Andrew George Bromley was my first cousin five times removed. He was the grandson of my fifth great-grandfather, James Nix (1768-1827) and was born in Dowsby, Lincolnshire, in 1819. Andrew, his wife Sarah, and their two children, Joseph and Mary Ann, emigrated to Australia in 1844.
The following newspaper articles tell the story of his untimely death.
Thursday 25th September 1862
Source: Sydney Empire
DEATH UNDER SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES-
An inquest on the body of the man Andrew Bromley, which was
found on Monday morning in a well of water at Lane
Cove, was held yesterday before the City Coroner, at the
Red House, North Shore, The inquest occupied the
entire day. From the evidence adduced, it appeared that
deceased was a native of Lincolnshire, England, and
forty-two years of age. He was a sawyer by trade, and
during the last nineteen years resided with his wife and
eight children on his own property, at Lane Cove. His
mind at times became somewhat impaired. One day last
week he had some words with his eldest son, aged
eighteen, who assisted him in sawing, and who, owing to
the disagreement, left him, and went to work and reside
a short distance from home. They, however, became re-
conciled on the Wednesday preceding deceased's death.
Deceased was lately employed in breaking up some
ground for Mr. Thomas Waterhouse, publican, about a
mile and a half from his (deceased's) residence. He was
last seen alive about half past two on Friday afternoon; he
was then assisting to extinguish a bush fire which was
burning close by where he was working. There was ap-
parently nothing unusual the matter with him. Mr.
Waterhouse missed him about 8 o'clock, but thought
little of the circumstance. Deceased did not return
home, and about one o'clock on Sunday afternoon
his wife called on Mr. Waterhouse and
inquired after him. On being informed
when he had been last seen, she reported his absence to
the police. Search was made during the evening, but
without success. Some time before seven o'clock on
Monday morning, Mr. Waterhouse's son reported to con-
stable Dempsey that he had found deceased's hat (which,
had the finger-marks of blood) lying near two large pools
of blood, distant from the road about twenty feet, and
situated on an open space of ground known as Spencer's
Land. Dempsey proceeded to the spot described, and
saw two large quantities of coagulated blood, about three
feet apart. He detected foot prints, but no indication of a
struggle having taken place. With assistance, he searched
about, and some 200 yards from the spot, in a well con-.
taining twelve feet of water, found the body
of deceased. Slabs and poles were laid across
the well but sufficiently apart to allow a body to fall
through. On examining deceased after raising him from
the well, a severe cut was found to be inflicted over, the
joint of the left arm, about 2 3/4 inches in length, and,
from 1/4 to 3/4of an inch in depth. On his neck was found
a wound about five inches in length, extending from the
right to the left side. There were no marks of blood on,
his clothes. In his trousers pocket was found a pruning
knife (which he was in the habit of carrying about him)
the blade of which was well sharpened and
was closed. A spot of blood on the blade,
was the only sign discoverable about the body.
The water in the well was not discoloured.
Dr. Eichler who, with Dr. Ward, examined the body,
considered that the wound in the neck was inflicted by
a sharp instrument - the pruning knife would be capable
of inflicting it. The wound showed that three attempts
had been made. The first two only penetrated the skin;
tho third proved to be the deepest and longest, ending at
the left side of the larynx, cutting through the lingua,
artery, and severing the bone joining the tongue and
larynx, and opening the passage into the stomach. He
believed the immediate cause of death to be loss of
blood, and he expressed himself satisfied deceased was
immersed in water when dead, and he should say the
body was bloodless. There was no appearance that
death had been caused by suffocation. It was quite
possible for deceased to have inflicted the wounds. If a
man had lost blood at one particular spot......such
wounds would follow, as the wounds, would bleed a long,
time after being inflicted. A man would live from ten
to twelve minutes after receiving such wounds; he
thought it possible, but not probable, that a man, in
the state in which he would be in after receiving the
wounds, would walk 240 steps. The cut in, deceased's
throat was a determined one. Dr. Ward considered
that deceased, after receiving the wounds, did not pos-
sess either the mental or physical power to find his way
to a well between two and three hundred yards distant,
or to shut and place his knife in his pocket. The fol-
lowing verdict was returned by the jury ;-We find that
Andrew Bromley, aged 43 years, came by his death from
wounds, and chiefly from one inflicted in his throat.
