12th Avenue Vampire – Toowong Queensland

12th Avenue Vampire – Toowong Queensland

Statue at Toowong Cemetery - © Allen Tiller 2005

Only two cemeteries in the world are alleged to have a vampire that dwells amongst the graves, Highgate Cemetery in London, and Toowong Cemetery in Brisbane.

 It is said that a black shadow with razor-sharp teeth drifts through the trees on 12^th Avenue, a small road lined with graves within the Toowong Cemetery.

 Local legend has it that two gravediggers were called upon to exhume a body; they were puzzled by the softness of the ground, which appeared to have been recently disturbed. Once they had dug down to the coffin, the men were astounded to find the nails of the coffin had been pushed from the inside outward.
  The gravediggers reluctantly removed the coffin lid. They found the woman inside had not decomposed, even after 20 years of internment. It is claimed on the two gravediggers, by far the braver of the two reached into the coffin and touched the face of the corpse. Her head is said to have rolled to one side upon his touch, and as it did, she smiled, revealing two rows of sharp teeth.

The gravediggers dumped the coffin back in the grave, backfilled it, and left never to return again.

Toowong cemetery - © Allen Tiller 2005

 In more recent retellings of the story, the Vampire has gained the name of “Lily”. Retellings now also add an extra element of gore, with claims that her mouth was filled with shark-like rows of teeth, and thick red gore spilled from her mouth as she looked up at the gravediggers.

 There have also been reports of Lily the Vampire being seen during the day. One story claims that she smiled at passers-by around midday one afternoon, revealing her rows of shiny sharp teeth. The witnesses to this event fled the cemetery, only to find Lily had somehow beaten them to the gates and now blocked their way out. Lily the Vampire, then stepped aside gracefully and allowed the witnesses to pass unharmed.

Have you experienced the Vampire of Toowong Cemetery? Let me know in the comments...

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2019

Bibliography

Oct. 28th, 2007, Hauntings and the Paranormal, (2007) ,https://hauntings.livejournal.com/528101.html

Toowong Cemetery, Abandoned Histories, (2013), http://abandonedhistories.blogspot.com/2013/05/toowong-cemetery.html

Hill, T, Brisbane’s Buried Secrets, Weekend Notes, (2012), https://www.weekendnotes.com/brisbane-buried-secrets/

Schaumann, D, A Strange Thing Happened At Toowong Cemetery, (20 Oct 2010) http://schaumann.com.au/2010/10/a-strange-thing-happened-at-toowong-cemetery/

Sweetman, K, Ghost stories are few and far between at Toowong Cemetery, The Sunday Mail (QLD), ( 15 August 2015), https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/ghost-stories-are-few-and-far-between-at-toowong-cemetery/news-story/0f51bed5a100d0d3223889c5dbc518cc

 ‘Brisbane’s Necropolis’, ‘Black: Australian Dark Culture’. Magazine, Issue 1, (July 2008)

Walter Craig’s Melbourne Cup Death Premonition.

Walter Craig’s Melbourne Cup Premonition.

Walter Craig’s Melbourne Cup Death Premonition.

In 1870, Victorian newspapers reported an extraordinary tale of a prophetic dream involving a Melbourne Cup winner and the death of a Ballarat businessman. At the centre of the story was Walter Craig, the proprietor of Bath’s Hotel, and a racehorse named Nimblefoot.

Walter Craig had emigrated to Australia from Cumberland, England, around 1850. Initially working as a surveyor, he was involved in extensive work on the Mount Alexander railway line before turning his attention to land speculation, buying and selling property.

However, ill health eventually forced Craig to reconsider his occupation. In 1858, he purchased Bath’s Hotel in Ballarat, seeking a business that demanded less physical exertion. The venture proved highly successful, allowing him to expand the premises and establish the hotel as a prominent local landmark.

It was during this period that Craig reportedly experienced a remarkable dream. He recounted the details to his medical adviser, describing a vision in which he attended the 1870 Melbourne Cup. While at the racecourse, he approached a jockey and asked why he was wearing a black armband.

The jockey allegedly replied, “It’s for the old gentleman at Ballarat: he’s gone at last.”

Craig was deeply affected by the dream, interpreting it as a premonition of his own death. Convinced that the vision would come true, he insisted that if he died before the Melbourne Cup, his horse must still be entered in the race.

He also urged a friend to back the horse, basing his confidence entirely on the dream. His insistence reportedly attracted ridicule, but Craig remained convinced that events would unfold as he had foreseen.

Tragically, Craig died on 8 September 1870, aged just 45.

The Melbourne Cup was subsequently delayed by a week because of heavy rain. When the race finally took place, Nimblefoot was entered as Craig had requested. The jockey wore Craig’s racing colours, along with a black armband in his memory. Against the odds, Nimblefoot won the 1870 Melbourne Cup.

For those who knew of Craig’s dream, the victory appeared to fulfil his extraordinary prediction: the horse had won the race, the jockey wore the black armband, and the “old gentleman at Ballarat” was indeed dead.

