" celebrated with a large gathering of friends and relatives at his home.
The Gundagai band attended and many guests enjoyed a fine banquet. "Charcoal" had a wonderful time and received numerous congratulations.
AUSTRALIA CELEBRATES FEDERATION (1901)
On 1 January 1901 when the Commonwealth of Australia had become a federated self-governing member of the British Empire "Charcoal" was still able to read the paper without spectacles, shave himself, dig in the garden at his daughter's residence and he could still crack jokes.
VOTES IN FIRST FEDERAL ELECTION (1901)
"Charcoal" maintained an interest in the local politics of the country and when the first federal elections were held on 29-30 March 1901 he recorded his vote.
Later in the year, "Charcoal" was introduced to his local member, Sir William Lyne, the Minister for Home Affairs. Sir William said that "Charcoal" was the oldest elector in his large constituency who had recorded his vote.
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