Bob the Railway Dog
Encyclopedia
Bob the Railway Dog (also known as "Terowie
Bob" ) is part of South Australian Railways
folklore. He travelled the South Australian Railways system in the later part of the 19th century, and was known widely to railwaymen of the day.
and followed some of the navvies to the line. He was brought back to his owner, the publican of the Macclesfield Hotel, two or three times before finally disappearing; he was about 9 months old at the time.
His true railway career appears to commence not long after he was being consigned from Adelaide along with fifty other dogs to Quorn, to be used to exterminate rabbits near Carrieton
. Bob was, it was believed, picked up as a stray in Adelaide. He was swapped (though it has been suggested he "broke pack" ) for another dog, obtained as a stray from the Police in Port Augusta
by William Seth Ferry, then a working as a Special Guard at Petersburg as Peterborough
was then known. Ferry "registered him right away" and is recorded as noting he acquired Bob on 24 September 1884
Eventually William Ferry was promoted to Assistant Station Master at Petersburg in February 1885, by which time Bob had become used to travelling on trains.
He was known to travel on trains to and from Petersburg often sitting in the front of the coal space in the locomotive tender, travelling many thousands of miles. According to the Petersburg Times " His favourite place on a Yankee engine; the big whistle and belching smokestack seem(ed) to have an irresistible attraction for him....he lived on the fat of the land , and was not particular from whom he accepted his dinner"
He did not like suburban engines, because of their cramped cabs, but was known to clear out third class compartments for his sole use by "vigorously barking at all stations, usually succeeding in convincing intending passengers that the coach had been reserved of his special benefit". "His bark was robust and often caused strangers to believe that he was being aggressive when he really intended to be friendly".
Some sources have suggested that Bob's travels took him to all mainland states of Australia, being seen as far afield as Oodnadatta, Queensland
, and even Western Australia
(given there was no railway connection at the time, this is unlikely). However, he was noted as having "several river trips up the Murray and around the coast".
He is noted as being present at the opening of the railway between Petersburg and Broken Hill, as a "distinguished guest at the Melbourne Exhibition in 1881". Given he was not aqcuired by Ferry until 1884, it is not clear if this was indeed "Bob".
In his early career, he had a number of falls, after which he refined his skills jumping up onto, or from one locomotive to another, including when said locomotive was moving. On one occasion he is reported to have fallen from an engine travelling between Manoora and Saddleworth. He managed to walk with an injured leg, two miles to Saddleworth.
In Port Pirie, his tail became jammed - just where is not known. In another incident, he is reported as losing an inch off his tail after slipping off, and on another journey, his coat caught fire.
During a stay in Adelaide, he is reported to have spent time at Goodwood Cabin, and, after tripping down the cabins stairs, rolling under and out the other side of a passing train.
During one of his visits to Port Augusta, he is reported as catching a steamship to Port Pirie, after he apparently confused the ships whistle with that of a locomotive.
The Petersburg Times records that "only during one winter did he look miserable, when some employé (on probation) cut off all his hair except that of his neck and tip of his tail. He was supposed to look like a diminutive lion, but his voice betrayed him".
One correspondent, Mr Henry Hollamby of Macclesfield, claimed in the Southern Argus that he was the breeder, and that "Bobs father was a German collie dog". He writes that he passed the dog to the owner of the Macclesfield Hotel, a Mr James Mott.
Later research by Parker appears to support this
and;
It was reported that the brass plate was made by "a brass worker in the service". It has been suggested that the couplet was written by Ferry and his nephew.
Parker also notes that the railwaymen in Terowie
had always maintained his registration after Ferry left (Ferry took up a role as Assistant Stationmaster with the WA Land Company at Mt Barker WA
in 1889 - he notes that "somebody hid him at Alberton. so I should not get him. I never saw him again after that").
reports he had retired to Adelaide where he was known to dine regularly at a butcher's shop, run by a Mr Evans, in Hindley Street, until his death at the age of 17. The Chronicle notes that after his afternoon tea, Bob was "heard to bark at a passing dog, and then with a pitiful howl dropped dead".
Others record that Bob lived out his days on the Silverton Tramway Company Ltd
, which connected Broken Hill to the South Australian Railways
, and Petersburg.
On his death, his body was preserved and later displayed at the Exchange Hotel, Adelaide.
His collar was initially given to the Lord Mayor of Adelaide, but was later passed on to the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen.
His collar is on display in the National Railway Museum, Port Adelaide
, along with photographs and other artifacts.
In 2009, the local community of Peterborough, as Petersburg is now known, raised funds for a statue of Bob. This was unveiled in November, and is located on the eastern end of Main Street.
A poem relating to Bob the Firemens Dog, published in a New Zealand Paper in 1877, gives some credence to the story.
There was also Bob, Her Majesty's Scots Fusilier Guards Dog, and Greyfriars Bobby
of Scotland, also immortalised in bronze.
