Roger Jose
Roger Jose | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 1893 |
| Died | 7 October 1963 Borroloola, Northern Territory, Australia |
| Occupation | Labourer |
| Known for | Life in Borroloola; featured in BBC series Quest Under Capricorn; subject of song by Ted Egan |
Roger Jose (circa 1893 – 7 October 1963) was a reclusive labourer renowned for his life in Borroloola, located in Australia's Northern Territory. He became one of the most prominent figures associated with the outback in that area.
Life in the Northern Territory
Though little is known about his early years or family background, Jose is believed to have come from New South Wales. In 1916, he arrived in Borroloola after undertaking a remarkable journey on foot, covering over 2200 km from Cunnamulla, Queensland. His employment consisted mainly of work on nearby cattle stations, where he specialized in constructing fences and yards, as well as maintaining the route between Borroloola and Anthony's Lagoon.
During the 1920s, Jose spent a short period living in Darwin. There he married Maggie, a Marranunggu woman hailing from the Adelaide River area. Following Maggie’s death in the 1950s, he wed her sister Biddy.
Beginning in the 1930s, Jose seldom ventured beyond his residence in Borroloola—a home fashioned from a corrugated iron tank. He adopted a subsistence way of life, relying on native animals and plants for nourishment while fostering strong connections with the Yanyuwa community. His unique attire included slippers made from wallaby hide, a tea cosy worn as headgear, and a hefty coat. He was also known for heavy consumption of alcohol, particularly rum and methylated spirits.
Despite his solitary lifestyle, Jose was notably well-educated through self-study; he had read nearly all the books available at the town library before its closure. Although an atheist, he often cited passages from Shakespeare and the Bible and composed poetry that remained unpublished. Additionally, he wrote letters to The Northern Standard newspaper.
In 1933, journalist Ernestine Hill profiled him in "The last of the Beachcombers," portraying Jose as representative of men who prospered independently in remote wilderness areas amid growing urban development.
Jose attracted broader attention following a 1962 interview conducted by David Attenborough for the BBC series Quest Under Capricorn, specifically the episode titled "Hermits of Borroloola," which aired in 1963. His legacy was further preserved through Ted Egan’s song "Roger was no death adder."
He passed away at his home on 7 October 1963, leaving behind his wife Biddy.