24,181 bytes added,
04:15, 15 November 2015
{{Authority Side}}
== ==
.
== Importance of Sgt Steele (1179) ==
== Hunted the Greta Mob from Wangaratta. At the Siege at Glenrowan. ==
'''Links to the KellyGang''' , [[#2|Early Years]] , [[#15/4/1878|Fitzpatrick Incident]] , [[#26/10/1878|Murders at Stringy Bark Creek]] , [[#7/11/1878|Sebastopol Cavalcade]] , Euroa Robbery , [[#10/2/1879|Jerilderie Robbery]] , Autumn 1879 , Hare replaced by Nicolson , Spring 1879 Early 1880 , Death of Aaron Sherritt , [[#28/6/1880|Glenrowan Siege]] , [[#nkt|Ned Kelly's Trial]] , Reward Board , [[#9|Royal Commission]] , '''Early service''' , Later service , Family ,
== Links to the KellyGang ==
'''Early Years''' I took charge of the police station at [[Wangaratta|Wangaratta]] on the [[1874-1877 Events|6/11/876]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 23 page 1|RC8808]])
I am mentioned by the '''KellyGang''' in the Cameron [[Cameron Letter|letter]] as sending search parties with Const [[Strahan|Strahan]] and [[Fitzpatrick|Fitzpatrick]] at the [[Kelly Home|Kelly home]] for Ned [[Ned Kelly|Kelly]] and a man called '''Newman''' who had escaped from the police at Wangaratta.
Nicolson wrote the following report about me in 1877 "Second-class Sergeant Steele, of Wangaratta, keeps the offenders referred to under as good surveillance as the distance and means at his command will permit."([[Royal Commission report day 4 page 10|RC1026]])
I arrested Steve [[Steve Hart|Hart]] for horse stealing in July 1877. At that time a great many horses were stolen from the neighborhood of Greta, which were traced to the Murray-[[Gustav Baumgarten|Baumgarten]]'s place. The two [[William Baumgarten|Baumgartens]], and a man named [[John Studders|Studders]], and another named [[Samuel Kennedy|Kennedy]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 23 page 1|RC8812]])
'''Photograph''' '''Fitzpatrick Incident [[15-04-78 Fitzgerald incident|15/04/1878]]''' Just before this I had made several efforts to arrest Ned Kelly and Dan but was unsuccessful. ([[Royal Commission report day 23 page 2|RC8817]])
See also the [[Jerilderie Letter (3)|Jerilderie Letter]]
I was mentioned by the '''KellyGang''' in the Cameron [[Cameron Letter|letter]] along with Det [[Brown the detective|Brown]] as being a person who Const [[Fitzpatrick|Fitzpatrick]] suggested might come to arrest Dan Kelly after the shooting.
I received a report, by telegram, on the 16/4/878, that Constable Fitzpatrick had been shot at the Eleven-mile Creek by Edward Kelly, when effecting the arrest of Dan Kelly. I received this telegram about nine o'clock in the morning. Ass Com. [[Nicolson|Nicolson]], was at Wangaratta the same morning, and I waited until twelve o'clock for instructions from Benalla, but I received no instructions, and I started with Constable [[Brown the detective|Brown]]. I was informed in this telegram I received that warrants had issued for the arrest of Edward and Dan Kelly, Skillian, Williamson, and Mrs. Kelly. ([[Royal Commission report day 23 page 2|RC8817]])
Consts [[Brown the detective|Brown]], [[Strahan|Strahan]] and I arrested [[William Williamson, Brickey|Brickey Williamson]] at about 9pm on 16/4/1878. Bill [[William Skillion|Skillion]] was arrested at about 1am on the 17th near the Kelly home and later [[Mrs Ellen Kelly|Mrs Kelly]] was taken from her home. ([[Royal Commission report day 23 page 2|RC8821]])
They were taken to Benalla on the 17th. From there they were taken to Beechworth Goal then back to Benalla for their committal on 17 May. On [[ev78-10--4Mansfield Murders|9/10/1878]], with Sir Redmond Barry as the judge.
