Norman Vincent Skelly

• Norman Vincent Skelly was born on 24 February 1906 in Toowoomba, Queensland.
• He was the son of Bernard Michael Skelly and Elizabeth Lily Fox.
• Norman Vincent Skelly commenced school at Crow's Nest State School in 1911.
• He enlisted in the Australian Army on 3 February 1942 in Rockhampton. He gave his next of kin as Bernard Skelly, and was living at Archer Street, Rockhampton and working as a clerk for the Department of Labour at the time he enlisted. He was discharged on 29 June 1944 with the rank of Private in the 13th Battalion Volunteer Defence Corps.
  
• Norman Vincent Skelly married Marion Ita Shannon circa 1946.
• Norman Vincent Skelly died in 1976 in Brisbane, Queensland.
• Norman was buried in Nudgee Cemetery. OL-0884.

Patrick Skelly

• Patrick Skelly was also known as Patrick Scally.
• He was born in 1836 in Kilbeggan, County Westmeath, Ireland. He was the son of Patrick Scally and Jane McDermott.
  
• He immigrated to Moreton Bay on 27 July 1855. Patrick (surname shown as SCULLY), aged 25, travelled on the Sabrina. He was Roman Catholic, from Westmeath and unable to read or write.
  
• At the age of 23 years, Patrick Skelly married Mary O'Mara on 16 June 1859 in Toowoomba, Queensland.
• On 14 July 1860 Patrick's name was amongst those who had signed a petition for the formation of the municipality of Toowoomba.
  
• Patrick was amongst the first to select land in the Crow's Nest area. He paid an rental of £24 for 320 acres. He purchased the land in 1884. His property was situated north of Crow's Nest on Old Woman's Hut Creek on the eastern side of the juntion of Anduramba Road and Pierce Creek Road. The property was named Rock Vale.
  
• Patrick Skelly enrolled his son Hugh Jospeh Skelly and his siblings Catherine, Mary and Johanna in school at Crow's Nest State School in 1877. The Skelly children had previously attended the Highfields School.
  
• Patrick Skelly witnessed the burial of Hugh Jospeh Skelly on 3 January 1886 in Cabarlah Cemetery.
• On 2 November 1891 Patrick was elected as President of the Crow's Nest State School Committee, following the resignation of W. H. Richardson.
  
• Patrick Skelly and Mary O'Mara appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1903 living at Crow's Nest. Patrick was listed as a farmer and Mary carried out home duties. Their son Bernard, a farmer and his wife Elizabeth also lived at Crow's Nest as did Patrick Jospeh, a labourer.
  
• On 30 July 1904,his wife, Mary O'Mara died in "Rock Vale", Crow's Nest.
• In June 1906 Patrick gave a pound donation to the Sisters of Mercy.
  
• On 5 November 1911 Patrick was elected a member of Crow's Nest's first Chamber of Commerce - the event was reported in the Brisbane Courier - CROW'S NEST DISTRICT.
  CROW'S NEST, November 5.
  At a meeting of business men held at the Empire Hall on Friday night it was decided to form a chamber of commerce at Crow's Nest. The following officers were elected ;— Patron, Mr. W. Thorn, M L A ; president, Mr. R J. M'Collin; vice-presidents, Messrs, C Davis and J A. M'Kee , committee , Messrs. Darnet, Jeffries, Jardine, Skelly, and Carille ; treasurer, Mr. A D Henry.[:CR:]
• Patrick Skelly died on 2 November 1912 in Rockvale, Park Road, South Brisbane, Queensland.
• Patrick was buried on 5 November 1912 in Crow's Nest Cemetery.
• Probate for his estate was granted on 14 April 1913; It was published in the Brisbane Courier - "Skelly, Patrick, late of Brisbane, but formerly of Crow's Nest, selector ; died November 2 1912 ; realty £1500, personally £388. Probate granted to J.Nolan, of Crow's Nest grazier, and Bernard Skelly, of the same place, storekeeper. W. J. Garde (by Ure and Nicholson), solicitor.

Patrick Joseph Hugh Skelly

• Patrick Joseph Hugh Skelly was born on 2 February 1877 in Queensland.
• He was the son of Patrick Skelly and Mary O'Mara.
• On 13 April 1897 The Brisbane Courier Reported that conditional approval had been given to Cecilai and Patrick jnr for the selection of agricultural land. They both selected 160 acres at Crow's Nest.
  
• Patrick Joseph Hugh Skelly appeared on the Electoral Roll with Patrick Skelly and Mary O'Mara in 1903 in Crow's Nest. Patrick was listed as a farmer and Mary carried out home duties. Their son Bernard, a farmer and his wife Elizabeth also lived at Crow's Nest as did Patrick Jospeh, a labourer.
  
• Patrick Joseph Hugh Skelly and Emily (Emma) Hunt appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1908 living at Northorton, Crow's Nest. Patrick was a labourer.
• At the age of 31 years, 4 months and 29 days, Patrick Joseph Hugh Skelly married Emily (Emma) Hunt, daughter of William Hunt and Sarah Carter, on 1 July 1908 in Toowoomba, Queensland.
• Patrick Joseph Hugh Skelly and Emily (Emma) Hunt appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1913 living at Googa Googa. Patrick was a teamster.
  
• Patrick Joseph Hugh Skelly and Emily (Emma) Hunt appeared on the Electoral Roll between 1915 and 1922 living at Blackbutt. Patrick was a teamster.
  
• On 23 March 1923 The Brisbane Courier reported :- MR. J. Power, prosecuting officer for the federal Taxation Department, proceeded against, J. Tierney, labourer, Innisfail, and Patrick J. Skelly, Dairyman, Blackbutt, before Mr. F. C. M. Burne, P.M., in the Summons Court yesterday, on charges of having failed to furnish income tax returns to the Deputy Federal Commissioner of Taxation. Defendants were each fined £2, with 3/6 costs.
  
