Trouble and Ellen Gamble, a feisty Irishwoman, went hand in hand. Born Ellen Barry in Tipperary, Ireland, around 1823, she arrived at Port Phillip in December 1840 with her sister Mary on the Orient. The girls were bounty passengers, and Ellen's occupation was given as a housemaid. The first hint that trouble was a Barry trait came during the voyage when Mary and some other girls were disruptive, resulting in Mary’s bounty being withheld from the immigration agent.

In 1844, Ellen married Thomas Gamble at St Francis’ Church in Melbourne. They moved first to Geelong and then around 1850 to Colac. It was soon after Ellen became familiar with the local constabulary. Between 1851 and 1857, she faced the Colac Magistrates Court at least seven times on charges that included drunkenness, obscene language and breaking glass. All this while raising six young children.

A further two children were born in 1859 and 1861, but Ellen's drinking continued, and so did her misdemeanours. She saw the inside of the local lock-up several times, but it didn’t deter her. By 1876, fifty-year-old Ellen had faced the Colac Police Court thirty-three times. In that year, a charge of drunkenness saw Ellen sentenced to seven days’ imprisonment at the Geelong Gaol. Three years later, she was sentenced to a further twelve months at Geelong Gaol.

By 1882, Ellen lived alone in a small cottage on the Colac Town Common. On the night of 28 January, she knocked over a candle while drunk. The flames soon spread, and the cottage was destroyed. Ellen didn't stand a chance.

Research by Jill Judd and Merron Riddiford, 3 x great granddaughter
Story by Merron Riddiford, 3 x great granddaughter

Research by Merrill O'Donnell
Story by Merrill O'Donnell

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