Inverell Aboriginal elder Elizabeth Connors is Henry’s great-granddaughter and learned of the decrepit state of Henry’s headstone.

She approached the Inverell Reconciliation Group, and members Anthony Dale and Rosemary Breen recovered the pieces.

Henry Harrison is reputed to be one of the nation’s last convicts, transported from England in 1849.

He eventually settled in the Wellingrove area after his arrival in Sydney.

Henry married Lena, a full-blood Aboriginal woman, and regional Aboriginal families can find Harrison in their lineage.

Many individuals among the Munro, Williams, Boney, Brown, Blair, Cutmore, Connors and Bowden families have been linked to Henry Harrison’s lineage. 

Anthony said they have held two meetings of the Henry Harrison project attracting many  Harrison descendants.

“We had a great-granddaughter, Pricilla Harrison travelled from Inglewood to attend just the meeting,” Anthony said.

He said the committee passed the decision to have locals Thorley and Sons restore the stone.

It will be set in concrete bed to stabilise the historic headstone, and placed on an angle for longevity.

“So it’s not going to fall over and hurt (anybody), and it’s not going to crumble,” Anthony said.

Inverell Shire Council is auspicing the project and the committee has chosen Saturday, November 28 for the official unveiling of the restored stone.

Armidale’s Val Williams is co-ordinating research to assemble a booklet about the project which will be available on the day.

“They’re looking to collect photos for the first four generations,” Anthony said.

The committee will hold their next planning meeting on Saturday, October 31. All relations of Henry Harrison are invited to attend the meeting. For more information, phone Anthony on 6722 2263.