The inspector was knocked down and killed by a military horse during Commonwealth of Australia celebrations at Centennial Park, Sydney ( 1 January 1901 ). At the time he was supervising 200 police who were maintaining order amongst a large crowd awaiting the Commonwealth Day Procession. As the procession began, a trooper’s horse took fright and bolted into the crowd. Inspector Bremner was knocked down, sustaining severe spinal injuries. He was conveyed to St Vincent’s Hospital where he died at 2.15am the following morning. He had been due to retire a few weeks earlier but stayed on to assist with the Commonwealth of Australia celebrations.
The inspector was a well-known policeman in Sydney. He had arrived in Sydney from the north of Scotland some 37 years earlier and had almost immediately joined the police (about 1864). He had been the officer-in-charge of No. 3 Division for seventeen years, supervising the police stations at Randwick, Waverley, Botany and Woollahra. He was apparently a huge man of about twenty stone in weight. He left behind a widow but no children.
The Sydney Morning Herald of 4 January, 1901 reported on the very impressive funeral which was afforded the inspector.
FUNERAL OF THE LATE INSPECTOR BREMNER.
The funeral of the late Inspector James Bremner, who died at St Vincent’s Hospital on Wednesday from injuries received in the discharge of his duties during the swearing in ceremony of the Governor General at the Centennial Park on the previous day, took place yesterday afternoon. The interment was made in the Presbyterian portion of Waverley Cemetery. The cortege left the late residence of the deceased, 264 Bourke Street, at 3pm. The popularity and respect in which the deceased officer was held were marked by the large presence of all classes of the community, who assembled at the place of departure and along the whole line of route. Moreover, numerous evidences of mourning were displayed throughout Oxford Street. At Darlinghurst Law Courts voluntary guards of honour were formed by the bandsmen of the Irish Rifles and St George s Regiment, who were playing in the neighbourhood. Opposite Marshall’s Brewery a number of blue-jackets who were returning from the review lined up and saluted the coffin as it passed. Passing Centennial Park the same tribute of respect was paid by the troops encamped there…
The inspector was born in 1841 and joined the New South Wales Police Force about 1864. At the time of his death he was the Officer-in-Charge of No.3 Division (Darlinghurst).
Francis William GRUNDY
| 25/10/2012
William Francis GRUNDY
New South Wales Police Force
Constable
35 old
Horse Accident
Holbrook
20 March, 1898
Grave Stone of Constable William Francis GRUNDY – Holbrook Cemetery, NSW. Photos courtesy of Ken Medway via Beyond Courage FB page – 13 Jan 2014
Inscription reads:
[blockquote]
‘Care not back the dear departed Anchored safe where storms are o’er On the border land we left him Soon to meet and part no more Far beyond this world of changes Far beyond this world of care We shall find our missing loved one In our Father’s mansion fair’.
[/blockquote]
Grave Stone of Constable William Francis GRUNDY – Holbrook Cemetery, NSW.
The constable was critically injured when he fell from his horse about 18 miles from Holbrook on the 15 March, 1898. He was later found by the Tarcutta mailman and taken to Holbrook in an unconscious condition, where he passed away on the 20 March 1898. The Argus newspaper of 1 April, 1898 carried the following brief story. ALBURY, Thursday. An inquest was held yesterday at Germanton into the circumstances attending the death of Constable Grundy, who succumbed to injuries received by a fall from his horse. Allegations were made that the Deceased was compelled to ride a horse which had fallen with him on other occasions. The evidence of the officer in charge of the Germanton Station to a great extent bore out the allegations. He stated that the horse was notoriously unsafe, and that Grundy had complained that it would break his neck some day. When advised to report the animal he said that it was no use doing so as he would only get another just as bad. Deceased was thrown off the horse while proceeding at night along a road beyond Germanton, he then being in search of sheep stealers. The superintendent of police gave evidence denying that the horse was unsafe. He admitted that the horse was timid and required careful handling. A verdict was recorded that Deceased met his death by injuries received by being thrown from his horse. At the time of his death the constable was stationed at Germanton (now Holbrook).
Sergeant John McGUFFIE
| 25/10/2012
Sergeant John McGUFFIE
New South Wales Police
Horse Accident
Adelong
30 January, 1897
The sergeant died on 30 January, 1897 as a result of being thrown from his horse on 2 January, 1897. It is not known whether this incident was an on-duty death or not. The Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal of 1 February, 1897 briefly described the incident.
