Description
This book is based on selected Coronial inquests held in the district of Essendon, Moonee Ponds, Ascot Vale and Flemington between 1840 and 1866. The evidence presented at the inquests were eye-witness accounts of events and conditions in the early days of settlement. Witnesses include Alexander McDonald, a stockman, who saw his mate gored by a wild bullock; John Dawes, a shepherd, who found a dead body in a swamp with a little dog sitting on its back; and Christina Alcorn, who charitably attended a woman sick with dysentery living out her last miserable days in a tent. Causes of death included riding into trees, visitations of God, strychnine poisoning, drownings, and of course, the occasional murder.
The book includes the names of the jurors who sat on the inquests. Their name in the Coronial documents is often the earliest record of them having settled in the district. Brief biographical details are given of the jurors and witnesses, where known. An index of names allows you to readily find references to the witnesses and jurors.
ISBN 0 646 23503
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excellent local history which gives compelling insight into how primary sources can be used