George Popjoy

Level 218

Dianne Jones on 3rd January 2022

From the West Australian, Tue 20 June 1893, p4: "AN inquest was held yesterday in the Police Court by Mr. Traylen, J.P.,and a jury, on the body of George Popjoy, an inmate of the Waterside Depot, who was found drowned in the river between the William-street jetty and the Recreation Ground on Sunday last. Evidence was given by Herbert Standon, who identified the deceased as being an inmate of the depot. He saw him for the last time about six o'clock on Saturday. He had noticed nothing strange about the manner of the deceased. Evidence was also given by Henry Arnold, Constable Pollard, and Dr. Elgee. An open verdict of found drowned was returned." (https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/3049568)

Level 218

Dianne Jones on 3rd January 2022

DEATH and INQUEST: From the Daily News (Perth, WA), Monday 19 June 1893, p2: "GENERAL NEWS. An inquest touching the death of George Popjoy, who was found drowned in Perth Water yesterday afternoon, was held this morning before Mr. Traylen, J.P., and a jury (Messrs, D.J. Chipper, John Rosey, and W.N. Moyle). The evidence of Herbert Standon, of the Invalid Dept, was to the effect that deceased was an inmate of the depot, and was last seen alive on Saturday at 6 o'clock, when he went out. Witness was not aware that the deceased was in any way mentally weak, and did not think he was under the influence of drink at the time. Henry Arnold, boatman, deposed to seeing tho body floating in Perth Water, and gave information to tho police. Dr. Elgee also gave evidence to the effect that there were no marks of violence on the body. The jury returned a verdict that deceased met his death by drowning, and that there was no evidence of neglect or violence." (https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/76922179) --00--

Level 218

Dianne Jones on 3rd January 2022

IN WA: From his Fremantle jail record: POPJOY, George; inmate #4734; arrived 1 Jan 1858 per Nile Date of Birth: 1816 Date of Death: 19 Jun 1893 Place of Death: In Swan River Marital Status: Unmarried Occupation: Mason Literacy: Illiterate Sentence Place: Wells, Somerset, England Crime: Robbery Sentence Period: 10 years penal servitude Previous Convictions: Yes Ticket of Leave Date: 28 Feb 1861 Conditional Pardon Date: 11 Jun 1864 Comments: Woodsman, self-employed, 1861-1863 (https://fremantleprison.com.au/). --00--

Level 218

Dianne Jones on 3rd January 2022

CRIME: August, 1856: "Calendar of prisoners for trial at the Assizes in the City of Wells", commencing on 1 August: George Popjoy is on a list of inmates being held at Taunton Gaol, "In the Gaol for the City and Borough of Bath" Name, trade and age: #12 George Popjoy, quarryman, 40 Degree of instruction: Able to read Committing magistrate: W Bush Esq, Mayor of Bath Warrant issued: 3 May, 1856 Taken into custody: 3 May, 1856 Offence as charged in the commitment: Feloniously assaulting William Harding and stealing from his person a gold watch, two chains and other articles of the value of £20, his property at Bath, on the 29th April 1856. Tried: 4 August, 1856, before Sir Samuel Martin [several records incorrectly give the first day of the Assizes as his trial date; i.e. 1 August] Verdict of jury: Guilty of robbery and beating after two former convictions for felony Sentence / order of the court: Ten years' penal servitude (UK, Prison Commission Records, 1770-1951; Taunton Gaol; Calendar of Trials; to 1889). --0--

Level 218

Dianne Jones on 3rd January 2022

OCCUPATION: Quarryman; also listed as a mason on WA Convict records (Western Australia, Australia, Convict Records, 1846-1930; Convict Department; Estimates and Convict Lists (128/1 - 32)). --00--