A POLICE SERGEANT KILLED. ” A wire from Adelong says: Sergeant M’Guffie, who had been in charge of the police station here for the past twelve months, died early on Saturday morning from the effects of being thrown from his horse whilst returning from the racecourse on the 2nd instant.
At the time of his death the sergeant was stationed at Adelong, where he had been for some years. In 1896 he had replaced Sergeant Thomas Cassin (who had passed away) as the Officer-in-Charge and Gold Receiver.
Yesterday I dropped in on Sergeant John McGuffie at Adelong. Anyone who has missed his grave could be excused because the headstone has been collapsed for some time face down on the grave. To say I was a bit cranky was an understatement at the state of this grave.
*
Anyway, I have turned the headstone over and lets hope that the LAC will now jump in and carry out some repairs. Here are some photos and the
GPS co-ordinates are 35 18 45S/148 03 08E
*
Page 76 in Beyond Courage.
Bernard Joseph John DOWLING
| 25/10/2012
Bernard Joseph John DOWLING
New South Wales Police Force
Constable
Horse Accident
Brewarrina
22 old
Death: Reported as 11 January, 1882 but grave stone indicates he died on 19 January 1882.
On 11 January, 1882 the constable was riding near Milroy Station, Brewarrina, when his horse bolted and threw him against a tree. He landed across the saddle and was then dragged some distance. Unfortunately Constable Dowling had received severe injuries and despite being treated by a doctor, he passed away the following day.
The Maitland Mercury reported on 14 January, 1882 that “Yesterday evening while mounted Constable Bernard Dowling was riding near Mrs. Whitmarsh’s on Milroy Station, his horse bolted with him and ran him against a tree. He was thrown across the saddle and dragged some distance. A messenger came in for the police and doctor. Dowling was still insensible when the messenger left which was about an hour after the accident. Senior Constable Steele and the doctor left here about midnight.”
The constable was born in Ireland about 1860 and was a single man. At the time of his death he was stationed at Brewarrina.
[blockquote]
Launceston Examiner newspaper, Thursday 2 February 1882, page 1 of 4
DEATHS
DOWLING – Near Brewarrina, N.S.W., Bernard J., son of the late W. P. Dowling, of Launceston, aged 22 years.
Inscription: In Memory of Bernard Joseph John DOWLING born at Launceston Tasmania July 17th 1883 Died Jan’ry 19th 1882 R.I.P.
5 April 2014: From Ken Medway, Beyond Courage Facebook page:
We recently visited Brewarrina and located the grave of Bernard Joseph John DOWLING who died in January 1882 as a result of a horse accident.
*
According to his headstone he died on 19 January and was 22 years old being born on 17 July 1859 at Launceston.
*
GPS Location 29 58′ 10S / 146 50′ 46E
Old Catholic Section right over on western fence
Beyond Courage Page 69.
*
A thorough search of the cemetery failed to locate the grave of John Charles DONOVAN aka DONAVON who is also recorded as being buried there. Inquiries with Brewarrina Shire revealed that all records were destroyed some years ago so his precise whereabouts will probably never be known.
NOTE:
From Cal: “See Yackandandah Times story article attached to the death of John Charles DONOVAN. Body re-interred in Yackandandah Cemetery, Victoria, pre 27 January 1922.”
Joseph LEES
| 25/10/2012
Trooper Joseph LEES
New South Wales Police Force
Drowned
Grafton
7 January, 1867
On 7 January, 1867 the trooper was on duty collecting the electoral roll and agricultural returns near Grafton. Shortly after 1pm on that day he was attempting to cross First Falls on the Upper Clarence River when his horse reared, throwing him into the water, where he drowned. Trooper Lees was a married man with two children and a wife then expecting their third child.
The Maitland Mercury dated 15 January, 1867 contained the following brief notice, indicating that “We regret to learn that Trooper Leece [sic] of the Grafton Police Force, in attempting to cross the First Falls, at the Upper Clarence, yesterday, shortly after noon, in the execution of his duty, was carried down by the current and drowned. Information of the sad event reached Grafton last evening when the police boat was immediately dispatched with grapnels to drag for the body, which had not been recovered up to the time our informant left.â€
At the time of his death the trooper was stationed at Grafton.
Edward HAMPSON
| 25/10/2012
Edward HAMPSON
New South Wales Police Force
Rank: Constable
Regd. #: ? * A search of the ‘on-line’ State Archives does NOT reveal a HAMPSON, or similar, as being a member of the Police
Stations: East Kempsey ( Lock up Keeper )
Service: From? ? ?topre March 1862 = ? years Service
Awards: No find.
