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== Importance of Aaron Sherritt ==
I was a friend of [[Joe Byrne|Joe Byrne]] and a police agent. I was murdered by Joe Byrne. ' Also known as Tommy '''Links to the KellyGang''' , [[#2|Early Years]] , [[#1st|First run in with the law]] , [[#15/4/1878|Fitzpatrick Incident]] , [[#26/10/1878|Stringy Bark Creek Murders]] , [[#7/11/1878|Sebastopol Cavalcade]] , Euroa Robbery , [[#10/2/1879|Jerilderie Robbery]] , [[#fcp|First Cave Party]] , Hare replaced by Nicolson , Second Cave Party , [[#26/6/1880|My Death]] , [[#9|Inquest into my death]] , Royal Commission , '''Early service''' , Later service , Family , '''Aaron's family'''
Mother [[Anne and John Sherritt Snr|Anne Nesbitt]], '''Father''' John, '''Brothers and sisters''' Elizabeth (Bessie) 1856, John James [[John Sherritt Jnr|(Jack)1858]], William George 1860, Anne Jane 1862, Julia Frances 1864, Esther 1867, Mary 1869, Maria 1872, Martha 1875, '''Wife''' [[Ellen Sherritt|Ellen]] (Belle)
== Links to the KellyGang ==
'''Early Years''' I was born in August 1855. My godfather was Mr '''JH Gray''' ([[Ovens & Murray Advertiser (14)|OMA29/6/80]])
I went to the [[Woolshed|Woolshed]] with Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]].
I followed the style of the Greta Mob with high larrikin heel boots, sash at the waist, chin strap worn under the nose. ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 5 page 2|FH]])
In September [[1864-1873 Events|1873]] I took up a 106 acre selection between the [[Woolshed|Woolshed]] and Byrne's Gully. Some say that we later used to hide stolen stock there when I went riding with the '''KellyGang'''
Det [[Ward|Ward]] claims that he was the first person to arrest me and Joe Byrne.([[Cookson, 05_09_1911_2|BWC]])
I was described as "..a light-looking high-shouldered man ' ([[Royal Commission report day 10 page 7|RC1798]]).
I was 5feet 11inches tall
'''First run in with the law''' SConst [[SConst P Mullane|Mullane]] though my character was bad. In [[1874-1877 Events|1876]] Mullane and Det [[Ward|Ward]] had Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]] and I convicted and sentenced to 6 months in [[Beechworth Gaol|Beechworth Goal]] for illegal possession of meat for which we could not account for. We were caught near Joe Byrnes place by a chap called Doig. ([[Ovens & Murray Advertiser (14)|OMA29/6/80]])
The police accused me of cutting the brand from the hide of the beast. That prevented the police from bringing the more serious charge of cattle-stealing. ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 27|RC13530]])
In early [[1874-1877 Events|1877]] I started riding with [[Ned Kelly|Ned Kelly]] and his brother [[Dan Kelly|Dan]] and other members of the [[Greta|Greta]] Mob as they moved [[Horse and Cattle stealing|cattle and horses]] back and forth from Victoria to New South Wales. My mate [[Joe Byrne|Joe Byrne]] from the Woolshed was part of the group.
At about time Const [[SConst P Mullane|Mullane]] arrested me for an assault on a [[Chinese|Chinaman]], [[Ah Fook|Ah On]] after an incident with [[Joe Byrne|Joe Byrne]] at a water hole at the [[Woolshed|Woolshed]]. The evidence was considered insufficient and the charges were discharged by the Supreme Court. Joe got 6 months ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 27|RC13531]]) ([[Kilmore Free Press at KellyGang 12/8/1880 (3)|Kilmore12/8/1880]])
By late 1877 early [[1/1/1878-10/4/1878 Events|1878]] the police got too close to Ned Kelly and the rest of us. I decided to work on my selection.
'''Fitzpatrick Incident 15/04/1878''' After this event, when the '''[[KellyGang|KellyGang]]''' went bush I went off and joined them for a while. Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]] and I had learnt gold mining as boys and we got the others to the point where they got payable gold.
