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The Renaissance Years of Henry Moss
As we have seen Henry was given his Ticket of Leave on the 4th July 1851 and by April of 1852 he had become the Honorary Secretary of the Shoalhaven Subscription Races Committee as this advertisement from the Sydney Morning Herald of 1st April 1852 shows:
“SHOALHAVEN SUBSCRIPTION RACES.
To take place on William Graham, Esq.’s, Meadow, 12th and 13th April next.
STEWARDS.
K. Mackenzie, Esq. James Graham, Esq.
James Thomson, Esq. Lach. M’Taggart, Esq.
John Campbell, Esq.
JUDGE. - Murdock Ross, Esq.
.....All horses must be entered for the 12th of April on the Saturday Evening prior to the races, between the hours of six and eight o’clock, at Mr. M. Hyam’s, Sir Walter Scott Inn.....
All parties are immediately requested to pay the amount of their subscription into the hands of the Treasurer, Mr. M. Hyam’s, Greenhills.
HENRY MOSS
Honorary Secretary
Greenhills, Shoalhaven.
March 18.”
9th March 1853 - Michael Hyam married Henry’s sister, Deborah Moses, at the York Street Synagogue, in Sydney.
8th January 1854 - Henry’s Mother, Rebecca, dies at age 46 and is buried in Goulburn Jewish Cemetery. See Photo Gallery.
1856 Census - The Census listed 8 Hebrews in the Shoalhaven Police District.
Ilawarra Mercury, 7th January 1856 - “The Daughter of Israel” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
IM, 7th January 1856 - Henry Moss is named as Honorary Secretary to the Shoalhaven Regatta Club and the Shoalhaven Anuual Races, in advertisements.
IM, 11th February 1856 - “Francisca the Forest Bride” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
IM, 25th February 1856 - “Francisca the Forest Bride” a poem by Henry Moss is concluded.
IM, 19th March 1856 - On the first day of the Shoalhaven Races, which were held on the 26th to 28th February, Moss’ horse ‘Maroon’ (a four year old) is placed second in the Shoalhaven Plate. On the third day ‘Maroon’ is place 5th in the Ladies Purse and 2nd The Better Luck Next Time Stakes.
IM, 17th April 1856 - “To O’Meagher, the Irish Patriot” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
IM, 23rd June 1856 - At a meeting of “Greenhills Gavin Duffy Property Qualification Committe” at Michael Hyam’s Inn, Greenhills,a management committee is appointed to raise funds: James Graham, Esq.; Henry Moss, Esq.; William Robson, Esq.; Mr. Christopher Murray, Esq.; Mr. William Myers; Mr. John Holland; Mr. James McGuire; Dr. G.U. Alley; Mr. D.S. Spillane, S.M.; &c.
IM. 1st September 1856 - “To the American Slaveholder” a poem by Henry Moss is printed in which he condemns the practice.
IM, 17th November 1856 - Advertisement:
“Challenge
I HEREBY CHALLENGE to ride a buck-jumping horse with any person in the colony, for the sum of Fifty Pounds, money posted at twenty-four hours notice. As there are several in this district who think themselves Dons in the Equestrian Art, a fair opportunity is now offered for them to display their superiority over myself, especially the acted rider “David,” the champion of break-necks.
DAVID FLETCHER.
November 12. Burrier, Shoalhaven
Any person taking up the above challenge, will communicate with Mr. H. Moss, who will adjust preliminaries.”
IM, 19th January 1857 - “The Australian Mermaid’s Song” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
IM, 2nd February 1857 - “Musings of the Old and New Years” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
IM, 23rd March 1857- “Lines On hearing a Little Child ask - ‘Mother, where is Heaven; and, Shall I go There ?” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
IM, 6th April 1857 - “Flowers of Memory” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
IM, 20th April 1857 - “ ‘THE BRIDGE OF LIFE’ A Dream upon the Banks of the Shoalhaven River” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
IM, 20th April 1857 -
“THE SHOALHAVEN RACES.
(The following was received on Saturday morning, and too late to be placed under the second column of the fourth page. - Ed.)
“Since writing on the subject of the coming races, I have received the following note, in reply to one from me, declining to act as ‘&c.,’ or to have anything to do with the races, in consequence of the intentional omission of my name as steward - which, I think, the public should be informed of : -
“Dr. Alley, Wednesday Morning.
