Camperdown Chronicle (Vic. : 1875 - 1954), Thursday 30 March 1939, page 6


OBITUARY

Mrs. Eliza Russell

Another of the fast-dwindling band of grand old pioneers, Mrs. Eliza Russell, relict of the late Mr. Alex-ander Russell, answered the final call on Friday, at the advanced age of 85 years. Born in the north of Ireland on May 20, 1854, Mrs. Russell came to Australia with her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Moore, in the sailing ship Chance in the year 1858. It was that ship's last voyage. Mrs. Russell was then only four years of age, and her parents settled at Bel-fast, now known as Port Fairy. Later the family lived at Hider's Bridge, near Grassmere, and also at 'Wood-ford. The deceased lady was married in Warrnambool, and resided at Den-ington where they engaged in farm-ing pursuits. For 25 years she re-sided in the Colac district, the past 15 years in Manners-Sutton street. Her husband predeceased her six months ago. Mrs. Russell in her young days was a splendid horsewoman, and was known for her kind and generous nature. She also was a very ardent worker for her church. A family of four daughters and five sons are left to mourn their great loss, and to the the sympathy of all will be ex-tended. The funeral took place at the Colac cemetery on Saturday afternoon, be-ing very largely attended. There were many beautiful floral tributes from friends and relatives. The casket-bearers were Messrs. John Russell, Robert Russell, Alex-ander Russell and William Russell (sons), while the pall was supported by Messrs. R. Russell (son), T. Moore (brother), S. Buckle, W. Lee, A. Mc-Mahon (sons-in-law), Cr. T. V. Moore, of Camperdown (nephew), L. Russell, N. Russell, lan Russell, Bert Russell, A. Russell, E. Russell, H. Russell, J. Grant (grandsons), G. A. McAdam, H. Hislop and J. Dawkins. The services at the funeral parlour and at the graveside were conducted by the Rev. C. Matear, and the funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. T. W. Sharrow. At St. Andrew's church, Colac, on Sunday morning the Rev. C. Matear made reference to the loss which the church had sustained through the death of Mrs. Russell, senr. "She was born," said "Mr. Matear, "in Northern Ireland, 85 years ago and was brought to Victoria on the last voyage of a' ship named 'Chance.' She was brought up in the Western dis-trict, living at Warrnambool after her marriage, and later at Camperdown, until she and her husband came to Colac about 25 years ago. Mr. Rus-sell died six months ago at the great age of 83. The strain was very great upon her during his illness, and she herself had reached a good old age. She was a splendid type of the old colonist, the people who are fast go-ing now and who helped to make this State what it is to-day. Mrs. Russell was devoted to her church and attended the services as often as she was able, until the time she left for Lismore five months ago. She was brought to the Colac Hospital a few weeks back and passed peacefully away on last Friday morning. A family of five sons and four daugh-ters are left to mourn their loss, but have a memory of a mother that is uplifting and precious to each one of them. In their sorrow we express our sympathy with them all."