The lonely grave of six year old Mary Paterson lies in the bushland along Chalkmine Road in Lal Lal. Known as the 'Shepherd's Daughter', Mary contracted pneumonia in the 1860s and was cut off from medical treatment with her droving family by the flooded Moorabool River. Unfortunately she didn't make it, and now lies resting in this peaceful bush setting beneath the trees.
The grave is covered with white quartz rocks and bordered by a wooden fence. The following inscription is displayed in the wood at the head of the grave:
SHEPHERD'S DAUGHTER'S GRAVE
MARY PATERSON
DIED JULY 1867
AGED 6 YEARS
Recent research has revealed some inconsistencies regarding the spelling of Mary's name and her date of death, due to the inaccuracies of mid 19th century record keeping. ABC has an
interesting article which discusses this revelation.
BBQ
Lal Lal