There is no evidence before us to show how his body got
into the well, and that great suspicion and mystery is
attached to this man's death
Saturday 27th September 1862
Source: The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 - 1893)
DEATH UNDER MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES -
On Wednesday, the City Coroner held an inquest on the
body of Andrew Bromley who was supposed to have com-
mitted suicide at Lane Cove, by cutting his throat and
afterwards jumping into a well. It appeared from the
evidence that Bromley, who was a sawyer, was engaged
on Friday afternoon, while in the employ of Mr Water-
house, of Lane Cove, in putting out a bush fire; but
about three o'clock he was missed. Enquiries were made,
but nothing was heard or seen of the missing man till
Sunday, when his hat was found by a son of Mr. Water-
house. A further search was then made, and two
patches of dried blood, within three feet of each other,
were found. Near this spot were two wells, and on Mon-
day morning both these were sounded by Constable
Dempsey, Mr. Waterhouse, and Mr John Brown but no
traces of the deceased were discovered. At length more
spots of blood were found in the direction of another
well 240 yards distant, containing twelve feet of water ;
this well was dragged forthwith and in it the body was
found. The ground was carefully examined but no in-
dication of a scuffle, or the dragging of a body, could
be discovered. On examination a large wound was found
on the deceased's throat, by which the windpipe was
severed, and there was smaller wound below the elbow
on the left arm. In the deceased's trousers pocket was
found a pruning knife, on which were several spots of
blood. By the coroner's orders the body was removed
from Lane Cove to the police station at North Shore,
where it was examined by Dr. Fichler, in conjunction
with Dr. Ward. Upon minute examination it was found
that the wound in the throat consisted of three distinct
cuts, making a wound five inches in length. A post
mortem examination was also made, and from the ap-
pearances of the internal organs the medical men
were of opinion that death took place prior to the
immersion in the water. They also thought it ex-
ceedingly improbable that the man would have either
physical or mental strength enough to make his way
to a well a distance of two hundred and forty yards,
after the infliction of such wounds. The loss of blood
from those wounds would result in death in a few minutes,
according to the testimony of the medical men. It was
exceedingly questionable also whether the man could
shut up his knife and put it into his pocket after in-
dicting such frightful gashes on his throat. With regard
to the state of mind or the deceased man, it was stated
that he had been suffering from toothache and some
days previous to his death he had some quarrel with his
eldest son, who left home in consequence ; but it appeared
that this disagreement had subsequently been settled
amicably. The jury returned the following verdict:
" We find that the deceased Andrew Bromley, came by
his death from wounds chiefly from one inflicted in his
throat. We have no evidence before us to show how his
body got into the well, and that great suspicion and
mystery attached to this man's death." In consequences
of the mystery in which this case was involved, the hear-
ing of witnesses and cross-examination of the same lasted
the whole of the day.
Saturday 27th September 1862
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954)
The body of a man named Andrew Bromley has
been found in a well on at Lane Cove, with his
throat cut, and suspicion is excited that the deceased
has been murdered. The matter is now being enquired
into by the Coroner and police authorities.
Saturday 27th September 1862
Source: The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW : 1843 - 1893)
DEATH UNDER MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES -
On Wednesday, the City Coroner held an inquest on the
body of Andrew Bromley who was supposed to have com-
mitted suicide at Lane Cove, by cutting his throat and
afterwards jumping into a well. It appeared from the
evidence that Bromley, who was a sawyer, was engaged
on Friday afternoon, while in the employ of Mr Water-
house, of Lane Cove, in putting out a bush fire; but
about three o'clock he was missed. Enquiries were made,
but nothing was heard or seen of the missing man till
Sunday, when his hat was found by a son of Mr. Water-
house. A further search was then made, and two
patches of dried blood, within three feet of each other,
were found. Near this spot were two wells, and on Mon-
day morning both these were sounded by Constable
Dempsey, Mr. Waterhouse, and Mr John Brown but no
traces of the deceased were discovered. At length more
spots of blood were found in the direction of another
well 240 yards distant, containing twelve feet of water ;
this well was dragged forthwith and in it the body was
found. The ground was carefully examined but no in-
dication of a scuffle, or the dragging of a body, could
be discovered. On examination a large wound was found
on the deceased's throat, by which the windpipe was
severed, and there was smaller wound below the elbow
on the left arm. In the deceased's trousers pocket was
found a pruning knife, on which were several spots of
blood. By the coroner's orders the body was removed
