Death of Mrs E. Perkins, Sr.

10 September 1912 The Tumut Advocate and Farmers and Settlers' Adviser

Although hourly expected, the death of Mrs Agnes Charlotte Perkins, relict of the late Mr. Edward Perkins sr, of Adelong, and mother of the well-known Perkins family of Adelong and Surface Hill, caused a profound gloom over the whole community when announced on Saturday morning. "Granny" was the most beloved old lady in the town and district, both by the young folk and their elders, her kindness of heart and genial cherry disposition endearing her to all.

She passed away at 11.35 on Friday night, surrounded by numerous relatives.

As it were in reciprocation for the good and useful life she had led for 82 years, all that loving hands could do or thought devise to give the fine old lady comfort and relief in her declining years was extended by her son, daughter-in-law and their family and her daughter during the four years she had resided with them, as well as by other members of her family; while Dr. Bond applied unremittingly all the human skill he possessed to give her the longest lease of life.

But "Granney" has passed to the great beyond; still, fond memories of her true womanly attributes and motherly affection will remain with those who knew her and learned to revere her.

Up to some 9 weeks ago she was in the enjoyment of good health, but a cold was contracted, and when on the fair road to convalescence another one was caught on top of that.

This was more than nature's energies could throw off, and from that out she became gradually weak and weaker, and towards the last for some days anxious but helpless eyes watched o'er her in expectation of the vital spark going out at any minute.

Mrs Perkins was the daughter of Mr Assal, who after a trip with his wife to the Old Country was on the return voyage, to Australia when Mrs Perkins was born.

They resided in Sydney for a time and then came to Gundagai, where, 5 years later, in 1845, she married the late Edward Perkins, who predeceased her in 1887.

When Mr. Jno Perkins, her son, of the Post Office Hotel, was a baby, the family were among the survivors of the great Gundagai flood in 1852, and for three days and three nights were imprisoned in a loft with only a little flour to make pancakes with, with the swirling waters surrounding them and washing through the tenement below them.

The wife was alone with her care, her husband being at Queanbayan goldmining at the time.

In 1855, when the gold rush started, the late Mr. Perkins with his wife and family came to Adelong and he followed alluvial mining, subsequently becoming one of the original discoverers of the Gibraltar reef, and resided at Surface Hill.

Some 8 years ago Mrs Perkins went to live with her daughter Mrs Murphy, and for the last four years resided with her son, Mr. J. A. Perkins.

A large family of 13 children were reared, two only of predeceased their mother, viz : Mrs Wood and Mr. Charles Perkins.

The surviving children are Edward (Cooma), Mrs Henry Murphy (Grahamstown), John, James, Robert, Mrs Robert Parker (Queensland), Mrs J. D. Ross (Tumbarumba), George, Mrs A. J. Robertson (Sydney), William and Miss Amy.

Besides these there are 87 grand children and 24 great grandchildren, to mourn their grave and irreparable loss.

With the exception of Mrs Parker, Mrs Robertson and Mrs Ross (who left for Tumbarumba the day before her mother's demise), all the members of the family were at the bedside.

Heaven is the richer and the world poorer by the death of one whose exemplary life made so much for the happiness of others.

The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon the cortege being a lengthy one and representative of all parts of the district and surrounding towns.

The scene at the graveside was profoundly impressive, the deep grief felt by friends as well as relatives being unrestrained Rev H. E. Lewin read the solemn burial service of the Church of England, and the remains were lowered to their last resting place.

Messrs Boston Bros. carried out the funeral direction.

The coffin was strewn with beautiful wreaths sent by friends as a mark of the love and esteem they held her in.

We extend to the bereaved our deepest sense of sympathy.

The loved and lost! Why do we call them lost?

Because we miss them from our onward road.

God's unseen angel o'er our pathway crossed,

Looked on us all and, loving her the most,

Straightway relieved her from life's weary load.