Was Walter Craig’s dream a genuine premonition of events to come, or a remarkable coincidence given added significance after his death? Whatever the explanation, the story of Craig and Nimblefoot remains a fascinating piece of Victorian racing folklore, connecting a celebrated sporting victory with a chilling tale of foreknowledge and mortality.

Such was the impact of Walter Craig’s dream upon the psyche of Melbourne Cup supporters, that it inspired a poem:

CRAIGS DREAM

" THERE are more things in heaven and earth

         Than dreamt of by philosophy;"

Which, when vouchsafed by men of worth,

          All sceptical ideas defy.

Thus, of all dreams of which men tell,

       Nought could be clearer or less vague

Than that so strangely which befell

        The lost, the much-loved WALTER CRAIG.

One night, the veteran, on his couch

         I’ll, 'twixt the intervals of pain

(As next day to his friends did vouch),

         Dreamt he beheld that Racecourse plain,

Where yearly meets the sporting crowd,

         Anxious to see "the numbers up,"

And warmly greet, in accents loud,

          The Winner of the Melbourne Cup.

He dreamt he saw the well-known scene—

         The Stand, the leaps, the wall, the logs;

Crowds greater, too, than e'er had been;

         The usual swarm of worthless dogs.

He saw the horses at their post

         Before the starter's flag parade,

Of which his own nag pleased him most,

         Whose jock in violet was arrayed.

It seemed, besides, that he (whose loss

         Of late the sporting world must grieve)

Noticed the rider of his horse

          Was wearing crape upon his sleeve.

He watched the struggle down " the straight,"

          His own horse winning at the Stand

He saw (in dreams), with pride elate

           (Whose rider wore that mourning band).

Though from our midst he's passed away,

          This instance of the second sight

Has been fulfilled—and, strange to say,

          In every point minutely right.

Nought stranger fiction could invent.

           As dreamt, the horse so resolute

That carried off " the Great Event,"

          Was " Panic's" son, fleet "Nimblefoot."

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2019

Bibliography

'REMARKABLE DREAM.', The Australasian, (12 November 1870), p. 21.

'CRAIG'S DREAM.', Melbourne Punch, (17 November 1870), p. 7.

‘A CAULFIELD CUP DREAM.', The Horsham Times, (21 October 1902), p. 3.

'THE DREAM HORSE’, The Age, (11 November 1916), p. 14.

'DEATH OF MR WALTER CRAIG.', Portland Guardian and Normanby General Advertiser, (8 September 1870), p. 6.

'NIMBLEFOOT.', Weekly Times, (19 November 1870), p. 9.

Darwin Ghost Hunt 1948

Darwin Ghost Hunt 1948

Darwin 1948

 In 1948, Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory of Australia, was spooked by ghostly goings-on in the city. A ghost was haunting a prominent location in the city. Rumours spread of the ghosts, and by early October a score of people had arrived on site to catch a glimpse of the ghost.

 Around 12 people showed up to experience the haunting for themselves. Right at midnight, two ghosts appeared, much to the surprise of everyone present. One girl almost passed out at the sight. The real surprise came only a short while later when another ghost appeared.

 The third ghost skirted the fence line and made its way toward the group of onlookers and the original two ghosts. Such was its appearance that onlookers gathered sticks and stones to defend themselves from the ghost. They pelted the mischievous spirits and drove it back from their posse.
The ghost fell on its ghostly garments and took another fall over the fence, all the while being hit with missiles.

 The ghost soon revealed its true origins when it jumped in a waiting taxi and sped off down the street to escape its mortal attackers!

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2019

Bibliography

'GHOST HUNT', Northern Standard, (8 October 1948), p. 6.

Darwin Photo Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/db/ba/93/dbba931d8817e4c5e22d8a169e4ac39c.jpg

Papuan Marsalai (Ghost)

Papuan Marsalai

In the Papuan Jungle at the height of the Pacific Campaign of World War Two, the ‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’, became alarmed by a ghost. The ‘Fuzzies’ were Papuan New Guinean natives that were recruited by the Australian army during the Kokoda Campaign of World War Two, to help move goods, and wounded troops through the jungle.

The Papua New Guinean natives were extremely superstitious. They believed that a ‘Marsalai’, an unseen phantom was running past their barracks every morning at top speed.  The ‘Fuzzies’ swore to the Australians that they knew no living man would dare risk running in the New Guinean heat. They also claimed that no man would run in the jungle at night, so therefore only an ‘Itambu’, their equivalent of the Irish Banshee, could be the possible cause.

After an investigation, it was determined that a ghost was not present, but the ‘running itambu’ was, in fact, an American Captain, Bob MacCloskey. Capt. MacCloskey was a red-haired es-salesman from Los Angeles. Every day, he would wake up before sunrise and run 10 miles, followed by six ‘kick-ups’ on a horizontal bar.
 When asked if he was a cross country runner, MacCloskey replied ”Hell no! I gotta base job. I just gotta run to go nuts!”

...And hence the case of the Papuan Marsalai was solved!

