The Mystery of the First Convict at Moreton Bay.

Who was John Anderson? The very first entry in the Chronological Register of Convicts at Moreton Bay is that of John Anderson, per Baring 2, making him (technically) the first Moreton Bay convict. John Anderson was described in the Moreton Bay records as being 23 years old, a sailor and sailmaker who hailed from Leeds.Continue reading “The Mystery of the First Convict at Moreton Bay.”

The Meaning of Hard Work.

1880, Gympie, Queensland. A group of 35 men are photographed just before going below ground at the No. 1 North Phoenix mine. Some are quite young, others raw-boned, haggard from years of hard work. The men gaze at the camera warily, wearily. They know that accidents are common in their line of work. If theyContinue reading “The Meaning of Hard Work.”

Moreton Bay elects Colonel Snodgrass.

On this day – 22 August 1848. On 22 August 1848, Colonel Kenneth Snodgrass was elected to represent Moreton Bay in the New South Wales Legislative Council. He was our second ever elected representative after free settlement in 1842. Brisbane turned out to vote in numbers. Small numbers. There were 32 votes for Colonel Snodgrass,Continue reading “Moreton Bay elects Colonel Snodgrass.”

Death at Twelve-Mile Reach.

Before railways and paved roads, the best way to travel between Ipswich and Brisbane was by river. Steamers plied the river, carrying passengers and cargo at what would be to modern eyes, a rather stately pace. Class divides were inescapable. Steamers offered saloons for the better-off, and steerage for the working class. Formal dinners andContinue reading “Death at Twelve-Mile Reach.”

Mr Trollope Visits the Colonies.

On this day – August 11. Two distinguished gentlemen were due in Brisbane on August 11, 1871. One was the sole named passenger (with suite, mind) on the HMSS Clio, which bore 18 guns. This gentleman was George Augustus Constantine Phipps, 2nd Marquess of Normanby GCB GCMG PC, Viscount Normanby and Earl of Mulgrave. HisContinue reading “Mr Trollope Visits the Colonies.”

All the News for 8 August (1846)

From the eighth ever issue of the Moreton Bay Courier. Page 1 – Classified Advertising. R Hampden and Henry Ralph Elkins were having a terrible barney over a failed business venture. Each man cautioned the public against giving credit to, or generally dealing with, the other. Hmmph. The indefatigable Thomas Dowse had a Library comprisedContinue reading “All the News for 8 August (1846)”

The Incredible Life of Anthony Best.

Convict at Moreton Bay 1827-1833. The Cordwainer’s stolen pillow-case. In Hull Packet of 24 October 1809, Messrs Croudace and Stork proudly announced the opening of the Hull Coffee-Roasting Office. No longer would the flavour of Hull’s coffee be injured by London Traders’ careless stowage, or by moisture damage through carriage by sea. It would beContinue reading “The Incredible Life of Anthony Best.”

An Honest, Persevering, Sober and Vigilant Man – at Moreton Bay?

I have known Robert Harvey for some time and believe him to be a sober, honest and industrious character and as such recommend him. Henry Cowper. I do hereby certify that Robert Harvey has conducted himself much to my satisfaction, and I received from Lt. Miller a most excellent character of his behaviour at theContinue reading “An Honest, Persevering, Sober and Vigilant Man – at Moreton Bay?”

The Life and Death of Caleb Atkins.

The wonderfully named Royal Cornwall Gazette, Falmouth Packet, and General Advertiser of Saturday 30 March 1816 contained a peculiar mix of news. There was the death of the “Indian Juggler,” whose sword-swallowing act had gone horribly wrong. A servant had words with his master, and killed the man with a dung-prong. A trunk of clothesContinue reading “The Life and Death of Caleb Atkins.”

The Humble Petition of John Norman.

The petition was written in an elegant hand, with exquisite flourishes in the lines addressing it to His Excellency, Lieutenant-General Ralph Darling, Governor in Chief of New South Wales. A few, but not too many, flourishes adorned the body of the petition. Enough to be respectful and formal, not enough to be overly ornate. TheContinue reading “The Humble Petition of John Norman.”