Peter Leonard Horton – Biography
The Horton Clan (minus Alan) in 1970
The photo above is of ten of the eleven Horton children in 1970. On the left is David, the back row has Max and Peter, in front of Max is Anne-Maree, and then Marion, Trish, and Mark, with Jenny with her hands on the shoulders of Jane (left) and Helen.
Peter is Helen and Ray Horton’s second child. Helen was the sixth of Irene and Bill’s twelve children, making Peter one of their 48 grandchildren.
Peter was born in North Sydney on 21 October 1952, and started work age at the age of 15, while attending Riverstone Evening College to complete his secondary education.
Peter participated in number of sports, hobbies and recreational activities including golf, soccer and bike riding which all began during his teenage years. He represented Castle Hill Country Club in Junior Pennants and in the Eric Apperly Shield inter club competition.
He rode and rode, probably as an escape to clear the mind - from Rouse Hill across much of the Sydney basin, the blue mountains, and the beaches. These were epic mini marathons which helped satisfy Peter’s engagement with nature and a deeply enquiring mind.
Peter communing with nature during the 1980s
In later years after moving to Port Macquarie, he continued his regular riding pursuits, finally switching to four wheels in his little Datsun, a 60s model 1000 station wagon. The Datto!
The Datto!
Peter navigated most of the mid-north coast escarpment - the high country. A knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide for all comers - nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters who queued for the opportunity. His familiarity and connection to the back country knew no bounds. Without question he has travelled thousands of kilometres on two and four wheels. It’s been at times a wild ride, and he would gladly acknowledge a gratifying experience.
As a youngster, Peter was employed at Rumseys Seeds and Riverstone Meat Works.
Herbert John Rumsey, seedsman, horticulturist and genealogist, was born in England, arriving in Sydney with his parents and sister in 1872. By 1895 Rumsey had started a nursery and seed business on his father’s Barbers Creek (Tallong) near Marulan. Henry was survived by two sons and three daughters, when he died at Dundas on 1 February 1956. Rumseys Seeds Ltd was sold to Arthur Yates & Co. Pty Ltd in 1966 but his sons and grandsons continued as nursery and seedsmen at Galston and Dural, NSW.
Riverstone Meatworks was established in 1878 and closed in 1994. It provided the main employment opportunities in Riverstone, and many generations of families worked there.
Riverstone Meatworks at the centenary in 1978
Peter later later took up a position at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Sydney. He resigned from that position in the mid‑1970s, dedicating himself to a lifetime of support and caring for his parents, Helen and Ray Horton.
Helen and Ray
He undertook part time work in sheet metal fabrication, working for Greg Hession. Greg is Anne-Maree’s husband, and Anne-Maree is Peter’s younger sister. Both Greg and Anne-Maree have been an extremely generous support for Peter.
Various members of the Horton clan - With Anne-Maree and Greg far left, and Peter with his sunnies on his head at the back
Peter participated in volunteer work at Timbertown in Wauchope which has series of ongoing projects preserving items of historical significance. From a church to an old steam engine, preservation is carried out by staff and a team of volunteers.
A further volunteer position followed the passing of Mum and Dad, when Peter took up a position at the Mid North Coast Marine Museum undertaking a variety of tasks including slipway maintenance, craft repair and general duties. He retired in 2020 after more than 10 years of committed support.
Peter remains at Lake Innes maintaining a deep connection with the Horton family property. He’s currently the sole resident, but in past years several Horton siblings have lived temporarily at 550, including Max, Patricia, Jane and her husband Paul, and Alan and his wife Joanne.
Peter’s siblings Mark and Marion are regular drop-ins, and Mark brings with him his mechanical and handy man skills which are always in demand.
Peter’s wish is to remain at the Lake Innes property, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, his wishes shall be respected. It is formally expressed in a Deed of Family Arrangement.
The Horton kids (minus Alan) in 1970
Written by Peter and Alan Horton, edited and augmented by Rob Landsberry, last modified 23 October 2024