THE KENNIFFS ON TRIAL
The whole state of Queensland was gripped by the trial of the Kenniffs, which took place in the Brisbane Supreme Court. The trial was held before Sir Samuel W. Griffith, regarded as one of the founders of the Australian Constitution.
The Prosecution case was circumstantial, and the evidence of Crown witness, tracker Sam Johnson, regarded as unreliable. However, during the trial the courageous indigenous man proved to be faultless in his recollection of what transpired that day. His testimony to the jury was damning, and showed, beyond reasonable doubt, that the Kenniffs had brutally shot and murdered Albert Dhalke and George Doyle. READ MORE FROM THE ORIGINAL ARCHIVES HERE, HERE and HERE
Join us Saturday 12th January for the commemoration of the execution of Patrick Kenniff, bushranger. GO TO OUR EVENT ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE.
RUNNING THE KENNIFFS TO EARTH
As word of what the Kenniffs had done spread, stories, legends and folklore began to be created, some of which last to this day. Their reign was likened to the Kelly gang. Like the Kellys, in time the brothers began to be viewed by many, especially by their families, as the victims of prosecution for their Irish-Catholic origins – much to the disdain of authorities in the capital. As details emerged however, it was clear that murder had been committed, for which there was no excuse. READ MORE FROM THE ORIGINAL ARCHIVES HERE
One of the greatest manhunts in the history of Queensland began to locate the bushrangers. It took an incredible toll on those involved, man and animal alike. Horses died of exhaustion, caves and valleys were searched; for weeks men and beasts pressed on to catch the Kenniffs. READ MORE FROM THE ORIGINAL ARCHIVES HERE, HERE and HERE
A reward of 1000 pounds was offered, an enormous sum. Eventually, 23 June, the western bushrangers were apprehended. They were charged and brought before the courts. The end was now in sight. READ MORE FROM THE ORIGINAL ARCHIVES HERE and HERE
Join us Saturday 12th January for the commemoration of the execution of Patrick Kenniff, bushranger. GO TO OUR EVENT ON OUT FACEBOOK PAGE.