Dear Monument Australia visitors, we are a self-funded, non-profit organisation, dedicated to recording monuments throughout Australia. Over time the costs of maintaining this website have risen substantially (in fact they are probably larger than those of many companies who exist for profit). In the past we have borne all the costs associated with maintaining the website but we are now having difficulties in paying the monthly expenses.
If Monument Australia is useful to you, please make a donation to keep this historical and educational resource available. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Home » Themes » Conflict » Indigenous
John Stapleton & John FranksPrint Page 
The headstone was erected over the grave of telegraph employees John L. Stapleton, stationmaster, and John Franks, linesman at Barrow Creek who were killed by Aborigines at the site in February 1874. The headstone bears a Masonic symbol.
In February 1874 Mounted Constable Samuel Gason arrived at Barrow Creek and a police station was also opened. Eight days later Aborigines from the Katish Tribe attacked the station resulting in the death of two men and the wounding of Ernest Flint.
On 22 February Gason cabled to Adelaide, `This Station has been attacked by natives at 8. Stapleton has been mortally wounded, one of the men, named John Franks, just died from wounds. Civilised Native Boy has had three spear wounds. Mr Flint, assistant operator one spear wound in leg, not serious. Full particulars in morning`.
In Adelaide Dr William Gosse advised treatment for the wounded which was telegraphed back to Barrow Creek.
Location
| Address: | Stuart Highway, Barrow Creek Telegraph Station, Barrow Creek, 0872 |
|---|---|
| State: | NT |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -21.529705 Long: 133.889046 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Grave |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Conflict |
| Sub-Theme: | Indigenous |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 23-February-1874 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 23-February-1874 |
Dedication
In memory of James L Stapleton Stationmaster
And
John Franks Linesman
Killed by Natives
Barrow Creek
23rd February 1874.
