Biography

Samuel Smith was found dead on Cordillo Downs Run. He had been in the employ of a man named Lee, a teamster, and had left his employment on January 22, remaining on Cordillo Downs Station until January 26, when he left, stating that he was going to walk to Innamincka, 100 miles away. It was mid-summer. He was not heard of again. When found, Samuel was lying on the side of the bed of a waterhole. He had apparently laid down to sleep, having a piece of blanket across his shoulders. The body was dressed in a pair of coloured moleskin trousers, a cotton singlet and a pair of socks. His boots and empty waterbag were hanging about 3 yards from the body under a tree. A watch and pocket-book were also found near the body. A bundle of clothes were in the bed of the creek. It was concluded that Smith had died from either sunstroke or want of water. His mother was apparently living at Port Augusta at the time.