William Shadforth

William Shadforth, often known as Willie Shadforth (2 March 1912 – 7 December 2000) was a Garrwa man who became one of the first Aboriginal people to own a cattle station in 1953 when he purchased Seven Emu Station in the Northern Territory of Australia.

Biography

Shadforth was born on Wollogerang Station and he worked there until he was fired following an incident where he hit someone over the head; he would later say this was the best thing to ever happen to him. After losing his job he went to Charters Towers and stayed there for 6 years. He then became a drover and horse trader who brought mobs of cattle and horses between Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia and the Northern Territory. He was known to be a fine judge of horses and this contributed to him making these winnings.