Biography

The deceased died of erysipelas, which is a skin infection.  It is a form of cellulitis, but unlike cellulitis, which affects deeper tissue, erysipelas only affects the upper layers of the skin.  He died on the Cobb and Co coach on his way from Adavale to Charleville. He died at six minutes past five in the evening about four miles from Kahmoo Mulga, now known as Langlo Crossing.

John Gilbert had been working at Milo Station. He owned a horse, saddle and bridle. He also had an amount of £9 10s that his mates at Milo had raised to assist him.  His mother still lived in his hometown of Dalby, Queensland.

The enquiry was told John Gilbert had been sick for about five weeks and had recovered a little before having a relapse.  He was endeavouring to reach Charleville to get medicine and attendance. As it was evident that the deceased died from natural causes (supposed erysipelas), it was scarcely necessary to hold an enquiry.

Richard Bligh, the Police Magistrate from Boothulla who was a passenger on the coach, held an Inquiry as best he could but stated that he could get no Bible to administer an oath to the witnesses.  He concluded that there were no suspicious circumstances relating to the death.

The body was left at Kahmoo Mulga and Mr. Bligh gave an order for burial to William Martin who kept an accommodation house at Kahmoo Mulga.