On [[17/4-4/10/78 Events|29th August 1878]], Det [[Ward|Ward]] some received information about me while he was in Melbourne. This is what he wrote about me:-
"I have the honor to report, for the information of the officer in charge, I have received information that the above-named offender, Edward [[Ned Kelly|Kelly]], was seen about three weeks ago between the [[Woolshed|Woolshed]] and [[Sebastopol|Sebastopol]], in the Ovens district, by a Mr.-, a blacksmith at the Woolshed; he was riding and carried a gun under his arm, and had a revolver strapped on his saddle. Kelly is well known to -. If Kelly was seen there, he would be most likely making for Joe Byrne's [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|mother's]] place, as she lives at the Sebastopol. I would respectfully suggest this report be forwarded to Mr. Inspector [[Brooke Smith|Smith]] for careful enquiries. Mr. - is a very respectable man, and will give every information to the police, providing it is kept secret. The person who makes the enquiry would do well to call on of the Woolshed before calling on -, as he may be able to give some information on the subject, has a good many cattle running on the common, between the Woolshed and Sebastopol, and if it was known by [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]] or Sherritt that he would give any information relative to Kelly's whereabouts, his cattle would not be safe."([[Royal Commission report day 14 page 6|RC3109]])
'''After the Murders at Stringy Bark Creek 26/10/1878''' After the '''KellyGang''' had tried to cross the River Murray they came back down our way. Perhaps Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]] just wanted to see my sister. They visited me briefly on 2/11/1878 then they then headed off down to [[Wangaratta|Wangaratta]] and out to the west. '''Sebastopol Cavalcade''' '''[[ev78-10--4Mansfield Murders|7/11/1878]]''' On the morning of the 7th the [[Sebastopol Cavalcade|police arrived in force]]. They smashed their way into [[Anne and John Sherritt Snr|my parents]] home. All the officers were there Com [[Standish|Standish]], [[Nicolson|Nicolson]] and Sup [[Sadleir|Sadier]]. See also ([[The Argus at KellyGang 8/11/1878 (2)|Argus8/11/78]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 22 page 3|RC7988]]) ([[The True of Bushrangers Chapter 7 page 2|CHC]])
Earlier that morning I had been cutting wood a little way from Mrs. [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Byrne]]'s house. I had an axe on my shoulder when I first saw the police. Sadleir, Standish and Nicolson finished up talking to me. They wanted me to help them. (see [[Royal Commission report day 10 page 6|RC1784]] [[Royal Commission report day 23 page 5|RC8872]])
Eventually I did a bargain with Com Standish, in return for information about the '''KellyGang''' they would save [[Joe Byrne|Joe Byrne]] and guarantee his life. Standish said, "No doubt the Government would act upon his recommendation in the matter." ([[Royal Commission report day 10 page 7|RC1801]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 6/7/1880 (2)|Argus6/7/80]])
See also ([[The Complete Inner History of the KellyGang and their Pursuers (42)|JJK]])
'''Euroa Robbery 10/12/1878''' '''Later'''
I came down to Benalla to see Com [[Standish|Standish]]. I had been staying with James [[James Wallace|Wallace]] just before this.([[Royal Commission report day 47 page 4|RC16034]])
I delivered a message that Com Standish had sent to James Wallace for Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 41 page 12|RC14448]])
James Wallaces says that I told him that I had Sgt [[Kennedy Sgt|Kennedy]]'s watch. ([[Royal Commission report day 41 page 12|RC14464]])
At about this time Det [[Ward|Ward]] said that I started working for the police and him. ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 4|RC13848]])
I did not like Det Ward and SConst Mullane on account of their arresting me for some cattle stealing, or skinning a bullock near Beechworth, and I would not give them information. ([[Royal Commission report day 36 page 9|RC12928]])
The [[../../things/K_kellys/K_KellyGang.html|'''KellyGang''']]were special people. Sup [[Hare|Hare]] said to me on one occasion, "Can the outlaws endure as you are doing." I said, "Ned Kelly would beat me into fits." "I can beat all the others; I am a better man than [[Joe Byrne|Joe Byrne]], and I am a better man than [[Dan Kelly|Dan Kelly]], and I am a better man than [[Steve Hart|Steve Hart]]. I can lick those two youngsters to fits; I have always beaten Joe, but I look upon Ned Kelly as an extraordinary man; there is no man in the world like him, he is superhuman." I frequently told Hare, "You will catch Joe, Steve, and the others"; "Ned Kelly is too smart.", "Ned sends the other three a hundred yards ahead.". Hare asked 'Why do they obey him'. I said "He carried out his orders at the point of his pistol. I look upon him as invulnerable, you can do nothing with him". When the police had a row with any of the sympathizers they would always finish off by saying "I will tell Ned about you; he will make it hot for you some day," They never spoke about the others at all.([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 5|RC1282]])
My first meeting with Sup Hare ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 7 page 1|FH]])
'''Jerilderie Robbery 10/2/1879''' Early in the month Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]] and Dan [[Dan Kelly|Kelly]] came to visit me at my selection. By this time I was living on my own selection; mid-way between my mother Mrs. [[Anne and John Sherritt Snr|Sherritt]]'s and Mrs.[[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Byrne]]'s. Joe hopped off his horse but Dan was very careful and stayed on his horse. They told me they were going over the River [[Murray River at Kellygang|Murray]] up to [[Goulburn NSW|Goulburn]] and they wanted me to come with them as a scout. Joe Byrne was riding a magnificent grey horse and Dan was on a bay.