• Patrick Joseph Hugh Skelly and Emily (Emma) Hunt appeared on the Electoral Roll between 1925 and 1929 living at Telemon Road, Beaudesert. Patrick was a labourer.
  
• Patrick Joseph Hugh Skelly and Emily (Emma) Hunt appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1936 living at Sandy Creek, Kilcoy. Patrick was a farmer.
  
• Patrick Joseph Hugh Skelly was listed as the next of kin of Hugh Skelly when she enlisted in the Australian Army on 12 September 1942 in Townsville. He gave his next of kin as his father Patrick who lived at Virginia. He gave his occupation as a farmer. He was discharged on 27 Nov 1945 with the rank of Private in the 154 General Transport Co.
  
• Patrick Joseph Hugh Skelly and Emily (Emma) Hunt appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1943 living at Byron Road, Virginia. Patrick was a labourer.
  
• Patrick Joseph Hugh Skelly died on 22 October 1948 in Brisbane, Queensland, at age 71.
• Patrick was buried on 25 October 1948 in Lutwyche Cemetery.
• On 25 October 1948 His funeral notice appeared in The Courier Mail
  "CANNON & CRIPPS, LTD., Funeral Directors. SKELLY, Patrick J.— The Relatives and Friends of Mrs. E. Skelly and Family are invited to attend the funeral of her beloved Husband and their Father, Patrick Joseph Skelly of Byron Road, Virginia, to leave The crypt of the Holy Name Cathedral, Gipps Street. Valley, This (Monday) Forenoon, at 10 o'clock for Lutwyche Cemetery. Mass at 7 a.m. M. SMITH. L2031."

Virgil Leonard Skelly

• Virgil Leonard Skelly was born in 1912 in Queensland.
• He was the son of Bernard Michael Skelly and Elizabeth Lily Fox.
• Virgil Leonard Skelly appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1937 living at Charles Street, Roma. He was a carpenter.
  
• He appeared on the Electoral Roll between 1945 and 1949 living at Adavale. He was a post master.
• He appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1954 living at Tuffnal Road, Banyo. He was a post master.
  
• Virgil Leonard Skelly died on 3 January 1978 in Brisbane, Queensland.
• Virgil was buried on 6 January 1978 in Pinaroo Cemetery.

William James Skelly

• William James Skelly was born on 24 September 1900 in Queensland.
• He was the son of Bernard Michael Skelly and Elizabeth Lily Fox.
• William James Skelly commenced school at Pinelands State School on 25 September 1907.
• He appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1925 living at Crow's Nest. He was a grocer, most likely working in his father's shop.
  
• He appeared on the Electoral Roll between 1928 and 1936 living at Coongoola. He was a postmaster.
  
• At the age of 39 years, 8 months and 20 days, William James Skelly married Shiela Alma Gawthorn on 13 June 1940 in Queensland.
• William James Skelly and Shiela Alma Gawthorn appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1943 living at Coongoola. William was a postmaster.
  
• William James Skelly and Shiela Alma Gawthorn appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1949 living at 1 Glasgow Street, Toowoomba. William was a traveller.
  
• William James Skelly and Shiela Alma Gawthorn appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1954 living at 219 James Street, Toowoomba. William was a commission agent and Alma a saloon proprietress.
  
• William James Skelly appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1963 living at 8 Groom Street, Toowoomba. William was a commission agent.
  
• He appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1963 living at 20 Twenty one Avenue, Brighton.
• He and Shiela Alma Gawthorn appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1968 living at 9 Loftus Street, Brighton.
• William James Skelly died on 22 August 1970 in Brisbane, Queensland, at age 69.
• William was buried in Pinaroo Cemetery.

Agnes Vera Skewes

• Agnes Vera Skewes was born circa 1900. She was the daughter of Martin Skewes and Emily Elizabeth Morris.
  
• Agnes Vera Skewes married John (Norman) Butters, son of John Henry Butters and Ruth (Rebecca) Rose Walker, in 1921 in Brisbane, Queensland. They lived at Revesby, Crow's Nest.
• Agnes Vera Skewes and John (Norman) Butters appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1930 living at Sunnyside, Pinelands. Norman was a farmer.
  
• On 22 March 1937,her husband, John (Norman) Butters died in Toowoomba Hospital, Queensland.
• Agnes Vera Skewes died in 1979 in Brisbane, Queensland.

Cyril Frederick M(asters) Skidmore

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• Cyril Frederick M(asters) Skidmore was born in 1902 in Taree, New South Wales.
• He was the son of Frederick William Skidmore and Alice Louisa Masters.
• At the age of 31 years, Cyril Frederick M(asters) Skidmore married Rena Maude French, daughter of Sydney French and Lucy (Maude) Weary, in 1933 in Bankstown, Sydney, New South Wales.
• Cyril Frederick M(asters) Skidmore died in 1939 in Newcastle, New South Wales.

Frederick William Skidmore

• Frederick William Skidmore was born circa 1885.
• Frederick William Skidmore married Alice Louisa Masters in 1901 in Taree, New South Wales.

Laurel D Skidmore

• Charts: Descendants of Stephen Hooper

• Laurel D Skidmore was born in 1937.
• She was the daughter of Cyril Frederick M(asters) Skidmore and Rena Maude French.
• Laurel D Skidmore died in 1980.

Martha Ivy Skilton

• Charts: Descendants of Charles Eyles

• Martha Ivy Skilton was born in 1875.
• At the age of 26 years, Martha Ivy Skilton married Charles Frederick Lammas, son of Thomas Hall Lammas and Mary Ann Eyles, in 1901 in New Zealand.
• Martha Ivy Skilton died in 1948 in New Zealand.

