Hi listers, I have just joined your list and am hoping for some help. Dr Peter FAIRBAIRN was a good friend of my g Grandfather Abraham Crabtree. Kind regards, Daryl Gladstone C. Qld. Australia Dr. Fairbairn This story of Dr. Fairbairn started in the Summer of 1900 when a man carrying his swag called at Lemon Springs station and asked for a job as a gardener. Mr Broughton, owner of the station decided to employ him. During his stay at Lemon Springs, Fairbairn got yarning to Mr Abe Crabtree who was doing carpentry work for the Broughtons. Mr Crabtree told the gardener of his son's deformed feet, he showed a keen interest in what he said and expressed a desire to see the boy. After he had seen the boy he claimed he could "fix" them. Mr Crabtree wanted to know more of this man's qualifications and after the Dr. produced his papers, it was agreed that the operation could take place. The Dr. carried out the operation, cared for his patient for some time and it was a complete success. The district people soon heard the news that a doctor was in the area and a public meeting was called on July 20, 1901 in the Minimay Hall. Local ........END THE WEST WIMMERA MAIL Friday March 13 1903 DEATH OF DR. FAIRBAIRN The Booroopki district has lost by death a very old resident in Peter Fairbairn, M.D. L.R.C.S. His end was painfully sudden. At about midnight on Friday last he rose from his bed and with lighted candle in hand went to the room of Mrs. Smith, sister-in-law of Mr. A Crabtree, at whose place he resided. He complained of pain in the region of the heart and asked for some stimulant. This was given him, and he lay down and shortly afterwards expired. Information was at once sent to constable Sargeant, of Goroke, and a magisterial enquiry was on Saturday conducted by Thos. Jelbart, J.P. who returned a verdict of death from natural causes. Deceased was born in Edinburgh 73 years ago, and took his diploma in 1856. He than served in the navy and subsequently in the army as surgeon, a post which he occupied on the man-of-war "Indus" in the West Indies in 1870. About 30 years ago he voyaged to Australia as a Doctor on a sailing vessel. For a time he was employed on Mount Elgin Station, near Nhill, and afterwards practised his profession at Lochiel, and subsequently at lawloit, Goroke and Apsley, finally settling at Booroopki 11 years ago, where the residents subsidised him. He was an excellent surgeon, and especially skilled in children's ailments. To those unable to pay for medical assistance he was ever ready to make allowance, and but for a failing which has brought about the downfall of so many gifted men would have become eminent in his profession. The death will prove a great loss to his people of Booroopki, who will now be compelled to travel long distances for medical aid. Deceased's remai! ns were interred in the Minimay cemetery on Saturday last, the funeral arrangements being in the hands or Mr.T Jelbart........END NOTE> Indus was a 2nd Rate 80-gun ship of the line, built in Portsmouth Dockyard, and launched on 16 March 1839. Unusually she was built of teak instead of oak. During the early years of the 1840s she served in the Mediterranean before returning to Devonport England where she was out of commission until November 1856 when she became Vice Admiral Sir Huston Stewart`s flagship on the North American and West Indies station. She returned to Devonport at the end of 1860 as guardship of the Reserve Fleet until she was sold in 1898. Peter Fairbairn is shown in the Navy List as Assistant Surgeon (acting) as from 7 January 1857. He was appointed to the Indus on 17 January, presumably while she was in Bermuda. He is out of the List by 1861. THE HORSHAM TIMES FRIDAY MARCH 13 1903 OBITUARY Our Minimay correspondent writes :- It is with regret that I have to report the death of a well known Identity here, Dr. Fairbairn. For the last 20 years he has resided in the district and during that time I daresay he has visited nearly every house around and has often proved invaluable in saving life and alleviating pain. His loss will be greatly felt. On Friday night last the deceased gentleman retired in his usual good health. About 1 o'clock in the morning he came out of his room complaining of feeling sick and asked for a drink. Mr. Crabtree, of Booroopki, who he was boarding with, succeeded in getting him back to bed, but when there he died in about two minutes. An Enquiry was held on Sunday and I believe the verdict was that death was due to heart failure, The deceased gentleman was 73 years of age. The residents purpose erecting a memorial stone to mark his last resting place. Possible parents for Dr Peter Fairbairn IGI. ; Peter Fairbairn, Christened,24 June 1834, Saint Cuthberts, Edinburgh,Midlothian, Scotland.Father/ Peter, Mother/ Mary Ann Forrest. Batch No Dates Source Call No Type Print-out Type C119905 1833 1040214 Film 6901046 Film