I went to Benalla and met Sup Hare and told him about what was going on. ([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 3|RC1270]]) See also ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 8 page 1|FH]]) ([[The Complete Inner History of the KellyGang and their Pursuers (33)|JJK]])
A few days before the Jerilderie robbery, about 4/2/[[events79-2_4Jerilderie Robbery|1879]], I came down to [[Benalla Police Station|Benalla]] to see Mr [[Standish|Standish]] but saw Sup [[Hare|Hare]]. I said to Hare 'I have some important information to give him, and I wish to speak to him privately.' Hare told the Royal Commission that neither he or Mr Standish had seen me since the Sebastopol [[Sebastopol Cavalcade|Cavalcade]] in November 1878. I told Hare about the recent visit by Joe Byrne and Dan Kelly. He gave me £2 for coming down to give this information.([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 3|RC1270]])
A mob of stolen horses or cattle would be put on my selection by the '''KellyGang''' and left there until they could conveniently be sold. When they were sold I did not get any money. This led to bickering and gradually engendered the ill feeling. ([[The Argus (33)|Argus2/7/80]])
The Royal Commission saw this period in a different light. They concluded:
"At this period Aaron Sherritt, no doubt in the hope of securing the reward offered for the capture of the outlaws, attached himself to Mr. Hare and his party, and great reliance appears to have been placed upon his fidelity. His acquaintance with the movements of the police in all parts of the district, communicated by bush telegraphs, demonstrated his knowledge of the operations of the sympathizers, and doubtless of the movements of the gang; but he did not enable the authorities to thwart the outlaws' raid upon Jerilderie on the 10th of February 1879" ([[Royal Commission second Report Part X ( page 13)|RC2ndreportX]])
After the Jerilderie robbery at about 7pm on Saturday 15/2/[[events79-2_4Jerilderie Robbery|1879]] Det Ward arranged for me to meet Sup Hare and tell him about the '''[[KellyGang|KellyGang]]''' 's return. I told them that [[Dan Kelly|Dan Kelly]] had been to Mrs [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Byrnes]] looking for the rest of the '''KellyGang''' after he had failed to meet them at an agreed place. Det [[Ward|Ward]] and Sup [[Hare|Hare]] met me the next night near [[EI Dorado|El Dorado]]. The intention was that we would be joined by a party of police and go off to watch Mrs Byrne's home. The other police did not turn up. I saw a fire that had been lit by the '''KellyGang''' but on further investigation it was much further away than I had expected. I spent the night watching Mrs Byrne's with Sup Hare. ([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 4|RC1276]])
This was seen as some of the best information I ever gave the police. ([[Royal Commission report day 32 page 1|RC12090]]) See also ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 8 page 4|FH]])
I then persuaded Sup [[Hare|Hare]] that he should set up a [[Police Search Parties|search party]] to watch Mrs [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Byrne]]'s home for visits by the '''KellyGang'''. At this time I courting one of Joe Byrne's sisters and I used to spend my evenings at Mrs Byrne's and then I spent the rest of the night with the police party ([[Last of the Bushrangers|Hare]]) Const [[Const Arthur|Arthur]] was with this party and he thought I was Ned Kelly's agent rather than a friend to the police ([[Royal Commission report day 28 page 7|RC11104]])
'''First Cave Party'''
At about this time I told Sup [[Hare|Hare]] more about the movements of his men than he knew. But I would not tell him everything. I said to him, 'No; there are certain things I will not tell; I will tell nothing against myself to convict me, although I have been in all the crimes with the Kellys for years past.' Sup Hare said it would take him a week to tell the half of what I said to him. All this time this I was faithful and true to him. He said that I was a man of most wonderful endurance. I would go night after night without sleep in the coldest nights in winter. I would be under a tree without a particle of blanket of any sort in my shirt sleeves whilst Hare's men were all lying wrapt up in furs in the middle of winter. This is an instance that occurred actually: Hare saw me one night when the water was frozen on the creeks and he was frozen to death nearly. He came down and said to me, "Where is Aaron Sherritt?" and he saw a white thing lying under a tree, and there I was without his coat. The police men were covered up with all kinds of coats and furs, and waterproof coatings, and everything else, and I was lying on the ground uncovered. Hare said, " You are mad, Aaron, lying there". I said, "I do not care about coats."([[Royal Commission report day 6 page 5|RC1281]])
On an occasion through the night we heard some crackers being let off, at first they seemed like a stock-whip, and we heard some voices. The police wanted me to listen for the voices to see if I knew them. Const [[Const Daniel Barry|Barry]] said that as soon as I heard them I cleared away in the bush. After some search the police found me asleep in the bush ([[Royal Commission report day 21 page 2|RC7774.7312]]).
Mrs [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Byrne]] tells the story of finding me and discovering the police party. While I went to visit her to try and patch things up I am sure she knew that I had been working for the police [[Royal Commission report day 6 page 5|(RC1284]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 21 page 2|RC7773.7306]])
I used to speak so against Mrs. Byrne, and used never to visit her. If we were not friends we must have been enemies. ([[Royal Commission report day 18 page 16|RC5680]])
A bit after this [[Ned Kelly|Ned Kelly]] came and saw my [[Anne and John Sherritt Snr|mother]] and asked her if I would see him to the head of the [[King River|King River]]. This was probably the last time he tried to turn me to his side ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 9|RC13166]])
'''[[Whorouly (2)|Whorouly]] Race meeting 3/1879'''
Joe Byrne wrote to me. He also wanted me to ride his black mare in hurdle race. I knew that the police were in disguise([[Royal Commission report day 7 page 1|RC1362]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 4 page 13|RC1096]]) See also ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 8 page 5|FH]]) ([[The True of Bushrangers Chapter 14 page 2|CHC]])
