Biography

The deceased died as a result of a coach accident at Poison Creek, between Leonora and Lawlers, about 15 November. Burrows, the driver, was thrown from his seat and run over by two of the wheels of the coach, breaking four of his ribs. Two passengers on the coach were also injured. Apparently, near Doyle's Well, the wheels of the coach fired and another coach, which had been cut down and in use for carting fencing material to Cobb & Co's station, was brought into service to carry the mail and passengers. The load evidently proved too much for the old vehicle as when they got within 4½ miles of Poison Creek, the front portion, with the box seat and its occupants, the driver and two male passengers, parted from the body of the coach and fell forward onto the horses. Burrows was thrown under the wheels and run over. One male passenger fell clear, whilst the other was thrown onto the road between the two horses in the pole but was not run over as the vehicle passed over him. The four horses instantly bolted along the road at a terrific pace with the five remaining passengers, two of whom were ladies. Some were thrown out whilst others jumped from the vehicle. One of the lady passengers sustained a sprained ankle and bruises, whilst the other four who were riding in the body of the coach escaped unhurt. After galloping about half a mile, the horses were brought to a standstill when one of the polers fell and broke its neck. Burrows was found lying on the road unconscious and it was thought he had been fatally injured. A messenger was sent in to Poison Creek Hotel to report the accident and a vehicle was sent to bring the passengers on to the hotel. Burrows' injuries were considered too serious for him to be taken on to Lawlers, and the doctor and hospital nurse were brought out as soon as possible to attend him. It was found that several of his ribs had been crushed and his lung had been penetrated by the broken bones. Although he rallied considerably, Burrows died at the Poison Creek Hotel on 25th November. Employed by Cobb and Co for a very long period, he was held in high esteem both in New South Wales and Western Australia. Burrows was buried in Plot 03, Section B, north-east corner of the cemetery.