This website is designed, researched and written by Mark Matthews. It may alter with updated information and research as it comes to hand. This section is a work in progress...
"Ben Hall! Stockman, Squatter, Bushranger, from these personas, his character has remained an enigma. From a man held in high regard by all who knew him to a man through his own actions became one of the most hunted in colonial history, and who would ultimately die a violent and bloody death at the hands of his pursuers."- Mark Matthews.
This website aims to provide a comprehensive, chronological account of Australian bushranger Ben Hall's calamitous life. Gathered through the accounts of eyewitnesses, former gang members, government documents, as well as the reproduction of historical newspaper and N.S.W. Police Gazette records of Ben Hall and his associates' bushranging activities. (All related articles incorporated into the narrative are coloured and transcribed as originally published.)
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| "Hall is the only one of the three who cultivates any moustache or whiskers, and he is getting fat." |
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| Earn presented to Mrs Campbell for Bravery. |
However, Gardiner Fordyce and Charters were deprived of their share by Sanderson and Manns lost his share, recovered by Sir Frederick Pottinger. Only Bow, Gilbert, O'Meally and Ben Hall retained their share of the spoils. For all Gardiner's planning he ended up with no reward for his enterprise.
On Gilbert's separation from Hall there was conjecture that the two as was an oft-repeated tale of another bitter dispute over a lady's favour, culminating in the grievous rumour of Hall discharging a fatal shot upon Gilbert.
This territory, was defined by vast stretches of untamed wilderness and imposing hills such as Monumea Gap, the Nelungaloo Range, and the Jemalong Range, otherwise known as the Garland Range. These out of the way areas provided an ideal sanctuary for Hall and Gilbert. These ranges formed a narrow mountainous spine extending from the current Carawandool State Forest at Back Creek, meandering northwards to Bogan Gate. The area abounded with caverns and ridges, affording the gang excellent concealment.
Additionally, the proximity of nearby stations like Bundaburrah, Billabong, and Carrawobbity, as well as the township of Forbes and the Dog and Duck Hotel, proved exceedingly advantageous. The Dog and Duck Hotel, owned by one Tom Higgins—an intimate confidant of Hall's and the very man who had tended to Hall's grievously injured leg in his youth—became a pivotal supply point. Higgins provided the bushrangers with provisions and intelligence regarding the movements of the constabulary, thus enabling them to replenish their supplies as necessity dictated. There were even tales that, when the authorities drew near, the bushrangers would retreat to this region to assist certain graziers in the herding of cattle.
However, while Hall was occupied with his young son over Christmas at the Pinnacle, Gilbert, according to the old-timer's account, purportedly travelled further north, a distance of some forty miles. There, he was said to have been stricken with Typhoid Fever and was nursed back to health by a kindly drover named Botfield. Thus, the narrative wove a tapestry of intrigue and rugged camaraderie, set against the backdrop of the wild Australian bush. 'The Forbes Advocate' Friday 28th February 1913:
A BOTFIELD EPISODE. There is a little siding out on the Parkes to Bogan Gate railway line called Botfield, and when I was out that way a couple of weeks ago I little dreamt that the peaceful little railway siding was once the spot on which a great act of "man's humanity to man" was enacted. A drover named Botfield was taking a mob of sheep across that part of the country and coming to a creek that contained good water, he decided to camp to rest his mob. He camped on there for such a long time that people began to speak of it as Botfield's Creek. One day Gilbert, one of Ben Hall's gang, rode up to the camp, suffering from typhoid fever, and Mr and Mrs Botfield made a bunk under their wagon and nursed him right through his illness. The police often rode up making inquiries about the bushrangers and even went so far as to look under the wagon round which the tarpaulin was hung, but Botfield put them off by telling them that it was only a sick drover under there.
However, on Gilbert's whereabouts a correspondent while canvassing another trail had it indicated to him that Gilbert had indeed gone north: It is speculated he went to Queensland.
Gilbert's mystery and speculation was finally countered by his own admission late in 1864 the he had actually gone to Queensland.
