James Davis “Duramboi.” James Davis (1808-1889) was a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside a forbidding, taciturn man. A blacksmith’s son from Glasgow, James Davis was convicted as a teenager of “theft, habit and repute” (a thief who associates with other thieves) in 1824 and transported to New South Wales on the Minstrel. He wasContinue reading “Other “D” stories – Dundalli, Davis and Dowse.”
Tag Archives: Duramboi
Work and Business in the 1860s and 1870s
Separation from New South Wales, exploration and the gold rushes of the 1860s had opened up Queensland. Towns were proclaimed, from the tropical north to the far west, and businesses and infrastructure followed. Railways would gradually cross the colony, replacing the bullock teams and carts that slowly dragged goods across rough bush tracks and over creeks.Continue reading “Work and Business in the 1860s and 1870s”
A Brief History of Bushranging in Queensland. Part 1.
1824-1842 Moreton Bay Convict Settlement “Bushranging” was a term invented around 1805 to describe the actions of escaped convicts who took to the bush, often leading violent outlaw lives to secure food and avoid capture. Absconding became an attractive option in the penal settlements of Sydney (est. 1788) and Van Diemen’s Land (est. 1803). Food was scarce, rations wereContinue reading “A Brief History of Bushranging in Queensland. Part 1.”
On this day – September 04
1880 – Pedestrianism On September 04, 1880, a famous pedestrian named Baker walked 115 miles in 23 hours and 40 minutes in the old Brisbane Theatre. Pedestrianism was a popular pastime for participants and spectators in the 19th century. Baker had been involved in some promoted events before – including a challenge against a wire-walkerContinue reading “On this day – September 04”
Convict Runaways – “Duramboi” Davis Returns.
1842 Several factors combined to bring Duramboi back to Moreton Bay in 1842. His life amongst the indigenous people of the Fraser Coast would have become known to Europeans soon, due to the setting up of sheep stations near his family’s traditional lands. Explorers were mapping the Colony. And the times were changing. 1842 wasContinue reading “Convict Runaways – “Duramboi” Davis Returns.”
Convict Runaways. James “Duramboi” Davis.
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.”
Convict Runaways – Samuel Derrington.
Samuel Derrington LOCAL NEWS. DEATH OF MR. SAMUEL DERRINGTON. A very old resident of East Maitland, Mr Samuel Derrington, died on Sunday, from decay of nature, after a long life which had contained an uncommon experience. Mr. Derrington was, in his young manhood, brought by circumstances into the bush on the coast of Queensland, andContinue reading “Convict Runaways – Samuel Derrington.”
Moreton Bay and More 