This is what Const [[Const Faulkiner|Faulkiner]] told the Royal [[Royal Commission|Commission]] about this matter, "a letter that was received by Aaron Sherritt from Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]]-that he was to meet him at [[Whorouly (2)|Whorouly]] races. I will tell the Commission the exact facts of the case. The letter was written in peculiar phraseology that none of us here could understand, and it had to be interpreted by Aaron Sherritt himself before we knew what it meant; but the purport of it was asking Aaron Sherritt to go over to Whorouly races-this is a small country racecourse on the [[Ovens River|Ovens]]-and to meet him, the writer-Joe Byrne-at a certain place, as he wanted him to ride his black mare in some hurdle race. I saw the letter, and beyond doubt it was in Byrne's handwriting, because we have seen a great many of his documents 'The reason of your doubt was that he stated that he was going to ride Byrne's racehorse, and that it was not likely they would put a thirteen-stone man on that racehorse at Whorouly?- Yes.' ([[Royal Commission report day 18 page 15|RC5674]]) " See also ([[Royal Commission report day 18 page 2|RC5312]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 18 page 15|RC5673]])
This is what Insp [[O'Connor|O'Connor]] told the Royal Commission about this incident
<blockquote>'The man, Aaron Sherritt, was employed by Mr [[Hare|Hare]], and Mr Hare firmly believed in him. On one occasion a letter was written and sent to Aaron Sherritt from Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]], asking him to, meet the writer at Whorouly races to ride his (Joe Byrne's) horse. It told Aaron where to meet the writer. Mr Hare and several men went to the races, but Captain [[Standish|Standish]] would not allow myself and party to go. Mr Hare returned, stating that Aaron Sherritt said he could not meet the outlaws.' ([[Royal Commission report day 4 page 13|RC1096]])
Const [[Const Faulkiner|Faulkiner]] asked if he trusted me. He replied that he believed I was not friends with [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Mrs. Byrne,]] and that was the only thing that led him to believe I was in with the police ([[Royal Commission report day 18 page 2|RC5329]])
See also ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 8 page 6|FH]])
</blockquote>
I got a house and a bit of land at the [[Woolshed|Woolshed]], about six miles from Beechworth, on the El Dorado road, and is in an isolated position. It was previously occupied by '''Henry Grose''', a selector, at present residing on the Little River: and in his absence I took possession of the premises, which were erected some ten or twelve years ago by '''Allan De Lacy'''. ([[Ovens & Murray Advertiser (14)|OMA29/6/80]])
I had been seeing a lot of [[Joe Byrne|Joe Byrne]]'s sister [[Catherine Byrne, Kate Byrne|Catherine]] and I gave her a horse called Charlie a few years before. Mrs Byrne went and saw my parents and accused me of spying for the police and everything. She then accused me of keeping police horses and charged me with stealing Charlie. She also stopped me from talking to Catherine. I got off the charge and many people thought that the police rigged the court in my favour. (See also [[Royal Commission report day 42 page 1|RC14528]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 32 page 7|RC12184]]) Mrs [[Lord Byron's Shanty|Ellen Byron]] gave evidence for me.
I sold Charlie to Maggie Skillion in May 1879. ([[Ovens & Murray Advertiser (8)|OMA29/7/79]]) ([[The Complete Inner History of the KellyGang and their Pursuers (42)|JJK]])
'''Letter from Joe Byrne'''
On about [[events 1879-05/ 1879-07at KellyGang|2/7/1879]] I recieved a letter from [[Joe Byrne|Joe Byrne]] asking that I attend a meeting but he did not turn up. ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 5|RC13850]])
They wanted to arrest me. They came to my parents home. ([[The Argus at KellyGang 1/7/1879 (2)|Argus1/7/79]])
'''Hare replaced by Nicolson 6/7/1879''' Ass Com Nicolson kept me on as an agent ([[The Complete Inner History of the KellyGang and their Pursuers (50)|JJK]])
On 14/7/1879 Mrs [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Byrne]] took out a warrant for my arrest for stealing a horse. Const [[SConst P Mullane|Mullane]] arrested me. ([[Ovens & Murray Advertiser (4)|OMA157/7/79]]) ([[Ovens & Murray Advertiser (5)|OMA17/7/79]]) ([[Ovens & Murray Advertiser (6)|OMA24/7/79]]) ([[Ovens & Murray Advertiser (7)|OMA26/7/79]])
Read the evidence against me. I had a few meetings with Mrs Byrne and she knew there were opolice horses in my paddock. ([[Ovens & Murray Advertiser (8)|OMA29/7/79]])
James Wallace sought to get me to get Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]] to betray the other three members of the '''KellyGang'''. We had gone to school together and Joe was different from Ned and Dan Kelly. The problem was that the police could not promise that they would save Joe's life. ([[Royal Commission report day 42 page 9|RC14723]])
Apparently Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]] wanted me to go to Chiltern or Wodonga to sell the gold for him. I refused because I was too well known to Sergeant [[Chiltern|Lynch]], of Chiltern.([[Royal Commission report day 42 page 11|RC14773]])
On [[events 1879-08/ 1879-10|16/8/1879]] I had about nineteen or twenty [[National Bank|National]] Bank notes on me and I spent about seven or eight pounds that Saturday night.
I spent most of the next day with James Wallace. (RC14773)
James [[James Wallace|Wallace]] had dinner with my [[Anne and John Sherritt Snr|mother]] in late August. This might have been the night after my trial for the theft of Mrs. [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Byrne]]'s horse.([[Royal Commission report day 42 page 5|RC14626]])
[[events 1879-08/ 1879-10|4/9/1879]] Det Ward was at it again. This is what he reported about me on that occassion. - 'I have seen Tommy (me) this morning, and he has very little news. He gives his reasons for stopping so long at [[James Wallace|Wallace]]'s is to try if [[Joe Byrne|Joe]] would call there, as he was expected; but he did not call; but he states that he is certain Wallace knows their whereabouts, and can find them when he likes, but he will not sell Joe Byrne. Wallace and Tommy have made an appointment to go to Chiltern on Friday evening to try to meet a person who knows where Joe can be seen.' I asked him if he would have any objection for me to be in Chiltern to see if Wallace would be there. He said, 'No; you can come, and you might then get the gold when we are in the act of selling it.' Tommy states that the gang told Wallace they would not try the Oxley bank now, as there is too many police there- two troopers every morning when the bank opens; and another drawback, the ground is too soft. They are not going to do anything until the ground gets harder; they are frightened of the black boys.
