On this day.

17th September 1856 –
Government Surveyor George Legge was drowned while crossing the Shoalhaven River  The nearby island was named Legge’s Island in his honour.

In a small run down historic cemetery located next to the main road near Worrigee, you will find amongst a few dilapidated tomb stones one that is quite distinctive in its design.
The worn out description carved into the tombstone describes the unfortunate death of a "Mr George Lecc" who accidentally drowned while trying to cross the Shoalhaven river on horseback on the 17th September 1856.


His name has been miss spelled on the tomb stone, it's actually supposed to read "George Legge". George Legge was a young well respected 24-year old who made a bit of a name for himself by being appointed the Government Surveyor to the Shoalhaven District.

He was responsible for surveying the Sassafras Area in the early 1850's.

He was drowned near Burrier trying to cross the Shoalhaven River on horseback.  At 10 am he was heard cooeing by his friend Mr. J.L. Biddulph, from the opposite side of the river intimating that he was
about to cross the river.  When Mr. Biddulph arrived at the crossing place he saw his friend's horse floating in the river dead, but no sign of the rider.
He immediately procured a boat and went in search of Legge. They continued the search until Friday, when a black fellow, by diving, bought up the body.

The cemetary has a collection of run down tomb stones, many are lying on the ground, some are still standing.


Some of the other Tombstones.

It would seem Mr. Legge was riding a young horse with a martingale, which he neglected to let loose when taking to the water. The Martindale bound the horses head down and drowned him and the rider.