Robert adds, "Anne McPherson died in 1865, whilst Donald McPherson died on 22 November 1876 at Wollert, now an outer northern suburb of Melbourne. Both are buried in nearby Epping Cemetery. Wollert (also known as Darebin Creek) is where the two McPherson sisters and their Cameron husbands lived so it is possible that Donald died at one of his daughters' homes. His death registration gives his age as 98 years. However his age as given when immigrating in 1838 was 48, which suggests that his true age was about 86 years.
"Donald’s will, made on 24 November 1870, shows that he was then a farmer, living at Woodstock, near Wollert, and had property there on the Medland Estate. His sole executor was Alexander Cameron, his son-in-law, a second executor having predeceased him. His property comprised £225 in cash, £5 in furniture and personal effects and 129 acres of land with a 4-roomed weatherboard house, skillion and rough stone stable valued at £1,032.
"Anne and Donald were middle-aged when they emigrated. They didn't find great wealth, but at least they got their own land and their independence."
"Anne and Donald were middle-aged when they emigrated. They didn't find great wealth, but at least they got their own land and their independence."
Many thanks to Robert for this account.
Photo of Donald McPherson's grave courtesy Carol Judkins, who holds copyright.
Photo of Donald McPherson's grave courtesy Carol Judkins, who holds copyright.
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