Henry Zouch (police officer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Henry Zouch
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| Born | August 18th, 1811 |
| Died | 28 October 1883 (aged 72) |
| Relatives | 7 children |
Henry Zouch (born August 18, 1811 – died October 28, 1883) was an important figure in early Australia. He was a British soldier, a police officer, and even bred and owned racehorses. He was born in Quebec, which was then called Lower Canada, and passed away in Goulburn, in what was then the Colony of New South Wales.
Contents
Early Life and Military Career
Henry Zouch was the son of Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Zouch. He studied at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst from 1826 to 1828. In 1829, he became a junior officer, called an ensign, in the 4th (King's Own) Regiment.
He arrived in Sydney, Australia, in 1831. By 1833, he was promoted to lieutenant. In 1834, he took command of the first group of Mounted Police in Bathurst. These police officers rode horses, which was very important for patrolling large areas.
Police Work and Family Life
In 1835, Zouch and his police troopers investigated the disappearance of botanist Richard Cunningham. Zouch was appointed a magistrate, which is like a local judge, in October 1835.
In December 1836, he married Maria Brooks near Bathurst. They had seven children together. Zouch was also involved in business with his friend, Captain John Piper.
In 1837, Zouch's regiment was sent to India. He decided to leave the army and retired from the police force. The next year, he bought land near Wellington. For a while in the 1840s, he lived at his wife's home near Lake George. Henry Zouch was known as a great horseman and spent a lot of time breeding and racing horses.
Gold Rush and Law Enforcement
From 1851 to 1853, Henry Zouch worked as an assistant commissioner for the gold districts. This meant he helped manage the areas where people were searching for gold. He was based in the Lower Turon region. His careful management of the Goldfields Management Act helped keep the peace during the exciting but sometimes chaotic gold rush.
In 1853, he moved back to Goulburn. There, he became the superintendent of police for the southern districts. His job included protecting the gold escorts, which were wagons carrying gold from places like Gundagai and Braidwood.
Zouch showed great bravery during the anti-Chinese riots at Lambing Flat in 1860 and 1861. In one incident, miners tried to attack the police station to free some arrested men. Zouch ordered his troopers to charge, and a fight broke out. To prevent more violence, he decided to move the police and commissioners to Yass that night.
Later Police Career and Bushrangers
In March 1862, a new law called the Police Regulation Act was introduced. Under this act, Zouch was appointed superintendent of police for the south-eastern district.
During the next three years, famous bushrangers, especially Ben Hall's gang, were very active in his area. Despite the challenges, Zouch was praised in parliament for his good judgment, courage, and excellent horsemanship. At a time when the police were often struggling, Zouch was considered one of the most effective officers.
He was known for being a gentlemanly and quiet person. Zouch was also an early member of the Australian Club, helped start the Goulburn Rifle Club in 1865, and was on the local Public School Board.
Death and Legacy
Henry Zouch passed away from sunstroke on October 28, 1883, in Goulburn. He was buried there with Anglican religious ceremonies. He was survived by his wife, four sons, and three daughters. His family continued to have connections with other notable families in Australia.
See also
- Richard Cunningham (botanist)
- John Piper (military officer)
- Ben Hall (bushranger)
- William Bridges (general)
