Thomas Bruce Hutton - obituary

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The Argus Wednesday 21 October 1914 p8

TRAGIC DEATH IN FIRE

DANDENONG Tuesday - In tragic circumstances Colonel Thomas Bruce Hutton a leading resident of the district and a well-known figure in social circles in Melbourne lost his life at his residence "Cumberoon" 2 1/2 miles from the township last night . A room to which he had retired caught fire in some way and before assistance could be procured he was burned to death. His many friends were greatly shocked when the news of the unfortunate occurrence became known. The colonel was about 80 years of age.

Colonel Hutton had been in ill health for some weeks, and was attended by Dr. Langley. Last night at about 7 o 'clock he was seized with a fainting fit, and retired to his room where he received attention. At 10 o 'clock Mrs. Hutton went to his room to inquire if he wanted anything and, to her horror, found the room in flames. She frantically gave the alarm, but nothing could be done to save the progress of the fire, and soon the whole building was ablaze. The Dandenong Fire Brigade was summoned and, though there were no water mains within a mile of the scene, attended to render what aid was possible. When the fire men arrived however, the house which was of 11 rooms, and of the bungalow type, built 40 years ago was in ashes. The charred remains of Colonel Hutton were found in the debris. It is conjectured that while moving about in the room, possibly with the kerosene lamp in his hand, he had a heart seizure, and that the falling lamp ignited the contents of the room.

The deceased gentleman was born at Neemuch, India, on August 27 1834 and early entered the army He served in the Crimean war and also in the Indian Mutiny campaign where he was wounded, was mentioned in despatches and received pro motion. He came to Dandenong some 40 years ago and for a year was commandant of the Victorian Volunteer Military Forces in the early 80s. He took a deep interest in district affairs, was for 30 years a councillor of the Dandenong shire and on 13 occasions occupied the presidential chair. He was a member of the Dandenong Agricultural Society and was elected president on several occasions. He was an Honorary justice of the peace and filled many other positions. His cheery voice and well-known figure will be greatly missed.

The Register (Adelaide S.A.) Monday 16 November 1914 p10

A COLONEL SUFFOCATED.

MELBOURNE, November 15.-An enquiry was held yesterday by the Coroner concerning the death of Col. Thomas Bruce Hutton (retired), formerly of the 10th Imperial Infantry, who was found dead in a burning room at his home, at Dandenong on October 19. Evidence was given that the deceased was subject to fits. It was believed that he accidentally overturned a lamp, thereby setting his room on fire. A verdict of accidental death from suffocation was recorded.