Ned Kelly
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Ned Kelly
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So much has been said and written about Ned Kelly that I need not go too deep into detail here. He was born in about 1855, (no proof exists to determine his exact birth date) and named Edward Kelly, in either Beveridge or Wallan, Victoria. Ned, as he became known, had an association with the long arm of the law since he was a lad. His first notable appearance was when he had an altercation with a Chinaman named Ah Fook. Fook was recorded as calling Ned a 'bushranger' for the first time. Around this period Ned became an 'apprentice' to bushranger Harry Power, mostly holding his horses. His next red mark was for being involved with the sending of an obscene letter and assault. Following this Ned was charged with having a stolen horse in his possession and was given three years with hard labour, he was only 16 years of age. Next up Ned was arrested for being drunk, on this charge he managed to get away with a fine only. That leads us to the incident where constable Fitzpatrick visited the Kelly home to arrest Dan. This is believed to be the cause of the 'Kelly outbreak', as it became known.
After eluding the police for a lengthy period the gang robbed the banks of Euroa and Jerilderie before the eventual raid on Glenrowan. Ironically, it seems Ned would be charged with crimes he did not commit, and not charged with the ones he was guilty of. He was known (and by his own admission) as the best horse thief in Victoria, yet was never charged with this crime. He was assisting Harry Power, but was never convicted. He most likely did not write the obscene note that had him sent to prison, but may have been guilty of the assault. He also may have assaulted the Chinaman, but we cannot be sure. Ned was extra strong with his fists, he took on all comers, including constable Hall and Wild Wright. He was willing to take on anyone and this had been the case since his youth. To say the least, Ned was a courageous fighter and would use his fists over guns where possible. He was a fair fighter, who took on opponents in bare knuckle fights. Ned Kelly was a man who could command an audience and was a natural leader.
The killing of police by the gang sealed their fate, Ned after surviving the battle at Glenrowan was brought back to health and executed on 11 November 1880.
Born: 1856 Native Place: Victoria Trade: Labourer Religion: Roman Catholic Education: Read & write Height: 5ft 10 ins Weight: 11st 4lbs Complexion: Sallow Hair: Dark brown Eyes: Hazel Nose: Medium Mouth: Medium Chin: Medium Eyebrows: Dark brown Visage: Broad Forehead: Low Particular Marks: Scar on top of head, two scars crown of ditto, scar front of head, eyebrows meeting, two natural marks between shoulder blade, two freckles lower left arm, scar ball of left thumb, scar back of right hand, three scars on left thumb. Previous History: Single, Mother Ellen Kelly living at Greta, Devil's River; Uncle James Kelly a prisoner at Pentridge and another, James Quinn, now at Beechworth awaiting trial, and John Lloyd an Uncle a prisoner at Pentridge. Three convictions same day at Wangaratta Police Court: 3 months, and 12 months, and 12 months in default of bail - bail found. Sentence: Three years Hard Labour, for receiving a stolen horse. Date of Conviction: 2 August 1871, Beechworth General Sessions.
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Dan and Ned headed for the relative safety of the Wombat Ranges. Eventually the
police set up camp near by and a subsequent shootout between the gang and the
police led to the death of three police officers. 
Ned's prison record.
