Wednesday, October 20, 2021

BENJAMIN LORN CAMPBELL

Benjamin Lorn CAMPBELL was born 14 November 1863 at Wattle Flat, NSW.

He was married on 15 January 1890, at Gulgong to Mary Jane LEE (b: 28 Nov 1873 in Mudgee, NSW, d: 12 Nov 1961 in Gulgong).

The children of Benjamin and Mary Jane Campbell included:
  • Elizabeth Jane - born 1891
  • Margaret Estelle - born 1893
  • John Archibald (Jack) - born 1896
  • Henry Lee - born 1898
  • Benjamin Lorn (Laurie) - born 1901. Married Phyllis Diehm
  • Roland T R - born 1903
  • Irene Olga - born 1905. Married Cross
  • Edgar G - born 1907
  • Hazel M - born 1910. Married Ernest Alexander, 1936.
Benjamin died 08 Jan 1947 in Gulgong.

Benjamin Lorn Campbell and wife Mary Jane Lee
with children Margaret Estelle and Elizabeth Jane standing, Henry Lee and John (Jack) Archibald, and baby Benjamin Lorn (Laurie), 1900
Source: Barbara Gurney

Benjamin Lorn Campbell
Source: Barbara Gurney
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1936 - [WEDDING]
A PRETTY wedding was celebrated at St. Andrew's Church, Gulgong, on Saturday afternoon last, when Miss Hazel Campbell, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Campbell, of "Avoca," Gulgong, was married to Mr. Arthur [sic, Ernest] Alexander, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander, of Coolamon. The Rev. W. Duffy officiated.

The bride, who was given away by her father, was dressed in white satin and lace with silver trimmings and wore a halo of blue tulle and silver flowers. She carried a bouquet of roses and carnations, and wore the customary wreath and veil. Miss Doll Watts, of Wellington (a friend of the bride), was brides-maid, dressed in mist blue georgette. She carried a bouquet of pink and white sweet peas. Marie Cross (niece of the bride), daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. Cross, acted as flower girl, and was dressed in pale pink moracain and carried a basket of pink roses. Mr. George Campbell (brother of the bride) was best man. Miss Ella Fyfe presided at the organ.

The reception was held at the Oddfellows' Hall, where about 100 guests were received by Mrs. Campbell (mother of the bride), dressed in brown wool-de-chene and carrying a posy of autumn tinted flowers, and Mrs. J. Donnelly, dressed in brown wool-de-chene and white accessories and carrying a posy of red roses.

After the blessing, "The King" was proposed by the chairman (Rev. W. Duffy) and honored. The chairman proposed "The Bride and Bridegroom," and said that he was voicing the sentiments of all present in wishing them joy and prosperity. Their world would be their home. If he were asked to give a definition of married life, he would, from experience, say a life of give and take. Two dispositions had come together that afternoon, and according to the ceremony they had become one. He would say on behalf of those present for the bride and bridegroom to look upon one another from another's point of view. There were some men who didn't play the game. There was a saying that the man makes the money. It was the wife that enabled him to make it. He humorously said that there were a good many present, including himself, who without a wife wouldn't make twopence. "Some men," he said, "don't take their wives into their confidence. Now, men, stop that; if you haven't started it, don't start it. "I feel we're drifting; we don't take heed of the higher and nobler things of life." He concluded by asking God's blessing for the bride and bride groom.

The bridegroom, in responding, thanked all the people for their presents and the chairman for his kind remarks. The bridegroom proposed "The Bridesmaid," Mr. G. Campbell responding. Mr. W. A. Saunders proposed the toast of "The Bride's Parents," saying that he felt very much honored that he was being asked to propose the toast. He supposed that no one knew them better than he did. Mr. Campbell was born at Wattle Flat, and he knew that Mrs. Campbell was born in the district somewhere. Their character was of the highest and their hospitality was known for its open-heartedness. He knew the goodness that existed in them. They had reared a family of nine children, all of whom were very highly respected. The Campbell families throughout the district were held in the highest esteem, as was Mrs. Campbell and the Lee family.

There was never a word spoken against the Campbells or the Lees. That spoke volumes for them. From what he knew of the husband, he was a good, steady, honest, straightforward fellow. Mr. Campbell (father of the bride) thanked everyone, especially Mr. Saunders for the wholehearted manner in which he had spoken. He felt duty bound to say that if Hazel proved as good a wife as she had a daughter, the bridegroom would have no regrets about the knot that had been tied that day. He felt confident that the bridegroom was quite competent to look after the bride as he should.

"The Parents of the Bridegroom" was proposed by Mr. J. Seberry, who stated that he had known them for many years. "Miss Campbell has a very fine fellow, as I know him exceptionally well," he said. Mr. W. Seberry responded on behalf of the bridegroom's parents, saying that he was quite sure that it would have given them pleasure to be present to respond on their own accord. Mr. Jack Campbell proposed the toast of "The Press," saying that it was a very important factor in our daily lives. Mr. T. Amies responded.

