“Black Nobbie Neville”

Abstract

Please note that this article includes descriptions and examples of racist and derogatory conduct and historical writing. They are included in their original form to provide an accurate portrait of the attitudes of the period this article is examining. Readers are cautioned to take care if this is disturbing for them.

This article explores the commencement of The Salvation Army in Australia and in particular its relationship with the Aboriginal populations it encountered. Utilizing the account of an early encounter, the story of “Black Nobbie Neville,” published in late 1890, this paper examines the attitudes of early Salvationists toward Aboriginal people. The narrative provides a useful tool to contrast and compare with other early Australian Salvation Army writings in considering whether the attitudes, stereotypes, and language used in the account of Nobbie Neville was consistent with a wider mentality of The Salvation Army of the early 20th century. Further, it opens the discussion on whether these views influenced and continue to influence the place of Aboriginal Salvationists in Australia.