It would appear that the mystery surrounding the actual burial place of outlaw Ben Hall is nothing new. Readers from all over the Weddin Shire have brought in material relating to the mystery that was published in the Record last Wednesday, November 20th (a Grave Mistake). A lot of the material given to the Record this week dates from as far back as the early 1970’s. There is no doubt that there has been a great deal of speculation at other whereabouts of not only Ben’s bones but also the supposed large cache of gold he was supposed to have left behind. To detail all the rumours and stories that have floated around the shire now for well over a hundred and fifty years would take several volumes of the Record to relate. However, we are prepared to pass along and publish any material sent our way regarding the matter whenever possible or space permits. The following article was printed in the Grenfell Record on Friday, July 4th 1975 and revolves around the mystery of Johnny O’Meally’s final resting place.
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Peter Soley - Editor
Where lies the body of bushranger John O’Meally, shot on “Goimbla” Station in November, 1863.
The body was buried for 10 days on the property where O’Meally was shot.
The burial plot was approximately fifty yards from the homestead and Eugowra historian Mr Robert Ellis is able to very accurately indicate the spot.
But the body was exhumed and from there the mystery deepened.
Some authorities suggest that the reburial took place in Forbes cemetery – although which cemetery has not been stated.
The original burial ground was in the Sandhills area, east of present day Forbes, although the main Forbes cemetery used today has graves dating back to the early 1860’s.
However, Mr Ellis has established from local sources that O’Meally’s reburial was at Gooloogong, being performed by the bushrangers father and brothers.
The family had links with the Gooloogong area and had a family plot there.
The area is no longer a cemetery and the graves are unmarked.
Mr Ellis said the plot was between the back of the saleyards and the river.
The O’Meally family established within the Gooloogong – Grenfell – Forbes triangle.
Mr Ellis said one of his sources of information was a retired undertaker, Mr R Arton who lives at Canowindra.
Mr Arton’s source of information is deceased.
The subject was raised and information received from a Parramatta resident at about the same time as the information was received from Mr Arton.
Mr Ellis said that the location of the grave could be pin-pointed to within an area of one acre.
Other members of his family were buried in the area some time after John.
