Samuel Mottram (1883 - 1918)

Born 1883 in Timor, Victoria, Australia

Ancestors

Descendants

Died 27 Feb 1918 at about age 35 in Bet Bet, Victoria, Australia

Biography

Samuel was born in 1883. He was the son of Samuel Mottram and Elizabeth Gourlay. He was killed in a mining accident in 1918 at the age of 35 and is buried in the Timor (Victoria) Cemetery. ^[1]

Maryborough & Dunolly Advertiser (Vic. : 1914 - 1918), Friday 1 March 1918 ^[2]

MINING FATALITY: WELL-KNOWN MINER KILLED. A lamentable mining fatality, involving the death of Samuel Mottram, a well - known and popular miner, occurred at the Duke and Main Leads Consols Mine, Bet Bet, early on Wednesday morning. From particulars ascertained it seems that Mottram and Joseph Tinker, who were mates engaged in blocking operations in the extreme north end of the mine, were disturbed by a slight fall of earth. Deeming their situation rather dubious, both miners made a rush for a safety cut in the drive, Tinker being in the lead. Simultaneously with his arrival in the cut, Tinker heard a second fall of earth, and immediately afterwards a call for help from Mottram. In an effort to succor his mate, he attempted to return, but found that it was impossible. His next thought was to obtain assistance, which he immediately sought, but 20 minutes elapsed before help could be secured. Relief gangs were at once organised by Mr. R. Glover, mine manager, many eager volunteers being available to assist in the task of rescuing the unfortunate victim. Although the accident occurred at 3.30 a.m., it was not until 7 a.m. that the body was recovered. Mottram was quite dead, the sand and gravel having covered his head to a depth of about four feet. It would appear that death was almost instantaneous. The victim of the fatality resided at Havelock, where he leaves a widow and three young children. His death is surrounded by mournful circumustances, as affliction, in the way of sickness, has attended the fortunes of the family for some time past. Mrs. Mottram is at present in a delicate state of health, whilst it is only recently that two of the children were removed from the Maryborough Hospital, where they had been suffering from infantile paralysis. Mottram was considered a careful miner, and was very popular amongst his comrades. About two years ago he assisted in raising the body of a man named Keillor from an abandoned shaft, under circumstances involving a certain amount of courage and skill.

CORONIAL INQUIRY. A formal inquiry was opened at the Havelock Hotel on Wednesday afternoon at 4 o'clock, the only evidence tendered being as to identification. The inquiry was then adjourned until 10 o'clock on Tuesday morning at the Maryborough Court House. The following comprised the Jury: William Chapman, James Chapman, James Rogan, Francis Rogan, George Trickey, George Pickard and William Pascoe. The Inspector of Mines (Mr. Mitchell) arrived In Maryborough on Thursday and inspected the drive, in company with Sergeant Sheehan. He will be present at the inquiry on Tuesday.

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Sources

1. ↑ Peter Knowles, Sunday, April 6, 2014.
2. ↑ Trove, (National Library of Australia)