Born : October 31st 1856, East Grinstead, Sussex. 1877 : Joined
the Metropolitan Police, warrant number 61230. Before joining the police
he worked as a sawyer.
1888 : By the time of time of the ripper murders he was a Sergeant
in J Division (Bethnal Green).
1903 : Arrested George Chapman.
1908 : Retired with the rank of Inspector.
1941 : Jul 20 - Died.
When Godley arrested George Chapman the then retired Inspector Abberline
is reputed to have said "You have caught Jack the Ripper at last"
or words to that effect.
Source:
Begg, Fido, and Skinner. The Jack the Ripper A-Z.