Childhood

Edward "Ned" Kelly was born into an Irish family on the June 1854/1855 (his exact birth date is not known) in Beveridge, Victoria just north of Melbourne. He was baptised by an Augustinian priest and had obtained some basic schooling. Ned had once risked his life to save another boy from drowning which he was given a green sash as a reward from the boys family, he had later worn this sah under his armour during his last stand. When he grew up his family was poor and was constantly suspected for cattle or horse stealing, though never convicted. Red Kelly (father) was arrested when he killed and skinned a calf, which belonged to his neighbour. He was given the option of a twenty-five pound fine or a sentence of six months with hard labour. Without the money to pay the fine Red served his sentence in Kilmore gaol with the sentence having a fatal effect on his health. This incident had made a strong impression on Ned.