Mary Ann Heneker nee SPENCER, had a number of brothers and sisters. One of her sisters was Sarah Spencer (1927-). Sarah married Henry Jordan. Of their children a daughter named Mary was married to Jeremiah Dowling, and they had a son called William Dowling. Like many South Australians, they moved to Western Australia to take advantage of the mining boom there, which to this day still has it’s boom and bust times. In fact my own brothers live in Western Australia and have been involved in the mining industry in one form or another, from gold prospecting to working for mining companies driving cranes and dump trucks. Many others in the past and to this day continue on that tradition. This story interestingly tells the story of William Dowling’s untimely death in a mining accident. Sadly this story was probably quite common in these times. The area of the mine was Leonora, not too far away from the mining town of Coolgardie where one of my brother’s lives. The story of William’s death appeared in newspapers of the day.
Mining Fatality.
AT THE SONS OF GWALIA.
LEONORA,. Nov. 24 1905
A fatal accident occurred at the Sons of Gwalia mine at 2 o’clock this morning.William Dowling and a mate were engaged at the No. 7 level in securing the ground, which appeared unsafe. The mate went away for a few minutes, and on returning found that about six tons of stuff had fallen from the hanging wall on top of, Dowling. The unfortunate man was quickly extricated, out when he was released was found to be dead. An inquiry was opened to-day, by Mr. Sturt and a jury, and after viewing the body and inspecting, the scene of the accident the coroner adjourned the inquest. The deceased, who resided with his parents at Leonora, was 25 years of age, and was well and favourably known in the locality
.
Western Mail (Perth, WA : 1885-1954) Saturday 2 Dec 1905, pg 20
You must be logged in to post a comment.