Percy spent his working life on the water, from the time he joined the English merchant navy as a seventeen-year-old1 until his retirement in 1917 when he was employed as a Coxswain in the Dredge Service of the NSW Public Works Department.2 He spent the latter part of his working life with his wife, Caroline, in Cundletown and remained there until his death in 1924.3
Shipboard life has obvious dangers but life ashore also has its moments…
On the evening of St Patrick’s Day 1884,4 Percy, a seaman from the “Renard” was approached by a young woman in King Street, Sydney who invited him back to a house in Kimber Lane, Darlinghurst. Once there Percy objected to the £1 demanded of him and attempted to leave. However, he was chased and assaulted by the woman in company with two unknown men. They stole 17 shillings and his silver watch.5
Susan Chapman, alias Terry, was found guilty of this crime at the Sydney Quarter Sessions and, being described as a woman of very bad character, was sentenced to three years imprisonment. While being led from the court, the defendant lunged at Percy and sent him staggering.6
Perhaps a quieter life away from the city lights proved more to Percy’s liking.
Author: Penny Teerman
References:
1 www.ancestry.com – UK Apprentices Indentured in Merchant Navy 1824-1910
2 NSW Government Gazette Friday 25 May 1917 (Issue No. 79 Supplement) P2774
3 Northern Champion Saturday 9 February 1924 P4 and Manning Shire Riding A Valuation and Rate Book 1923-1925
4 Evening News Thursday 10 April 1884 P2
5 NSW Police Gazette Wednesday 19 March 1884 (Issue No. 12) P110
6 Sydney Morning Herald Thursday 10 April 1884 P4