"The Ladies" was proposed by Mr. Tos. Gibbons, Mrs. Roley Campbell responding. The toast of "The Chairman", was proposed, by Mr. B. L. Campbell, the Rev. Mr. Duffy responding. The happy couple left for Sydney and Coolamon for the honeymoon, the bride travelling in a navy blue costume with shoes and hat to match.

A dance at night in the Oddfellows' Hall concluded the celebrations.

Ernest and Hazel Alexander (nee Campbell), 1936
Source: Barbara Gurney

George Campbell (best man), Doll Watts (bridesmaid) and Marie Cross (flower girl)
Source: Barbara Gurney 

Benjamin and Mary Jane and children

Back row: Hazel, Stella, Harry, Bess, George
Front row: Rene, Jack, Benjamin (father), Mary Jane (mother), Rowley, Laurie

Mary Jane Campbell and family

Back Row: Rowley, Hazel, Stella, Rene, Bess, Laurie, George

Front row: Jack, Mary Jane Campbell nee Lee (seated) and Harry

Mr. and Mrs. B. L. Campbell, 1939



1940 - GOLDEN WEDDING - Celebration in Gulgong - Mr. and Mrs. B. L. Campbell
THAT grand couple, Mr. and Mrs. B. L. Campbell, of 'Avoca,' Slapdash Road, Gulgong, were honoured guests at a function in the Oddfellows' Hall on Saturday evening last, in celebration of their golden wedding. Mr. T. Amies presided over a sumptuous supper, the arrangements being in the hands of that excellent caterer, Mrs. P. Boyd.
Proceedings opened with the toast of 'The King." The mayor (Ald. A. Baldwin) proposed the toast, of Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, and said he felt highly complimented at being asked to be present. Nothing, he said, could give me greater pleasure than to come to see a gathering as this, and honour Mr. Campbell and his worthy wife. Continuing, Ald. Baldwin said he would never forget Mr. Campbell's kindness when he (the speaker) was seriously ill. He had the greatest respect for Mr. and Mrs. Campbell.
Mrs. Campbell was a kindly woman, and he held her in high, regard. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell had reared a family of nine children, and he didn't know any better compliment that could be paid to the guests of the gathering than the celebration they were now having. Mr Campbell was one of those men you could not quarrel with, and he had a kindly nature. To be respected as Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are must be a great compliment he said. 
The toast was supported by Mr. R. J. Cohen of Mudgee, who said that he came to Gulgong 37 years ago to reside, and Mr Campbell was one of one first gentlemen he had met. He had always held Mr. and Mrs. Campbell in the highest respect. There had never been a break in the Campbell family; that was a glorious thing.
Mr. Joseph Rigg, in supporting the toast, said it gave him pleasure to be present at the celebration, as Mr. Campbell was an old friend of his. His (Mr. Rigg's) father's family and Mr. Campbell's family had been the greatest friends. He and Mr. Campbell had been great friends. He didn't think anyone could say one word against Mr. Campbell.
In responding and expressing appreciation for the kind sentiments expressed, Mr. B. L. Campbell mentioned that some had come 200 miles to attend, and he was grateful. He thanked the speakers and everyone from the bottom of his heart.
The toast of the Campbell family was proposed by Mr. Len Price, who said that the family, was a typically dinkum Australian one. Such men were the backbone of the country districts. Mr. Campbell, sen. (their guest), was an Australian gentleman, and, his wife was a very fine lady indeed.
Mr. J. Campbell (Sydney), responding, said it was a great pleasure to be present, and he thanked Mr. Price for his remarks. He could remember the time, 50 years ago, when their guests faced the music. He congratulated his brother and sister-in-law on attaining their golden wedding. It gave him sincere pleasure to be present, and he congratulated all of the other members of the family on their success.
The "old" best man and bridesmaid was proposed by Cr. T. S. Lee, the chairman stating that Mr. C. W. Lee, of Sydney, who was best man at Mr. and Mrs. Campbell's wedding 50 years ago, was present, as was one of the bridesmaids, Mrs. W. Carr, of Gulgong. Cr. Lee said that when Mr. and Mrs Campbell chose the best man and bridesmaids, they must have been up to expectations, for they were also present that day. 'Times have progressed' said Mr. Lee, and so have the Campbells progressed.
Mr. C. W. Lee said in responding, that nobody in the hall felt the position more than he did. Some of his nearest and dearest friends were in the hall at the present time. He thought the function would help to prolong the lives of Mr. and Mrs. B. L Campbell. He pointed out that the happiest time of a person's life, who had about reached Mr Campbell's age, was the last 10 or 15 years "May God be with them.'' he concluded.
Sons-in-law and daughters-in-law of the guests were proposed by Mr, Harry Hall who referred in praiseworthy terms to each one of them. One who was well known and highly respected was Mr. Donnelly, who had the honour of being one of the shire councillors. Sincere thanks were expressed by Mr. Herb Cross in response on behalf of those who were toasted. The ladies were proposed by Mr. Harry Hall, who said that he had the greatest respect for the ladies. "Without the ladies" he said, "we could do nothing, not even hold this function this evening." Mr. George Campbell responded.
The toast "and Mr. and Mrs. J. Campbell of Tallawang", who were also that day celebrating their wedding anniversary was proposed by the chairman and Mr Campbell, in his response paid a tribute to the skilful nursing attention which he had given to him in the Gulgong District Hospital, in which he had been a patient recently.
The toast to the Press was proposed by Cr. James Donnelly, who stated that the Gulgong and Mudgee district Press was unbiassed. Mr. R. J. C Mudgee responded Mr. B. L. Campbell said the ''Gulgong Advertiser" was worthy of a toast on its own, and he proposed it, the chairman responding. The toast of the chairman was proposed by the mayor, and responded to by the chairman.
The function was a happy one; those present co-operating in an appeal to make it as enjoyable as possible for the purpose of giving the utmost pleasure to Mr. and Mrs. Campbell, who deserve well, not only of those present, but of the whole community. Mr and Mrs. Campbell are amongst the most popular couples in the Gulgong district. In all his transactions Mr. Campbell has been a straight goer and he and Mrs. Campbell have endeared themselves to everyone with whom they have come in contact. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell did not talk Christianity— they lived it!
Before the function closed pieces of a tasty double-decker cake (made by the daughters of the guests) were distributed. The tables were decorated with gold coloured flowers — the entire atmosphere being appropriate, to the occasion of a golden wedding.

