John Alfred HANNA was the eldest son of David HANNA and Susan Anna SMITH. He was born in Castlemaine, Victoria on the 8th February 1880. We do not know much of his early life but Boer War Army attestation papers show that his occupation was "Boundary Rider". The first 2 years of his life was spent in Victoria before his family moved into the southern NSW Region of Moulamein. He worked around the Riverina District, where his father was a publican of several hotels and had pastoral and commercial interests in the district. In 1902 he enlisted for service to the Boer War. His war biolography can be read from the Gallery Menu under "War Memorial"

On returning to Australia from the Boer War John Alfred began to feel unwell and initially thought that he had contracted a cold. Research of archives discovered a large 39-page dossier, which gives a complete account of his final months. Here is an abridged version of his Application dated 24 April 1903 for gratuity to recompense him for injuries received on HMT Drayton Grange.

" Due to bad sanitary arrangements and sleeping accommodation below deck I contracted a severe cold and was put off at Albany West Australia and remained there 3 or 4 days in the Quarantine Station, coming on from there in the Coolgardie arriving in Sydney on the 10 August 1902. I received a discharge on the 12 August in Sydney and then came home to Jerilderie."

" I then had a very severe cold and felt very ill and weak, but only thought it was a cold that rest and careful nursing would cure. But finding I was becoming worse I consulted Dr WATT of Narrandera about the middle of September who said I was suffering from consumption of the right lung caused through a cold. I stayed at Narrandera for 1 week in a private hospital and then returned to Jerilderie. After using Dr Watt's medicine for 3 weeks without any results I saw Dr ROBINSON of this town who pronounced my lungs to be in a very bad state, probably caused through a severe cold."

"Not getting any better, on Dr ROBINSON's recommendation I went to Victoria on the 5 January for a change of climate and saw Dr WOOLEY at Castlemaine who said my right lung was in a very bad state. I remained in Castlemaine for 10 weeks under treatment and during that time visited Melbourne and saw Dr SEMENS (Specialist) who said my case was a very bad one and contracted by cold and that I would not be able to work again. I also saw Dr GRANT(Specialist) who said my right lung was severely affected. I returned to Jerilderie on the 20 March.

I have then been gradually growing weaker and weaker. I am not able to shave myself or walk any distance. I wish to apply for a gratuity and wage in support of my application that I am entirely dependent on my widowed mother who has a complete family and that I am not able to do anything to support myself at present and from medical opinions not likely to do so unless I obtain special treatment very shortly."

"I have spent all the money I earned in South Africa in medical fees and have absolutely nothing to fall back on. I am unable to write myself and am asking some of the residents of the town to testify that all the particulars I have stated are true. I may mention that there has never been any consumption in our family on either side. Trusting this will receive your favourable consideration in time to assist me back to health and strength which was lost on active service"

In short, on the 6th July 1903 Dr ROBINSON wrote to the Minister of Defence that John Alfred HANNA was suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and that he would not survive many more weeks. The Jerilderie Police were asked to make a report on the circumstances where he was living and with whom and of the expenses incurred. Sergeant CURRY made a substantial report that he was living with his mother Susan Anna and being cared for by her. A detailed expense accounted was presented totalling £94 and 1 shilling. This included such expenses as £10 pounds for burial costs, the costs of John Alfred being taken by buggy to and from Castlemaine and Jerilderie, rental of a house in Hull Street, Castlemaine Victoria for 10 weeks at £3 per week, and costs for medicines and doctor visits. Susan Anna was obliged to hire a woman to care for her other children while nursing her son.

The final outcome was that on 11 September 1903 the Secretary, Department of Defence in Melbourne approved the sum of £25 be paid as compensation to Susan Anna HANNA. He was to die before any compensation was paid.

John Alfred HANNA died on the 12 July 1903 at the Jerilderie Hotel, Jerilderie NSW. Cause of death was pulmonary tuberculosis and asteria. He was a male aged 23 Years old. His occupation was given as Soldier.

The attending doctor at time of death was Dr. A.C. ROBINSON. His father was confirmed as David HANNA and his mother was Susan Anna SMITH. William David HANNA, his brother was the informant of his death. He was buried on the 13 July 1903, in Jerilderie Cemetery NSW and the Undertaker was F. BROOKS. The Minister who conducted the burial service was the Rev.John DYKES, Presbyterian Minister. Witnesses to the burial were George HIRD and E. BROOKS It was confirmed he was born in Castlemaine, Victoria. He resided in Victoria for 2 years and spent 21 years as a NSW resident. He was unmarried. The last record of his life lies within the Probate Archives of NSW. His last Will and Testament was presented for probate on the 12 July 1903 and paid out on 25 September 1903.