Outback Graves Markers

William Patrick MCCORMACK

Burial Location:Eucalyptus Mine  (details...)
Occupation: Butcher
Place of Death: On the Linden Road, near Eucalyptus, Leonora
Date of Death: 30 May 1897
Age:43 years
Cause of Death:Typhoid Fever
OGM Ref#: 0676
Headstone:OGM Aluminium

Inscription

The grave had a wooden fence made of trimmed gum timber, all the timber having been trimmed with an axe. The cross at the head of the grave in 1940 was in pieces. There was an inscription on the cross and all the lettering and figures were cut by hand.

This is an image of plaque number 0676 for WILLIAM McCORMACK, buried near EUCALYPTUS MINE

REF 0676 WILLIAM McCORMACK - EUCALYPTUS MINE

This is a photo of Ref 0676 William Patrick McCormack Eucalyptus

Ref 0676 William Patrick McCormack Eucalyptus

Biography

Witnesses present at the burial were Edward Nolan and TF Ritchie. His death was certified in writing by GR Milbank, hotel keeper, Pendinnie.

It is believed the deceased had been ill with typhoid fever for six weeks prior to his death. Mr McCormack was amongst the old pioneers of the district, and spent most of his time prospecting - without success. Latterly, he worked at the Triumph Mine, where he took ill. He was then removed to his camp on the Shannon Lease at Eucalyptus, where William McCormack, his namesake, devoted his time, day and night, to ameliorate his sufferings. But an old complaint of the lungs banished all hopes of recovery.

Mr McCormack was not only amiable in manner but charitable and kind to those on whom he could bestow a helping hand.  This was evident by the number of his friends who attended to him in his illness.  He was among the old pioneers of the district.  His mate, John Saul Turner, was found dead in the bush 22 miles north east of Pindinnie on 16 February 1896.  McCormack was informed of his death at Eucalyptus and travelled from there to bury the body at Camel Creek 10 days later, assisted by Police Constable Bradley and a native boy.  McCormack penned a beautiful poem to the memory of his friend.  (This can be found in full in the Laverton and Beria Mercury of 12 February 1896, entitled "Original Poetry" and is also written in full in the Lonely Graves book, page 939.) 

The deceased had two brothers and a sister on the fields, who were unaware of his illness. His brother, PJ McCormack, on hearing the news the day previous to his death, rode from Coolgardie, a distance of 185 miles, and was only in time to see his departed brother's faithful friend erecting a suitable epitaph and fence to perpetuate the memory of their old companion. A memorial fund was being raised to support his wife and six young children, who were residing in Rochester, Victoria, at the time of his death.

 

Spouse:Unknown
Children:6 children
Birth Details:Born Circa 1845
Death Certificate:711/1897
Comments:Further Reading: "Lonely Graves and Burials at Sea" by Kevin and Yvonne Coate, Page 939 under the entry for John Saul TURNER.