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William Graham, Thomas Graham & Alfred Burman (Lost Children)Print Page Print this page

Lost Children Memorial Reserve : 20-January-2013
Lost Children Memorial Reserve : 20-January-2013

Photographs supplied by Graeme Saunders

The park commemorates the disappearance of three children who went missing in 1867. It was established in 1988 as a Bicentennial Project. 

Three children, William Graham (6 years 6 months) Thomas Graham (4 years) and Alfred Burman (5 years) wandered away on 30 June 1867 and were not found until 14 September 1867 at Musk Creek in the Wombat Forest. Three days after the disappearance at a public meeting over 100 horseman and approximately 600 pedestrians commenced an organised search.

Aboriginal trackers and dogs were used but previous searches had destroyed any traces. Shops were closed for 7 days and large numbers of people searched before they were called off. A dog of a local resident found a boot with a child`s foot in it, and it appeared that the children had sheltered near a large tree and had died of exposure and lack of nourishment. Over 1000 people attended the funeral.

 

Location

Address:Midland Highway, The Three Lost Children`s Memorial Reserve, Daylesford, 3460
State:VIC
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -37.341738
Long: 144.129658
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Park
Monument Theme:People
Sub-Theme:Tragedy
Actual Event Start Date:30-June-1867
Actual Event End Date:30-June-1867

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Wednesday 22nd June, 1988
Front Inscription

Shire of Daylesford & Glenlyon 
Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands
Bicentennial Project 1788 - 1988

The Three Lost Children`s Memorial Reserve and Walking Track Commemorating the disappearance on 30th June, 1867 of :- 
William Graham  Aged 6 years
Alfred Burman  Aged 5 years
Thomas Graham  Aged 4 years

Cr. J. M. Thomson, Shire President
K. H. Wilkie, Chairperson, Bicentennial Community Committee

22nd June, 1988

Source: MA
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au