DEAR SIR. - I have just received your note; and in the first place, am quite surprised that you should use the word ‘intentional.’ At the last meeting of the ‘Stewards,’ it was intimated to me, by those present, that it would appear ridiculous to publish a full list of the Stewards. To which remark I fully concurred. No names were mentioned, but I was instructed to send up three names. In fact, P. de Mestre told me to leave out his name and publish his brother’s if I liked. You will perceive that P. de Mestre and M. Ryan are omitted, as well as yourself. It is a very difficult matter to please every person; and I thought you would be the least likely to find fault at not seeing your name in print. So, I think think you are not justified in looking upon this paltry matter in the light you do and using the expression ‘intentional.’ As no slight was intended towards you more than the others omitted, consequently no apology is due. Your resignation, under the circumstances, I cannot accept.
Yours Truly
HENRY MOSS.
“The above explanation makes bad worse. It proves, if further proof were wanting beyond the ‘&c.,’ that the omission was intentional; although, at the same time, the Hon. Secretary did not mean it offensively. He but yielded to the soft suggestions of one or both of the stewards present on the occasion. The stewards - be they whom they may - had no right to take such a liberty; and the Honorary Secretary, had as little to yield to a suggestion - ‘with which he agreed’ - which does such little credit to their knowledge of what is due to the public. Is not Mr. Ryan good enough to be placed as steward beside a J.P. or a de Mestre ? And is it because the learned and eloquent M.P. for the county (the Judge) and Dr. Alley do not ‘stable their horses together,’ that it was thought expedient to include the latter under the general term of ‘&c.,’ - making any or every person a steward, while throws the whole trouble and responsibility upon the three published names. I have called on Mr. Graham on the subject. He was not present at the meeting. Neither did I know anything of it, conceiving that all had been arranged at a previous meeting.
“From my knowledge of the Hon. Secretary, I do not think he would be guilty of hedging, jockeying, or tricking, but the public and racing community elsewhere do not know this; and so vague a list of stewards - giving a rich ample scope to dark suspicion, and so offensive to the public and individuals - should not be put forward by those who wish to act correctly. If Mr. P. de Mestre silently permits such a liberty, it is no reason that others should do so. The more consideration I give the matter the less excuse I find for it.
G. U. A.”
But the good Doctor was not quite finished and placed the following paid advertisement in the same issue:
“In the programme published in your last issue, the names of Dr. Alley and Mr. Michael Ryan are omitted, and the ‘&c.,’ after ‘James Graham, Esq.,’ proves the omission is intentional, for what purpose or to please whom is really not worth the while to enquire. The insult is to the public who elected them, and it is for the public to say whether an honorary secretary who could act so silly and unsportsmanlike is fit to hold such an office. An honorary secretary should act for the public in all things as directed, according to racing rules, without hedging, without jockeying, without tricks, and without collusion; he should be of true and independent spirit, and with moral courage and truth to do that which is right without references to the prejudices of person or party without caring whom he please or may displease. Mr. Ryan is an old resident of the district, he, his family, and friends have annually supported our races with their persons and their purses, they have proved themselves sportsmen of the right sort; seeking fair-play and no favor, training good horses, and running them with spirit, judgment, and integrity. Mr. M. Ryan, the unceremoniously, and unwarrantably discarded steward, acted as such on former occasions with every credit to himself and to the satisfaction of the public and the racing men. His stern integrity of purpose, his knowledge, and attention, proved him well enabled for the office. Whether on the stand, in the stewards’ tent, or at the race dinner, his conduct was irreproachable, and I am quite satisfied that the public will be justly indignant and disgusted at the unjustifiable omission of his name. I consider, from my personal knowledge of him and his upright conduct on all former occasions, that the addition of his name in the public list would be no disparagement even to the proudest name upon it. With reference to the omission of my name, Dr. Alley, I shall not stoop to make any comment. My services to the racing community are too well known to require any. I regret that such bad taste and bad policy should be so wantonly exhibited to mar the cordiality which should characterize our sports and all true-hearted sportsmen. I decline taking advantage of the very comprehensive ‘&c.,’ and shall not act, I shall also return the subscriptions I have received, and, had I a horse in training, would turn him out, as unfit and unsafe to run under such slippery rules.
G. U. A.”
IM, 4th May 1857 - “THE BRIDGE OF LIFE” a poem by Henry Moss is continued.
IM, 25th May 1857 - “BENEVOLENT SOCIETY. - I perceive a public meeting is called by Mr. H. Moss, as secretary pro. tem., to organize a Benevolent Society to co-operate with the Sydney Institutions for the relief of the destitute. The meeting is called for Monday week at 3 p.m., In Mr. Hyam’s saloon.”
