8 year old George’s life in Goodwood would changed dramatically when his father Alexander passed away on the 15th of May 1895. Alexander who was in declining health had 6 weeks earlier traveled to Hanmer Springs in Canterbury, which is about 440km north of Goodwood, and renowned for the health properties of mineral spas and hot springs.
After Alexanders passing, the records show that on the 31 July 1895 ownership of Greenfeilds passed to Isabella (as administrator of Alexander’s Estate) and then immediately and on the same day transferred to Mrs Janet Stenhouse, the now window of James (snr) who passed away around 1888. The acquisition of Greenfeilds would add 50% more land to their Stenhouse property and begin a long association between the two families.
It’s unknown the reasons that Greenfields was sold to the Stenhouses. It’s also unknown if Isabella and her children stayed on the farm as tenants after the sale and prior to the
aquisition of a new farm.
In 1898, Isabella purchased the farm that they named, “Littlewood”. George would have been 11 years old at this time. This farm would stay in the family for many years, only being sold to the neighbouring Sutherlands after the passing of Alex (Jnr) in 1967.
Like all young kids, George would have been influenced by many factors. Some of them would have included …
Back row: Henrietta (Doll), George, Annie (?)
Middle Row: Alex, Isabella, Connie (Jim’s wife), Jim, Colin
Seated: Christina (Teenie)?, Small boy unknown, Small girl on lap unknown, possibly Jim and Connie’s daughter) , Charles.