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From: "Peter Robinson" <>
Subject: Re: May rota - Stawell
Date: Tue, 18 May 2004 09:36:58 +1000
References: <4092CA69.6942.6231B6DA@localhost> <000c01c43c4d$37dc0150$6401a8c0@vic.bigpond.net.au>


Not sure what Leone is on about re 'rota' or being mobbed with messages re
Stawell but if the reference is to early inhabitants then I guess my wife's
great grandfather and the descendants of his three marriages might qualify.

Donald McPherson, his wife, Janet and two small sons, Alexander and Donald
arrived in Pleasant Creek in 1853. Janet died soon after arrival, in 1854,
with the cause of death described as scurvy. There is some doubt about this
diagnosis as the medico was an unlicenced practitioner. However, the end
result was Donald marrying again soon after, in 1855 - to Sarah McLean and
five more children were born, Catherine, David, Emily, Jane and Duncan.
Sarah committed suicide in 1864, accidentally smothering the infant Duncan
by falling across him after stabbing herself to death.

Donald married again the same year - to Maria Nolan. This union produced
four more children, William, John William, Sarah and Isabella. Again, his
wife predeceased him, passing away in 1883. Donald lived on until 1898.

Lots more to this tale but thought the bare bones might be of interest.

I'm also told that a Russell McPherson was the official starter for the
Stawell Gift for a number of years and is reputed to be a descendant of old
Donald. I don't know if this true or, if so, from which marriage. Any help
on this question would be appreciated.

Regards

the older of the tworobbos, at Bairnsdale, gateway to East Gippsland

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