Hello all,
I have purchased the unofficial death certificate of David Thomas and also researched Melbourne in 1855.
He died on the 6th January 1855 as was surmised, at the Wesleyan Immigrants Home.
His occupation was listed as a joiner.
25 year old David's cause of death was "Fever and Dysentery 11 days"
Nothing else....no parents, wife, wife's family, nothing.
Perhaps he had been in Melbourne for that year.
Upon researching, I found that Melbourne was over-run with GOLD FEVER. 20,000 people arrived looking for Gold. "The roaring 50's"
The Wesleyan Immigrants Home was built to assist the homeless and provided accommodation for 100 men and 100 women.
The banks of the Yarra were packed with people trying to make a living and scavenge food.
Must have been a sad time for many.
I was going to attach the certificate but was unable to post it.
However, upon playing with my computer I was able to decipher the name of the home.
It seems that this was a common occurrence so not many details are listed.
Bye for now,
Chris