Lived at The Welcome, Parkes, NSW

He is listed in the 1904 Wise's Commercial Directory as a farmer at Parkesborough.

Probate No. 202117

Immigrated to Adelaide S.A. 26 December, 1865 - occupation Station Manager / Farmer.

(see chronology for Esther Amelia Millen for marriage & children)

1935, 7 January - The following appeared in the Parkes Champion Post Monday:-

Obituary - Mr Albert Genge

Another gap in the ranks of the pioneers was made when the death occurred last Friday of Mr Albert Genge, at his home at Parkesborough at the age of 86 years. Mr Genge, who was one of the district's most respected residents, was born at Hardington-Mendeville, England in October, 1848, and arrived in Australia the Boxing day following his seventeenth birthday. He arrived in the Parkes district in 1874 in the place then known as "The Bushman's Lead", the population at that time consisting mainly of gold miners. The quality of the land from an agricultural point of view and the permanency of such an occupation appealed more than the gamble of toiling in the search for gold, and to test the soil a crop was sown. At that time the other farmers in the district were Messrs J. Nash and Harris at Kurrajong, and G. Field, at the creek crossing on the Back Yamma road, which was the main road from "Bushman's Lead" to Forbes at that time.

In 1874 320 acres were selected by Mr Genge at Parkesborough and a few months after occupation the miners told him that farmers were not wanted in the area. The miners appealed to the Goldfield Commissioner, Mr Dalton, to put a stop to agricultural activities, and the Mines Department proclaimed a reserved area "for gold-mining purposes". This put a complete block to land settlement. Mr Genge and the farmers carried on and results proved that the district was good for cultivation purposes - especially for wheat growing. When the land was again thrown open for settlement, the progress made by the pioneer farmers attracted many who were eager to follow agricultural purposes. The ground bore the burden of golden grain - grazing areas were prepared and mixed farming established. Mr Genge brought the first stripper into the district in 1880. It was brought from South Australia and did service for 28 years. It is still in existence and is lying at the rear of the house at Parkesborough. A great drawback was the poor marketing facilities, for the nearest railway station was then at Raglan, on the Sydney side of Bathurst. A district agitation commenced for the extension of the railway to Parkes, and the parliamentary elections that were held during a nine-year period were "railway" elections.

During this time the residents of "Bushman's Lead" decided to name the place "Parkes", and the main street "Clarinda" Street, for Lady Parkes. The re-christening was pregnant with success, for the veteran statesman did much towards bringing the railway to this centre. With the advent of the railway, and consequently speedy transport, the prosperity of the district was assured. Mr Genge, together with the other pioneer farmers, did much for the district - their struggle has given us a modern town, a centre of primary production, humming with the bustle of present day competition. The late Mr Genge always took a keen interest in anything pertaining to the welfare of the district. He could be considered one of the founders of the Parkes P.A. and H. Association and was one of the first committeemen.

When he eventually retired from active participation, owing to ill health, he was made a life member of the association in recognition of his sterling services. He was also a very active member of the old Farmers and Graziers Association and also of the Farmers and Settlers Association. In spite of his advancing years, deceased was a regular visitor to town and was never happier than when renewing old acquaintances. His property was an ideal one for picnics and each year both the Presbyterian and Methodist churches held their annual Sunday school picnics there. He would mix with the children, and nothing pleased him better than to see them romping about playing games and having a good time generally.

The late Mr Genge was a strong adherent of St Andrews Presbyterian Church. The funeral took place on Saturday afternoon to the Parkes cemetery, where he was laid to rest in the Church of England portion with the late Mrs Genge, who had predeceased him in 1921. The Rev. H.S. Bunn officiated at the graveside, Mr J.T. Cock having charge of the obsequies. The surviving members of the family are two daughters (Miss Genge and Mrs Geo. Field) and one son (Mr John Genge of Eugowra). Messrs Tom and Will of Canowindra, and Albert of Wirrinya, are nephews.

Their headstone reads: