On 9 December 1912 George Faulkner, 66, dropped dead in a paddock at "Victoria Park", Mount Russell near Inverell. It was harvest time, and according to a grand-daughter, George Faulkner was in the habit of eating separately to his workers. No-one was present when he died.
News of his death was reported in half a dozen country newspapers with several noting that an inquiry would be held. If an inquiry was held, it wasn't reported. Probate was granted in March 1913.
A family historian writes that: "In due course, 'Victoria Park' (1200 acres) was sold to the Government for Soldier Settler Blocks". The returned soldier who won the homestead block (300 acres) in a ballot had rented 150 acres of farm land at 'Victoria Park' for around 12 months prior to the sub-division. He married one of the Faulkner daughters, Leila, on 25 February 1922, the year he took over the farm.
The same family historian adds that Mary Ann Faulkner (nee Selmes) moved to Sydney and bought a house at West Ryde where she lived until her death in 1937. Before leaving Mount Russell, she was presented with a silver dish with this inscription: 5/12/1921 To Mrs M. A. Faulkner and family. A token of esteem from Residents of Mt Russell and District.
"Victoria Park" remained in the family until 1965. The homestead was demolished in 1979. There is a small brick house on the block, which is now 60 acres.
