The Tumut and Adelong Times 5 Apr 1907
DEATHS. MRS. F. FOORD, SEN. Death has just borne from our misst one of the most ancient, honored and respected of the pioneers of our district— we refer to the death of Mrs. F. Foord, sen., which melancholly event took place at her old home at Bombowlee, "Mayfield", on Monday morning last, thus turning to mourning and sorrow an occasion which had always been a joyous one with the household, whose observance of feast days attached to the Christian era had ever been appropriate and hearty. As the old family clock was tolling the hour of 10 in the forenoon the spirit of our deeply mourned friend took its departure, leaving no trace of pain or anguish on the calm features of the aged and universally respected lady. In previous issues we have referred to the illness that had befallen the object of our obituary notice, and we said that she had suffered from an attack of appoplexy, but such was not correct— the indications of the stroke were apparent, and the medical adviser, Dr. Mason, who has been most unremitting in giving attention to the case for a long time past, realised that a sudden change had taken place, and that the early approach of death was impending, therefore he warned members of the family accordingly. His predictions, which are seldom or ever wrong bearing on an approaching end, were perfectly realised; but the patient was able to retain her faculties sufficiently well to be able to recognise all the members of her family, some of whom, at long distances away, were only able to get to Tumut on the Friday and Saturday before death ensued. The last one to arrive was her son Francis, who came from Lobb's Hole, and consciousness seemed to have departed from the devoted and affectionate mother after reccguisng his face and voice. Numerous friends called during the interval between the day that a serious turn betokened itself and the arrival of the last dreaded hour, but discretion had to be used in keeping all means of excitement away from the invalid. By the death of Mrs. Foord one of Tumut's oldest identities has been removed; she was also one of the most sterling residents the district possessed, having led a correct and Christian life, and devoted much of her time to considerations for the welfare and well being of all around her. She was of a most charitable disposition in every way, both in thoughts and actions— never speaking ill of an acquaintance, and always ready to help to the best of her ability in cases of charity or distress. Her maiden name was Martha Andersen, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Francis Anderson, whoso deaths occurred on the 9th June, 1860, and 9th January, 1864, respectively. She was born at Tunbridge Wells, Kent, on 24th February, 1831, and was therefore 76 years of age at the time of her death, 68 of which were spent in this district. When 8 years old she landed in Sydney, remaining there for two weeks, when, with the mother and father and other members of the family, a move was made for the interior, the first place settled upon being Darbalara, where they remained for 18 months. The next place of abode was in the vicinity of the old pound-yard at the lower end of Bombowlee Plain, where a sojurn was made of only nine months preparatory to settling at Mundongo, on the 24th of February, 1842. Five years later she was married to Mr. Francis Foord, and they lived a life of peace and happiness together, in the home, now occupied by Mrs. Nash, in Riverst., for many years, until Mr. Foord found the trade he was following up (that of wheelwright and undertaker) had become too laborious for him, and he built the residence in which both he and his devoted help-meet ended then lives, at Bombowlee, he having predeceased his wife by nearly seven years, his death occurring just as the old year of 1890 was passing away, and which was the 81st anniversary of his birthday. The late Mrs. Foord always took a great pride in her houses, which were thee acme of comfort, and were always surrounded by luxuriant flower gardens. On no occasion were flower shows carried out or decorations of any public nature attended to without an appeal being made and acceded to by her for necessary flowers and greenery. Deceased was the sister of Messrs Abraham and Henry Aunderson, of Bombowlee, and the mother of seven sons and four daughters, the following of whom were at home at their mother's death— Charles, Francis, William and Percy Foord, Mrs. F. W. Timmis, (of Picton), Mrs. C. Pember (of Bowral), and Mrs. Thos. Webb ; those absent being Mr. Harry Foord, of New Guinea, but whose wife was present ; Mr. Edward Foord, of Walla Walla (whose wife came to Tumut on hearing of the sad illness), Mr. Arthur Foord (Western Australia), and Mrs. G. Groves (represented at the death bed by her eldest daughter). Besides those named, there is a very large circle of relatives left to mourn the loss that has been sustained by the said death, and included in the number are three families of great-grandchildren. We deeply sympathise with them in the affliction that has occurred by the death of one whose friends were innumerable, and she was without an enemy. The following lines, we are sure, truly depict the feelings of the members of deceased's loving family — Our sorrows were great as in patience she bore, The Cross of her Christ in love, And our hearts still cling to her memory more In her Father's home above. When from her humble home she was called, In this world of sinful array, The smile on her face told of the grace Of the One that called her away. Sleep, mother, sleep, to brightest glory waking, And though on earth our wandering feet must roam, May your sweet spirit through the darkness breaking, Shine like a star to guide our footsteps home. The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon, the first portion of the burial service being conducted by Rev. Kennedy at All Saints' Church, the mortal remains of the departed one being placed in front of the chancel, and the interior of the sacred edifice was draped in token of respect of the ardent and devout follower of religion the late Mrs. Foord had ever proved to be. Afterwards, the cortege, a very large one, proceeded to the cemetery, where the service was concluded. Mr. Jas. Elphick carried out the duties of undertaker well becoming the importance of the occasion. |
