Death of George Faulkner (son)

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.

Victoria Park, Mt Russell, c. 1901

Taken from a slight elevation, this photo of "Victoria Park", Mount Russell was probably taken by H. Billington & Co of Inverell, according to the State Library's curator of photographs.

George and Maria Faulkner's son, George, stands in the foreground, his back to the camera. His wife Mary Ann (nee Selmes), an older daughter and the youngest, a baby, are close to the house. Two women have just arrived. In a semi-circle, four young children are playing a ball game. Horses, sheep and cows are grouped to the right. In the distance is an open-doored shed, a smaller shearing shed (with an indistinct figure, perhaps a farm worker, outside) and fences. Two widely spaced lines of small trees radiate out from the house - the beginning of the orchard or, perhaps, only the suggestion of an orchard. My brother says they are tree branches stuck in the ground. And how can the buggy have just arrived when a small boy is in its path?