Free Settler or Felon
Convict and Colonial History




Convict Ship York - 1831


Embarked: 200 men
Voyage: 156 days
Deaths: 2
Surgeon's Journal: yes
Previous vessel: Burrell arrived 19 December 1830
Next vessel: Edward arrived 22 February 1831
Captain Daniel Leary.
Surgeon Campbell France
Prisoners of the York identified in the Hunter Valley region

The York was fitted out at Deptford in the summer of 1830 to receive on board 200 male convicts for transportation to New South Wales. The convicts were tried in counties in England, Wales and Scotland - Montgomery, Glamorgan, Carnarvon, Monmouth, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Stirling, Perth, Inverness, Anglesey Bristol, Norfolk, Middlesex, Lancaster, York, Gloucester, Warwick, Derby, Durham, Kent, Nottingham, London, Bedford, Surrey, Cumberland, Suffolk, Huntingdon, Stafford, Chester, Lincoln, Worcester and a court-martial at Knightsbridge Barracks

Campbell France kept a Medical Journal from 11 August 1830 to 19 February 1831

Military Guard

On the 17 August the soldiers of the Guard were embarked consisting of 40 non-commissioned soldiers of the 17th regiment under the command of Lieut-Col Despard, accompanied by seven women and five children. Lieut-Colonel Despard's wife and family arrived as passengers, as well as Ensign Owen, Anne Forster and C. Donohue, servant to Mrs. Despard.

The detachment generally appeared in good health, being mostly young men with the exception of those men of the Band of the Regiment.

Convicts Embarked

On the 24th August the ship having previously dropped down the river to Woolwich, thirty convicts from the Dolphin and fifty from the Ganymede hulks were received on board. On 27th August thirty convicts were received at Sheerness from the Retribution hulk and thirty boys from the Euryalus at Chatham. On 28th August sixty men were embarked from the Cumberland hulk at Chatham completing the number to 200 convicts.

According to the surgeon, all were in apparent good health, but many looked ill and debilitated from confinement and previous dissipation. Before the ship left Sheerness a young man Henry Hoes, a private soldier aged 28 was attacked with convulsions which continued in successive fits with great severity. He was sent to the military hospital Chatham.

Departure

The sailing order was received on the 4th September. In going down the Channel they encountered strong westerly winds with heavy seas causing much sea sickness. As the winds continued the ship put into Spithead where they were detained until 29th September. On this day the winds were once more favourable and they departed Spithead although in the channel they experienced contrary winds until the 6th October.

The Voyage

In his General Remarks Campbell France reported that the voyage was generally favourable and there were few cases of a serious nature. A total of 118 were admitted to the sick list throughout the voyage but most were of a slight nature. The ship remained at Teneriffe for two days where both meat and vegetables were received on board and the water supply was completed.

On the 3rd November convict William Garett aged 30 died suddenly. As there was no convenient place to examine the body cause of death was not ascertained. On the 16th October John Hayes age 17 also died. These were the only fatal cases that occurred.

The Surgeon reported: As is usual in these ships the convicts were kept as much on deck as possible in the day time, and in warm weather a certain number bathed every morning. The between decks and the men's berths were kept clean and dry in fine weather constantly ventilated with the windsail and in moist damp weather the stoves were in constant use for the same purpose. The weather during the voyage was in general moderate and favourable. In August it was fine and dry in September strong westerly winds and much wet cloudy weather, thermometer ranging from 60° to 70° - in October weather also cloudy and wet - November was generally fine and moderate excepting in the middle of the month there were several days of wet weather, with strong winds. Thermometer from 70° to 84°. The beginning of the month of December was fine and dry towards the end strong gales and wet cloudy weather, thermometer from 70° to 62° degrees. In January 1831 and the beginning of February strong winds with hazy weather and occasional wet days. Thermometer from 57° to 62 °. [1]

Port Jackson

The York arrived in Port Jackson on 7 February 1831 with 198 male prisoners. According to the Surgeon, the convicts and soldiers were all landed at Sydney in better general appearance and health than when they embarked on board the York in England.

Convict Muster

A muster was held on board on 10th February by the Colonial Secretary. 196 men were mustered, two having died on the voyage and two had been sent to the hospital at Sydney on arrival. The indents reveal details such as name, age, religion, education, marital status, family, trade, offence, when and where tried, previous convictions, sentence, physical description and where and to whom the prisoners were assigned on arrival. There are also occasional notes regarding colonial crimes, deaths and pardons.

Disembarking

The Band of the 17th Regiment was landed on Wednesday 9th February 1831, and the prisoners were landed Friday 18th February. It was reported that among them were a considerable number of strong healthy labourers accustomed to agriculture as well as several good mechanics and tradesmen. The burthen of the York was 478 tons. The Sydney Gazette remarked that this was not the old York but was built in the year 1819 at Southwick in Durham. Captain Leary, the commander, was considered an old and respected visitor to the colony.

Assignment

The younger convicts were sent to the Carter's Barracks. The men were assigned privately or sent to work on Roads and Bridges, the Dockyard, or to Hyde Park Barracks on arrival.

