ESPIE, Beecher
| Service Number: | 122 |
|---|---|
| Enlisted: | Not yet discovered |
| Last Rank: | Trooper |
| Last Unit: | 3rd New South Wales Imperial Bushmen |
| Born: | Not yet discovered |
| Home Town: | Not yet discovered |
| Schooling: | Not yet discovered |
| Occupation: | Not yet discovered |
| Died: | Norfolk, Tas., 26 July 1947, cause of death not yet discovered, age not yet discovered |
| Cemetery: |
Cornelian Bay Cemetery and Crematorium, Tasmania |
| Memorials: |
Boer War Service
| 1 Oct 1899: | Involvement Trooper, 122, 3rd New South Wales Imperial Bushmen |
|---|
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Add my storyBiography contributed by Faithe Jones
BOER WAR VETERAN DIES AT NORFOLK
MR BEECHER (ROBERT) ESPIE, who died on Saturday, was a Boer War veteran and one of New Norfolk's best known residents. MR ESPIE, who was aged 66, was employed for more than 20 years as an attendant at the Lachlan Park Hospital, New Norfolk.
He spent some time at Zeehan and other mining centres on the West Coast after his return from the South African War. While there he developed a wandering spirit which led him to visit some of the wildest parts of the State in search of gold and other minerals. Mr Espie was one of the first prospectors at the Jane River goldfields in the Lake St. Clair area, and he made many trips to the uninhabited areas in the desolate country between Queenstown and Lake St. Clair long before the West Coast Rd. was built. On these prospecting trips he was accompanied by other New Norfolk men.
Mr Espie gained a wide practical knowledge of the geological structure of the mineral-bearing country, and his advice was sought by experts and amateur prospectors. Cremation took place at Cornelian Bay, Hobart, yesterday. Chief mourners were Messrs Donald and Wesley Espie (sons), and Mrs A. Mansfield (daughter). His wife died some years ago. Funeral arrangements were by Alex. Fyle & Sons, New Norfolk.