Ned Kelly

The names Edward Kelly, most people call me Ned. I departed this earth on 11th of November in the year 1880, I was executed that day by the authorities for the murder of a policeman.If you want to learn more about my exploits, especially the time I visited Glenrowan drop by this place www.glenrowan1880.comMuch has been said and written about me, I was born about 1854-1855, (no proof exists to determine my exact birth date) I was named Edward Kelly, in either Beveridge or Wallan, I cannot recall. I had an association with the long arm of the law since I was a lad. My first notable appearance was when I had an altercation with a Chinaman named Ah Fook. Fook was recorded as calling me a 'bushranger' for the first time. Around this period I became an 'apprentice' to bushranger Harry Power, mostly I held his horses. My next red mark was for being involved with the sending of an obscene letter and assault. Following this I was charged with having a stolen horse in his possession and was given three years with hard labour, I was only 16 years of age. Next up I was arrested for being drunk, on this charge I managed to get away with a fine only. That leads us to the incident where constable Fitzpatrick visited my family home to arrest my brother Dan. This was the cause of the 'Kelly outbreak', as it became known. Dan and I headed for the relative safety of the Wombat Ranges. Eventually the police set up camp near by and a subsequent shootout between my gang and the police led to the death of three police officers.   After eluding the police for a lengthy period my gang robbed the banks of Euroa and Jerilderie before the eventual raid on Glenrowan. Ironically, I would be charged with crimes I did not commit, and not charged with the ones I was guilty of. I was known (and by my own admission) as the best horse thief in Victoria, yet I never charged with this crime. I was assisting Harry Power, but was never convicted. I did not write the obscene note that had me sent to prison, but I was guilty of the assault.  I was extra strong with my fists, and took on all comers, including constable Hall and Wild Wright. I was willing to take on anyone and this had been the case since my youth. I was a courageous fighter and would use my fists over guns where possible. I was a fair fighter, who took on opponents in bare knuckle fights. I was a man who could command an audience and I was a natural leader.  My life was cut so very short, pity the bugger had to run.