Jackey Jackey

William Westwood (Jackey Jackey) Jackey Jackey was often referred to as a "gentleman bushranger" because of his dress and respect for his victims.

Youth

Jackey Jackey was born William Westwood to James and Ann Westwood on August 1, 1820, in Manuden, Essex, England, and was baptized 20 days later in the church of St Mary the Virgin. At a young age, education was instilled upon him, learning to read and write. He crashed into his first brush with the gaol life when he was imprisoned for 12 months for highway robbery. During his first job as a Clerk in England at the young age of 16, he was thrown in gaol for his forgery and stealing a coat. He was transferred to Australia on July 9, 1837 after being tried on January 3, 1837, at the Essex Quarter Sessions, Colchester. He arrived to Australia on the ship Mangles with many scars and looking very scruffy.

Australian Life

Westwood was assigned to Phillip Parker King near Goulburn upon arriving to Australia. The overseer of this location mistreated Westwood, not providing sufficient food and clothing. He tried to run away from his employer on more than one occasion, but each time was recaptured, beaten, and then put back to work. After stealing wheat, Westwood was sentenced to six months in jail on April 19, 1838. Once again escaping and being caught, Westwood publicly received 50 lashes on February 4, 1839.

Knight of the Road

In September 1840 he escaped for good, being known as Jackey Jackey, with Paddy Curran. Westwood was “out 7 months in the bush under Arms” and avoided being captured by hiding in the mountains. Curran did not have the same beliefs and views on robbery as Westwood. Together they robbed Phillip Parker King’s house and Curran, tempted by revenge, raped King’s wife. Westwood did not approve of this at all so beat Curran up, stole his horse, guns, and ammunition, and declared that if they ever met again, Westwood would kill him. Jackey Jackey was a very courteous robber, never actually killing any of his victims. He mainly stole racing horses (to ensure a quick getaway), clothing, guns, ammunition, money, and necessities of living. Along with not hurting his victims, he would never dare to be rude to women. Jackey Jackey often times showed up in a suit to a robbery, being declared the “gentleman bushranger.” In total he was captured only twice, but escaped both times. A sign was posted across Australia calling for him to be caught, dead or alive, but even the reward did not seem to tempt anyone to attempt to capture Jackey Jackey.

Capture and Recapture

In 1841 Jackey Jackey was caught at an inn near Berrima. Tried for robbery of firearms and a mare, Jackey Jackey was taken to Darlinghurt Jail and sentenced to life imprisonment. Escaping for a short period, Jackey Jackey hid up a tree. Being caught shortly after, he was sent to Cockatoo Island, Port Jackson. Not giving up his freedom, he tried to escape once again by swimming to Balmain, but was caught by Water Police. Shipped to Port Arthur, Jackey Jackey once again tried to escape from the ship on the way to the port. Once again escaping, Jackey Jackey returned to his life of robbery to be captured shortly later. Escaping and being captured once again, he was sentenced to serve 12 months imprisonment with hard labor and 3 months in solitary confinement on November 7, 1843.

Life to Death

The next year W. T. Champ promoted Jackey Jackey to be on a boat crew of his. After rescuing two men from drowning, Jackey Jackey was removed from Port Arthur to probation at Glenorchy in May 1845. Temptation got the best of him, though, and Jackey Jackey stole guns and ammunition. Jackey Jackey was tried on September 4, 1845, in the Hobart Supreme Court. Sticking to his beliefs and not hurting anyone, he was sentenced to life in prison on Norfolk Island.

Final Run

Again planning to escape, Jackey Jackey instructed the other prisoners on Norfolk Island to keep their tins and knives for a planned attack. On July 1, 1846, Jackey Jackey led an attack against the guards of the jail in order to escape. Three constables and an overseer were killed in the attack, but the inmates were not successful. At only 26 years old, Jackey Jackey was finally tried and sentenced to be hanged on October 13, 1846. Jackey Jackey was buried in unhallowed ground.

References

* "Exploring the ACT and Southeast New South Wales", J. Kay McDonald, Kangaroo Press, Sydney, 1985 ISBN 0-86417-049-1
* Martha Rutledge, 'Westwood, William [Jackey Jackey] (1820 - 1846)', Australian Dictionary of Biography, Online Edition,Copyright 2006, updated continuously, ISSN 1833-7538, published by Australian National Universityhttp://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/AS10489b.htm
* Stackpool, Andrew. "William Westwood." Bushrangers Profile 30 06 2003 6 Jun 2008 .
* Glen Rowen Cobb & Co Pty Ltd, "William Westwood." Australian Bushrangers 19 09 1999 6 Jun 2008 .

External links

* [http://scs.une.edu.au/Bushrangers/westwood.htm Article on Westwood]
* [http://www.adb.online.anu.edu.au/biogs/AS10489b.htm Biography of Westwood]
* [http://www.nedkellysworld.com.au/bushrangers/westwood_w.htm Bushrangers: Westwood]