Those sent to the Hunter Valley were assigned to the following settlers - John Kelly, William Sparke, William Dumaresq, Hugh Cameron, John Thomson, Robert and Helenus Scott, Archibald, Little, George Townshend. W.H. Warland, John Laurio Platt, Charles Boydell, William Dun, Robert Coram Dillon, John Black, John Hillier, Richard Stubbs, John Earl, James Phillips, Alexander Warren and James McDougall

Notes From The Indents

William Archer was punished several times over for colonial crimes. He was sent to Norfolk Island.
William Barnadier died at Bathurst 18 November 1831
Charles Bigg was assigned to John Kelly at Newcastle on arrival. He died at Newcastle 26 September 1832
Samuel Batley from Leeds was killed by a strike of lightening at Bathurst 23 December ?1839
William Braidwood age 23 and John Braidwood age 24 from Edinbrough were brothers
Matthew Baillie from Glasgow died at Goulburn 7 June 1855
John Crawley - Sister Julia Crawley came on the Louisa 4 years previously
John Doyle from Middlesex - Hanged in Sydney on 18 September 1834 for highway robbery
Joseph Evans drowned in attempting to cross the Namoi River 1838
George Foggatt - Died in Newcastle Gaol Hospital
James Goodman age 61 and Thomas Goodman age 16 were father and son.
Alexander Gunn age 16 - Brother John Gunn came to colony 18 month previously
Thomas Hunt age 43 and Thomas Hunt jun., father and son
James Heywood from Manchester transported as James Eaton to VDL on the Globe in 1819. Went home by the Wanstead in 1828
James Horges age 57 from Isle of Wight. Died in Windsor Hospital 14 December 1836
John Johnson alias Scott from Durham. Attorney 's Clerk. No place of assignment given. Later Sent to Norfolk Island
Edward Luckhurst - Father in law William Morgan sailed in June 1830
James Leary - Died in Cox's River Hospital 1 December 1837
William Lovell - Remains found in the bush September 1831
Thomas Mowbury - Died at Sydney 1st March 1831
Donald Macdonald died at Liverpool Hospital March 10th 1833
John Roberts - Assigned to Richard Clarke at Hunter River on arrival. Hanged at Sydney for a crime at Paterson Plains September 1831
Thomas Rook - Brother Edward Rook came 9 years previously
Thomas Henry Sley. Assignedto Alexander McLeod at Ratagan on arrival. Died in Maitland district 13 September 1845
Thomas Saunders died in Newcastle Hospital 1 July 1835
Henry Wright Smith died in Newcastle Hospital 21 March 1838
James Shaw - Sister in law Ellen Hunt came free
George Waller from Gloucester. Father in law James Cole came 16 years previously

Departure From Sydney

The York departed Sydney in April 1831 in company with the Edward under Captain Gilbert. The following passengers; viz. Major Hunt, Captain Brown and Lady, Lieutenants George Edwards, Alexander, and Edmund Lockyer, Paymaster G. H. Green and family, 9 serjeants, 12 drummers, 7 corporals, 132 privates, 15 women, and 39 children, of His Majesty's 57th regiment, and Lieutenant Malin of the 13th regiment, and family, bound for Madras.

Grave fears were held for the York after it was later reported by Captain Gilbert that there must have been a mutiny on board, however the reports were unfounded and the York soon returned safely to Sydney having encountered violent storms.

The York departed again in July. Lieutenant George Edwards kept a journal of the voyage from Botany Bay to Madras beginning on 19th July when the York departed in company with the North Briton..............

Journal of George Edwards

George Edwards [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons (Click to enlarge)

Notes and Links

1). Isaac Ray arrived as a convict on the York. The State Library of Victoria hold correspondence written by him from Appin in 1831.......Contents/Summary: Letter of Isaac Ray, written from Appin, N.S.W., to his parents in Britain, 23 November, 1831. Includes description of economic conditions. He mentions a petition for his release, which his parents were going to organise. Isaac Ray obtained his freedom in July, 1838, after having been in the service of Hamilton Hume. He was then a Commission Agent in Sydney and also spent three years on the California goldfields. He returned to Sydney, made some money on the Victorian goldfields, and built a hotel in Dunolly, Victoria, which was later destroyed by fire. He also had associations with Maryborough and Ararat.

2). Convict John Roberts was executed for murder in 1831.

3). Convict Alexander Munro later settled in Singleton

4). Prisoners and passengers of the York identified in the Hunter Valley

5). Campbell France was also surgeon on the convict ships Asia in 1828 (VDL) Mary Ann in 1835, John Barry in 1839 and the King William in 1840.

6). Return of Convicts of the York assigned between 1st January 1832 and 31st March 1832 (Sydney Gazette 14 June 1832; 21 June 1832; 28 June 1832; 5 July 1832).....

James Cropper - Stone cutter and setter assigned to Captain Rossi in Sydney
George Foggert - Sawyer assigned to William Dumaresq at St. Hillier's
James Goodman - Carter and soldier assigned to Henry Hart at Liverpool Road
Alexander Gunn - Baker assigned to Maurice Townshend at Wollombi
John Holyburton - Ploughs. Assigned to Rev. T. Reddall at Campbelltown
John Johnston - Knife boy assigned to J.H. Hart in Sydney
George Lewis - Methodist preacher and sawyer. Assigned to Lieut. Colonel Dumaresq at Hunter's River
William Marshall - Iron founder. Assigned to J. Prescott at Sydney
William O'Neill - Shoemaker assigned to Dr. Wardell at Petersham

7). Convict Ships bringing detachments of the 17th regiment........

