PART III

It is a fact that the ghost story was never mentioned at the time of finding Fisher's body, during the court hearing or immediately afterwards.

The ghost story was first reported in Tegg's Monthly Magazine, Volume 1, March - July 1836 titled "Fisher's Ghost - A Legend of Campbelltown".

The story was contributed by an unknown writer, signing his name with a Greek initial.

The story told of a well known local farmer named James Hurley (reported as Farley in other stories) who was walking along Queen Street, where Fisher's homestead was located, late one night. He suddenly saw a very strange sight. Approximately 400 or so meters from Fishers homestead there was a man sitting on the top rail of a post and rail fence. Hurley thought it strange for someone to be sitting on a fence this late at night but continued on his walk. To his horror it soon became apparent that he was coming face to face with a ghost! He claimed that the ghost was bathed in an eerie white light, and had blood dripping from a wound to his head. The ghost gave a loud moan, raised an arm and pointed to a creek that flowed behind Fisher's farm. Farley admitted to passing out at this point and awoke finding the ghost had disappeared. In a state of shock he returned home and was promptly put to bed where he lay in a swoon for nine days after which he reported the Incident to the local magistrate and the rest...........is history!.

Frederick George James Fisher's burial was on the 27th October, 1826. The burial is recorded in St. Peter's Register, his abode is given as Airds, his occupation as farmer and the fact stated that he arrived in the ship "Atlas". There is also a note that he was given absolute pardon. Which is incorrect.

He died with many assets which were willed to no one. Although he had a brother in Sydney, his heir at law was a brother in England who was a bookseller and stationer. His estate was not settled until 1837, partly due to the suicide of the government official controlling intestate estates.

It is thought that due to his estate bypassing his brother in Sydney, there was no headstone afforded and placed at Fisher's grave. Its whereabouts in St. Peter's cemetery to this day remain unknown.

IN CONCLUSION:

The tale of Fisher's Ghost has been retold in many many magazines, newspapers and other forms of media. The names have unfortunately been incorrectly reported quite a few times and the place has even been changed to Penrith. However the ghost story of Frederick Fisher still remains dear to the hearts of Campbelltown residents to this day.

It is obvious that there probably never was a ghost, it is indeed a solved murder and an unsolved ghost story! But like all ghost stories, most are difficult disprove and impossible to prove.

The general though to where the ghost might have actually appeared is where the FISHERS GHOST CREEK sign stands across from Camden Road & Queen Street.

The site of where Frederick Fishers body was originally found is along the banks of the Fishers Creek remains, now a playground and drain site where residents of Campbelltown play and picnic.

Campbelltown celebrates the ghost with a Festival every year between 3rd - 18th November. There are also many landmarks, shops and restaurants named after the famous ghost.

There are other haunted spots in Campbelltown to visit.

The Tourist Information Center "Quondong" has reports of paranormal activity including souvenirs thrown off the shelves, blinds flying up on their own, footsteps and other events. They believe the ghost is Miss Josie, one of the old School teachers.

The local theatre, where George Worrall's house once stood, now contains it's very own theatre ghost by the name of "Ginger".

Quondong Visitor and Information Centre. The centre strangely claims on it's information board that Fishers Ghost appears every year at the Festival!

Sources:

The Ghost Guide to Australia - Richard Davis

Spectral Apparition - History of Campbelltown Bayley 1965

Frederick George James Fisher Ivor G. Thomas

Thanks to some kind souls at Quondong Visitor Center on my second visit.

There is a copy of the original Fishers Ghost Story as it appeared in Tegg's Magazine along with other memorabilia at the Mitchell Library, NSW.

Many Thanks to Liz Vincent, Historian and Tour Guide for much information about Frederick Fisher/Fishers Ghost - Liz Vincent Tours