While Joe’s true identity was widely unknown during the weeks following the tragedy at Stringybark Creek, in early November 1878 the papers had received word that his name was ‘Bob Byrne’. One instance of this name being used was in The Herald’s reporting of the police raid on Margaret Byrne’s selection at Sebastopol on the … Continue reading Bob Byrne
During the day on the 30th October in 1878, a selector named Gideon Mragery who resided near the Murray, noticed four horsemen close to the river while he was setting up fishing lines. Curious as to the identity of the four men, Margery walked down to where they were. ‘He had some talk with them. … Continue reading Bread and Wine
Before daylight on the 30th of October in 1878, desperate for provisions, Joe, Ned, Dan and Steve rode to the home of a man named Neil Christian and struck him up. Christian later reported the matter to the police on the 2nd of November, and the incident was reported in the Ballarat Courier. ‘Kelly and … Continue reading The Sticking up at Bungowannah
‘There were various signals by which the gang communicated with their friends. Sometimes a couple of stones placed in a peculiar position would be the signal, and sometimes an eccentric horse track. Thus, one of the gang would ride in a circle near a sympathiser's hut, and then jump a fence, and again ride circuitously, … Continue reading Outlaw Signals
“It is now known that Joe Byrne was keeping company with a girl at Beechworth and was often in and out of the township. The similarity in appearance which existed between Joe and another brother named Patsy enabling the former to pass himself off as the latter.” In early 1880, Paddy Byrne purchased a grey … Continue reading Joe and Paddy
According to Superintendent Nicolson, during “the months of April and May, the outlaws were in the vicinity of the Greta ranges, and were reduced to great straits. Their horses were worn out, and most of them were abandoned. They were on foot, and used to conceal themselves during the day on the ranges in various … Continue reading Great Straits
On the 10th of July 1879, two children coming home from Reid’s Creek School met two of the Kelly gang, on the road halfway between the school and the Sherritt selection. The two gang members offered the children some bread, which the youngsters took and ate appreciatively. As Joe was usually spotted alone around the … Continue reading Breaking Bread
After the Euroa and Jerilderie bank robberies, the Byrne family had something they had not had before, money. This money was spent paying off long standing debts, new clothing, and purchasing general household items. On one occasion, when Enoch Downes the school inspector, made a visit to the Byrne selection, he paid particular notice to … Continue reading Money for Drapery
On the 6th of November 1879, finding Joe has failed to meet him at Thompson’s farm, Jack mounts his horse and begins his ride back through the Warby Ranges. As he comes to the foot of a hilly track, the rustle of scrub sounds from behind him. Turning in the saddle, he spots Joe, standing … Continue reading A Meeting in the Ranges
Telegram from December 1878 informing of Joe’s recent purchase of opium in the Woolshed, it reads: “Detective Eason reports information obtained to Joe Byrne bought opium to which he is addicted last week at Woolshed and requests services of Fook Sing (Chinese detective) for a day or so.” Telegram from the Public Records Office Victoria.
An Outlaw’s Journal 