Dunvegan Castle departed Sheerness 30 September 1829 - Lieut. John Grey

Katherine Stewart Forbes departed Spithead 14 October 1829 - Major Fairtclough 63rd regt.,

Mermaid departed Sheerness 5 December 1829- Lieutenant Isaac Blackburn

Forth 1 departed Cork 1 January 1830 - Captain James Oliphant Clunie

Nithsdale departed Sheerness 1 January 1830 - Captain Robert G. Moffatt

Lady Feversham departed Portsmouth 8 April 1830 - Lieutenant Harvey 29th regt.,

Marquis of Huntley departed Sheerness 9 April 1830 Lieutenant Watson 20th regt.,

Adrian departed Portsmouth 27 April 1830 - Ensign Reynolds

Lord Melville departed the Downs 6 June 1830 - Lieutenant Robert Graham

Hercules departed Dublin 3 July 1830 - Major J.W. Bouverie

Royal Admiral departed Portsmouth 5 July 1830 - Captain John Church

Burrell departed Plymouth 27 July 1830 - Captain John Alexander Edwards

Andromeda departed Cork 28 August 1830 - Captain Charles Forbes

York departed Sheerness 4 September 1830- Lieut-Col. Henry Despard

Edward departed Cork 17 October 1830 - Captain Deeds

Eliza II departed Cork 10 May 1832 - Lieutenant Hewson 4th regiment


Prisoners of the York identified in the Hunter region:

Archer, William
William Archer, age 22. Fisherman from Sculthorpe, tried at Lynn 21 April 1828, he was sentenced to 7 years transportation for shop breaking. On arrival in the colony he was assigned to William Sparke at Hunter River. In August 1833 while assigned to Sparke he was found guilty of theft and sent to Norfolk Island 23 January 1834. Having performed several daring rescues he was released from servitude at Norfolk Island and sailed for Sydney, a free man. He became Mayor of Grafton in 1861. His life story as told by John Small was published in the Tweed and Brunswick Advocate in 1889 and was advertised as a thrilling narrative of the Life and Adventures of William Archer during ten years penal servitude on Norfolk Island and a brief sketch of his sufferings and privations on the Hunter River, together with a graphic account of his trial and the incidents leading up thereto in which the ancestors of some of the most prominent public men in NSW took part. William Archer died at Woodford Island aged 88 in 1891. His wife Ellen nee Welch died at Grafton in October 1903. Read his life story here


Batley, Samuel
Samuel Batley, age 18. Carter and cloth dresser from Leeds, was sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing soap. He was assigned to W.H. Warland at Hunter River on arrival. He was killed by lightning at Bathurst..


Bell, James
James Bell age 23. Labourer from Glasgow. Tried 9 April 1830. Sentenced to 7 years for house breaking. Assigned to George Townshend at Paterson on arrival


Bennett, James
James Bennett, age 16. Jeweller from Birmingham. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing a handkerchief. Assigned to John Laurio Platt at Hunter River on arrival. On 7 November 1831 while still assigned to John Platt, he was sent to Newcastle gaol from Newcastle under sentence of 3 days solitary confinement for drunkenness. On 26 January 1832 he was admitted to Sydney gaol from Windsor and to be sent to Wallis Plains to be dealt with. On 16 February 1832 he was sent to Newcastle gaol from Maitland under sentence of one month solitary confinement. He was returned to his master Lieut. Wood in Maitland on 19 March 1832. In September 1836 he absconded from service of John Galt Smith at Paterson and was apprehended in October at Parramatta and returned to Paterson. He was sent to Newcastle gaol 8 September 1836


Biggs, Charles
Age 26. Wire drawer from London. Sentenced to 14 years transportation for fraud. Assigned to John Hillier at Newcastle on arrival where he was employed on Hillier's farm. He absconded from there in May 1831. He died at Newcastle 26 September 1832


Brown, John
Age 30 from Fifeshire. Ploughs, reaps, milks, shears. Tried at Stirling 29 March 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing clothes from a barn. Assigned to Archibald Little on arrival. Note - missing the point of left thumb and first and second fingers altogether. He was sent to Parramatta gaol from Windsor in December 1838, from there to an ironed gang


Buckton, George
Age 21, widower, 5ft 6 3/4in. Ruddy fair complexion, fair hair, and grey eyes with a small scar between his eyebrows and a horizontal scar over right eye. Also a scar at left corner of lower lip. Ploughs, reaps, sows, milks and shears. Tried 23 February 1830 at Durham Assizes and sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing wheat. Sent to Newcastle gaol in 1832 on a charge of robbery. He was in service to William Sparke in September 1835 when he was charged with disorderly conduct. he was admonished and discharged When his son George was born in January 1843 George and his wife Margaret were residing at Maitland


Burton, Phillip
Age 20. Gamekeeper from Lynn. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for house breaking. Assigned to Charles Boydell at Paterson Plains on arrival . Sent to Newcastle gaol on a charge of receiving stolen property in 1832. Charged with allowing a fence to burn down by neglect at West Maitland in 1846. He was sentenced to 3 months hard labour or to pay a fine which he did after being admitted to Newcastle gaol


Cheetham, James
Age 17. Plaisterer for two and a half years. Native place Grantham. Tried at Nottingham 21 April 1830. Sentenced to 14 years transportation for stealing clothes. Assigned to Dept. Public Works on arrival. He absconded from service of Robert Lethbridge at Parramatta in February 1833. In April 1836 he absconded from Captain King at Maitland.


