Andrew May, the great-great grandson of Gawler inventor John Frederick May (Fred) believes Fred’s achievements have not been properly acknowledged by the South Australian community.

Andrew said Fred’s inventions, such as the adjustable harvester comber and ore concentrator, revolutionised Australian agriculture and mining. Andrew is determined to correct the record and ensure that Fred receives the recognition he rightly deserves.

Andrew is so determined to restore Fred’s place in history that he has published the first volume of the life and times of Fred with a book called the Mechanical Genius – John Frederick May. Andrew said that their research unearthed so much historical material that he is working on the second volume of Fred’s life in South Australia.

“While he had no formal university training as an engineer and was entirely self-taught, he had already built steam engines throughout South Australia's copper mining towns, Burra and Moonta before moving to Gawler,” said Andrew.

The centenary of the first trials of May Brothers Climax Harvester took place in Gawler River on the 5th January this year. Andrew said what distinguished this harvester from earlier models was that it had an adjustable comb and was wider.

"That patent went worldwide and it's still used today,” he said. The apple does not fall far from the tree, with Andrew’s son James spending many hours restoring one of the harvesters that now takes pride of place at the University of Adelaide’s Roseworthy Agricultural Museum north west of Gawler.

Both of Andrew’s children have been instrumental in helping him with his research and keeping the family history alive. Remnants of the May Foundry in Bassett Town (Gawler South) still exist with the old showroom now a series of townhouses.

Andrew gets frustrated that while people in Gawler rightfully praise the work of James Martin, but Fred was also a full partner and introduced agriculture re-designs and mining equipment to Phoenix Foundry, hugely attributing to what is perceived as James Martin’s sole success.

“ Fred deserves great acknowledgement for what he did for not only Gawler, but Australia and beyond in relation to mining and agricultural machinery,” said Andrew.

A University report prepared by Susan Phillips and Michael Pilkington in 1980 lends some support for Andrew’s view. The report states:

“Frederick May’s genius for invention and modification of agricultural and mining machinery did much to consolidate James Martin’s position in these fields between the years 1873 and 1885.”

A copy of Andrew’s book can be viewed at the Murray Street Office of local Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo and copies are available for purchase from the author.

Mr Piccolo said the book brings to life the genius of the inventor John Frederick May.