I was unable to go in the ranges, in consequence of being subsequently served with a subpoena to attend the equity court but I did search the area around [[Greta|Greta]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 23 page 2|RC8829]])
See Sup Sadleir's reason for sending Sgt [[Kennedy Sgt|Kennedy]] from Mansfield and me from Greta into the same area at the same time. ([[Royal Commission report day 45 page 16|RC15554]])
'''Murders at Stringy Bark Creek in the Wombat Ranges 26/10/1878''' After the Murders, on [[ev78-10--4Mansfield Murders|29/10/1878]] I took a search party of police out after the '''KellyGang''' including Const [[Const Faulkiner|Faulkiner]] and [[Fitzpatrick|Fitzpatrick]] out from [[Wangaratta|Wangaratta]], to [[Whorouly (2)|Whorouly]]; thence [[Merriang|Merriang]] to [[Buffalo River|Buffalo River]], to head of [[Dedongadale|Dandongadale]] Creek, to Rose, Mount Emu to Black Range Creek, to left-hand branch of the [[King River|King River]] to the head of [[Glenmore Run|Glenmore]] run and down to [[Mansfield|Mansfield]] on 3/11/1878.([[The Argus at KellyGang 5/11/1878 (4)|Argus5/11/78]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 3 page 1|RC 676]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 36 page 11|RC12966]])
I was at [[Benalla Police Station|Benalla]] when [[Laing|Mr Laing]] reported a citing of the '''KellyGang''' near the One Mile Bridge in [[Wangaratta|Wangaratta]] on [[ev78-10--4Mansfield Murders|3/11/1878]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 39 page 1|RC13960]]) See also ([[Royal Commission report day 22 page 3|RC7986]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 51 page 18|RC17450]]) ([[The True of Bushrangers Chapter 6 page 2|CHC]])
But rather than follow up on that news, on 5/11/1878 after talking to Sup [[Sadleir|Sadleir]], I started on the train from Benalla for Beechworth with a large party of men, including Const [[Const Faulkiner|Faulkiner]] We were sent to search the ranges near [[Yackandandah|Yackandandah]] where the '''KellyGang''' were supposed to have been seen. ([[Royal Commission report day 22 page 26|RC8856]]) see also ([[Royal Commission report day 18 page 15|RC5658]])
Const [[Const Twomey|Twomey]] says that he warned me about this when the police special train I was on with 16 or so other police traveling from Benalla to Beechworth stopped at the Wangaratta railway station at about 12.15am on 4/11/1878. I referred Twomey to Insp [[Brooke Smith|Brooke Smith]]. See ([[Royal Commission report day 42 page 8|RC14701]]) (RCsee also ([[Royal Commission report day 51 page 12|RC17307]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 51 page 17|RC17403]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 51 page 18|RC17439]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 52 page 1|RC17466]]) )
<blockquote>Even though I was off at Sebastopol the Royal Commission attacked me for my lack of action in relation to Insp [[Brooke Smith|Brook Smith]] and the search party onto the [[Warby Ranges|Warby Ranges]] that occurred at the same time. They said
"Sergeant Steele was most blameworthy in this matter. If, as has been frequently urged, the men and more particularly the sub-officers were allowed to act upon their own discretion, upon the receipt of reliable intelligence, then surely it was the clear duty of Sergeant Steele, when informed by Constable [[Const Twomey|Tuomy]] of the gang's appearance, to have immediately gone in pursuit. When the circumstance was communicated to him, he at once and rightly surmised that the men seen crossing the creek were the gang, and that they were guided by [[Steve Hart|Steve Hart]]. The tracks were plainly discernible; he had a large body of armed troopers under his command, and was then actually engaged in the search for the outlaws; it was only men flying for their lives that would have attempted the passage of the creek at the time; the murderers and their horses were completely exhausted, owing to the journey to and from the Murray; so that, had this sub-officer acted with vigor and judgment on the occasion, he must have been instrumental in effecting the capture of the gang, and preventing the loss of life and the large expenditure of money which was subsequently incurred in bringing about the extermination of the gang. It would be unjust to lay down as a general principle that an inferior officer may be punished for the laches of his superior, but the circumstances of this case are exceptional. No one knew better than Sergeant Steele the personal peculiarities and unsuitability of Mr. Brook Smith for the work, and to have referred his informant to that officer was simply an attempt to evade responsibility" ([[2nd Report of the Royal Commission|RC 2nd reportVII]])
</blockquote>
They did not give me any chance to respond to this attack.