Andrew R L Skinner

• Andrew R L Skinner was born circa 1875.
• Andrew R L Skinner married Margaret Grant, daughter of George Urquhart Grant and Mary Jane O'Brien, in 1899 in Armidale, New South Wales.

Charles Albert Skinner

• Charles Albert Skinner was born circa 1893.
• Charles Albert Skinner died in 1893 in Brisbane, Queensland.
• He was the son of Charles Henry Skinner and Elizabeth Maud Gilmour.

Charles Henry Skinner

• Charles Henry Skinner was born circa 1860. He was the son of Henry Skinner and Elizabeth Hardy.
  
• Charles Henry Skinner married Elizabeth Maud Gilmour in 1886 in Brisbane, Queensland.
• Charles Henry Skinner died in 1935 in Brisbane, Queensland.

Frederick Skinner

• Frederick Skinner was born circa 1875.
• His marriage to Maud Elizabeth Caroline Goldsmith was registered in the September 1898 Quarter, Kent Registration District.

Horace James Skinner

• Horace James Skinner was born on 23 October 1908 in Kent, England.
• He was the son of Frederick Skinner and Maud Elizabeth Caroline Goldsmith.
• Horace James Skinner immigrated in 1924. On arrival in Australia, Horace made his way to Wutul.
  
• At the age of 27 years, 8 months and 22 days, Horace James Skinner married Johanna Agnes Kruger, daughter of Albert Lawrence Kruger and Cecilia Mary Kruger, on 15 July 1936 in Crow's Nest, Queensland. Their descendants bred Arab horses at Glenaven - "Andurabia Stud."
  
• Horace James Skinner and Johanna Agnes Kruger appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1943 living at Glenaven. Horace was a farmer. They named their property Villa Maria.
  
• Horace James Skinner died on 7 May 1982 in Queensland at age 73.

John James Skinner

• John James Skinner was born on 13 September 1917 in Queensland.
• At the age of 19 years, John James Skinner married Dorothy Vandersee, daughter of Otto Vandersee and Anna Dorothea Hedwig Kanowski, in 1937 in Queensland.
• John James Skinner died in 1960 in Queensland.

John Patrick Skinner

• John Patrick Skinner was born circa 1940.
• He was the son of Horace James Skinner and Johanna Agnes Kruger.
• John was buried in Emu Creek Cemetery.
• John Patrick Skinner died on 11 May 2007.

Lena Margaret Skinner

• Lena Margaret Skinner was born circa 1885. She was the daughter of Henry George Skinner and Jane Eliza Gillespie.
  
• Lena Margaret Skinner married Chalres William Munro, son of John Munro and Elizabeth Adams, in 1911 in Queensland.
• Lena Margaret Skinner died in 1969 in Brisbane, Queensland.

Leslie Skinner

• Leslie Skinner was born in 1892 in Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Australia.
• He was the son of Charles Henry Skinner and Elizabeth Maud Gilmour.
• At the age of 26 years, Leslie Skinner married Wilhemina Theresa Kahler, daughter of Johann Jost Joseph Kahler and Marie Louise Schmaling, on 25 November 1918 in Brisbane, Queensland.
• Leslie Skinner died on 14 June 1957 in Queensland.
• Leslie was buried on 15 June 1957 in Cabarlah Cemetery.

Sidney Skinner

• Sidney Skinner was born in 1906 in Hadlow, Kent, England.
• He was the son of Frederick Skinner and Maud Elizabeth Caroline Goldsmith.
• Sidney Skinner immigrated to Sydney, New South Wales, in 1923. His younger brother Horace, arrived in Australia a year later in 1924.
  
• Shortly after his arrival in Australia in 1923, Sidney Skinner was sent by the Immigration Authority to work on Francis Augustus Charles Emanuel (Gus) Mitchell's property at Bum Bum Creek, Crow's Nest.
  
• At the age of 21 years, Sidney Skinner married Maud Mabel Thies, daughter of Carl Diederich (Frederick) Thies and Wilhelmine Maria Albertine (Minnie) Humberdross, in 1927 in Queensland.
• On 5 December 1948,his wife, Maud Mabel Thies died in Queensland at age 42.
• Sidney Skinner died on 22 May 1989.
• Sidney was buried on 27 May 1989 in Crow's Nest Cemetery.

Alice Elizabeth Maud Skuse

• Alice Elizabeth Maud Skuse was born on 6 January 1897 in Queensland.
• She was the daughter of Henry Skuse and Margaret Eliza Fleming.
• At the age of 17 years, 10 months and 18 days, Alice Elizabeth Maud Skuse married Fredrich Kath, son of William Henry Kath and Maria (Mary Catherine) Christina Pfeiffer, on 24 November 1914 in Congregational Church, Goombungee, Queensland. Both Elizabeth and Fred lived at Goombungee.
• On 13 March 1945,their son, Nevell Stanley Kath died in Papua New Guinea at age 28. His parents were living at Mt Tyson at the time he died.
• Alice Elizabeth Maud Skuse died in 1968 in Queensland.

Annie Elizabeth Beatrice Skuse

• Annie Elizabeth Beatrice Skuse was born on 2 August 1892 in Queensland.
• She was the daughter of Henry Skuse and Margaret Eliza Fleming.
• At the age of 17 years, 3 months and 13 days, Annie Elizabeth Beatrice Skuse married Harold Raymond Baxter, son of Thomas Baxter and Emily Handford, on 15 November 1909 in Queensland.
• Annie Elizabeth Beatrice Skuse and Harold Raymond Baxter appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1925 living at Goombungee. Harold was a blacksmith.
  
• Annie Elizabeth Beatrice Skuse died on 26 July 1962 in Beenleigh, Brisbane, Queensland, at age 69.