Researched and written by Allen Tiller ©2019

Bibliography:

‘Fuzzy Wuzzy Angels’, Australian Army, (4 December 2016), https://www.army.gov.au/our-history/history-in-focus/fuzzy-wuzzy-angels

'Jungle Ghost', Army News, (12 September 1943), p. 3.

A Fatal Superstition: The Man Who Swallowed a Cat’s Eyes

Ah Yin and the Cats Eye

A Fatal Superstition: The Man Who Swallowed a Cat’s Eyes

Throughout history, animals have featured prominently in traditional beliefs, magical practices and superstitions across many cultures. In parts of Asia, certain animal body parts were believed to possess medicinal or supernatural properties, capable of curing ailments, attracting wealth or transferring desirable qualities to those who consumed them.

Tigers, in particular, have long been associated with traditional Chinese medicinal beliefs and folk magic. Some practitioners have attributed healing properties to various tiger body parts, claiming they could treat conditions such as impotence and joint pain, while others believed they could bring prosperity and good fortune.

Many of these beliefs reflect the principle of sympathetic magic — the idea that something resembling a desired quality, or possessing it in nature, can transfer that quality to another. As a powerful apex predator, the tiger symbolised strength, courage and vitality, leading some to believe that consuming its body parts could impart those attributes. Such beliefs have contributed to the demand for tiger products and the threat to wild tiger populations.

A far more unusual example of animal-related superstition was reported in Braidwood, New South Wales, in 1881. A Chinese immigrant named Ah Yin was reportedly suffering from progressively worsening eyesight. Convinced that a cat’s eyes possessed magical healing properties, he believed that eating them would restore his failing vision.

According to the account, a man named Ay Pong purchased a cat and took it to Ah Yin, who drowned the unfortunate animal. He then removed its eyes, coated them in sugar to make them more palatable and swallowed the first one. Believing that each eye would cure its corresponding human counterpart, Ah Yin proceeded to swallow the second eye.

Tragically, as he swallowed it, he began coughing and choking. He was unable to dislodge the obstruction and died.

The subsequent post-mortem examination reportedly revealed that the cat’s eye had become lodged in the cavity above his vocal cords. The eye was said to have been large enough to obstruct his throat, causing him to suffocate.

What Ah Yin believed would restore his sight instead cost him his life. His story serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of relying on superstition for medical treatment, particularly when it involves practices that can cause serious physical harm.

Researched and written by Allen Tiller.

Bibliography

‘Animals endangered by superstitions’, Perth Zoo, https://perthzoo.wa.gov.au/article/animals-endangered-superstitions

'CURIOUS DEATH.', The Australasian Sketcher with Pen and Pencil, (17 December 1881), p. 414

'DID YOU KNOW?', Bunyip, (6 July 1951), p. 3.

'THE MAYOR'S REPORT.', Bunyip, (2 December 1881), p. 2

'CURIOUS DEATH.', The Argus, (26 November 1881), p. 10.

The Ghosts of Old Geelong Gaol.

The Ghosts of Old Geelong Gaol.

Old Geelong Gaol - source: Geelong Gaol Museum

 The Old Geelong Gaol was decommissioned from service in July 1991. From its opening in 1853 until its closure the gaol saw hundreds, possibly thousands of deaths. Two of those deaths were executions, and some were murders, but there were also many suicides, accidental deaths and deaths from illness. (the Geelong Gaol was used as a hospital for Victorian criminals). I have chronicled some of those deaths in previous posts on this blog.

 Ghost stories were often told by the prisoners themselves inside the gaol. Prisoners often reported the sounds of young girls playing, whistling or singing. This coincides with the known history of the gaol. From 1865 until 1871 the East Wing was used as an Industrial School for girls. It was shut down after a royal commission revealed that its conditions were “many degrees worse than that of any other school”.

 You may remember on Haunting: Australia I captured an EVP of what sounds like a young girl saying “Spooky” after I played a prank on Rayleen near the kitchens in Geelong Gaol. That wasn’t the only odd occurrence. On the top level, there is a room that I can only describe as a double room. We were told that it was used as an exercise room for young girls. During Haunting: Australia I captured on a video a shadow person, about the height of an 11-year-old girl, on video. The image blocks the light coming into the room from outside. The footage wasn’t used in the episode as the executive producer didn’t think it was “strong enough evidence” (but some of the things I contested as evidence made it into the show – go figure!).

Cell 55: The condemned man cell, used for holding men due for executions seems to be the epicentre of this haunting, with many people reporting paranoia, cold spots, being touched, and seeing a black shadow move through this area.
 One spirit identified in this area is that of executed murderer James Murphy. Murphy has been seen in the condemned man's cell and on the hanging platform. He has also been reported as standing around the cardboard cuttings that depict his hanging.

Cell 45: This cell is considered one of the most haunted in the gaol. Past inmates claimed to have heard girls screaming from inside and outside this cell while being imprisoned there. Others have claimed being pushed by unseen forces, and even pinched while in this cell.