'''Sebastopol Cavalcade''' '''[[ev78-10--4Mansfield Murders|7/11/1878]]''' On 5/11/1878 my search party arrived in Beechworth and we then searched the ranges around the [[Rat's Castle|Rats' Castle]] and Main Divide between [[Yarrawonga|Yackandandah]] and Middle Creek on the 5th. On the 6th Mr. Sadleir met us at [[The Gap|The Gap]] with other police. He split the party into 2 groups one under Const [[SConst Flood|Flood]] and I commanded the other party. My party of about 9 or 10 (13?) were due to go to [[Myrtleford|Myrtleford]] but we joined in going to [[Sebastopol|Sebastopol]] on the [[Sebastopol Cavalcade|cavalcade]]. See also ([[Royal Commission report day 10 page 5|RC1768]])([[The True of Bushrangers Chapter 7 page 4|CHC]])
I was there when [[Aaron Sherritt|Aaron Sherritt]] was interviewed by Com Standish and the other officers but did not hear, I was talking to Const [[Strahan|Strahan]]. We were closest but I did not need to hear.([[Royal Commission report day 23 page 5|RC8872]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 10 page 8|RC1812]])
'''Warby Ranges'''
On [[ev78-10--4Mansfield Murders|12/11/1878]] met up with Insp [[Brooke Smith|Brooke Smith]] and a large [[Police Search Parties|search party]] into the [[Warby Ranges|Warby Ranges]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 10 page 11|RC1880]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 33 page 10|RC12476]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 39 page 6|RC14075]])
Const [[Fitzpatrick|Fitzpatrick]] was with my party. ([[Royal Commission report day 36 page 11|RC12960]])
Although I was in charge at [[Wangaratta|Wangaratta]] did not you receive any information that the '''KellyGang''' was likely to be provided with provisions from Mrs. [[Margaret Skillion|Skillian]]'s hut. In fact I knew very little till Mr. Nicolson came. Everything was kept secret, to a great extent, from me. ([[Royal Commission report day 10 page 11|RC8882]]) ([[The True of Bushrangers Chapter 3 page 2|CHC]])
I rather approved of abolishing the police station at [[Greta|Greta]] after the murders, in order to give those men a little scope to knock about and place the police in a better position to get information. ([[Royal Commission report day 10 page 9|RC8844]])
'''Euroa Robbery 10/12/1878''' I sent out search parties from Wangaratta after the Euroa robbery. ([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 3|RC1262]]) '''Jerilderie Robbery 10/2/1879''' When Sup [[Hare|Hare]] got word that it was likely the '''KellyGang''' would cross the River Murray into New South Wales on 4/2/[[events79-2_4Jerilderie Robbery|1879]] I was sent out with a search party to patrol along the River. ([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 4|RC1276]]) '''Autumn 1879''' '''Hare replaced by Nicolson 6/7/1879''' [[Nicolson|Nicolson]] stationed a small body of men at Wangaratta under me. There was barely strength enough for a search party, but they could make up a fair party - seven or eight - by calling in men from neighboring stations. ([[2nd Report of the Royal Commission|RC 2nd ReportXII]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 3 page 3|RC713]]) '''Spring 1879 Early 1880''' Sup Sadleir stated 'The instructions under which I noted in sending Sergeant Steele to Beechworth and [[Rat's Castle|Rats' Castle]] were received from Mr. Nicolson, who was then on the only certain clue of the Kellys. In fact it was absolutely certain that they had been at [[Gideon Margery|Margery's]], and it was so important that police should be placed so as to intercept their probable route from Margery's back to their old haunts, that unless the information at Wangaratta were of a much more positive character, I should not have felt justified in stopping Sergeant Steele's party.'([[Royal Commission report day 49 page 3|RC16665]]) We returned back on 7/11/79.