Clarke, John
Age 19. Native place Gloucester. Ploughs, reaps, milks. Tried at Gloucester 20 April 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing clothes. Assigned to John Thomson at Dartbrook on arrival. Granted at Ticket of Leave for the district of Invermein in March 1835


Clarke, Thomas
Age 23. Native place Manchester. Packer and carter. Tried at Manchester 26 April 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for house breaking. Assigned to William Dumaresq on arrival


Cooper, William
Age 36. Sawyer for three and a half years. Native place Lincoln. Tried at Chesterfield 13 July 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing cloth. Assigned to Robert and Helenus Scott at Glendon on arrival. Sent to Newcastle gaol from Patrick Plains in July to be sent for trial at the Quarter Sessions. Sent to Maitland for trial 1 August. Sent to Newcastle gaol from Maitland for 3 months hard labourer in February 1837. Sent to Newcastle gaol from Wollombi in December 1842 on suspicion of being illegally at large. Sent to Hyde Park Barracks.


Cordery, William
Age 15. Shop boy from Acton. Tried at London 15 April 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing rabbits. Assigned to James Glennie at Hunter River on arrival. Sentenced to 50 lashes for neglect in losing sheep in December 1833. Sent to Newcastle gaol from Sydney in March 1835 as a runaway. To be returned to Patrick Plains to be dealt with


Crawford, John
Age 26. Widower. Draper and soldier from Co. Down. Tried at Maidstone 15 December 1828. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing shoes. Assigned to Hugh Cameron at Hunter River on arrival. In February 1833 charged with absconding....Donald McPhee states - I am sheep overseer to Mr. McIntyre. Last Wednesday morning about ten o'clock the prisoner came to the sheep station at Gundy Gundy and gave himself up to me stating he was a bushranger. I took him in charge and sent a man for a constable to bring him to the lock up....The Bench find the prisoner guilty and sentence him to receive fifty lashes and to be returned to his master. In May 1833 he was charged with neglect of duty and sentenced him to 25 lashes. He absconded from service of Hugh Cameron in May 1834 for the second time and robbed Captain Dumaresq. He became part of a notorious bushranging gang led by John McDonald. He was described in January 1835...Crawford the other bushranger wore a fustian shooting jacket and trousers, half boots, and a straw hat, five feet nine inches in height, of swarthy complexion, stout made, and stooped much with his head forward; about 30 years of age.


Crawley, John
Age 18. Knife boy from London. Tried 27 May 1830 and sentenced to transportation for life for cutting and maiming. Large dark heavy mark on left arm. Assigned to Archibald Mosman in Sydney on arrival. Sister Julia Crawley arrived as a prisoner on the Louisa in 1827


Creed, Thomas
Age 19. Groom from Middlesex. Tried in London 15 April 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing copper. Assigned to Archibald Little at Upper Minto. Granted a ticket of Leave for the district of Invermein in June 1835. Sent to Newcastle gaol in May 1836 on a charge of neglect of duty. Assigned to Henry Bishop Butler at Maitland in November 1836


Dawson, Edward
Age 25. Married with 3 children. Ploughs, milks, reaps. Native place Herefordshire. Tried at Bedford 13 July 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing pigeons. Assigned to Rev. Sharpe at Hawkesbury on arrival . Granted a ticket of leave for the district of Maitland in December 1834. Employed by Edward Sparke senior at Maitland in 1836. Found to be absent from his district in May 1836 and sent to Newcastle gaol. Assigned to William Sparke at Webland Park in June 1836


Dickson, William
Age 27, native of Edinburgh. Stonemason, tried 14 June 1830 and sentenced to 14 years transportation for house breaking. One previous conviction of 6 months. Assigned to Dept. Public Works on arrival. Granted a Ticket of leave for Brisbane Water district in March 1841 which was cancelled in April 1843 for drunkenness and dishonesty


Dutton, Samuel
Carter from Coventry. Tried at Warwick 13 July 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing tin. Assigned to Richard Jones in Sydney on arrival. Assigned to Richard Jones at Cassilis in 1836


Evans, Joseph
Joseph Evans, age 25. Brass founder from Birmingham.. Tried at London 27 May 1830. Sentenced to Death for feloniously breaking and entering the dwelling house of George Cooper Page and stealing a watch valued at 2 pounds. Pale freckled complexion, brown hair, hazel grey eyes. Sentence commuted to transportation. Assigned to Charles Driver at Bong Bong on arrival. Assigned to Alexander Ellison Dare at Patrick Plains in 1836. Note - drowned in attempting to cross the Namoi River in 1838


Ferguson, James
Age 29. Farrier for 7 years, coachman and groom for 4 years. Native place Northumberland. Married with 1 child. Tried at Edinburgh 25 January 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for obtaining a gig under false pretences. Assigned to Mr. McQuoid in Sydney on arrival. In 1837, free, employed by Col. Henry Dumaresq at Invermein


