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John Lock
Hayden's Bog

Genealogy

'Delegate Argus', 25th June 1914 edition.
Transcribed by Judy McCutcheon <judymcc-at-ozemail.com.au>

Death

Another one of the district pioneers has gone to his reward...(two words illegible) Mr John Lock, the news of whose death at his residence at Hayden's Bog on Friday last was received with widespread regret.  His illness was a most painful one of some weeks, and death came as a happy release.

Few there are in this district who did not know John Lock.....he was held in the highest esteem and was noted for his honesty, straight forwardness and readiness to assist anyone in trouble.  He had lived here almost a lifetime, and many, varied and interesting were the experiences he could relate of the "good old days".  He had a wonderful memory, and it was a pleasure to sit and hear him relate details of some of the stirring times this district witnessed years ago.

Deceased was born at Burbateman Creek, six miles from Yass, 82 years ago. At the age of nine he migrated from there with his parents, going to Jinenberry.  Two years later they came to Craigie and lived at the place called after him as Lock's Flat.  Here it was that his mother met with a fatal accident, through the overturning of a Spring Cart, and his father also died there.  Young John then went into the employ of Mr Nicholson, and was one of the number on the first goldfields discovered in Australia.  For a number of years he followed a digger's life with varying fortune, and went on to various diggings as they broke out.  He was the first man to discover gold on Back Creek at a place known as "The Wombat."  Forsaking the diggings he entered the employ of Captain Dogood (Mr Duggard) as stockman on Mila Station, and here he earned the reputation of being one of the most fearless and best rough riders in the district, and he seemed to be made of metal so hardy was he.  One instance is sufficient to prove this, and it is related that on one occasion at Goongerah he met with an accident and sustained a broken leg.  With dogged pluck he again mounted his horse, and rode home over 30 miles of rough country with the broken limb. It was while he was working on Mila Station that he met his bride, she being only a recent arrival from the old country, and also in the employ of Captain Dogood.  At the time of his marriage he was 26 years of age.

Some time after Mr Lock and Mr Hamilton Reed, of Goongerah, discovered a very rich gold find on the Bendoc River, which placed him in a good financial position and started him in life.  He then selected land at Hayden's Bog, where he resided up to the time of his death and reared all his family, of whom, besides his wife, he leaves behind to mourn his loss seven daughters and one son.  There are also 54 grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. The deepest sympathy is felt for the family in their bereavement, particularly Mrs Lock, who is herself over 80 years of age and in a low state of health.  Mrs R Beasley, one of the daughters, is also unwell, whilst Mesdames J and H Jones, of Manildra, two other daughters, were prevented from returning to Delegate to see their father through illness in their families.

The funeral took place on Sunday, the remains being interred in Delegate Cemetery.

John Lock, died 19 June 1914 aged 82 years; also Isabella Lock, died 29 June 1914 aged 80 years.  My parents.  Erected by William A Lock.

The descendants must still have been in the district in the 1970 as there is also a headstone to a Marcel Louise Lock in Delegate Cemetery, who died 17 May 1973 aged 5 years.

Judy McCutcheon