Arthur Hawthorne Skuse

• Arthur Hawthorne Skuse was born on 21 April 1887 in Goombungee, Queensland.
• He was the son of Henry Skuse and Margaret Eliza Fleming.
• At the age of 32 years and 3 months, Arthur Hawthorne Skuse married Annie Sercombe in August 1919 in Brisbane, Queensland. At the time of their marriage Arthur as a Signaller in the 15th Light Horse.
• Arthur Hawthorne Skuse enlisted in the Australian Army on 19 December 1941 in Brisbane His service number was Q123181 and he gave his next of kin as his wife Annie. He was living at Kelvin Grove at the time he enlisted. He was discharged on 9 Jun 1944 with the rank of Sergeant in the NCRO.
  
• Arthur Hawthorne Skuse died in 1959 in Brisbane, Queensland.

Bernice Isabel Skuse

• Victims of Murder: Other Victims of Murder/Manslaughter/Suicide

• Bernice Isabel Skuse was born on 23 June 1918 in Toowoomba.
• She was the daughter of Edward Irons Skuse and Charlotte Tereza Lucht.
• Bernice Isabel Skuse and Norman Kenneth McDowell were engaged.
• Bernice Isabel Skusedied of a gunshot wound to her head on 9 October 1938 in Gomoran, Queensland, at age 20. Below are three oaths sword at the inquest:-
  EDWARD IRONS SKUSE on oath states:-
  I am a widower, and live with my family at Gomoran near Goombungee. Bernice Isabell Skuse was my daughter. She was 20 years and about 4 months at the time of her death. My wife died in April 1937. Since my wife's death, the girl looked after the home for me. I have 5 sons. I knew Norman Kenneth McDowell for about four years prior to his death. I know that at the time of his death he was employed by Mr McDonald, Goombungee-Haden Road. Prior to this he used to work for Raftery and Woods, who both live in the direction of my home.
  My daughter and McDowell were keeping company for some time, probably getting on for twelve months. McDowell came to my home to see my daughter. As a rule he came on Sunday night and Wednesday night, not always Wednesday but one day in the week. My daughter attended dances and other amusements with McDowell, not alone with him, but in company with other friends. My daughter and McDowell became engaged somewhere about 3 months prior to her death. I did not know of their having had any quarrels prior to becoming engaged. I heard on the Sunday morning, the date of my daughter's death that she had broken off the engagement. My son Stanley told me that. He said also that 'Bernice wouldn't see Monday morning'. He said they were at the Haden dance on the night before, and that McDowell had made a threat, and had afterwards apologised to my son.
  On the night of my daughter's death, she and other members of the family and a youth named Griffin were in the kitchen. After tea we remained in the kitchen for quite a while. I went to bed about 7.30 or 7.45 pm. My son and daughter and Griffin remained in the kitchen after I had left. I do not remember my sons leaving the kitchen and going to bed. After I had been in bed for some time, I was aroused by a noise. I had been asleep. When I heard the noise, I got out of bed and went towards the kitchen. There is a 10 or 12 ft verandah extending along the kitchen from the rear door of the house. At my bedroom door I was met by Griffin. I do not remember whether I spoke to him. I ran into the kitchen and found the place in darkness. I went back to my own room and lighted a lamp in my own room, and returned to the kitchen. I took the light from my own bedroom. On entering the kitchen, I saw my daughter on the floor, face downwards, six or seven foot from the kitchen door. I grabbed hold of her arm, and saw that it was too late - she was gone. I went to Mr Berge at the Sunnyside Hotel. Gomoran, and told him what had happened, he telephoned Sergeant Martin at Goombungee. I saw Sergeant Martin later, and later still I saw Const Reilly, Det Elford and Det Nesbitt. I did not see McDowell about my home that night. On the following morning, in company with Const Rielly, I saw the body of McDowell in the paddock at the rear of my home. I saw a single-barrelled shotgun lying on the ground close to McDowell's body. I saw that portion of McDowell's head was blown away.
  I have known the youth Griffin only as a friend of my sons, only a couple of months. He recently arrived at my house in the company with one of my sons who had been away working, and at the time of the death of my daughter and McDowell, Griffin was staying at my place. Griffin and my daughter were not close friends. There was nothing between them more than the fact that he was staying at the place as a visitor. There was nothing that could cause McDowell to be jealous of their association. The only conclusion to which I can come is that McDowell did away with the girl through pure jealousy and without a doubt, following the shooting of the girl he went to the paddock and shot himself. I would not know McDowell's handwriting. I have never seen it. I am quite sure that there is no other person associated with my daughter's death other than McDowell.
  
