My First Fleeters and their families by Joy Olney
In 2013 I wrote an Olney Family
Archives Blog (http://olneyfamilyarchives.blogspot.com.au).
Soon after, a cousin who lives interstate was “googling” around & came across my Blog. I always include my email address and incidentally I regularly receive emails from someone who has read one of my Blogs. The cousin was so emotional, as I had included in my Blog a photo of her Grandmother with her full name and date of birth, also a photo of her father. That Grandmother was also my husband’s grandmother Doris Olney, and her daughter is still alive at 93. All the family knew about Doris was that her mother died when she was young and she married Arthur Olney at 19. The cousin said “Well Joy, you will have to do some research!”
Soon after, a cousin who lives interstate was “googling” around & came across my Blog. I always include my email address and incidentally I regularly receive emails from someone who has read one of my Blogs. The cousin was so emotional, as I had included in my Blog a photo of her Grandmother with her full name and date of birth, also a photo of her father. That Grandmother was also my husband’s grandmother Doris Olney, and her daughter is still alive at 93. All the family knew about Doris was that her mother died when she was young and she married Arthur Olney at 19. The cousin said “Well Joy, you will have to do some research!”
Doris Gwendolyne Olney, nee Moss 1896-1961 |
It was quite incredible how
quickly I was able to find out so much about Doris Olney. Her mother died in
1898 when she was 2 and Doris was brought up by the Glasson family of her mother’s
first husband who was deceased. There
was a 10 week old brother Claude Moss who was brought up by his uncle Valentine Moss in New Zealand. Their father, Clement Moss went off to the Boer War in 1898 and by 1913 he was in England and got
married. Four children were born 1914-1922. In 2016 I went to England and met 2
of those children. One was 102 & the other 95. The incredible thing was
that they never knew their father had 2 children born in Australia and we in
Australia never knew what happened to him after his wife died. A wonderful story, but not the topic of
today. It did though lead me to discover
that the Olney family had a First Fleeter that went to Norfolk Island.
Clement George Moss 1870 - 1933 |
Joy visited the daughters of Clement Moss - Kathleen 95 and Vera 102 in 2016. Kathleen died in 2018. |
James Morrisby was transported on
the “Scarborough” to Port Jackson arriving on 26 January 1788. By March 1790 he
was transferred to Norfolk Island on “Sirius”.
James was 6 generations up from my husband Peter, going up Doris Olney’s
mother’s line. Unfortunately Peter died in May 2016 and never knew about his first fleet convicts. In March 2018 I took my three children and their spouses to Norfolk Island. This blogs records some of the family discoveries I have made.
James Morrisby 1756-1839 |
Firstly though, a little bit of
understanding about Norfolk Island. According to archeological evidence, Norfolk Island was used by Polynesian settlers between 1000-1400 AD. Captain James Cook named Norfolk Island in honour of Mary, the Duchess of Norfolk Island. Cook was a British explorer, navigator and cardographer from the 1700s. He circumnavigated the globe twice, setting a bench mark for exploration and endurance. He is credited with the European discovery of the Hawaiian Islands, New Caledonia and of course beautiful Norfolk Island. It
was not until England needed to deal with its population growth that a land
down under was considered. January 1788
Captain Arthur Philip sailed into Port Jackson (Sydney as we know it today),
and many First Fleeters were transferred to Norfolk Island.
Joy with Darren, Adrian and Robyn at Captain Cook's Monument on Norfolk Island. |
The plaque on Captain Cook's monument, erected in 1953 as part of the celebrations of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11. |
Aside from the subject of today
but interesting, Lieut. Gov. David Collins sailed into Sullivan’s Cove (Sorrento) on "Calcutta" in 1803, but he decided to move onto Van Diemen’s Land (Hobart) a few months
later. You have probably heard about William Buckley, the convict who escaped
and wandered with the Aborigines for 35 years.
He was the subject in “Life and Adventures of William Buckley”, published
by Archibald C. Macdougall, my great great grandfather.
His wife Sarah was a
Calvert and her brother Christopher Calvert had 3 children who married 3 Morrisby children.
Archibald & Sarah’s grand-daughter Gwenneth Macdougall married into the
Calvert/Morrisby family also. That means
that Peter and I are actually related!
