FRONTIER CONFLICT AND THE NATIVE MOUNTED POLICE IN QUEENSLAND Toby (5) (aka Wild Toby) [Associated individual] Default Name Toby (5) (aka Wild Toby) Role/status/position Aboriginal person Notes/comments Alleged to have committed murder. Killed Constable Dwyer who was trying to arrest him on 26 January 1883; was subsequently himself killed by Senior Constable William Wright a day or two later and was buried on the Jundah run. An inquest was held. Documents 14 entries Title Text File Tools Brisbane Courier, 10 February 1883, p6 TAROOM. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] February 5. ... Title Text File Tools Scarcely had the above incident commenced to lose its charm for novelty when a report was circulated with magic speed that one of the Taroom police, William Dwyer, had been killed in an attempt to capture a blackfellow of the name of Toby, for whose arrest a warrant had been issued, and the sad rumour soon proved to be only too well founded. Brie y the facts of the case appear to be as follows :— Toby being wanted to answer for some o ence of his, Sergeant Wright, accompanied by the deceased, started in pursuit, and found the object of their search camped in the neighbourhood of Juandah. The blackfellow being an unusually powerful and determined character, it was decided by the police, if practicable, to e ect his capture by strategy. Whilst, however, the sergeant was testing the possibility of carrying out this plan, Dwyer in direct violation of the above understanding, suddenly seized Toby, when the latter making a spring, shook himself su ciently free of his would-be captor to enable him to drive a sharp tomahawk deep into the skull of the unfortunate constable, though not before the sergeant had red two bullets into the murderer's head and chest respectively, in his endeavour to rescue his comrade from his perilous position. Neither shot, however, proved fatal, and it was only after receiving the contents of the remaining barrels of the sergeant's resolver that Toby fell mortally wounded whilst in the act of hurling his nulla nulla at his surviving antagonist. But las dying condition robbed the blow of its force, and the formidable projectile struck the sergeant with only tri ing weight. Dwyer lingered half an hour after receiving the fatal blow, but was never sensible. The deceased, who was a married man, had been stationed at Taroom a considerable time, and although many regard his unhappy fate as attributable partly to his temerity, all must admit that he met his death in the faithful performance of Title Text File Tools his duty. This mournful accident has evoked a fooling of sorrow, which the suddenness of the event has served to still further intensify. Much sympathy is felt for the widow at her sad bereavement, and an appeal to the generosity of the public in her behalf is already contemplated. Brisbane Courier, 3 February 1883, p4 Concerning the murder of Constable Dwyer, a correspondent writes from Taroom, under date 29th January :—" On the 25th September last Mr. Anderson, of Kinnoul, whilst riding home on the Euroomba-road, was mur- derously assaulted by an aboriginal named Toby, and only escaped by his horse bolting with him. As soon after as he could leave his family in safety he came into Taroom and caused a warrant to be issued for Toby's arrest. This Toby is a very strong powerful man, for many years a source of great trouble and fear to many in this district, but it has been found impossible to catch him. On the 26th January Senior-constable Wright and Constable Dwyer, accompanied by a black tracker, came on him at daybreak near Juandah station. He was then coming from a waterhole to his camp, the police coming in the opposite direction. They rode quietly up and asked his name; he replied, "My name Toby." On this, Constable Dwyer rushed from behind Wright and seized him. In the struggle that ensued, Dwyer's revolver dropped, and Toby literally buried his tomahawk in Dwyer's skull ; not, however, before Wright had lodged two balls in Toby's body, at about 3ft. distance. Toby then turned on Wright, whom he struck at with his tomahawk, which Wright evaded, and emptied his revolver into Toby, who then threw his nulla nulla, slightly wounding Wright, and after a short pause fell dead. Dwyer lived about half-an-hour ; his body was carried to Juandah station, and buried after a magisterial inquiry had been held by Mr. C. J. Royds, J.P. Verdict found that Constable Dwyer was, in the Title Text File Tools exercise of his duties as a constable, whilst trying to arrest Toby, feloniously and brutally murdered by the said Toby, and that Toby's death was a case of justi able homicide. Constable William Dwyer was a native of Ireland, has been with us about three years, and gained the esteem of most people here as a most zealous o cer in the discharge of his duties. He leaves a widow enciente and one child to deplore their loss. The di culties in the way of Senior-constable Wright, and the pluck required to arrest a scoundrel of this type can only be appreciated by those who know the hundreds of miles of scrub here, and the description of blacks referred to." Darling Downs Gazette, 5 February 1883, p2 The Black Outlaw Toby.