| [Index] |
| William Robert MASTERTON (1870 - 1961) |
| Children | Self + Spouses | Parents | Grandparents | Greatgrandparents |
|
Vera Isabell MASTERTON (1895 - 1925) |
William Robert MASTERTON (1870 - 1961) + Ella Louise SMITH |
|||
|
| b. 1870 at At sea |
| +. Ella Louise SMITH |
| d. 08 Jun 1961 at Redbank Mine, Northern Territory, Australia aged 91 |
| Children (1): |
| Vera Isabell MASTERTON (1895 - 1925) |
| Grandchildren (2): |
| Ella Grace WESTON (1914 - 2004), Marie Elaine WESTON (1915 - 2008) |
| Events in William Robert MASTERTON (1870 - 1961)'s life | |||||
| Date | Age | Event | Place | Notes | Src |
| 1870 | William Robert MASTERTON was born | At sea | |||
| 29 Nov 1895 | 25 | Birth of daughter Vera Isabell MASTERTON | St Peters, New South Wales, Australia | 36682/1895 | |
| 12 May 1925 | 55 | Death of daughter Vera Isabell MASTERTON (aged 29) | St Albans, New South Wales, Australia | 12005/1925 | |
| 08 Jun 1961 | 91 | William Robert MASTERTON died | Redbank Mine, Northern Territory, Australia | ||
| Personal Notes: |
|
In 1916 Bill Masterton discovered copper near the head of Redbank Creek and commenced mining operations with the help of Aboriginals in exchange for food, tobacco, clothes and protection. Dymock estimates that there may have been up to 40 people living and working around the mine (1964:138). Masterton made his permanent base in two adjacent caves at the base of the escarpment near a small spring fed creek, where he lived until his death in 1961 (Dymock 1991:135). He was buried near the main copper ore body 1.1 kilometers southwest of the cave. One of Masterton’s longtime workers, Masterton Charlie was buried several hundred metres south of the cave site.
The grave is located approximately 180 metres north of the main track that bisects the Redbank deposit and on the western side of a narrow north south track. It is covered in copper ore rocks and stones. The inscription reads: “In fond memory of William Robert Masterton who died at Redbank Mines 8/6/81 Aged 91. At rest. Erected by his friend Vivienne Miranda Campbell.” Archaeological significance: This site has been assessed as having high historic significance as Bill Masterton led an extraordinary life which is of exceptional interest and contributes to a broader understanding of the history of human occupation. His mining venture was associated with the past development of the Northern Territory |
| Source References: |
| 18. Type: E-mail Message, Abbr: e-mails general pool, Title: e-mails general pool |
| - Reference = Lee Kirk 27 Jul 2011 (Name, Notes) |
| - Notes: William Robert Masterton was born on a ship travelling from Scotland to New Zealand in 1872. He was about 21 when he met Vera's mother Ella Leuenberger (nee Smith). His death certificate (I have a copy) records his death at 91 in the year 1961 not 1981. Vera was born in 1895. |