My Great Great Grandfather, Archibald C.Macdougall published "Life and Adventures of William Buckley" in 1852. |
Norfolk Island history talks of the First, Second and Third settlements.
The First Settlement:
Lieut. Philip Gidley King arrived on Norfolk Island on 6 March 1788
with a party of 9 male and 6 women convicts and 7 staff. He named the area
Kingston. Crops were sown in the adjoining valley, Arthurs Vale, and, unlike
the experience in Sydney, the Kingston crops flourished. To relieve the food
pressures in the infant colony of New South Wales, Governor Philip relocated
around one-third Sydney's population to Kingston. Extensive clearing followed
and both convicts and free settlers farmed small holdings of land. The rising
land behind Kingston was cleared for surveillance and to ensure there was no
opportunity for the convicts to escape. The first settlement's population
peaked at 1156 in May 1792. By 1804 the free settlers on the island
significantly outnumbered the convicts who represented 23 percent of the total
population of 1084. It was too difficult to maintain the remoteness on Norfolk
Island so they decided to close it down and relocate the remaining convicts and
free settlers to Van Diemen’s Land. Most of that happened 1807-1808. Officially Norfolk Island was abandoned by
1813 and all buildings were destroyed.
Lieutenant King hoisted the British flag on Norfolk Island on 6 March 1788. There were 9 male and 6 female convicts that accompanied him, including Edward Garth and Susannah Gough. |
A plaque was unveiled in March 1970 by the Historical Society. |
Kingston from Queen Elizabeth Lookout with Quality Row in the foreground. |
Kingston from Queen Elizabeth lookout. Showing the Research Centre at No.9 and No.10 Quality Row. |
Then there was the 2nd settlement of convicts 1825-1856:
In response to the report by
Commissioner Bigge (1822-23) on the effectiveness of transportation, the
Colonial Secretary Lord Bathurst instructed Governor Brisbane in 1824 to
re-occupy the island as a 'great hulk or penitentiary' to provide secondary
punishment. Secondary punishment was designed to revive the fear of
transportation and deter crime in Britain and the colonies, and was a sentence
applied to transported convicts who re-offended in the colony.
Norfolk Island was re-occupied on
6 June 1825 by Captain Turton as Commandant, with a party of 50 soldiers, 57
convicts, six women and six children. The settlement was again located around
Kingston and the remains of some first settlement buildings were rebuilt, old
agricultural areas rehabilitated and new areas cleared. But it was to be of an
entirely different character to the first settlement. The second settlement on
Norfolk Island was designed to be the extreme in convict degradation.
Andrew, Darren & Adrian at the ruins of the New Gaol 1836-1856. |
Adrian tried out a cell for size. |
Hospital ruins at Kingston. |
Site of the first Government House constructed in 1792 and the Surgeon's Kitchen in the background. |
Kingston’s major buildings include:
Government House, one of the earliest and most intact remaining
government house buildings in Australia, with its commanding views of the
settlement, built in 1829.
Government House built 1829. |
Old Military Barracks and officer’s quarters were constructed
between 1826 and 1832 and were surrounded by high walls giving it an appearance
of a military fortress.
Old Military Barrack built 1826-1836. |
New Military Barracks, commenced in 1836 and followed a similar
fortress-like design.
New Military Barracks commenced construction 1836. |
Commissariat Store, dating from 1835 is the finest remaining
colonial (pre 1850) military commissariat store in Australia.
Commissariat Store built 1835. |
Elegant houses on Quality Row provided quarters for military and
civilian officers. To optimise surveillance, the military complexes were
elevated in order to oversee the convict precinct located closer to the water
and at a lower elevation. Today No.9 is
the Research Centre and No.10 has been beautifully decorated and one of the
Museums.
Quality Row - No.9 is Research Centre and No.10 is beautifully decorated and a Museum. |
The Third settlement story starts with Captain Bligh who departed
England in 1787 and arrived in Tahiti in 1788. This is where the story of
“Mutiny on the Bounty” came from. Fletcher
Christian led a Mutiny on 28 April 1789.
Bligh eventually made his way back to England. Fletcher arrived on
Pitcairn Island on 15 January 1790. As
the Pitcairn Island descendants of the Bounty mutineers had outgrown their
island home, the British government chose to resettle them on Norfolk Island.