Sup Hare stated that apart from Ass Com Nicolson and the other senior officers I was the only policeman who knew about the '''KellyGang''' having [[Kelly's Armour|armour]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 9 page 2|RC1596]])
'''Nicolson replaced by Hare 2/6/1880''' WE watched the home of Richard Hart for some time. This is a report on that work
<blockquote>1st. That during the month of May 1880, I received instructions from Charles Hope Nicolson, Esq., Assistant Commissioner of Police, to place a party of police at Three-mile Creek, to watch the residence of Richard Hart, senior.
2nd. That, in accordance with such instructions, I placed a party of police at the Three-mile Creek, and had the house occupied by Richard Hart, senior, watched.
3rd. At the time Superintendent Hare took charge of the pursuit of the Kelly gang, during the month of June 1880, Hart's house was being watched by a party of police from Wangaratta between the hours of 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. every night.
4th. When Superintendent Hare came to Wangaratta, a few days before the capture of the gang, and during the month of June 1880, he asked me what duty my party was doing in connection with the pursuit of the Kellys, and I informed him that we were watching Hart's and Byrne's alternately.
5th. He said I had better continue this duty, as he considered it was the best we could be employed at. ([[Royal Commission report day 47 page 7|RC16097]])
</blockquote>
'''Death of Aaron Sherritt 26/6/1880''' I was based at Wangaratta and not involved with Aaron Sherritt's death '''Glenrowan Siege [[ev80-06-28Glenrowan|28/6/1880]]'''
I rode a horse from Wangaratta to get to Glenrowan. I got there a bit before the people who came on the train. ([[Royal Commission report day 39 page 3|RC14014]])
I left Wangaratta at 3.45am and I took up a position at the Inn at 5.03am. ([[Royal Commission report day 39 page 6|RC14063]])
I was accused of trying to shoot Mrs [[Reardon|Reardon]] her children. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 6/8/1880|Argus6/8/80]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 28 page 15|RC11320]]) see also ([[Royal Commission report day 26 page 14|RC10321]])
I took a shot gun to the seige ([[Cookson, 03_09_1911_1|BWC]])
I provided the Royal Commission with clarification of my earlier comments about Mrs Reardon ([[Royal Commission report day 39 page 6|RC14062]])
I was involved in the arrest of [[Ned Kelly|Ned Kelly]], See ([[Royal Commission report day 39 page 4|RC14028]]) see also ([[The Argus at KellyGang 11/8/1880 (3)|Argus11/8/80]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 27 page 17|RC 10919]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 26 page 3|RC10046]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 26 page 16|RC10350]]) ([[The Complete Inner History of the KellyGang and their Pursuers (65)|JJK]])
[[Dowsett|Dowsett]] said that I was going to shoot Ned Kelly when we captured him ([[Royal Commission report day 27 page 17|RC10934]])
I took Ned Kelly's cartridge bag ([[Cookson, 03_09_1911_1|BWC]])
'''The following is Sgt Steele's statement after the Glenrowan Siege'''
Arthur Loftus Mauld Steele states-"I am a sergeant of police at [[Wangaratta|Wangaratta]]. I arrived here with five men about five a.m. We were at once challenged by police, and answered, 'Wangaratta police.' My men were then distributed around the hut, and I got to the tree near the back door of the hut. There was no firing then. A woman and child came to the back-door screaming, and I told the woman if she ran in quick she would not be molested. A man then came to the backdoor, and I asked him to throw up his arms or I would fire on him. He was only about twenty-five yards distant. The men stooped and ran towards the stables and I fired. He then turned and ran back to the house, and I fired again. I am certain I hit him with the second shot, as he screamed and fell against the door. There was then some hot firing, and' the bullets whistled all around me. The firing was kept up for some time, and some of the men behind me called out. It was then breaking day. I looked round, and saw a [[Ned Kelly|man]] stalking down. I