William Jones

William Jones was 30 years old on arrival in VDL. His occupation was a "Watchmaker/Actor". William was one of three Chartist leaders that were transported for their part in the Newport uprising in 1839. William was 5'8" tall, florid complexion, dark brown hair, brown eyes, light whiskers. 15/12/1845: TOL 20/11/1847: CP 24/7/1857: Free Pardon. After he received his free pardon, William stayed on in VDL. 9/1/1873: William died in St Jon Street, Launceston after a long and painful illness and in great poverty. He was formerley in good circumstances in the colony, but lost much of what he had made in speculations, while keeping a Public House in Franklin Village. He then worked as a watchmaker until becoming too ill to continue on. William must have remained unmarried. No records found.

Commuted to 14 years. Became a hotel keeper in Launceston and later a watchmaker.

Wednesday se'nnight the convict ship having on board Frost, Jones, and Williams, put into this port (Falmouth) with loss of topmasts. It appears that these leaders were embarked on board the Mandarin at the last moment before she left Portsmouth. From our inquiries we learn that they are separate from the other convicts, and that they inhabit a cabin of 12 feet in length and about 8 in breadth, having three comfortable sleeping berths, a bathing machine, &c., fitted, and other conveniences ; although dressed In convict's attire, they were not shackled. When visited to-day at noon, Frost was reclining on his berth, sad appeared very dejected; but his companions were in good spirits; they had a large supply of books, with which Jones and Williams apparently had been amusing themselves. The convicts were generally occupied today in writing letters. From the expedition manifested in getting the vessel re-masted, Is is said that she will go out to-morrow at noon, Cambridge General Advertiser, 18 March 1840.