Sam Poo: Chinese Bushranger

Sam Poo came to Australia from China to try his luck during the gold rush.

In 1865, Sam was scratching about unsuccessfully the worked-out gold claims in the Mudgee region as a "hatter" (a man who lived and worked by himself) when he decided to become a bushranger.

News soon circulated about a man of Chinese appearance who had stuck up a woman and her daughter on the Mudgee road. According to the woman, Elizabeth Golding, Poo said in pidgin-English, "if I cannot have my will of the girl, I will of you".

More reports surfaced about an armed Chinese man "bailing up" travellers on the Talbragar—Mudgee road. He had also threatened to shoot two stockmen.

Constable Ward, of Coonabaraban had been escorting a prisoner to Mudgee, when he met two men who claimed that a Chinese bushranger was robbing people at Barney's Reef. 

After finding Poo's camp, Constable Ward approached Poo and said, "What are you doing — put down your gun." Poo replied, "you policeman — me fire".  

Poo fired point blank at the constable, severely wounding him. As he fell, the constable fired at Poo, as Poo ran deeper into the bush.

Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld. : 1866 - 1939), Thursday 20 February 1936

The constable was found by two men and taken to Birriwa station and treated by Doctor William King, who rode 45 miles (72 kilometres) to treat Constable Ward. But he could not be saved. 

 

A manhunt in search of Poo ensued, until he was finally tracked down by Aboriginal tracker Henry Hughes in a gully 10 miles (16 kilometres) from Cobbora.

Poo fired at constables M'Mahon and Burns and ran off.

Tracker Hughes found Poo, and gun shots were exchanged.

Constable Todd fired and grazed Poo's head and neck, and Burns tried to grab Poo, but Poo tried to fire again. Burns hit Poo with the butt-end of his rifle, fracturing his skull.

On 10 April 1865, Poo was indicted on shooting at tracker Henry Hughes with intent to kill.

Hughes said in his testimony that Poo's gun shot hit the rim of his hat.

On 10 October 1865, at Bathurst Court House, Poo was tried for the murder of John Ward.

The government interpreter Sing Shigh, did not understand Poo's southern dialect. And Poo seemed to have no understanding of what was going on.

On 19 December 1865, Poo was hanged at the Bathurst Gaol. 

Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850 - 1875), Friday 13 October 1865

Armidale Express and New England General Advertiser (NSW : 1856 - 1861; 1863 - 1889; 1891 - 1954), Saturday 30 December 1865