William Cook

Level 56

Wendy Smith on 13th October 2019

Continuing newspaper report -His Honour directed the Jury to determine whether the injuries received by the deceased had been the immediate cause of death, or whether that event had been owing to the excitement of drink and other causes, although accelerated by the conflict with the prisoner. The Jury retired for half and hour, found the prisoner GUILTY with a recommendation for mercy, on account of the particular circumstances of the case, and his HONOR SENTENCED HIM TO BE IMPRISONED IN Berrima Goal for three months.

Level 56

Wendy Smith on 13th October 2019

List of Convicts with Particulars state that William Cook was aged 30 years old and Occupation Ploughman. Tried at Lewes, Sussex, England on 22 December 1823. He was found guilty and sentenced to life. Note there is no column for information on offence for any convicts transported on the Mangles. Physical attributes: Height 5 feet 9 inches; Complexion Sallow; Build slender;Hair Brown; Eyes dark grey. He was assigned to Captain Cogill. 1824 Entered in Parramatta Goal Description Entrance book1833-34 now described as 5 feet 10 1/2 inches plus above attributes and from Sussex for life. Reason for entry not known. Ticket of leave dated 29 September 1831. Number 31/764. Recommended by Sutton Forest Bench. Ticket of Leave cancelled at some period after 1831 and restored on 5 June 1840 on recommendation of Queanbeyan Bench. Number 40/1314. Queanbeyan Pioneer Cemeteries Register states that William Cook, ticket-of-leave man died 9 January 1844 aged 53. Killed in a fight at John Hunt's sheep washing place, Queanbeyan River. Arrived per Mangles (3), 1824; employed by Major Henry C. Antill, 1840, John Daffran 1841 and John Hunt 1843. Buried Oaks Burial Ground. Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) dated Thursday 7 March 1844 in the Assize Intelligence reports under Manslaughter states that James Kenzie was indicted for killing and slaying on William Cook at Queanbeyan, on 11 January last, by beating with his hands and feet, thereby inflicting mortal wounds, bruises and contusions, of which the said William Cook immediately died. It appeared by the evidence adduced in this case, that the deceased was engaged at sheep washing with a number of other men, when the prisoner came to the station to look for employment, but being told that hands enough were already engaged, he remained there a short time and assisted the men in throwing sheep into the water. While, thus engaged, the deceased , who was an old man, took offence at something which the prisoner had said and insisted on fighting him. After the operations of the day were over, they accordingly fought, and upon conclusion of the last round, Cook was observed to stumble in attempting to get up. The bystanders, think that he had merely fainted, procured some water and bathed his face, but had died, within a few minutes. Mr Hayley, a surgeon, residing in the neighbourhood, saw the body a few minutes after life became extinct, and was satisfied that the injuries which he saw about the head, were such as might have caused death. From all circumstances, however, it appeared that the provocation was all on the side of the deceased, and the prisoner had expressed great sorrow when he found what had happened.