  STANLEY LAWRENCE SKUSE on oath states:
  I am a single man, 23 years of age, and am at present residing with my father at Gomoran near Goombungee. Bernice Isobell Skuse is my sister. I knew Norman Kenneth McDowell. I had known him for several years.
  During that time he had worked for a man named Raftery at Gomoran, also for Woods at Gomoran, and for some time immediately prior to his death he was working for McDonald, on Goombungee-Haden road. I knew that he was keeping company with my sister for some time, for about 18 months, to my knowledge. They were going together, and they broke it off, and for about 18 months before my sister's death they were keeping company. I have been away in the country working, for about 3 years, coming home occasionally. During the occasions I was at home, I saw McDowell visiting my home. He came there to see my sister. I was home about 3 weeks before my sister's death. I think it was just when I came home that I heard McDowell and my sister were engaged. John Griffin came home with me on that occasion. He was at my home on the night of 9th October 1938, and is still there.
  From the time I returned home up till the date of my sister's death, I attended two dances with her. McDowell was present at both those dances. On the night prior to her death, that was a Saturday night, I attended a dance at the home of people named Smith at Boodua. I had attended a dance at Haden on the previous night that is the Friday night. My sister and McDowell were at that dance also. During the progress of the dance at Haden, my sister asked me to speak to McDowell, as he had made threats to her. She said he had told her she would not see Monday morning. I did speak to McDowell. I said I wanted an explanation as to the threats he made against Bernice, and he was very sorry for what he had said, and he apologised to me, and in my presence he told my sister he was very sorry for what he had said, and to take no notice.
  McDowell was a saxophone player, and played for the different dances around about the district. He was playing the saxophone at that particular dance on the Friday night. After the dance my sister and McDowell and I left in company, and McDowell parted with us at the entrance to McDonald's place, where he was employed. My sister and I came home together. That was the last time I saw McDowell alive. On the Sunday night I was in company with my father and brother and my sister and Griffin in the kitchen of our home, after tea. My father went to bed about 7.30 pm. I was not last in the kitchen. I retired at about 8 pm. One of my brothers, Griffin, and my sister Bernice were then in the kitchen. When I left they were all sitting and talking. When I left the kitchen and went into the house to go to bed, I did not see anybody about.
  After going to bed, I heard a terrible noise, which I thought sounded like a sheet of iron loose on the house. I gotout of bed, and met my father in the hallway, and went into the kitchen with him. I saw Griffin at that time. He was in the hallway too. The kitchen was in darkness then. We had a light in the kitchen, which was taken out of one of the bedrooms. In the kitchen I saw my sister lying on the floor, face downward, in a pool of blood. I lifted her head, and was satisfied that she was dead. My father then went to the Sunnyside Hotel and communicated with Sergt Martin of the Goombungee Police. I later saw Sergt Martin and Const Reilly of Goombungee, and later still saw Det Elford and Det Nesbitt. I remained there throughout the night. A search was made throughout the night for McDowell, for the reason that the Police officers returned to the house at intervals through the night. On the following morning at daybreak, I saw the body of McDowell in the paddock at the rear of my home. I was in company with Const Reilly. I saw a single barrelled shotgun grasped in McDowell's left hand. I saw that portion of his head was blown away.
  I would not know McDowell's handwriting. WITNESS LOOKS AT PHOTOGRAPHS - 'A' FOR IDENTIFICATION. My sister is in three of the photographs now shown to me, one of the others is of her alone, and the other is of my mother. Since I returned home in company with Griffin, I have been in close association with Griffin. There was nothing more between him and my sister than the fact he was staying at our house. McDowell would not have any cause for jealousy through the associations of my sister and Griffin. I know that McDowell used to ride his pony to my place when he came to see my sister. I saw his pony tied to a tree in a paddock opposite our home, the morning following the shooting. From my knowledge, and from what I have learned following the shooting, I am of the opinion that the whole thing was brought about by jealousy on the part of McDowell. There was no cause for such jealousy on his part. I am satisfied that McDowell shot my sister, and afterwards went into the paddock behind our place and shot himself.
  
  JOHN BERNARD GRIFFIN on oath states:-
  I am a single man, at present residing at the Skuses' home at Gomoran, and have been residing there since 20 Sept1938. Prior to that date I was employed near Kumbia, in company with the previous witness, Stanley Skuse. I was employed by my brother at that place; Stanley Skuse was employed at the same place. I had never been to Skuse's home prior to 20 September 1938. I knew Bernice Isobell Skuse - I did not know her prior to 20 September 1938.
  I knew Norman Kenneth McDowell. I had met him for the first time at the rodeo ball at Goombungee on 24September, I think it was. I met him at different times after that, at about three dances. Bernice Skuse was in attendance at those dances also. Stanley Skuse was at each of those dances. McDowell was playing the saxophone at those dances. After the dances, I went home with Stanley and Bernice Skuse in Sharp's truck, and from two of the dances McDowell rode his horse home to where he was working. One night McDowell came home with Stanley Skuse and Bernice Skuse and myself, from Haden, as far as the place where he was working. McDowell visited the girl on several occasions since I have been staying at Skuse's. He was quite friendly. There was no reason for him to be jealous of myself and the girl.
  I remember 9 October 1938. On that night after tea, the girl and her father and brothers and myself were in the kitchen. They retired to bed at intervals, leaving myself and the girl in the kitchen. It’s about 8.45 pm I am sitting down in the kitchen reading a newspaper, the girl was standing alongside me, the distance between us would be approx 4 inches. She was also reading portion of the newspaper. The paper was folded into two different portions, I was reading one and she was reading the other. While we were so engaged, I heard a scream from the girl. She turned and looked facing the kitchen door, which opens on to a verandah, and then screamed. I sat dumbfounded for a moment. I heard a shot and smelled gunpowder. Bernice fell on the floor beside me. There had been a light burning in the kitchen; it was blown out by the shot. Following that, I ran outside, but could not see anybody there.
  I went into the house and told the girl's father what had happened. I returned to the kitchen with the father and Stanley Skuse. A lamp was lighted in the kitchen, and I saw Bernice was lying on the floor of the kitchen, she was lying in a pool of blood. Stanley picked her up and had a look at her, I also looked at her and saw that her face was half blown away. She was dead then. I was present later when an examination was made of the kitchen wall.
  I saw a number of pellet shots in the wall in a direct line with the kitchen door and the spot where Bernice was standing at the time she was shot. At the time the shooting took place, I was sitting down, and Bernice was standing a short distance away from me. I am satisfied that the shot was fired from the kitchen verandah, immediately outside the kitchen door. The person who fired the shot must have moved away quickly; otherwise I would have seen the person when I went out. I later saw the Goombungee Police, also Det Elford and Det Nesbitt.
  I remained about the house till daylight. I never saw the body of McDowell. I think the shooting was the result of jealousy on the part of McDowell. If he was jealous of me, he had no reason to be jealous of my association with the girl. I am satisfied that it was McDowell who shot Bernice Skuse, and from what I have learned, I am satisfied that he afterwards went into the paddock at the rear of the place and shot himself.
  The following is a copy of the suicide note left by McDowell.
  To all my friends who thought I was happy. Dear friends,
  No doubt you will think what I have done is an awful (sic) thing. But there isn't anyone in this world who realizes what Bernice meant to me. If we weren't engaged and this happened it would be different but no-one understands just what an Orphan has to go through before he or she gets this far. Lots of people will say I'm insane but that's not the case at all. I just can't go on living this life and thinking of Bernice in someone's arms. If Bernice had been let go her own way it would have been different but she always took notice of others. I have nothing and no one in the world to share my----or else perhaps I could go to them and forget. No one realizes what it's like to face a world like this without parents and I've been through Hell on Earth since a baby. I thought that when I had to work for my living that this would change but instead I still continue (just worry and disappointment) so I have decided that this world holds nothing for me. I'd be prepared to battle on and work day and night if I only had Bernice to care for. I am sorry for Ted and all his children and I realize what Bernice means to him and his children but I just can't go alone. I'd be happy if I thought Bernice and I would be together forever so I'm going to take her with me if it’s possible.
  Hope you will all understand this and remember I've been absolutely driven to this. Well, I will say goodbye to you all now and I hope that none of you will blame either of us because it is just Fate. I'd love to be buried somewhere near Bernice but of course I won't be able to argue where I'm put. Sell all my things and that will payfor my expense, if I win anything in the casket give it to Ted Skuse for his family.
  Again Adieu. If only I could have Bernice and be happy, just someone to have an interest in and someone to care for. I loved Bernice more than words can say. I'd like this letter to be printed so as everyone will see what life had done for me. Goodbye.
  
