Like James Gardner, George Blanton killed the girl he loved. Like James Gardner, George Blanton had been a heavy drinker and this contributed to his violence and his end. Unlike James Gardner, George Blantern confessed immediately, and was deeply remorseful from the instant he had committed the crime. The following is his statement at his sentencing. Continue reading “Snippets: A Remarkable Statement.”
Category Archives: Brisbane Gaol
The brief but colourful criminal career of Jemima Smith.
In 1862, Queensland had been a separate Colony for two years. The streets of Brisbane were not paved, bullock-teams rested in the streets and ladies negotiated the subtropical climate and noisome streets wearing the unwieldy hoop skirts of the period. Some substantial buildings adjoined tin shacks and stores. Entertainment for those unable to affordContinue reading “The brief but colourful criminal career of Jemima Smith.”
Mug Shots – Gentlemen with aliases
The Colonies were ripe for adventurous men seeking to forge a new destiny. Sometimes they sought to forge more than that. One could rid oneself of unpleasant old associations, create a new identity, and live as one wished. Or so one thought. Sometimes these adventurous men gave themselves grand names, invented histories, and used theirContinue reading “Mug Shots – Gentlemen with aliases”
Mug Shots – Poverty and Illness
The first three of today’s mug shots show what can happen when the law interacts with poverty and alcoholism. There was no capacity in the 19th century court or prison system for social workers, or drug and alcohol counsellors. The gaol instead was filled with mentally ill, poor, or addicted prisoners. In 1876, William Kelly,Continue reading “Mug Shots – Poverty and Illness”
Mug Shots – Problems at Sea
In the 19th century, at least until rail freight came into popular use, shipping was the only way to transport large amounts of goods between towns and cities worldwide. Sometimes, onboard discipline was flouted, making for some exceptionally well-travelled new prisoners at Brisbane Gaol. PETER CLASSEN AND JOHN B BENNETT OF THE E.J. SPENCE, 1876Continue reading “Mug Shots – Problems at Sea”
Moreton Bay and More 