Robert Telfer

Role: Second son of James Telfer (1796–1863) to emigrate — manager of Moorak Station
Born: 1837 — Jedburgh, Scotland
Died: 12 January 1907 — Yahl, South Australia
Spouse: Susan Burton (1845–1924) (m. 1865)
Father: James Telfer (1796–1863)
Mother: Elizabeth Beattie (1802–1891)

Family

Life Summary

Robert Telfer, the second son of James and Elizabeth, was born at Jedburgh in 1837. He came to Australia at sixteen on the "Oliver Lang" with his brother James and sister Elizabeth. He spent his entire working life in the employ of Dr. J.W. Browne and his successor, eventually becoming manager of Moorak Station near Mount Gambier.

Family Stories

Robert Telfer was born at Jedburgh, Scotland in 1837, the second son of James and Elizabeth. He was just sixteen when he boarded the ship "Oliver Lang" in 1854, landing in Melbourne with his brother James and sister Elizabeth. They made their way overland to South Australia and found their Uncle Francis at "Macoota" in the Adelaide Hills.

Robert's first job was working for Dr. J.W. Browne on a station in the Gawler Ranges in the north of South Australia. He later transferred to Dr. Browne's other station, "Moorak" near Mount Gambier, and that's where he settled. He was living at Moorak when he married Susan Burton on 11th April, 1865. Susan was 20, the daughter of James Burton of Claraville. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Needham at Susan's family home. The marriage certificate is almost illegible now.

Robert and Susan had five sons and four daughters.

Robert managed the German Creek section of Moorak Station for several years, then became Overseer, and eventually Manager of the whole station. After more than 50 years of service to the Browne family, ill health finally forced him to retire. He built a house he named "Carlowrie" at Yahl, near Mount Gambier, and lived there until his death.

His obituary in "The Chronicle" on 19th January, 1907, recorded: "The deceased was 72 years of age and was highly respected. He had been ailing for several years. Born in Jedburgh, Scotland, he, at the age of 16, came to South Australia. Therefore he was a colonist of 52 years standing."

The cause of death was paralysis, which had struck him repeatedly. He was described as "a man of sterling worth, of a quiet and unassuming disposition, who had made a host of friends." His funeral was conducted by Rev. Caldwell of the Presbyterian Church, and a long cortege followed him to the Mount Gambier Cemetery.

Susan Burton Telfer lived on until 1924, outliving her husband by 17 years.

(From the Borders to the Bush, pp. 226–227)

Sources

• Source: Donald Telfer, From the Borders to the Bush (ISBN 0 7316 6387 X), pp. 34
• The Chronicle, 19 January 1907 — obituary