Cell 75: This cell is home to a spirit nicknamed “Ranga”. It is claimed Ranga is the ghost of a former paedophile. Often people report the overwhelming stench of fresh urine in this cell. One ghost hunter claimed that he was punched so hard by an invisible force in this cell, that others outside could hear the physical impact of the spectral thumping!
 It is claimed Ranga stalks people he considers weaker than himself. He preys on these people and physically attacks them. He has been seen in the cell sitting on his bed, sometimes as a forming apparition, sometimes as an imprint upon the bed.

 The Morgue is claimed to be haunted by a spirit named Mary. No one is exactly sure who Mary might be, whether she was one of the schoolgirls or a prisoner who died while giving birth in the gaol hospital above. Or even a female prisoner's suicide. Mary makes her presence known in the morgue, but she is not the only ghost haunting this section of the gaol. Another spirit in the morgue is a male, who presses his face against the glass room divider and stares at those near the autopsy table.
 there have also been reports of ghost hunters being physically pushed out of the morgue, and people leaving with bruises from un-felt altercations with spirit.

Rayleen Kable in the Geelong Gaol Kitch during Haunting: Australia 2013

The Kitchens: located on the ground floor, the kitchen is reported to be haunted by an aggressive male spirit who likes to grab women’s breasts and behinds. This spirit has been known to run its hands up women’s thighs and do a manoeuvre Donald Trump has made famous!
 This spirit also plays with women’s hair and has been known to become aggressive to males, often scratching them.

External Shower Block: This area is reported to be haunted by former prisoners that were shanked. Ian Lawman, during Haunting: Australia, claimed to have psychically picked up on one prisoner’s near-death shanking experience in this section of the gaol. Other people report feeling very uncomfortable in this section of the gaol.

Gaurav Tiwari's full-spectrum "Gaol Gaurd" photograph 2013

 Centre-Circle: This is the section of the gaol where the prisoner's guard box is located. It is designed to be able to see clearly down all four wings of the gaol. During a meeting before filming Haunting: Australia, I noticed a man on the third level looking over the railings down at the team. He was dressed in dark blue, but his facial features were indistinguishable. Later, during an interview, while I was on camera, I heard footsteps walking along the gangway above me. The footsteps caught on camera, come along a level above then walk down the stairs right where I was being interviewed.
 This is also the section of the gaol where Gaurav Tiwari caught his full-spectrum photograph of the ghost of a gaol guard. The guard appears to be standing near the staircase looking toward the moan entry of the gaol. What many sceptics of the photo don’t realise is that, on the night, Gaurav and I tried to recreate and debunk the image. I stood in the place where the image is in the photo, and we measured height, circumference etc, to conclude that the image would’ve been at least a foot taller than me (I’m 183 cm – 6 foot) and its appearance seemed ‘stretched out’.
 If you look really closely at Gaurav’s photo you might also notice something else a little odd. The knees of the spirit appear to bend backwards!

Visit the old Geelong Gaol Museum: https://www.facebook.com/geelonggaolmuseum/

Or Geelong Gaol Ghost Tours: https://twistedhistory.net.au/tour/geelong-gaol-ghost-tour/

Allen Tiller © 2019

Cite this article: 

Tiller, A, The Ghosts of Old Geelong Gaol, Eidolon Paranormal Blog, (2019), 

The Demise of John Hassett – Geelong Gaol

The Demise of John Hassett – Geelong Gaol

John Hassett, c. 1890.
PROV, VPRS 515/P0 Central Register of Male Prisoners, Unit 42, Folio 490

 Early in the morning on 25 August 1889, it was alleged that Frances De Veilles and John Hassett attacked Constable Albert Earnest Vizard, with the intent to murder him at Lygon Street, Carlton. They beat the policeman with a leather belt that had a large heavy belt buckle attached to it. When the officer fell to the ground, they kicked him relentlessly.

The attack was witnessed by Patrick Bailey, who grabbed a large stick and beat the assailants away from the police officer. Vizard, who had only been with the police force for a year, was so badly wounded from the assault that he had to retire from the workforce.

 Francis De Veilles was arrested a few days later at Kilmore. He was charged and sentenced to death, but his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment. Hassett was arrested a couple of weeks later, and also sentenced to death, and then commuted to life imprisonment – except, Hassett may not have been De Veilles accomplice, but an innocent man found guilty on circumstantial evidence.

 During their court case, it was never inferred in one instance that the two men knew each other, nor did either man state they knew each other. Hassett had wounds on his head, that the prosecution alleged were from the beating given by Bailey, but the chemist who was bought in as a witness to identify Vizard's assailant, stated in court, that he was not sure that Hassett was the correct person as the gentleman he had treated had a much thicker and heavier moustache and beard.

  Whether Hassett was guilty or not, he was sentenced to gaol. He appealed four times to the powers that be to be released, but all his efforts failed. Hassett had been a model prisoner and was soon appointed Assistant to the Dispenser, which gave him extra privileges. He had come to Geelong Gaol from Pentridge Gaol in August 1898, suffering from heart disease. (Geelong Gaol at this time was used to house sick or injured inmates from other gaols in Victoria).