Empire 20th December 1864:
Gilbert has not the fresh, clear expression of countenance he used to have. His features are now much embrowned by the sun, and the skin in many places is peeling off. He, in the course of conversation, admitted that he had not long returned from Queensland, and that when there he was three times chased by the police; and furthermore, that on one of these three occasions, upon his horse knocking up, he jumped off and challenged his two pursuers to come on, whereupon they halted and jawed a bit, and then turned tail.
Sydney Mail 15 September 1937: A Centenarian Looks Back.
"I got through to Queensland. In
Queensland I came across a farmer living alone and he gave me a job
as a ploughman, and I thought I was all right.
"One
day we were in the field and a man came along and talked to my
master. The stranger looked at me and turned away as if he hadn't
seen me. Then the master said to me: 'We're going up to the house to
have a cup of tea. Coming along, Johnny?' I said: 'No, thanks. I'll
stop and look after the horses.'
I had my own opinions
about the man, so I waited till they got inside the hut and cut for
my life. I was nine days without food, and when I got to Pring's
station (twenty miles from Burrangong) I was in rags and my boots
just hanging to my feet; but I met my pal there and he soon supplied
me with clothes, horse, and food."
Hall's brief reunion with his son came to an abrupt end on January 22, 1864. Bridget Hall sought the intervention of the Forbes Court to reclaim young Henry Hall. Accompanied by Jim Taylor, Bridget issued a summons against William Hall for the unlawful detention of her son. However, the case never reached the courtroom as the dispute was resolved outside of court, and Henry was returned to his mother and Taylor.
Before January 26th became officially recognised as Australia Day—marking the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788—it was known as Anniversary Day. This was a time to commemorate the birth of a new nation, built on the backs of convicts, including my own ancestors, who arrived in 1822. Though they earned their freedom, these men and women were prohibited from returning to the 'Old Dart'. Yet, despite that severed tie, they forged lives in a harsh land and helped shape the nation we know today.
Anniversary Day 1864, become a festive occasion. Across the colonies, towns hosted celebrations honouring the perseverance and progress of their young country. Horse racing, the sport of choice for such events, drew crowds in high spirits. Burrowa was no exception—lavish preparations had been made, and the townspeople dressed in their finest for the day’s festivities.
But not all were there to celebrate.
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| NSW Police Gazette Feb 1864. |
Ben Hall, ever calculating, knew the roads would be busy with revellers. Alongside an unidentified accomplice, he positioned himself on the road to Burrowa, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Their first targets were young ladies riding in a buggy, decked in their Anniversary best, accompanied by men on foot. Just ahead, they intercepted a man named Dwyer, on his way to the Burrowa races.
What had begun as a day of pride and pageantry was about to turn into something far more unsettling—a reminder that in the Australian bush, celebration and danger often rode side by side.
'The Australian News for Home Readers' Wednesday 24 February 1864:Ben Hall and his New Force.— Information reached Young, on Thursday, of some ten persons, including several of the fair sex, having been stuck up while on their way to the Anniversary races on Tuesday last, by (it is supposed), the notorious bushranger Ben Hall, who allowed, them to pass upon the ladies' assurance that their finances were not in flourishing state. On information reaching Burrowa, the police went next morning in pursuit, but without success.
The new addition to Ben Hall's gang was eventually identified as James Mount, a seasoned criminal also known by the aliases "Old Man" and James Gordon. Mount had received a Ticket-of-Leave for the Mudgee district in September 1862 and, by the time he joined Hall, was 47 years old. He stood tall at 5 feet 11 inches, with brown hair, piercing grey eyes, and a pronounced Irish accent that marked him as a man shaped by another world—and a hard one at that.
The precise circumstances under which Hall and Mount became acquainted remain unclear, though it's speculated that they may have crossed paths while Mount was working as a farm labourer near Cowra and Hall visited a local doctor about his injured leg. Wherever and however their paths converged, by February 1864, Mount was riding with the Ben Hall.
