JOHN BOW

John Bow was born at Penrith, NSW, in about 1843. He was the son of a small farmer, and after receiving some education, left home and got a job as a stockman at Burrowa. At that time he met and became good friends with the bushrangers Frank Gardiner, Johnny Gilbert and Peisley, who used him to keep an eye on the police. He was only a teenager, and the gang paid him well for his services, but his boozing and gambling habits brought him to the attention of the police.

Frank Gardiner was planning his raid on the Gold Escort at Eugowra and needing more men, he enlisted young Bow's assistance.

Following the successful hold-up, John Bow received his share of the proceeds, and as usual went on a spending spree. The police became suspicious of where the money had come from and arrested him. On 26th February 1863, at the Sydney Criminal Court, he was sentenced to death for his part in the robbery. Luckily for Bow, as he had not committed murder, his sentence was commuted to life, working on the roads, the first three in irons.

In August 1873, eleven years later, the Sheriff recommended he be awarded a conditional pardon, but for some reason he failed to take advantage of it. In June 1874, Bow was finally set free after the Governor of NSW approved his liberation within the colony.

It was later reported that he took up land at Lake Cargellico and faded into obscurity.