James Turner

338

Penny-Lyn Beale on 14th March 2022

1828 - Indent No; 409. Trial; 17 October 1827 Transported for Stealing Pigs. Gaol Report; An old offender Status; Married - 5 children. Family at Native Place; Cotswold 1834 - Burials in the Parish of St John Launceston in the County of Cornwall, No; 477 Name; James Turner Abode; Launceston Hospital. When buried; 1834, 27 October. Age; 32 years Ship’s Name; William Miles. Quality or profession. Convict - Belonging to Noltmans Road Party

2

Stephen Arnold on 26th January 2013

I made the contribution linking this man as probably the notorious bushranger Gipsy Smith. However it is wrong, his name was William Turner and might be the convict at http://www.convictrecords.com.au/convicts/turner/william/105811 The reason for the error was original source for the name of "Gipsy Smith" as "James Turner" in James Flett's book "Dunolly." Flett was mistaken, as every newspaper article I have since found says the bushranger's name was "William Turner"

I refer you to the statement of "Gypsey Smith" at his trial where he states he had been in the colony 29 years, and he is the only James Turner who fits exactly in that date range, ie 1828. http://trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/2458218 If you click on the tag above this article you will find some more articles on him. My Great Grandfather (J.H.Watmuff) mentions in his diary a brief encounter with him at the "half way" diggings between Sandy Creek and Newbridge, 9th Nov. 1856 but mistakenly so, as he had been captured a week before at Daisy Hill. They were probably the remnants of his gang who escaped. My G.Gfather later met Gray the digger who initiated gypsey's capture, and gives the following account of his capture, somewhat different to the newspaper account. "Oct 4th 1857. Weather hot & sultry, sure sign of the coming summer. We joined 2 more mates last Monday, both married men, W.Gray, & A.Alexander, 2 old mates of Harrys in days gone by the former is a smart young chap, he has been very un- lucky lately, about 3 months ago he was living on the Adelaide Lead & going up a deserted gully, he saw a man washing him self on going up to him without being observed he recognised him as being the noted bushranger & murderer, that had defied all laws human & divine “Gypsy Smith” there was £400 reward for his capture Gray didnt show any mistrust but got into conversation with the fellow got him to give him a light of his pipe Etc. [new page] he sauntered back home after hiding & seeing him go into a little hut among some scrub he at once started for Maryborough some 10 miles, & getting a pistol & the assistance of 2 troopers returned, & bursting in the hut after a desperate resistance captured him, but not before he fired a shot at Bill which went through his hat & grazed his head (rather a narrow escape) Bill, of course wanted his money, he was referred to Melbourne & had to employ a lawyer, he was humbugged for upwards of 2 months & at length got £130, 70 of which he had to pay his lawyer then he had his own expenses to meet & his family had to get their necessaries on credit so after all was settled he found he was in debt £10.0.0. what a disgrace to the Government to give a poor man such bother after risking his life in the capture of one of the greatest wretches that ever existed."