OBITUARY
WILLIAM CAMERON
Mr William Cameron, one of the few remaining pioneers of Southland, died at his residence, South Riverton, on Saturday, after a short attack of Influenza, at the age of 78 years. Deceased was a familiar figure in Riverton, and, in true Highland fashion, always wore a plaid. He was an unobtrusive and a pleasant old man, and greatly esteemed by his many friends. He was born at Fort William, Invernesshire, Scotland, in 1820, being the youngest son of John Cameron, Esq., of "Corrychoillie," who was a large dealer in sheep. He received a good education at Blair's College, and leaving which he joined the Army, being stationed for a time in Ireland. Resigning the Army, he emigrated to Australia, eventually landing in Otago in 1845, and at once took to sheepfarming in the Taieri district, and was the first to drive sheep from there to Jacobs River, passing over where Invercargill now stands, when only two houses were to be seen, one of them being occupied by Mr Peter Dalrymple, who still resides there. Mr Cameron took up runs at Waicolo, Linton, and Glenchoich, and bade fair to prosper, but one loss coming rapidly on top of another, he decided to retire and live quietly on Centre Island, in Foveaux Straits, the island being the property of his wife. When the Government erected a lighthouse there he was made keeper, a post he filled until advancing years made him relinquish it. After residing for 25 years on the Island Mr Cameron returned to the mainland, taking up his abode at South Riverton. He was married to a daughter of the late Captain Howell by his first wife, who, with several of a family, mostly grown up, are left to mourn their loss.
Source: Western Star, 8 November 1898, Page 2
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