— With respect to the black outlaw Toby, who recently murdered Police-constable Dwyer, and was subsequently shot by Senior-constable Wright, the Police Department have received the following telegram from Sub-inspector Armstrong at Taroom: — "Just arrived here; 'Wild Toby,' the terror of the Dawson district, had managed to elude Moran and his troopers for many years. He was a powerfully built man, and did not mingle with other aboriginals. A warrant was issued for his arrest last September for the attempted murderer of Anderson, of Kinnoul. Senior Constable Wright, hearing that Toby was on Juandah Run, started with Constable Dwyer, and tracked Toby, who was found camped on Wolerbee Creek. Dwyer dismounted cautiously and rushed at Toby, while Wright parleyed with him. Dwyer caught the outlaw by the throat. Toby managed to pick up a tomahawk and drove it through Dwyer's skull. He then made a blow at Wright, who, after ring several shots, succeeded in killing the aboriginal." Title Text File Tools Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General THE MURDER OF A POLICEMAN. FURTHER Advertiser, 1 February 1883, p3 particulars have been received by the Police Department of the murder of Police-constable Dwyer by a blackfellow, and the shooting of the latter. Sub-inspector Armstrong telegraphs from Taroom, dated yesterday, as follows : — "Just arrived here ; 'Wild Toby,' the terror of the Dawson district, had managed to elude Moran and his troopers for many years. He was a powerfully built man, and did not mingle with other aboriginals. A warrant was issued for his arrest last September, for the attempted murder of Anderson, of Kinnoul. Senior- constable Wright hearing that Toby was on Jundah run, started with Constable Dwyer, and tracked Toby, who was found camped on Wolorbee Creek. Dwyer dismounted cautiously and rushed at Toby, while Wright parleyed with him. Dwyer caught the outlaw by the throat. Toby managed to pick up a tomahawk and drove it through Dwyer's skull. He then made a blow at Wright, who, after ring several shots, succeeded in killing the aboriginal. Queenslander, 10 February 1883, p229 The Tragedy at Juandah Station. CONCERNING the murder of Constable Dwyer, a correspondent writes from Taroom, under date 29th January:—"On the 25th September last Mr. Anderson, of Kinnoul, whilst riding home on the Euroomba-road, was murderously assaulted by an aboriginal named Toby, and only escaped by his horse bolting with him. As soon after as he could leave his family in safety he came into Taroom and caused a warrant to be issued for Toby's arrest. This Toby is a very strong powerful man, for many years a source of great trouble and fear to many in this district, but it has been found impossible to catch him. On the 26th January Senior-constable Wright and Constable Dwyer, accompanied by a black tracker, came on him at daybreak near Juandah station. He was then coming from a waterhole to his camp, the police coming in the opposite Title Text File Tools direction. They rode quietly up and asked his name; he replied, "My name Toby." On this, Constable Dwyer rushed from behind Wright and seized him. In the struggle that ensued, Dwyer's revolver dropped, and Toby literally buried his tomahawk in Dwyer's skull; not, however, before Wright had lodged two balls in Toby's body, at about 3ft. distance. Toby then turned on Wright, whom he struck at with his tomahawk, which Wright evaded, and emptied his revolver into Toby, who then threw his nulla nulla, slightly wounding Wright, and after a short pause fell dead. Dwyer lived about half-an-hour; his body was carried to Juandah station, and buried after a magisterial inquiry had been held by Mr. C. J. Royds, J.P. Verdict found that Constable Dwyer was, in the exercise of his duties as a constable, whilst trying to arrest Toby, feloniously and brutally murdered by the said Toby, and that Toby's death was a case of justi able homicide. Constable William Dwyer was a native of Ireland, has been with us about three years, and gained the esteem of most people here as a most zealous o cer in the discharge of his duties. He leaves a widow enciente and one child to deplore their loss. The di culties in the way of Senior-constable Wright, and the pluck required to arrest a scoundrel of this type can only be appreciated by those who know the hundreds of miles of scrub here, and the description of blacks referred to." Queenslander, 17 February 1883, p246 Scarcely had the above incident commenced to lose its charm for novelty when a report was circulated with magic speed that one of the Taroom police, William Dwyer, had been killed in an attempt to capture a blackfellow of the name of Toby, for whose arrest a warrant had been issued; and the sad rumour soon proved to be only too well founded. Brie y the facts of the case appear to be as follows :— Toby being wanted to answer for some o ence of his, Sergeant Wright, accompanied by the Title Text File Tools deceased, started in pursuit, and found the object of their search camped in the neighbourhood of Juandah. The blackfellow being an unusually powerful and determined character, it was decided by the police, if prac- ticable, to e ect his capture by strategy. Whilst, however, the sergeant was testing the possibility of carrying out this plan, Dwyer, In direct violation of the above understanding, suddenly seized Toby, when the latter, making a spring, shook himself su ciently free of his would-be captor to enable him to drive a sharp tomahawk deep into the skull of the unfortunate constable, though not before the sergeant had red two bullets into the murderer's head and chest respectively, in his endeavour to rescue his comrade from his perilous position. Neither shot, however, proved fatal, and it was only after receiving the contents of the remaining barrels of the sergeant's revolver that Toby fell mortally wounded whilst in the act of hurling his nulla- nulla at his surviving antagonist. But his dying condition robbed the blow of its force, and the formidable projectile struck the sergeant with only tri ing weight. Dwyer lingered half-an- hour after receiving the fatal blow, but was never sensible. The deceased, who was a married man, had been stationed at Taroom a