Source: Campbell family history articles researched and written by Barbara Gurney. Photos from Barbara Gurney.

DESCENDANTS

1.  BENJAMIN LORN CAMPBELL was born on 14 Nov 1863 in Wattle Flat, NSW.  He died on 08 Jan 1947 in Gulgong, NSW.  He married MARY JANE LEE, daughter of HENRY COOK LEE and JANE RICHES on 15 Jan 1890 in Gulgong, NSW.  She was born on 28 Nov 1873 in Mudgee, NSW.  She died on 12 Nov 1961 in Gulgong, NSW.

BENJAMIN LORN CAMPBELL and MARY JANE LEE had the following children:

i.  ELIZABETH JANE CAMPBELL was born in 1891 in Gulgong, NSW.  She died on 19 May 1977 in Gulgong, NSW.  She married William Lyons on 18 Jun 1919 in Gulgong, NSW.  He was born in 1889 in Coonabarabran, NSW.  He died on 22 Jun 1980 in Gulgong, NSW.

ii.  MARGARET ESTELLE CAMPBELL was born in Aug 1893 in Gulgong, NSW, Australia.  She died on 18 Feb 1981 in Gulgong, NSW.  She married JAMES ALLAN DONNELLY.  He was born on 03 Feb 1890 in Mudgee, NSW. He died on 31 Mar 1960 in Gulgong, NSW.

iii.  JOHN ARCHIBALD CAMPBELL was born in 1895 in Gulgong, NSW. He died in 1967 in Gulgong, NSW. He married GLADYS MAY CARBERRY.

iv.  HENRY LEE CAMPBELL was born in 1898 in Gulgong, NSW.  He died in 1965 in Gulgong, NSW.  He married DORIS MAY HONEYSETT.  She was born about 1915.  She died on 05 Jul 2004 in Gulgong, NSW. 

v.  BENJAMIN LORNE CAMPBELL was born on 02 Apr 1900 in Gulgong, NSW.  He died on 26 May 1977 in Gulgong, NSW.  He married PHYLLIS SUSAN DEIHM. She was born in 1904 in Gulgong, NSW.  She died on 04 Aug 1986 in Gulgong, NSW.

vi.  ROLAND THOMAS ROBERT CAMPBELL was born in 1903 in Gulgong, NSW.  He married IVY AGNES CROSS in 1932 in Gulgong, NSW.  He died on 02 Sep 1973 in Gulgong, NSW.

vii.  IRENE OLGA CAMPBELL was born on 24 Aug 1905 in Gulgong, NSW.  She died on 19 Jul 2002 in Gulgong, NSW.  She married Herbert Cross on 13 Jul 1929 in Gulgong, NSW.  He was born on 16 Jul 1905 in Gulgong, NSW.  He died on 18 Dec 1996 in Gulgong, NSW.

viii. EDGAR GEORGE CAMPBELL was born on 06 Oct 1907 in Gulgong, NSW.  He died on 04 Nov 1982 in Mudgee, NSW.  He married MADGE DOREEN EVANS.  She was born in 1914 in Mudgee, NSW.  She died in 1997 in Sydney, NSW.

ix.  HAZEL MARY EVELYN CAMPBELL was born on 12 Mar 1910 in Gulgong, NSW.  She died on 08 May 2005 in Gulgong, NSW.  She married ERNEST ALEXANDER on 06 June 1936 in Gulgong, NSW.

Source: Campbell family history articles researched and written by Barbara Gurney. Photos from Barbara Gurney. 

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