Jemmy 1 (aka Gleeson Jemmy)
Profile:
Earliest/Latest Known date
1862
Area of Origin
Deniliquin
Name of Spouse
Louie (Cloyin)
“The blacks came up, and probably would have overpowered us if they had found all asleep; but Jemmy, the native trooper, who always keeps his watch well, awoke us, and all of our party except one discharged their guns in the direction from where we heard the blacks.”
Biography:
Accompanied Landsborough on the search for Burke and Wills in 1861 (although sometimes referred to as 'Jimmey') and from the Belyando to the Gulf Country in 1866. From the Courier, 24 August 1861, p2: "The expedition, as it started, comprised Mr. Landsborough, the leader, Mr. J. D. Allison, of Brisbane, formerly a master-mariner; Mr. Campbell, a volunteer to the Royal Society of Victoria, who arrived by the Hotham (s.); Mr. Bourne, a son of Mr. R. Bourne, the secretary of the national school board; Mr. Ball, one of the crew of the Hotham; Jimmey and Charlie, members of the native police force; and two other aboriginals known by the names of Jimmey Fisherman and Jacky Brown; in all nine individuals. Two or three of these, however, will be left in charge of the depot or camp and extra horses."
From the Courier, 1 July 1862, p3: "When we were on Gregory's route to South Australia, and for some time previously, we took many opportunities of asking the blacks respecting the explorers they had seen. This we were enabled to do, as Jemmy, the native police trooper, could speak their language. ... They tried to take us at night by surprise. If they had succeeded, they would no doubt have overpowered us, but it was during Jemmy the native, police trooper's watch, and, as he always kept his watch well, he awoke us when they were within a few yards of our fire, and we fortunately succeeded in driving them away. Next morning (very early) two of them came near our camp; at my request, Jemmy ordered them to leave us, for that we had now a most hostile feeling against them. ... Several times in the course of our journey from the Gulf of Carpentaria, Gleeson Jemmy, the native police trooper, and the aborigine, Jemmy Fisherman, were unwell. This was owing, no doubt in a great measure, if not altogether, from the rations I issued being insufficient. ... After reaching the Warrego River, Jemmy, the native police trooper, unfortunately lay so near the fire on a frosty night, that his shirt caught fire and burnt him severely, so much so, that he exhibited great pluck in continuing his journey to here."
Postings:
1865 - 1866: Bourketown.