Stephen Morris 1850 convict

[rm91]

Yes, poor Maria was left with three children whilst her husband was shipped off to the other side of the world for good, for the sake of what, a few pheasants? Does seem trivial to me.

But he wasn't shipped off for the sake of a few pheasants, he was shipped off because he/they killed a man in pursuit of a few pheasants.  It is sad that Maria and the children were then left alone to fend for themselves because of his actions.

Yes, whilst I do think Stephen unfortunately killed him (the gunshot wound being prime evidence, as well as the other men being accounted for in the struggle), had they not gone out that night to poach, the poor man wouldn't have died. That's what I meant. All that trouble for the sake of a few pheasants.

I am still unsure as to why they were all found not guilty of manslaughter, only guilty of the poaching, when a man died.

[rosball]

Poaching without violence was a transportable offence.   Stealing a cap, a handkerchief, insubordination, and a lot of other "trivial " crimes were transportable offences. 

http://www.convictrecords.com.au/crimes

Ros

[rm91]

Poaching without violence was a transportable offence.   Stealing a cap, a towel, insubordination, and a lot of other "trivial " crimes were transportable offences. 

http://www.convictrecords.com.au/crimes

Ros

Wow, yes, some of the things on there are so petty. I had always assumed only the worst were sent off for transportation. A real eye opener.

[groom]

Convicts were seen as a source of labour to advance and develop the British colony in Australia and only about 6% of those transported were kept locked up. Majority were set to work as brick makers, carpenters, nurses, servants, cattlemen, shepherds and farmers., working under free settlers.

[rm91]

Fascinating. I must read up properly on it.

[Blackbird25]

If he hadn’t gone out poaching and killed that man I wouldn’t be here.
He was my great x 3 grandfather.

[rm91]

If he hadn’t gone out poaching and killed that man I wouldn’t be here.
He was my great x 3 grandfather.

Wow! I guess that makes us distant cousins... I took a photo of the Falcon Inn in Fawley where he was drinking that night, I can send it to you if you like.

I have it that Stephen Morris' mother was Jane Russell, Jane's brother was Joseph Russell, who was my great x5 grandfather. My first name is Russell, and ultimately it comes from that line.