The whole Pitcairn community landed at Kingston Pier on 8 June 1856. Their
descendants, who today comprise nearly a third of Norfolk Island's population,
still speak the Pitcairn language. Most of the names on the tombstones in the
cemetery are from the original Mutiny families.
"Bounty" in Pier Store Museum. Many artifacts from Mutiny on the Bounty are found in this Museum. |
The local Pitcairn people celebrate their arrival at Kingston Pier on 8 June each year. |
Local Pitcairn people re-enact the arrival of the Pitcairn Island people on 8 June 1856. |
My main interest was with the First settlement.
There were 11 First Fleet ships
consisting of 2 Naval escort ships (Sirius & Supply), 6 Convict ships (Scarborough, Prince of Wales, Lady Penrhyn,
Alexander, Charlotte & Friendship), 3 Food & Supply ships (Fishburn,
Borrowdale & Golden Grove). These 11
ships departed Portsmouth, England on 13 May 1787 and arrived in Botany Bay
18-21 January 1788. Captain Arthur Philip decided to move onto Port Jackson,
arriving 26 January 1788. A date we know as Australia Day.
HMS "Sirius" which later sank in Slaughter Bay on 19 March 1790. |
HMS "Scarborough". |
"Lady Juliana" was the first female convict ship to leave England. |
“Lady Juliana” was the first female convict ship to leave England and the first sailing of any convict ship since the First Fleet sailed in May 1787. She left Plymouth on 29 July 1789, 6 months before the Second Fleet left January 1790, yet arrived in Port Jackson on 28 June 1790, less than a month before the Second Fleet arrived. She was known as the “floating brothel” as she got way laid at each port along the way.
As I researched I soon discovered
that I had a number of men on my family tree who were transported on the First
Fleet and then went onto Norfolk Island.
A few women came on the First Fleet but most were transported on “Lady
Juliana” which arrived two and a half years later. It did not take long for them to find
partners and most were married on 5 November 1791 by Rev. Richard Johnson. From the time of conviction in England, some
years in crowded Hulks on the Thames, their journey to the Colony, and arriving
on Norfolk Island, their 7 years was almost completed, and they were free. Yes
free, but never to return. Most had left behind a wife and children, never to
see them again. It was to be a new beginning and they were free to marry
regardless of previous circumstances.
My First Fleet convicts & marines of interest were:
James Morrisby 1756-1839. |
James Morrisby & Ann Brooks. It is down this line that our
family has a straight 6 generations to follow. Interesting twist though! Their
grand-daughter Catherine Morrisby married William Calvert. His father and my
great great grandmother were siblings. 3 Morrisby children married 3 Calvert
children. Morrisby, Stanfield, Kimberly,
Kidner, Bellett & Garth families were all related by the next generation.
Edward Risby & Ann Gibson. Their son Thomas Risby married Dinah
Morrisby, daughter of James & Ann Morrisby.
Thomas Kidner & Jane Whiting. Their daughter Ann Kidner married
Ann Brooks’ son Richard Larsom. They became related to the Bellett family by the
next generation.
Jacob Bellett & Ann Harper. Their son George Bellett married Jemima Larsom,
son of Richard & Ann Larsom. Their grand-daughter Elizabeth Bellett married
John Morrisby, son of James & Ann Morrisby.
Edward Garth & Susannah Gough. 3 Garth children married 3 Bellett children.
Daniel Stanfield (Marine) & Alice Harmsworth. Their son William Stanfield married Grace Morrisby, grand-daughter
of James & Ann Morrisby. Stanfield,
Morrisby and Kimberly families were related by the next generation.
Edward Kimberly & Mary Cavenaugh. Their daughter Maria Kimberly
married Daniel Stanfield, son of Daniel & Alice Stanfield. Kimberly, Stanfield and Morrisby families
were related by the next generation.
Samuel King (Marine) & Elizabeth Thackery (convict). Elizabeth Thackery was the first white woman to set foot
on Australian soil.
Richard Morgan & Catherine Clark. Ric Robinson, the Partner of well known author Colleen McCullough who wrote “Morgan’s Run”, was a 4 times great grandson of Richard Morgan.