from Lane Cove to the police station at North Shore,
where it was examined by Dr. Fichler, in conjunction
with Dr. Ward. Upon minute examination it was found
that the wound in the throat consisted of three distinct
cuts, making a wound five inches in length. A post
mortem examination was also made, and from the ap-
pearances of the internal organs the medical men
were of opinion that death took place prior to the
immersion in the water. They also thought it ex-
ceedingly improbable that the man would have either
physical or mental strength enough to make his way
to a well a distance of two hundred and forty yards,
after the infliction of such wounds. The loss of blood
from those wounds would result in death in a few minutes,
according to the testimony of the medical men. It was
exceedingly questionable also whether the man could
shut up his knife and put it into his pocket after in-
dicting such frightful gashes on his throat. With regard
to the state of mind of the deceased man, it was stated
that he had been suffering from toothache and some
days previous to his death he had some quarrel with his
eldest son, who left home in consequence ; but it appeared
that this disagreement had subsequently been settled
amicably. The jury returned the following verdict:
" We find that the deceased Andrew Bromley, came by
his death from wounds chiefly from one inflicted in his
throat. We have no evidence before us to show how his
body got into the well, and that great suspicion and
mystery attached to this man's death." In consequences
of the mystery in which this case was involved, the hear-
ing of witnesses and cross-examination of the same lasted
the whole of the day
Wednesday 1st October 1862
Source: Sydney Empire
SIR,- With REFERENCE to certain resolutions published in
yesterday's issue, respecting the death of one Andrew
Bromley, whose body was discovered in a well at Lane
Cove, and, as the, City Coroner alleged, under suspicious
circumstances, allow me, through your columns, first of
all, to inquire whether it would not have been the duty
of the Coroner to have attended at the nearest place to
where the body in question was found to hold the inquest.
2nd. Whether to suit the particular convenience and
fancy of a public servant, the body should have been re-
moved seven miles at all, and more particularly at this
particular time of the year, and that after the body had
laid in a well for so considerable a time; or whether
this Government official should attend at the nearest,
convenient place to hold such inquest, and where all
necessary evidence could have been obtained, and the
matter perhaps finally concluded.
3rd. The questions that the residents of Lane Cove are
desirous of ascertaining is, whether, if the Coroner had
noted judiciously and visited the scene of the alleged,
murder, where the whole, facts and evidence could have
been elicited, would the son, who is now (and I unhesi-
tatingly assert) illegally imprisoned, be placed in the
humiliating position of an alleged murderer.
I shall have something further to add at the conclusion
of this (to me) most arbitrary and illegal proceeding,
when facts undeniable will convince the most sceptical of
the grossness of the judgement on the part of the powers
that be in this particularly painful scene.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
F.W.CROFT
Wednesday 1st October 1862
Source: Sydney Empire
Joseph Bromley, aged 17, remanded from the 26th in-
stant on suspicion of having, at Lane Cove, unlawfully
killed and murdered one Andrew Bromley, his father,
was further remanded until Thursday next.
Friday 3rd October 1862
Source: The Courier (Brisbane, Qld. : 1861 - 1864)
An inquest was held on Wednesday, at the
North Shore, on the body of tho man named
Andrew Bromley, who was supposed to have
committed suicide, by cutting his throat,
and afterwards jumping into a well. The
circumstances were very suspicions, the
surgical evidence going to show that death
probably took place before the immersion of
the body. Blood was found at a distance
of 240 yards from tho well, and two pro-
fessional men stated that it was very im-
probable the deceased could walk that dis-
tance after receiving tho wound. The jury
returned a verdict of death under very sus-
picious "circumstances.
Friday 3rd October 1862
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
WATER POLICE COURT.
THURSDAY.
BEFORE the Water Police Magistrate, and Messrs. T.
Spence and R. P. Raymond.
Joseph Bromley, on remand, was again brought up
suspected of having murdered Andrew Bromley, his
father, at Lane Cove. After the hearing of additional
evidence, prisoner was again remanded until this day.
Friday 3rd October 1862
Source: Sydney Empire
Joseph Bromley, aged 17, remanded from Tuesday
Fix this textlast, on suspicion of having, at Lane Cove, unlawfully
killed and murdered Andrew Bromley, his father, was
after the receipt of further evidence again remanded
until to-morrow (this) morning.
Saturday 4th October 1862
Source: The Age (Melbourne, Vic. : 1854 - 1954)
UNDER MYSTERIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES. — SUS-
PICION OF MURDER. —
In our issue of Tuesday last we published some particulars
of the finding, in a well at Lane Cove, of the body of a man
named Andrew Bromley, who was supposed to have committed
suicide by cutting his throat and afterwards jumped into a well.
