Father of eight crushed by falling log
- Samantha Elley
- Nov 11, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: May 18
When George Edward Tonkin left for work on 6th September 1916, he had no idea it would be his last day on earth.
George worked at Wellington Mills in the south-west of Western Australia as a 'hookman'. His job involved hooking logs to be hauled away. He was deeply involved in the timber industry, having lived in Augusta and being connected to the nearby Karridale Mill. George was a well-respected resident of the area.
George was born in Fremantle in 1875 to Edward Tonkin and Emma or Emily Stevens. He married Emma Thurkle in Busselton in 1897. Together, they had eight children. Tragically, it would be these children who would end up fatherless on that fateful day.
On that day, as a hookman, George had just signalled for the log he had hooked up to be hauled away. Unfortunately, its movement released another log, which passed over him and killed him instantly. He was only 42 years old.
George's body was taken to Bunbury, where an inquest was opened before the coroner. Eventually, he was taken the short distance to Busselton, where his body was interred in the local cemetery. The officiating Reverend Scott Clarke held the service at St Mary's Church and at the graveside. Many people attended to express their sympathies to Emma and her children.
George Edward Tonkin's life was cut short, but his legacy lives on through his children and the community that remembers him. His story is a reminder of the dangers faced by workers in the timber industry during that era.
The tragic loss of George affected many in the local community. His contributions as a worker and a family man were significant. The community rallied around his family, offering support during their time of grief.
References
'Bunbury', The West Australian, Sat 9 September 1916, Page 10
'Fatal Accident at Wellington Mills', The South-Western News, Fri 8 September 1916, Page 3
'George Edward Tonkin', Deaths, BDM Western Australia, accessed 7th November 2025, Online Index Search Tool
'George Edward Tonkin', Births, BDM Western Australia, accessed 7th November 2025, Online Index Search Tool
'George Edward Tonkin', Marriages, BDM Western Australia, accessed 10th November 2025, Online Index Search Tool
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