Family History Mysteries

James Brown Atholwood was born James Wood in 1863 in StKilda, Victoria. He was a prominent stage actor in the early 1900s who was jailed for bigamy in 1908.

Professor Charleston was a phrenologist and lecturer who was born William Charleston. He claimed to have been born in America; in fact he was born he was born at Port Sorell, Tasmania in 1868.
He committed bigamy and was jailed and both he and his second wife assumed different names throughout their lives, proving to be very interesting!

Professor Charleston was a phrenologist and lecturer who was born William Charleston. He claimed to have been born in America; in fact he was born he was born at Port Sorell, Tasmania in 1868.
He committed bigamy and was jailed and both he and his second wife assumed different names throughout their lives, proving to be very interesting!

Amy Rochelle was the stage name for Catherine Rappeneckerwho was born in 1898 to Joseph Peter Rappenecker who was born in Germany.
Amy trained at the Sydney Conservatorium and made her first stage appearance in 1912, aged 14.

At 1.05am on the 27 August 1925, a murder that took place atthe WA Government House Ballroom.
Cyril Gidley (25) was shot in the chest at close range witha revolver by his ex fiancé Audrey Jacob (20) during a St John of God Hospital Ball.
“In a letter written by Cyril Gidley just 10 days before hisdeath he stated ‘She threatened me with my life if I didn’t make her my friend again. This note is in case she does keep her vow.’ This letter was found at Cyril’s residence after he died.