Cudgegong Valley History Project

Headstone reads:
In Memoriam
Thomas Harris
Who died
January 18th 1879
Aged 89 years
Thou art gone to the grave
We no longer behold thee
Nor tread the rough path
Of the world by thy side
But the wide arms of mercy
And sinners may die
For the Sinless has died
Also
Patience Harris
Who died
June 6th 1882
Aged 82 years

Headstone reads:
In Memoriam
Thomas Harris
Who died
January 18th 1879
Aged 89 years
Thou art gone to the grave
We no longer behold thee
Nor tread the rough path
Of the world by thy side
But the wide arms of mercy
And sinners may die
For the Sinless has died
Also
Patience Harris
Who died
June 6th 1882
Aged 82 years

The Church Triumphant MR. GEORGE HARRIS. When the late George Harris, of 'Woodlands,' Ilford (Rylstone Circuit) passed away on November 5th, the Methodist Church lost one of its noblest sons. He was born 79 years ago in the Rylstone district, and lived there all his life. During his long and useful life, the late Mr Harris showed an intense loyalty to the Methodist Church and its doctrines, and enjoyed a beautiful experience of heart religion. His name has been associated with the Church where he worshipped for over 50 years as the builder and during that time he sought to build for himself a house not made with hands, to which the voice of death called him. He leaves a widow and a noble family of sons and daughters, all of whom share their father's faith in God. Truly the life and death of George Harris are another triumph of faith and work (Methodist Saturday 4 December 1920, page 8).

DEATHS. HARRIS.—November 5, at Woodlands, Ilford, George, beloved husband of Martha Harris, in his 80th year. Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday 9 November 1920, p. 8. Death notice, George Harris

Obituary MRS. MARTHA HARRIS. The death occurred at Woodlands, Ilford, on April 12, of Mrs. Martha Harris, at the ripe age of eighty-two. Followed by a large number of relatives and friends her remains were interred in the Ilford cemetery. The deceased lady was born at Ilford, Essex, in 1845, and with her parents (Reuben and Martha Leader) came to New South Wales in 1850 in the "Castle Eden." They travelled per bullock dray to Carwell and after a few years at Carwell and Woodlawn, the family removed to Ilford Retreat. The village was named by members of the family after Ilford in Essex. She had a wide circle of friends throughout the State, and was noted for her hospitality and her earnest work for her church, and in all matters for the betterment of the people and district in which she resided. She was a wide reader, highly cultured and received her education at Sofala and Mudgee, under the noted teachers Messrs. Allpass, Bridges, and McIntyre. Five grandsons and five nephews went to the great war. Four sons and four daughters survive: Messrs. Herbert Harris, 'Carinya,' Dundas; George Harris, public school, Wentworthville; Albert Harris, "Wonga Wonga", Ilford; Vincent Harris, "Woodlands", Ilford; Mrs. Eva Dransfield, "Clarendon", Morrisett; Mrs. E. Martin, "Sunnyside", Upper Meroo; Mrs. H. Howard, "Tuchekoi", Queensland; and Mrs. C. Howard, "Hollingside", Grafton. There are 33 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 28 April 1927, p. 24. Obituary Martha Harris

MRS. GEORGE HARRIS. Mrs. Harris born in Ilford, Essex, England, in 1845, and came to New South Wales in 1850 in the 'Castle Eden.' She went straight to the Rylstone district, and lived there happily married to the late Mr. George Harris, who predeceased her on November 5, 1920. It can be truly said of them, 'And they wore both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.' It was a great privilege to visit 'Woodlands' and to occupy the room that had been set apart for many years for the minister. When Ilford was part of the Mudgee circuit, the ministers often rode the 35 miles and put up at Mrs. Harris' and the present writer can bear humble witness to the blessing of his own soul by a chat with this dear old saint of God who, without pride, without envy, without selfishness, without vanity, moved only by good will and spiritual ambitions, responsive ever to the touch of God, and every noble impulse, faithful and fearless, went about, doing good. Mrs. Harris had been sick for a long time, unable to benefit by food or medicine, and lingered in a weak state, but mercifully having no signs of acute suffering. Conscious almost to the last, she asked her son, Mr. George A. Harris, of Auburn, to read John 14. And after the friends had sung a number of her favourite hymns she said: 'I want you to sing. 'Rock of Ages' again, 'but to the old, old tune.' And the dear, old soul showed them how, singing one verse right through in a loud, clear voice. So passed into God's safe keeping one. of the best women I have ever known. She was laid to rest in the Ilford Cemetery, side by side with her dear husband, Mr. L. Taylor, in the absence of the minister, officiating at the graveside. — W.J. Methodist, Saturday 14 May 1927, p. 11. Obituary Mrs George Harris

OBITUARY. MRS. MARTHA HARRIS, The death is announced of Mrs. Martha Harris, of Woodlands, Ilford, an old pioneer of the Rylstone district, at the age of 83 years. The late Mrs. Harris was a native of Ilford, England, and arrived here in 1850, travelling with her parents from Sydney to Rylstone by means of a bullock dray, She had resided In the district until her death and was prominently associated with Church and charitable movements. Five of her nephews and five grandchildren went to the Great War. She is survived by four sons and four daughters, having been predeceased by her husband and two sons. Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday 26 April 1927, p. 13. Obituary Martha Harris

DEATHS Albert Fenton Harris With the passing in the District Hospital on Wednesday last of Albert Fenton Harris, aged 77, the Ilford district has lost yet another pioneer. The late Mr. Harris, who recently met with a fall, fracturing ribs, had resided in the district for his lifetime, he was the owner of the property Wonga Wonga. The deceased was held in very high esteem by all whom he contacted. After a service in the Methodist Church, Rylstone on Thursday, the remains were laid to rest in the Rylstone cemetery, the last sad graveside rites being performed by the the (sic) Rev. C. L. Dixon. To the bereaved daughter Jean (Ilford) and sons Keith (Sydney) and Felton, (sic, Fenton) (Ilford) we extend our deepest sympathy. Mudgee Guardian, Thursday 24 November 1949, p. 8. Obituary Albert Fenton Harris