HMS “Sirius” Museum
HMS "Sirius". |
This convict ship was ship-wrecked 100 metres off the
coast in Slaughter Bay after having off loaded its male convicts, including my
James Morrisby in March 1790. In 1980 a
salvage operation recovered over 6000 items, many of which are on display in
the HMS Sirius Museum. The journey of the First Fleet is celebrated in this
museum. A touch screen computer contains
biographies of all who landed at Botany Bay in 1788 and a unique First Fleet
Wall provides the opportunity to view the names of all those who made the
journey. Descendants can purchase and have mounted on the Wall a timber disc
engraved with their ancestor’s name and also sign a “Descendant’s Book”
containing a page for each First Fleeter.
First Fleet models in the Sirius Museum. |
Each of the First Fleet ships that arrived had a folder with a page for each convict, where we could record our name and email. I have made contact with many of the descendants. |
The building was known as the
former Protestant Chapel as it was built in 1840 as the chapel for the convicts
in the Second Settlement.
Joy outside Sirius Museum. |
Settler’s Lots on Norfolk Island in 1796.
I found an excellent web site
that gave the names of the First Settlement convicts that were given land when
they arrived on Norfolk Island. All my
convicts were given land. The map is superimposed on a Google map so it is easy
to see just where their land was, although today there are no boundaries as
such. When the Pitcairn people came to
Norfolk Island in 1856 they drew lots and divided the land up amongst
themselves.
James Morrisby, Parcel 57, 20 acres. |
When I visited the Research Centre I found a copy of the Settler’s Lots on Norfolk Island in 1796. That confirmed what I already had found out. I was able to view or walk on all my Settler’s Lots.
Research Centre No.9 Quality Row. |
James Morrisby's land. We actually stayed on his land in the house with the orange roof. |
Google map is incorrect as Cumberland Resort & Spa is actually Fletcher Christian Apartments. Cumberland Resort and Spa is where the orange roof is in the middle of picture. |
We self-catered at “Cumberland
Resort & Spa”, which was actually on James Morrisby’s land.
Cumberland Resort & Spa was our home for the week while on Norfolk Island. |
Darren getting his head around the different family relationships. |
Family dinner at Cumberland Resort & Spa. Darren & Fiona, Adrian & Donna, Robyn & Andrew. |
St David’s Park, Hobart.
In September 2017 I had an
opportunity of going to Hobart with my son for 3 days. There is a Memorial to “The
First Fleeters and Norfolk Islanders” who came to Van Diemen’s Land during the
evacuation between 1807 and 1813. It was unveiled in 1992. It has 6 sides and lists the names of the
First Fleeter convicts, together with their wives and children, the name of the
ship, date of departure from Norfolk Island and arrival in Derwent River. Of
course all my convicts were listed.
Daniel & Alice Stanfield, Jacob Bellett, Edward & Susannah Garth were buried in St David’s Park.
Daniel & Alice Stanfield, Jacob Bellett, Edward & Susannah Garth were buried in St David’s Park.
Memorial to "The First Fleeters and Norfolk Islanders" who came to Van Diemen's Island during the evacuation 1802-1813. |
Sacred to the memory of Daniel Stanfield Senior, late of Green Point, died 1826. |
St. Matthew’s Cemetery, Rokeby.
September 2017 my son & I
also visited St Matthew’s Anglican Cemetery in Rokeby, Tasmania. As I wandered
around this old cemetery I was amazed at how many of the names I recognised as
ones that were already on my family tree. James
Morrisby was buried there, also many of his children and further generations of
Morrisbys, Richard Larsom and his wife Ann, Edward & Maria Kimberly,
Calverts, Chipmans, Daniel & Elizabeth Stanfield etc.
St Matthew's Cemetery in Rokeby, Tasmania. |
James Morrisby (1756-1839), son Henry (1803-1856) and his son George Smith Morrisby (1842-1843). Christina Morrisby nee Smith (1810-1885). |
Daniel Stanfield (1790-1856) and Maria Stanfield nee Kimberly (1792-1851). |
Christopher Calvert (1809-1876) and Hannah Calvert nee Watson (1820-1911). Daughter Hannah Calvert (1838-1855). |
Elizabeth Morrisby nee Mack (1808-1830). Annie Gibson Morrisby (1833-1908) daughter of Henry Morrisby (1803-1856) and Christine Smith (1810-1885). |
Isabella Morrisby (1849-1911 and Mary Morrisby (1847-?), daughters of Henry & Christina Morrisby. |
Richard Larsom (1791-1849)and Ann Whiting Kidner (1798-1854). |
Daniel Stanfield (1829-1902) and Maria Stanfield nee Kimberly (1792-1851). |
Norfolk Island.
