Average Citizen
@civilduty.bsky.social
Bringing you Australian history through stories of ordinary people living extraordinary lives.
Other interests include early modern history, genealogy, psychology, politics (and geopolitics) and science (all science, can't get enough).
Other interests include early modern history, genealogy, psychology, politics (and geopolitics) and science (all science, can't get enough).
In my search of Australian newspaper archives, I came upon this lovely little article.
A gentle reminder to focus on the beauty the world has to offer, especially in times of darkness.
I think we can all use some Bottled Sunshine in our lives right now.
A gentle reminder to focus on the beauty the world has to offer, especially in times of darkness.
I think we can all use some Bottled Sunshine in our lives right now.
March 28, 2025 at 7:49 AM
In my search of Australian newspaper archives, I came upon this lovely little article.
A gentle reminder to focus on the beauty the world has to offer, especially in times of darkness.
I think we can all use some Bottled Sunshine in our lives right now.
A gentle reminder to focus on the beauty the world has to offer, especially in times of darkness.
I think we can all use some Bottled Sunshine in our lives right now.
Last night I had a dream that the US Military opened up on a long time ally in an unprovoked surprise attack. The world was shocked at what had transpired. People were frightened.
Sometimes I have dreams that mirror later real world events. I sure hope this ain't one of them.
Sometimes I have dreams that mirror later real world events. I sure hope this ain't one of them.
March 26, 2025 at 3:09 AM
Last night I had a dream that the US Military opened up on a long time ally in an unprovoked surprise attack. The world was shocked at what had transpired. People were frightened.
Sometimes I have dreams that mirror later real world events. I sure hope this ain't one of them.
Sometimes I have dreams that mirror later real world events. I sure hope this ain't one of them.
The search for Frederick Fisher
According to the story narrated by James Norton, his father, who was John Farley's solicitor at the time, believed John's account of meeting the ghost of Frederick Fisher.
Mr Norton, being a friend of Attorney General Saxe Bannister, pushed for an investigation. 1/9
According to the story narrated by James Norton, his father, who was John Farley's solicitor at the time, believed John's account of meeting the ghost of Frederick Fisher.
Mr Norton, being a friend of Attorney General Saxe Bannister, pushed for an investigation. 1/9
Biography - Saxe Bannister - Australian Dictionary of Biography
adb.anu.edu.au
February 20, 2025 at 9:58 PM
The search for Frederick Fisher
According to the story narrated by James Norton, his father, who was John Farley's solicitor at the time, believed John's account of meeting the ghost of Frederick Fisher.
Mr Norton, being a friend of Attorney General Saxe Bannister, pushed for an investigation. 1/9
According to the story narrated by James Norton, his father, who was John Farley's solicitor at the time, believed John's account of meeting the ghost of Frederick Fisher.
Mr Norton, being a friend of Attorney General Saxe Bannister, pushed for an investigation. 1/9
Watching what is happening in America at the moment reminds me of the English Reformation which started when King Henry VIII made himself head of the Church of England and closed down the monasteries and nunneries.
The effects of this period still echo down to the modern day in the UK and beyond.
The effects of this period still echo down to the modern day in the UK and beyond.
February 20, 2025 at 7:12 AM
Watching what is happening in America at the moment reminds me of the English Reformation which started when King Henry VIII made himself head of the Church of England and closed down the monasteries and nunneries.
The effects of this period still echo down to the modern day in the UK and beyond.
The effects of this period still echo down to the modern day in the UK and beyond.
The ghost of Frederick Fisher
So it was in the period between the disappearance and search for Frederick Fisher that his ghost was seen by John Farley.
One night, John had been walking home via Queen Street after spending the evening drinking at an Inn called The Harrow. 1/
So it was in the period between the disappearance and search for Frederick Fisher that his ghost was seen by John Farley.
One night, John had been walking home via Queen Street after spending the evening drinking at an Inn called The Harrow. 1/
The Haunted Harrow
Almost everyone in Campbelltown would be familiar with the story of Fisher's Ghost. Not many however would be familiar with "The Harrow"- th...
campbelltown-library.blogspot.com
February 19, 2025 at 9:32 PM
The ghost of Frederick Fisher
So it was in the period between the disappearance and search for Frederick Fisher that his ghost was seen by John Farley.
