Portrait of Janet Ide
"Death of Mrs. Ide, Senr.
A Pioneer Passes.
The Grim Reaper has garnered another pioneer – Mrs. Janet Ide, one of the districts oldest and most-highly respected residents. The deceased lady, who had reached the advanced age of 79 years, had been ailing for the past three weeks and she suffered considerably, though her stout heart kept her up, and her courage and cheery good nature never flagged. When the end came in the early hours of Sunday morning, every settler in the Orara Valley knew a friend had gone.
This grand old lady was amongst the first to brave the perils of the North Coast scrub, and many times she rode from the Bellinger to the Macleay, taking two infants with her, to bring back a bag of flour for rations. In those days, lonely travelers were always liable to be attacked by the blacks; but the late Mrs. Ide had no fear of the tribesmen, having always treated them with the kindness so characteristic of her nature. Nevertheless, she had some nerve-racking experiences, and on one occasion, looked up at her window, to see an aboriginal outside in full war-paint. He melted into the shadows, having no quarrel with one he knew would do him and his no harm. And that was in the years when settlers were being massacred.
The lat Mrs. Ide was twice married, her immediate descendants being Mr. Arthur Ross (Ulmarra) and Mrs. R. Newton (Bellingen); later members of the family, all of whom reside at Upper Orara, are Mesdames R. Hunter, S. A. H. Gill, G. Stanlan and H. McDowell, and Messrs. Alfred, Robert and Victor Ide. To all we extend our sincere sympathy.
The funeral, which took place at the Anglican cemetery, Coffs Harbour, on Monday, was largely attended, and the Vicar, Rev. Sutton Oldham, read the last service. Mr. C. Everingham carried out the burial arrangements in his usual capable manner."
OBITUARY. (1923, October 17). Coffs Harbour Advocate (NSW : 1907 - 1942; 1946 - 1954), p. 2.
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