Williamstown’s Jasper Jones
March 4, 2008
A query from Kim about a relative called William Fagg “Jasper” Jones.
“I am currently researching my family history. There is one gentleman by the name of William Fagg Jones, otherwise known as Jasper Jones, who played with the Williamstown Football Club in the 1880’s and 1890’s. He was captain in 1888/89. He also received a medal during his time with Williamstown, though I do not know what it was for.
I was wondering, during your research, if you have come across Jasper Jones and any information relating to him and his playing days. Any information or tid-bits would be greatly appreciated.”
Reply
Dear Kim,
Jasper Jones was arguably Williamstown’s greatest player in the nineteenth century. He was captain in 1888-1889 and vice captain in 1886 & 1891. He kicked 27 goals for Williamstown and one (famous) goal for Carlton when he played for the Blues during the 1887 season and became part of a very good premiership side.
Jaspers Jones’ famous long goal was a 60-yard drop-kick that was scored against Fitzroy on August 13, 1887 while he was playing with Carlton.
Jasper Jones represented Williamstown in its first year as a club in the VFA. I have not come across his name playing for Williamstown before this time (when the club was a Junior team).
This is the best record I have on Jasper’s games record:
1885 14-16
1886 20-22
1887 16-18 (with Carlton) + 1 game for Victoria.
1888 19
1889 20
1890 12
1891 15
1892 -
1893 15
Total 131-137 games.
In 1892 Jones played for juniors North Williamstown (this may have had something to do with the appointment of “Barkley” Jones as Williamstown captain in that year. This suggests Jasper was not very happy about it – nor was the rest of the team!).
All the best.
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