Charles’ position with the railway also saw him assisting in the work of building Strathfield Station, which was then known as Redwire Street Station.  

His work in the Railway Department entailed much travelling, and although he rose to the position of Inspector of Bricks, he one day decided that a settled place of abode would be more in his line of thinking.

The decision was arrived at by reason of frequent visits to Crookwell, which had a great attraction for him.

 An even greater attraction he found at a small place called “Big Hill” (near Marulan) in the person of Mary Hannah Irving, whom he married at Bowral on March 1, 1881.  

Here they resided for six years, when the claims of Crookwell prompted him to move camp in quest of fortune.

Thus it came about that in 1866 Charles Willis brought his wife and young son Herbert to Crookwell, and went to Brooklands, which was considered out in the bush at that time.  

He found a paddock which had taken his fancy, it was white with clover and he decided to call it “Cloverleigh”. With his own hands he commenced to build, wisely and well.

At first just sufficient for the immediate needs for his small household, adding to his home as the years rolled on, and the family and his finances increased.    

Crookwell by now had growing pains, and Charles Willis was in demand as a good bricklayer.   

Most of the buildings in Goulburn Street he helped build. Notably Keith’s shop, Pedley’s buildings, Police Court and Cells, Bank of N.S.W. the Gazette Office, Post Office,  Cox’s Chimney (a one-time land mark now demolished), and the ‘T’ portion onto the Methodist Church, St Mary’s School and many others.

Related stories: Historic Bowral recalled | Second Instalment 

In those days if someone on the land wanted a brick home, instead of timber or stone, one of the Willis clan would go out to the property and make the bricks on site.  

Charles was involved in every way possible to further the growth of Crookwell district and to make things better for its residents.

He was a member of the A.P. & H. Society, The Progress Society, and the Crookwell Railway League. He supported the Bazaar Town Band. There are far too many to keep listing them all.   

He instilled in his children the need to be active and support the community.

In his slack periods (he never worked on Sundays) he proceeded to clear his land and for a hobby, started an apple orchard.  

Such was the beginning of the orchard which is now favourably known in the eastern States of as “Cloverleigh”.

In 1892 Charles was not enjoying the best of health, relinquished his interest in the property in favour of his son Alick, and went to reside in Bargo staying there until 1927.

He returned to Crookwell and took up residence Findhorn Street where he built two houses, one to live in and one to rent out as an added income. Both houses were built by Pinn Bros.

Charles remained in his Findhorn Street home until his death on 3rd July, 1946.

His association with the Methodist persuasion dates back to 1892. His faithful attendances at all Sunday Services, in company with his family left its mark on all sections of the community.

Charles Willis and Mary Hannah Irving had 11 children, two of which, Herbert and Alick, decided to stay in Crookwell.

Thanks to Brendon Rutter, Leon and Mary Willis.