James Rayner, Free Settler "Resource" 1837

BDM NSW Death 1886/11600 Mudgee; Rayner, James, son of James, died Mudgee.

(Newspaper report see below) "About the beginning of the year 1837 James and Eliza Rayner, with their three children, William, Lucy and Robert, sailed from England on board the "Resource," and after a voyage lasting about six months, they landed at Sydney on 24th June, 1837."

James Reyner/Rayner and Eliza/Elizabeth then had more children (needs clarification):

1843 Thomas; 1847 George; 1848 James; 1849 Eliza; 1857 Elizabeth; 1859 Anna M; 1861 Robert; 1862 Edward... there are more.

As Eliza was supposed to have been born 1812, the births around 1850's may be incorrect.

...

Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative NSW Mon 6 Dec 1937

THE RAYNER FAMILY UNIQUE GATHERING

Thursday, November 11, was the day chosen to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Rayner family in Australia.

About the beginning of the year 1837 James and Eliza Rayner, with their three children, William, Lucy and Robert, sailed from England on board the "Resource," and after a voyage lasting about six months, they landed at Sydney on 24th June, 1837.

(Owing to the coldness of the weather, however, the celebrating of the centenary was deferred until the date mentioned above).

From Sydney they moved on to Mulgoa, near Penrlth, where James Rayner commenced work. Later, he went to the Mudgee district and spent the greater part of twelve years at Broombee.

In the year 1849 he struck out for himself, and settled on land at Triangle Swamp.

No further changes were made, and here the family of ten were raised, amidst hardships too numerous to mention. To-day the line of direct descendants numbers about four hundred, the majority of whom follow pastoral, agricultural or rural pursuits.

The Triangle homestead, at present the home of the Cox family, a branch of the Rayner family tree, is situated about eighteen miles south-east of Mudgee, on the bank of Triangle Creek. This creek, in conjunction with another small stream, was responsible for the swamp. Here, looking cool and pretty with their leafy luxuriance, the willows invite the happy throng to come and shelter from the sunshine.

About mid-day the early arrivals partook of the first meal, which passed off very enjoyably, and an atmosphere of goodwill seemed to settle on all present. After this the real day began. Car after car could be seen, all heading for the picnic ground, and by evening the members had risen to about 170 people.

This gathering, we believe, is unique in the history of Mudgee, for at no time, to our knowledge, have so many relatives and friends been drawn together to honor so worthy a cause.

Everyone played or talked, according to their mood. Rounders and various other games were indulged in, and one of the oldest games ever played, namely, "Kiss in the Ring," was revived. When the shades of evening drew across the meadow tea was partaken of, and here again an abundance of good things was displayed.

In the centre of the table was a beautifully decorated cake with a hundred candles. These were lighted by a number of the party and were blown out by William Rayner, who is the oldest grandson (80 years of age). To Miss Mary Rayner, of Mullamuddy, was given the honor of cutting the cake. After the evening meal Mr Les. Cox, who lives at the old home, gave a brief outline of the Rayner family's history, which has already been stated here, and paid a tribute to the memory of these early pioneers for their wonderful courage and faith, which stands to-day as an everlasting monument to the name of Rayner.

Mr W. T. Rayner brought home to us very forcibly the hardships of those early settlers and put forward a plea for the younger generation to follow in the footsteps of those grand old people whose lives were an example of fidelity, morality and courage. He concluded by thanking God for the wonderful heritage that is ours through the sacrifices of those who had gone before.

Mr J. E. Loneragan drew attention to the almost unbelievable progress of the period, under consideration. He contrasted the modern means of transport with that of the old time bullock dray. He also expressed some, very beautiful sentiments in his remarks about the little cemetery on the hillside, where rest the first and some of the second generation of the family. With the singing of "God Save the King" the curtain fell on this great rural drama at Triangle, the memory of which will live with all who were present and, who knows, may be handed down as a treasured souvenir of 100 years ago.

The success of the day was largely due to the capable organisation of Miss Minnie Cox, of Triangle, who had many willing helpers.