John Stanton McKenna Sr (1852 - 1933)

Born 18 Jul 1852 in Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Ancestors

Husband of Ellen Elizabeth Windsor (Smith) McKenna — married 1873 in Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Descendants

Died 16 Aug 1933 at age 81 in Highgate Hill, Western Australia, Australia

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Biography

'1874-1924 A remarkable police career John Stanton McKenna was born in Western Australia on 18 July 1852. By his skill, diligence, and long service, this Officer has left an indelible mark on Policing in this State.

He joined the Force on 1 January 1874 at the age of 20 years, and served as a mounted Officer at Fremantle, Toodyay, Williams, & Bannister. As a detective in 1883 McKenna was instrumental in solving a series of murders. In September 1884 the three suspects associated with the murder of Constable Hackett at Beverley fired on a pursuit party led by McKenna, who returned fire, killing two. The main offender, Carberry, escaped to be later caught, convicted and hanged. McKenna's fearless and gallant actions received loud acclaim and he was rewarded handsomely by the Governor. Later in the Kimberley, his reputation was further enhanced when he pursued the murderers of Captain Poyton, effecting their arrest after bravely facing an armed attack. On yet another pursuit he rode on horseback over 1500 miles before locating and arresting two armed murderers near Esperance.

In 1888 McKenna was seconded to Victoria to do a tour of duty as a detective at the Melbourne Exhibition. McKenna was promoted to SubInspector in 1893, and to Inspector in 1895, serving with distinction in charge of the Fremantle, Coolgardie Goldfields and metropolitan districts. Selected to relieve at Kalgoorlie at the height of the Alluvial Riots, he carried out his duties with conspicuous success. On 6 December 1898 he commenced duty as Chief Inspector of Distilleries & Excise in the Customs Department, returning to his Police role on 1 December 1899.

In 1913 he was promoted to Chief Inspector (Second in command to the Commissioner) remaining in this position until February 1924, by which time he was 70 years of age. The Colonial Secretary had endorsed his retention in the force beyond 60 years because of his unquestioned skills.

Outstanding in courage and devotion to duty, McKenna was known as "Big John", but in fact was only 5'6" in height.'

[Source: Episodes in WA Policing History - WA Police https://www.police.wa.gov.au/.../Police/Police...History/...history/Episodes-in-WAs-Po...]

DEATH. WA BDM Death Reg: #1323/1933

Family name Mckenna

Given names John

Father --

Mother --

Place of death Perth

DEATH NOTICE. McKENNA.—On August 16, 1933, at his residence, 44 Vincent-street, Highgate Hill, John (late Chief Inspector of Police), loved husband of Ellen McKenna and fond father of Viottie (Mrs. R. H. Holmes), Monnie (Mrs. H. Reynolds), Patrick and Carl (deceased), Tottie (Mrs. T. Rutherford), Dollie (Mrs. A. H. Sherwood), Mena (Mrs. D. T. Wilkie), Veronica (Mrs. F. W. Martin), Walter, Jack, Erike, Derby and Gerald; aged 81 years. R.I.P. The West Australian (Perth, WA : 1879 - 1954) Thu 17 Aug 1933, Page 1: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/33310920

BURIAL. KARRAKATTA CEMETERY

MCKENNA JOHN

Age 81 years

Place of residence HIGHGATE HILL

Date of Death 16/08/1933

Area or Denomination ROMAN CATHOLIC

Section AA

Gravesite 0139A

https://www2.mcb.wa.gov.au/NameSearch/details.php?id=KB00048339

Sources

• Death: Western Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages reg no 1323/1933.