IM, 20th July 1857 - “THE BRIDGE OF LIFE a poem by Henry Moss is concluded.
IM, 21st September 1857 - “Beauty” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
IM, 19th October 1857 - “Musings in My Native Land” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
IM, 16th November 1857 - “Night Thoughts” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
IM, 15th February 1858 - “Farewell to Australia” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
IM, 3rd June 1858 - “A JOCKEY CLUB has been formed here [Shoalhaven] which numbers 33 members, at the annual subscription of two guineas each.The club held its first meeting ar the Royal Victoria Hotel a few days since, when J.L. Biddulph, Esq., was appointed President, Prosper de Mestre, Esq., Treasurer, and Mr, H. Moss, Secretary to the Club. The meeting was then postponed to the 3rd June, when a committee of reference and stewards will be appointed. The committee of reference will be selected for the purpose of deciding disputes, and will form a distinct body to the stewards. I have no doubt but the club will flourish here. All that is required is good government. There is a difference of opinion when the best races will come off here, some are for the races to follow those of Wollongong.”
IM, 18th November 1858 - “The Evening Star” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
IM, 22nd November 1858 - “PROSPECTING. - Mr. Moss, who has returned from his journey to the Kangaroo River, reports his search as partially successful. he discovered gold amongst rosy quartz and slate, and intends making a second trial with more perfect tools.”
IM, 9th December 1858 - “Evening Thoughts in Australia” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
IM, 20th December 1858 - Moss returns to Nowra from a prospecting and exploring trip. He reports finding a new route for a road to Goulburn. Read Henry Moss’ Road to Goulburn.
IM, 10th January 1859 - “Reflections on a New Year” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
IM, 13th January 1859 - Moss is to start in a few days on another prospecting tour.
IM, 31st January 1859 - H. Moss is the Honorary Secretary for the Shoalhaven Turf Club. H. Morton, Esq., is the Judge.
IM, 28th March 1859 - Moss to continue marking his Goulburn Road.
IM, 4th April 1859 - “The Daughter of Israel” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
IM, 7th July 1859 - Moss shows Surveyor Rowlands the route of his new road.
IM, 1st August 1859 - Moss, William McGrath, and others, intend to mark out a new road from behind the Gooddog Range down to Bomaderry Point.
IM, 8th August 1859 - “BRANCH BENEVOLENT SOCIETY [Shoalhaven] : - .....connected with the Infirmity, Benevolent Asylum, and Destitute Children’s Institution. This branch.....was founded by Mr. Ratnett, Mr. Hyam, Mr. Moss, and Mr. Graham about 3 years since.....”
IM, 18th August 1859 - Rowland starts surveying Goulburn road accompanied by Moss and Biddulph.
IM, 3rd November 1859 - “It is not the scaffold - but the guilt, The guilt alone which makes the shame” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
1860 - Henry’s father, John Moses, remarried to Mary Ann Shea in Sydney (NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriage; Registration No. 686/1860).
IM, 6th January 1860 - “Refections of the New Year” a poem by Henry Moss is printed.
IM, 15th May 1860 - Some men from Bong Bong [Moss Vale] are digging gold on Bundanoon Creek.
IM, 22nd May 1860 - “The weather since the flood is very dry, and considering the season, unusually genial. There is yet a great quantity of water on the low lands at Worrigee Swamp and other places - this is probably owing to the present condition of the Crookhaven [River], which is nearly choked up with rubbish, together with obstructions placed in the creek, which in flood times is likely to produce serious consequences. This creek ought to be cleared by the Government, as the surplus water cannot get away in its present state, and people should be prevented from making what bridges over several parts of this water course. This completely blocks up the channel and forces the back water over the lowlands of Terara, and Green Hill. I am glad that Alderman Moss has moved in this matter.”
IM, 29th May 1860 - “Mr. Moss again started to prospect the Shoalhaven gulleys. He is very determined to find a payable gold-field in the district. This has been his hobby for years past. I hear that he forwarded a case of specimens to the Rev. W.B. Clarke on his return last trip. He told me that this time he intends to explore and prospect the country between Talwall and ______ of which very little is known. We wish him well.”
