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 Harry Power was a 'Bushranging Tutor' to young Ned Kelly.
Harry Power (born 1819 Ireland) was a well known bushranger in Victoria.
Harry, whose real name was Henry Johnstone was transported to the penal colony
of Australia like so many of his time.
Harry served five years of this sentence before being set free. Unfortunately
whilst living as a free man he found himself
on the wrong side of the law once again and was sentenced to thirteen years in
prison. He was free again in 1862.
In 1864 Harry was again incarcerated and once again escaped the authorities, the
year was 1869.
Whilst inside Pentridge Prison Harry met brothers Thomas and Jack Lloyd and
during his period on the run Harry dropped
in on the Lloyds. The Lloyd's lived in NE Victoria and were related to the Kelly
family, Harry hoped that either a young Lloyd
or a young Kelly may be able to assist him in his bushranging activities.
The Lloyds introduced Harry to the Quinns who lived near Whitfield, close-by
to their property was a fantastic lookout where
Harry set up camp and was able to survey all below with almost no hope of anyone
disturbing him. His security was increased
by the fact the Quinn's kept lookout for him in return for some of the proceeds
of his armed robberies.
Harry's wish of obtaining a young assistant was answered with a 15 year old
Ned Kelly becoming Harry's 'Apprentice'.
Ned would for now team up to learn the trade of bushranging.
However after a short time together Ned found he could not put up with the wild
temper Harry possessed and quit.
The police tried to convince Ned to give up Harry, locking him away in the
Kyneton lockup.
Ned refused to help, however the police did have the traitor they needed, Ned's
uncle Jack Lloyd.
Harry was captured by Superintendent Hare after being led to Harry's lookout by
Jack.
Superintendent Hare was the man Ned would shoot at the siege of Glenrowan ten
years later in 1880.
Not surprisingly Harry would believe Ned gave him up for the reward for
remainder of his days.
If Ned had given up Harry his families life would have been a much richer one.
Harry spent some of his prison sentence aboard the famous prison hulk 'Success'
and ironically would one day work onboard
as a tour guide.
In 1891 Harry was visiting Swan Hill and accidentally drowned in the river
Murray.
Also see my 'Apprentice' page.
The Story Of Harry Power
Hugh Cornwell
A hundred years and many a tear tells the story of Harry Power
Took Ned Kelly when he was a lad and just a wild flower
Taught him how to rob taught him how to hide in not so many hours
Such was his fame the mention of his name led those who heard to cower
His mother gave him fifteen quid to take the boy away
Just fourteen and never been kissed but Harry's world held sway
He lit the fire he cooked the food they headed Whitfield way
Hold them horses Ned he cried And we'll be rich today!
To Bullock Creek they headed out and Ned became a ranger
Those wooden walls were two feet thick to keep them from all danger
Harry wagged his pipe at Ned and told the tale of Whitty
Who sold his soul to the devil red and gave lawyers no pity
They headed out the month of May and robbed the Buckland coach
Look who's here brave Cody cried and Harry said Approach!
The women gave their jewelry because Ned's ma needs a broach
Hold them horses Ned he cried Let's find some gold to poach!
Harry disappeared a while but soon he came a calling
He'd taken back the Quiller boots and Ned he was crestfallen
The boots restored at Tarawingee Harry wasn't stalling
Get on your horse and follow me his manners were appalling
He took revenge by urging Ned to tan old Bill Frost's hide
In Beechworth Town a gun went off and Ned thought he'd shot wide
Frost he fell a naked ape and the blood spilled from his side
Get on your horse and follow me you're a wanted man he lied
Harry was taken by the law and all thought that Ned was spilling
But Ned he was a loyal dog he'd taken quite a grilling
He took the blame read Lorna Doone then found a lady willing
Then Fitzpatrick turned his coat and Ned he took to killing
I've really had to simplify because Ned's the name we know
He's the one that history has decided to show
The books that bear his name describe his armor and his woe
But Harry holds the key for me he's the truly seasoned pro
A hundred years and many a tear tells the story of Harry Power.
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