Blog Post #4 - Levi Stonestreet And A Murder at Kings Plains
“Perhaps no event of a similar nature since the peopling of these districts has occupied so large a share of public attention.”
— Bathurst Free Press & Mining Journal, 16 June 1852
In 1852, the quiet farming region of Kings Plains, now part of the Blayney district, was rocked by a brutal murder. And at the centre of the scene was none other than Levi Stonestreet, our convict-turned-landholder great-great-grandfather.
This isn’t one of those distant historic stories. It’s got everything: a neighbour dispute, a murder in the night, Levi’s house full of witnesses, and an old-school courtroom drama.
⚖️ The Night of the Murder
According to the 1841 NSW Census, Levi Stonestreet and Timothy Sullivan were neighbouring landholders at King’s Plains. They likely knew each other well, possibly too well.
On the night of the murder, several men including Heylin, the superintendent of Sullivan’s cattle station, and others were at Levi's house.
Testimony from the trial records includes this:
“I am superintendent over the prisoner’s cattle station. The night of the murder I was at Stonestreet’s. Myself, John Gynan, Michael O’Neal and the deceased were at the house in the course of the night.”
Though Levi wasn’t the accused, his home became part of the legal evidence. It’s not clear whether he knew what was coming — but his connection placed him right in the swirl of suspicion.
🪓 The Bigger Picture
This wasn’t just a one-off. Tensions were high in rural NSW in the 1850s:
Ex-convicts were gaining land
Wealthy squatters were consolidating power
The gold rush was starting to reshape the region
Alcohol, land disputes, and lack of law enforcement made violence more common than you'd think
So when a murder happened at Kings Plains, it wasn't just local gossip it made headlines in Bathurst, Orange, and Sydney.
👀 What We Don’t Know
Family records go quiet on Levi’s involvement. He may have testified. He may have kept quiet. The local paper hints that Stonestreet’s name was spoken of widely, but no charges were laid.
That’s the thing about old stories: we don’t always get closure. But we do get questions — and that keeps the past alive.
📖 Want to read more
The story was originally compiled by Deborah Taylor, descendant of Daniel and Julie Healy. The full account can be read in Stonestreet – 200 Years of the Stonestreet Family in Australia, a book prepared for the 2022 family reunion.
💬 Do you have family lore about this story? Did your great-grandparent ever mention it? Let us know — we’d love to connect oral history with newspaper clippings.
🛍️Shop the Stonestreet Collection
📚 Next up: From Greendale to Fairview — A journey through the old homes and farming life of the Stonestreet line
For gatherings with family. For toasts to remember.
The Loft Owl Duos, part of the Everyday Collection designed by Kin & Keepsakes, is inspired by the carved owl window perched above the bed in Clifton Estate’s historic convict quarters. These wine charms are a quiet tribute to wisdom, legacy, and gathering together. Whether you’re hosting under festoon lights or simply toasting the everyday, these charms carry the heart of the Stonestreet story, handcrafted, enduring, and connection to place.
Available in four heritage inspired styles:
Colonial Red (red and silver) - Honours the red brick walls of the cottage, the earliest home in Locksley, and the start of the Stonestreet brothers life in the colony.
Feather and Sky (brown and soft pale blue) - A gentle pairing echoing the plumage of the carved owl and the cool hush of morning light in the loft.
Riverbank Blue (navy and cream) - Inspired by the deep blues and softened earth tones along the banks of Fish River, where the Stonestreet brothers carved out their early life working the land.
Springtime (teal and silver) - A nod to the green stillness of Locksley where the convict brothers lived.
Product Features
Includes two silver tone aluminum alloy rings measuring 25mm, each fitted with a discreet small safety stopper to keep charms and beads securely in place.
Each duo contains two matching finely detailed alloy owl charm, a symbol of the watchful guardian that looked over the Stonestreet’s brothers. Paired with natural wood beads in warm, heritage tones, they bring a rustic elegance to your table.
Choose from four inspired heritage styles either Colonial Red, Feather and Sky, Riverbank Blue or Springtime, or purchase more to mix and match to create your own combinations.
Jewellery cleaning cloth included for care and maintenance.
Presented in a gifting sleeve.
Handmade by Kin & Keepsakes.
Care Instructions
Avoid exposure to make-up, moisture, harsh chemicals and abrasive materials.
Gently wipe with a soft, dry microfiber cloth after use.
Store safely when not in use to prevent damage and discolouration.
Fulfilment & Shipping
This product is carefully packed and shipped by Kin & Keepsakes from Brisbane, Australia. We use Australia Post for deliveries, and every parcel includes tracking for peace of mind. Express Post is available at checkout for faster delivery. When needed, we may use alternative couriers to maintain dependable delivery timeframes.