IM, 8th June 1860 - “THE FLOOD. - Mr. Moss and Mr. Hazelwood, who started on a prospecting tour of the Bong Bong mountains, previous to the flood, returned on Thursday, having been away eight or nine days. It was expected that they had perished, and great apprehension was occasioned among their respective friends. Mr. Moss, it appears, during the flood, managed to get to Mr. Gray’s farm, at Bendeela. There, the water on the Kangaroo River rose thirty feet, completely locking Mr. Moss in for several days. Mr. Moss states that the rise of the Kangaroo was so fast that himself, and people on the station, were obliged to fly to the rocks until the river commenced to fall.”
IM, 15th June 1860 - “(From the Empire’s Correspondent)
“Mr. Moss has just returned from marking a line of road from Yalvil [Yalwal] Creek to Talwal. There is a great extent of good available land at Talwal, and in the present condition of the road, I hear that packing out dairy produce can be very easily done; that with the exception of a short distance, a practicable dray road can be made to Burria [Burrier]. The distance, Mr. Moss informs me, from Talwal to Burria, which is the head of the Shoalhaven navigation, is about twenty miles. This will be found a far better track for horsemen or foot travellers from Goulburn to Shoalhaven or Braidwood, by crossing the Shoalhaven at Glenrock and following the track to Talwal. The marked line commences at the end of the Talwal track towards Shoalhaven and continues all the way to Yalvil Creek, where there is a person living. Here the distance from Burria is only five miles. The track all the way, I believe, is very distinctly marked. A person wishing to go to Braidwood from Goulburn can do so easily enough by passing through Talwal and Douglass’ paddock, by following the track which will branch out on to the Braidwood road at Buler River.”
Moss sends samples from Yalwal Basin, Ettrema, etc., to the Rev. W.B. Clarke.
IM, 26th June 1860 - Letter to the Editor:
“SIR, - On looking over the columns of your journal of the 15th instant, I observed Mr. Moss has forwarded some specimens (picked up near the big junction) to the Rev. W.B. Clarke, for examination. Being acquainted with that locality, I can give you a little information that may be interesting to some of the gold-seekers. About a fortnight ago I left here, in company with Messrs. John Wallace and G. Hollands, for the purpose of prospecting the Kangaroo River. We tried in several places, but found nothing, till we got to the junction of the Tallawa and Bundanoon Creeks, where we got several coarse specks of gold in the drift sand. We were unable to bottom any holes in the bed of the creek, for the floods have brought down such quantities of sand that the fallen trees are completely covered.
“It will require at least six men to give the place a fair trial, for it will be necessary to open a very large hole, as in some places large logs will have to be cut out of the way some feet below the surface.
“The bottom seems to be completely composed of granite. We were only able to stay two days, for our rations run out and the weather was wet. The place we were working at is one mile and a-half from the Big Junction, and about a half-a-mile from the Kangaroo River. I have no doubt but it will pay well for trying, for the gold is very coarse, and I so not think it has been washed from any distance.
“I am Sir, Yours, &c.,
Vine Lodge, 20th June 1860 ANDREW D. BADGERY”
IM, 6th July 1860 - “Mr. Mann, surveyor, is planning the road from Nowra to Brundee and Greenwell Point. He has also instruments to continue the other roads at Good Dog to Bomaderry. Mr. Moss has been marking a road from Nowra to the Barren Flat. This will shorten the distance to Braidwood, and avoid Nowra Hill and the creeks on the Bamarang road. The road as marked is perfectly level all the way to Barren Flat. The sooner it is surveyed and cleared the better. The Council ought to give this immediate attention. This road can also be made to suit the upper river people by having a branch diverging on to the Bamarang road - thus all the traffic can be brought into Kinghorne street instead of continuing the Bamarang road across Flat Rock and Nowra old crossing place.”
IM, 18th September 1860 - “In Mr. Clarke’s new work on the Southern Gold-Fields, there is a very interesting chapter on the researches of Mr. H. Moss in the Shoalhaven, particularly at Yalevil [Yalwal], which is deserving of notice to the people of our district.”
1861 - Henry’s father, John Moses, living at 751 George Street, in a two storied brick shop and house owned by William Fergerson (Index to the City of Sydney Rate Assessment Books, 1861, Denison Ward)
12th January 1861 - A son, John Moses later know as Jack, is born to Henry’s father John and step mother Mary Ann. Jack Moses was a famous bush poet and inspired the Dog on the Tuckerbox statue at Gundagai.
IM, 1st March 1861 - Letter to the Editor:
“SIR, - I beg to hand you (at foot) for publication, an extraction a [sic] letter received from Dr. Clarke in reference to some specimens of slate, quartz, &c., submitted to his inspection, from Upper Dangera, about one mile above the junction of the Yarrowmunman [Yarramunmun] Creek.