considerable time, and, although many regard his unhappy fate as attributable partly to his temerity, all must admit that he met his death in the faithful performance of his duty. This mournful accident has evoked a feeling of sorrow, which the suddenness of the event has served to still further intensify. Much sympathy is felt for the widow at her sad bereavement, and an appeal to the generosity of the public in her behalf is already contemplated. Title Text File Tools Queenslander, 3 February 1883, p165 Senior-constable W. Wright telegraphs to the commissioner, under date Taroora, Saturday, as follows :—" At daylight yesterday Constable Dwyer was killed while attempting to arrest 'Toby,' an aboriginal, charged on warrant with attempt to murder. ' Toby' was shot by me and buried at the scene of the occurrence on Jundah run. I had the body of Constable Dwyer brought to Jundah station and interred there. I got slightly wounded in the struggle with Toby.' A magisterial inquiry was held by Mr. Royds, J.F." ... With respect to the black outlaw Toby, who murdered Police-constable Dwyer, and was subsequently shot by Senior-constable Wright, the Police Department have received the following telegram from Sub-inspector Armstrong at Taroom :—" Just arrived here; 'Wild Toby,' the terror of the Dawson district, had managed to elude Moran and his troopers for many years. He was a powerfully-built man, and did not mingle with other aboriginals. A warrant was issued for his arrest last September, for the attempted murder of Anderson, of Kinnoul. Senior-constable Wright, hearing that Toby was on Jundah Run, started with Constable Dwyer, and tracked Toby, who was found camped on Wolerbee Creek. Dwyer dismounted cautiously and rushed at Toby, while Wright parleyed with him. Dwyer caught the outlaw by the throat. Toby managed to pick up a tomahawk and drove it through Dwyer's skull. He then made a blow at Wright, who, after ring several shots, succeeded in killing the aboriginal." Telegraph, 2 February 1883, p3 THE MURDER OF CONSTABLE DWYER. [FROM A CORRESPONDENT.] January 29. The excitement caused on the 18th instant, by the committal for trial of the Rev. J. Laurie, of Roma, for marrying a minor without the consent of her parents, contrary to to the Act, had barely subsided when the town was Title Text File Tools thrown into a state of consternation by the news of the murder of Constable Dwyer. The particulars are as follows:— On the 25th September last Mr. Anderson, of Kinnoul, whilst riding home on the Euroomba Bond, was murderously assaulted by an aboriginal named Toby, and only escaped by his horse bolting with him. As soon after as he could leave his family in safety he came into Taroom and caused a warrant to be issued for Toby's arrest. This Toby is a very strong, powerful man, one of the few survivors of those implicated in the Fraser murders at Hornet Bank. He has been for years past a source of great trouble and fear to many in this district, as he and his gin lived almost entirely in the scrub by themselves, he only sending his gin into stations for things he required. He has been long wanted by the police, but it has been found impossible to catch him. On the 26th instant Senior- constable Wright and Constable Dwyer, accompanied by a black tracker, came on him early in the morning, about 15 miles from Jundah Station ; he was then coming from a waterhole to his camp, the police coming in the opposite direction; as he showed no signs of bolting they came quietly up, and asked him his name. He replied "My name is Toby." On this Constable Dwyer, who was a few years from Wright, slipped o his horse and rushed on Toby, seizing him by his arms. In the struggle that ensued, Toby drove his tomahawk into Dwyer's kill, not, however, before Constable Wiight, at three feet distance, had lodged two balls in Toby's body. Dwyer had dropped his revolver at the commencement of the struggle. Toby then turned on Wright, who he struck at with the tomahawk, which Wright evaded, and immediately emptied his revolver into Toby, who then threw his nulla nulla, fortunately only wounding Wright slightly. After a slight pause Toby fell dead. Dwyer lived about half-an-hour, Title Text File Tools insensible, the brains protruding through the skull. His body was carried into Jundah station, and buried after a magisterial inquiry had been held by C. J. Boyds, J.P. Verdict found—that Constable Dwyer was, in the exercise of his duties as a Constable, whilst trying to arrest Toby, feloniously and brutally murdered by the said Toby ; and that Toby's death was a case of justi able homicide. The di culties in the way of Senior Constable Wright and the pluck required to arrest a scoundrel of this type, can only be appreciated by those who know the bush here, composed as it is of hundreds of miles of dense scrub, and the description of black referred to. This is the third murderous attack by blacks in this district during the last four years, Constable Dalton being nearly killed whilst executing a warrant at Hornet Bank, and Sergeant Byrne narrowly escaped the tomahawk whilst preventing the escape from the Taroom lockup of two blacks. The tomahawk in this instance is a most nished weapon, being ground down from head to edge in a most artistic manner, and tted with a handle over eighteen inches long. Constable Wright states that had the rearms been anything better than popguns, poor Dwyor'a life would have ben saved. Constable William Dwyer was a native of Bonway, Ireland ; had been ve years in the police ; nearly three of which had been spent at Taroom. He gained the esteem of most here as a most zealous o cer in the discharge of his duties. I may state that for one year he was alone here; having a district of ovor 10,000 square miles to look after, which, so far as one man could, he did in a most praiseworthy manner. He leaves a widow near her con nement and one child to deplore their loss. Title Text File Tools Telegraph, 29 January 1883, p2 A CONSTABLE AND A BLACK FELLOW KILLED. The Commissioner of Police has received the following telegram from Senior-constable W. Wright:— "Taroom, Saturday. 