| the Grenfell Record, Grenfell, NSW, Australia | June 1976 | Eliza Ann Martin was mentioned in an article in the Grenfell Record, Grenfell, NSW, Australia, in June 1976 as follows:
100th Birthday
Friends and relations gathered at the RSL Rooms, Grenfell on Sunday 13 June 1976, to celebrate with Mrs. Eliza Ann Perceval the occasion of her 100th Birthday.
Eliza Perceval was born at Pridmans Creek, Rye Park, the daughter of Walter and Ann Martin.
On April 16th, 1896 she married William Perceval at the Methodist Church, Rye Park and there were eleven children of the marriage.
The seven surviving children are, Mrs. May Murray (Grenfell), Victor (Charlie of Grenfell), Lindsey (Grenfell), Cecil (Mustard of Sydney), Mrs. Annie Frampton (Grenfell), Mrs. C Horne (Jean of Grenfell) and Mary (Grenfell).
Her husband passed away in 1953.
The family remained at Rye Park until 1907 when they moved to Grenfell, firstly to Alexandria Street and then to the residence in Palmer Street where she has resided for the past sixty years.
One of six children, she in her early years helped in the running of the family home, her mother passing away when Eliza was nine years of age - Baking bread at the age of nine was indicative of the pioneering spirit of that era.
In later years when she had married, the trip to Rye Park township for the weekly food supplies involved a walk of thirteen miles - A stay overnight at her mother-in-law's home and then the long walk home the next day.
Perhaps the most vivid memory retained by Eliza is of the large bushfire which started near Young and swept through to the South Coast.
As the fire approached she took her children to the potato paddock near the creek and covered them with wet blankets. She had carried with her some possessions, among them a Singer Sewing Machine, bought at the Crookwell Show in 1897.
This machine is still in working condition and in her possession.
The bark roof of their home caught alight on one corner and her husband chopped through the verandah posts to let the roof down and save the house.
Of true pioneering stock, Eliza tried her hand at all outdoor activities and helped in the building of slip-rail fences, driving of stock, lopping tries for cattle feed, carting water in buckets. The hard times are remembered and the potato paddock provided the family meal on many occasions when meat was not available.
Also the good times are recalled with a happy family life with parties and picnics and lots of fishing.
The gathering at the RSL Rooms took the form of a luncheon chaired by Mr F Walter (Grenfell) with the town and shire residents being represented by Mr W Black, Weddin Shire President.
Mrs. Perceval was the recipient of an orchid shoulder spray and many gifts.
Beautiful floral arrangements were received and appreciated by her from various people and organisations.
Telegrams were received from as far afield as London, from Buckingham Palace, H.R.H. Queen Elizabeth conveyed her best wishes. Others were from Sir John Kerr and Lady Kerr Govenor General of Australia. Governor Sir Roden and Lady Cutler of New South Wales. Mr. Malcolm Fraser and wife, Prime Minister of Australia. Mr. Neville Wran, Premier of New South Wales. Mr. D Anthony, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia. Mr. Stephen Lusher, Member for Hume. Mr George Freudenstein, Member for Young.
Many telegrams and cards from various friends were received.
The Birthday Cake made by Mrs. Anne Frampton (daughter) and iced by Mrs. K Nealor was cut to chorus of voices. "For She's a Jolly Good Fellow".
We all congratulate Grenfell's Grand Lady.
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OZIGEN - Australian Genealogy
