Wm FRADD

William Philip Fradd was born about 1838 in Tregurrian, Cornwall, England to John and Elizabeth Fradd (nee Williams). He died on 16 Dec 1922 in Burra, South Australia. William Philip arrived in Port Adelaide, South Australia in 1868 aboard the 'John Nicholson' (shown as a seaman). He deserted upon arrival as he was declared a deserted seaman (2nd and 6th April 1868, South Australian Police Gazette) and a warrant was issued for his apprehension. "William Fradd about 28 or 30 years of age, about 5 foot high, dark hair and complexion, large whiskers all round. Supposed to be at Henry Broads, Happy Valley" Henry Broad was William Philips brother-in-law and had emigrated to Australia with wife and young family 17 years earlier. Did William get letters from Elizabeth and Thomas extolling the virtues of pioneering life in South Australia? In 1882, William purchased land in Hundred of Bright Burra- Section 20 which amounted to 585 acres for the tidy sum of 599 pound12 shillings and sixpence.- South Australian Land Purchases By Credit, South Australian Government Gazette. William is registered as having branded his sheep and cattle with a blue JF brand which indicates that this livestock was owned by either John Joseph Fradd, Williams younger brother who has also been sourced as a Farmer of Kooringa, or Williams grandfather John Fradd who also lived nearby in Sod Hut, where he was a farmer and also the publican of the Sod Hut Inn, near Kooringa from 1876 - 1883. Rushed by a Bull Whilst Mr W. Fradd aged 74 years, was crossing Mr Richard Austin's paddock at the north end of town one day last week he was rushed by a bull, and knocked down. The timely aid of W Sellard averted probable serious results, by beating the infuriated animal off. Mr Fradd was wearing an overcoat at the time of the occurrence and this was torn to shreds. The old man, however, escaped after a great shaking and receiving many bruises. - Burra Record 21 July 1909 Williams’s obituary written in the Burra Record in December 1922 said... "Mr William Phillip Fradd, a very old resident of the district, died at the Burra Hospital on Thursday last, at the age of 85 years. The deceased gentleman, who came from Cornwall a little over fifty years ago, was a sailor by occupation but on arrival in South Australia settled on the land. He afterwards travelled extensively but in his later years made his home first with his late brother, Mr John (Joseph) Fradd at Copperhouse, and after that with his sister, Mrs T. Lomman. Note: This is incorrect. His sister being referred to here is Margaret Jane Lomman (nee Fradd) his niece. His wife and only daughter predeceased him some years ago. - Burra Record, Wednesday 13 December 1922 It’s possible that William went to Victoria to the gold rush as it is known that his brother-in-law Henry Broad, did so, accompanied by his brother Samuel.