Memorial Plaque

Sacred to the memory of Bartholomew REARDON late of Pitt Water who died 1st January 1849 aged 57 years on whose soul may god have mercy it is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from their sins.
Bartholomew REARDON born Norfolk Island 15th June 1791, son of a first fleeter arrived Van Diemens Land 1810. Married Elizabeth NASH 1st January 1812. Highly recommended by Captain PIPER and others, he immediately received land grants, his agricultural knowledge and his substantial efforts resulted in high crop yields which benefited all the colony.
He was the first to grow wheat free of the smut disease. He was among the first to introduce merino sheep to the colony at his property 'Thorn Hill'. His hospitality and community services were renowned; Governor MACQUARIE and Lieut Governor SORELL were his guests in April 1821. He also served as District Constable with honesty and devotion to duties. Subsequently his huge barn, filled with the harvest, was burnt to ashes, by malicious scoundrels, it had been used for all community gatherings, religious services, and musterings. His property 'Green Hills', Forcett, is still in the REARDON family today 1995.
We, his descendants, proudly and gratefully acknowledge and honour, his many sterling and out-standing qualities.