The Manning River’s only recorded shark fatality occurred in 1863 of seventeen year old James Brown. It was a hot January evening and James had been working all day on his father’s farm ‘Bellynahinch’ at Purfleet (now Glenthorne) when he and his younger brother decided to take a swim in the river after work.1
The boys had hardly entered the water before James was seized by a ferocious shark. Blood immediately clouded the water and James’ younger brother helped him to shore. His brother ran to get help and James was carried home. He managed to say a few words to his mother before he died on the family’s couch just seven minutes after the attack.2 The doctor who had been speedily summoned could not offer any medical assistance. James’ leg artery had been torn and divided by the shark’s teeth.3
James, the son of David and Sarah Brown,4 was soon to go to Sydney to complete his education. The incident plunged the family and community into disbelief and grief. James’ remains were carried to his grave at the Taree Estate Cemetery.5 In 2020, the inscription is barely visible but the footstone records “J.B. 1863”.
Author: Janine Roberts
References:
1 Empire, 23 January 1863, 5.
2 Sydney Morning Herald, 20 January 1863, 1.
3 Empire, 23 January 1863, 5.
4 NSW BDM, death index No. 3969/1863.
5 Empire, 19 January 1863, 3.