Born: Sunday 15 May 1825, Lancashire, England
Emigrated: from USA to Australia between July 1853 and before Nov 1854
Died: Wednesday 24 December 1862
Cause: Horse Accident – against a tree
Event location: East Kempsey – near the Yarrabandinni gates
Age: 37 – 39?
Funeral date:
Funeral location: ?
Buried at: Frederickton Cemetery, Great North Rd, Frederickton, NSW:
Anglican section row G # 67
GPS: 31 02′ 02S / 152 52′ 38E
Grave location:
[alert_red]Edward IS NOT mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance[/alert_ed]
Constable Edward HAMPSON – grave
Constable Edward HAMPSON – grave
The constable is believed to have suffered fatal injuries when he was either thrown or fell from his troop horse at East Kempsey.
Some 62 years later the Macleay Chronicle of 7 May, 1924 in a related story recounted that the constable had been “killed while riding near the Yarrabandinni gates on Christmas Eve, 1862”. In a contemporary account however, the Empire newspaper of the 5 January, 1863 reported the following.
“ACCIDENT
On the 24th instant, a settler named Edward Hampson came by his death through a fall from a young horse he was riding. It appeared from the evidence given before the coroner that the deceased was thrown with so much violence against the spur of a tree as to cause instantaneous death.”
Few details are known at present, however the Macleay Chronicleof 7May, 1924 reported that the constable had been ” killed while riding near the Yarrabandinni gates on Christmas Eve, 1862 “.
At the time of his death the constable is thought to have been the lockup-keeper at the East Kempsey Police Station, where he had been stationed since at least early 1856 (he is mentioned in the New South Wales Police Gazette of 16 February, 1856).
In 1862 he became a member of the newly-formed New South Wales Police Force.
He is not listed in the official New South Wales Police Honour Roll.
MacLeay River Historical Society November 2012 page 2
An enquiry was received from Kempsey Police re Edward Hampson who was killed Christmas Creek, near Yarrabandinni Gates on Christmas Eve 1862 when his young horse threw him against a tree.
It was believed Edward was a police constable and had died on duty, and the information was required for a book on police killed in the line of duty.
A death certificate in Research records however gave Edward’s occupation as a farmer, as did a marriage certificate for his oldest son, Wright Harrison Hampson. It appears Edward was a police constable at some stage but had left the Force prior to his death.
Edward and his wife Eliza arrived from the United States of America sometime in the late 1840s or early 1850, with three children. They had immigrated to the USA from England, however for some reason they changed their mind about settling in America and came to Australia.
After their arrival, at least another four children were born, 1854 Thomas, 1856 William, 1857 Edward, 1860 Henry and 1862 Mary. The majority of the children’s place of births are registered as Macleay River.
Their father Edward HAMPSON, became a Police Officer, however he was killed while on duty in 1862 near a river.
From: “Janice Doughty” <adoughty01@optusnet.com.au> Subject: Re: [NORCO] EDWARD HAMPSON-Police Constable Date: Sun, 27 Mar 2005 09:24:51 +1000 References: <000001c53113$2b468a30$295d1ed3@ADOUGHTY> <80977F0C-9E24-11D9-88D6-000A95EAA358@ceinternet.com.au> Thank you to Rod and also to the many other Listers who have helped with my enquiry regarding the Hampson family of Macleay River district.
Within a day of requesting help with the HAMPSON family, I have found out so much from this wonderful List and I would like to share the HAMPSON story with you so far.
Edward HAMPSON was Christened on 15th May 1825, at Saint Michael, Ashton Under Lyne, Lancashire, England. His parents being Thomas and Nancy HAMPSON. Family rumour has it that this family was very well off, living in a large home in the town of Ashton Under Lyne in Lancashire.
Eliza HARRISON was Christened on 23 May 1824 at Saint Michael, Ashton Under Lyne, Lancashire. Her parents were James and Alice HARRISON.
Edward HAMPSON at 20 years of age, married Eliza HARRISON also 20, on 1st January 1844 at the Cathedral, Manchester, Lancashire ENGLAND.
Some time between 1844 and 1848, Edward and Eliza HAMPSON sailed for the United States, and settled on the east coast of the USA. It is believe that there were already relatives of Edward’s living in the U.S.
Children born in the U.S.A were.:-
Wright Harrison HAMPSON born 1848 in Salem, Mass.
Desdemona Ann HAMPSON born 1851 Newark New Jersey
Alice Maria HAMPSON b.1853 Boston, Mass.