  On the 6th of December 1901, Hassett ran into the Geelong Gaol barber shop which sat across the hall from the Gaol Dispensary. He was crying and asked fellow prisoner, and barber, John Corrigan, to say goodbye to his mother for him. Hassett then ran into the Dispensary and smashed open a large medicine chest.
 Corrigan shouted to a guard named Barnes and both men followed Hassett into the Dispensary. Hassett was drinking from a large bottle. When he saw the two men, he pulled from under his sock a large lance and threatened “rip up” anyone who tried to approach him.

 The effects of the medicines he had swallowed soon consumed Hassett, and he fell to the ground. A stomach pump was applied, but he died just a few hours later. It was later revealed during an inquest that the poison Hassett had consumed contained tinctures of belladonna, opium, digitalis, aconite, and liquid strychnine.

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2019

Bibliography

'THE GEELONG GAOL.', The Murchison Times and Day Dawn Gazette, (10 December 1901), p. 2.

'THE SUICIDE IN GEELONG GAOL.', The Age, (9 December 1901), p. 6.

'IN GEELONG GAOL.', The Herald, (7 December 1901), p. 4.

'GEELONG GAOL SUICIDE.', Geelong Advertiser, (10 December 1901), p. 4.

1901 'GEELONG GAOL SUICIDE.', The Argus, 9 December, p. 5

'CAPTURE OF AN ARMED CRIMINAL', The Argus, (28 August 1889), p. 8.

The Demise of Thomas Pengilley – Old Geelong Gaol

The Demise of Thomas Pengilley – Old Geelong Gaol

 

Main Street Birregurra 1907 - Royal Mail Hotel

 Thomas Pengilley had been a successful prospector in Victoria. In 1855 he established the firm of Pengilley and Childs, general storekeepers in Mercer Street, Geelong. He later had business’ at Morrison and Stieglitz gold diggings, before buying a hotel at Sebastopol near Ballarat

In 1880, Thomas Pengilley was the publican at the Royal Mail Hotel, Birregurra, in which he lived with his wife and young family. The 47-year-old publican had become unhinged, and over a four-year period had begun to attack his wife making her feel unsafe in her own home.

 
 Mrs Pengilley, afraid for her children contacted the local police and had Thomas detained. He was sent to the Kew Lunatic Asylum. Pengilley spent time in and out of Kew over a span of a few years. His erratic and unpredictable behaviour caused problems for the hotel’s income. Often Pengilley would become unfriendly and hostile toward patrons, causing his wife to shut the doors.

 Eventually, Mrs Pengilley had enough and being abused by her husband and had him arrested. He was taken to the Birregurra Police Court where he was charged to keep the peace with his wife for six months. Pengilley could not meet the requirements of the securities of his sentence and was instead sent to Geelong Gaol to serve a short term.

Pengilley was placed in a cell away from other inmates. He arranged to have his meals provided by an outside source.
 On the night of his death, a warder brought him a glass of water around 6pm. The Warder noticed that Pengilley was morose and slightly unhinged. He left him be and returned at 9pm. The warder pushed the cell door open and discovered Pengilley had hung himself by tying a valise strap around his neck and attaching it to a gas bracket above the door, hanging himself.

 It is believed that Pengilley became addicted to hard liquor, which eventually led to him physically and mentally abusing his wife and family. That alcoholism also led to his insanity and eventual suicide.

Yarra Ben Asylum - Victoria

 The tragedy of the Pengilleys does not end there. Thomas's oldest son, Thomas junior was accused in 1889 of not paying maintenance of a child he had had out of wedlock. In the same year, Thomas, like his father before him, found himself admitted to Kew Lunatic Asylum.
 In 1890, Thomas Jr. Was formally charged with deserting his child. The child’s mother, Phillis Labatt stated in court that Pengilley had fled to Broken Hill, she also stated that he was a frequent resident of the Yarra Bend Lunatic Asylum. Pengilley died at the age of 38 in 1899.

Victoria Police Gazette - May 21 1890

Researched and written by Allen Tiller ©2019

Bibliography:

'BIRREGURRA NEWS.', Geelong Advertiser, (2 September 1889), p. 3.

'BIRREGURRA.',The Colac Herald, (11 July 1882), p. 3.

'Family Notices', The Argus, (9 October 1899), p. 1.

'Family Notices', Geelong Advertiser, (6 February 1880), p. 2.

'GEELONG.', The Age, (5 February 1880), p. 3.

'POLICE COURT.', Geelong Advertiser, (9 November 1889), p. 4.

'SUICIDE IN THE GEELONG GAOL.', The Ballarat Courier, (6 February 1880), p. 3.

'TOWN TALK.', Geelong Advertiser, (23 May 1890), p. 2.

Victoria, Australia, Police Gazettes, 1855, 1864-1924 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2016.
Original data: Victoria Police Gazette Indexes. CD-ROM. Ridgehaven, South Australia: Gould Genealogy and History, 2009.

