JOHN SIMPSON GRAVE

79 RIVER DRIVE TARWIN LOWER, SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

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  • History

    JOHN SIMPSON GRAVE - History

    John Simpson was a pioneer settler and postmaster at Corinella, Western Port. In 1861, Simpson and his stockmen were driving a herd of about 90 cows through Mr Black's station, and in crossing the Tarwin River, Simpson was drowned. Caught in a strong current about halfway across, he attempted to turn the horse, but both disappeared. He briefly resurfaced, but sank once more and was not seen again. Because he was known as a strong swimmer, it was felt that he must have suffered an injury. The monument on the grave was moved away circa 1930 to allow for road widening, and there is pressure again to have the monument repositioned (request from adjacent landowner, 2003).

    Heritage Inventory Description

    JOHN SIMPSON GRAVE - Heritage Inventory Description

    The grave has a white post-and-rail fence surround, with 3 tubular-steel rails, and wooden cornerposts. This encloses an area measuring 2.6 metres by 1.7 metres. Inside is a flat concrete slab with two memorials attached. The horizontal tablet is inscribed "John Simpson late of Westaway and Hurdy Gurdy Stations, Corinella, Western Port. Drowned crossing the Tarwin River 24th Dec 1861, Aged 30 years". The upright, semicircular, sandstone headstone is inscribed "Erected by his loving wife in memory of the late John Simpson of Westaway and Hurdy Gurdy Stations, Western Port, whose remains rest in a line with this headstone. Accidentally drowned crossing Tarwin River on 24 Dec 1861, Aged 30 years".

    The grave is located adjacent to the road on the approach to Tarwin Lower from the north, on the opposite side to the Tarwin River. It sits 2.6 metres outside a fenceline marking private property.

    Physical Conditions: Good

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