Furthermore Mount was linked to a robbery on January 24th, near Forbes, in which two men—Bell and McMahon—were relieved of a staggering 110 ounces of gold. Reports from the time were muddled, and in some telling, Hall’s accomplice was believed to be none other than the infamous “Mad Dog” Morgan. Morgan, a volatile and feared figure in the Riverina region, carried a reputation for violence and unpredictability that far exceeded Hall’s more calculated approach.
Whether this confusion was due to genuine misidentification or a deliberate smokescreen remains unknown. What is certain, however, is that Hall's operations were growing bolder—and more dangerous—with every passing week.
Morgan, it was not.
Following the Anniversary Day festivities, Ben Hall—accompanied by his unidentified accomplice—intercepted Thomas Sheedy and a group of other men travelling along the road from Burrowra. Hall's primary target was a sum of cash and, more specifically, Sheedy's prized racehorse Black Diamond.
Bailed Up and under the threat of Hall’s revolver, one of the men claimed he was penniless. He spoke quickly and calmly, and whether it was the truth or a convincing lie, Hall seemed satisfied. He lowered his guard, slipping into easy conversation, the way Hall was known to engage his victims when the robbery was going his way.
But the mood shifted abruptly when Black Diamond’s handler approached and caught wind of the gang’s intentions. Without hesitation, the man turned and bolted into the bush.
Hall and his accomplice sprang into action, giving immediate chase.
'Sydney Mail' Saturday 6th February 1864 highlighted the event:Sunday Times Sunday 23rd December 1906:
Ben Hall's demeanour and general appearance upset all my boyish calculations. I had pictured a wild-looking man in extravagant dress, with a belt around his waist, in which knives, daggers, and pistols were fastened like beads on a string. Here was a quiet, gentlemanly-looking man, dressed in a neat-fitting grey tweed suit, hazel-coloured eyes, complexion fair, and a neat half-Yankee drab-colored felt hat, such as were generally worn by the station overseers. He only carried one pistol that I could see.Ben Hall’s growing notoriety as one of the colony’s most feared and admired bushrangers gave rise to a popular belief—that joining his gang was as simple as presenting oneself and asking for a place among the gang. In the months that followed, several men fancied themselves fit for the life, seeking either fortune, fame, or the thrill of defiance.
One such aspirant was John M’Kail, an American with a flair for the dramatic who styled himself, “The Flying Barber.” However, before turning his eye toward bushranging, M’Kail worked as a driver for Greig’s coach service, transporting passengers between Forbes and Lambing Flat. It was likely during these runs that he first crossed paths with possibly Gardiner, Hall and John Gilbert.
With his curious nickname, foreign accent, and background in the coach trade, M’Kail was a figure who stood out—even among the ragtag mix of larrikins and rogues drawn to the bushranging lifestyle.
However, John M’Kail was not merely a colourful rogue—he was a married man with a violent temper. In March 1863, he was sentenced to six months in Bathurst Gaol for the brutal beating of his wife. Upon his release, Mrs M’Kail, fearful for her safety, took up employment at the Franklyn Hotel in Billabong, just outside Forbes, under the protection of its proprietor, Mr Octavius Folkard.
But M’Kail was not deterred. Determined to reclaim his wife, he confronted Folkard, who refused to release her into his custody, citing her safety as paramount. Enraged and vowing revenge against both his wife and those who protected her, M’Kail returned to the hotel several days later.
Entering the bar in a fevered state, he stationed himself at the far end of the counter where Folkard was serving two customers. Suddenly, he shouted, “Folkard! Folkard! Look!” and reached into his pocket. As he pulled out a pistol, it discharged—whether by accident or panic, no one could say—and the blast plunged the room into darkness.
When a candle was finally lit, M’Kail was found on the floor, bleeding from a gunshot wound to his right side. The man who had arrived with murder in mind was dead within ten minutes.
Prior to this fatal episode, M’Kail had made it known that he intended to join Hall and Gilbert once his “business” in Billabong was concluded. Fate, however, had other plans.
While M’Kail’s life ended in chaos, Ben Hall’s whereabouts became the subject of mystery. He had seemingly vanished from the Burrowa district. With no confirmed sightings for days, speculation ran wild. Some claimed he had returned to the Lachlan, possibly to his former station or to Wheogo Station, the home of his ex-in-laws. Others whispered he was holed up in the remote scrub of Wheogo Hill.
