Wateringbury man murdered in Australia (1854)

Post date: Mar 27, 2012 9:37:17 PM

Extract from West Kent Guardian, 15th July 1854

WATERINGBURY.

A feeling of of heartfelt sorrow is spread throughout this village by the death of the wife of the Rev. Henry Stevens, the vicar. The melancholy event took place on Thursday last. Besides the rev. gentleman, four sons and two daughters are left to lament their irreparable loss.

Murder in Australia. —It is with much regret we announce another murder by the Aborigines—that of Mr. George Kettel, which occurred in North Australia, Moreton Bay, on the 5th March, 1854. In consequence of the great scarcity of labour, and one of his men being too unwell to atend to his duties, Mr. Kettel was compelled to shepherd one of his flocks himself, when he was surprised by the blacks, who cruelly murdered and stripped him, and took away one thousand or more sheep. The unfortunate gentleman was much respected, and was, we understand, about to sell out and return to England. He was born at Wateringbury, and his loss is deeply deplored by his relatives and friends.