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Tales from the Grave
Uncovering family history from down under
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Previous tragedy spurs father on to be a hero
An unbearable tragedy may have been the catalyst for a daring, heroic act by John Christian Erichs, where he would eventually pay the...

Samantha Elley
Dec 1, 20203 min read


Ipswich hero praised for his bravery in the face of death
When 2nd Lieutenant Samuel John Morgan signed up to fight in the Great War, he would receive his promotion to Captain, but his...

Samantha Elley
Nov 11, 20203 min read


A shooting night of terror for Emily
It started as a night out of enjoyment for Emily Salisbury and her friend Adeline Steed, along with Adeline's children

Samantha Elley
Nov 3, 20204 min read


War orphan smuggled to Australia in a sack
He was only 5 years old when his French soldier father was killed during the Great War. Not too long after that his mother died.

Samantha Elley
Aug 22, 20202 min read


More coverage for Tales from the Grave
Tales from the Grave is gaining a wider audience. Find out here where we are going.

Samantha Elley
Aug 8, 20201 min read


Who was the true Man from Snowy River?
Was it a myth or was he a real man? Who truly was the ' stripling on a small and weedy beast'? Was Jack Riley really the Man From Snow River

Samantha Elley
Jul 18, 20203 min read


He was the founder behind a 144 year old newspaper
People complained about this "new-fangled idea of a newspaper" in their town, but William Kelleway went on to establish a newspaper that...

Samantha Elley
Jul 5, 20202 min read


Her high jump record was held for 98 years
Her 'frail' physique belied the amazing ability Esther Stace had when in control over a large horse.

Samantha Elley
Jun 20, 20203 min read


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.

Samantha Elley
Jun 7, 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.

Samantha Elley
May 30, 20203 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.

Samantha Elley
May 18, 20202 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.

Samantha Elley
May 4, 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.

Samantha Elley
Apr 28, 20203 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

Samantha Elley
Apr 20, 20202 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.

Samantha Elley
Apr 13, 20203 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.

Samantha Elley
Apr 6, 20204 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.

Samantha Elley
Mar 30, 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.

Samantha Elley
Mar 24, 20203 min read


The worst April Fool's joke
A recently erected headstone stands in the lonely cemetery of Mount Morgans in Western Australia.

Samantha Elley
Mar 16, 20202 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

Samantha Elley
Mar 9, 20203 min read
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