Shep's Place Family Tree

Charles married Helen Murdoch on 3.11.1854 at Chalmers Church, Adelaide. She arrived in the Sultana in 1851 with her brother James, who later married Elizabeth Ferguson. Charles established his own farm at Crystal Brook. Matthew Rankine noted in his diary in 1860 that Charles had visited the Lakes with his father looking for a farm. Charles is also mentioned by Mark Goldsack in his diary on 13.8.1875 "Got horses in for ride with Messrs Ferguson from Stockport who is staying here. Got horse and trap ready and driven by Mr Kelly in company with Messrs Ferguson for Stockport. Reached residence of Mr C Ferguson about 11 o'clock."

Charles died on 20.4.1882 "at his residence, Flinders View, Napperby, Charles, the beloved husband of Helen Ferguson, aged 54 years. A colonist of 42 years and late resident of Stockport. Highly respected by all who knew him." He made his will six days before he died, leaving to "my dear wife Helen Ferguson including all my interest in the Will of my Father the late Daniel Ferguson." John Forrester, whose sister Jane later married Gilbert Ferguson, was a witness.

Helen remained at Napperby, her only surviving child, Margaret, caring her for in the last years of her life. She died on 7.1.1922, the Chronicle recording "Helen, relict of the late Charles Cliff Ferguson at Huddlestone, SA, in her 89th year." She left to Margaret and the rest of her estate of to her grandson Walter.

She was buried at Crystal Brook, "In Loving Memory of Charles Cliff Ferguson Died 20th April 1882, Aged 54 Years, Also His Beloved Wife Helen Ferguson Died 7th January 1922 aged 88 years. Until the Day Breaks and the Shadows Flee Away."