George Perrett

• Death Notes

  Singleton Argus (NSW) - Saturday 29 March 1913 - Obituary
  "DEATH OF MR. GEORGE PERRETT.
  The oldest native of Singleton, in the person of Mr. George Perrett, passed away on Thursday morning, at the ripe age of 81 years. Deceased was born in a house at the corner of George and John streets, within 100 yards of where he breathed his last.
  The late Mr. Perrett who was a man of splendid physique and enjoyed remarkably good health during his long life, followed the calling of a saddler for fully 60 years. With the exception of a few years spent in Sydney for the purpose of acquiring a knowledge of his trade, Mr. Perrett continually resided in Singleton.
  Sixteen days prior to his death, he received a stroke of paralysis down the right side, while partaking of dinner; and, although he rallied at times, it was apparent from the outset that the end was at hand. During his last hours on earth he was devotedly nursed by two daughters (Mrs. G. Schmidt and Mrs. Lea), and the aged wife also carefully ministered to the wants of her lifelong partner.
  Mr. and Mrs. Perrett, who enjoyed 56 years of married life, were wedded in Singleton, and celebrated their golden wedding on December 4th, 1907, in Macquarie Place when a large gathering, in- cluding children, grandchildren, and friends, assembled to do honour to the worthy couple. The family comprised six sons and seven daughters, and two sons and two daughters predeceased their father. The sons living are Messrs. Harry Perrett (Branxton), George (Cairns, Q). Walter (Sydney), and Wilson (Branxton); while the daughters are Mesdames Lay, G. and L. Schmidt, W. Richards, and Lea, all of Sydney. The grandchildren number 25, and the great grandchildren six.
  Deceased had an intimate knowledge of the early history of Singleton, and could graphically recount many interesting incidents of the pioneer days of settlement. He remembered the time when a house or two, like grim sentinels, marked the site of the present large township. He saw Mass celebrated, court cases conducted, and drink served upon the same week day in different rooms at Macquarie Place. Along that portion of George Street, from Dunolly ford to the Caledonian Hotel, it was a common sight to see from 25 to 30 teams laden with supplies. In those days the arrival of the teams was quite an important event. Deceased saw hundreds of blacks in this district, and watched the vagaries of as many as 100 full bloods in the weird corroboree. The convict days were well remembered by the late Mr. Perrett, who saw gangs of these unfortunates at work, and many of both sexes punished in the stocks.
  In these days of costly living, it is interesting to recall that in the early days supplies were generally cheap. Mr. Perrett bought meat at 1d per lb., and legs of mutton were procurable at 6d. each. Flour was usually plentiful; but he remembered on one occasion bread being quoted at 3/ per 2lb. loaf, and flour selling at £lOO per ton. Corn meal was used extensively at this time for making bread.
  The deceased was of a retiring disposition, and although he was always interested in the welfare of the town and everything connected there with, he did not take a prominent part in public affairs.
  The funeral took place yesterday afternoon, the interment being made in the Church of England Cemetery at Whittingham."