I am researching the trial of Gottleit Kiernall (or Gottlieb) who was tried on 12th (or 15th) March 1850 in the South Australian Supreme Court for the murder of John Smith in Burra on Christmas Day 1849. The newspaper accounts of the trial all differ slightly. I am looking for the actual transcript of the trial rather than a newspaper’s account of the trial. This research was intended to be for a re-trial of Kiernall for Burra’s 180th Commemoration in May 2025.
Hi Paul,
Here is an SA archive website link you could try or at least contact: https://www.archives.sa.gov.au/finding-information/discover-our-collection/police,-courts-and-gaols/courts
And this article from the Clare Regional History website may be helpful although it isn’t the court manuscript: https://www.clarehistory.com/colonial-christmases-by-jean-schmaal
This article also suggests Gottlieb Kiernall’s surname could be spelt ‘Karrall’.
Best wishes.
Ruth
I’ve seen a few articles from Jean Schmaal and entertaining though he was, he was prone to embellishment and he relied on those same sources from the newspaper reports of 1850.
He was known as Gottleib Karrell, Gottlieb Kiernall, Carl Gottleib Kiernall, and Kiernall Gottleib.
And yet despite, or because of that, he doesn’t come up under the search available from the courts link you gave me, but they may be able to help if I contact them, so thanks
Paul Horne
Paul
Hi Paul,
Unfortunately, some articles ‘wander’ to fill in the gaps.
No, I couldn’t trace Gottleib, either, but hoped you would have success contacting the SA Court’s archives through my link.
Research is the ultimate rabbit hole and I wish you the best of luck in your commemorative venture.
Best wishes,
Ruth
In case you haven’t seen these entries yet:
Carl Gottlieb KIERNALL - trial on Wednesday 13 March 1850 in criminal record book:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CSJK-D2Q4?i=161 (XIII)
“Verdict Not Guilty Of Murder – Guilty of Manslaughter"
And as “Gottleit REIRNALL” in Adelaide Gaol register of prisoners:
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3QHV-P3JK-5Q8G?i=84
Brilliant, thank you. More good artefacts to add to the story of these people.
But I’m still desperate for a copy of the trial transcript
Paul
Thanks Ruth. That could be a useful source. I’ll let you know how I go.
I’ve seen a few articles from Jean Schmaal and entertaining though he was, he was prone to embellishment.
He was known as Gottleib Karrell, Gottlieb Kiernall, Carl Gottleib Kiernall, and Kiernall Gottleib
Paul
That would be great Paul, thank you.
