Australian Royalty

John aged 27, his wife Mary aged 25, their daughters Elizabeth aged 3 and Ann aged 1 were assisted immigrants who sailed on the ship 'Echunga' which departed Liverpool on 30 May 1857 and arrived at Geelong on 19 Aug 1857. John was engaged as a sawyer in Geelong at 12 shillings per day.

The Inglewood Advertiser no. 5097, vol. 37, Tuesday July 4 1899, p. 3 published John's obituary: 'As we have had so often to write lately, of old identities of the district gradually giving way. The latest to join the great (?) is Mr. John Longston, of Borung Street, who expired suddenly on Friday afternoon, at his residence, between four and five o'clock. The deceased had been in deteriorating health for some past time, and some time back was treated for heart disease. On the afternoon named he appeared to be in his usual health and spirits and went to the woodheap to cut some wood. Shortly after commencing to do so his wife heard groans, and on going to the yard, saw her husband lying on the ground. She spoke to him but received no aNew South Waleser. She ran for assistance to a neighbour, but when they returned her husband was dead. On Saturday morning a magisterial inquest was given. Dr H.A. Deravin made a superficial examination of the body, and found no marks of violence. The body was wellnourished. A verdict that death resulted from heart disease was returned. Deceased, who was 70 years of age, was a colonist of 40 years, about three-quarters of that time spent in Inglewood. He married at Deram [sic], England when 24 years of age. He was well respected in the borough and some years ago unsuccessfully contested a seat in the Borough Council. He leaves a widow and a grown up family. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon and was largely attended.