Frank Long
Encyclopedia
Frank Long was a trackcutter and prospector. In 1882 he discovered the Zeehan-Dundas silver-lead field on the West Coast
of Tasmania
.
He had been part of Charles Sprent's Mount Heemskirk
expedition in 1876 – and was known as a hardy and strong bushman.
He was Tasmanian – having been born to ex-convicts in Launceston
in approximately 1844. His later years were affected by rheumatism
and alcoholism
.
West Coast, Tasmania
The West Coast of Tasmania is the part of the state that is strongly associated with wilderness, mining and tourism, rough country and isolation...
of Tasmania
Tasmania
Tasmania is an Australian island and state. It is south of the continent, separated by Bass Strait. The state includes the island of Tasmania—the 26th largest island in the world—and the surrounding islands. The state has a population of 507,626 , of whom almost half reside in the greater Hobart...
.
He had been part of Charles Sprent's Mount Heemskirk
Mount Heemskirk
Mount Heemskirk is a mountain close to the coast of Western Tasmania, it was the first sighted feature on the island of Tasmania by Abel Tasman on 24 November 1642....
expedition in 1876 – and was known as a hardy and strong bushman.
He was Tasmanian – having been born to ex-convicts in Launceston
Launceston, Tasmania
Launceston is a city in the north of the state of Tasmania, Australia at the junction of the North Esk and South Esk rivers where they become the Tamar River. Launceston is the second largest city in Tasmania after the state capital Hobart...
in approximately 1844. His later years were affected by rheumatism
Rheumatism
Rheumatism or rheumatic disorder is a non-specific term for medical problems affecting the joints and connective tissue. The study of, and therapeutic interventions in, such disorders is called rheumatology.-Terminology:...
and alcoholism
Alcoholism
Alcoholism is a broad term for problems with alcohol, and is generally used to mean compulsive and uncontrolled consumption of alcoholic beverages, usually to the detriment of the drinker's health, personal relationships, and social standing...
.
Photograph
- http://images.statelibrary.tas.gov.au/Search/Search.asp?Letter=F&Title=Frank+Long%2C+the+discoverer+of+Zeehan+silver+fields
Further reading
- Haygarth, N. Frank Long in Alexander (ed.) The Companion to Tasmanian History. 2005. ISBN 1-86295-223-X p. 220