George Brand and His Crimes In 1851 George again found himself before the courts for theft. A total of seven charges were put to him of numerous thefts from goods trains and trucks.1 At the time of these charges his occupation was listed as a potato dealer so it would seem that he used his prior knowledge from working for…
Introducing George Brand Australia was built on the backbone of convicts and the stories of these men and women are as vast and varied as the lives they left behind. Whilst some of these people failed to ever get out of the system, many others went on to establish a successful life in Australia. One such convict is George Brand…
Today I decided to veer away from the “Stories Under the Tree” that I have posted over the past week to tell you about my convict ancestor, George Brand. During the Diploma of Family History I have undertaken there has been two Units on convicts – Convict Ancestors and Convicts in Context. The first unit lets you choose a convict…
Jonah sat with his head in his hands. He had no idea how he was to continue. It was bad enough that young Sarah and George had to die but why did God have to take his Henney as well? How could he do it all raise the remaining children and work? “Dad do you want a cup of tea?”…
“I’ll have to be going. I promised Fanny I wouldn’t be long. I can’t believe the baby will be here so soon” said Samuel. Harriet smiled as she gently put her youngest son William in his cradle “I know son, I cannot wait for my first grandchild. ” As Harriet opened the door she looked down the street noticing her…
“Tom, sit still!” chastised Clara. She’d been tasked with the care of Tom on this trip to Kalgoorlie. “He’s just excited,” her mother said as she fed baby Ruth. “I know, but if he just wouldn’t wiggle so.” “Look, look we’re in the forest,” screamed Tom. Clara smiled. Tom turned to Clara, “Tell me about the other trips.” “Well, when…
Fletcher wandered down the street of Alexandria, Egypt heading towards the noise coming from the pub. His ship had landed early this morning and he had been given a few hours to unwind before his war started. He noticed a vacant stool at the bar and took up his position ordering a beer. “Hello” said a soldier in a cheery…
I was born in 1847 in Larbert, Scotland, a little town halfway between Glasgow and Edinburgh. When I was 4, my dad was transported to Australia. My mum told me that we might never see him again. However, now I am 12 and we have arrived to live with dad, in a small place called Greenough, Western Australia – 245…
Samuel finished giving his details to the Census Collector “I’ll get Jonah, my boarder for you.” Samuel entered the kitchen to find Jonah sitting with his head in his hands. His two children sitting quietly next to him. He touched Jonah on the shoulder “Jonah you’ll need to go give the man your details.” The collector was surprised as a…
The screen door slammed behind Gladys as she came running into the house. “Gladys! Shut the door gently!” her mother called from the kitchen, where she was making lunch. Breathlessly Gladys said, “The mail was in. There is a letter from Hilton.” Edith wiped her hands on her apron and reached for the letter. It had been nearly two months…