An inquest on the body was held by the City Coroner, at the Red House
Inn, North Shore (whither the body had been removed)
yesterday, when the following facts were elicited. The
deceased was forty three years of age, a native of Lincoln-
shire, England, and had been nineteen years in the colony,
during the whole of which time he had resided in the Lane
Cove district. He was a sawyer by trade, but lived with
his wife and family of nine children on some
sixteen acres of his own freehold land. He was
usually temperate in his habits. Latterly he com-
plained of the heat of the sun on his head, and it was frequently
observed that when he returned from work his face was flushed.
On Friday last he was employed by a Mr. Waterhouse, publican,
of Lane Cove, to break up some ground, about a mile and a half
from his(Bromley's) residence. In the afternoon of the same day
he was engaged in putting out a bush fire near the spot
where he had been working, and at about three o'clock in
the afternoon he was missed. Inquiries were made, but
nothing was heard or seen of the missing man till Sunday,
when his hat was found by a son of Mr. Waterhouse. A
further search was then made, and two patches of dried
blood within three feet of each other, were found. Near
this spot were two wells, and on Monday
morning both these were sounded by constable
Dempsey, Mr. Waterhouse, and Mr. John Brown,
but no traces of the deceased were discovered. At length
more spots of blood were found in the direction of another
well 240 yards distant, containing twelve feet of water; this
well was dragged forthwith, and in it the body was found.
The ground was carefully examined, but no indication of a
scuffle, or the dragging of a body, could be discovered. On
examination a large wound was found on the deceased's
throat, by which the windpipe was severed, and there was a
smaller wound below the elbow on the left arm. In the
deceased's trousers pocket was found a pruning knife, on
which were several spots of blood. By the coroner's orders
the body was removed from Lane Cove to the police station
at North Shore, where it was examined by Dr. Eichler, in
conjunction with Dr. Ward. Upon minute examination it
was found that the wound in the throat consisted of three
distinct cuts, making a wound five inches in length. A
post mortem examination was also made, and from the
appearances of the internal organs the medical men were of
opinion that death took place prior to the immersion in
the water. They also thought it exceedingly improbable
that the man would have either physical or mental strength
enough to make his way to a well, a distance of 240 yards,
after the infliction of such wounds. The loss of blood from
those wounds would result in death in a few minutes,
according to the testimony of the medical men. It was
exceedingly questionable also whether the man could shut
up his knife and put it into his pocket after inflicting such
frightful gashes on his throat. With regard to the state of
mind of the deceased man, it was stated that he had been
suffering from toothache, and some days previous to his
death he had some quarrel with his eldest son, who left
home in consequence ; but it appeared that this disagree-
ment had subsequently been settled amicably. The jury
returned the following verdict :—" We find that the de-
ceased Andrew Bromley came by his death from wounds,
chiefly from one inflicted in his throat. We have no evi-
dence before us to show how his body got into the well, and
that great suspicion and mystery attaches to this man's
death." In consequence of the mystery in which this case
was involved the hearing of witnesses and cross examina-
tion of the same lasted the whole of the day, and there are
three cases for the coroner to-day.
Wednesday 8th October
Source: Rockhampton Bulletin and Central Queensland Advertiser (Qld. : 1861 - 1871)
DEATH AT LANE COVE- Yesterday morning,
(Sep. 22) the body of Andrew Bromley, a saw-
yer, long resident in this district, was discovered
in a well of water on the property of the late
Mr. Spencer. His throat was cut apparently
twice-first rather high in front, and subse
quently a knife appeared to have been buried in
the right side of neck. There was also a long
cut on his left arm, as though he had attempted
to sever the blood vessels in that limb. He
was dragged from the bottom of the well, which
contained about twelve feet of water. Much
blood was found at a distance of 400 yards from
the well, but none was found in the intermediate
space. Bromley was about forty-five years of
age. and was last seen on Friday. A pruning
knife was found in his pocket. A post mortem
examination was made at the inquest, held on
the following day, when, from the appearances
of the internal organs the medical men were
of opinion that death took place prior to the
immersion in the water. They also thought it
exceedingly improbable that the man would have
either physical or mental strength enough to
make his way to a well, a distance of 240 yards,
after the infliction of such wounds. The loss of
blood from those wounds would result in death
in a few minutes, according to the testimony of
the medical men. It was exceedingly question-
able also whether the man could shut up his
knife and put it into his pocket after inflicting
such frightful gashes on his throat. It appears
that deceased had been in a state of mental de-
pression in consequence of his son having left
him, as they could not agree : but this disagree-
ment had subsequently been settled amicably.
