Find your ancestors in Victoria Police Gazette 1874

Police Gazettes are a unique, useful, fascinating resource, and they contain a goldmine of information for local, family and social historians. Compiled to be distributed amongst the Police Force only, these Gazettes therefore contain details and information that can not be found anywhere else.

While they do include listings of those in the Police Force who have been appointed, discharged, resigned or died, they contain so much more. Such as curt lists, lists of warrants issued, appointments and changes in the Police Service, lists of arrests and discharges (which include descriptions), escaped prisoners, as well as missing persons together with descriptions. Also you will find information on item/s stolen and from who. Notices from Police Gazettes from other states are also often included.

Some example entries taken from the 13 January 1874 issue are:
Housebreaking and Stealing from Dwelling-Houses
Charles Henry Rowe is charged, on warrant, with breaking into the dwelling-house of Esther Pout, of Seymour, on the 30th December 1873, with intent to commit a felony. Description:- English, 45 to 50 years of age, 5 feet 7 or 8 inches high, dark sallow complexion, dark hair, whiskers and moustache turning grey; calls himself a "Doctor", but is not legally qualified as such; dressed in black alpaca coat, grey crimean shirt with black stripe, brown moleskin trousers with black stripe, and old hat with white cover much worn.-O.178. 12th January 1874.

Miscellaneous Information
William McKeon is charged with absconding from the hired service of Patrick Duffy, of Tabilk, on the 4th instant. Description:- 14 years of age, 4 feet 6 inches high, fair hair and complexion.; wore moleskin trousers and vest, and blue check shirt, blucher boots, and soft black felt hat. Licenced to complaintant from the Industrial School; has a brother-in-law at Wood's Point whither offender is supposed to have gone.-O.165. 13th January 1874.