ALFRED JOHN GILLINGHAM
Alfred John Gillingham was born on the 22nd day of June 1870 at Hindmarsh, South Australia. His parents were Rev. John Gillingham and Mary Gillingham nee Williams. His father was the Wesleyan Methodist Minister at Strathalbyn. (ancestry 2016)
He died on the 11th day of October 1880, at Strathalbyn, Victoria, aged 10 years.
He was playing a game of 'tip-and-catch' (cricket) with other boys following a Tea Meeting to commemorate the Presbyterian Sunday School Anniversary. He was struck on the head behind his ear by the ball and staggered and fell.
His father was present and found that his son was deceased. He carried John home and Dr. Blue was summoned; however, there was nothing that could be done. (1880 Mount Barker Courier)
His father was present and found that his son was deceased. He carried John home and Dr. Blue was summoned; however, there was nothing that could be done. (1880 Mount Barker Courier)
Above: article from The Mount Barker Courier, Fri 15 OCT 1880. Image c/o Trove
John's funeral was held on Wednesday, the 13th day of October 1880. A large procession followed John'sbody to the cemetery. Between 200 and 300 boys and girls walked in the procession, four abreast. Reverends Casely, Henderson, and Lyall each took part in the funeral ceremony. At the conclusion of the ceremony, hundreds of bouquets were thrown into the grave.
Above: article from the Adelaide Observer, Sat 16 Oct 1880. Image c/o Trove
John's headstone can be found in Row E Division 2.
References.
- 1880, The Mount Barker Courier and Onkaparinga and Gumeracha Advertiser (SA : 1880 - 1960), 15 October, p. 2. , viewed 31 Jul 2026, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page17366802
- 1880, Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 - 1904), 16 October, p. 28. , viewed 31 Jul 2026, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page18910158
- ancestry (2016). Ancestry® | Genealogy, Family Trees & Family History Records. [online] Ancestry.com.au. Available at: https://www.ancestry.com.au/ [Accessed 31 July 2026].