Norfolk Island is a great place
for a holiday. Very laid back, country
roads where the cows have right of way. Speed limit is 50kph, 30kph past a
school. There is only 1 township called Burnt Pine. Overall size is 34.6 square
kms. 8km x 5km. Population is about
2000. The distance is about 1000 kms
east from Byron Bay. 2 flights a week
from Sydney & 2 flights from Brisbane. That is why most of the people on
our 2 & half hour flight over were on our return flight as most stay for 1
week. Beautiful scenery, very green,
quite hilly, just beautiful. Travel
deals are available for a fully escorted tour.
Or you could take a deal where car hire, accommodation and a Convict
dinner or some other activity is included.
Or you could self-cater as we did.
If you are going to self-cater I suggest you take your full allowance of
luggage weight with packaged food as the supermarket shelves are not very
reliable.
Darren making friends with the cows that freely roam. |
Emily Bay. The lone pine was noted by Captain Cook in 1774 so about 250 years old. |
Emily Bay. |
Emily Bay. |
Kingston Pier with an anchored cargo ship unloading much anticipated supplies with the help of small boats. |
The shops were nearly empty of fruit and vegetables. |
Golf Course with Nepean Island nearest and Philip Island further away. Neither are inhabited. |
View of Norfolk Island with the airport from Mt Pitt. |
View from Mt Pitt. |
St Barnabas Anglican Chapel consecrated 1881. |
Interior of St Barnabas Chapel |
To make the most of your time at
Kingston you need to buy a Museum Pass for $25 which entitles you to explore
the 4 Museums at your own pace with multiple entries. Also included is a guided tag-along tour to 2
of the Museums one day and the other 2 Museums on another day.
Museums include:
Pier Store with artifacts from the “Mutiny on the Bounty” and
displays about the history and culture of Norfolk Island.
Pier Store where artifacts from "Mutiny on the Bounty" are on display. |
HMS Sirius Museum with items from the Convict ship HMS Sirius that
was ship-wrecked March 1790. There is a
Wall with the names of First Fleeters and all MY men were there.
Sirius Museum. |
Commissariat Store has displays from the 1st & 2nd Settlements.
Upstairs is the All Saint's Church, which has been in use since 1874.
Commissariat Store Museum on the lower level and All Saints Church upstairs. |
Display in Commissariart Store Museum. |
Interior All Saint's Anglican Chruch. |
No.10 Quality Row is an example of some of the homes that were
built in 1844 and beautifully decorated.
No.10 Quality Row is open for inspection. Next door is No.9 Quality Row where the Research Centre is located. |
A visit to the cemetery is a must.
Some 1st settlement graves, mostly 2nd settlement convicts and many
names from the Bounty families.
Norfolk Island Cemetery at Kingston. |
Thomas Berry 1834. |
Steve Reardon 1807 and Daniel Reardon 1801. |
Private William Dalton, 99th Regiment, drowned while bathing 1854. |
Corporal John M Loughlin of Queen's Own Regiment who drowned in 1840. |
James Neale, Private in King's Own Regiment, accidental discharge of a gun 1832. Thomas York, Private in King's Own Regiment, accidentally shot 1834. |
Private Michael Mansfield, His Majesty's Regiment, died from a fall from a horse 1847. |
Stephen Smith, murdered 1846. |
Alfred Essex Baldock, Chief Constable, downed 1848. |
More Details on my 8 First Settler Convicts & 2 Marines on Norfolk Island.
James Morrisby.
James was born 1756 in Yorkshire. He qualified as a
Blacksmith and in this capacity he enlisted in the Scots Guards on 3 April 1776
when he was 19. He married Mary Donaldson on 20 November 1782 and Catherine was
born 11 March 1784. Following the defeat of the British in North America and
the evacuation of their forces in 1783, James no longer had a future in the
Guards. James got a job as a Nightwatchman.