In truth, Hall was lying low—and nursing a swollen foot. He had suffered a bite from a centipede, and the resulting inflammation made it impossible to wear a boot. In considerable discomfort, he sought out a doctor in Cowra, though the treatment offered little relief. Still limping, Hall made his way to Oma Station—a place he knew well from his youth, where he had once herded cattle... and, stole a police horse entrusted to the station’s care.
Ben Hall visited a doctor at Cowra a short time since to consult about his leg, which had been bitten by a centipede. He has since made a call at Oma station, of Messrs. West, Brothers', and took a police horse from the paddock. He is frequently seen about.
Still nursing the painful bite and limping from discomfort, Ben Hall returned on the 13th of February, 1864, to a place once familiar and cherished—his former station, Sandy Creek. Once a happy home, it had passed out of his hands and into those of John Wilson, who had purchased the property from Hall and his brother-in-law, John Maguire, back in September 1862. (See Ben Hall Pt 1)
Hall rode into the old homestead in search of Wilson. Their meeting was cordial. Hall, in need of food and fresh horseshoes, made his request with characteristic ease. Over a few days he made himself at home. On the final day as he sat down to breakfast, the tranquillity of the morning was broken by the barking of dogs.
Moments later, a party of police led by Inspector Shadforth approached. With composure that bordered on the surreal, Hall rose from his meal, looked out the door then walked to his horse and mounted—passing within mere yards of the police who fired at Hall—Hall returned fire as he rode off at speed. He vanished into the scrub. Shadforth humiliated focused on John Wilson charging him with harbouring.
John Wilson, caught in the fallout, was taken to Bogolong then Forbes. However, the charge was dismissed.
But the most remarkable detail came after the dust had settled. According to station hand William Roebuck, once the police had departed, Hall returned—unbothered—and resumed his hearty breakfast at the very table he had left moments before.
The local Traps, seemed to be perpetually behind. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to catch up with Hall and Mount. On several occasions, they arrived at the scene of a robbery only to find that the culprits had already fled, leaving behind a trail of frustrated victims and baffled lawmen.
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| Frederick Chisholm |
Regardless of the truth, the result was the same. Hall and Mount continued their spree:
ROBBERY BY BEN HALL: - Intelligence is to hand that on Friday last Ben Hall went to Mr F Chisholm's station, Grogan, in the Binalong district, and finding the owner alone proceeded to tie him up. He threatened him with further punishment for riding about the country with bad characters— meaning the police. He then went outside, and securing two of the servants; took the race-horse Troubadour, two other horses, and some trifling articles, and went away.— Goulburn Herald and Chronicle.
The raid was presented in more depth from the Burrangong Times:
The Burrangong Times says: — On the evening of Friday last the celebrated Ben Hall unceremoniously introduced himself to the presence of Mr. Chisholm in that gentleman's residence, at Bland, and, after enquiring for the master of the house, was told that he was addressing him. No sooner was this said than Hall presented two revolvers at Mr. Chisholm's head, and demanded of a female who was present to bring him some coat straps. These being furnished, Hall put one of the revolvers in his belt, in which four more were fixed and with the unoccupied hand bound Mr Chisholm's hands behind his back. He then demanded the key of the store, which was complied with. From the store he filled up three-bushel bags with clothing, bridles, &c., and took from Mr Chisholm his gold watch and chain, valued at £11. Hall then addressed himself to Mr. Chisholm thus : — "Now, Sir, I want your race-horse Troubadour." Mr. Chisholm begged of him to take anything he liked, but to leave him his horse, remarking that having left him so long unmolested, he thought that he (Hall) would not have troubled him now. "Damn you," Hall replied, "you ought not to have been so flash, assisting to escort the horse Union Jack to the Wagga Wagga races. I was watching you from the ridges while I was lying in wait for Commissioner Clarke and Tom Coupland."
Troubadour was then brought from the stable, Mr Chisholm's new saddle and bridle was put on him, and the two crammed bags of plunder were strapped on. On proceeding out of the yard, Troubadour, not relishing the humiliation of being converted into a packhorse, commenced bucking, and quickly relieved himself of his freight. Other horses were then brought into requisition, which were, along with Troubadour, led away. Hall only appeared in the robbery, but, by the signals he at times gave, it was evident he was not alone, and had several accomplices at hand. Mr Chisholm rode to Young next morning and laid an information to the police, who went in search after Hall. Mr. Chisholm has had information since that Troubadour has been set adrift near M'Kay's station, at Mimagong.
The following is a somewhat more circumstantial account of the same event from the Young Daily Tribune of the 6th instant. That Journal says :— On Friday, the 1st instant, Ben Hall paid a visit to Groggan station, Bland Plains, 30 miles from Young, the property of Mr. Frederick Chisholm — a gentleman well known in this district It appears that Hall had a great longing to become possessed of 'Union Jack,' the celebrated race-horse, who ran third in the Champion Race at Wagga Wagga; but the horse being closely escorted by some troopers from Junee he was disappointed. Mr Chisholm came part of the way with the police escort, which annoyed Hall and Co. ; and, to be revenged for their not obtaining ' Union Jack,' they honoured Mr. Chisholm with their company between seven and eight o'clock on the above evening. In the house, besides Mr. C, were a man and a boy, who are in his service, a traveller stopping for the night, and Mr. Peter Woods, a neighbouring squatter, who was in bed at the time, and whom they did not molest in any way. Hall came into the house by himself, and, after bidding good evening, proceeded to tie everyone up, with their hands behind their back, civilly saying, 'he came for the race-horse Troubadour, and have him he would.' Mr. Chisholm asked, "What he wanted with the horse after having left him alone so long? Hall replied, "That he (Mr C.) was too bloody flash coming from Wagga Wagga; if lie had returned home by himself he would not have interfered with him but, if he chose to keep company with troopers, he must be taught better manners." Hall then untied and marched them all before him to the stable where the horse was, which he took out, brought back to the house, and put a bridle and saddle on. He then filled two three-bushel bags with property from. Mr. Chisholm's station store, consisting of clothing of various kinds, tobacco, saddles and bridles, and quietly asked for Mr Chisholm's gold watch and chain, which cost twenty-five guineas. These having been handed to him, he coolly pocketed, remarking that the watch looked a good one. He also took two other horses — a chestnut and a bay; and, having secured his booty safely on the horses, he kindly wished them all good evening, saving — "I dare say you are not sorry I am going." Hall did not disguise himself in any way, but appeared quite cool and jolly. Mr Chisholm did not know Hall personally ; but some of his men did, and enlightened their master as to the character of his disagreeable visitor. Mr. Chisholm estimates his loss at about £270. It is supposed that Hall's companions waited a short distance for him, and aided him to carry off the plunder; although none of them but Hall was seen. Such are the particulars, as far as we can at present learn, of the outrage, alike disgraceful to our civilisation and Government. It is reported that 'Troubadour' has been turned loose by the bushrangers ; but we doubt the truth of it. The bay draught horse which was stolen has been recovered, having been picked up on the station by a stock-keeper.
The Yass Courier Saturday 16th Apr 1864:
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| Percy Scarr |
The Goulburn Herald and Chronicle Saturday 16th April 1864: - BEN HALL IN OUR MIDST:- On Monday about one o'clock p.m., Ben Hall and another stuck up Messrs. Percy and Richard Scarr, on the Marengo road, and after making them dismount, Hall took possession of their horses, saddles and bridles. Both horses were valuable, especially one for which £50 was given lately, which is a fine, showy beast, having
formerly been a racer.
It appears Hall was on his way to Broughtonsworth for this horse, when, it is supposed, by the intervention of a bush telegraph, he had his wish gratified with less trouble. Hall commented to Mr. Scarr and swears that his new gang shall be the best mounted rangers that over "took the bush for it."
Mr. Percy Scarr's, which is a fine, showy beast, having formerly been a racer. This highway robbery took place not far from where Mr. Scarr was stuck-up before, and very near to the spot where the unfortunate mail man, Crotty, was shot dead. The Marengo police are now in pursuit.