Old Geelong Gaol (part 7): Thomas Menard – Murderer.

Old Geelong Gaol (part 7): Thomas Menard – Murderer.

Two Warrnambool quarrymen, under the employ of Mr JH Evans, got into an argument over the American Civil War.  It was 1865, and the American civil war between the North and the South had just ended in May. The two workers, James Sweeney, and US-born Thomas Menard, known locally as 'Yankee Tom', argued incessantly, almost coming to blows, until the fight was broken up.

 After their shift, the men returned to their lodgings. Menard was heard telling his bunkmates that the day's argument wasn’t over, and there would be worse to come. That night, as all the men lay in their beds in the shared bunkhouse, Menard arose and unloaded a six-shot revolver into Sweeney’s bunk.[1]

 Menard hastily escaped as the men panicked. He was later arrested near Beechworth.[2]

Sweeney languished in pain and remained alive after the shooting. He had a flesh wound on his upper abdomen on the left-hand side, another wound between his naval and his ribs on the same side, and one a little higher up where the bullet had gone between his ribs and lodged in his armpit.[3] Sweeney also had a bullet lodged in his arm. He lingered on for two more days in the hospital but eventually died due to a bullet lodged in his liver, dying on June 12 from his wounds.

Thomas Menard was also known by his other alias’ ‘Yankee Tom’ and ‘Thomas Barrett’. He was brought up on remand from Beechworth, via Melbourne for the murder of James Sweeney on June 10th, 1865. Menard was put on trial, with witnesses John Haw stating he had seen the whole event. When questioned, Menard showed no contrition and stated he would do the same again. He was duly convicted of murder and sentenced to death.[4]
 Thomas Menard was born in Louisiana, USA, emigrating to Australia in 1855. He was described as 28 years of age, five feet five inches tall, with brown hair, grey eyes and a medium build.

 Menard was given ample opportunity to confess his guilt in gaol. At first, he refused counsel from gaol-appointed priests, but the day before his execution changed his mind. [5]  Up until that point though, Menard had repeated that his actions were justified, that Sweeney got what he deserved and that he, would do the same again knowing his own outcome.

 The day before his execution, Menard’s views changed, and he admitted his guilt and sorrow for what he had committed, stating that he knew he deserved what was coming for him. Menard began to pray with the priests.

 A rosebud was given to Menard, of which he requested that it be placed in his coffin and buried with him.

 The hangman entered Menards cell before 10am on 28 October 1865. Menard appeared emotionless and allowed the hangman to go about his business pinioning Menards arms. At 10am, led by the Governor of the Gaol, Menard was led to the gallows. He was paraded in front of the Gaol Governor, Chaplains, Surgeons and Officers, and around 40 members of the public.[6]

  Menard stood on the trap door, over his head a small white cap was placed that partially covered his face. In his hand, he held a prayer he had written. The noose was placed over his head, and Rev Strickland read out a burial service. Menard made no sounds or movements. At the conclusion of Rev. Strickland’s sermon, the hangman lowered the cloth other Menard's face shook his hand and said a few words to him. Menard did not speak but nodded in recognition. The order was given, and the hangman released the lever. Menard dropped to his death, his handwritten note dropping from his hand. He was allowed to hang for 15 minutes before a doctor checked for signs of life.

The letter Menard was holding when he was executed stated (in his spelling):

“I stand this Day of Our Lord before his grace. I knew a man the name of Sweeny.

The first or second day he insulted me on the work. I never spoke. A day or two after I had sivel  word with King, which we settled. Was good friends after. The next morning Sweeny asked me where was I rered, what makes you let the Shelbag say any thing, why don't you strike him. I don't like quarrelling. This time anything Swny told me to do I dun it, and gave him anything he wanted as a neighbor. He commenced growling, I then went to another place; the foreman called me down to help him. I dun so. Swny came over and turned back sayd Yankee, I will kick your— I do not allow Irish to kick. Do it. He got in vilant rage, going to strike. I stoped him. I looked at him, sayd I will give you a cause. I will have, them arms of yours when I go home. If you do you will never harm no more. This saild his death. Have I dan wright or evil. God forgive me. Was he (illegible) Duck Yafrican he wd never be shot. That he was Irish he cryd for mercy. I could give no quarters knowing his wrongs. His mate grond fearfull. Could give no assistance with his life lost. I can't say I am sorry. God forgive me. With you all I lave the old world its troubles blesd. I go along to the new one. Farewell, I do not wish to say any more. The secrets of my heart go to the grave with me."

 THOMAS MENARD.

Thomas Menard was interred in the Geelong Gaol grounds with the letter, he had written and the rosebud he had been given inside his coffin.

A death mask was made of Thomas Menard which is on display in the gaol.

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2019

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[1] 'INCIDENTS OF THE MONTH.', Geelong Advertiser, (25 October 1865), p. 2.

[2] 'INCIDENTS OF THE MONTH.', Geelong Advertiser, (25 October 1865), p. 2.

