Agent TypePersonPlace of BirthBrighton, EnglandPlace of DeathBarkly, Victoria, AustraliaActivities & OccupationsPostmastersFarmersShopkeepersGenderMaleHistoryJohn Cheesman was a native of Sussex, England, and was educated in France. He was apprenticed to the drapery trade for three years and followed a seafaring life for five. He left London for Australia in the ship Union, was wrecked on the Isle of Sal in the Cape Verde Islands and arrived in Sydney by the ship Pacific in 1854. For a short time he was engaged in the coastal trade before going to the diggings, where he was fairly successful. He commenced dairy farming at McIntyre's and Moliagul, and then slaughtered for Dunolly and district until 1870 when he moved to Barkly and commenced business as a butcher. Two years later he bought the hotel and store from a Mr. Blair. He was postmaster and electoral registrar for the district. He selected 630 acres of land and bought more, turning to the breeding of draught horses. He died following a short illness on 28 May 1917 and was buried in Barkly Cemetery.Search records of this agent
Cheesman, John (15 October 1832-28 May 1917). University of Melbourne Archives, accessed 06/03/2026, https://archives.library.unimelb.edu.au/nodes/view/59447
