William Melody
Contents
Background
Bill Melody was born in 1828 at Bonnyconnellan, County Mayo, Ireland, emigrating to the Chicago, Illinois, United States of America in 1940 aged 12 years old.[1]
In 1951 21 year old William Melody and his brother seek gold during the goldrush at California.
Goldfields Involvement, 1854
He was said to be in the Eureka Stockade, and a member of the Independent California Rangers. When Captain Robert Burnete cried ”California Rangers to the fence” Bill Melody was the first to obey. [2]
Post 1854 Experiences
In 1857 AT Dunolly, Victoria, Australia wWilliam Melody competed in prize fighting match, reputed to be one of the biggest of the day for £450. He did not win the prize.
Family
See also
Independent Californian Rangers Revolver Brigade
Further Reading
Corfield, J., Wickham, D., & Gervasoni, C. The Eureka Encyclopaedia, Ballarat Heritage Services, 2004.