One night, John had been walking home via Queen Street after spending the evening drinking at an Inn called The Harrow. 1/
So it was in the period between the disappearance and search for Frederick Fisher that his ghost was seen by John Farley.
One night, John had been walking home via Queen Street after spending the evening drinking at an Inn called The Harrow. 1/
The disappearance of Frederick Fisher
On the 17 June 1826, Samuel Hopkins watched as Frederick Fisher left the farm to go for an evening walk, something that he was in the habit of doing every night.
Lawrence left the house with four other men shortly after Fred and headed to a nearby pub. 🧵 1/
On the 17 June 1826, Samuel Hopkins watched as Frederick Fisher left the farm to go for an evening walk, something that he was in the habit of doing every night.
Lawrence left the house with four other men shortly after Fred and headed to a nearby pub. 🧵 1/
February 18, 2025 at 7:48 PM
The disappearance of Frederick Fisher
On the 17 June 1826, Samuel Hopkins watched as Frederick Fisher left the farm to go for an evening walk, something that he was in the habit of doing every night.
Lawrence left the house with four other men shortly after Fred and headed to a nearby pub. 🧵 1/
On the 17 June 1826, Samuel Hopkins watched as Frederick Fisher left the farm to go for an evening walk, something that he was in the habit of doing every night.
Lawrence left the house with four other men shortly after Fred and headed to a nearby pub. 🧵 1/
The last year of Frederick Fisher's life.
On 25 June 1825, Frederick Fisher answered a knock at his door. Before him stood William Brooker, a carpenter, who being well fortified with alcohol, aggressively sought payment for hiring his cattle out to Fred's lodger, Charles Rennett. 1/
On 25 June 1825, Frederick Fisher answered a knock at his door. Before him stood William Brooker, a carpenter, who being well fortified with alcohol, aggressively sought payment for hiring his cattle out to Fred's lodger, Charles Rennett. 1/
Brooker, William | The Dictionary of Sydney
dictionaryofsydney.org
February 17, 2025 at 9:01 PM
The last year of Frederick Fisher's life.
On 25 June 1825, Frederick Fisher answered a knock at his door. Before him stood William Brooker, a carpenter, who being well fortified with alcohol, aggressively sought payment for hiring his cattle out to Fred's lodger, Charles Rennett. 1/
On 25 June 1825, Frederick Fisher answered a knock at his door. Before him stood William Brooker, a carpenter, who being well fortified with alcohol, aggressively sought payment for hiring his cattle out to Fred's lodger, Charles Rennett. 1/
Who was Frederick Fisher?
Frederick George James Fisher, born in London on 28 August 1792 to parents, Frederick and Ann Fisher. By the age of 22, Frederick worked as a shopkeeper and had been charged with uttering forged bank notes (i.e. knowingly passing a forged note with intent to defraud). 1/
Frederick George James Fisher, born in London on 28 August 1792 to parents, Frederick and Ann Fisher. By the age of 22, Frederick worked as a shopkeeper and had been charged with uttering forged bank notes (i.e. knowingly passing a forged note with intent to defraud). 1/
February 16, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Who was Frederick Fisher?
