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Tales from the Grave
Uncovering family history from down under
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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


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.

Samantha Elley
Mar 2, 20203 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

Samantha Elley
Feb 24, 20202 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.

Samantha Elley
Feb 17, 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?

Samantha Elley
Feb 10, 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.

Samantha Elley
Feb 3, 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.

Samantha Elley
Jan 27, 20203 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...

Samantha Elley
Jan 20, 20204 min read
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