Shep's Place Family Tree

Mary's eight sons were born at Glen Osmond, christened in the robes brought out from Scotland by her mother. The Goldsacks remained close to the members of the Ferguson family still living at Glenunga House, the only child at Glenunga, William Ferguson Murdoch enjoying the close proximity of his cousins.

Mark and Mary were involved in community life in Glen Osmond. Religion played a major part in their lives and her eldest son went to India as a missionary. Mark taught Sunday school. The Observer commented in 1914 that "there are many who spent their boyhood in The Glen, who have grateful recollections of having been in Mr Goldsack's class, both at the church Sunday school and at an undenominational school, known as the Union Sunday School, long since defunct." They worshipped at St Saviour's church, "there was no more regular attendant at St Saviour's Church and he had for several years acted as warden and for the past 17 years as trustee."

Thomas Gills notes Mark was active in civic life, representing Glen Osmond Ward on Burnside Council for many years; five as chairman. He was president of the Glen Osmond Boys Institute established in 1894, his son William one of the committee members. He was an active member and trustee of the Glen Osmond Institute for 53 years, president for 23 years and librarian and secretary at other times.

At the Glen Osmond Institute, "the subscribers honoured him a few months ago by bestowing on him a life membership, as a token of their love and esteem. To the Loyal Glen Osmond Lodge, No 56. M.U. during a membership of 50 years, he rendered splendid service, more especially as Chairman of Trustees. On resigning after 14 years of office, the members recognised him with a silver tea and coffee service. He was re-elected to the position in 1895 ‎(when P. Langley resigned)‎ and had acted as such ever since, or for a period of 33 years in all."

"He was returning officer for all elections at Glen Osmond for more than 25 years. As one of the original trustees and Chairman, he took great interest in the Ridge Park Recreation Ground. Some years ago he represented Glen Osmond in the Burnside District Council, and for five years was Chairman, and by tact and sound judgement so guided the destinies of the council through a troubolous time, that the ratepayers tendered him a complimentary dinner on his retirement as a recognition of his ability and as an appreciation of his efforts." He had always taken "the deepest interest in everything concerning the welfare of the district, and was a good citizen, of the type which any community can ill afford to lose. By his Christian conduct and exemplary life, he was a pattern to all. He had been aptly termed the "good Samaritan" of The Glen, as anyone in doubt or trouble would refer to him, being sure that he was always ready and willing with his best counsel and advice."

Mark Goldsack held a respected position in the Ferguson family. He was executor for his brother-in-law Gilbert Ferguson, sister-in-law Margaret Umpherston, sister-in-law Janet Ferguson, who left him £20, and his wife's cousin, Daniel Ferguson, who left him £100. The Ferguson aunts left money to Mary's children. Elizabeth Murdoch left £200 to sons of Mark Goldsack and £200 to Mrs Robert Goldsack. Margaret Umpherston left £40 to the Rev William Goldsack, of Jessore, £20 to May, the wife of Frank Goldsack and 1/3 of the residue of her estate shared by William, Robert, Charles, Percy, James and May Goldsack. Janet Ferguson left a total of £540 to the Goldsack children and small specific bequests to other members of the Goldsack family, not directly related to her. The residue of her estate was divided amongst the sons of Mark Goldsack after the death of her brother Alexander.

Mary died on 18.3.1909, aged 64. A photo at her son's wedding in 1901 shows her as slight and frail, Mark standing behind her, his hand protectively on her shoulder. Mark died on 24.10.1914, both buried at St Saviours.

Mark made his will in 1914, appointing his sons Robert and Charles as executors. Robert inherited the goodwill of his father's business to carry it on for his own benefit. The stock and plant was to valued, with Robert having the first option to acquire what he needed to carry on the business. Apart from a bequest of £100 to Robert's wife Eveline, the residue of £2,150 was shared between his children. In 1990, Mary and Mark's descendants gathered at St Saviours Church for a Goldsack family reunion. Some of the information in this section is from "The Goldsack Story: From Kent to South Australia." written for the occasion by Jeanne Whitney.