'At daylight yesterday Constable Dwyer was killed while attempting to arrest 'Toby,' an aboriginal, charged on warrant with attempt to murder. ' Toby' was shot by me and buried at the scene of the occurrence on Jundah run. I had the body of Constable Dwyer brought to Jundah station and interred there. I got slightly wounded in the struggle with 'Toby.' A magisterial inquiry was held by Mr. Royds, J.P." Telegraph, 31 January 1883, p2 THE MURDER OF A POLICEMAN. FURTHER particulars have been received by the Police Department of the murder of Police-constable Dwyer by a blackfellow, and the shooting of the latter. Sub-inspector Armstrong telegraphs from Taroom, dated yesterday, as follows : — "Just arrived here ; 'Wild Toby,' the terror of the Dawson district, had managed to elude Moran and his troopers for many years. He was a powerfully built man, and did not mingle with other aboriginals. A warrant was issued for his arrest last September, for the attempted murder of Anderson, of Kinnoul. Senior- constable Wright hearing that Toby was on Jundah run, started with Constable Dwyer, and tracked Toby, who was found camped on Wolorbee Creek. Dwyer dismounted cautiously and rushed at Toby, while Wright parleyed with him. Dwyer caught the outlaw by the throat. Toby managed to pick up a tomahawk and drove it through Dwyer's skull. He then made a blow at Wright, who, after ring several shots, succeeded in killing the aboriginal. Warwick Examiner and Times, 7 February 1883, "Black Toby" and the Murder of p2 Constable Dwyer. The Telegraph's Taroom correspondent gives the follow particulars of the above sad tragedy —On the 25th of September last Mr. Anderson, of Kinnoul, whilst riding home on the Title Text File Tools Euroombo Road, was murderously assaulted by an aborigi-nal named Toby, and only escaped by his horse bolting with him. As soon after as he could leave his family in safety he came into Taroom, and caused a warrant to be issued for Toby's arrest. This Toby is a very strong, powerful man, one of the few survivors of those implicated in the Fraser murders at Hornet Bank. He has been for years past a source of great trouble and fear to many in this district, as he and his gin lived almost entirely in the scrub by themselves, he only sending his gin to stations for things he required. He has been long wanted by the police, but it has been found impossible to catch him. On the 26th of January Senior-Constable Wright and Con- stable Dwyer, accompanied by a black tracker, came on him early in the morning, about fteen miles from Juandah Station; he was then coming from a waterhole to his camp, the police coming in the opposite direction; as he showed no signs of bolting they came quietly up, and asked him his name. He replied, " My name Toby." On this, Constable Dwyer, who was a few yards behind Wright, slipped o his horse and rushed on Toby, seizing him by his arms. In the stuggle that ensued, Toby drove his tomahawk into Dwyer's skull, not, however, before Constable Wright, at 3ft distance, had lodged two balls in Toby's body. Dwyer had dropped his revolver at the commencement of the struggle. Toby then turned on Wright, whom he struck at with his tomahawk, which Wright evaded, and immediately emptied his revolver into Toby, who threw his nulla-nulla, fortunately only wounding Wright slightly. After a slight pause Toby fell dead. Dwyer lived about half-an-hour, insensible, the brains protruding through the skull. The di culties in the way of Senior-Constable Wright, and the pluck required to arrest a scoundrel of this type, can only be appreciated by those who know the bush here, composed as it is of Title Text File Tools hundreds of miles of dense scrub, and the description of black referred to. This is the third murderous attack by blacks in this district during the last four years, Constable Dalton being nearly killed whilst executing a warrant at Hornet Bank, and Sergeant Byrne narrowly escaped the tomahawk whilst preventing the escape from the Taroom lookup of two blacks. The tomahawk in this instance is a most nished weapon, being ground down from head to edge in a most artistic manner, and tted with a handle over eighteen inches long. Constable Wright states that, had the rearms been any thing better than pop-guns, poor Dwyer's life would have been saved. Constable William Dwyer was a native of Bonway, Ireland; had been ve years in the police, nearly three of which had been spent at Taroom. He gained the esteem of all here as a most zealous o cer in the discharge of his duties. I may state that for one year he was alone here, having a district of 10,000 square miles to look after, which so far as one man could, he did in a most praiseworthy manner. He leaves a widow near her con nement, and one child to deplore their loss. Week, 10 February 1883, p14 TAROOM. THE MURDER OF CONSTABLE DWYER. [FROM A CORRESPOSDENT.] January 29. The excitement caused on the 18th January, by he committal for trial of the Rev. L. Laurie, of Roma, for marrying a minor without the consent of her parents, contrary to to the Act, had barely subsided when the town was thrown into a state of comtornation by the news of the murder of Constable Dwyer. The particulars are as follows:—On the 25th September last Mr. Anderson, of Kinnoul, whilst riding home on the Euroomba Road, was murderously