John Francis Peggotty
Irish bushranger, the size of a seven year old child who rode around naked and covered in jewlery on an ostrich robbing people
About John Francis Peggotty
Lived 1864 – 1899 (aged 34–35). John Francis Peggotty was a bushranger.
John Francis Peggotty (1864–1899), also known as the Birdman of the Coorong, was an Irish bushranger in the colony of South Australia. He reputedly rode an ostrich and wore large amounts of gold jewellery while committing his crimes, although elements of his story are said to be fabricated.
Early life John Francis Peggotty, sometimes known as Liam Peggotty, was born in County Limerick 1864. His small stature was ideal for his first job as a chimney sweep.
Another version of the story is that his family did not approve of ostrich racing because it involved gambling, and had him shipped to Australia from South Africa.
Some doubt the veracity of the story of Peggotty, Meningie erected a statue of an ostrich wearing a riding saddle in commemoration of Peggotty
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Important facts
People in John Francis Peggotty's life
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Francis Peggotty?
Irish bushranger, the size of a seven year old child who rode around naked and covered in jewlery on an ostrich robbing people
When was John Francis Peggotty born?
John Francis Peggotty was born in 1864 in Ireland.
When did John Francis Peggotty die?
John Francis Peggotty died in 1899.
What was John Francis Peggotty's occupation?
John Francis Peggotty was a bushranger.
Sources & further reading
· Wikipedia: John Francis Peggotty
· DBpedia: John Francis Peggotty
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Francis Peggotty. https://biography.guide/john-francis-peggotty/
MLA: "John Francis Peggotty." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-francis-peggotty/.
Chicago: "John Francis Peggotty." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-francis-peggotty/.
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