South Burnett Times, Tuesday, 31 December, 2002 Family Reunion Packs Them In: Elijah PACKER died on 28 December 1902 and was buried at the Blackbutt Cemetery on 29 December. One century to the day of his death and his burial, more than one hundred of his descendants gathered in Blackbutt to celebrate this family’s pioneering history and tell of the legacies that time has unfolded. One of the organisers, Elijah’s great great grandson Don BARNEY, of Bundamba, said the PACKER family history started in Australia when Elijah immigrated to Australia with his family on the ship Bulimba departing London on 9 September 1885, arriving in Brisbane on 5 November the same year. The farm settled by Elijah is still in the family today, and one of the highlights of the weekend was a visit to the farm which has gone through many changes. Mr BARNEY said PACKER descendants came from all states of Australia, except West Australia, and even a woman from England who was visiting relations. “We have asked her to search our family in England,” he said. The weekend, four years in the planning, was full of activities centred at the showgrounds, and the community hall. Tours throughout the district were conducted to points of interest of the family history including Elijah’s farm. A speakers’ corner consisted of family members seconded to tell stories of their young days and stories that have been handed down through the years. A thanksgiving service was conducted on Sunday. “In the early days many family members were involved in the Salvation Army, and there will be Salvation Army officers at the service,” Mr BARNEY said. Mr BARNEY’s mother Mrs Dorothy BARNEY has been a staunch fighter to keep the Salvation Army Church in Blackbutt when there has been threats in past years to close it down. The grave stones at the Blackbutt cemetery read – Elijah PACKER died 28 December 1902, 66 years, also his dear wife Mary Ann Rosina died 17 June 1907 aged 69 years. Elijah’s son is buried alongside. His grave stone reads Sid A PACKER 1871-1956. Mr BARNEY said another reunion is planned for 2008. ________________________________________________ Message sent using Dodo Internet Webmail Server