After three years he came back from the dead
James Benson could have been forgiven for aligning himself with Job of the Bible, when he lost his family and his freedom.
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Tales from the Grave
Uncovering family history from down under
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Samantha Elley
May 30, 20203 min read
How a collection of old boxes became anthropological gold.
They were a treasure buried in dusty boxes, left by a woman who had died, for a real estate agent who didn't know what to do with them.
4,319 views0 comments
Samantha Elley
May 17, 20202 min read
Daring rescue earns Leonard a medal
He knew more charges were meant to explode and the air was unbreathable, but he continued down the shaft to rescue his friend.
392 views0 comments
Samantha Elley
May 3, 20203 min read
Mr Eternity shares his faith in one word
When a person is genuine in their intentions, it is bound to affect at least a few people.
335 views0 comments
Samantha Elley
Apr 28, 20203 min read
From genteel drawing room to wild Australian bush
Two lonely graves, surrounded by iron fencing in a paddock - are the only indication of what remains of Sandilands Homestead.
1,062 views2 comments
Samantha Elley
Apr 19, 20202 min read
From larrikin to war hero
A special story this week, written by my son Caleb Elley, when was 15 years old, for his History class in honour of Anzac Day
309 views0 comments
Samantha Elley
Apr 12, 20203 min read
He rushed into the enemy like a mad Viking
He was country bred from humble beginnings, but became a hero through the Great War.
193 views0 comments
Samantha Elley
Apr 5, 20204 min read
The first man to drive from London to Melbourne
Virtually unknown Francis Birtles was an adventurer, photographer, cyclist, and filmmaker, who set many cycling and driving records.
168 views0 comments
Samantha Elley
Mar 29, 20203 min read
Nurse Egan's fight that went beyond the grave
One hundred years ago a young nurse volunteered to care for soldiers returning from the Great War. A week later she died.
1,885 views0 comments
Samantha Elley
Mar 23, 20203 min read
Mary Poppins' creator and the Queensland premier
This is a story about two people who made a difference to our world in their own realms.
315 views0 comments
Samantha Elley
Mar 15, 20202 min read
The worst April Fool's joke
A recently erected headstone stands in the lonely cemetery of Mount Morgans in Western Australia.
2,458 views0 comments
Samantha Elley
Mar 8, 20203 min read
Died by a bullet from her husband
Edith Lovett was in her prime when her husband came to her workplace on 15th March, 1910. She was only 26 years old when he aimed and fired
790 views0 comments
Samantha Elley
Mar 2, 20203 min read
His business was gambling and he died a wealthy man
George Adams was a labourer's son, but knew how to network and make money. He became Tasmania's highest ratepayer.
1,398 views0 comments
Samantha Elley
Feb 24, 20202 min read
Mother Patrick was there for refugees from the Nazis
It's a brave woman who, at the age of 20 years old, steps on a ship to travel to the other side of the world, knowing she is leaving behind
337 views0 comments
Samantha Elley
Feb 17, 20203 min read
Ragtime queen chose her final resting place in Australia
If the pharmacy industry had claimed her first, the world would have missed out on the incredible musical talent of Una Winifred Atwell.
3,208 views2 comments
Samantha Elley
Feb 9, 20203 min read
Unknown corpse becomes Australia's most profound mystery
Usually when someone goes missing, they're reported to police. What happens when someone is found but no one has reported them gone?
1,037 views0 comments
Samantha Elley
Feb 3, 20203 min read
Fatal attempt at mutiny on Norfolk Island
In early September 1842, news had leaked of a daring attempt of mutiny on Norfolk Island.
386 views0 comments
Samantha Elley
Jan 27, 20203 min read
Politician had them 'quaking' for the workers
He was a teetotaller and believed in free trade, going against the beliefs of his own father. He was a Quaker in politics.
68 views0 comments
Samantha Elley
Jan 20, 20204 min read
Edward gives himself up to police and faces the ultimate punishment - Part 2
Constable Jones was not aware of how his day would go, when he saw a man of medium build walk into the Newcastle police station where he...
449 views0 comments
Samantha Elley
Jan 13, 20203 min read
Father murders his three little girls while they sleep - Part 1
It was an event that horrified the Australian population in the 1920s. A father slashes the throats of his three little girls and goes...
1,020 views2 comments
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