Tales from the Grave

Uncovering family history from down under

All Posts

Nov 30, 2020
3 min

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...

706 views0 comments

Ipswich hero praised for his bravery in the face of death

Samantha Elley

Nov 11, 2020
3 min

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...

251 views0 comments

Samantha Elley

Nov 3, 2020
4 min

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

540 views0 comments

War orphan smuggled to Australia in a sack

Samantha Elley

Aug 22, 2020
2 min

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.

1,764 views0 comments

Samantha Elley

Aug 8, 2020
1 min

More coverage for Tales from the Grave

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

225 views0 comments

Samantha Elley

Jul 18, 2020
3 min

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

1,167 views0 comments

He was the founder behind a 144 year old newspaper

Samantha Elley

Jul 5, 2020
2 min

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...

389 views0 comments

Her high jump record was held for 98 years

Samantha Elley

Jun 20, 2020
3 min

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.

582 views0 comments

After three years he came back from the dead

Samantha Elley

Jun 7, 2020
3 min

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.

308 views2 comments

How a collection of old boxes became anthropological gold.

Samantha Elley

May 30, 2020
3 min

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.

4,220 views0 comments

Samantha Elley

May 17, 2020
2 min

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.

350 views0 comments

Mr Eternity shares his faith in one word

Samantha Elley

May 3, 2020
3 min

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.

292 views0 comments

From genteel drawing room to wild Australian bush

Samantha Elley

Apr 28, 2020
3 min

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.

802 views0 comments

Samantha Elley

Apr 19, 2020
2 min

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

264 views0 comments

He rushed into the enemy like a mad Viking

Samantha Elley

Apr 12, 2020
3 min

He rushed into the enemy like a mad Viking

He was country bred from humble beginnings, but became a hero through the Great War.

169 views0 comments

The first man to drive from London to Melbourne

Samantha Elley

Apr 5, 2020
4 min

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.

123 views0 comments

Nurse Egan's fight that went beyond the grave

Samantha Elley

Mar 29, 2020
3 min

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.

1,659 views0 comments

Mary Poppins' creator and the Queensland premier

Samantha Elley

Mar 23, 2020
3 min

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.

264 views0 comments

Samantha Elley

Mar 15, 2020
2 min

The worst April Fool's joke

A recently erected headstone stands in the lonely cemetery of Mount Morgans in Western Australia.

1,234 views0 comments

Samantha Elley

Mar 8, 2020
3 min

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

712 views0 comments

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