A few links for those interested.
Ipswich Dan Kelly well and truly debunked:
http://www.glenrowan1880.com/dan_died.htmOther info on James Ryan by Brian Stevenson, Kelly Expert, who wrote the above:
A few years ago I obtained a copy of James Ryan’s inquest, no 228 of 1948 at the Queensland State Archives. Along with a lot of technical information on the speed of the locomotive that hit him, the testimony contains the following gem from the local cop:
‘He is an old aged pensioner and when he applied for the pension his date of birth was given as 12th June, 1859. On his application for a pension his father’s name is given as Luke Ryan and that his mother’s name was Kate Lawler. The deceased was identical with a man who claimed to be Dan Kelly. Inquiries made by the Pensions Department failed to reveal any record of his birth of as to the death of his parents as supplied by him. When interviewed by the Police in 1941 and subsequently he produced nothing to substantiate his claim to being Dan Kelly, one of the Kelly bushrangers.’
So when it came time for a pension applications, it seems that even James Ryan didn’t think that he was Dan Kelly.
The coroner’s information sheet says that Ryan was born in Ballarat and was 89 when he died, though the post-mortem certificate states that he was 94. No details of marriages or children were provided.
Here is a short article from the Brisbane Courier mail 12 March 1941, p 5 which probably explains why this unsavoury character Ryan was interviewed by police in 1941:
OCTOGENARIAN TAKES DOG INTO COURT
IPSWICH, Tuesday.— James Ryan, also known as Dan Kelly, an 86year old pensioner, with a flowing beard, was accompanied by his dog when he appeared in the Police Court, before Mr. Johnstone Smith, J.P., to-day, charged with having indecently dealt with a girl under the age of 12 at Brassall.
Plain-clothes Constable L. J. Platz gave evidence of arrest. When asked if he wished to question the constable, Ryan said: ‘I never indecently assaulted that girl.’ Ryan was remanded until March 18. Bail was allowed, self in £50, and one surety of £50.
A pity that it continues to be run up the flagpole!
Further links. Bear in mind that at least one member of the "Family" is a contibutor to Myswag, and the family have done a fantastic job in the management of Ned's final resting place.
http://www.bordermail.com.au/story/1243600/ned-kelly-funeral-most-significant-historical-day/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/pictures/gallery-e6frf94x-1226557561520?page=1I was lucky enough to be one of the general public that were invited in for the Church Service in Wangaratta. I have since paid my respects at the Cemetery.
Persons with the same surname as ours, but totally unrelated, were mentioned in dispatched at the time as being "undesirables of the criminal classes". I guess nothing changes
If anyone is interested, join:
http://nedkellyforum.com/ 
