Ned Kelly: Australian Outlaw

nNo one has come to represent the Australian characteristics of informality, straight-talking, rebelliousness, and dismissal of authority than the man known as Ned Kelly.

Edward “Ned” Kelly was born in June, 1854, in the town of Beveridge near Melbourne, one of seven children. His father John “Red” Kelly had been deported to Australia from his native Ireland following a criminal conviction. The exact nature of his crime is uncertain. Some suggest it was politically motivated and that Kelly was involved in Irish nationalism, others that he stole some pigs. Either way, he was sentenced to 7 years penal servitude and transported to Van Dieman’s Land (modern day Tasmania) in 1843. He was released from his sentence in 1848 and travelled to Victoria in Australia where he settled in the town of Beveridge. There he worked on a nearby farm later marrying his employers daughter, Ellen Quinn.

There was something about John “Red” Kelly that seemed to offend those in authority and the family had a fractious relationship with the local police. They were suspected of being cattle and horse thieves though they were never convicted of either crime.

Early in 1866, “Red” Kelly was arrested for stealing a calf and removing its brand. Though he was cleared of theft he was convicted of removing the brand with the intention of selling the calf on. The sentence was harsh. Kelly was ordered to pay a £25 fine or serve 6 months in prison. Unable to pay the £25 he was forced to accept incarceration  and the time he spent in the harsh and unforgiving environment of Kilgore Jail was to destroy his health. Not long after his release on 27 December, 1866, he died. Ned, who was only 11 years old at the time blamed the Authorities for his father’s death. Ned never forgot this and it convinced him from a young age that the police were out to get him and his family. Indeed, prior to his ever being declared an outlaw members of his family were arrested a total of 18 times, though fewer than half these arrests resulted in a conviction. It has led many to believe that the Kelly family were unfairly targeted and the victims of police harassment.

The young Ned was a rumbustuous child who enjoyed the rough and tumble of the outdoor life. Though only 5′8″ inches tall he was physically very strong and enjoyed a good fist fight. When still a young boy he saved another child, Richard Shelton, from drowning. The incident made him a local hero and he was awarded a green sash by the childs family as recognition of his courage. It was something of which he was to remain very proud.