Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 - 1953)(about) |
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Monday 7 June 1926
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The Pioneers F'ass On Thursday last, at the Portland publlc hospital, death claimed another of the band of hardy pioneers in the person of 'Mrs Suesnnah Harcoen, at the ripe old age of 90 years. She came with her parents from the North of Ireland and landed at Geelong in 1841; From there the family trekked to Colac to Tehara and ultimately to Bridge water in 1847. She was a daughter of the 'late James Kittson, and sister of Hugh, John and James, men of herculean strength, remarkable endurance and strict integrity. This sturdy family pioneered Bridgewater, and many tales could be recounted of self saerifice and hardship in their stupendous task. The country was thou ruled by blacks and wild dogs; rivers had to be crossed on horseback and trails blazed. The depeased lady delighted in relating her thrilling experienoes with wild dogs whilst engaged in shepherdmng sheep for her father, and other adventures which would fairly raise the hair of the present day city dwellers, Bpt suph was the spirit of these. ,Intrepid pioneers that they looked upon the hardships as trivial occurrences in a life beset with constant danger. The late lady married John Harcoan at Portland in the year 1894 and the couple hit the trail for Minyip, where they took up land, and after much hard labor met with a liberal measure ,of success, Mbre Harcoan, who survived .her husband by many years, was known for her great kindness anr.d phi!antrophy, and was beloved by all. She returned to Port land, after a lengthy absence, only three months ago, and found contentment and "peace at last" in the land which she cherished as the scene of her happy child hood days. She leaves five children to mourn the loss of a loving and devoted mother. Only one sister remains of this remarkable family-our esteemed towns. woman, Mrs Llghtbody, of Bouth Portl4dl, who, if spared, will bh lqO years in Febru ary next', The remains were laid to rest. on Satur day morning in the South cemetery after a short seorvice at Wesley Church, at which the Rev. B. It. Toloffliciated. Many friends, including a number from Drik Drik and Bridgewater, where the family name is. highly revered, were present-l thy: funeral, the arrangements for which wereinlthe hands of Mr W, A. Jarrelt,