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John Boyle O`ReillyPrint Page 
Plaque commemorates the Irish Fenian transported to Australia who escaped on an American whaler which took him to the United States of America. The plaque is also dedicated to all convicts who toiled in the district.
O`Reilly was arrested in 1866 for being a Fenian, or Irish Republican. He was enlisted in the British 10th Hussars at the time and the charge related to mutiny and carried a penalty of death. He was transported to Western Australia aboard the Hougoumont, the last ship which carried convicts to help in the development of the colony. On the evening of February 17, 1869 John Boyle O`Reilly and a new friend travelled out to the northern end of the Leschenault inlet, and began a wait of more than two weeks in hiding until the American whaler Gazelle arrived and took him from the beach. History records that the English family living in Buffalo Homestead and farming there gave John shelter. On November 23, 1869 the Gazelle landed JB O`Reilly in Philadelphia free to start a new life.
Location
| Address: | Apex Drive, Marlston Hill, Bunbury, 6230 |
|---|---|
| State: | WA |
| Area: | Foreign |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -33.318056 Long: 115.635833 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Plaque |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | People |
| Sub-Theme: | Foreigners |
Dedication
In proud memory of Fenian John Boyle O`Reilly. Humanitarian Author, Poet & Lecturer. Born Ireland 28th June 1844 Died U.S.A. 10th August 1890. Absconded from a convict road part, Cokelup Swamp 18th February 1869 and escaped from this area on the Whaling ship ` Gazelle` 3rd March 1869 .
Also dedicated to all convicts who built, sweated and toiled in this district.
