That's what I've been assuming, Sue. I suspect Fred wasn't an easy bloke, going by what I've read of his early life in Balmain. Would've likely have been a very tough bloke with a street education who was a heavy drinker, but perhaps charming when he wanted to be.
In 1899 Henrietta may have also needed financial support and he had arrived in town.
Fred and Henrietta may have had Freda and then gone their separate ways until 1907 when William Frederick was born at 'The Ponds'/Ponds Creek
In 1903, Henrietta SHEPHERD is on the Electoral Roll in NSW at Ponds Creek.
No others of the surname with her.
It is possible Frederick decided against voter registration.
He may not have even been with her in 1903, sparrett. The 7-year gap between the children is quite large.
If she left him after the son was born, he may then have lived like a vagrant out at the racecourse, according to what my grandfather was told in the 1930s. If that happened he would have lived like that for 27 years, butchering and labouring until he was 80. That's a long time.
Seems funny that someone can live in country town for 35 years and never get a mention in the local paper, even when he dies. I'm sure there's more to his story and really want to 'fill that in' a bit more.