After the birth of Alice in Boston in July 1853 and before the birth of Thomas in Australia in Nov 1854, the family sailed from Boston to old Sydney Town, Australia. What ship they sailed on is at the moment unknown.
Children born in the Colony were:-
Thomas 1854,
William 1856,
Edward 1857,
Henry 1860 and
Mary 1862.
All except Thomas, who may have been born in Sydney, not long after the family arrived in Sydney Cove, were born in the Macleay River district. The family settled somewhere near Kempsey, at the moment it is unknown exactly where their property was. Any help with establishing where the family actually lived, would be very much appreciated.
As previously stated, the father Edward joined the police force, and was tragically killed on Christmas Eve 1868 when he was thrown against a tree.
More work has to be done regarding the death of Edward. Not sure if he was on duty when he died.
It was only six month before, when Edward and Eliza‘s son Thomas, at 14 years of age was killed in an accident in July, while driving a team of bullocks, when one of the wheels got on the end of a slab, suddenly lifting the other end, which struck Thomas on the head killing him on the spot.
Thomas at the time was in the employ of Mr. James Ducat (Manning River New – 11.07.1868). Thomas was recovering from a broken arm at the time of his death.
The surviving children all married:-
1870 Wright Harrison HAMPSON, married Isabella Emmeline Reid at Port Macquarie. She died in 1886 and Wright’s second wife was Ellen Berman and they married in 1906, also in Port Macquarie.
Desdemona Ann HAMPSON married Edwin James CLOUGH in 1868 at Macleay River.
Alice Maria HAMPSON married John JONES in 1868 at Macleay River. (The sisters may have married on the same day).
William HAMPSON married Elizabeth BOLSTER in 1884 at Kempsey.
Edward HAMPSON married Annie KELLARD IN 1882 in Sydney.
Henry Frank HAMPSON married Ada Caroline KELLY in 1881 in Sydney.
Mary Amelia HAMPSON married Arthur Pringle STEWART in 1881 in Newtown.
The one member of this family whose name survives today, through his wonderful exploits is Wright Harrison HAMPSON, through his colourful career as a mail contractor and coach driver for Cobb & Co. He was well known for playing on his bugle “The Girl I Left Behind Me”, when his coach was leaving town. There was also his stories of the Boer War, he was 52 years of age when he joined up.
Wright Harrison HAMPSON, died in 1929 in Granville, his son Wright Harrison HAMPSON Jnr, died five years before his father in 1924 at Parramatta.
Again, a big thank you to everyone who contributed to put this story together.
Regards,
Janice
Belrose – Sydney
—– Original Message —–
From: Rod Gow <rgow@ceinternet.com.au> Subject: Re: [NORCO] EDWARD HAMPSON-Police Constable Date:Sun, 27 Mar 2005 04:25:59 +1000 References: <000001c53113$2b468a30$295d1ed3@ADOUGHTY> In-Reply-To: <000001c53113$2b468a30$295d1ed3@ADOUGHTY>
Dear Janice,
We had a look at some newspaper indexes relating to HAMPSON of the Macleay River and found the following which may be of some interest…
Manning River News newspaper – 11 July, 1868 page 2 columns 5 and 6
Another accident happened at Moonebah, by which a boy, named Hampson, lost his life whilst driving a team of bullocks. One of the wheels got on the end of a slab, suddenly lifting the other end, which struck the boy on the head killing him on the spot.
The lad who was killed at Moonebah by being struck on the head by a rail as mentioned by our regular correspondent, was named Thomas Hampson. He was in the employ of Mr. James Ducat. A magisterial enquiry was held.
A son of a Mrs. Hampson has had his leg broken. It is stated that the boy belongs to a particularly unfortunate family. His father was killed by being thrown against a tree, his eldest brother had his arm broken, and had no sooner recovered from that accident than he was suddenly killed, and now this lad comes in for his share of trouble. The boy’s mother certainly deserves the sympathy of her neighbours, and pecuniary aid too, if she needs it.
Also, Janice, in the “NSW – Patriotic Fund Subscribers – Crimean War (1855) index” there is the following entry extracted from the
Sydney Morning Herald … Hampson EKempsey & Macleay River 16 Aug 1855 page 6 column 1
If this is one of the family it may establish that he was in the Macleay district in 1855
Also, is Wright Hampson one of the family you are researching ? He married Miss Berman on 3 January, 1907.
Hope the above is of some assistance.