Foggatt, George
George Foggatt age 21. Married with 1 child. Sawyer for 7 years. Native place Barnwell. Tried in London 27 May 1830. Sentence of Death for feloniously breaking and entering the dwelling house of Bartholomew Manley at St. Luke. In defence the prisoner stated that his accuser James Manley had 'a spite' against him and often called him 'cock eye'. Assigned to Roads and Bridges Dept. on arrival. In February 1834 absconded from Capt. William Dumaresq at Invermein and apprehended in March. In September 1837 he was sent to Newcastle gaol for an assault with intent to commit grievous bodily harm and sentenced to 2 years in irons which he served at No. 3 Stockade at Newcastle, working on the break water. He was assigned to Helenus Scott when he died in the General Hospital at Newcastle 31 December 1840 aged 30


Furnace, Joseph
Joseph Furnace age 14. Errand boy from Cumberland. Tried at Carlisle 1 March 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing candlesticks. Assigned to Carters Barracks on arrival. He was assigned to Richard Jones at Cassilis in 1836. Granted a Certificate of Freedom in July 1837. In October 1839 sent to Newcastle gaol under sentence of 1 month confinement for absconding from hired service


Garland, Thomas
Waiter from Horsley down. Tried in London 27 May 1830. Age 17. Found guilty of stealing rings, a purse and money from his mistress Madame Eliza Lucy Vestris. Charles Garland, brother of Thomas Garland, found not guilty of receiving the stolen goods. He was assigned to Rev Wilton at Parramatta on arrival. Rev. Wilton was chaplain at the Orphanage at this time. Thomas Garland married Anne Jones a currency lass who was apprenticed to Rev. Wilton at Newcastle in April 1833. In November 1833 still assigned to Rev. Wilton at Newcastle Thomas was found guilty of disorderly conduct and sentenced to 50 lashes. He was assigned to Charles Boydell at Paterson in 1836. He was granted a Ticket of Leave for the district of Paterson in March 1842 and a Conditional Pardon in 1848. Thomas and Ann continued to live in the Paterson district where most of their children were born. He died at his residence Penshurst, Upper Paterson on 4 November 1883 aged 72 years leaving his wife, eight sons and two daughters, 65 grand children and 3 great grand children. Ann died at the residence of her son in law T. Pascoe at Allynbrook in August 1909. Read her obituary here


Goodman, James
James Goodman age 61. Native place Worcester. Carter and soldier. Tried at Stafford 29 July 1830. Sentenced to 14 years transportation for buying stolen property. Blind in right eye and nearly so in left eye. Right arm totally disabled. Unfit for assignment. Father of Thomas Goodman who arrived on the same vessel. Sent to Newcastle gaol Newcastle gaol from Port Stephens under sentence of 2 months hard labourer in July 1835. Returned to Port Stephens. Granted Ticket of Leave for the district of Port Stephens in 1838


Goodman, Thomas
Thomas Goodman age 16. Native place Stafford. Occupation carter. Tried at Stafford 29 July 1830. Offence buying stolen property. Assigned to Archibald Little at Upper Hunter on arrival. In March 1833 Ticket of leave suspended for six months having been found guilty of neglect of duty when he lost a parcel belonging to Francis Little. He was granted a Ticket of Leave for the district of Invermein in May 1837


Gunn, Alexander
Alias Hoy alias John Smith age 16. Baker from Edinboro. Tried 22 June 1829. Sentenced to 14 years transportation for picking pockets. Assigned to James Elder at Parramatta on arrival. Note - brother John Gunn in the colony about 18 months previously. Ticket of Leave holder aged 21 employed by W. J. Somerville at Merton in 1837


Hall, Thomas
Thomas Hall alias Raynor age 28. Native place Nottinghamshire. Carman. Tried 12 July 1830. Sentenced to 14 years transportation for stealing harness. Assigned to Archibald Bell at Richmond on arrival. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Invermein in 1838. In July 1845 Robert White per Surry and Thomas Hall per York admitted to Newcastle gaol from Murrurundi on a charge of having stolen several mares and horses belonging to Archibald Bell and also for having the same knowing them to be stolen. In August 1845 sent to Newcastle gaol to be sent for trial. Acquitted of the charge, his accomplice Robert White sentenced to 2 years in No. 3 Stockade at Newcastle.


Hawkins, Henry
Henry Hawkins age 19. Vertical jack maker from Warwickshire. Tried at Warwick 13 July 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing shoes. Assigned to James Robertson in Sydney on arrival. In July 1833 Thomas George per ship Andromeda, Henry Hawkins per ship York and Elijah Elliott per ship Andromeda, all assigned to James Robertson, charged with absconding... Alexander Broomfield states - I am stockman to Mr. Robertson; on Thursday last I apprehended the prisoner on Liverpool Plains and brought them down and delivered them up to Constable Thomas Dunn. The prisoners state in their defence that they were ill used by their master and that they had not receive proper rations. The Bench find the prisoners guilty and sentence them to 50 lashes each and to be returned to their master. Henry Hawkins was assigned to Merton district in 1836. Certificate of Freedom C39/1786


Haywood, James
Alias Eaton. Age 23. Shepherd from Manchester. Tried at Manchester 19 July 1830. Sentenced to transportation for life for picking pockets. Assigned to William Dunn at Patterson Plains on arrival. . In October 1831 Admitted to Newcastle gaol by Newcastle Bench. Returned to govt., as his master W. Dunn had no agent to receive him from hospital. Forwarded to the Bench for re-assignment 22 October. In February 1834 absconded from James Mudie description - sallow freckled compl., brown/grey hair; hazel eyes; nose flattened and inclined to right; perpendicular scar over (l) eye; 2 dark moles upper left arm. Note transported as James Eaton to VDL per Globe in 1819. Went home by the Wanstead in 1828