Tommy says by the description of the person who gave him the threatening letter it must be a man named Jack Fox, a particular friend of the Byrnes. He received a sentence of nine months, some six years ago, for stealing a horse from Mr. Kennedy, of the Woolshed. I am not at all satisfied with Tommy's tale. I am of opinion that he has seen Joe Byrne himself, and most likely he is the identical person who gave the letter to Jack to post, and kept out of the way until yesterday himself. However, he assures me that we will get them, and that before long. I am giving him money to go to Chiltern to keep the appointment with Wallace.
I agree with Wallace, the report is totally untrue so far as I am connected with it. ([[Royal Commission report day 42 page 12|RC14791]])
'''Late 1879''' '''Matthew Dodd''', of Beechworth was a tanner and currier. He told the Royal Commission that there were petitions in favor and against me being circulated in September 1879 ([[Royal Commission report day 52 page 1 (2)|RC17590]])
James [[James Wallace|Wallace]] thought that I was a double agent. ([[Royal Commission report day 42 page 2|RC14535]])
I told Wallace that I had Sgt [[Kennedy Sgt|Kennedy]]'s watch in my possession ([[Royal Commission report day 42 page 2|RC14540]])
I remarked to James Wallace that Det [[Ward|Ward]] and I were on bad terms. ([[Royal Commission report day 42 page 2|RC14659]])
On [[events 1879-11/ 1879-12|5/11/1879]] Com [[Standish|Standish]] and Ass Com [[Nicolson|Nicolson]] came up to see me at my parents place. ([[Royal Commission report day 46 page 1|RC15775]])
In November I arranged to meet [[Joe Byrne|Joe Byrne]] as I was returning back to Wangaratta. I saw him next morning and he wanted to know about the banks and which ones were being protected. I reported this to Det [[Ward|Ward]] and he told AssCom [[Nicolson|Nicolson]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 5|RC13854]])
A little later I met Joe Byrne with my brother [[John Sherritt Jnr|Jack]] at Joe's [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|mother's]] ([[Royal Commission report day 45 page 20|RC15624]])
'''Getting married'''
Things can happen quickly. I first met Belle two months before we were married. ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 15|RC13291]]) ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 10 page 3|FH]])
I had a big row with my brother [[John Sherritt Jnr|Jack]]. Once there was trouble over a saddle, and I rode to my father-in-law's place, four miles away, to see Jack about it. Jack, it appears, saw me coming, and left. There was a long chase. We were both fine horsemen, but I caught him, got a heavy heavy sapling, and laid Jack out, leaving him for dead in the road. Then I then galloped into Beechworth and rushed into [[Patrick Allen|Pat Allen]]'s store. ([[Cookson, 04_09_1911_3|BWC]])
I had to sell my selection just before I was married. (to Mr [[Crawford|Crawford]] of the Eastern Arcade who is also a large coach proprietor in Beechworth). [[Ellen Sherritt|Belle]] thought that I had money and I had to keep things going. We were married at St Joseph's Catholic Church [[Beechworth|Beechworth]] on Boxing Day 26/12/[[events 1879-11/ 1879-12|1879]]. Perhaps I should let my [[Ellen Sherritt|Belle]] tell you more about that day. ([[Royal Commission report day 45 page 3|RC15365]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 23|RC13456]])
My wife was Catholic but I was not very religious. Other people, icluding [[Anne and John Sherritt Snr|parents]], got very religious all at once. ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 23|RC13441]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 40 page 4|RC14166]])
I met Pat Allen soon before I got married and he gave me the money to pay the priest. I was broke but I told people I would get a lot of money soon ([[Cookson, 04_09_1911_2|BWC]])
Soon after I was married I had a disagreement with my [[Anne and John Sherritt Snr|mother]] and I did not see her again ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 15|RC13287]])
After we were married [[Ellen Sherritt|Ellen]] and I lived with my mother in law and her family. ([[Royal Commission report day 18 page 16|RC5575]])
My [[Mrs Ellen Barry|mother in law]] thought that I also had problems with other members of my family. There was a side-saddle that I bought for my wife, and a gold watch. They were taken from my mother in laws place one night, when I was on duty with the police; taken from outside at the back. When I came home in the morning I blamed my [[John Sherritt Jnr|brother]].([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 23|RC13440]]) see also ([[Royal Commission report day 45 page 21|RC15654]])
I went to the Hurdy Gurdy at the [[Woolshed|Woolshed]] in January 1880 [day saddle stolen]
They thought that I would get all the [[Reward|reward]] money.([[Royal Commission report day 40 page 4|RC14172]])
The saddle was found in Mrs [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Byrne]]'s house ([[Royal Commission report day 45 page 22|RC15696]])
I lived with my mother in law for a few months after we were married before we went to live in my house.([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 22|RC13430]])
'''Second Cave Party 12/1879-4/1880''' Police were in and around my home for most of 1880. In December 1879 Ass Com [[Nicolson|Nicolson]] up a cave party to watch Mrs Byrne's home. The instructions the police received included if possible, we were to try to [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]] alive, to stick a handkerchief in his mouth and bring him in to Beechworth. The police were to try to capture the others if they came to the place. I was there to help the police. Const [[Const Faulkiner|Faulkiner]] was introduced to people by my wife as a friend from New South Wales.([[Royal Commission report day 17 page 18|RC5251]]) see also([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 5|RC13855]])
I mainly carried the water to the police in the cave party. ([[Royal Commission report day 18 page 15|RC5569]])
I had a play fight with Aaron Sherritt. My mates then held a mock court and found me guilty ([[Cookson, 04_09_1911_1|BWC]])
'''My selection and home at Sebastopol'''
My selection, the one I had sold to Mr [[Crawford|Crawford]], was about 107 acres and about a mile from his father's place. In the past I had been assisted in fencing it in by Joe Byrne and Ned Kelly. My holding was on the Woolshed Creek, in the county of Burgoyne. ([[The Argus|Argus]] 28/6/80)
Location of my home ([[The Argus at KellyGang 2/8/1880 (3)|Argus2/8/80]])
