Obituaries Australia

Mr. Frank Adams, a remarkable old identity of the hills district, was found in the scrub at Upper Sturt on Wednesday, in a low condition, and was removed to a house near by, where he was attended by Dr. Dawkins, who ordered his removal to the Adelaide Hospital. He died, however, before he could be sent. For over 33 years Mr. Adams, who was 75 years of age when he died, had lived an entirely outdoor life, never entering a house except on two occasions, once when he was severely troubled with rheumatism and after lying helpless for two or three days, was removed by the police to the Adelaide Hospital. The other occasion was when he became ill. He used to frequent the scrub surrounding Upper Sturt, Ironbank, Cherry Gardens, and Belair, although of recent years he seldom went beyond Upper Sturt. He was well known to the residents, who often, without avail, offered him shelter and tried to induce him to live more at ease. He had independent means, and procured the necessaries of life from a grocer's cart which regularly visited the neighborhood. His chief sustenance was bread, tinned meat, and fruit. He was never known to light a fire, and took all his food cold. Mr. Adams was a great reader, procuring books through neighbors, and was particularly fond of pictures. He would converse with those whom he considered friendly towards him, and who treated him rationally, but if he thought he was made fun of or considered eccentric he would disappear in the bush. He was generous with his money, and on one occasion gave a young lady collector for a patriotic fund a pound note. Unlike most nomads he had not even a dog to keep him company. His great hobby was writing papers, principally on philosophy, which he left about for anyone to take and read. He never intentionally injured any one, although some may have been startled by his appearance when wandering in the bush.