Higgins, William
Age 19. Labourer from Liverpool. Tried at Liverpool 18 January 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for house breaking. Assigned to Thomas Saunders at Prospect on arrival . Assigned to Robert Scott at Glendon in 1836


Holbrook, Thomas
Age 47. Married with 7 children. Ploughs, shepherd, reaps, milks. Native place Derbyshire. Tried at Chesterfield 13 July 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing meat. Assigned to Robert Coram Dillon at Hunter River on arrival. Granted ticket of leave for Maitland district in 1836. Sent to Newcastle gaol in May 1837, returned to government service, his ticket being cancelled. Granted a Certificate of Freedom in July 1837


Hunt, Thomas
Thomas Hunt the elder, age 43. Married with 8 children. Nailor, complete. Native place Derbyshire. Tried at Chesterfield 19 July 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing meat. Assigned to Capt. William Dumaresq on arrival. Father of Thomas Hunt age 22, who arrived on the same vessel. Held a ticket of leave for Maitland in 1837


Johnson, George
Age 20. Tried at Warwick 13 July 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for robbing a public house. Assigned to Henry Baldwin at Wilberforce . Assigned to Otto Baldwin at the Namoi River in 1837


Johnstone, William
Alias Longster. Age 55. Married with 5 children. Native place Yorkshire. Occupation seaman. Tried at London 15 April 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing boots. Assigned to Richard Brooks at Denham Court on arrival. T/L 35/809 Granted a ticket of leave for the district of Newcastle on recommendation of Port Macquarie Bench in October 1835


Jones, Samuel
Samuel Jones age 17. Carpenter for 12 months. Silk weaver and carpenter. Native place Manchester. Tried at London 3 December 1829. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing cheese. Assigned to Serjeant Smith in Castlereagh St. Sydney on arrival.
Granted a Ticket of Leave for the district of Merton in July 1835


Jones, William
William Jones age 20. Labourer, milks, reaps. Native place Denbighshire. Tried at Carnarvon 30 April 1829. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing clothes. Assigned to Richard Brooks at Denham Court on arrival. Sent to Newcastle gaol on a charge of highway robbery on 6 April 1841. Remanded. Sent to Newcastle gaol 27 April 1841 on a charge of disorderly conduct. Sent to Newcastle gaol gaol on 7 May 1841 on a charge of assault with intent to commit robbery. Sent for trial. Note - Norfolk Island. Certificate of Freedom 44/1456


Kelly, Robert
Robert Kelly age 20. Ploughs, reaps, sows and milks. Native place Martinique. Tried at Carlisle 1 March 1830. Sentenced to transportation for life for horse stealing. Assigned to James Busby in Sydney on arrival . Granted a ticket of leave for Cassilis in May 1840


Lamb, Robert
Sweep and farmer's boy age 17 from Westmorland. Tried at Carlisle in March 1830 and sentenced to Transportation for Life for house breaking. Assigned to Robert Coram Dillon at Hunter River on arrival . Absconded from Dillon in July 1832. In November 1832 sent to Newcastle gaol from Patterson Plains under sentence of 12 months in an iron gang at the pier. Granted a ticket of leave in May 1845. Married Mary Ann McLaren (ship Planter). Sent to Newcastle gaol from Singleton on a charge of being absent from service. Sentenced to 3 months confinement in April 1848


Lancaster, Thomas
Age 16. Native place London. Occupation Cane worker. Tried 27 May 1830 and sentenced to 7 years transportation for picking pockets. Assigned to William Dun at Paterson's Plains on arrival . In March 1833 assigned to William Forsyth at Invermein. Sentenced to 50 lashes for absconding when he failed to return to the farm in time after visiting the hospital


Lander, Henry
Nailor age 30. Tried at Chesterfield 13 July 1830 for stealing meat and sentenced to Transportation for 14 years. Assigned to John Black at Hunter River on arrival . Assigned to Thomas Steele at the same estate in 1837. Ticket of leave cancelled for improper conduct in July 1837Granted a ticket of leave for Patrick Plains In November 1839. Died at Lochinvar near Maitland in May 1847


Lewis, Rev. George
Methodist preacher and sawyer age 39 from Gloucestershire. Tried at Gloucestershire 13 July 1830 for obtaining goods under false pretences and sentenced to 7 years transportation. Assigned to the road and bridge department on arrival . In 1837 assigned to Col. Dumaresq at Invermein. At Muswellbrook in 1839 Correspondence from Magistrate Edward Denny Day to Principal Spt. of Convicts that the Certificate of Freedom that Lewis was entitled to two years previously had not been received by him, and requesting that it be forwarded at the earliest convenience to exempt Lewis from being arrested while seeking employment in the country


Lovell, William
William Lovell aged 15. Farmers boy from Preston. Tried at Warwick 27 March 1830. Sentenced to transportation for life for horse stealing. Assigned to John Hillier at Newcastle on arrival. Note - remains found in the bush September 1831


Lowe, John
Rough carpenter aged 45 from Gloucester. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing wood 27th August 1829. Granted a ticket of leave for Maitland in March 1835


