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Ned Kelly
 Edward
(Ned) Kelly was born around 1855, (no proof exists to determine his exact birth
date) 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 local Chinaman named Ah Fook. Fook was the first
person recorded as calling Ned a 'bushranger'.
Around this time Ned became an 'apprentice' to bushranger Harry Power, mostly
used by Harry to hold the horses during a robbery.
Ned’s next illegal act was being involved with the sending of an obscene letter
and subsequent assault. It was not actually Ned who sent
the letter (which also contained calves testicles) but he was blamed for it
regardless. A fight followed with the husband of the woman
receiving the item and Ned was charged. 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. This was the cause of
the boxing match at the site of the Imperial Hotel.
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.
Constable Fitzpatrick was wounded in the wrist and Dan and Ned Kelly headed for
the relative safety of the Wombat Ranges.
Police searching for the boys set up camp nearby and a subsequently a shootout
took place between the gang and the police which
led to the death of three police officers.
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
(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 caused him
to be 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 Snr
Constable Hall and Wild Wright. To say the least, Ned was a
courageous fighter and would use his fists over guns where possible.
Ned Kelly was a man who could command an audience and was a natural leader.
 Ned's
prison record
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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