Frederick George James Fisher, born in London on 28 August 1792 to parents, Frederick and Ann Fisher. By the age of 22, Frederick worked as a shopkeeper and had been charged with uttering forged bank notes (i.e. knowingly passing a forged note with intent to defraud). 1/
Frederick George James Fisher, born in London on 28 August 1792 to parents, Frederick and Ann Fisher. By the age of 22, Frederick worked as a shopkeeper and had been charged with uttering forged bank notes (i.e. knowingly passing a forged note with intent to defraud). 1/
Fisher’s Ghost
According to the legend, not long after a man named Frederick Fisher disappeared, his ghost appeared beside a creek near his farm in Campbelltown, to a man named John Farley, who was passing by after an evening at Patrick’s Inn (also known as The Harrow). 1/🧵
According to the legend, not long after a man named Frederick Fisher disappeared, his ghost appeared beside a creek near his farm in Campbelltown, to a man named John Farley, who was passing by after an evening at Patrick’s Inn (also known as The Harrow). 1/🧵
February 16, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Fisher’s Ghost
According to the legend, not long after a man named Frederick Fisher disappeared, his ghost appeared beside a creek near his farm in Campbelltown, to a man named John Farley, who was passing by after an evening at Patrick’s Inn (also known as The Harrow). 1/🧵
According to the legend, not long after a man named Frederick Fisher disappeared, his ghost appeared beside a creek near his farm in Campbelltown, to a man named John Farley, who was passing by after an evening at Patrick’s Inn (also known as The Harrow). 1/🧵
A little message to Americans.
What's coming in the future will make the last three weeks seem normal.
You don't have much time left to stop the slide into fascism. Think weeks...not months or years.
No one is coming to save the country from tyranny. There is only the power of the people. 1/
What's coming in the future will make the last three weeks seem normal.
You don't have much time left to stop the slide into fascism. Think weeks...not months or years.
No one is coming to save the country from tyranny. There is only the power of the people. 1/
February 15, 2025 at 6:32 AM
A little message to Americans.
What's coming in the future will make the last three weeks seem normal.
You don't have much time left to stop the slide into fascism. Think weeks...not months or years.
No one is coming to save the country from tyranny. There is only the power of the people. 1/
What's coming in the future will make the last three weeks seem normal.
You don't have much time left to stop the slide into fascism. Think weeks...not months or years.
No one is coming to save the country from tyranny. There is only the power of the people. 1/
A Mysterious Discovery
On Monday 15 August 1899, a workman was busy carrying out an excavation at the Queen Victoria Markets and was shocked to come across a coffin containing the body of a fully dressed man. This mysterious discovery was reported in the Queanbeyan Age. 🧵 1/
On Monday 15 August 1899, a workman was busy carrying out an excavation at the Queen Victoria Markets and was shocked to come across a coffin containing the body of a fully dressed man. This mysterious discovery was reported in the Queanbeyan Age. 🧵 1/
February 15, 2025 at 5:31 AM
A Mysterious Discovery
On Monday 15 August 1899, a workman was busy carrying out an excavation at the Queen Victoria Markets and was shocked to come across a coffin containing the body of a fully dressed man. This mysterious discovery was reported in the Queanbeyan Age. 🧵 1/
On Monday 15 August 1899, a workman was busy carrying out an excavation at the Queen Victoria Markets and was shocked to come across a coffin containing the body of a fully dressed man. This mysterious discovery was reported in the Queanbeyan Age. 🧵 1/
As the world is beset by the recent resurgence in isolationist movements, most of them at the far right of the political spectrum, it’s probably time to talk about Australia’s past and current flirtation with fascism.
So sit back and let me tell you a tale about the “Australia First” movement. 🧵1/
So sit back and let me tell you a tale about the “Australia First” movement. 🧵1/
February 8, 2025 at 12:02 AM
As the world is beset by the recent resurgence in isolationist movements, most of them at the far right of the political spectrum, it’s probably time to talk about Australia’s past and current flirtation with fascism.
So sit back and let me tell you a tale about the “Australia First” movement. 🧵1/
So sit back and let me tell you a tale about the “Australia First” movement. 🧵1/
Today in Australia’s History: Pleasingly Plump
Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and thought “I’d love to be five kilograms heavier”?
Well I can't say that I have.
But if you were a poor or working class person living in the 1920’s or 1930's, you may have been thinking this.
Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and thought “I’d love to be five kilograms heavier”?
Well I can't say that I have.
But if you were a poor or working class person living in the 1920’s or 1930's, you may have been thinking this.
February 6, 2025 at 4:38 AM
Today in Australia’s History: Pleasingly Plump
Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and thought “I’d love to be five kilograms heavier”?
Well I can't say that I have.
But if you were a poor or working class person living in the 1920’s or 1930's, you may have been thinking this.
Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and thought “I’d love to be five kilograms heavier”?
Well I can't say that I have.
But if you were a poor or working class person living in the 1920’s or 1930's, you may have been thinking this.
I'm parsing through old Australian newspapers at the moment, trying to find something interesting to post about and I was struck by the difference in formatting compared to the modern day.
A large number of Australian newspapers didn't contain news articles on their front pages.
A large number of Australian newspapers didn't contain news articles on their front pages.
February 5, 2025 at 8:46 PM
I'm parsing through old Australian newspapers at the moment, trying to find something interesting to post about and I was struck by the difference in formatting compared to the modern day.
A large number of Australian newspapers didn't contain news articles on their front pages.
A large number of Australian newspapers didn't contain news articles on their front pages.
I'm going to tell you all a little something that I first realised back in 2012.
You see, around that time I was watching climate change initiatives around the world being defunded or reduced in scale.
I realised that our Governments had no intention of stopping or mitigating climate change.
You see, around that time I was watching climate change initiatives around the world being defunded or reduced in scale.
I realised that our Governments had no intention of stopping or mitigating climate change.
February 5, 2025 at 8:07 PM
I'm going to tell you all a little something that I first realised back in 2012.
You see, around that time I was watching climate change initiatives around the world being defunded or reduced in scale.
I realised that our Governments had no intention of stopping or mitigating climate change.
You see, around that time I was watching climate change initiatives around the world being defunded or reduced in scale.
I realised that our Governments had no intention of stopping or mitigating climate change.
This day in Australian History: Adelaide Christmas Chronicle
Some of us have already started preparing for Christmas, some of us have finished and some of us will prevaricate until the week before Christmas and then barrage through the shops in a flurry of desperate consumerism. 1/🧵
Some of us have already started preparing for Christmas, some of us have finished and some of us will prevaricate until the week before Christmas and then barrage through the shops in a flurry of desperate consumerism. 1/🧵
November 26, 2024 at 10:00 PM
This day in Australian History: Adelaide Christmas Chronicle
Some of us have already started preparing for Christmas, some of us have finished and some of us will prevaricate until the week before Christmas and then barrage through the shops in a flurry of desperate consumerism. 1/🧵
Some of us have already started preparing for Christmas, some of us have finished and some of us will prevaricate until the week before Christmas and then barrage through the shops in a flurry of desperate consumerism. 1/🧵
I was looking for some information on the old Liverpool Gaol (later Liverpool Asylum) and came across this entry for the WWII Liverpool Internment Camp.
Special internees included overseas foreigners and members of the Australia First movement.
Might have to do a deep dive in a future post.
Special internees included overseas foreigners and members of the Australia First movement.
Might have to do a deep dive in a future post.
Liverpool Internment Camp during World War II | The Dictionary of Sydney
dictionaryofsydney.org
November 25, 2024 at 10:09 PM
I was looking for some information on the old Liverpool Gaol (later Liverpool Asylum) and came across this entry for the WWII Liverpool Internment Camp.
Special internees included overseas foreigners and members of the Australia First movement.
Might have to do a deep dive in a future post.
Special internees included overseas foreigners and members of the Australia First movement.
Might have to do a deep dive in a future post.
Reposted by Average Citizen
Excited to be partnering with Sovereign Hill Museums Association to offer a few workshops.
Our first is ‘300 Years of Women’s Fashion’ on 30 November.
Read more about it & grab your tickets via link below! 🎟️
www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/300-y...
Our first is ‘300 Years of Women’s Fashion’ on 30 November.
Read more about it & grab your tickets via link below! 🎟️
www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/300-y...
November 11, 2024 at 5:51 AM
Excited to be partnering with Sovereign Hill Museums Association to offer a few workshops.
Our first is ‘300 Years of Women’s Fashion’ on 30 November.
Read more about it & grab your tickets via link below! 🎟️
www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/300-y...
Our first is ‘300 Years of Women’s Fashion’ on 30 November.
Read more about it & grab your tickets via link below! 🎟️
www.sovereignhill.com.au/events/300-y...
