As I said in the March history article, I have found some new information on Robert Rand. The book “Land Galore” stated that Robert Rand died in 1904. I found his obituary and he actually died in 1894 and at his death, Robert Rand was worth half a million pound sterling.
He was born in Hadley England. He came to NSW in 1849 and took over Mahonga station where he commenced breeding cattle. In 1864 he bought Urangeline station and established a sheep stud (Vermont Rams). At his death, the latest stock returns state that Mahonga comprised 169,670 acres, carrying 258,156 sheep, 265 horses (Arabians), and 431 cattle (Shorthorn).
Robert Rand died intestate. In 1852 he had made a will, but his attorney failed to have it signed. When his estate was finally settled it was split six ways. He is buried in the Albury Pioneer Cemetery, and I found his grave which is one of the largest in that part of the cemetery.
In the week preceding his death Robert Rand attended a sale of stud sheep in Sydney, where he was attacked with Influenza. He travelled for home, reaching Urana where he consulted a doctor, but died peacefully at Mahonga at about 1 o’clock in the morning on a Wednesday.
Written, researched and photos by Fiona Beckett Sources: Sydney Mail, Wagga Wagga Express, Ovens and Murray Advertiser, Goulburn Herald.