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Tragic Accident at Trafalgar

Life on the land had its share of dangers in the 19th century, and sadly the Kenny family were to experience this first-hand in 1888 with the death of their second child, and eldest son, John Caven Kenny. John was a little brother to my great-grandmother Margaret Kenny.

Once again, I'll let the newspapers of the day tell the story (Gippsland Times, 10 December 1888):

An accident, which terminated fatally, occurred on Saturday morning last to John Kenny, a lad 11 years of age, son of Mr Patrick Kenny, farmer, of Trafalgar. It appears that Mr Kenny on that day, accompanied by his son, visited his paddock, which is situated some little distance away from the town. On arriving there, a strange bull was observed to be grazing on the land. The father at once instructed the boy, who was on horseback, to drive the animal out. When he attempted to do so, the beast rushed at the lad's horse, bringing it to the ground. Before the unfortunate boy had time to clear himself, the horse was on its feet again. Young Kenny's foot having caught in the stirrup, the animal galloped off, and the boy was dragged fully a quarter of a mile before his foot became extricated. On being picked up by his father the lad was insensible, and evidently seriously injured, as well as disfigured. He was brought to Sale by the midday train, and immediately taken to the hospital. Dr. McLean attended the patient, and did all he could for the relief of the poor little fellow. He died, however, at a quarter past eleven yesterday morning, never having rallied from the unconscious condition he was in when admitted. The matter was reported to the police, and through the exertions of Senior-Sergeant Murphy, and at the request of Mr Kenny, who wished to take his son's body home this morning, a magisterial enquiry was held during the afternoon. The father described the accident in the manner stated above, Dr. McLean deposing to the immediate cause of death being fracture of the skull, and a verdict to this effect was accordingly entered. Mr Thos. Johnstone, J.P., conducted the enquiry. 




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  1. Jo2 September 2021 at 20:10

    Life was tough in the farm. A beautiful soul was gone so young.

    ReplyDelete

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