Little Angels - Little Maggie

This is part of a series of geocaches that have been placed to remember the young lives that were lost to tragic circumstances and lost in history.  Keeping their memories alive.

This is the story about the Nolan family that lived just out of the town of Panmure.  A little innocent girl that was full of life, had it taken from her.

John and Bridget lived near the township of Panmure on their 150 acre farm, which they used for dairying.  This is where they raised their rather large family of 15 children. 

On a Saturday afternoon in November 1883, their eldest daughter Maggie was sent into town to run a couple of errands for her mother.  A chore that she would often do, and she was quite happy to. 

Maggie had to deliver some butter to Mrs Anderson’s general store, and pick up letters and newspapers.  After leaving the store she proceeded to the local blacksmith’s.  At about 4.00pm she was seen by the store owner Mrs Anderson heading back towards her home.  At this time, Mr Henry Morgan, a local land selector, was seen sitting outside O’Briens Hotel, cutting up some tobacco with a large sized pocket knife. 

Another witness saw young Maggie walking still towards home, but now was in the company of Mr Morgan and they seemed to be having a conversation. That was the last time that she was seen alive.

Later that evening, her mother became worried that Maggie hadn't returned home.  And soon the word went out that she was missing.  Neighbours came and helped look for her.  After a frantic search, it was her father that found the lifeless child at 4am the next morning covered in blood from a deep cut to her throat. Maggie was only 9 years old.  She was buried in the Warrnambool Cemetery three days later.

After an intense 5 month court proceeding, it was found that Mr Henry Morgan was found guilty of the little girls murder.  He was executed nine months later in the Ararat Gaol, he was aged 46.

Cache: You are looking for a 1 litre sistema container