Outback Graves Markers

John Robert SHEPPERD

Burial Location:Menzies Cemetery  (details...)
Occupation: Miner
Date of Death: 15 May 1895
Age:25 years
Cause of Death:Typhoid
OGM Ref#: 2646
Headstone:OGM Aluminium

Biography

Like many other young Queenslanders, the young deceased had left his home full of hope, to make his fortune in the Eldorado of Australia. Immediately upon his arrival, he obtained employment with a Mr. Jos. Higgans, of the Queensland Coolgardie Gold Mining Company and whilst in the execution of his duty, he contracted the dreaded typhoid fever which was committing such fearful ravages among the strong healthy population found upon the goldfields.

For six weeks, Mr Shepperd fought against the disease and, despite the best medical attention obtainable and the tenderest nursing his companions were able to give him, he expired on the 13th May. His parents, brothers and sisters had the sad consolation of knowing that though far away from home, strange but kind hands did all that was possible to soothe and alleviate his hours of pain.

Having known this young man for just a short while, his employer conveyed the following upon his death: "He was nearly six weeks ill. I stood near him and saw him pass away. No doubts or fears distressed him; he had a very peaceful end. I always felt greatly interested in him as he was just the sort of young man I needed here. He was straightforward in business and always helping me. He was greatly respected by all who knew him."

The deceased's parents were married in Queensland in 1867 (Marriage Registration 1867/C/120).

Parents:Margaret (nee McINTYRE) and Robert SHEPPERD
Birth Details:Born 1869 in Queensland; Birth Registration 1869/C/796
Death Certificate:1132/1895 in the name of JR SHEPPERD