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).
You know, what would make this even more awesome.
Instead of the photographs, you could have the portraits they hate on sticks popping up out of his head.
Instead of the photographs, you could have the portraits they hate on sticks popping up out of his head.
March 28, 2025 at 9:23 AM
You know, what would make this even more awesome.
Instead of the photographs, you could have the portraits they hate on sticks popping up out of his head.
Instead of the photographs, you could have the portraits they hate on sticks popping up out of his head.
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.
So the Trackers searched the drainage line leading to the pooled area and came across a recently disturbed area of earth on George Worrall's land.
One of the Trackers plunged an iron rod into the ground and withdrew it whereupon he could smell decomposition. 6/9
One of the Trackers plunged an iron rod into the ground and withdrew it whereupon he could smell decomposition. 6/9
February 20, 2025 at 9:58 PM
So the Trackers searched the drainage line leading to the pooled area and came across a recently disturbed area of earth on George Worrall's land.
One of the Trackers plunged an iron rod into the ground and withdrew it whereupon he could smell decomposition. 6/9
One of the Trackers plunged an iron rod into the ground and withdrew it whereupon he could smell decomposition. 6/9
At this point, John found it strange that Fred hadn't returned his greeting.
He watched on as Fred glided down along the creekline and then turned back toward John, beckoning him to follow.
It was at this point that John realized that some supernatural fuckery was afoot and promptly fainted. 3/
He watched on as Fred glided down along the creekline and then turned back toward John, beckoning him to follow.
It was at this point that John realized that some supernatural fuckery was afoot and promptly fainted. 3/
February 19, 2025 at 9:32 PM
At this point, John found it strange that Fred hadn't returned his greeting.
He watched on as Fred glided down along the creekline and then turned back toward John, beckoning him to follow.
It was at this point that John realized that some supernatural fuckery was afoot and promptly fainted. 3/
He watched on as Fred glided down along the creekline and then turned back toward John, beckoning him to follow.
It was at this point that John realized that some supernatural fuckery was afoot and promptly fainted. 3/
By the 22 September 1826, suspicions had escalated to the point of local law enforcement involvement.
A notice was issued in The Australian providing for a reward of 20 pounds for discovery of Frederick Fisher's body or 5 pounds for providing evidence that he had left the colony. 8/
A notice was issued in The Australian providing for a reward of 20 pounds for discovery of Frederick Fisher's body or 5 pounds for providing evidence that he had left the colony. 8/
February 18, 2025 at 7:48 PM
By the 22 September 1826, suspicions had escalated to the point of local law enforcement involvement.
A notice was issued in The Australian providing for a reward of 20 pounds for discovery of Frederick Fisher's body or 5 pounds for providing evidence that he had left the colony. 8/
A notice was issued in The Australian providing for a reward of 20 pounds for discovery of Frederick Fisher's body or 5 pounds for providing evidence that he had left the colony. 8/
Lawrence remained out with his mates for approximately one and a half hours and, upon returning, remarked that it was strange that Frederick had not arrived home yet.
One of his lodgers thought they saw Fred’s gig come near to the farm and he left during the night. 2/
One of his lodgers thought they saw Fred’s gig come near to the farm and he left during the night. 2/
February 18, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Lawrence remained out with his mates for approximately one and a half hours and, upon returning, remarked that it was strange that Frederick had not arrived home yet.
One of his lodgers thought they saw Fred’s gig come near to the farm and he left during the night. 2/
One of his lodgers thought they saw Fred’s gig come near to the farm and he left during the night. 2/
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/
Frederick Fisher was then tried for the lesser charge of assault at the Supreme Court on 10 September 1825. Fred was found guilty and placed on remand before being sentenced on 25 September 1825. Frederick was given the lenient sentence of a fine of 50 pounds six months imprisonment. 5/
February 17, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Frederick Fisher was then tried for the lesser charge of assault at the Supreme Court on 10 September 1825. Fred was found guilty and placed on remand before being sentenced on 25 September 1825. Frederick was given the lenient sentence of a fine of 50 pounds six months imprisonment. 5/
Frederick Fisher, knowing he was about to be imprisoned, entrusted the management of his estate to his lodger, George Worrall, and gave him Power of Attorney. Fred's initial trial for the attempted murder of William Brooker was held on 8 September 1825 where he was found not guilty. 4/
February 17, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Frederick Fisher, knowing he was about to be imprisoned, entrusted the management of his estate to his lodger, George Worrall, and gave him Power of Attorney. Fred's initial trial for the attempted murder of William Brooker was held on 8 September 1825 where he was found not guilty. 4/
There was already some bad blood between Frederick Fisher and William Brooker after Fred had shortchanged him over his work on Fred's Inn, The Horse and Jockey. William took Fred to court for his full wages and won the case, leaving Fred resentful and providing a motive for the stabbing. 3/
February 17, 2025 at 9:01 PM
There was already some bad blood between Frederick Fisher and William Brooker after Fred had shortchanged him over his work on Fred's Inn, The Horse and Jockey. William took Fred to court for his full wages and won the case, leaving Fred resentful and providing a motive for the stabbing. 3/
At some point during this exchange, William Brooker assaulted Frederick. Frederick pulled out a knife and stabbed William several times in response. The wounds weren't fatal and William reported the crime before retreating to his bed for a few weeks to heal. 2/
February 17, 2025 at 9:01 PM
At some point during this exchange, William Brooker assaulted Frederick. Frederick pulled out a knife and stabbed William several times in response. The wounds weren't fatal and William reported the crime before retreating to his bed for a few weeks to heal. 2/
By 1822, after serving seven years of his sentence, Frederick Fisher had petitioned the Governor for a mitigation of his sentence. The petition was granted and Frederick Fisher was provided a Ticket Of Leave (basically, parole with restrictions). 4/
February 16, 2025 at 8:11 PM
By 1822, after serving seven years of his sentence, Frederick Fisher had petitioned the Governor for a mitigation of his sentence. The petition was granted and Frederick Fisher was provided a Ticket Of Leave (basically, parole with restrictions). 4/
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/
Either way, there was a search of the creek and the eventual discovery of Frederick Fisher’s body in a nearby marsh. So, did the ghost of John Fisher really seek justice from beyond the grave or does the story have a more prosaic explanation?