assaulted by an aboriginal named Toby, and only escaped by his horse bolting with him. As soon after as he could Title Text File Tools leave his family in safety he came into Taroom and caused a warrant to be issued for Toby's arrest. This Toby is a very strong, powerful man, one of the few survivors of those implicated in the Fraser murders at Hornet Bank. He has been for years past a source of great trouble and fear to many in this district as he and his gin lived almost entirely in the scrub by themselves, he only sending his gin into stations for things he required. He has been long wanted by the police, bu tit has been found imposible [sic] to catch him. On the 26th January Senior-constable Wright and Constable Dwyer, accompanied by a black tracker, came on him early in the morning, about 15 miles from Juandah Station; he was then coming from a waterhole to his camp, the police coming in the opposite direction ; as he showed no signs of bolting they came quietly up, and asked him his name, " He replied "My name Toby." On this Constable Dwyer, who was a few yards behind Wright, slipped o his horse and rushed on Toby, seizing him by his arms. In the struggle that ensued, Toby drove his tomahawk into Dwyer's skull, not, however, before Constable Wright, at three feet distance, had lodged two balls in Toby's body. Dwyer had dropped his revolver at the commencement of the struggle. Toby then turned on Wright, whom he struck at with the tomahawk, which Wright evaded, and immediately emptied his revolver into Toby, who then threw his nulla nulla, fortunately only wounding Wright slightly. After a slight pause Toby fell dead. Dwyer lived about half-an-hour, insensible, the brains protruding through the skull. His body was carried into Juandah station, and buried after a magisterial inquiry had been held by C. J. Royds, J.P. Verdict found —That Constable Dwyer was, in the exercise of his duties as a constable, whilst trying to arrest Toby, feloniously and brutally murdered by the said Toby; Title Text File Tools and that Toby's death was a case of justi able homicide. The di culties in the way of Senior constable Wright and the pluck required to arrest a scoundrel of this type, can only be appreciated by those who know the bush here, composed as it is of hundreds of miles of dense scrub, and the description of black referred to. This is the third murderous attack by blacks in this district during the last four years, Constable Dalton being nearly killed whilst executing a warrant at Hornet Bank, and Sergeant Byrne narrowly escaped the tomahawk whilst preventing the escape from the Taroom lockup of two blacks. The tomahawk in this instance is a most nished weapon, being ground down from head to edge in a most artistic manner, and tted with a handle over eighteen inches long. Constable Wright states that had the rearms been anything better than popguns, poor Dwyer's life would have been saved. Constable William Dwyer was a native of Bonerea near Cappawhite, Ireland; had been ve years in the police; nearly three of which had been spent at Taroom. He gained the esteem of most here as a most zealous o cer in the discharge of his, duties. I may state that for one year he was alone here, having a district of over 10,000 square miles to look after, which, so far as one man could, he did in a most praiseworthy manner. He leaves a widow near her con ne ment and one child to deplore their loss. Western Champion, 16 February 1883, p4 Murder of Constable Dwyer. THE excitement caused on the 16th instant, by the committal for trial of the Rev. J. Laurie of Roma for marrying a minor with out the consent of her parents, contrary to the Act, had barely subsided when the town was thrown into a state of consternation by the news of the murder of Constable Dwyer. The particulars are as follows:— On the 25th of September last Mr. Anderson, of Kinnoul, whilst riding home on the Euroomba Road, Title Text File Tools was murderously assaulted by an aboriginal named Toby, and only escaped by his horse bolting with him. As soon after as he could leave his family in safety, he came into Taroom and caused a warrant to be issued for Toby's arrest. This Toby is a very strong, powerful man, one of the few survivors of those implicated in the Fraser murders at Hornet Bank. He has been for years past a source of great trouble and fear to many in this district, as he and his gin lived almost entirely in the scrub by themselves, he only sending his gin into stations for things he required. He has been long wanted by the police, but it has been found impossible to catch him. On the 26th instant Senior-constable Wright and Constable Dwyer, accompanied by a black tracker, came on him early in the morning, about 15 miles from Juandah Station; he was then coming from a waterhole to his camp, the police coming in the opposite direction; as he showed no signs of bolting they came quietly up, and asked him his name. He replied "My name Toby." On this Constable Dwyer who was a few yards behind Wright, slipped o his horse and rushed on Toby, seizing him by his arms. In the struggle that ensued, Toby drove his tomahawk into Dwyer's skull, not, however, before Constable Wright, at three feet distance, had lodged two balls in Toby's body. Dwyer had dropped his revolver at the commencement of the struggle. Toby then turned on Wright, whom he struck at with the tomahawk, which Wright evaded, and immediately emptied his revolver into Toby, who then threw his nulla nulla, fortunately only wounding Wright slightly. After a slight pause Toby fell dead. Dwyer lived about half-an hour, insensible, the brains protrading through the skull. His body was carried into Juandah station, and buried after a magisterial