I am, yours truly,
H. MOSS
“St. Leonard’s, 4th Feb., 1861.
“DEAR SIR, - From what you state in your last letter about the black sand and the iron like pick ends, and from the quartz, just received, and from the brownish glossy slate, from Upper Dangera, you appear to me to have got nearer to gold, than any former occasion.
Yours truly,
W.B. CLARKE.”
IM, 15th March 1861 - “TAMARANG [Tomerong] RACES, - We were recently requested by the gentlemen selected to act as Stewards at these races, to withdraw their names, from the advertisement, and are now requested by the Secretary to add the following note to the advertisement, but the order came at too late an hour to be attended to, ‘Note, - For some reason best known to themselves, the civic gentlemen of the Shoalhaven, who figured on the list as Stewards, have changed their mind after Mr. Moss writing to the following effects : - Notice, - A meeting of the Stewards of the Tamarang races will be held at mr. Parnell’s, at ten o’clock, p.m., on March 1st, to arrange the programme of the races.’ Signed, H. Moss, Steward.”
IM, 3rd May 1861 - Cricket Match: Britannia v. Shoalhaven. Moss plays along with Bice; Kennedy; Thurgate; J.L. Biddulph; A. Hyam; E. Hughes; W. Gollan; J. Monaghan; W. Ballantine; and Ryan. Brutannia won the match.
IM, 11th June 1861 - “A few days since I was examining some very superior sponge collected by Mr. Moss from Gerringong [Seven Mile] Beach; it very much resembles the Turkey sponge. I believe it is intended to be forwarded to the Exhibition together with a splendid sample of the native cotton produced in the Kiama district. Mr. Moss is collecting samples of timber from Tamarang [Tomerong], and minerals from Nerriga and Shoalhaven. The native cotton in his possession is worthy of inspection.”
IM, 25th June 1861 - “Mr. Moss has just returned from prospecting about 60 miles above Burria [Burrier], on the Shoalhaven River, also at Timberlite and beyond. he gives an excellent account of the country being workable and payable, but water on the tableland above the Shoalhaven is very scarce. Some parties have fine huts built and are doing well. He has brought some samples of quartz from different reef, containing gold, which are to be forwarded to Sydney to be tested. He brought down some fine samples of copper ore from the Buler River, near Nerriga. He is collecting for the International Exhibition of 1862. He starts with one or two others in a day or so to prospect the western side of the Shoalhaven and the Budawang Mountains, to the head of the Little [Mongarlowe] River.”
Sydney Morning Herald, 20th July 1861 - The Industrial Exhibition of 1862:
“.....The following is an alphabetical list of persons who have forwarded or promised to forward exhibits up to the present time, viz. -
“.....J.H. Moss [sic], Shoalhaven.”
1862 - Publican of the Royal Hotel, Numbaa.
25th December 1862 - Henry married Sarah Zorilda Hyam (born 24th December 1840 at Jamberoo), daughter of Michael Hyam and Charlotte Rebecca nee Broughton, Michael’s first wife who had died in 1849.
1863 - Henry’s father, John Moses is living at 625 George Street West, in a brick shop owned by Mr. Doyle (Index to the City of Sydney Rate Assessment Books, 1863, Denison Ward)
IM, 31st July 1863 - Cambewarra Coal Seam:
“Mr. Moss also indefatigable in developing the resources of the district has visited our coal seam. He thinks the selector might find some good land near. I was sorry to hear that Mr. Hyams who accompanied him was rather badly hurt by a fall from his horse when on this side of the river on Monday last.”
4th March 1864 - A daughter, Charlotte Rebecca, is born to Henry and Sarah.
5th June 1865 - A son, Hyam Asa, is born to Henry and Sarah.
1867 - Henry’s father, John Moses is living at 631 George Street, in a brick house and shop owned by Mrs. Doyle (Index to the City of Sydney Rate Assessment Books, 1867, Denison Ward)
1867 - Publican of the Central Hotel, Greenhills.
21st June 1867 - A son, Israel Isaac, is born to Henry and Sarah.
6th October 1869 - A daughter, Miriam Deborah, is born to Henry and Sarah.
1872 - A son, Cyrus Saul, is born to Henry and Sarah.
1872 - Elected First Mayor of the Nowra Municipal Council.
22nd June 1876 - A daughter, Esther Janette, is born to Henry and Sarah.
1879 - A daughter, Maria Zorilda, is born to Henry and Sarah.
