Riponshire Advocate        July 16 1910
Sudden death of
Mr. George Topper J.P.
Quite a shock was caused in this community yesterday morning when the news was circulated that Mr. George Topper J.P. had "crossed the bar". Mr. Topper who passed away on Thursday at midnight was 77 years of age and a remarkably hale and hearty man for his years, hence the surprise at his sudden demise. On Wednesday night the deceased met with a severe accident, but his condition did not then appear alarming to his relatives. From his house he heard a dog yelping, went out in his slippers to investigate. When Mr. Topper entered the stables the dog commenced biting at the heels of a draught horse. He attempted to kick the yelping little beast, but his slipper came offf, and losing his balance, he fell right under the heels of one of the horses. While the unfortunate man was prone on the floor, he received a tremendous kick in the abdomen from the frightened horse. Mr. Topper when he recovered from the shock although in dire pain, was able to make his way back to the house. Dr. Alan Jackson was sent for at about 9 pm and remained with the injured man for an hour and a half. A careful examination disclosed no signs of rupture or injury of internal organs and although the case was serious there was no immediate cause for alarm. On Thursday when Dr. Jackson visited his patient he seemed much better and brighter. He revisited Mr. Topper between 5 and 6 pm and found him altogether in everyway, and able to converse freely. The doctor left for home at 5:40 pm anticipating a full recovery in a few days. Just before midnight Mr. G.Topper Jnr. hurriedly summoned Dr. Jackson and informed him that his father wanted to see him. The doctor at once set out for his patient's home, but on his arrival only a few minutes after being summoned, he found that Mr. Topper Snr. had expired. Dr. Jackson attributed the immediate cause of death was sudden cardiac failure. On returning he formally reported the death to the local police. Sgt. Nicholson telegraphed the sad news to the district coroner (Mr. H.M. Murphy M.P.) and yesterday received an answer that a magisterial enquiry was unnecessary. Mr. Topper who was one of the pioneer agricultural settlers of the district, having selected land  near Beaufort on the Mawallock Estate in 1865, was very successful in his avocation. Deceased was born in 1833 at London, England was a hatter by trade. He emigrated to the land of the Southern Cross in 1852, being attracted to the goldfields. He was very successful at Ballarat, and on the day of the riot, he was in the bush looking for his bullocks, having at that period being engaged in carting. Previous to settling on the land, he was living in the Beaufort district, earning his living by carrying goods on the road from Geelong to Fiery Creek and Ararat goldfields. Carriers in the "roaring fifties " had exciting experiences and Mr. Topper could relate many personal ones. He often become reminiscent at the smoke nights held by the A.N.A. in honour of the old pioneers. At one time, whilst taking a load of goods to the diggers he was molested by a pair of bushrangers at Dobies Bridge. Mr.Topper who had a large sum of money on his person, received in payment for a load of oats, beating his assailants off with a whip and being fleeter of foot than they were, reached the bush and made good his escape. Of necessity he had to abandon his team. He set out on foot for Ararat and lodged his money in safe keeping. Returning to Dobies, he found his team as he had left it and proceeded on his way without further incident. Some years ago Mr. Topper was made a Justice of Peace and has regularly occupied a seat on the bench on court days. He took a keen interest in the affairs of the Orange Lodge and since 1898 had been Worshipful Master of that body. He was closely associated with the Church of England (of which he was a member of the committee) and the Agricultural Society. Deceased was a very conscientious man and upright in his dealings, and was highly esteemed and respected throughout the district. He leaves a widow and three daughters ( two of whom are married) and his two sons Messers George and Thos. Topper are well known district farmers. The flags on the local business places and public buildings are flying at half mast out of respect for deceased. The remains will be interred in the Beaufort Cemetery on Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock.