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Tales from the Grave
Uncovering family history from down under
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First in the role, first to be dismissed
Thomas had a unique way of doing his job.
Samantha Elley
Nov 20, 20232 min read
320 views
0 comments


'A dear face missed from its accustomed place'
The grief over the death of a child is always felt more keenly.
Samantha Elley
Oct 23, 20232 min read
466 views
0 comments


Plane disappearance creates reluctant hero
The mystery of the Stinson mail plane disappearance was solved by Bernard O'Reilly
Samantha Elley
Oct 2, 20232 min read
656 views
0 comments


Boxing bout leaves young man dead
It was a sudden death, totally unexpected and to a young, healthy man who was fighting fit. Born in 1913 in Brisbane to Percy and Lucy,...
Samantha Elley
Sep 26, 20232 min read
196 views
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Languages became extinct when she died
WARNING: This article contains the names and photos of Indigenous people who have since passed.
Samantha Elley
Sep 19, 20232 min read
1,040 views
1 comment

Award winning architect noted church designer
Joseph Fowell may have lost use of an eye, but his designs were flawless.
Samantha Elley
Sep 5, 20232 min read
115 views
0 comments


He was a doctor in demand
At the turn of the 20th century, Dr Carlo Pio Ferdinando Baldassarre Franceschi reached Australian shores after attaining the rank of...
Samantha Elley
Aug 29, 20232 min read
590 views
0 comments


Mystery disappearance of Cedar King remembered 58 years later
Bill Haydon's body has never been found.
Samantha Elley
Aug 22, 20232 min read
1,868 views
0 comments


Stately mansion tells story of philanthropic solicitor
They opened their home to help raise funds.
Samantha Elley
Jul 25, 20232 min read
387 views
0 comments


Her short life deserves to be remembered
How long before our memory fades?
Samantha Elley
Jul 11, 20232 min read
870 views
0 comments


The explorer and the writer: A love story
Their marriage was short-lived but their achievements were great.
Samantha Elley
May 30, 20232 min read
379 views
0 comments


The apple of Granny Smith's eye
Sometimes the rubbish we throw out becomes the sweetest of results.
Samantha Elley
May 16, 20234 min read
423 views
2 comments


He survived both world wars with a Victoria Cross
In honour of Anzac Day, we remember Albert Chalmers Borella, Victoria Cross recipient. Born in Victoria in 1881, he was working in the...
Samantha Elley
Apr 25, 20232 min read
192 views
0 comments


Release of book on Woodburn history
History of Woodburn as told through the 'residents' of its cemetery.
Samantha Elley
Apr 18, 20232 min read
1,347 views
0 comments


98 year-old letter finally delivered
He wrote to his mate's mum, but died before he could deliver the letter.
Samantha Elley
Apr 4, 20232 min read
513 views
0 comments


Suffragette questioned men's laws for women
Her literary ability was passed on to her son and benefited the women's movement.
Samantha Elley
Mar 27, 20232 min read
167 views
1 comment


Goldfields artist forgotten for three decades
His sketches and lithographs made him famous in his time.
Samantha Elley
Mar 13, 20232 min read
563 views
0 comments


Australia's first terrorist victim was 17 years old
A picnic day goes very, very wrong.
Samantha Elley
Mar 6, 20232 min read
602 views
0 comments


Deadly swim on New Year's Day
The hot weather made the river attractive.
Samantha Elley
Feb 20, 20232 min read
1,223 views
0 comments


Hordern family behind largest department store worldwide
They ruled the retail trade
Samantha Elley
Feb 13, 20232 min read
1,373 views
0 comments
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