Sarah Anne Taylor (nee McPherson)
1. What is your object and how did it come to be in your possession?
A broadsword brought to Australia by my great great grandfather, George Macpherson (later changed to McPherson). Born in Callander in 1809, George sailed to Australia on the Honduras, arriving in New South Wales on 22nd June 1839, to begin his seven year contract, working as a shepherd at Gloucester, with the Australian Agricultural Company.
2. Why have you chosen this object for the Macphersoniana project?
This broadsword was chosen as the artefact that holds the most meaning for our family. It is a remnant of an ancestor, directly linking our roots to Scotland. It was lent to the local museum in Wingham by my grandfather Ian Duncan Weir McPherson in the 1960’s, after my father John Weir McPherson broke the tip off. He did this to preserve the broadsword for future generations.
3. Why is this object important to you and what does it mean to you?
This broadsword is important because of its history. Once George had finished his contract with the Australian Agricultural Company, and before his marriage to Jane Andrews on 27th August 1852, he “clasped on his broadsword and went to the Californian gold diggings” with 7 other men from the district. All but one returned without success and it is believed that George was the successful one. On his return, he travelled to the Australian goldfields at Bendigo before finally settling down at Dingo Creek, just out of Wingham, where family members still reside today. The family believe George was successful at both goldfields as he acquired quite a lot of land in the area.
4. What does this object tell us about what it means to be a Macpherson?
Personally, for me, this broadsword represents a constant for our family. A link, not only to an ancestor who had a great influence on my life and unfortunately, never got to meet, but an obviously treasured possession that we can see and touch. It’s a symbol of Scotland and the beginnings of our Australian story that links together the toughest of spirits with the harshest of environments and yet, survives the ages. My story of history and family to be proud of.
George Macpherson, the original owner of the sword. 
John Weir McPherson, Callum McPherson Taylor, and Sarah Anne Taylor (nee McPherson). Callum is Sarah Anne’s son, and John is her father. 
John Weir McPherson, Sarah Anne’s father, with the sword 
Macphersoniana 