James Morrisby was convicted on 7
July 1784 at the age of 28 at the Old Bailey, London for Felony. My dictionary
says Felony covers any of the several crimes, such as murder, rape or burglary
and punishable by a more stringent sentence.
Reality for us today – he got 7 years transportation for stealing a 10lb
iron bar off a window, valued at 10pence. James was transported on
“Scarborough” to Port Jackson and transferred to Norfolk Island on “Sirius” on
4 March 1790.
James was a model settler. He
received a conditional pardon after four years and had 12 acres of land under
cultivation. This was doubled after his pardon became absolute in 1791, the
year he married Ann Lavender Brooks. He was 35 and Ann in her late 20s. As well as farming James became a crewman on
the “Reliance” which plied between Port Jackson and Norfolk Island. In 1802 he was appointed a Constable on
Norfolk Island.
James built a modest house (27' x 12') for his
wife Ann on Mount Pitt path and they had five children together, all born on
Norfolk Island – George, Grace, Dinah, Henry and John. My husband Peter was a
descendant from Grace. The Morrisby family travelled to Van Diemen’s Land on
the “Porpoise”, leaving Norfolk Island on 25 December 1807. They were relocated to Clarence Plains, given
land and established themselves.
and
Ann Lavender.
Ann’s life of crime started when she was 16 in 1778. She
was charged with theft but found not guilty. A year later she was charged with
stealing clothing, shoes and a linen sheet. She was sentenced to be branded and
imprisoned in Clerkenwell House of Correction for 1 year. Branding consisted of the letter “T” (thief)
being branded on the thumb of the offender.
She was released at the height of civil unrest in London. Ann
re-offended again on 18 October 1790 for stealing a number of items. She begged forgiveness but given a sentence
of Death for her crime. This sentence however was respited and she was held in
New Prison “until discharged by due course of law”. She appears to be held
there for two years. By 1782 her name no
longer appears on the lists of prisoners.
By 1784 Ann has formed a
relationship with William Brooks who equipped her with pick lock keys. She is in
Old Bailey with a new name (Ann Brooks) and convicted of feloniously
stealing. She was sentenced to whipping
and 12 months hard labour in the House of Correction. William Brooks was convicted on 15 September
1784 for burglariously and feloniously stealing various items of clothing and
sentenced to death. This was later reduced to transportation to Africa. Nine months after William was convicted Ann
gave birth to their son and named him William Brooks.
Ann Brooks (with baby William)
was before the courts again on 29 June 1785 for stealing women’s and children’s
clothing. She was sentenced to hard
labour for another year in the House of Correction at Clerkenwell. It would be the closest thing to a home that
she had known for the past six years, and she may even have looked forward to
incarceration as a place of refuge and stability.
Ann avoids arrest for another
year, but on 18 April 1787 she is in Old Bailey again for stealing women’s and
children’s clothing. Ann was released
“through humanity, she having a child”.
Ann’s defence was that she was now a dealer in the Rag Fair and had
bought the goods in question to sell at the Fair the very same day. She was found “Not Guilty”.
Ann’s ten year life of crime was
about to come to an end – sort of! She, at the age of 25 was convicted on 12
December 1787 for Burglary (stealing a pair of bedsheets from a room in Drury
Lane to sell to support her young son William).
She was given 7 years transportation.
Ann and William spent a year in Newgate before being transported on “Lady
Juliana”. Even though she had a long criminal record there was no evidence that
she had been drunk, disorderly, violent or a prostitute. After spending 2
months in Sydney Cove, Ann and William were transferred on the“Surprise” to
Norfolk Island along with another 194 convicts.
Ann gave birth to Richard Larsom
on 25 April 1791 on Norfolk Island. His
father was a seaman on the “Lady Juliana” that Ann came to Port Jackson
on. She would have got pregnant just
after arriving in Port Jackson.
Ann died in 1813 and the age of
51 and James married an Irish convict three years later, but she died in 1821.
James died in 1839.
James Morrisby & Ann Brooks family connections.
Ann’s son Richard Larsom married Ann Kidner and the next generation
married into Bellett family.
Their daughter Grace Morrisby married George Smith and it is down that
line that our family follows. Morrisby,
Stanfield, Kimberly, Kidner, Bellett, Garth & Calvert families were related
by the next generation.
