Rare Book Collection
Tasmania (1) - Fenton
Portrait studies from James Fenton’s History of Tasmania Hobart [1884]. The images are based on a selection of 14 originals by the artist Thomas Bock, featuring Aboriginal people who were members of George Augustus Robinson’s commission. They were completed between 1831-35.
Timmy (Robert/Maulboyheenner) and his wife Jinny (Munginabitta/ Semiramis/Jenny/Numbloote) were removed to Flinders Island in 1835, where in 1839 Munginabitta died. Maulboyheenner was one of the group taken by Robinson to Port Phillip when he was appointed Chief Protector of Aborigines in 1839. Maulboyheenner was hanged in 1842.
Jack(Pevay/Napoleon/Tunnerminnerwait) accompanied Robinson from 1830-35 on all the journeys he made to the north-east, the central plateau, the north-west and south-west coasts of Tasmania. With Maulboyheenner, Pevay was hanged at Melbourne Gaol for the murder of two settlers.
The life of Truggernana (Trugernanner/Truganini/Trucanini) is well documented. Born around 1803 at Bruny Island, she worked with Robinson in his campaign throughout Tasmania. Tried with Maulboyheenner and Pevay, she was found not guilty of murder in 1842 and sent back to Flinders Island. Her husband Woorady died on the journey. Returning to mainland Tasmania with those who had survived incarceration, Truganini outlived all who were placed at the convict station at Oyster Cove, dying at Hobart in 1876.