Terowie, South Australia
Terowie is a small town in the mid-north of South Australia located north of Adelaide. It is located in the Regional Council of Goyder. Terowie retains a number of authentic and well preserved 1880s buildings, and has been declared a "historic town". It also remains a town of interest to those...
Bob" ) is part of South Australian Railways
South Australian Railways
South Australian Railways built and operated railways in South Australia from 1854 to the incorporation of its non-urban railways into the Australian National Railways Commission in 1975, together with the former Commonwealth Railways and the former Tasmanian Government Railways...
folklore. He travelled the South Australian Railways system in the later part of the 19th century, and was known widely to railwaymen of the day.
Story
Bob first experienced the railway life, when, as a young dog, he took a fancy to the railway workers building the railway near StrathalbynStrathalbyn, South Australia
Strathalbyn is a town in South Australia, in the Alexandrina Council. The town has a population of 3894 people.-History and Culture:The town was founded in 1839. Strathalbyn was once connected by broad gauge horse tram to Goolwa and Victor Harbor from 1869, and the line was extended to Mount Barker...
and followed some of the navvies to the line. He was brought back to his owner, the publican of the Macclesfield Hotel, two or three times before finally disappearing; he was about 9 months old at the time.
His true railway career appears to commence not long after he was being consigned from Adelaide along with fifty other dogs to Quorn, to be used to exterminate rabbits near Carrieton
Carrieton, South Australia
Carrieton is a small town situated in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia. It is located between the towns of Orroroo to the south and Cradock to the north....
. Bob was, it was believed, picked up as a stray in Adelaide. He was swapped (though it has been suggested he "broke pack" ) for another dog, obtained as a stray from the Police in Port Augusta
Port Augusta, South Australia
-Electricity generation:Electricity is generated at the Playford B and Northern power stations from brown coal mined at Leigh Creek, 250 km to the north...
by William Seth Ferry, then a working as a Special Guard at Petersburg as Peterborough
Peterborough, South Australia
Peterborough is a town in the mid north of South Australia, in wheat country, just off the Barrier Highway. At the 2006 census, Peterborough had a population of 1,689....
was then known. Ferry "registered him right away" and is recorded as noting he acquired Bob on 24 September 1884
Eventually William Ferry was promoted to Assistant Station Master at Petersburg in February 1885, by which time Bob had become used to travelling on trains.
He was known to travel on trains to and from Petersburg often sitting in the front of the coal space in the locomotive tender, travelling many thousands of miles. According to the Petersburg Times " His favourite place on a Yankee engine; the big whistle and belching smokestack seem(ed) to have an irresistible attraction for him....he lived on the fat of the land , and was not particular from whom he accepted his dinner"
He did not like suburban engines, because of their cramped cabs, but was known to clear out third class compartments for his sole use by "vigorously barking at all stations, usually succeeding in convincing intending passengers that the coach had been reserved of his special benefit". "His bark was robust and often caused strangers to believe that he was being aggressive when he really intended to be friendly".
Some sources have suggested that Bob's travels took him to all mainland states of Australia, being seen as far afield as Oodnadatta, Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
, and even Western Australia
Western Australia
Western Australia is a state of Australia, occupying the entire western third of the Australian continent. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Great Australian Bight and Indian Ocean to the south, the Northern Territory to the north-east and South Australia to the south-east...
(given there was no railway connection at the time, this is unlikely). However, he was noted as having "several river trips up the Murray and around the coast".
He is noted as being present at the opening of the railway between Petersburg and Broken Hill, as a "distinguished guest at the Melbourne Exhibition in 1881". Given he was not aqcuired by Ferry until 1884, it is not clear if this was indeed "Bob".
Accidents
Bob is noted as having several accidents in his career.In his early career, he had a number of falls, after which he refined his skills jumping up onto, or from one locomotive to another, including when said locomotive was moving. On one occasion he is reported to have fallen from an engine travelling between Manoora and Saddleworth. He managed to walk with an injured leg, two miles to Saddleworth.
In Port Pirie, his tail became jammed - just where is not known. In another incident, he is reported as losing an inch off his tail after slipping off, and on another journey, his coat caught fire.
During a stay in Adelaide, he is reported to have spent time at Goodwood Cabin, and, after tripping down the cabins stairs, rolling under and out the other side of a passing train.
During one of his visits to Port Augusta, he is reported as catching a steamship to Port Pirie, after he apparently confused the ships whistle with that of a locomotive.
The Petersburg Times records that "only during one winter did he look miserable, when some employé (on probation) cut off all his hair except that of his neck and tip of his tail. He was supposed to look like a diminutive lion, but his voice betrayed him".
Bloodline
Various reports over the years suggest that whilst Bob was "well bred", he was most likely a German Collie crossed with a Smithfield.One correspondent, Mr Henry Hollamby of Macclesfield, claimed in the Southern Argus that he was the breeder, and that "Bobs father was a German collie dog". He writes that he passed the dog to the owner of the Macclesfield Hotel, a Mr James Mott.