My new house was surrounded by scrub, very close to it. There is the main road running in front, perhaps ten or twelve yards in front, and between the main road and the front door stands a big tree. ([[Royal Commission report day 21 page 3|RC7774.7336]])
There is a thick scrub at the foot of the range, what they call the Sugarloaf. ([[Royal Commission report day 15 page 14|RC3794]])
The house was built out of weatherboards with slabs at each end and shingles with plaster inside. The plaster was held in place with sticks nailed on to the uprights. A bullet fired at a weatherboard would go through both sides of the house.([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 21|RC13397]]) (See ([[Royal Commission report day 32 page 3|RC12128]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 15 page 8|RC3645]])
The chimney was made of slab, about twelve or fourteen feet to the top of it. The windows were glass. The roof was shingles. ([[Royal Commission report day 15 page 10|RC3697]])
I think there was a sort of clay between the uprights. The floor was covered with boards ([[Royal Commission report day 32 page 3|RC12129]])
There was only a stick, no locks on the door ([[Royal Commission report day 17 page 2|RC4700]])
See a detailed description of the house ([[The Argus (34)|Argus2/7/80]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 8/7/1880 (3)|Argus8/7/80]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 22/7/1881|Argus22/7/81]])
The police slept the bedroom, it would be eight feet and a half or nine feet wide, by about seven and a half feet long. There was just room for two to sleep on the floor with the exception of about two feet at the foot of the bed where the provisions were stored.([[Royal Commission report day 32 page 3|RC12133]])
Det Ward bought three or four yards of calico, and nailed it up to make a screen, so that if any person came they would not be seen, and gave strict instructions for them to remain in the room. ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 9|RC13882]])
By the front there was a drain, two or three feet deep, about four yards from the front, and going on from the yard, about five yards from the hut, there was an embankment of about three feet, so any man going out by the front would have very likely fallen down had he escaped. ([[Royal Commission report day 32 page 8|RC12192]])
There were two sheds at the back and also a tree with two forks immediately at the door-in the front there were three trees quite close to it.([[Royal Commission report day 32 page 8|RC12196]])
On the left of the house were diggers' holes, at the back it was scrubby, and at the right it was scrubby and diggers' holes; and there is a water-channel right before the door, perhaps two to three feet deep.([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 2|RC13028]])
After selling the land I then built the hut at Sebastopol for my wife and I , about two miles away.
I had borrowed money and William Willis got a court order against me which he attempted to serve on me.([[Royal Commission report day 39 page 5|RC14044]])
'''John Weiner''' was my next door neighbour. He lived about 10 to 15 yards away ([[The Age (14)|Age1/7/80]]) ([[Ovens and Murray Advertiser (4)|OMA1/7/80]])
Soon after my [[Anne and John Sherritt Snr|mother]] told [[Nicolson|Nicolson]] about her meeting with [[Joe Byrne|Joe Byrne]] [[events 1880-4/ 1880-6|29 May]], Nicolson asked me to watch [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Byrne]]'s home again ([[Royal Commission report day 3 page 9|RC799]]) ([[Royal Commission second Report Part XIII ( page 19)|RC2nd reportXIII]])
Det [[Ward|Ward]] immediately went to [[Sebastopol|Sebastopol]], saw me and told me to go at once to [[Anne and John Sherritt Snr|my mother's]] home?, try and pick up the tracks, and see what direction they were going, and to report that night to him. He told me that he would meet me below the [[Woolshed|Lazzarino]]. I did so, and I reported to Ward that I traced the footmarks of the horse in the direction of Mrs. [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Byrne]]'s. ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 7|RC13858]])
[[Nicolson|Nicolson]] then came up on the train and got off at [[Everton|Everton]] on about [[events 1880-4/ 1880-6|30 May 1880]]. We started out at once by horseback to a certain paddock, about two miles from the spot where the outlaw had been seen; thence by foot to the exact place. We got the man's track, and, after following it for some distance, found it was only a man collecting cows. We then followed on to near Mrs Byrnes but it was [[Patrick Byrne|Patsey]] and not Joe Byrne. ([[Royal Commission report day 5 page 2|RC1110]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 38 page 7|RC13860]])
'''Nicolson replaced by Hare 2/6/1880''' When Ass Com [[Nicolson|Nicolson]] left Benalla he sacked me but I knew that the police could not do without me. Nicolson paid me from his own pocket ([[Royal Commission report day 9 page 7|RC1623]]) At Sup Hare's request Det [[Ward|Ward]] invited me back. I thought that Hare had a better chance of success. ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 39|RC13768]])
'''9 June 1880'''
I agreed for the police to stay in my house. My job was to take the police over to watch Mrs Byrne's place each night. ([[Royal Commission report day 17 page 1|RC4688]])
Det Ward's instructions to Const [[Const Armstrong|Armstrong]] were to go to this hut, to secrete themselves there in the room during the day, and between eight and nine o'clock at night to go down to [[Mrs Margaret Byrne|Mrs. Byrne's]] house, and there watch till a little before daylight in the morning; to be back in the hut before daylight, and to keep themselves quiet during the day. He bought calico for the door and blinds for the window, in order to have them not seen. ([[Royal Commission report day 40 page 4|RC14160]])
I think Mr. [[Beechworth|Reynolds]] of Beechworth brought out the supplies for the police in a cart ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 1|RC13001]])
See also ([[The Complete Inner History of the KellyGang and their Pursuers (56)|JJK]])
'''My home'''
The owner of my hut came about 11 o'clock one morning. He was a foreigner, and he ordered me to clear out. I would not give up possession; then the man said he would go and get the police. He was the original owner of the hut. I took forcible possession of it. While he was there I had a run in with the police officers in the place who did not want any trouble. Const Armstrong even said, "For God's sake bring the man back here; he will turn us out and we shall be discovered." In the end Const [[Const R Alexander|Alexander]] lent me the money to pay for the house.