[3] 'THE LATE MURDER IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT.', The Australasian, (12 August 1865), p. 7.

[4] 'VICTORIA.', Launceston Examiner, (19 October 1865), p. 3.

[5] 'EXECUTION OF MENARD AT THE GEELONG GAOL.', Border Watch, (11 November 1865), p. 1.

[6] 'EXECUTION OF THOMAS MENARD, ALIAS YANKEE TOM.', The Australian News for Home Readers, (25 November 1865), p. 6.

Old Geelong Gaol (part 6): James Murphy – Murderer

Old Geelong Gaol (part 6): James Murphy – Murderer

Former Warrnambool Police station, cells and courthouse complex

 

James Murphy pleaded Not Guilty to the charge of murdering Daniel O'Boyle, a police constable, at Warrnambool, on August 4, 1863. Murphy was accused of lighting a fire in the Warrnambool Courthouse in an effort to escape prison. Murphy struck Police Constable, Daniel O’Boyle in the back of the head with a hammer, killing him.

Murphy, an old soldier who had served in the Afghan wars, had been placed in the gaol cells at Warrnambool, which was a small complex that also housed a courthouse. He was awaiting trial for stealing horses in the district. It was the job of the prisoners to aid the police in cleaning the courthouse and other sections of the complex. On this day, Constable O’Boyle escorted Murphy to the courthouse where they were going to clean the room of the Clerk of Petty Sessions. As Constable O’Boyle leaned down to light a fire, Murphy took the opportunity to strike him in the back of the head with a hammer. Murphy had stolen the hammer from a local stonemason who was repairing a wall in the courtyard. 

Murphy made his escape, casually walking back through the courtyard towards the gaols. With no one on duty, he was able to walk out the front door. O’Boyle’s body was only discovered sometime later when a worker went into the searching for a ladder.
 27-year-old O’Boyle died 22 hours after the attack.

A search party of police, volunteers and townsfolk scoured the town for Murphy, but he was not to be found. In the next few days telegraphs dispatched were sent to towns around Victoria, with a description of Murphy.
 Murphy was arrested in Melbourne and sent to Geelong Gaol for holding until his trial.

It took a jury just 15 minutes on October 21, 1863, to find Murphy guilty of murder. Murphy was asked if he had anything to say about being found guilty, and he replied: “I throw myself, gentlemen, on your mercy. I have a wife and five children, and I have been in a long time in the colony. There was a row, your Honour, between myself and the constable, and he struck me in two places on my head.”

 The Judge replied that his objections had been raised by his counsel, but that as he was detained, and struck O’Boyle when he was not looking, it could not be considered manslaughter, but murder. Despite more pleas from Murphy that the murder was an accident, the Judge ruled with the jury and sentenced Murphy to death by hanging.

James Murphy was executed inside the Geelong Gaol on the newly constructed gallows. He was the first man hung inside the gaol. The Mayor of Geelong, the Sherriff, Dr Reid, Dr Pincott and Dr Macking, as well as 30 other people, were present for the execution. 100 people had gathered outside the gaol, hoping for a glimpse of the execution.

 Murphy was given last rites by Catholic Priest, Rev Clampet. Clampet had spent the night previous with Murphy offering prayer and solace to the convicted murderer.
 An executioner was sent to Geelong from Melbourne, who recognised Murphy as a former friend from their time in Tasmania. The two men greeted each other, with the executioner driven to tears. He soon composed himself and got to the job at hand.

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2019

Other Sources:

'THE EXECUTION OF JAMES MURPHY.', Portland Guardian and Normanby General Advertiser, 12 November 1863, p. 3.

'BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.', Hamilton Spectator and Grange District Advertiser, (23 October 1863), p. 2.

'MURDER AT THE WARRNAMBOOL COURT HOUSE; ESCAPE OF THE MURDERER.', Geelong Advertiser, (11 August 1863), p. 3.

'Table Talk.', Portland Guardian and Normanby General Advertiser, (20 August 1863), p. 3.

 'ACCIDENTS AND OFFENCES.', Leader, (8 August 1863), p. 3.

'MURPHY THE MURDERER.', The Herald, (14 August 1863), p. 3.

'THE WARRNAMBOOL MURDER.', Leader, (24 October 1863), p. 4.

'MISCELLANEOUS.', Geelong Advertiser, (25 November 1863), p. 3.

'THE EXECUTION OF JAMES MURPHY', Geelong Advertiser, (7 November 1863), p. 3.

Old Geelong Gaol (part 5): Owen McQueeney – Murderer

Old Geelong Gaol (part 5): Owen McQueeney – Murderer

  In 1858 Owen McQueeney (sometimes spelled McQueeny or Queeny) was accused of killing Elizabeth Lowe at “Green Tent” near Ballarat. Green Tent, where ‘Green Tent Road’ near Meredith in Victoria gets its name, was a small structure that served as a shop and tavern to local gold fields.
  The Green Tent was owned by Mrs Elizabeth Lowe (nee Matheson), who with her husband had established a travelling shop. Her husband had left one day to buy a horse and cart and never returned. Mrs Lowe decided to stay where she was and set up the Green Tent as her shop. She made a lot of money very quickly and was able to purchase a pair of jade earrings that she wore daily which proclaimed her success in business.

