John Furphy

John Furphy (17 June 1842 – 23 September 1920) was an Australian blacksmith credited with inventing the "furphy", a water cart that was used by the Australian army during the first World War.

One of Furphy's farm water carts.

Early life

Furphy was born on 17 June 1842 in Moonee Ponds, Victoria, the eldest son of farmer Samuel Furphy and dressmaker Judith (née Hare), both of whom were Irish immigrants. Initially home-schooled, Furphy later attended public schools in Kangaroo Ground and Kyneton.[1]

Career

Furphy first found employment at the Kyneton-based farm machinery manufacturer Hutcheson & Walker, before becoming an independent blacksmith in 1864. Moving to nearby Shepparton in 1873, he established the first blacksmith's shop in the township, gradually expanding into iron works too. By 1888, Furphy had the most extensive foundry in northern Victoria.[1] His patented grain stripper which preceded the combine harvester was awarded the first prize at the 1884 Grand National Show. His agricultural machinery, including a grain stripper, a furrow plough and iron swingletrees, were likewise acclaimed at the International Exhibition from 1888 to 1889. Furphy's most recognised agricultural product was a "furphy", a water cart with a 818 litres (180 imp gal; 216 US gal) cylindrical tank made of iron, placed in a wooden frame on cast-iron wheels and horizontally mounted by a horse. Annual furphy production was at an average of 300 per year and peaked during World War I when used in bulk by the Australian army. The term "furphy" also became slang for gossip, as many furphy drivers were supposedly gossipers.[1]

Personal life and death

Furphy was a devout Christian who gave sermons at the Methodist Church in Shepparton, and inscribed on his watercarts were anti-alcohol messages. He married Sarah Ann (née Vaughan) on 25 May 1866. They had nine children.[1] His brother Joseph became known as one of Australia's pioneer novelists. Furphy spent his final years in Melbourne, where he had relocated to in 1909. He died on 23 September 1920.[1] The Furphy Foundry is still operated by his descendants.[1][2]

References
  1. "John Furphy". Australian Dictionary of Biography. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
  2. "Official website". Furphy Foundry. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
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