• Bernice was buried on 11 October 1938 in Goombungee Cemetery.

Charles Herbert Skuse

• Charles Herbert Skuse was born on 31 May 1885 in Goombungee, Queensland.
• He was the son of Henry Skuse and Margaret Eliza Fleming.
• At the age of 27 years, Charles Herbert Skuse married Christina Peters, daughter of Friedrich Ferdinand Peters and Bertha Louise Welke, in 1913 in Queensland.
• Charles Herbert Skuse died on 2 February 1961 in Warwick, Queensland, at age 75.

Claude Steward Skuse

• Claude Steward Skuse was born circa 1915.
• He was the son of Thomas Skuse and Caroline Elizabeth Kopp.
• Claude Steward Skuse died in 1939 in Queensland.

Cyril Raymond Skuse

• Cyril Raymond Skuse was born in 1913 in Queensland.
• He was the son of Edward Irons Skuse and Charlotte Tereza Lucht.
• At the age of 26 years, Cyril Raymond Skuse married Adelaide Dorothy VERRINDER in 1939 in Queensland.

Desomond Skuse

• Desomond Skuse was born circa 1921.
• He was the son of George Stanley Skuse and Alice Howard.
• Desomond Skuse died in December 1921 in Brisbane, Queensland.
• Desomond was buried on 17 December 1921 in Toowong Cemetery.

Edward Irons Skuse

• Business Owners: Other Business Owners

• Edward Irons Skuse was born on 11 July 1890 in Queensland.
• He was the son of Henry Skuse and Margaret Eliza Fleming.
• At the age of 22 years, 8 months and 1 day, Edward Irons Skuse married Charlotte Tereza Lucht, daughter of John (Frederick) Lucht and Wilhelmina (Louisa) Kann, on 12 March 1913 in Queensland.
• Edward Irons Skuse appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1937 living at Goombungee. He was a farmer.
  
• On 29 April 1937,his wife, Charlotte Tereza Lucht died in Goombungee, Queensland, at age 45.
• On 9 October 1938,his daughter, Bernice Isabel Skuse died from a gun shot to her head in Gomoran, Queensland, at age 20. Below are three oaths sword at the inquest:-
  EDWARD IRONS SKUSE on oath states:-
  I am a widower, and live with my family at Gomoran near Goombungee. Bernice Isabell Skuse was my daughter. She was 20 years and about 4 months at the time of her death. My wife died in April 1937. Since my wife's death, the girl looked after the home for me. I have 5 sons. I knew Norman Kenneth McDowell for about four years prior to his death. I know that at the time of his death he was employed by Mr McDonald, Goombungee-Haden Road. Prior to this he used to work for Raftery and Woods, who both live in the direction of my home.
  My daughter and McDowell were keeping company for some time, probably getting on for twelve months. McDowell came to my home to see my daughter. As a rule he came on Sunday night and Wednesday night, not always Wednesday but one day in the week. My daughter attended dances and other amusements with McDowell, not alone with him, but in company with other friends. My daughter and McDowell became engaged somewhere about 3 months prior to her death. I did not know of their having had any quarrels prior to becoming engaged. I heard on the Sunday morning, the date of my daughter's death that she had broken off the engagement. My son Stanley told me that. He said also that 'Bernice wouldn't see Monday morning'. He said they were at the Haden dance on the night before, and that McDowell had made a threat, and had afterwards apologised to my son.
  On the night of my daughter's death, she and other members of the family and a youth named Griffin were in the kitchen. After tea we remained in the kitchen for quite a while. I went to bed about 7.30 or 7.45 pm. My son and daughter and Griffin remained in the kitchen after I had left. I do not remember my sons leaving the kitchen and going to bed. After I had been in bed for some time, I was aroused by a noise. I had been asleep. When I heard the noise, I got out of bed and went towards the kitchen. There is a 10 or 12 ft verandah extending along the kitchen from the rear door of the house. At my bedroom door I was met by Griffin. I do not remember whether I spoke to him. I ran into the kitchen and found the place in darkness. I went back to my own room and lighted a lamp in my own room, and returned to the kitchen. I took the light from my own bedroom. On entering the kitchen, I saw my daughter on the floor, face downwards, six or seven foot from the kitchen door. I grabbed hold of her arm, and saw that it was too late - she was gone. I went to Mr Berge at the Sunnyside Hotel. Gomoran, and told him what had happened, he telephoned Sergeant Martin at Goombungee. I saw Sergeant Martin later, and later still I saw Const Reilly, Det Elford and Det Nesbitt. I did not see McDowell about my home that night. On the following morning, in company with Const Rielly, I saw the body of McDowell in the paddock at the rear of my home. I saw a single-barrelled shotgun lying on the ground close to McDowell's body. I saw that portion of McDowell's head was blown away.
  I have known the youth Griffin only as a friend of my sons, only a couple of months. He recently arrived at my house in the company with one of my sons who had been away working, and at the time of the death of my daughter and McDowell, Griffin was staying at my place. Griffin and my daughter were not close friends. There was nothing between them more than the fact that he was staying at the place as a visitor. There was nothing that could cause McDowell to be jealous of their association. The only conclusion to which I can come is that McDowell did away with the girl through pure jealousy and without a doubt, following the shooting of the girl he went to the paddock and shot himself. I would not know McDowell's handwriting. I have never seen it. I am quite sure that there is no other person associated with my daughter's death other than McDowell.
  
