DescriptionThis is a photograph of Frederick Johnson in later life.
Fred travelled to Australia from England in his early years. There he learnt the mining trade. In 1862 he joined the Otago goldrush, settling at Waipori where he remained almost continuously for the rest of his life.
Fred was close friends with John Johnson of the Bridge Hotel. Though no relation, the pair mined together in their early days at Waipori.
Fred then worked a gully between Nardoo Creek and the Waipori River overlooking Lammerlaw Creek. This became known as Johnson's Gully.
Fred remained a bachelor until his death on 24 August 1914. Reflecting on his life he said "If I had my life to start again, I would be a miner, it is a free life, and I have always found a freeness about the diggers which I admire and which is only equalled by the British sailors."
He was remembered as a talkative man who liked to use big words, and was admired for his straight forwardness and gentlemanly bearing.
Fred was one of the few truly successful goldminers. His estate consisted of 5,118 pounds (over 1 million dollars today). Much of this he left to his sister, Emily Thompson, in England, with some going to other relatives and friends.
Towards the end of his life Fred suffered aligning health. Numerous well-known doctors were consulted. They returned a verdict that nothing could be done and recommended that Fred return home to Waipori and lead a simple life.
Fred passed away at the Tuapeka hospital and is buried in the Waipori Cemetery.
This information comes from pages 157-158 of 'Gold Beneath Dark Waters | The People of Waipori,' by David Still.PhotographerUnknown DateC.1910RightsThis item is out of copyright. ContributorWaipori Goldfields Charitable Trust
