Why Weren't We Told?

History at school was never as interesting as this!

Information Board at Meningie

Statue at Meningie, with modern day Birdman

Bushranger:  Birdman of the Coorong

John Francis Peggotty 1864-1899

South Australia’s history has only ever been able to claim one genuine bushranger, but he was remarkable – he was the only one to pursue his career on the back of an ostrich!

John Francis Peggotty, the son of an Irishman, was born prematurely in 1864 in County Limerick.  Surprisingly he survived, but only grew to the size of a 7 year old boy.

As a young man, Peggotty exploited his stature, climbing down the chimneys of wealthy Londoners, robbing them of their jewellery and parading his ill-gotten gains. 

After sailing to Australia in 1890 he continued his lucrative career along the majestic Coorong, riding proudly on the back of an ostrich – one of the many set free when the market for fashionable ostrich feathers ceased.

The reason for Peggotty’s choice of an ostrich became evident when he often soared away from police through the shifting sands dunes of the Coorong.

The Birdman of the Coorong, as he became nown, was soon held responsible for the robberies of many a lonely Coorong traveller and the murder of at least two.

Peggotty remained at large until 17^th September 1899, the day when he tried to hold up a local fisherman, Henry Carmichael.

Unfortunately for Peggotty, Carmichael had a rifle.  After a short chase and shots fired, Peggotty and his mount both came to an unglorified end.

To this day his body has never been found.

…is it still lying in the lonely wilderness of the Coorong, laden with a fortune of gold and jewellery??