Researchers have recently shed light on the tragic and early death of a child at Millicent in 1899.

Volunteers associated with the Millicent-based South East Family History Group have restored graves at the Millicent Cemetery for a number of years.

They worked on the grave of James Jones and will add a plaque stating the dates of his birth and death.

The grave was in a different section of the cemetery from where most of their attention has been focused over the last couple of years.

SEFHG president Noel Boyle often researches the lives of those interred in the Millicent cemetery and the tragic life of James Jones uncovered some unpleasant facts.

“I have an interest in this family and the grave because some time ago I was given a copy of an Electric Telegram sent to the Tantanoola Post Office in May 1899,” Mr Boyle said.

“The telegram was addressed to the postmistress at the Tantanoola Post Office advising her an urgent letter to Jane Jones of Carpenter Rocks had been sent and please deliver it as soon as possible.

“The letter was from a lawyer in Adelaide but what sparked my curiosity was who would want to live in Carpenter Rocks in
1899?

“As we all know Trove is an excellent way to find things out and Jane and her husband William’s names appeared in print several times for a number of reasons.

“What stood out was the death of their son James Jones on November 11, 1899 just 33 days young at Pound Corner, Millicent or as we know it Billy Goat Corner.

“From a Coroner’s report in the Millicent Times, it reports a sad story of challenges facing the family.”