Dr. Judith A. Grimes Revisits Legend of Jacob Goode in New Book

The town of Nanango has a colourful history and a rich heritage; both of which cannot be fully appreciated without looking into the life of Jacob Goode. In "Jacob Goode and His Burnett Inn," Dr. Judith A. Grimes revisits the life and legacy of the butcher, accountant and hotelier whose vision helped pave the way for the rise of Nanango. This new biography not only chronicles Goode's journey, it offers a fascinating cross section of life in 19th century Southeast Queensland.

Goode first came to Sydney in the late 1830s and became one of the colourful characters of the early settlement of Moreton Bay, Queensland. He became the licensee of the South Brisbane Hotel, an occupation which gave him the opportunity to indulge in his favourite pastimes- horse racing and other sports. One of his most notable business ventures is perhaps the Burnett Inn (now known as Goode's Inn), which became the first commercial establishment in what is now Nanango township.

Goode bet on the potential of a town when, in 1848, he established Burnett Inn at the junction of tracks from Maranoa in the west, Darling Downs to the south and south west with a rapidly developing squattocracy to the north and north west of the Burnett valley. This area of the South Burnett could have been likened to the roaring days of the American West. In ten years, Goode had established the area and provided not only an inn but numerous other establishments (including post office, holding yards, church, store, court room and police quarters) all of which formed the genesis of the township of Nanango.

"Jacob Goode and His Burnett Inn" paints a compelling portrait of an ordinary man who had an extraordinary vision. In understanding the past, Grimes hopes readers will gain a deeper appreciation of the present and one's heritage. She says,

"Goode's life was full, his impact amazing and his end tragic... Pride in our heritage cannot be developed if we do not know to whom we owe our gratitude. They settled this land, started our towns, provided us with a democracy and helped to maintain a land where peace and freedom are taken for granted."

For more information on this book, interested parties may log on to http://www.Xlibris.com.au or contact the author by phone at 0741637136 and mobile 0428637136 or e-mail at judy(dot)grimes(at)bigpond(dot)com.

About the Author
Dr. Judith A. Grimes was born in Nambour, Queensland, Australia, and educated at Nambour, Brisbane, Darwin, all in Australia, and Hawaii, as well as on the mainland United States of America. She has a doctorate in botany and range science from Brigham Young University, specialising in aquatic ecology.

She has taught physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology, agriculture, and science at high schools. Previously, she has worked as a medical technologist, analytical chemist, environmental scientist, and director of the Maryborough Family Heritage Institute.

Jacob Goode and His Burnett Inn * by Dr. Judith A. Grimes
Publication Date: September 25, 2013
Trade Paperback; AU$19.99; 106 pages; 978-1-4836-9926-4
Trade Hardback; AU$39.99; 106 pages; 978-1-4836-9927-1
Ebook; AU$3.99; 978-1-4836-9928-8

Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at 1-800-455-039. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (02) 8088 6078 or call 1-800-455-039.

Xlibris books can be purchased at Xlibris bookstore. For more information, contact Xlibris at 1-800-455-039 or on the web at http://www.Xlibris.com.au.

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