Metcalf

Could this image above be the original house of Robert Metcalf ?
It is in the same street in Kyneton Vic as the one on the right.
This house looks very similar to the one on the right (sorry about the quality) 
with Robert  (George's father) standing out front.

(Consent to publish house on right by David White (no relation to me) a descendent of
George Metcalf.

George Metcalf was a prisoner in the Glenrowan Inn during the siege. 
He was wounded in the eyes during the battle and the police claimed that Ned 
shot him by accident, whereas George maintained he was hit by the police. 
Why would George make up such a story if Ned had actually shot him? It seems 
possible that he was able to receive greater compensation and medical attention 
if shot by police. At least that is the impression I get from police documents. 
They (the police) believed Ned accidentally shot George whilst playing around 
with an unfamiliar rifle. Either way the poor man was to be wounded in the eyes 
and not live more than a few months after the siege.

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                                                                                  196 Collins St E

                                                                                                1, July 1880

Chief Commissioner Police

Sir,

A patient came to Melbourne
recently injured in the eye during
the attack by Police of the
“Kelly Gang” I admitted him
tentatively into the eye & ear
Hospital till I communicated
with the head of the department,
whether he is a fit case

For the ????, the rules
being very stringent as
to our admitting any other,
will the authorities pay up
I admitted him privately as he
states he is unable to so
himself – otherwise he can
remain where he is ?

   Your obedt servt

                Andrew ???????

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    From genealogical Metcalf family website:       '

The tale of George William METCALF born at Fingal, Tasmania on 7 July 1846.
George was the fourth child of the convict - Robert METCALF and his wife, Sarah ELLIS.

He was employed with five others in quarrying stone near Glenrowen (sic) and on the morning of the celebrated 
Sunday was wakened by the Ned Kelly gang, and along with his mates was compelled to tear up the line.
Afterwards he was locked up with the others in the Glenrowen (sic) Hotel and when the fight commenced was 
lying on the floor near the chimney.
He was severely wounded in the eyes by the first volley that was fired by the police. After the fight he was sent 
down to the Eye and Ear Institution at Melbourne.

He was discharged from the hospital in early October 1880, but stayed in Fitzroy at "the Wilson's" for further 
treatment and until he was fit enough to travel back to Kyneton.

He died on the 15 October 1880 from the injuries received four months previously at Glenrowen (sic).

In a letter dated 12 September, to his sister Sarah he says:

Dear Sarah,

You must excuse me for not writing before. My eyes were too weak and I didn't like to bother Mr Wilson, 
and I didn't know anyone else, but it's better late than never.

My eyes are getting on very well, but I don't know when I can leave Melbourne, for they are very weak yet.

I pass my time very well when the sun is not too strong I go down Bourke Street every evening.

Last week I got a pass from Mr Tichanar a watchmaker, to go in to the exhibition but I could not see much, 
for they were only unpacking then.

I like Wilson's, they are very nice people, I don't send my washing out.

I havn't (sic) seen Mr Thornton since I left the hospital. I expect (he) is in work.

I expect you will put this letter in a glass case and keep it. I don't put the words so close for it makes my eyes water.

It will take two trains to bring this letter.

"There is a man at Wilson's, a tall short complexioned gentleman. He is 5'6" in height and 27 years of age, 
pink hair, green eyes, mauve eyebrows, swallow tail trousers and double barrelled frock coat with tripe collar. 
He is deaf and dumb of one eye, and limps a little with the other"

That's all I have to say. I send my kind love to all, I will tell you.
Remember me to father and mother and them all.

Yours truly,

George Metcalf.
 

George was in Melbourne for treatment for his eyes when he wrote this letter. 

Source of the above: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/8267/GeorgeMetcalf.htm

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Kyneton newspaper 15 Oct 1880:

Geo Metcalfe, son
of a shoemaker of Baynton Street, was
quarrying stone near Glenrowan and
compelled by the Kelly gang to tear up
the railway line. He was locked up
afterwards in the Glenrowan Hotel
and was severely wounded in the eyes
by the first volley fired by the police.
Later he was sent to the Eye and Ear
Hospital and then to the Melbourne
Hospital, where he died.

George died 15 Oct 1880.

METCALF, GEORGE (1826-1880)

He was a stonebreaker at Glenrowan and was taken hostage by the Kelly
Gang in the Glenrowan Inn. When the police opened fire on the Glenrowan
Inn, Metcalf was hit by a bullet and badly injured in one eye. He died
of his injuries on 15 October 1880 at the Melbourne Hospital, age 54.
Although the police publically denied that Metcalf was killed by a
police bullet, the police department paid Metcalf's board and lodging,
and also all medical bills he incurred. He appears to have come to
Victoria in October 1852 on the Himalaya.

Source: Ned Kelly Encyclopaedia, Corfield.