Draft:James McManus (murderer)
Early murderer in colonial Australia
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James McManus (17 November 1794–7 November 1839) was born in Sydney, New South Wales to James McManus, a free settler and former soldier, and Jane Pool, a First Fleet convict. In October 1829, McManus violently killed Edward “Neddy” Vallace, the elderly bellringer of St John's Cathedral in Parramatta, New South Wales.[1]
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Comment: Subject doesn't appear to be notable enough, plus the draft features copypasted text from a source with copyright. You should never copy and paste text from sources without the proper licenses. NeoGaze (talk) 11:12, 1 August 2026 (UTC)
- Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest guideline, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. Semajdleifohc (talk) 01:42, 23 April 2026 (UTC)
James McManus Senior
James McManus Sr. (c. 1770 - April 1798) was a private[2]
James in 1790 he attempted his only known suicide attempt own throat[3] This attempt was triggered by and supposedly speedy recovery was[1]
As a free settler, he settled on Norfolk Island in October 1791 and is recorded as marrying Jane Pool the following month. Where he joined the NSW Corps.
In May 1797 he was discharged
He died of unknown causes in 1798.[2]
Police career
McManus was the
In August 1822 he and his brother-in-law George Bradley received from Governor Goulburn.[4]
McManus 1826.[1]
Murder
On Saturday October 3rd, 1829,. Marsden observed McManus.[1]
The next day, around 5pm, Marsden again encountered McManus noting that he Later that evening, around 9pm, George incoherently.[5] Around midnight, Savage heard McManus, prompting Savage to sound saw, Edward “Neddy” Vallace.[6]
When Savage approached the lodge, he heard McManus crying out. McManus immediately noticed him, and[6]
Savage, who knew McManus personally, tried to Constable was waiting. He is quoted in saying[6]
Savage then entered the lodge to discover Neddy's body on the floor with an axe lying next to his remains. Neddy had been disburdened of his head. McManus[7]
Trial
The Judge, Sir James Dowling, concluded that McManus was not criminally responsible due to severe mental disturbance, believed at the time to have been exacerbated by chronic alcohol abuse.[8]
Following the verdict, McManus spent the remainder of his life confined within colonial lunatic asylums, including Tarban Creek Lunatic Asylum (later Gladesville Mental Hospital).[1]
Death
On 7 November 1839, he died by suicide in Gladesville Mental Hospital. He was buried in an unmarked grave at St John's Cathedral, Parramatta on November 9.[1]
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