  STANLEY LAWRENCE SKUSE on oath states:
  I am a single man, 23 years of age, and am at present residing with my father at Gomoran near Goombungee. Bernice Isobell Skuse is my sister. I knew Norman Kenneth McDowell. I had known him for several years.
  During that time he had worked for a man named Raftery at Gomoran, also for Woods at Gomoran, and for some time immediately prior to his death he was working for McDonald, on Goombungee-Haden road. I knew that he was keeping company with my sister for some time, for about 18 months, to my knowledge. They were going together, and they broke it off, and for about 18 months before my sister's death they were keeping company. I have been away in the country working, for about 3 years, coming home occasionally. During the occasions I was at home, I saw McDowell visiting my home. He came there to see my sister. I was home about 3 weeks before my sister's death. I think it was just when I came home that I heard McDowell and my sister were engaged. John Griffin came home with me on that occasion. He was at my home on the night of 9th October 1938, and is still there.
  From the time I returned home up till the date of my sister's death, I attended two dances with her. McDowell was present at both those dances. On the night prior to her death, that was a Saturday night, I attended a dance at the home of people named Smith at Boodua. I had attended a dance at Haden on the previous night that is the Friday night. My sister and McDowell were at that dance also. During the progress of the dance at Haden, my sister asked me to speak to McDowell, as he had made threats to her. She said he had told her she would not see Monday morning. I did speak to McDowell. I said I wanted an explanation as to the threats he made against Bernice, and he was very sorry for what he had said, and he apologised to me, and in my presence he told my sister he was very sorry for what he had said, and to take no notice.
  McDowell was a saxophone player, and played for the different dances around about the district. He was playing the saxophone at that particular dance on the Friday night. After the dance my sister and McDowell and I left in company, and McDowell parted with us at the entrance to McDonald's place, where he was employed. My sister and I came home together. That was the last time I saw McDowell alive. On the Sunday night I was in company with my father and brother and my sister and Griffin in the kitchen of our home, after tea. My father went to bed about 7.30 pm. I was not last in the kitchen. I retired at about 8 pm. One of my brothers, Griffin, and my sister Bernice were then in the kitchen. When I left they were all sitting and talking. When I left the kitchen and went into the house to go to bed, I did not see anybody about.
  After going to bed, I heard a terrible noise, which I thought sounded like a sheet of iron loose on the house. I gotout of bed, and met my father in the hallway, and went into the kitchen with him. I saw Griffin at that time. He was in the hallway too. The kitchen was in darkness then. We had a light in the kitchen, which was taken out of one of the bedrooms. In the kitchen I saw my sister lying on the floor, face downward, in a pool of blood. I lifted her head, and was satisfied that she was dead. My father then went to the Sunnyside Hotel and communicated with Sergt Martin of the Goombungee Police. I later saw Sergt Martin and Const Reilly of Goombungee, and later still saw Det Elford and Det Nesbitt. I remained there throughout the night. A search was made throughout the night for McDowell, for the reason that the Police officers returned to the house at intervals through the night. On the following morning at daybreak, I saw the body of McDowell in the paddock at the rear of my home. I was in company with Const Reilly. I saw a single barrelled shotgun grasped in McDowell's left hand. I saw that portion of his head was blown away.
  I would not know McDowell's handwriting. WITNESS LOOKS AT PHOTOGRAPHS - 'A' FOR IDENTIFICATION. My sister is in three of the photographs now shown to me, one of the others is of her alone, and the other is of my mother. Since I returned home in company with Griffin, I have been in close association with Griffin. There was nothing more between him and my sister than the fact he was staying at our house. McDowell would not have any cause for jealousy through the associations of my sister and Griffin. I know that McDowell used to ride his pony to my place when he came to see my sister. I saw his pony tied to a tree in a paddock opposite our home, the morning following the shooting. From my knowledge, and from what I have learned following the shooting, I am of the opinion that the whole thing was brought about by jealousy on the part of McDowell. There was no cause for such jealousy on his part. I am satisfied that McDowell shot my sister, and afterwards went into the paddock behind our place and shot himself.
  
