Patrick Kenniff

Patrick Kenniff (1865-1903) was an Australian bushranger who roamed western Queensland with his brother James (1869-1940). They were primarily cattle thiefs, the brothers were found guilty of murder and Patrick was hanged in Boggo Road Gaol in 1903.

Early Life

The Kenniff brothers had convictions for cattle stealing in northern New South Wales in the 1880's. They moved across the board into Queensland in 1891. In 1895 both brothers received prison terms for horse and cattle theft. After their release they moved to the Upper Warrego and took up a large grazing lease known as Ralph Block.

The Kenniffs became the prime suspects when cattle disappeared from neighbouring properties, local squatters demanded their eviction. The Kenniffs took up a nomadic life, riding armed through the district, they continued to steal cattle and horses and held up a general store at Yuleba, Queensland.

The Police was so concerned that the Upper Warrego Police Station was established on the Ralph property.

Murder and Capture

In March 1902 a warrant was issued against the brothers for stealing a pony. A police posse set out consisting of Constable Doyle, Albert Dahlke, the manager of Carnarvon Station, and Sam Johnson, an Aboriginal tracker. On the morning of Sunday 30th March 1902, the police party surprised the Kenniffs, who were camping at Lethbridge's Pocket, and took James into custody but Patrick managed to escape. Sam Johnson was sent to collect the police pack horses so they could start in pursuit of Patrick Kenniff however on his return he found Doyle, Dahlke were nowhere to be seen and he was chased by the Kenniffs as he fled for help. A later search located the camp site showing considerable evidence that a gun fight had occurred. Constable Doyle's horse was located and the saddle bags were found to contain approximately 200 pounds of charcoal later identified as burnt human remains including some personal belongings of Doyle and Dahlke. It became apparent that the Kenniffs had burnt the bodies of Doyle and Dahlke with intent to dispose of their ashes in an attempt to conceal the crime.

A reward of £1000 and a large police manhunt was organised and three months later the brothers were captured on 23 June at Arrest Creek, south of Mitchell.

The Kenniff brothers were committed for trial to the Supreme Court in Brisbane, for for the wilful murder of Constable George Doyle and Albert Dahlke. Both Patrick and James Kenniff were convicted of murder and sentenced to death by hanging. Doyle's Aboriginal tracker, Sam Johnson, did not see the actual murders, but he testified that he heard shooting and when he neared the arrest scene and that the Kenniffs pursued him, but he escaped. ^[1]

Death

Patrick was hanged on January 12 1903 at the Boggo Road Gaol. James served twelve years. He died in Charters Towers on 8 October 1940 from cancer.^[2]

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