inquiry had been held by C. J. Boyds, J.P. Verdict found —That Constable Dwyer was, in the exercise of his duties as a constable, whilst trying to arrest Title Text File Tools Toby, feloniously and brutally murdered by the said Toby; and that Toby's death was a case of justi able homicide. The di culties in the way of Senior-constable Wright and the pluck required to arrest a scoundrel of this type, can only be appreciated by those who know the bush here, composed as it is of hundreds of miles of dense scrub, and the description of black referred to. This is the third murderous attack by blacks in this district during the last four years. Constable Dalton being nearly killed whilst executing a warrant at Hornet Bank, and Sergeant Byrne narrowly escaped the tomahawk whilst preventing the escape from the Taroom lock- up of two blacks. The tomahawk in this instance is a most nished weapon being ground down from head to edge in a most artistic manner, and tted with a handle over eighteen inches long. Constable Wright states that had the rearms been anything better than popguns, poor Dwyer's life would have been saved. Constable William Dwyer was a native of Bonway, Ireland; had been ve years in the police; nearly three of which had been spent at Taroom. He gained the esteem of most here as a most zealous o cer in the discharge of his duties. I may state that for one year he was alone here, having a district of over 10,000 square miles to look after, which, so far as one man could, he did in a most praise worthy manner. He leaves a widow near her con nement and one child to deplore their loss.—Taroom correspondent of Daily Telegraph. Western Star and Roma Advertiser, 7 February Concerning the murder of Constable Dwyer, a 1883, p2 correspondent writes to the Courier from Taroom under date 29th January:— " On the 25th September last Mr. Anderson, of Kinnoul, whilst riding home on the Euroomba-road, was murderously assaulted by an aboriginal named Toby, and only escaped by his horse bolting with him. As soon as he could leave his family Title Text File Tools in safety he came into Taroom and caused a warrant to be issued for Toby's arrest. This Toby is a very strong and powerful man, for many years a source of great trouble and fear to many in this district, but it has been found impossible to catch him. On the 26th January Senior-constable Wright and Constable Dwyer, accompanied by a black tracker, came on him at daybreak sear Jundah station. He was then coming from a waterhole to his camp, the police coming in the opposite direction. They rode quietly up and asked his name; he replied, "My name Toby." On this, Constable Dwyer rushed from behind Wright and seized him. In the struggle that ensued, Dwyer's revolver dropped, and Toby literally buried his tomahawk in Dwyer's skull; not, however, before Wright had lodged two balls in Toby's body, at about 3ft. distance. Toby then turned on Wright, whom he struck at with his tomahawk, which Wright evaded, and emptied his revolver into Toby, who then threw his nulla nulla, slightly wounding Wright and after a short pause fell dead. Dwyer lived about half an hoar; his body was carried to Juandah station, and buried after a magisterial inanity had been held by Mr. C. J. Royds, J.P. Verdict found that Constable Dwyer was, in the exercise of his duties as a constable, whilst trying to arrest Toby, feloniously and brutally murdered hy the said Toby, and that Toby's death was a case of justi able homicide. Constable William Dwyer was a native of Ireland, has been with us about three years, and gained the esteem of most people here as a most zealous o cer in the discharge of his duties. He leaves a widow enciente and one child to deplore their loss. The di culties in the way of Senior-constable Wright, and the pluck required to arrest a scoundrel of this type can only be appreciated by those who know the hundreds of miles of scrub here and the description of blacks referred to." Events 3 entries Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event Attack on Aboriginal people 26 1883 Attack on "A CONSTABLE AND A BLACK - Toby (5). Jundah station January Aboriginal people FELLOW KILLED. The Commissioner (26 January 1883) of Police has received the following telegram from Senior-constable W. Wright:— "Taroom, Saturday. 'At daylight yesterday Constable Dwyer was killed while attempting to arrest 'Toby,' an aboriginal, charged on warrant with attempt to murder. ' Toby' was shot by me and buried at the scene of the occurrence on Jundah run. I had the body of Constable Dwyer brought to Jundah station and interred there. I got slightly wounded in the struggle with 'Toby.' A magisterial inquiry was held by Mr. Royds, J.P."" (Telegraph, 29 January 1883, p2) "THE MURDER OF A POLICEMAN. FURTHER particulars have been received by the Police Department of the murder of Police-constable Dwyer by a blackfellow, and the shooting of the latter. Sub- inspector Armstrong telegraphs from Taroom, dated yesterday, as follows : — "Just arrived here ; 'Wild Toby,' the terror of the Dawson district, had managed to elude Moran and his troopers for many years. He was a powerfully built man, and did not mingle with other aboriginals. A warrant was issued for his arrest last September, for the attempted murder of Anderson, of Kinnoul. Senior- constable Wright hearing that Toby was on Jundah run, started with Constable Dwyer, and tracked Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event Toby, who was found camped on Wolorbee Creek. Dwyer dismounted cautiously and rushed at Toby, while Wright parleyed with him. Dwyer caught the outlaw by the throat. Toby managed to pick up a tomahawk and drove it through Dwyer's skull. He then made a blow