I'll be unravelling this mystery each day this week. 3/
I'll be unravelling this mystery each day this week. 3/
February 16, 2025 at 2:26 AM
Either way, there was a search of the creek and the eventual discovery of Frederick Fisher’s body in a nearby marsh. So, did the ghost of John Fisher really seek justice from beyond the grave or does the story have a more prosaic explanation?
I'll be unravelling this mystery each day this week. 3/
I'll be unravelling this mystery each day this week. 3/
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 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/
So skinny Australians were fat scammed for another 21 years.
The demise of Sargol as a product and company finally occurred as a result of increased public education on nutrition and the dangers of obesity as well as people becoming more aware of how they look in that knitted swimsuit.
The demise of Sargol as a product and company finally occurred as a result of increased public education on nutrition and the dangers of obesity as well as people becoming more aware of how they look in that knitted swimsuit.
February 6, 2025 at 4:38 AM
So skinny Australians were fat scammed for another 21 years.
The demise of Sargol as a product and company finally occurred as a result of increased public education on nutrition and the dangers of obesity as well as people becoming more aware of how they look in that knitted swimsuit.
The demise of Sargol as a product and company finally occurred as a result of increased public education on nutrition and the dangers of obesity as well as people becoming more aware of how they look in that knitted swimsuit.
In 1916, Mr Kench, an Inspector of the Board of Health tried to stop the sale of Sargol in Australia by taking the manager, Mr William Boynton, to court. Mr Kench was initially successful; however, Mr Boynton appealed to the Supreme Court where the appeal was upheld and sales could proceed.
February 6, 2025 at 4:38 AM
In 1916, Mr Kench, an Inspector of the Board of Health tried to stop the sale of Sargol in Australia by taking the manager, Mr William Boynton, to court. Mr Kench was initially successful; however, Mr Boynton appealed to the Supreme Court where the appeal was upheld and sales could proceed.
Unfortunately for those who believed in these promises, they turned out to be as empty as their pockets….and possibly their stomachs.
Sargol tablets were a concoction of Saw Palmetto, Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Albumen, Nux Vomica and Sugar. So basically, a placebo.
Sargol tablets were a concoction of Saw Palmetto, Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Albumen, Nux Vomica and Sugar. So basically, a placebo.
February 6, 2025 at 4:38 AM
Unfortunately for those who believed in these promises, they turned out to be as empty as their pockets….and possibly their stomachs.
Sargol tablets were a concoction of Saw Palmetto, Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Albumen, Nux Vomica and Sugar. So basically, a placebo.
Sargol tablets were a concoction of Saw Palmetto, Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Albumen, Nux Vomica and Sugar. So basically, a placebo.
Sargol promised that you too could become pleasingly plump with no additional food intake and thereby fool everyone into thinking you were part of the fabled middle class rather than their domestic servant.
February 6, 2025 at 4:38 AM
Sargol promised that you too could become pleasingly plump with no additional food intake and thereby fool everyone into thinking you were part of the fabled middle class rather than their domestic servant.
Sargol advertisements promised to reverse the dreaded effects of thinness by healing your digestive system, allowing all the wonderful nutrients within the meagre morsels you eat to turn into fat and flesh instead of becoming waste.
February 6, 2025 at 4:38 AM
Sargol advertisements promised to reverse the dreaded effects of thinness by healing your digestive system, allowing all the wonderful nutrients within the meagre morsels you eat to turn into fat and flesh instead of becoming waste.
So what was a person to do if they aspired to improve their situation but your pantry was more famine than feast?
Well….you need Sargol’s of course!
Sargol was a weight gain tablet (and company name) manufactured and marketed from 1912 to 1937 in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Well….you need Sargol’s of course!
Sargol was a weight gain tablet (and company name) manufactured and marketed from 1912 to 1937 in the United Kingdom and Australia.
February 6, 2025 at 4:38 AM
So what was a person to do if they aspired to improve their situation but your pantry was more famine than feast?
Well….you need Sargol’s of course!
Sargol was a weight gain tablet (and company name) manufactured and marketed from 1912 to 1937 in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Well….you need Sargol’s of course!
Sargol was a weight gain tablet (and company name) manufactured and marketed from 1912 to 1937 in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Now, you could craft yourself some fancy clothes and take elocution lessons, but you still wouldn’t be able to hide the fact that your body is lean.
These were the days when a pleasingly plump body signified a life of wealth and privilege.
Thin was definitely not in.
These were the days when a pleasingly plump body signified a life of wealth and privilege.
Thin was definitely not in.
February 6, 2025 at 4:38 AM
Now, you could craft yourself some fancy clothes and take elocution lessons, but you still wouldn’t be able to hide the fact that your body is lean.
These were the days when a pleasingly plump body signified a life of wealth and privilege.
Thin was definitely not in.
These were the days when a pleasingly plump body signified a life of wealth and privilege.
Thin was definitely not in.
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.