Mayers, Thomas
Engraver and copper plate printer age 19 from Manchester. Tried in Manchester 26 April 1830 for stealing clothes and sentenced to 7 years Transportation. One prior conviction. Assigned to Michael Henderson at Hunter River on arrival. Ticket of leave holder at Raymond Terrace in 1836


McCune, John
Alias McEwen age 19. Tailor for 3 years. Native place Liverpool. Tried at Liverpool. 26 October 1829. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing cards. Assigned to Richard Stubbs at Port Stephens on arrival. Request may by Sir Edward Parry that McCune be re-assigned to the A. A. Company in November 1831. Attached to the iron gang at Newcastle and a patient in Newcastle hospital when Patrick McCormick was sentenced to 14 days solitary for employing McEwen to make a waistcoat while he was in the hospital


McFearns, Charles
Charles McFearns age 21. Weaver and postman from Glasgow. Tried at Glasgow 21 December 1829. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing iron pipe. Assigned to Alexander Warren at William River on arrival . Assigned to P. F. Campbell at Dungog in 1836


Miller, William
Age 17. Shoemaker for 2 years. Native place Edinburgh. Tried 24 May 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing clothes. Assigned to Hyde Park Barracks on arrival. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Scone in 1845


Munro, Alexander
Born in 1812 at Fort George, Scotland. Farmers boy from Inverness. Tried at Glasgow 9 April 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for house breaking. 5ft 3 1/2in. Ruddy freckled complexion, brown hair, bluish grey eyes. No marks. Assigned to John Brown at Darlington on arrival .Occupation Hotel Keeper, Grazier, Vigneron. Spouse Sophia Lovell. 'Alexander Munro was Singleton's first Mayor 1866 - 1869


Noble, John
Stable boy born in 1812 at Edingley, Nottingham, son of James Noble.. Tried at Chesterfield 13 July 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing clothes. Assigned to H. Bayley at Bayley Park on arrival. Married currency lass Mary Chilcott in June 1841 at Patrick Plains


Norton, John
John Norton age 34. Spadesman, reaps, sows. Married with 2 children. Native place Roscommon. Tried at Lancaster 6 March 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for manslaughter. Assigned to Cyrus Matthew Doyle at Hawkesbury on arrival . Granted a ticket of leave for Maitland in October 1835


O'Neil, William
William O Neil age 26. Widower with 4 children. Shoemaker, complete. Native place Limerick. Tried at Lancaster 6 March 1830. Sentenced to transportation for life for house breaking. Assigned to Hyde Park Barracks on arrival . Assigned to William Todhunter at Paterson in 1836


Parish, James
James Parish age 20. Ploughs, reaps and milks. Native place Hertfordshire. Tried in London 15 April 1830. Sentenced to transportation for life for house breaking. Assigned to Henry Incledon Pilcher on arrival. Absconded from Pilcher in September 1836 for the second time. Belonged to the East Maitland ironed gang when he died at Newcastle Hospital 9 February 1841 age 25


Phillips, Stephen
Stephen Phillips age 38. Ploughs, milks, reaps and sows. Married with six children. Native place Gloucestershire. Tried at Gloucester 13 July 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing wheat. Assigned to Surgeon Campbell France on arrival . Assigned to Charles Boydell at Paterson in 1836.


Pople, James
James Pople age 18. Native place Bristol. Carters boy. Tried at Bristol 19 April 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing poultry. Assigned to James Busby in Sydney on arrival. Assigned to Roemer and Ferris at Cassilis in 1836


Powell, Isaac
Age 21. Ploughs, reaps, milks, sows. Native place Gloucestershire. Tried at Gloucester 13 July 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for house breaking. Assigned to James Phillips at Paterson on arrival. In 1836 assigned to Rev. Wilton at Newcastle. Married Anne Fox at Newcastle in April 1838. Granted a Certificate of Freedom in 1841


Price, Henry
Age 27. Married with 2 children. Spadesman, reaps and milks. Tried at Gloucester 13 July 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing bark. Assigned to John Earl at Patrick Plains on arrival. Granted a Ticket of leave for the district of Patrick Plains in March 1835. Spouse Eliza Johnston


Roberts, John
Age 25. Ploughman from Anglesea. Tried at Beaumorris 29 March 1830. Sentenced to transportation for life for sheep stealing.. Assigned to Richard Clarke on arrival. Sent to Newcastle gaol in June 1831 having been charged with murder. The Sydney Herald reported - A dreadful murder was committed on the farm of Mr. Richard Clarke of Paterson River on the night of Tuesday 21st May. The name of the deceased is James Michaelroy an elderly man. The person in charge for the offence is one John Roberts, a stockkeeper to Mr. Clarke. John Roberts was sent to Sydney for trial and having been found guilty was executed. Note - two convicts by this name by this ship


Rooke, Thomas
Age 45. Rope maker for 7 years, millwright and gardener from Birmingham. Widower with 6 children. Tried at Warwick 13 July 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing plate. Assigned to George T. Palmer at Parramatta on arrival. Assigned to Robert Lethbridge at Patrick Plains in 1836. Note - brother Edward Rook arrived in the colony about 9 years previously


Rose, Edward
Age 26. Married with 1 child. Brick maker, ploughs, milks, reaps. Native place near Warwick. Tried at Warwick 13 July 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing malt. Assigned to Benjamin Singleton at Hunter River on arrival . Granted a Ticket of Leave for Williams River in March 1835. Applied to marry Jane Christian (ship Numa) in August 1835


