This is the first in a series of posts on the life of James Davis or “Duramboi”. The best-known convict absconder from Moreton Bay, he was considered a very bad character in his teens but after 14 years with the indigenous people of the Wide Bay area, went on to be an Interpreter for indigenousContinue reading “Convict Runaways. James “Duramboi” Davis.”
Category Archives: Characters
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.”
Snippets: The Rise of Larrikinism.
CITY POLICE COURT. SATURDAY, JUNE 7, BEFORE the assistant police magistrate VAGRANCY. – Thomas Clarke, a man about 23 years of age, was charged with having no lawful means of support. Sergeant Burke prosecuted. From the evidence of constable Jessop, who arrested Clarke, and also that of Senior detective Anderson, it appears that the prisonerContinue reading “Snippets: The Rise of Larrikinism.”
The Forlorn Women Haunting Our Streets – the life of Norah O’Donnell
Norah O’Donnell was born in 1851 in Limerick, Ireland to Michael and Catherine (Kirby) O’Donnell. She was part of a large family – ten other children – who emigrated to Brisbane in 1862, as part of the assisted migration scheme. Apart from the deaths of Bridget at 22, Mary at 42 and Norah herself atContinue reading “The Forlorn Women Haunting Our Streets – the life of Norah O’Donnell”
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”
Minor Offences – Defendant to Leave Town
After the horrors of neglected children and Industrial Schools, today’s offering is a quick dose of more characters from Queensland newspapers from the 1840s to 1860s. Defendant Promises to Leave Town CENTRAL POLICE COURT. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31. BEFORE the Police Magistrate: DRUNKENNESS.–James Keane, an old man, who described himself as an attorney, was discharged onContinue reading “Minor Offences – Defendant to Leave Town”
Moreton Bay and More 