George William STEEL was born in 1825 in England to George Steel, a cab driver. They lived at 2 New Pye Street Westminster, a notorious slum area known as "Devils Acre". He was 5ft 4in tall with dark hair and hazel eyes. He had a long sallow face, a mark near the right ear and weighed 9 stone 2 lb. His trade was Whitesmith (tinsmith) and he could read and write but not well.
George, in company with two other men had assaulted a Mr Hennesy with a bludgeon, commonly called a life preserver and then had taken from him six shillings and a half sovereign, also a pocket handkerchief and a book. Mr Hennesy had been visiting the publican of the "George and Ball" in Orchard Street but was described as being quite sober. He was proceeding down Broad Sanctuary at midnight when set upon by George and the two other men. It was stated during the trial that the men had sometimes been seen at the "George and Ball" themselves. George hit Mr Hennesy three times with the "life preserver" and Mr Henessy was taken to the Westminster hospital, bleeding and unconcious, by passers by and stayed there a number of days. George and his accomplice had been in custody before this time, one for passing base coin and the other for assault and robbery in a brothel. George Steel was sentenced on 23rd August 1849 to be transported for 20 years.
He was sent to Pentonville prison from Newgate prison on 27th September 1849. His behaviour was described as good and he did not suffer solitary confinement. On the 1st July he was transferred to Portland prison. He stayed there a further six months until 28th December 1850 when he was sent on the ship "Mermaid" to Western Australia. The "Mermaid" set sail from Portsmouth. George came on board with 115 other Portland prisoners wearing plain worsted hats. He carried a parcel of regulation clothing containing several shirts, a smock, trousers, drawers, stockings, shoes, handkerchiefs, braces, brush and a comb, towel and a cap. The prisoners quarters were between decks. Each side of the deck was fitted with two rows of bunks so George had his own sleeping place separated from his neighbour by a board ten inches high. The berth was furnished with a matress, a pillow, and two blankets. He had to get out of bed at 6 o'clock, roll up his bed ready to be taken on deck at quarter past six. Bread was served out at between 6 and 7 o'clock, breakfast was ready at quarter to eight. All prisoners went on deck at 9 o'clock. He was employed at making up grey clothing and duck trouseres. Dinner was at 12 o'clock and supper at 4 o'clock. The prison was locked at half past five and George had to be in bed by 8 o'clock. Smoking was forbidden. Soap was only allowed for shaving, utensils were provided for this twice a week. During the warm and sultry weather salt water baths were provided and each man bathed at four in the morning.
On 22nd February two fiddlers were given their violins and henceforth the prisoners were allowed to listen to the music on deck after tea. This was accompanied by dancing, singing, hooting and clapping from the prisoners. It appears that the ladies also made an appearance at these gatherings. At six the men were ordered below decks.
George arrived in Western Australia on 17th May 1851. His convict number was 282. He was granted his ticket of leave on 1st September 1853, a little over two years since setting foot in Australia. On 5th February 1854 he married Anne Lowham in the Wesley Chapel, Perth. They had four children, George William, John Phillip, Ann Maria and Lydia. George continued to work at his trade of Whitesmith in Perth and on 10th July 1858 he was granted a conditional pardon. He died on 11th November 1865 of a diseased heart and is buried in the East Perth Cemetary. With him is buried Emma, the young daughter born to his wife on her second marriage. Their headstone still stands.