Sausages and insults were hurled. David Semple returned to Ipswich in late October 1858, with a Colonial Ticket of Leave allowing him to reside and work in that area. Ellen’s former partner, William Morley, had died, and she was temporarily at a loose end. It seems the couple tried to reconcile for a brief timeContinue reading “Ellen the Cutter – Part 2.”
Category Archives: Brisbane Gaol
Brisbane’s Tiny Hell-Raiser.
Agnes Conner Chilton Ferguson (and, unofficially and occasionally, Walmsley) stood only 5 feet 1 ¼ inches, but she was more than capable of intimidating husbands, neighbours and two generations of the Brisbane constabulary. Her criminal activities, fuelled by a liquor intake that would have felled a lesser being, ranged from assault to trickery to publicContinue reading “Brisbane’s Tiny Hell-Raiser.”
Other “E” stories from old Brisbane – from Electric Light to Elections.
The Visit of the Duke of Edinburgh. His Royal Highness paid a visit to the Colony of Queensland. We fed him, feted him and sang at him. With varying levels of success, although HRH was unfailingly polite. At least no-one tried to assassinate him… Original post here: https://moretonbayandmore.com/2022/02/26/the-grub-train-and-the-emu-hunt-that-never-was/ George Edmondstone. George Edmondstone (1809-1883) was aContinue reading “Other “E” stories from old Brisbane – from Electric Light to Elections.”
The Crime of Being Old and Poor.
On 23 May 1872, a weak and emaciated elderly man was admitted to the Woogaroo Asylum [i], after spending quite a few years at the Benevolent Asylum at Dunwich, Stradbroke Island. By early August, the man had developed a terrible cough and could no longer leave his bed. The Asylum staff were able to getContinue reading “The Crime of Being Old and Poor.”
A Strange Man in a Strange Land.
Only he knew how his name really should have been recorded and pronounced. He was best known as Kimboo[i], and all we know of him comes from his interactions with European employers and the courts. He was born in China around 1820. He stood around 5 feet, 2 inches, and was described as neat, pleasant-lookingContinue reading “A Strange Man in a Strange Land.”
The Snob – Part 2.
St Helena Island Hartigan arrived at Brisbane Gaol on 13 December 1867. The Brisbane Gaol authorities recorded him as 5 feet 5 ½ inches in height, of slender build, with a ruddy complexion, sandy hair and blue eyes. He could read and write, was unmarried, had no children and belonged to the Church of England.Continue reading “The Snob – Part 2.”
The Snob.
Part 1 – Edward Hartigan’s Early Years. In the years between Separation (1859) and Federation (1901), Queensland had its share of storied criminals. Some terrorised the roads for a few years but were captured and imprisoned– the Wild Scotchman was probably the most celebrated. There were infamous murderers who went to gaol or the gallowsContinue reading “The Snob.”
A Lifetime of Crime.
The long career of Alfred Allwood. How did Alfred Allwood manage to spend most of his life in gaol, considering that his haul of stolen goods over 40 years amounted to less than £10, a pair of boots, a gold watch, and a cake? He wasn’t a very good thief, and on a couple ofContinue reading “A Lifetime of Crime.”
The Murder of a French Hermit at Sandgate
“An extremely painful sensation pervaded the quiet little community at Sandgate when it became known that Germain Dubrocca, a French recluse of industrious habits and inoffensive disposition, had been done to death in the most violent, brutal, and cowardly manner within a distance of less than three miles of the township. A survey party workingContinue reading “The Murder of a French Hermit at Sandgate”
A Law to Control the Poor
Mug Shots 1875 – Vagrancy Until 2005, Queensland had an antiquated statue on the books called Vagrants, Gaming And Other Offences Act 1931. It was a gloriously haphazard collection of offences, including, but not limited to: The Act’s purpose was “to make better provision for the prevention and punishment of offences by vagrants and disorderlyContinue reading “A Law to Control the Poor”
Moreton Bay and More 