thought he was a black-fellow, and called on the others to be careful. I then saw him present a revolver and fire at the police. I could see the bullets hitting him, and staggering him for a moment, with no further effect. I therefore thought he had armour on, and determined to have a close shot at him. I ran towards him, and when within ten yards of him he saw me, and turned round to fire at me. I then aimed at his legs, and he staggered, but he still tried to aim at me. I then fired the second barrel on the legs. We were then in the open. He fell, and cried, 'I'm done, I'm done.' I ran up to him then, and he again tried to shoot me, but I caught the revolver and pushed it down. I was behind him, and he could not turn on me quick enough to shoot me. Whilst I held the revolver away from me he fired the revolver. Senior-constable [[SConst John Kelly|Kelly]] then came up and assisted me to secure him. So did O'[[Const J Dwyer|Dwyer]], and a host of others at once followed. We only found one revolver on him, and a bag of ammunition. We divested him of his armour. I was strained after the scuffle which ensued." ([[Last of the Bushrangers|(FH)]], see also earlier version of this statement in the ([[The Age (7)|Age29/6/80]]) and [[The Argus (9)|(Argus 29/6/1880)]] ([[Sydney Morning Herald (31)|SMH30/6/80]]) ([[The Argus (38)|Argus5/7/80]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 8/7/1880 (5)|Argus8/7/80]])- different statements) ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 12 page 4|FH]])
Const [[Const Arthur|Arthur]] told the Royal Commission that I threatened to shoot Mrs [[Reardon|Reardon]] a dog ([[Royal Commission report day 28 page 8|RC11125]])
[[Sadleir|Sadleir]] reported on my conduct in his official report to the Commissioner of Police ([[The Argus (45)|Argus20/7/80]]) ([[The Argus (46)|Argus20/7/80]])
See also the Royal Commission's comment on my role [[Royal Commission Second Report Part XV ( page 21)|(RC2nd reportXV)]].
They killed my dog ([[Herald (13)|Herald1/7/80]])
'''Ned Kellys trial'''
On [[1880-07---aftermath|1/8/1880]] Consts [[Const Hugh Bracken|Bracken]] [[Const Faulkiner|Faulkiner]] and I were given the task of meeting the train at Newmarket Station near Melbourne and taking [[Ned Kelly|Ned Kelly]] up to [[Beechworth Gaol|Beechworth]] to attend my committal hearing. While he would not answer any questions he did talk as the train took him back to the scene of his many criminal deeds. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 2/8/1880 (2)|Argus2/8/80]])
I was due to give evidence at Ned Kelly's [[Ned Kellys Trial|committal]] hearing at Beechworth. ([[The Age (29)|Age4/8/1880]])
I gave evidence at Ned Kelly's [[Ned Kellys Trial|trail]] [[!!FIXME \events\e80_07___afterA.html|!!MISSING]]. ([[The Age (51)|Age 30/10]]) ([[The Complete Inner History of the KellyGang and their Pursuers (83)|JJK]])
'''Kelly Reward Board''' Following the meetings of the [[Reward|Reward Board]] in December 1880 I recieved a reward of £290. 13. 9 and I was recommened for a special reward
'''Later'''
"In [[ev81-00---Royal Commission|April 1881]] I forwarded a report by SConst [[Elliott|Elliott]]'s about possible future attacks by the '''KellyGang''''s sympathizers. Matters are looking serious, and the police are certainly unprepared for another outbreak. It is out of the question to know where to turn for private information. I have consulted with Superintendent Sadleir, who has sounded two persons who formerly acted as agents, but they have declined (as Mr. Sadleir informs me) on account of the disclosures which have been made. They will not act now under any circumstances; and they say it is hopeless to look for private agents again. It only remains to be considered what preparation the police can make, and additions which should be made to the strength." ([[Royal Commission report day 25 page 15|RC9870]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 49 page 9|RC16716]])
'''Royal Commission''' I provided evidence to the Royal Commission on 31/5/1881 ([[Royal Commission report day 23 page 1|RC8807]]), 1/6/1881 ([[Royal Commission report day 24 page 1|RC9177]]) and 22/7/1881 ([[Royal Commission report day 39 page 6|RC14061]])