  McQueeney was an Irish man, with an imposing disposition and a cataract in one eye, giving him a fearsome look. McQueeney had spent two years in prison for stealing horses and claimed he had come to the gold fields to find some missing bullocks. He leered at the shop owner, Mrs Lowe as he explained his fake story of seeking lost bullocks. The following day he returned and spent the entire day at Green Tent drinking. McQueeney began to visit the Green Tent daily, with locals noting Mrs Lowe’s fear of the man.


  One day, local Revenue Officer, Joseph Smith arrived at the tent, and noticed swirling smoke from the chimney, went inside expecting to be greeted by staff or other visitors, only to find no one inside. Smith decided to wait for Mrs Lowe, thinking she had gone running an errand. He became suspicious when a strange smell came from the chimneys. He went to check and found Mrs Lowe sprawled across the floor, her hair lying in the fire. Smith noticed a gunshot wound, where a bullet had penetrated her eye, and instantly called for help. He rolled Mrs Lowe over and found underneath her body her 2-month-old son, uninjured. He ordered a man nearby to get to the telegraph station and report to the Geelong and Ballarat police that a murder had occurred.


 A local aboriginal tracker came to Smith and showed him tracks leaving the hut. McQueeney had very large feet, which made him easily tracked. A witness spotted him near Meredith, carrying a very large swag. McQueeney was next reported by a local salesperson named Gallagher, near Geelong who he had sold all his tea too. Gallagher stated that McQueeney had sold him the teas because his mother had; “sickened him of it when he was a youngster in England”. This fact would eventually be his undoing.

Trooper McIntyre visited Mrs Adam's boarding house in Geelong. He asked Mrs Adams; “Have you in your establishment a man with one eye that does not like tea?”
Mrs Adams, suspicious of the policeman asked why he needed to know, to which he replied “ murder!”.
Mrs Adams, taken aback by the claim stated: “There’s a cove at my place with a shield over one eye, and only this morning Nellie remarked that he never drank tea.”
Trooper McIntyre arrested McQueeney, earning himself a promotion.


 The police, despite all the evidence they had collected against McQueeney, seemed non-plussed about prosecuting him, putting him in gaol while waiting for more evidence to be procured. McQueeney himself provided the last bit of evidence needed to place him squarely as the murderer.
While in gaol, McQueeney confided in another prisoner who was soon to be released and offered him a pair of jade earrings, telling him to sell them for tobacco, and to get it into the gaol. Instead of following McQueeney’s orders, the prisoner reported the earrings to the Gaoler.

During the trial inquest, Mrs Lowe’s body was exhumed from her grave at Meredith, where it was shown her well-known earrings had been torn from her ears. During his trial on October 9 1858, McQueeney was called to the stand, where he verbally abused all the witnesses, the judge and everyone else in earshot and asked ridiculous questions in what appeared to be a plight to be declared insane.

The sentencing Judge, Mr Justice Williams led proceedings. After all the evidence was submitted, it took the jury just ten minutes to reach their guilty verdict. McQueeney was sentenced to death by hanging.


At 7:30 am on 20 October 1858, McQueeney was taken from his cell by the Governor and hangman. His shackles were removed, and his arms pinioned. Catholic Priest, Father O’Brien read McQueeney his last rites. At 8am, the Sherriff demanded the body of McQueeney and then led the procession to the gallows. McQueeney proclaimed his innocence with every step. Once at the gallows, he claimed he was been manhandled excessively, and ironically, claimed the noose was too tight.
At 8:05am, the pin was pulled, and McQueeney was hung at Gallow’s Flat.[1]

There are claims that after the death of McQueeney, an unusual request was received by the Sherriff. About an hour or so after the execution, a crippled woman sought permission to have her hands “streaked over” by the hands of the dead murderer in the hope of curing her disease!

Researched and written by Allen Tiller © 2019

Sources:

'GEELONG.', The Argus, (21 October 1858), p. 5.

'GEELONG.', Bendigo Advertiser, (26 July 1858), p. 3.

1858: Owen McQueeney, Green Tent Murderer, ExecutedToday.com (2014), http://www.executedtoday.com/2014/10/20/1858-owen-mcqueeney-green-tent-murderer/

'The Case of the Man Who was Hanged by an Eye', The World's News, (13 October 1937), p. 10.

1858 'THE GREEN TENT MURDER.', The Age, (7 August 1858), p. 5.

'SOCIAL.', The Age, (16 October 1858), p. 5.

Mitchell, Jo, ‘Making tracks - all roads lead to the Green Tent’, Barwon Blog, (29 October 2015), http://barwonblogger.blogspot.com/2015/10/

'THE MURDER AT THE GREEN TENT.', The Argus, (27 July 1858), p. 6.

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[1] 'GEELONG.', The Argus, (21 October 1858), p. 5.