AUS-VIC-GOLDFIELDS-L Archives

From: Josie Taylor <>
Subject: Samuel FREEMAN and the Detective Force
Date: Fri, 12 Mar 1999 14:14:43

Interesting to have this list as it focuses us on those in our families who
tried their luck at the goldfields. I would like to share with you this
item on my grandfather's grandfather.
Samuel FREEMAN arrived with his wife Hannah and son George at Port Adelaide
in the Rajah in 1850. He was 6 foot 5 inches tall and was said to have been
butler
in grand houses in England. (On special occasions he turned out rather well in
gold cuff-links etc).
During the Gold Rushes of the 1850's SA suffered an exodus of menfolk to
Victoria, as they headed for the goldfields to make their fortunes, leaving
hundreds of women and children at home to await their glorious return.
Samuel Freeman went to the Goldfields in 1852, but not meeting with great
success he soon became a member of the Detective Force, proving himself to
be a "most capable and courageous officer, instrumental in bringing to
justice many of the notorious lawbreakers who at the time infested the
Province'.
After this adventure he resumed life at Mt Barker outside Adelaide and my
gt grandmother, Matilda was born in 1854.
Does anyone have anything on the Detective Force at the Victorian goldfields?

Josie Taylor in Sydney

This thread:

• Samuel FREEMAN and the Detective Force by Josie Taylor <>