Samuel Perry

Samuel Perry, Courtesy Ballarat Heritage Services.

Obituary

EUREKA VETERAN PASSES - Very great regret was express ed when it was announced that one of the sturdy band of early pioneers of the State had passed away, this being Mr Samuel Perry, of Rocky Lead. The deceased was born in Bristol, England, in the year 1834, and was thus 83 years of age. He reached this country from the Home-land in the year 1852, at once proceeding to the Ballarat goldfield, where he took a very active interest in public matters of the day, and was one of those who participated in the fight at the Eureka Stockade. He was afterwards arrested for his connection with the rebellion, but was liberated. He had most interesting experiences during that time, and was able to give a very vivid chronicle of that, memorable event. So far as has been ascertained, Mr Perry was the only one who actually fought on 3rd December, 1851, who was present at the Ballarat home-coming last Easter, when a representation of the Eureka riot was given. His mining operations being of a successful nature, Mr Perry paid a visit to his native land in the year 1855, but returned to Victoria in the following year. At one time he was a property owner in Ballarat. For 54 years he resided at Rocky Lead, and through being a man of sterling qualities he endeared himself to all his acquaintances, being mod highly respected. A widow, four daughters and five sons are left to mourn their loss, mid far them widespread sympathy is felt in their sad bereavement. One of the sons, Albert, enlisted in New Zealand, and is on war service abroad. The district will miss such an old identity—a colonist of 65 years, standing.

Further Reading

Corfield, J.,Wickham, D., & Gervasoni, C. The Eureka Encyclopaedia, Ballarat Heritage Services, 2004.

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