Best wishes,
Rod & Wendy Gow
[divider_dotted]
On 25 Mar 2005, at 7:18 PM, Janice Doughty wrote:
Good evening Listers,
I am new to this list and am hoping that SKS maybe able to assist me.
I am helping the wife of my husband’s cousin to find out some history on her gg grandfather one Edward HAMPSON.
Edward and his wife Eliza arrived from the United States of America sometime in the late 1840s or early 1850, with three children. They had immigrated to the USA from England, however for some reason they changed their mind about settling in America and came to Australia.
After their arrival, at least another four children were born, 1854 Thomas, 1856 William, 1857 Edward, 1860 Henry and 1862 Mary. The majority of the children’s place of births are registered as Macleay River. Their father Edward HAMPSON, became a Police Officer, however he was killed while on duty in 1862 near a river. The lady I am helping thinks she can remember the cause of death was a fall from a horse.
Any help regarding this family would be very much appreciated.
Chris StaffordGood evening everyone, yesterday I received Edward HampsonDeath Certificate and unfortunately, at the time of his death, Edward was no longer a Constable, but was a farmer and settler in the Fredo/East Kempsey (East was the original township). This was back up by one of his children’s marriage certificate.
Even though I have found written reference in newspaper that did indicate Edward was the Lock up Keeper for East Kempsey, but it seems by 1862, at the creation of the NSW Police Force, he was no longer a serving member.
This maybe the reason while there is no record on the NSW Honour Roll or the Canberra Wall. However, I am still going to attempt to fix his grave up and place a new plaque stating Edward as a former Police Officer.
Robert Lovell McDOUGALL
| 25/10/2012
Robert Lovell McDOUGALL
New South Wales Police Force – Mounted Police – Gold Police
Regd. # ?
Rank: Corporal
Stations: , Sofala ( under 2 years )
Service: From 1 October 1851 to 23 September 1853 = 2+ years
Grave Location: positioned right hand side upon the entry gate
Robert Lovell McDOUGALL gravestone
ROBERT IS mentioned on the Police Wall of Remembrance
It appears that Corporal McDougall met his death in 1853 when returning to Sofala from Wattle Flat, where he had been inspecting gold licences and executing a warrant with another policeman possibly named Johnson. McDougall and Johnson had each then set out for Sofala via different routes, for some reason. As McDougall rode along the road over Whalan’s Hill his horse took fright going down a steep incline and he was thrown. It would appear that one of his feet became caught in a stirrup and he was dragged along, inflicting fatal injuries. When his riderless horse returned to town late that night a search was immediately launched and the unfortunate corporal was found about 2am. He died shortly after being taken home. He left a widow, Mary Ann McDougall and five children. His headstone at Sofala reads”McDougall” however most documents located so far indicate that the correct spelling is probably “MacDougall“.
The Sydney Morning Herald of Wednesday 5 October, 1853, p3, carried the following account of the incident.
A melancholy accident, which terminated fatally occurred last week to Corporal MacDougall of the mounted police. It appears that the deceased was returning from the new diggings on Thursday evening when about half a mile from Sofala his horse stumbled and fell, probably on the top of him. The fall unseated him, but unfortunately one of’ his feet got entangled in the stirrup, and he must have been dragged a considerable distance on the road, as his body was in a very mutilated condition. The horse arriving in town late at night without the rider, a search was at once instituted, but it was not until two o’clock on Friday morning that he was found on the side of a hill, half a mile from Sofala in a state of insensibility. Deceased was at once removed to Sofala, and medical assistance procured, but the injuries he received were of so severe a nature that he expired on Friday evening. A magisterial enquiry was held by Mr Commissioner Johnson, when a verdict of accidental death was returned. He was a most efficient officer of the police, and the respect in which he was held by the inhabitants of Sofala was fully testified by the large concourse of all classes and denominations which last Sunday followed his remains to their last resting place. He was in the 27th year of his age, and has left a wife and five children.”
A report submitted on 26 September, 1853 by Assistant Gold Commissioner Johnson of Bathurst, sheds a little more light on Corporal McDougall, as follows.
AGC Office Sofala 26th Sept/53. No. 53/112.
Sir,
I regret to have to report to you the death of Crpl Robt MacDougall of the Gold Police of this State who died on the 23rd instant from the effects of a fall which he received from his horse on returning from executing a warrant on the 22nd instant.
1. No-one witnessed the occurrence but from the evidence given by persons who were with MacDougall immediately prior to it he appears to have been perfectly sober and that the horse he was riding was very restive.
2. The deceased had been in the Police at Sofala for nearly two years during which period he bore the character of a steady, sober and efficient policeman having never been brought up for any misconduct whatever.