at Wright, who, after ring several shots, succeeded in killing the aboriginal." (Telegraph, 31 January 1883, p2; Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, 1 February 1883, p3) "THE MURDER OF CONSTABLE DWYER. [FROM A CORRESPONDENT.] January 29. The excitement caused on the 18th instant, by the committal for trial of the Rev. J. Laurie, of Roma, for marrying a minor without the consent of her parents, contrary to to the Act, had barely subsided when the town was thrown into a state of consternation by the news of the murder of Constable Dwyer. The particulars are as follows:—On the 25th September last Mr. Anderson, of Kinnoul, whilst riding home on the Euroomba Bond, was murderously assaulted by an aboriginal named Toby, and only escaped by his horse bolting with him. As soon after as he could leave his family in safety he came into Taroom and caused a warrant to be issued for Toby's arrest. This Toby is a very strong, powerful man, one of the few survivors of those implicated in the Fraser murders at Hornet Bank. He has been for years past a source of Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event great trouble and fear to many in this district, as he and his gin lived almost entirely in the scrub by themselves, he only sending his gin into stations for things he required. He has been long wanted by the police, but it has been found impossible to catch him. On the 26th instant Senior-constable Wright and Constable Dwyer, accompanied by a black tracker, came on him early in the morning, about 15 miles from Jundah Station ; he was then coming from a waterhole to his camp, the police coming in the opposite direction; as he showed no signs of bolting they came quietly up, and asked him his name. He replied "My name is Toby." On this Constable Dwyer, who was a few years from Wright, slipped o his horse and rushed on Toby, seizing him by his arms. In the struggle that ensued, Toby drove his tomahawk into Dwyer's kill, not, however, before Constable Wiight, at three feet distance, had lodged two balls in Toby's body. Dwyer had dropped his revolver at the commencement of the struggle. Toby then turned on Wright, who he struck at with the tomahawk, which Wright evaded, and immediately emptied his revolver into Toby, who then threw his nulla nulla, fortunately only wounding Wright slightly. After a slight pause Toby fell dead. Dwyer lived about half-an-hour, insensible, the brains pro-truding through the skull. His body was carried into Jundah station, and buried after a magisterial inquiry Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event had been held by C. J. Boyds, J.P. Verdict found—that Constable Dwyer was, in the exercise of his duties as a Constable, whilst trying to arrest Toby, felo-niously and brutally murdered by the said Toby ; and that Toby's death was a case of justi able homicide. The di culties in the way of Senior Constable Wright and the pluck required to arrest a scoundrel of this type, can only be appreciated by those who know the bush here, composed as it is of hundreds of miles of dense scrub, and the description of black referred to. This is the third murderous attack by blacks in this district during the last four years, Constable Dalton being nearly killed whilst executing a warrant at Hornet Bank, and Sergeant Byrne narrowly escaped the tomahawk whilst preventing the escape from the Taroom lockup of two blacks. The tomahawk in this instance is a most nished weapon, being ground down from head to edge in a most artistic manner, and tted with a handle over eighteen inches long. Constable Wright states that had the rearms been anything better than popguns, poor Dwyor'a life would have ben saved. Constable William Dwyer was a native of Bonway, Ireland ; had been ve years in the police ; nearly three of which had been spent at Taroom. He gained the esteem of most here as a most zealous o cer in the discharge of his duties. I may state that for one year he was alone here; having a Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event district of ovor 10,000 square miles to look after, which, so far as one man could, he did in a most praiseworthy manner. He leaves a widow near her con ne-ment and one child to deplore their loss." (Telegraph, 2 February 1883, p3) Attack on Europeans/others 25 1882 Attack on "...A warrant was issued for his - James Anderson between September Europeans/others arrest last September, for the Euromba and Kinnoul (25 attempted murder of Anderson, of September 1882) Kinnoul. ..." (Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, 1 February 1883, p3) "On the 25th September last Mr. Anderson, of Kinnoul, whilst riding home on the Euroomba Bond, was murderously assaulted by an aboriginal named Toby, and only escaped by his horse bolting with him. As soon after as he could leave his family in safety he came into Taroom and caused a warrant to be issued for Toby's arrest. This Toby is a very strong, powerful man, one of the few survivors of those implicated in the Fraser murders at Hornet Bank. He has been for years past a source of great trouble and fear to many in this district, as he and his gin lived almost entirely in the scrub by themselves, he only sending his gin into stations for things he required. He has been long wanted by the police, but it has been found impossible to catch him. " (Telegraph, 2 February 1883, p3) Attack on Europeans/others 26 1883 Attack on "A CONSTABLE AND A BLACK - Constable William Dwyer January Europeans/others FELLOW KILLED. The Commissioner of Police has received the following near Jundah (26 January Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools 1883) month event telegram from Senior-constable W. Wright:— "Taroom, Saturday. 