Later research by Parker appears to support this
Poem
The following poem was published in the Advertiser on 17 August 1895:
Home-keeping dogs have homely wits,
Their notions tame and poor;
I scorn the dog who humbly sits
Before the cottage door,
Or those who weary vigils keep,
Or follow lovely kine;
A dreary life midst stupid sheep
Shall ne'er be lot of mine.
For free from thrall I travel far,
No fixed abode I own;
I leap aboard a railway car;
By every one I' know;
Today I am here, tomorrow brings
Me miles and miles away;
Borne swiftly on steams rushing wings,
I see fresh friends each day.
Each Driver from the footplate hales
My coming with delight;
I gain from all upon the rails;
A welcome ever bright;
I share the perils of the line
with mates from end to end,
Who would not for a silver mine
Have harm befall their friend
Let other dogs snarl and fight,
And round the city prowl,
Or render hideous the night
With unmelodious howl.
I have a cheery bark for all,
No ties my travels clog;
I hear the whistle, that's the call
For Bob, the driver's dog.
Collar
Bob was provided with a collar bought by a commercial traveller who had taken a fancy to him after he had been "dognapped" by a farmer. In addition to two tags, two brass plates were rivetted to the collar itself. They were inscribed with:
Stop me not, but let me jog, For I am Bob, the drivers dog
and;
Presented by McLean Bros & Ricc
It was reported that the brass plate was made by "a brass worker in the service". It has been suggested that the couplet was written by Ferry and his nephew.
Parker also notes that the railwaymen in Terowie
Terowie, South Australia
Terowie is a small town in the mid-north of South Australia located north of Adelaide. It is located in the Regional Council of Goyder. Terowie retains a number of authentic and well preserved 1880s buildings, and has been declared a "historic town". It also remains a town of interest to those...
had always maintained his registration after Ferry left (Ferry took up a role as Assistant Stationmaster with the WA Land Company at Mt Barker WA
Mount Barker, Western Australia
Mount Barker is a town on the Albany Highway and is the administrative centre of the Shire of Plantagenet in the Great Southern region of Western Australia...
in 1889 - he notes that "somebody hid him at Alberton. so I should not get him. I never saw him again after that").
Death
It was reported that Bob died on 29 July 1895, The Advertiserreports he had retired to Adelaide where he was known to dine regularly at a butcher's shop, run by a Mr Evans, in Hindley Street, until his death at the age of 17. The Chronicle notes that after his afternoon tea, Bob was "heard to bark at a passing dog, and then with a pitiful howl dropped dead".
Others record that Bob lived out his days on the Silverton Tramway Company Ltd
Silverton Tramway
The Silverton Tramway was an Australian long narrow gauge railway running from Cockburn on the South Australian state border to Broken Hill in New South Wales. Operating between 1888 and 1970 it served the mines of Broken Hill, and formed the link between the standard gauge New South Wales...
, which connected Broken Hill to the South Australian Railways
South Australian Railways
South Australian Railways built and operated railways in South Australia from 1854 to the incorporation of its non-urban railways into the Australian National Railways Commission in 1975, together with the former Commonwealth Railways and the former Tasmanian Government Railways...
, and Petersburg.
On his death, his body was preserved and later displayed at the Exchange Hotel, Adelaide.
His collar was initially given to the Lord Mayor of Adelaide, but was later passed on to the Australian Federated Union of Locomotive Enginemen.
Present
Bob is remembered today by railway workers and historians alike.His collar is on display in the National Railway Museum, Port Adelaide
National Railway Museum (Port Adelaide)
thumb|Conference dinner being held in the rollingstock pavilionThe National Railway Museum, Port Adelaide, South Australia, is the current site of the Port Dock Station Railway Museum's vast Australian Railway Collection.- History :...
, along with photographs and other artifacts.
In 2009, the local community of Peterborough, as Petersburg is now known, raised funds for a statue of Bob. This was unveiled in November, and is located on the eastern end of Main Street.
Other "Bobs"
Adam-Smith suggests that the couplet on Bob's collar may not be unique. She notes that correspondence in an "Adelaide paper" recalled seeing an 18th century book which described a dog working with a fire brigade. The picture notes a similar couplet, "Stop me not but onward let me jog, for I am Bob, the London Firemans Dog."A poem relating to Bob the Firemens Dog, published in a New Zealand Paper in 1877, gives some credence to the story.
There was also Bob, Her Majesty's Scots Fusilier Guards Dog, and Greyfriars Bobby
Greyfriars Bobby
Greyfriars Bobby was a Skye Terrier who became known in 19th-century Edinburgh for spending 14 years guarding the grave of his owner, John Gray , until he died himself on 14 January 1872...
of Scotland, also immortalised in bronze.