What did the press have to say about my evidence ([[The Argus at KellyGang 1/6/1881 (2)|Argus1/6/81]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 2/6/1881|Argus2/6/81]])
I accused Sup [[Hare|Hare]] and Const [[Const Faulkiner|Faulkiner]] of conveying a bad impression of me to the [[Royal Commission|Commission]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 23 page 4|RC8857]])
The [[Royal Commission|Royal Commission]] made the following finding about me
"9. That in the opinion of your Commissioners the conduct of Sergeant Steele was highly censurable in neglecting to take action when, on his arrival at [[Wangaratta|Wangaratta]], on the 4th November 1878, he received reliable information that the outlaws had been observed on the previous morning passing under the One-mile bridge at Wangaratta. There was no reason why, as he had a large body of well-armed troopers under his command, and was then actually engaged in the search for the outlaws, he should not have gone immediately in pursuit. The tracks were plainly discernible; the men observed were undoubtedly the outlaws, and had they been followed they would most probably have been overtaken in the [[Warby Ranges|Warby Ranges]], inasmuch as their horses and themselves were exhausted by their journey to and from the Murray. Sergeant Steele had full power to act upon his own discretion, and there can be little doubt that, had he exhibited judgment and promptitude on that occasion, he would have been the means of capturing the gang, and preventing the loss of life and the enormous expenditure of money incurred subsequently in the extermination of the outlaws. Your Commissioners therefore recommend that Sergeant Steele be reduced to the ranks. " ([[Royal Commission second Report (page 2)|RC2ndReport]]) ([[The Complete Inner History of the KellyGang and their Pursuers (89)|JJK]])
On the other hand the people of Wangaratta were on my side. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 27/10/1881|Argus27/10/81]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 7/1/1882|Argus7/1/82]])
They presented me with a sword in appreciation for my services.
What was the reaction of the press to the Royal Commission? ([[The Argus at KellyGang 9/11/1881|Argus9/11/81]])
Relationship between Insp [[Brooke Smith|Brooke Smith]], Supt [[Sadleir|Sadleir]] and me. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 12/11/1881|Argus12/11/81]])
I responded to the Royal Commissions report. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 22/2/1882|Argus22/2/82]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 6/12/1881|Argus6/12/81]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 23/12/1881|Argus23/12/81]])
Inquiry into my conduct at the Glenrowan seige established. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 23/3/1882|Argus23/3/82]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 3/3/1882|Argus3/3/82]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 4/3/1882|Argus4/3/82]])
The start of the inquiry and evidence. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 28/3/1882|Argus28/3/82]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 29/3/1882|Argus29/3/82]])
The inquiry cleared me. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 30/3/1882|Argus30/3/82]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 31/3/1882|Argus31/3/82]])
== Early Service ==
I joined the police force on 8/06/1857 ([[Royal Commission report day 23 page 1|RC8808]])
See the details of my career. ([[Royal Commission report Appendix 6 page 1|RCApp6]])
== Later ==
I was interviewed in 1911 by the jounalist WB Cookson. Hear my story. ([[Cookson, 03_09_1911_1|WBC]])
I did a good deal of farming in my retirement
I died in 1938 ([[The Argus at KellyGang 22/8/1938|Argus22/8/1938]])
== Family ==
'''wife''' ... '''children''' Arthur and Phillis '''home''' Wangaratta near junction of the King and Ovens Rivers
''''''
== What happened to Sgt Steele's family ==
KellyGang
[[Category:People]] [[Category:People starting with S-T]] [[Category:Steele]] [[Category:Sgt Steele]] [[Category:Glenrowan]] [[Category:Police]] [[Category:history]]
MediaWiki:Sidebar
{{^|Original page location \people\peS_T\steelePsgt.html}}