Outback Family History

The Publican and The Pig – Coolgardie 1905

19/05/2015 By Moya Sharp 2 Comments

‘The Sun’ – April 1905 Coolgardie Paddy Murphy ran a ‘Shypoo’ (sly grog) ranch unbeknownst to the authorities. His establishment was always identified by Paddy’s favorite pet pig. Paddy could not read or write, nor could his wife Bridget. Their system of accounting didn’t apply the rules of double entry it answered all practical accounting […]

The Goat Lady – Hilda Jarvis

18/05/2015 By Moya Sharp 5 Comments

Hilda Jarvis (Nee Jones) ‘The Goat Lady’. This is a photo of her taken in 1990 by Roger Garwood and features in his book ‘Off Like Flies’. I was lucky to meet both her and her son, George. Towards the end of her life, she had to move into town and lived at the ‘Little […]

Whats in a Name – Street Names of Kalgoorlie Boulder

18/05/2015 By Moya Sharp 6 Comments

This publication was first published in 1996 and was written by the late Mr E A Dawson. It gives the origins of street names through Kalgoorlie Boulder. Here are a couple of entries:- MARSHALL STREET, Piccadilly:- John Marshall was a member of the Kalgoorlie Municipal Council in 1901. He was born in Scotland in 1859 […]

When the Marvel Loch Mine Fell In –

17/05/2015 By Moya Sharp 4 Comments

22nd April 1959 – Australia was shocked by the news that two men had lost their lives 500ft down a Broken Hill Mine. At the same time, the name of Mazza appeared in the obituary notices of the local press. Probably, it bore little significance to any but sorrowing friends and relatives, for few could […]

Harry ‘Tambo’ Taylor – Stockman of the Never Never

14/05/2015 By Moya Sharp 2 Comments

On the 19th May 1924, Harry ‘Tambo ’Taylor applied to receive the old-age pension having reached the age of 65 years. His application was refused as he couldn’t show proof of his age. Harry was born to an Aboriginal mother and an Irish father on the Glenalvon Station, NSW, in 1859. He had his mother’s […]