On 18 September 1849, Owen Molloy went to the gallows in Sydney for the murder of James Leonard. He died penitent, admitting his guilt and warning the large crowd gathered for the gruesome spectacle, to avoid the demon drink. There was a sensational coda to Molloy’s story, but more of that later. James Leonard wasContinue reading “Murder at Moreton Bay – 18 September, 1849”
“Like the discharge of distant artillery.”
Earthquake at Toowoomba, 17 September, 1875 On 17 September 1875, residents of the Darling Downs city of Toowoomba, were shaken by an earthquake. No better explanation of the incident and its aftermath can be found than that of the Toowoomba Chronicle: No event that has occurred in Toowoomba for many years past created so muchContinue reading ““Like the discharge of distant artillery.””
A New Hospital announced – 16 September 1866
If you were ill or injured in Brisbane Town between 1842 and 1866, this was the place you went. A relic of the convict settlement, it opened its doors under Dr Henry Cowper, and was stewarded into free settlement by Doctors Kinnear Robertson, David Ballow and Stephen Simpson. By 1860, as the picture shows, the place was run-downContinue reading “A New Hospital announced – 16 September 1866”
The ‘Wild Scotchman’ gets sent down – 13 September 1866.
On 13 September 1866, a particularly daring bushranger known as the “Wild Scotchman” was sentenced to 25 years in prison for a series of daring raids during which no postman was safe, apparently. A quick glance at his first Queensland press reports give an extraordinary description of him: We are informed that the man wasContinue reading “The ‘Wild Scotchman’ gets sent down – 13 September 1866.”
The Amity drops anchor at Redcliffe- September 12, 1824
On 12 September 1824, the brig Amity dropped anchor at Redcliffe, with a manifest of convicts and soldiers under the direction of Lt Miller (the first Commandant), John Oxley, Alan Cunningham and Lt Butler. They were twice (or thrice in some cases) convicted felons, and their task was to set up a new penal colonyContinue reading “The Amity drops anchor at Redcliffe- September 12, 1824”
Death on the Pine River – September 11, 1847
On 11 September 1847, three men working as sawyers on the Pine River came under attack from a group of indigenous people who were armed with spears and waddies. William Waller and William Boller died, and James Smith was injured, but survived to give evidence to the Coroner. James Smith was working a two-man sawContinue reading “Death on the Pine River – September 11, 1847”
The Captain would sail no further.
A tale of migration, intransigence and a further Separation – September 09, 1871 The year was 1871, and the Colony of Queensland was eleven years old. Brisbane, in the south-east corner, was the capital of the sprawling concern. All 1.73 million square kilometres of it. The City of Rockhampton nestled on the Tropic of Capricorn,Continue reading “The Captain would sail no further.”
A free fight by the married men – 08 September 1866
The year was 1866. The Colony of Queensland was six years old, and free settlement had been permitted in Moreton Bay for twenty-four years. The vastness of Queensland, and the rapid expansion required to make the economy function created a demand for skilled migration. Ships bearing hundreds of (predominantly) German and English skilled migrants wereContinue reading “A free fight by the married men – 08 September 1866”
The Marquis of Normanby visits Ipswich – September 7, 1871
“A Cloud of dust indicated the arrival of the Vice-Regal party.” Charles Augustus Constantine Phipps, Marquis of Normanby, was appointed Governor of Queensland to replace the lamented Governor Blackall. Despite his grand origins and grander name, he was an able and humble administrator, who brought calm and prosperity to Queensland. HIS EXCELLENCY THE GOVERNOR paidContinue reading “The Marquis of Normanby visits Ipswich – September 7, 1871”
“Eels very large.” Major Lockyer arrives in Moreton Bay – 06 September 1825
THE BRISBANE RIVER. Major Lockyer returned to Headquarters, on the Mermaid cutter, on Sunday last, from his arduous survey of the above valuable River at Moreton bay. This Gentleman very kindly put into our hands an Extract of his Official Report that evening, after our Paper was completed, but a detention of course took place,Continue reading ““Eels very large.” Major Lockyer arrives in Moreton Bay – 06 September 1825″
Moreton Bay and More 