Their son Henry Morrisby married Elizabeth Mack and their daughter
Elizabeth Morrisby married Daniel Stanfield, son of Daniel & Maria
Kimberly.
Elizabeth Mack was “adopted” by Rev Robert Knopwood who arrived in Port
Phillip Bay on the “Calcutta” on 9 October 1803 as the first Chaplain to Van
Diemen’s Land.
Their son Henry Morrisby also married Christina Smith, dau of Robert & Catherine Smith.
Henry & Christina Morrisby had 2 children who married into Calvert
family.
Their son John Morrisby married Emmaline Alomes and future generations
became related through the Bellett & Calvert families.
Their grand-daughter Catherine Morrisby married William Calvert. His father and my great great grandmother
were siblings. 3 Morrisby children married 3 Calvert
children.
James Morrisby, Parcel No. 57, 20 acres. |
Family walking on James Morrisby's land from 1790. |
Darren surveying the land as James Morrisby would have done 228 years earlier. Edward Kimberly's land was where the orange roof is on the left of the photo. |
View from James Morrisby's land, looking south to Philip Island. |
Massive Morton Bay Figs on James Morrisby's land. |
Morton Bay Figs on James Morrisby's land |
Morton Bay Fig's on James Morrisby's land. |
Edward Risby.
Edward was a weaver and married was
to Hannah Manning in Horsley, Gloucestershire, in 1779, and by 1784 they had
three children.
In 1780 Edward was arrested for
“stealing and carrying away by force of arms, three yards of broad cloth to the
value of thirty shillings and two other pieces of cloth of the value of two
shillings”. He received 7 years
transportation. His crime saw him
banished for life by an increasingly desperate government, exiled not only from
his country but separated from his wife and three children, including a
new-born daughter. He would never see them again.
His next four years would become
a struggle against the hell of survival on the prison hulk, “Censor” while
awaiting transportation, followed by the First Fleet journey on the “Alexander”.
Before arriving in Port Jackson, Edward
would have to endure eight months on board with repeated accumulations of human
excreta, infestation of vermin, the stench of ill fellow-convicts, brutality by
guards, and awful deaths amongst the chained and crowded prisoners.
and
Ann Gibson.
21 years old Ann Gibson had been
convicted for stealing nine yards of thread lace, value 20 shillings. Old Bailey court records suggest that Gibson
was a practised shoplifter. In this
instance Gibson had a child with her.
The child (probably her son William) was blamed for innocently hiding
the lace.
On 25 October 1786, Ann was on
trial again, for feloniously stealing one piece of silk containing twelve
handkerchiefs, value 48 shillings. She was found guilty and sentenced to a
house of correction. In both trials the techniques of shoplifting involved
hiding the goods in or under clothing, while the accessory distracted the
shopkeeper. Ann was sentenced to transportation for seven years.
After arriving in Port Jackson on
“Lady Juliana”, Ann was transferred to Norfolk Island on the “Surprise” with 114
convict women in August 1790.
On 5 November 1791, while Rev.
Richard Johnson was briefly visiting Norfolk Island, Ann Gibson married Edward
Risby in one of Johnson’s marriage rituals for 100 eager couples. Marriage in
the two colonies was officially recognised despite it being known that many
transportees had families back in Britain. Edward and Ann subsequently had six
children on the island and another later in Van Diemen’s Land.
Edward was granted Parcel No.22,
12 acres where he grew maize and wheat and raised pigs. In Colleen McCullough’s novel, Morgan’s Run,
Ed Risby is mentioned a few times as a friend of Richard Morgan, also a
survivor of the “Alexander” and a successful Norfolk Island and subsequent Van
Diemen’s Land farmer.
Edward’s family went on to have a
successful Sawmill in Battery Point for many years.
Edward Risby & Ann Gibson family connections.
Rev Richard Johnson married Edward & Ann.
Rev Johnson was encouraged by John Newton, Vicar at Olney Parish Church and
famous for writing the Olney Hymns, particularly “Amazing Grace” to be a
Chaplain on the First Fleet.
Their son Thomas Risby married Dinah Morrisby, daughter of James &
Ann Morrisby.
