Hall, Ben (1837-1865), was an Australian bushranger (outlaw). He was often called “Brave” Ben Hall because of his daring. He was also known for his chivalry toward women. Hall is the subject of several bush ballads—that is, dramatic poems or songs about life in the remote Australian countryside. 
Benjamin Hall was born near Maitland, in eastern New South Wales, probably on May 9, 1837. Both his parents were former convicts. His father became a successful farmer. As a young man, Ben Hall worked as a stockkeeper at a station (ranch). In February 1856, he married Bridget Walsh. A few years later, he partnered with John McGuire, the husband of Bridget’s sister Ellen, to lease property at Sandy Creek, near Wheogo. In early 1862, Bridget took the couple’s young son and left Hall for a former policeman.
Shortly after his wife left him, Hall was arrested and charged with armed robbery. He had been seen in the company of bushranger Frank Gardiner. Local residents were surprised at the charge because they held Hall in high esteem. A jury acquitted him. Soon after, on June 15, 1862, Gardiner’s gang held up a gold shipment at Eugowra. Hall was arrested as a suspect in the robbery but was released on bail. Whether he actually participated in the holdup has never been established. After he was released from jail the second time, Hall returned to Wheogo. Upon arriving, he discovered that his house had been burned and all of his livestock were dead. Hall fled the area.
Gardiner had fled New South Wales soon after the Eugowra holdup, and Hall became the gang’s leader. During his time as leader, Hall is reported to have committed dozens of mail robberies and raids on settlers’ homes. He also held up several towns.
In late 1864 and early 1865, Hall’s gang killed two police officers who were attempting to apprehend them. There is no direct evidence that Hall committed murder himself. Hall was shot dead by police at Billabong Creek, near Forbes, on May 5, 1865. A friend had betrayed him and given his location to police.