I had taken forcible possession of the house; it was had been abandoned. ([[Royal Commission report day 32 page 4|RC12131]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 8/7/1880 (3)|Argus8/7/80]])
About this time I got some threatening letters and I thought that they might come for me in the bush some where but I never thought that they would come for me at home. ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 12|RC13226]])
I believed that the police watch party was kept up at my home to show the police were doing something. ([[Royal Commission report day 32 page 2|RC12113]])
One of my brothers used to stay with us. ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 20|RC13381]])
About 2am on the morning of [[events 1880-4/ 1880-6|21 June]] Paddy [[Patrick Byrne|Byrne]] came for a ride very close to where the police were watching his mother's home. Two or three days afterwards he came round to the back of my place, and took stock of the place. ([[Royal Commission report day 17 page 2|RC4721]])
On about [[events 1880-4/ 1880-6|24/6/1880]] I went into Beechworth and had a few drinks. [[Ian Jonesat KellyGang|Ian Jones]] in his book 'The Friendship that destroyed Ned Kelly' tells a story about a hotel called The Vine and a lady called Maggie who was [[Joe Byrne|Joe Byrne]]'s girl. Perhaps he's right. I don't know.
I told Const [[Const Armstrong|Armstrong]] that the '''KellyGang''' were in the ranges between the Rose River and [[Gippsland|Gippsland]], and that there was a fifth man, unknown to the police, supplying them with provisions. They may come round here once in three months, or they may not come. I have seen or known nothing of them since they passed on the way to [[Jerilderie|Jerilderie]]. I was talking to Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]] and Steve [[Steve Hart|Hart]] then;" and it is also Armstrong's opinion that they never trusted me after I refused to go to Jerilderie.
At about this time Armstrong asked me why I lied to Ass Com Hare and the senior police officers? I said, "Well, I must use a little policy. I am as true as you are; I am just working for the pay I am getting for my wife; I am as true as you are. I would take some other calling if I were dismissed from the service of the police. I am getting 7s. a day."([[Royal Commission report day 32 page 8|RC12200]])
I told [[Ellen Sherritt|Belle]] that I would turn a Catholic just the night before I was shot. It was on Friday night. I said I would get the horses next day and come up to the Catholic chapel at Beechworth. ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 15|RC13290]])
The Royal Commission reviewed the conduct of the police search party and in part concluded 'Whatever suspicions there may have been engendered in the minds of the outlaws as regards Aaron Sherritt's treachery towards them previously, the fact of his harboring the police in his hut was sufficient to seal his doom' ([[Royal Commission second Report Part XIV ( page 20)|RC2nd reportXIV]])
'''My Death on [[ev80-06-28Glenrowan|26/6/1880]]''' I went to [[Chiltern|Chiltern]] in the morning looking in the town pound for some of my mother in law, Mrs [[Mrs Ellen Barry|Barry]]'s cattle
[[Ellen Sherritt|Belle]], my [[Mrs Ellen Barry|mother in law]] and I were having tea at home at about 6.30 pm. Consts [[Const Armstrong|Armstrong]], [[Const R Alexander|Alexander]], [[Const W Duross|Duross]] and [[Const T Dowling|Dowling]] were asleep in our bedroom. see also ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 20|RC13386]]) ([[The Argus at KellyGang 6/8/1880|Argus6/8/80]])
There was a knock on the door. See also ([[The Argus|Argus28/6/80]]) ([[The Argus (4)|Argus29/6/80]]) ([[Sydney Morning Herald (37)|SMH6/7/80]]) ([[The Ovens and Murray Advertiser (2)|OMA27/4/81]]) ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 10 page 4|FH]]) ([[The True of Bushrangers Chapter 17 page 3|CHC]])
When I came to the door Anton [[Anton Weekes|Weekes]] mentioned something about losing his way, and he asked me if he would come out and show him the road ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 12|RC13230]]) see also ([[Royal Commission report day 32 page 4|RC12139]])
Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]] had a few words with me before he shot me. ([[The Argus|Argus29/6/80]])([[The Argus (20)|Argus1/7/80]])([[Kilmore Free Press at KellyGang 1/7/1880|Kilmore1/7/1880]])
According to Pat [[Patrick Allen|Allen]] Joe shot me with double-barrelled rifle that had belonged to Sgt [[Kennedy Sgt|Kennedy]]. I had two bullets in me ([[Cookson, 04_09_1911_2|BWC]])
Both my brother Jack and I wore a lot of Ward's clothes; in fact, they used to wear a lot of the same clothes. ([[Royal Commission report day 45 page 23|RC15703]]) ([[Royal Commission report day 45 page 23|RC15736]])
The suit of clothes I was shot in, coat, and pants, and everything else were given to me by Det [[Ward|Ward]]. ([[Royal Commission report day 45 page 23|RC15740]])
On the afternoon after I was shot my home filled with over 100 people who were interested to see what happened. ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 19|RC13368]])
As soon as my death was reported, the press told the world about my work for the police. That made it very difficult for my family. ([[The Argus|Argus]] 28/6/80) ([[The Argus (13)|Argus]] 29/6/80)
After my body was brought to Beechworth it was identified by Anton [[Anton Weekes|Weekes]] at the [[!!FIXME \places\plA_B\beechwT2.html|!!MISSING]].
