Cunnamulla in Google Scholar

In Google Scholar, I searched for 'Cunnamulla' (my home town). Results ranged from 'The Role of the Church in the Rural Communities of South West Queensland' to a study guide for the film 'Cunnamulla'. The book 'Cunnamulla, a brief history of the Paroo Shire' has been cited in several articles. Other titles cited include 'The Geology of the Quilpie, Charleville, Toompine, Wyandra, Eulo and Cunnamulla'.

I also found a United States patent issued to inventor William Stewart BENTLEY, Mooning, Cunnamulla.

For the full text of this article see 52 Weeks to Better Genealogy, no.27: Cunnamulla in Google Scholar.

Sentimental Sunday: JOHNSON headstone

During the 1980s I made two very detailed studies (including transcriptions) of headstones in Cunnamulla General Cemetery in southwest Queensland. A variety of verses are included in epitaphs. Some are quite lengthy, but the majority are traditional verses or phrases such as 'In God's Care' or 'Rest in Peace'. In some cases a verse was composed for a specific person, giving an insight into his or her personality or habits. One example that I found very touching was on the headstone for Bruce Valentine JOHNSON, who died in 1987 aged 22. The verse reads:

Two little words
That meant to us a lot,
From the bottom of our hearts Bruce
Here's a special "Guess what!"

Source: Judy Webster, "Cunnamulla Cemetery Heritage Walk" (thesis, University of New England, 1989).

('Sentimental Sunday' is a theme used by 'Geneabloggers'.)

Brisbane Hospital admissions index

You will see some differences between my index to Brisbane Hospital admissions for part of 1887, and the index compiled recently by Qld State Archives. In some cases we interpreted the handwriting differently (see my advice re handwriting) and in other cases one of us made a mistake. No index is perfect, and there are mistakes in the Archives' index and in mine. (I have fixed a couple of mistakes on my Web page.)

I am disappointed that the Archives wasted staff/volunteers' time by duplicating work that I did years ago. There are hundreds of other wonderful sources that they could have indexed instead! And they were aware of my index, because I donated a copy for use in their Public Search Room.

Supreme Court deed poll records

There is now a 100-year restriction (it used to be only 30 years) on access to Supreme Court deed poll records at Queensland State Archives - but you may be able to apply for access to restricted records via Right to Information. Start by reading the Research Guide to Court records, on the Queensland State Archives website. (They periodically change the website address, so I won't put a link here. You'll find it easily with a Google search.)

Qld State Archives location numbers

(There is a new, expanded version of this post. See 3 Reasons to Use Archives Previous System Locations.)

Qld State Archives

I recently mentioned that Qld State Archives Public Search Room visitor statistics were being scrutinised. I subsequently received (via Dr. Jennifer Harrison) this statement from the State Archivist: 'No diminution of opening hours or days at Qld State Archives is envisaged or is even being discussed.' Nevertheless, I would encourage you to visit the Archives in person or ask someone to do so on your behalf.

Hannah Trueman BURKE (formerly UPTON)

A statutory declaration from Hannah Trueman BURKE of Clune, Upper Logan, Beaudesert, says that she was formerly the widow of William Henry UPTON who died at Rockey Creek on 11 Jan 1867. They were married in the parish of Mullabrack, County Armagh, 10 Jun 1857. (The person who gave me this information could not provide a source reference for the document at Qld State Archives.)

Edward Spencer HARRISON and Charlotte Ann HARRISON

Qld State Archives source COL/A315; 1881/2556 (in item ID 847046) is about Edward Spencer HARRISON seeking admission to Dunwich Benevolent Asylum. Letters include one from his cousin Charlotte Ann HARRISON in London.

ZISCHLER death (Laidley Qld)

The 'Courier Mail' newspaper, 8 Jan 1915 page 4 column 3, has an article about the death from tetanus of Annie, daughter of G. ZISCHLER (Laidley, Queensland).

BEASLEY, McMANUS, LEGG

Charles BEASLEY married Emily McMANUS. Later (as Chester Alfred BEASLEY) he bigamously married Elizabeth LEGG. In 1898 Emily was living with Henry McCALLAUGH. Details are in the staff file of a police officer involved in the case (Qld State Archives item ID 566132).