  JOHN BERNARD GRIFFIN on oath states:-
  I am a single man, at present residing at the Skuses' home at Gomoran, and have been residing there since 20 Sept1938. Prior to that date I was employed near Kumbia, in company with the previous witness, Stanley Skuse. I was employed by my brother at that place; Stanley Skuse was employed at the same place. I had never been to Skuse's home prior to 20 September 1938. I knew Bernice Isobell Skuse - I did not know her prior to 20 September 1938.
  I knew Norman Kenneth McDowell. I had met him for the first time at the rodeo ball at Goombungee on 24September, I think it was. I met him at different times after that, at about three dances. Bernice Skuse was in attendance at those dances also. Stanley Skuse was at each of those dances. McDowell was playing the saxophone at those dances. After the dances, I went home with Stanley and Bernice Skuse in Sharp's truck, and from two of the dances McDowell rode his horse home to where he was working. One night McDowell came home with Stanley Skuse and Bernice Skuse and myself, from Haden, as far as the place where he was working. McDowell visited the girl on several occasions since I have been staying at Skuse's. He was quite friendly. There was no reason for him to be jealous of myself and the girl.
  I remember 9 October 1938. On that night after tea, the girl and her father and brothers and myself were in the kitchen. They retired to bed at intervals, leaving myself and the girl in the kitchen. It’s about 8.45 pm I am sitting down in the kitchen reading a newspaper, the girl was standing alongside me, the distance between us would be approx 4 inches. She was also reading portion of the newspaper. The paper was folded into two different portions, I was reading one and she was reading the other. While we were so engaged, I heard a scream from the girl. She turned and looked facing the kitchen door, which opens on to a verandah, and then screamed. I sat dumbfounded for a moment. I heard a shot and smelled gunpowder. Bernice fell on the floor beside me. There had been a light burning in the kitchen; it was blown out by the shot. Following that, I ran outside, but could not see anybody there.
  I went into the house and told the girl's father what had happened. I returned to the kitchen with the father and Stanley Skuse. A lamp was lighted in the kitchen, and I saw Bernice was lying on the floor of the kitchen, she was lying in a pool of blood. Stanley picked her up and had a look at her, I also looked at her and saw that her face was half blown away. She was dead then. I was present later when an examination was made of the kitchen wall.
  I saw a number of pellet shots in the wall in a direct line with the kitchen door and the spot where Bernice was standing at the time she was shot. At the time the shooting took place, I was sitting down, and Bernice was standing a short distance away from me. I am satisfied that the shot was fired from the kitchen verandah, immediately outside the kitchen door. The person who fired the shot must have moved away quickly; otherwise I would have seen the person when I went out. I later saw the Goombungee Police, also Det Elford and Det Nesbitt.
  I remained about the house till daylight. I never saw the body of McDowell. I think the shooting was the result of jealousy on the part of McDowell. If he was jealous of me, he had no reason to be jealous of my association with the girl. I am satisfied that it was McDowell who shot Bernice Skuse, and from what I have learned, I am satisfied that he afterwards went into the paddock at the rear of the place and shot himself.
  The following is a copy of the suicide note left by McDowell.
  To all my friends who thought I was happy. Dear friends,
  No doubt you will think what I have done is an awful (sic) thing. But there isn't anyone in this world who realizes what Bernice meant to me. If we weren't engaged and this happened it would be different but no-one understands just what an Orphan has to go through before he or she gets this far. Lots of people will say I'm insane but that's not the case at all. I just can't go on living this life and thinking of Bernice in someone's arms. If Bernice had been let go her own way it would have been different but she always took notice of others. I have nothing and no one in the world to share my----or else perhaps I could go to them and forget. No one realizes what it's like to face a world like this without parents and I've been through Hell on Earth since a baby. I thought that when I had to work for my living that this would change but instead I still continue (just worry and disappointment) so I have decided that this world holds nothing for me. I'd be prepared to battle on and work day and night if I only had Bernice to care for. I am sorry for Ted and all his children and I realize what Bernice means to him and his children but I just can't go alone. I'd be happy if I thought Bernice and I would be together forever so I'm going to take her with me if it’s possible.
  Hope you will all understand this and remember I've been absolutely driven to this. Well, I will say goodbye to you all now and I hope that none of you will blame either of us because it is just Fate. I'd love to be buried somewhere near Bernice but of course I won't be able to argue where I'm put. Sell all my things and that will payfor my expense, if I win anything in the casket give it to Ted Skuse for his family.
  Again Adieu. If only I could have Bernice and be happy, just someone to have an interest in and someone to care for. I loved Bernice more than words can say. I'd like this letter to be printed so as everyone will see what life had done for me. Goodbye.
  
• On 11 October 1938,Edward Irons Skuse's daughter, Bernice Isabel Skuse was buried in Goombungee Cemetery at age 20.
• Edward Irons Skuse was listed as the next of kin of Stanley Edward Skuse when she enlisted in the Australian Army on 18 May 1942 in Brisbane. He gave his father Edward as his next of kin and was living in Goombungee at the time he enlisted. He was discharged on 19 Dec 1945 with the rank of Corporal in the 3rd RD (REC SQ) EX 6 ACS.
  
• Edward Irons Skuse appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1949 living at 1 Park Street, Toowoomba. Edward was a labourer.
• He appeared on the Electoral Roll in 1949 living at Morcotta Street, Goombungee. He was a horse trainer.
• In May 1954 Ned was referred to as a veteran trainer, currently training a local horses for Herby Wockner.
  
• Edward Irons Skuse died on 1 March 1977 in Queensland at age 86.

George Stanley Skuse

• George Stanley Skuse was born on 21 November 1894 in Queensland.
• He was the son of Henry Skuse and Margaret Eliza Fleming.
• At the age of 25 years, George Stanley Skuse married Alice Howard in 1920 in Brisbane, Queensland.
• George Stanley Skuse died in June 1964 in Brisbane, Queensland, at age 69.
• George was buried on 8 June 1964 in Toowong Cemetery.