Const [[Const Arthur|Arthur]] told the Royal Commision why he thought Joe Byrne shot me. ([[Royal Commission report day 28 page 8|RC11110]]) See also ([[Royal Commission report day 13 page 1|RC2759]])
The Rev JG [[Beechworth|Mackie]] read the burial service at my funeral ([[Ovens & Murray Advertiser (19)|OMA29/6/80]])
see also ([[The Argus at KellyGang 8/7/1880 (2)|Argus8/7/80]]) ([[The Complete Inner History of the KellyGang and their Pursuers (56)|JJK]])
'''Inquest into my death''' Mr Foster came out and saw the scene the day after I died.
While Mr [[Foster|Foster]] was there, one of the constables stooped down and pointed to the left eye of my corpse and said, "That is where he got his death wound." Mr Foster learned at the inquest that I received two shots; one entered just above the collar bone and passed backwards through my body, the other went in just above the navel and broke two ribs and went through my kidney. Mr Foster took that to be the second shot, and I fell back then. I had no wound in the head at all, but it looked just as if that was where I had been shot, as my head was covered with blood. ([[Royal Commission report day 37 page 18|RC13363]]) See also ([[The Melbourne Daily Telegragh (7)|MDTel29/6/80]]) ([[The Argus (11)|Argus29/6/80]]) ([[Ovens & Murray Advertiser (18)|OMA29/6/80]])([[Melbourne Daily Telegraph (3)|MDTel1/7/80]]) ([[Ovens and Murray Advertiser (4)|OMA1/7/80]]) ([[The Argus (33)|Argus2/7/80]])
The magisterial inquiry was held into my death was held on [[ev80-06-28Glenrowan|28]] and 30 June 1880 at Beechworth police court before Mr [[Foster|Foster]] , PM, and a jury consisting of '''George Dennett,''' Groom of Ford Street, '''William Newson''', '''Patrick [[Patrick Allen|Allen]]''' (foremen), '''Michael Dodd,''' Saddler of Food Street, '''Joseph Wertheim''' Publican, '''Ralph Hall''', [[../peH_J/IngramJ.html|'''James Ingram''']] Booksellers & Stationers of Camp Street '''John Nerastis''', '''Samuel Broadfoot,''' Tailor of Holmes Creek, '''Louis L Sanderson''', '''James Ward''' and '''William Murdoch'''. Before this my body was stored at the The Vine hotel. There [[Anton Weekes|Anton Weekes]] identified my body and '''William Dobbyn''' performed a post mortem on me ([[The Age (17)|Age1/7/80]]) ([[The Last of the Bushrangers Chapter 13 page 7|FH]])
My [[Mrs Ellen Barry|mother in law]] and [[Ellen Sherritt|wife]] gave evidence of the night when my friend Joe [[Joe Byrne|Byrne]] came to my home and shot me. They also told the court about the police dealt with them and pushed them under the bed. Anton [[Anton Weekes|Weekes]] told the jury how he met up with Joe Byrne. Const [[Const Armstrong|Armsrtong]] told the story from the police side. This was supported by evidence from Const [[Const R Alexander|Alexander]].
At the end of all this evidence the jury said they were quite satisfied as to the cause of my death. One of the jury stated that in his opinion the surviving member of the gang ought to be present when the verdict was given. Mr [[Foster|Foster]] said he could not adjourn the inquiiry for that purpose.
'''The following verdict was returned''':- 'That the deceased Aaron Sherritt, in the colony of Victoria, on the 26th day of June 1880, from gunshot wounds, received of Joseph Byrne, and that such wounds were inflicted by the said Joseph Byrne on the said Aaron Sherritt, with intent to kill the said Aaron Sherritt, thereby feloniously, wilfully and of his malice aforethought to kill and murder; and that Daniel Kelly aided and abetted the said Joseph Byrne in the murder of the said Aaron Sherritt.' After the jury had been discharged the foreman mentioned to several person within the court that there were eleven in favour of adding a rider in favour of adding a rider to the effect that the police did all that could be expected of them under the circumstances.([[The Age (14)|Age 1/7/80]]) ([[The Argus (13)|Argus29/6/80]])
See what happened to Patrick Allen's statement about the police ([[Ovens and Murray Advertiser (12)|OMA6/7/80]])
'''Later''' My wife had to sell my house at the Woolshed, which has subsequently been dismantled, and only get £1 for it. ([[The Ovens and Murray Advertiser (2)|OMA26/4/81]])
The Royal Commission visited the site of my house, where I was murdered ([[The Argus at KellyGang 22/7/1881 (2)|Argus22/7/81]])
'''What happened to the Sherritt family''' My [[Ellen Sherritt|wife]] lost our child and she remaried KellyGang
[[Category:People]] [[Category:People starting with S-T]] [[Category:Aaron Sherritt]] [[Category:Police agent]] [[Category:history]]
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