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Henry McCrummin (Harry) Keightley (1831–1887)

from Wodonga and Towong Sentinel

Henry Keightley, n.d.

Henry Keightley, n.d.

from Australian Town and Country Journal, 22 January 1887, p 184

Profound regret was expressed throughout Albury on Monday, on it being announced that Mr Henry McCrummin Keightley, police magistrate, had died late on Saturday, near Sale. The deceased gentleman was on leave of absence, and had proceeded to Gippsland Lakes for the benefit of his health, which had been failing for some time. He, about a week ago, put up at Mr Thomas's Victorian hotel, at Latrobe Bridge, near Sale, and on Thursday last he had to take to his bed, and, despite the attention of Drs. McDonald and McLean, he succumbed as stated. Although Mr Keightley had been suffering for some time from diabetes, his demise at so early a date after having left Albury was quite unexpected, although his relatives were prepared for the worst on receipt of a telegram on Saturday stating that he was dangerously ill. Mrs Keightley and one of her four sons at once left for Sale, but it was impossible for them to arrive in time to be with Mr. Keightley in his last moments. Mr A. H. Emerson accompanied Mr. Keightley on his trip, and would doubtless be in attendance on him to the last. The remains will be interred in the Sale cemetery.

Mr Keightley, who was 56 years of age, was a very old colonist, and had spent 34 years of his life in the service of the New South Wales Government. He entered the service as a clerk of petty sessions at Hanging Rock in the New England district, and subsequently held a similar office at Armidale. On the discovery of gold he was appointed principal gold commissioner at Bathurst, and had the Tambaroora, Sofala, and Turon districts under his supervision. He was afterwards stationed at Rockley, and it was while at that place that the most remarkable incident in Mr. Keightley's life occurred. The gold commissioner's camp was attacked by a gang of bushrangers, and for some time Mr. Keightley successfully resisted their efforts to rob the camp. During the engagement Mr Keightley shot one of the number dead, but the ammunition failing the bushrangers obtained the mastery, and took Mr Keightley captive. They then held him for a ransom of £500, and Mrs Keightley, in order to save her husband, whose life was threatened unless the money was forthcoming, rode into Bathurst and obtained the necessary sum, which was handed to the bandits, who then allowed Mr. Keightley to depart. These men were subsequently captured, and dealt with as their offence merited. Mr Keightley was presented with a gold medal similar to that held by several other old Government officials who came in contact with bushrangers. Afterwards Mr. Keightley was appointed police magistrate at Wellington and Dubbo, and subsequently removed to Moruya, in the Shoalhaven or south coast district. About three years ago he was transferred to Albury, and since then he has performed the duties of police magistrate, Coroner, warden, and commissioner in insolvency in that large district. About three months ago the deceased gentleman displayed evidence of being a sufferer from diabetes, or Bright's disease of the kidneys. The extent of Mr Keightley's sufferings was only known to his immediate friends, but lately the results of the wasting character of the disease became very apparent, and during a fortnight he lost fully 30 lb in weight.

In his official capacity the deceased gentleman was most remarkable for a desire to please than anything else. Privately Mr. Keightley had many friends, and was an enthusiastic sportsman. On several occasions his feats with the rod were considered worthy of record by metropolitan newspapers, and he was on a fishing excursion to the Gippsland Lakes when he was compelled to take to bed, from which he never rose.

Original publication

Other Obituaries for Henry McCrummin (Harry) Keightley

Additional Resources

Citation details

'Keightley, Henry McCrummin (Harry) (1831–1887)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/keightley-henry-mccrummin-harry-14538/text25650, accessed 29 March 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Henry Keightley, n.d.

Henry Keightley, n.d.

from Australian Town and Country Journal, 22 January 1887, p 184