'At daylight yesterday Constable Dwyer was killed while attempting to arrest 'Toby,' an aboriginal, charged on warrant with attempt to murder. ' Toby' was shot by me and buried at the scene of the occurrence on Jundah run. I had the body of Constable Dwyer brought to Jundah station and interred there. I got slightly wounded in the struggle with 'Toby.' A magisterial inquiry was held by Mr. Royds, J.P."" (Telegraph, 29 January 1883, p2) "THE MURDER OF A POLICEMAN. FURTHER particulars have been received by the Police Department of the murder of Police-constable Dwyer by a blackfellow, and the shooting of the latter. Sub- inspector Armstrong telegraphs from Taroom, dated yesterday, as follows : — "Just arrived here ; 'Wild Toby,' the terror of the Dawson district, had managed to elude Moran and his troopers for many years. He was a powerfully built man, and did not mingle with other aboriginals. A warrant was issued for his arrest last September, for the attempted murder of Anderson, of Kinnoul. Senior- constable Wright hearing that Toby was on Jundah run, started with Constable Dwyer, and tracked Toby, who was found camped on Wolorbee Creek. Dwyer dismounted cautiously and rushed at Toby, while Wright parleyed with him. Dwyer caught the outlaw by Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event the throat. Toby managed to pick up a tomahawk and drove it through Dwyer's skull. He then made a blow at Wright, who, after ring several shots, succeeded in killing the aboriginal." (Telegraph, 31 January 1883, p2; Queensland Times, Ipswich Herald and General Advertiser, 1 February 1883, p3) "THE MURDER OF CONSTABLE DWYER. [FROM A CORRESPONDENT.] January 29. The excitement caused on the 18th instant, by the committal for trial of the Rev. J. Laurie, of Roma, for marrying a minor without the consent of her parents, contrary to to the Act, had barely subsided when the town was thrown into a state of consternation by the news of the murder of Constable Dwyer. The particulars are as follows:—On the 25th September last Mr. Anderson, of Kinnoul, whilst riding home on the Euroomba Bond, was murderously assaulted by an aboriginal named Toby, and only escaped by his horse bolting with him. As soon after as he could leave his family in safety he came into Taroom and caused a warrant to be issued for Toby's arrest. This Toby is a very strong, powerful man, one of the few survivors of those implicated in the Fraser murders at Hornet Bank. He has been for years past a source of great trouble and fear to many in this district, as he and his gin lived almost entirely in the scrub by themselves, he only sending his gin into stations for things he required. Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event He has been long wanted by the police, but it has been found impossible to catch him. On the 26th instant Senior-constable Wright and Constable Dwyer, accompanied by a black tracker, came on him early in the morning, about 15 miles from Jundah Station ; he was then coming from a waterhole to his camp, the police coming in the opposite direction; as he showed no signs of bolting they came quietly up, and asked him his name. He replied "My name is Toby." On this Constable Dwyer, who was a few years from Wright, slipped o his horse and rushed on Toby, seizing him by his arms. In the struggle that ensued, Toby drove his tomahawk into Dwyer's kill, not, however, before Constable Wiight, at three feet distance, had lodged two balls in Toby's body. Dwyer had dropped his revolver at the commencement of the struggle. Toby then turned on Wright, who he struck at with the tomahawk, which Wright evaded, and immediately emptied his revolver into Toby, who then threw his nulla nulla, fortunately only wounding Wright slightly. After a slight pause Toby fell dead. Dwyer lived about half-an-hour, insensible, the brains pro-truding through the skull. His body was carried into Jundah station, and buried after a magisterial inquiry had been held by C. J. Boyds, J.P. Verdict found—that Constable Dwyer was, in the exercise of his duties as a Constable, whilst trying to arrest Toby, feloniously and Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event brutally murdered by the said Toby ; and that Toby's death was a case of justi able homicide. The di culties in the way of Senior Constable Wright and the pluck required to arrest a scoundrel of this type, can only be appreciated by those who know the bush here, composed as it is of hundreds of miles of dense scrub, and the description of black referred to. This is the third murderous attack by blacks in this district during the last four years, Constable Dalton being nearly killed whilst executing a warrant at Hornet Bank, and Sergeant Byrne narrowly escaped the tomahawk whilst preventing the escape from the Taroom lockup of two blacks. The tomahawk in this instance is a most nished weapon, being ground down from head to edge in a most artistic manner, and tted with a handle over eighteen inches long. Constable Wright states that had the rearms been anything better than popguns, poor Dwyor'a life would have ben saved. Constable William Dwyer was a native of Bonway, Ireland ; had been ve years in the police ; nearly three of which had been spent at Taroom. He gained the esteem of most here as a most zealous o cer in the discharge of his duties. I may state that for one year he was alone here; having a district of ovor 10,000 square miles to look after, which, so far as one man could, he did in a most praiseworthy manner. He leaves a widow near her con ne-ment and Event name Day and Year Nature of Description Tools month event one child to deplore their loss." (Telegraph, 2 February 1883, p3)
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