Saunders, Thomas
Age 17. House servant from Rotherhithe. Tried at Maidstone 15 July 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing clothes. Assigned to James Raymond in Sydney on arrival. In April 1831 assigned to Moses Brown. Re-assigned to A .A. Company at the request of Brown. Died in H.M. Hospital at Newcastle on 1 July 1835


Savage, James
Age 18. Plaisterer and labourer from London. Tried in London 11 June 1829. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing a cruet stand. Assigned to Thomas Harley at Goulburn Plains on arrival . Sent to Newcastle gaol from Maitland on a charge of larceny. To be sent for trial at the next Quarter Sessions. Allowed bail


Sley, Henry Thomas
Thomas Henry Sley age 19. Smith and chain maker from Bristol. Tried at Bristol 3 April 1830. Sentenced to transportation for life for house breaking. Granted a ticket of leave for Maitland in August 1842. Assigned to Alexander McLeod at Rattagan on arrival. In March 1845, applied to marry Isabella Donaldson (ship Brome). Died in the Maitland district 13 September 1845


Smith, Henry Wright
Henry Wright Smith age 21. Silk mercer and liquor merchant from Norfolk. Tried in London 15 April 1830. Sentenced to transportation for life for stealing silks. Assigned to James McDougall at Patrick Plains on arrival. Note - died in H.M. Hospital at Newcastle 21 March 1832


Spencer, Richard
Age 19. Ploughs, milks, reaps and sows. Tried at Gloucester 13 July 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for cart robbery. Assigned to James McDougall at Patrick Plains on arrival


Storrs, James Robert
James Robert Storrs age 33. Widower with 1 child. Soldier and hair dresser and officer's servant from Peterborough. Tried at Bedford 20 April 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for obtaining goods under false pretences. Assigned to Captain James St. John Ranclaud at Lake Macquarie on arrival. In May 1831 absconded from Ranclaud. Absconded from the A .A. Company in November 1832. In June 1835 sent to Newcastle gaol and to be forwarded to Port Stephens to be dealt with. Sent to Newcastle gaol from Dungog district charged with a breach of the Hired Servants Act. Sentenced to 3 months hard labour


Stuchfield, Thomas
Thomas Stuchfield age 26. Baker for 7 years. Horse dealer. Native place Northampton. Tried in London 15 April 1830. Sentenced to transportation for life for horse stealing. Assigned to John Buckland at Illawarra on arrival. Absconded from service of Mr. Scott at Hunter River in October 1833. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Scone in 1843


Taylor, Joseph
Joseph Taylor age 17. Tailor for 2 years. Native place Colchester. Tried in London 29 October 1829. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for picking pockets. Assigned to James Underwood at Sydney on arrival. No distinguishing marks. Assigned to the A .A. Company at Port Stephens in 1836. Apprehended after absconding in November 1836. Sent to Newcastle gaol from Stroud in January 1838 under sentence of 2 months on the treadmill in Sydney. Certificate of Freedom 40/1786. Note - two convicts by this name by this ship


Wallace, William
Age 17. Farmer's boy from Stirlingshire. Sentenced to 14 years for house breaking at Stirling Court of Justiary 29 March 1830. Sentenced to 14 years transportation. Granted a Ticket of Leave 12 December 1842 for the district of Port Stephens. Assigned to John Bray at Appin on arrival. Two convicts by this name by this ship


Wallbank, Thomas
Thomas Wallbank age 18. Farmers boy from Lancashire. Tried 14 January 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing geese and copper. Assigned to Thomas Arndell at Windsor on arrival. Granted a Ticket of Leave for Pitt Town in March 1835. Ticket of leave holder at Brisbane Water in 1836.


Walter, George
George Walter age 20. Ploughs, shepherd, shears and milks. Native place Gloucester. Tried at Monmouth 12 July 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for house breaking. Assigned to Archibald Bell at Belmont (Richmond) on arrival. Note - father in law James Cole came to the colony 16 years previously . In March 1833 at Invermein charged with absconding to be forwarded to the Bench of Magistrate at Patrick Plains to be dealt with. Assigned to Archibald Bell junior at Invermein in 1836. Admitted to Newcastle gaol from Invermein in April 1837. Sent to the bench at Windsor


Wilson, James
James Wilson age 26. Married with 1 child. Weaver, blacksmith's apprentice. Native place Dumbartonshire. Tried at Edinburgh 31 May 1830. Sentenced to 7 years transportation for stealing jewellery. Assigned to William Singleton at Patrick Plains on arrival

References

[1] Ancestry.com. UK, Royal Navy Medical Journals, 1817-1857. Medical Journal of Campbell France on the voyage of the York in 1831 The National Archives. Kew, Richmond, Surrey.

[2] Bateson, Charles Library of Australian History (1983). The convict ships, 1787-1868 (Australian ed). Library of Australian History, Sydney : pp.350-351, 387

[3] Ancestry.com. New South Wales, Australia, Convict Indents, 1788-1842. Original data: Bound manuscript indents, 1788 - 1842. NRS 12188, microfiche 614 - 619,626 - 657, 660 - 695. State Records Authority of New South Wales, Kingswood, New South Wales, Australia.