George FRY, convict, of Axminster

[GazT]

Hi,

I'm hoping someone can help me find more on George FRY and his family. George, born about 1823, was transported to Tasmania in 1843 after stabbing a drinking partner Joseph Hake. He was convicted in Somerset Assizes in August 1843 and shipped out in November that year.

His convict papers show him as a ploughman and farm labourer and his 'native place' as 'Exminster'.  In a barely legible 'Remarks' section it appears to show his father as 'Jas' (probably James), a brother Jas, and a sister Eliza.

I have looked at the 1841 Census through Ancestry and found a number of George Frys, none living with a James or Eliza, though it is likely he was out working by then, aged about 17. One likely possibility is in a place called Beers Ferris. There is a possible James Fry in Axminster as well.

But I am seeking a second or better opinion before I claim either of those. If anyone can give me some guidance or suggest other resources to trace the Frys, I would be most grateful.

GazT
 

[john_w]

I have a number of Fry ancestors, but all mine were north devon, around Bideford.

Bere Ferrers is near Plymouth. If you have also found Fry in Exminster and Axminster it seems they were all over Devon

[GazT]

Thanks John,

I had a close look at the 1841 census image this morning and noticed that next door to the Beer Ferris George Fry are Nicholas Frye, b abt 1826, Mary Fryer, b abt 1796, and Nicholas Fryer, b abt 1790, so it looks like they might be his family and I'm on the wrong track there.

There is another George Fry, b abt 1824, at Goodleigh, but he is still with his family in 1851.

There is another George Fry, b abt 1824, at Clayhidon. Unfortunately the census page is unreadable, so I'm unsure of his occupation. There are no other Frys among the neighbours.

I'm unsure of the geography of Devon and where Clayhidon is, in proximity to Axminster or Exminster, but I'd have to say at this stage that the last-mentioned George seems my most likely suspect.

The James Fry in Axminster also seems most likely. Born abt 1786 he is living with his wife Susan, who is not mentioned in George's convict papers, but also with a daughter Eliza, born abt 1826, who is mentioned.

Anyway, thanks for your help.
GazT

[john_w]

Clayhidon is on the devon/somerset border near Wellington and so isn't near  either Axminster or Exminster. Or Bere Ferrers for that matter.

[gregoryf]

This George Fry is my great grand father. I have more i9nformation if you are still interested.

Greg Fry

[GazT]

Hi Greg,

love to share whatever you've got on George, and particularly on his folk in Devon and Somerset, if you have any of that. I have a pretty comprehensive family history after he arrived in Australia and married, but as you might see from previous posts I've hit a wall researching his parents James Fry and Harriet Matthews.

cheers
Gaz

[Ash fry]

G'day im hoping you guys can help me with information on George Fry all i know is that he was a convict sent to Australia there is so many fry's living here its hard to find out where we started.

[GazT]

G'day Ash,

What's your connection with George? I've got heaps of info, send me your email address and I'll pass it on.

GazT

[Ash fry]

G'day my email is
I have a large fry family my grand fathers name is George thats what started the search he is one of 12 my father told me the first fry in australia is named George so ive been trying to find out as much as i can.

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