Historical Occupations: Marine Store Collector
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably come across an entry for an ancestor’s occupation in the census and can’t make head nor tail as to what kind of job it is.
A trade that a couple of my ancestors share is that of Marine Store Collector. 1/🧵
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably come across an entry for an ancestor’s occupation in the census and can’t make head nor tail as to what kind of job it is.
A trade that a couple of my ancestors share is that of Marine Store Collector. 1/🧵
November 25, 2024 at 3:12 AM
Historical Occupations: Marine Store Collector
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably come across an entry for an ancestor’s occupation in the census and can’t make head nor tail as to what kind of job it is.
A trade that a couple of my ancestors share is that of Marine Store Collector. 1/🧵
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably come across an entry for an ancestor’s occupation in the census and can’t make head nor tail as to what kind of job it is.
A trade that a couple of my ancestors share is that of Marine Store Collector. 1/🧵
This day in Australian history: The murder of John Brackfield
Today i'm going to give you a murder mystery. I'll be asking you to tell me who you think killed John Brackfield only using the information presented here.
Buckle up because this is one long crazy ride. 1/ 🧵
Today i'm going to give you a murder mystery. I'll be asking you to tell me who you think killed John Brackfield only using the information presented here.
Buckle up because this is one long crazy ride. 1/ 🧵
November 24, 2024 at 9:52 PM
This day in Australian history: The murder of John Brackfield
Today i'm going to give you a murder mystery. I'll be asking you to tell me who you think killed John Brackfield only using the information presented here.
Buckle up because this is one long crazy ride. 1/ 🧵
Today i'm going to give you a murder mystery. I'll be asking you to tell me who you think killed John Brackfield only using the information presented here.
Buckle up because this is one long crazy ride. 1/ 🧵
Today I told the story of Annie Whitehead and Mary Cole who were sentenced to The Parramatta Female Factory.
So what was this place?
The Parramatta Female Factory served the function of a workhouse, hospital and prison for female convicts in New South Wales, Australia.
So what was this place?
The Parramatta Female Factory served the function of a workhouse, hospital and prison for female convicts in New South Wales, Australia.
November 24, 2024 at 3:26 AM
Today I told the story of Annie Whitehead and Mary Cole who were sentenced to The Parramatta Female Factory.
So what was this place?
The Parramatta Female Factory served the function of a workhouse, hospital and prison for female convicts in New South Wales, Australia.
So what was this place?
The Parramatta Female Factory served the function of a workhouse, hospital and prison for female convicts in New South Wales, Australia.
This day in Australian History: Duck Stealing.
The Sydney Gazette reported on the results of the trial of Anne Whitehead and her domestic servant, Mary Cole, who were charged with the “Foul” crime of duck stealing. Both women were tried at The Sitting Magistrates Court on the 10 November 1824.
The Sydney Gazette reported on the results of the trial of Anne Whitehead and her domestic servant, Mary Cole, who were charged with the “Foul” crime of duck stealing. Both women were tried at The Sitting Magistrates Court on the 10 November 1824.
November 24, 2024 at 2:51 AM
This day in Australian History: Duck Stealing.
The Sydney Gazette reported on the results of the trial of Anne Whitehead and her domestic servant, Mary Cole, who were charged with the “Foul” crime of duck stealing. Both women were tried at The Sitting Magistrates Court on the 10 November 1824.
The Sydney Gazette reported on the results of the trial of Anne Whitehead and her domestic servant, Mary Cole, who were charged with the “Foul” crime of duck stealing. Both women were tried at The Sitting Magistrates Court on the 10 November 1824.
I've spent my first few hours on Bluesky just checking out all the amazing things you are thinking, doing, creating and sharing and all I could come up with is this mediocre post.
I think i'm gonna like it here.
I think i'm gonna like it here.
November 20, 2024 at 9:13 AM
I've spent my first few hours on Bluesky just checking out all the amazing things you are thinking, doing, creating and sharing and all I could come up with is this mediocre post.
I think i'm gonna like it here.
I think i'm gonna like it here.