3rd. He has left a wife and five children the youngest being only just born and who by this sudden bereavement are left almost destitute. I would therefore urge whether taking into considerations the good character and efficient service of the deceased a gratuity, or pension may not be bestowed upon his widow.
Signed W Johnson AGC
The Gold Commissioner
Western Districts
Bathurst
The corporal was born in 1816 and enlisted in the Gold Escort on 1 October, 1851. At the time of his death he was stationed at Sofala.
Robert Lovell McDougall (son of Samuel McDougall and Margaret McCormack) was born 1816 in Coleraine Londonderry Ireland, and died 1853 in Sofala NSW Australia.He married Mary Ann Saul.
More About Robert Lovell McDougall:
Burial: 1853, Sofala NSW Australia.
Children of Robert Lovell McDougall and Mary Ann Saul are:
+Mary McDougall, b. 1844, Bermuda West Indies, d. date unknown.
National Police Wall of Remembrance touch plate inscription: – differs slightly on date of joining, his rank and station but especially the date of death.
Trooper Robert Lovell McDOUGALL
Sofala NSW
29 September 1853
Jurisdiction: New South Wales
Year of Birth: 1816
I have found the headstone of Corporal Robert Lovell MACDOUGALL has broken in half & the inscription has almost been weathered away. He was buried at Sofala C of E cemetery in 1853, positioned right hand side upon the entry gate.
His widow Mary Ann remarried to another Trooper, Owen Valentine PARSLEY, her Headstone is to be found beside that of Corporal MacDougall. Robert was born in Coleraine, Londonderry, Ireland. 1816
He married Mary Ann (Marion) SAUL, their first child Mary was born in Bermuda.
Two sons were then born in Donegal, Ireland. On arrival in Sydney a daughter Jane Leslie was born, their last child Margaret was born in Sofala a few months before Robert’s death on 26th September, 1853.
Thanking you in anticipation
Janet Aubrey
Chief Constable Patrick KINSELA
| 25/10/2012
Chief Constable Patrick KINSELA
Horse & Cart Accident
Queanbeyan, NSW
23 February, 1841
On 23 February, 1841 Chief Constable Kinsela and Constable John Scott were travelling in a cart returning to Queanbeyan. While they were crossing a dry creek bed near the Elmsall Inn the cart overturned, killing Constable Kinsela. Scott luckily survived the accident and was later able to give coronial evidence. It is not known whether this accident occurred while the constable was on duty or not, however it is believed that he was, and research is continuing into this aspect of the incident. In those days police were considered to be always on duty.
Rumours were apparently circulated at the time that both Kinsela and Scott were drunk when the accident occurred, however this was soon discredited. The Sydney Gazette of 11 March, 1841 printed information from a correspondent who informed the readers that he had seen a person who has just come from Limestone; he reports that the Chief Constable and another man were killed by the upsetting of a dray in a creek in that neighbourhood; it is said the parties were drunk, but this is contradicted, as Kinsela was a sober man. (In other words, Kinsela did not drink alcohol at all).
The Australasian Chronicle of 4 March, 1841 reported the following.
QUEANBEYAN, FEBRUARY 27- There was an inquest held here on the 24th instant, on the body of Mr. Patrick Kinsala [sic], chief constable, who came by his death by the upsetting of his cart in crossing a creek close to his own house. The night was very dark, and he was thrown with such force on his head that his neck was dislocated. Kinsala was a very active officer, a friend to the poor, and always ready to attend when called on. He had obtained a few enemies for himself by being zealous in the discharge of his duty. He has left a wife and two children to deplore his loss, the youngest only nine days old…
Patrick Kinsela was a native of Ireland and had arrived at Queanbeyan in 1836. On 1 January, 1838 he became the first Chief Constable of Queanbeyan and Limestone Plains (Canberra) on an annual salary of £75. His appointment as Chief Constable was published in the Colonial Secretary’s Notice dated 7 February, 1838 which also listed ordinary constable appointments to Queanbeyan as James Pegg, Lockup Keeper, and Peter Connel and James Crossley. Captain Alured Tasker Faunce was also appointed as the Police Magistrate to Queanbeyan about the same time. Kinsela married Joanna Wigmore (nee Mehegan) on 6 February, 1838 and the couple had two children James and Mary. The constable is thought to have been buried in the Oaks Burial Grounds at Queanbeyan.
At the time of his death the constable was stationed at Queanbeyan and had been a police officer for a little over three years.