1881 - A daughter, Garnet Edna, is born to Henry and Sarah.
1882 - Henry’s father, John Moses, is living at 365 Sussex Street, in a two storied brick house owned by Robert Cox (Index to the City of Sydney Rate Assessment Books, 1882, Denison Ward)
24th November 1883 - Henry’s father, John Moses, died in Sydney (NSW Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriage; Registration No. 1977/1833)
1885 - Opens Bridge Hotel in Nowra.
16th September 1887 - Henry died and is buried in the Jewish Section of Nowra Cemetery.
The following extract is taken from The Book of Shoalhaven as it was and as it is: illustrated, Sydney, 1926, Published in Conjunction with the Back to the Shoalhaven Week, p. 51 :
“Moss, Henry, came to the Shoalhaven in 1851, his age being then 20 years. he gave so freely of himself that, in the year 1887, the sands of life had run out, and the tired body could no longer contain the indomitable spirit. So died in his 57th year Henry Moss, innkeeper by necessity, true patriot by instinct; a man of letters and science, Shoalhaven in general lost a benefactor when he passed. He was foremost in the fight for the establishment of the town of Nowra where it now stands. It was a long and bitter fight against sheer folly and private interests, and it was not till the mighty surge of flood waters overwhelmed Terara in 1870 that the fight was won. In municipal matters he was ever prominent, and was a member of the first Municipal Council of Shoalhaven. His exploratory work by hill and gully would have justly entitled him to be called ‘The Pathfinder.’ As early as 1859, Isaiah Rowland, Government Surveyor, reported that a route for a much-needed road at Talwal had been discovered and reported to him by Mr. Henry Moss; this is the road from Goulburn to Jervis Bay that is still being strenuously fought for. Again, in 1861, the Secretary for Lands was asked to have a road surveyed, as marked out by Aldermen Moss and Maguire, from Yellow Waterhole to Ulladulla Road. His activities also extended to advertising Shoalhaven in London and Paris; for an exhibit of timbers, minerals and arrowroot flour made from burrawong nuts, he received a silver medal from the International Exhibition of London, held in 1862. From the Paris Exhibition of 1867 he received a bronze medal that had been struck with a special dye [sic]; for his efforts to advertise his country, he received a silver medal and a letter of thanks from the powers of the day in Sydney. He also received two bronze medals from the Garden Palace Exhibition, held in Sydney in 1879. In 1860 he made a geological survey of the district, and the Rev. W.B. Clark [sic], the geological authority of the day, wrote to the Governor commending the valuable work of Henry Moss; Mr. Clark also made generous references to Mr. Moss in his geological publication. His municipal work and records are still green in the memories of two generations. An ornate monument marks his last resting place; it is simply, and suitably inscribed, yet this is wanting - ‘Well done, good and faithful servant !’ Henry Moss married Sarah, daughter of Michael Hyam, of Sarah’s Valley (Jamberoo) and Shoalhaven. That lady still survives, active in mind at the age of 85 years; she is probably the oldest continuous resident of the district. A son and three daughters also reside in Nowra.
“Moss, Mrs. Sarah Zorilda, wife of the late Henry Moss, was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hyam, and was born at Sarah Valley, Jamberoo, on December 21, 1840. After leaving Jamberoo, resided at Kiama for a short period, and came to what is known as Greenhills (Nowra being then unknown), with her parents in the year 1847. At Jamberoo she attended a private school conducted by Mrs. Morris, mother of the late Alfred Morris, school teacher at Bamarang; also attended private school at Kiama conducted by Mr. Dell. At Greenhills, with her brothers and sisters, received private tuition from Mr. Seagar and Miss Lambert. Mrs. Moss has always been a keen student of history and travel. In those early days, Mrs. Moss’ kindly help in sickness and distress was a household word. medical men not always being available, Mrs. Moss was always to be relied upon for advice and guidance until medical attention could be secured. There are few now that are left to remember the practical assistance so given by riding through rough bush tracks - there were few roads then - carrying nourishing food for those in need. She was an ardent supporter of early agricultural shows, and a successful exhibitor in the household section. her recollection of the early history of this district is full of pathos and humour, and intensely interesting, all of which are to-day evergreen in her memory. She is probably the oldest resident of the district south of the River. Mrs. Moss claims to have brought the first coral tree to the district, which she secured at Kiama, and cuttings from this tree went to all parts of the district. mrs. Moss was a great favourite with the early aboriginals, to whom, with the assistance of her husband, warm clothing and other comforts were procured from the Government.”
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