Body in the Creek

In June 1881 a local resident found a body in the creek.

Details
As reported in the Ballarat Star, 16 June 1881: "SUPPOSED CASE OF SUICIDE. It was reported to Mr Thomson, P.M., yesterday, by Constable Doyle, of the Redan police station, that a dead body had been found in a creek off Hill street, Redan. It would appear that yesterday morning, about 8 o’clock, as Mr Greenhalgh, whilst walking in hia garden, saw the body of a man lying in the creek, which skirts his premises and he at once informed the police of the matter. The body was recognised as being that of a miner named James Fuller, aged about forty years of age, and who, until Thursday, had been employed at the claim of the Smith’s Freehold United Mining Company. The deceased has been recently residing with his brother-in-law, Mr Charles Penny, of 138 Raglan street, South Redan, who left him last night about 12 o’clock, at the fireside, apparently in the enjoyment of good health, and in fine spirits. He was not afterwards seen until the body was recovered from the creek yesterday morning. There were no external marks of violence whatever on the body, and death is therefore supposed to have resulted from drowning. It is stated that ever since the wife of deceased died about two months ago, he has been in very low spirits, and exhibited symptoms of mental depression. By the loss of his wife the care of five motherless children had devolved upon him, but the mother of the deceased thinking to assist him in what ever way she could, had taken charge of the young family, and removed them to Smythesdale. The regret at having to part from his children, added to the loss of his wife and his own-illness, caused him, it is supposed, to make away with himself. Fuller originally came from Ringwood, and has been a member of the Miners' Association since, its organisation. The body at present lies at the Western Ocean hotel, Skipton street, awaiting an enquiry, which will take place this morning."