The FBBG History Group found in their research at the Public Records Office of Victoria that the Trustees of Thomson's Estate arranged for the City of Ballarat to undertake the care of Thomson's grave following the transfer of 10 pounds. However, the grave needs restoration and it was found that the Council still bears responsibility for its upkeep.James Russell Thomson had been a generous benefactor to the City but as a bachelor, he had no descendants to care for his grave, which had fallen into disrepair. It was found that the Ballarat City Council still had responsibility for the upkeep of this grave.A one page letter to the Mayor, Councillor Verlin, Ballarat City Council from FBBG and 2 pages of black and white photographs of Thomson's grave and headstone and a coloured photograph of the Thomson tablet at the Town Hall plus a quotation for work needed on the grave.3 corrections in biro to the letter, 2nd and 2nd last line.doctor john garner, ballarat botanical gardens, friends of the ballarat botanical gardens, ballarat city council, james russell thomson, noble wilson, public record office of victoria, benefactors of the gardens and their graves, old ballarat cemetery, john garner collection, gradens, ballarat, thomson

A number of Friends of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens investigated the graves of 8 notable Ballarat citizens in 2007 and found Thomas Stoddart's grave to be in a deplorable state. Plans were made by John Garner and Jenny Burrell for the restoration of Thomas Stoddart's grave and the addition of a plaque noting his significant donation of 12 Carrera marble statues to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.Two pages of typing. p.2 (2 copies). Page 1 and last paragraph of p.2 scanned as one page, to avoid repetition.None.ballarat botanical gardens, doctor john garner, jenny burrell, friends of the ballarat botanical gardens, graves, thomas stoddart, george longley, john lingham, thomas rooney, david ham, j.russell thomson, edward morey, ballarat old cemetery, benefactors, curators, plaque, restoration., 12 carrera marble statues., john garner collection, gardens, ballarat, courier

J.Russell Thomson made his fortune from gold mining and was one of Ballarat's great benefactors.While J.Russell Thomson left a generous bequest to be spent on statues in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, it is claimed that he played an active role in the events of the Eureka Stockade.A narrow wide piece of newsprint with a coloured photograph with caption, left hand side, folded and dog-eared right hand side.None. Very likely cut out of the Ballarat Courier newspaper, c2010.doctor john garner, ballarat botanical gardens, gold mining, benefactor, statues, eureka stockade, grave restoration, friends of the ballarat botanical gardens, trustees, scottish miner., gardens, ballarat, thomson, courier, john garner collection

Thomas Stoddart was greatly respected and remembered by Ballarat people as can be seen in the commissioning of a bust and marble tablet in his memory.Thomas Stoddart was the first great benefactor of the Ballarat Botanical Gardens.1 coloured photographLabel on back, printed in blue biro, "Thomas Stoddart, Grave BOC, March 2007."john garner, doctor, thomas stoddart's grave, old ballarat cemetery, ballarat botanical gardens, benefactor, stoddart collection of classical statues, john garner collection, gardene, ballarat, stoddart