The jury returned the following verdict ;-- "We
find that the deceased, Andrew Bromley, came
by his death from wounds, chiefly from one in-
flicted in his throat. We have no evidence be-
fore us to show how his body got into the well,
and that great suspicion and mystery attaches to
this man's death."
Saturday 11th October 1862
Source: Sydney Empire
Joseph Bromley, in custody on suspicion of murdering
his father, Andrew Bromley, at Lane Cove, was dis-
charged, no evidence tending in any way to criminate
him, having been accused.
Wednesday 15th October 1862
Source: Goulburn Herald
The boy, Joseph Bromley, who was apprehended
on suspicion of having murdered his father, at Lane
Cove, was discharged on Thursday, there being no
evidence to criminate him.
Thursday 16th October 1862
Source: The Golden Age
The boy, Joseph Bromley, who was ap
prehended on suspicion of having mur
dered his father at Lane Cove, was dis
charged on Thursday, there being no
evidence to criminate him.
Tuesday October 21st 1862
Source: Sydney Empire
An inquest was held on Wednesday, at the North
Shore, on the body of a man named Andrew Bromley,,
who was supposed to have committed suicide, by cutting
his throat, and afterwards jumping into a well. The
circumstances were very suspicious, the surgical evidence
going to show that death probably took place before the
immersion of the body. Blood was found at a distance
of 240 yards from the well, and two professional men
stated that it was very improbable the deceased could
walk that distance after receiving the wound.
The jury returned a verdict of death under very suspi-
cious circumstances.
Thursday 6th November 1862
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
ANDREW BROMLEY.
Dr, LANG asked the Colonial Secretary, "Whether the
Government have made, or intend making any inquiries in
reference to the case detailed in a petition, presented by
himself from a numerous body of landholders and residents
of Lane Cove, complaining of certain circumstances con-
nected with the discovery of, and the inquest held by the
City Coroner on, the dead body of Andrew Bromley, at
Lane Cove, and praying investigation ?"
Mr. COWPER explained that, without reference to the
petition, an inquiry had taken place, but the Coroner's jury
were unable to decide from the evidence the
circumstances under which Bromley met his
death. A son of the deceased was held in cus-
tody afterwards by order of the Water Police Magistrate,
but there being no evidence against him, he was discharged.
The whole case appeared to be enveloped in mystery, and
in order if possible to have it cleared up, the Government
had come to the determination of offering a reward for the
discovery of the persons, if any, concerned in the outrage.
Friday 30th November 1883
Source: The Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 - 1922)
POLICE COURT—ADELAIDE.
THIS DAY.
Friday, November 30.
[Before Mr, S. Beddome, P.M.]
Joseph Bromley was lined 10s. for being
drunk while in charge, of a. horse and cart.
Bromley was ; further charged with using a
horse, and vehicle without the consent of the
owner. The cart, which was left outside a
shop in the Central Market, was subsequently
found in the possession of the prisoner, who
was intoxicated at the time. Fined 20s. and
costs.
Wednesday 23rd September 1885
Source: Sydney Evening News
Joseph Bromley, 41, a farmer, was fined 10s or two days' imprisonment, for having been drunk in the Lane Cove road
Wednesday 2nd February 1887
Source: The Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA : 1867 - 1922)
Joseph Bromley was charged with having on
February 1 stolen from the till of Sarah Ann
Wylde money to the value of 8s, Complainant,
landlady of the Wellington Inn, stated that
defendant came into her bar yesterday and
asked for and obtained some liquor.
After having drunk this he sat down
in a corner of the bar and seemingly
went to sleep. Complainant went away and
left her daughter in charge of the bar. The
latter witness stated that while she was in the
bar defendant leaned over the counter and took
some money from the till. He then ran out,
and on being asked what he had taken he re
plied, "Nothing." When he was arrested
and searched 10s. were found in his clothes.
In court he pleaded guilty and was sentenced
to six months' imprisonment with hard labour.
-----
Fanny Kirby was housekeeper to Joseph Bromley and Susan Linigan. After Susan died, Fanny stayed on to help Joseph take care of the children. Joseph and Fanny had 7 children. All the 7 children of this relationship are listed with no father registered at BDM. There is no record of a marriage in New South Wales.
.jpg)