Departing from the Scarr brothers Hall headed for Mr. Sheedy's home and business in search of the race horse he failed to posses in January following the Burrowra Anniversary Races Black Diamond.
Late on the evening of the same day, the inmates of Mr Sheedy's public-house, Back Creek, were alarmed by Hall and his companion entering and bailing them up in the usual way. Hall's mate-an elderly man aged about fifty, kept them in a corner, while Hall went and searched for Sheedy, on whom he says he will have revenge, on account of having reported his having been stuck up while returning from Burrowa races. For this and to get possession of, Mr. Sheedy's race-horse, Black Diamond. Hall stated that this was the object of his visit. However, Hall ransacked the place, took possession of the bar, and became landlord pro. tem,, serving out nobblers ad libitum, and gratis. He then ordered supper, of which he and his coadjutor heartily partook. They then left, and went and stick-up another store. He is supposed to be now in the bush near Marengo. The bush telegraphs render him almost safe, among whom he distributes money most profusely. Fortunately Mr. Sheedy was from home, and Diamond removed to a distance. It is pretty well known that Hall and his accomplice rode through the township of Young at an early hour next morning. - Burrangong Times.
BUSHRANGING.- For these last six days nearly all this district's police have been scouring the bush in search of Hall; but it is unnecessary to comment upon the result. Suffice it to say that if Master Benjamin is not taken within a month, the public in general, and of this district in particular, may make up their minds to have the whole bushranging programme of these last two years re-performed under a different leader, i.e., Ben Hall captain--vice Mr. John Gilbert, retired, and Francis Gardiner, Esq., "twitched." For a gentleman from the Levels this day told me that Hall and his exploits--more particularly his apparent contempt of, and escape from, the police-are sources of almost endless conversation and ill-concealed delight to far too many of that numerous corps of youthful and agile stock riders which inhabit the extensive plains of Bland.
My respected informant also stated that he knew for a fact that Hall was rapidly re-organising another gang-some of the neophytes to which could not sufficiently screw their courage up to take an active part in his late attack on the Grogan station; so their experienced commander (making every allowance for the novelty of their position) considerately allowed them to act as scouts. It is probable, upon their next raid, that he will induce them to "cross the Rubicon." If so, the honest settlers around may anticipate, during the ensuing winter, a succession of sports more animated than agreeable.
Undoubtedly our district's and the Forbes police are to blame for this, as this "hydra-headed" state of things would never exist were not their captures so miserably few and far between that before one gang is exterminated another is ready to take its place.
Had Shadforth's party arrested Hall at Sandy Creek station (Wilson's), as they ought to have done, they would not only have had the profit of £1000, but they would also have had the honor of crushing out the fag end of Gardiner's gang. But the lame and semi-bootless robber makes a dash at the thoroughly armed police, runs the gauntlet, escapes, and so becomes the germ of another ruffian band, which, if report speaks truly, is now in the saddle, ready, if not impatient, for action. I'm informed that the plunder taken from Mr. Frederick Chisholm's by Hall, on the 1st instant, is considerably more than at first supposed. However, it may be a source of feeble gratification to that gentleman and the public to know that our gallant police still hold, with regard to Ben Hall, the same proud position that they have hold for these last two years, i.e., they are after him! There was a rumour afloat that the stolen racer, Chisholm's Troubadour, was recovered by the police: it is not true. The horse has not since been heard of. - Marengo correspondent of 'Yass Courier.
Wrong Apprehension. — Not Ben Hall. — With the usual acuteness which characterises the majority of the police of this colony, an elderly man, Lame, and very much delapidated in his garments, was apprehended on the Murrumbidgee River and escorted to Young as the notorious Ben Hall. On his arrival there on Saturday he was immediately liberated, his personnel agreeing in no one particular with that of the celebrated bushranger. The old man's hair and beard were fair, while those of Hall are very dark. There appears to be something not only stupid but heartless in dragging an old man such a distance without the remotest possibility of his turning out to be the real "Simon Pure."
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