William Edward Atherden

William Edward Atherden (c.1838-14 May 1934) was the last survivor of the Battle of the Eureka Stockade.

and along with other sailors, deserted to head for the Victorian gold fields, walking some of the journey with bare feet.

After the fall of the Eureka Stockade, Atherden was one of 114 men taken prisoner.

After he was released, Atherden went back to prospecting and made a small fortune.

Returning to England in 1856 he was married to Mary Martin the following year and had six children.