Edward Risby, Parcel 22, 12 acres. |
Thomas Kidner, an agricultural labourer was married when convicted
on 30 October 1782 for feloniously stealing four pieces of Irish linen valued
at 6 Pounds in Bristol. He was sentenced
to 7 years transportation. He spent 4
years in a Bristol gaol, before being transferred to the Hulk “Censor” at 21
years of age. The “Alexander” arrived in
Port Jackson January 1788 and Thomas was transferred to Norfolk Island by the “Supply”
ship in March 1790.
Thomas was settled on Lot 14 with
15 acres. By October 1793 he had four of
his seven ploughable acres cultivated.
He was employed as a Stone cutter.
It seems that Thomas left Norfolk
Island with his wife and two children on “HMS Buffalo” and was disembarked at
Port Jackson. On 25 May 1806 the Sydney Gazette reported his permit to leave
the colony. On 9 November 1807 Thomas and his son went to Van Diemen’s Land on
“Lady Nelson”. In 1808 he held 22 acres at Brown’s River and September 1813 he
held 30 acres at Queenborough.
and
Jane Whiting was transported for 7 years, leaving Plymouth on “Lady
Juliana” on 29 July 1789. Ten months later the "Lady Juliana" arrived
in Port Jackson on 2 June 1790. By 7 August 1790 Jane had arrived on Norfolk
Island on “Supply” and living with Thomas Kidner by October 1793.
Thomas and Jane were married on
Norfolk Island by Rev. Samuel Marsden in 1795.
They had two children – Thomas born 1795 and Ann born 1798. Ann married Richard Larsom. Their daughter
married a Bellett.
It appears that Thomas and Jane
had separated and that a George Clark who she had met on Norfolk Island gave
Jane a cottage and land in Hobart in lieu of 50 pounds for her services as
housekeeper.
Thomas Kidner & Jane Whiting family connections.
Their daughter Ann married Ann
Brooks’ son Richard Larsom but brought up by James Morrisby & Ann Lavender
Brooks.
Jemima Larsom, daughter of Richard Larsom & Ann Kidner married
George Bellett, son of Jacob Bellett & Ann Harper.
Thomas Kidner, Parcel 14, 15 acres. |
Jacob Bellett.
Jacob Bellett, aged 19, a silk
weaver, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on the 12th January 1785 for the theft
of unwrought silk. Jacob stole 51 ells of half-ell lining, one pound of unwound
black silk and 32 ounces of double black silk wound. He was chased by the worker who had missed
them, he had run to hide when he realised there was a search, but was located
and charged. Jacob was sentenced to
transportation for seven years, and arrived in the colony on “Scarborough”.
Jacob was then sent to Norfolk
Island aboard “HMS Supply” on 4 March 1790.
While on Norfolk Island he was industrious, supporting two on a Sydney
Town lot with 124 rods cleared. By 1793
he was selling grain to the public stores, signing the receipt for
payment. In June 1794 he was living with
Ann Harper aged 17 years and two children.
Jacob, his wife Ann with 7
children were evacuated to Van Diemen's Land in 1808, on board the “City of
Edinburgh”, leaving behind 45 acres of cleared land, a two story house boarded
and shingled, a barn floored and boarded, and two log outhouses, the whole
valued at 60 pounds and a stock entitlement of 82 Pounds & 10 shillings. 2
more children were born on Van Diemen’s Land.
In Van Diemen's Land Jacob took
up 45 acres at Queensborough and 40 acres at Gloucester. In 1813 his Queensborough holding had
increased to 75 acres.
Jacob Bellett died on 2nd
December 1813, age given as 47 years and was buried at St David's Park.
Tombstone says - Jacob Bellett “Free Settler” died 2 December 1815, aged 27
(therefore born 1788 which is when he arrived in the Colony).
A framed letter written by Jacob
Bellett is on the wall in Norfolk Island Research Centre. A very heart felt
reflection of how hard it was for them to give up their land after 18
years. It was home to them.
and
Ann Harper.
Aged 17 when convicted on 18
February 1788 in Bristol, England for Felony and given 7 years transportation
on “Lady Juliana”, leaving Plymouth 29 July 1789 and arriving Port Jackson on 3
June 1790. She was sent to Norfolk
Island on “Surprise” on 1 August 1790.
Jacob Bellett & Ann Harper family connections.
Their son George married Jemima Larsom, son of Richard Larsom & Ann
Kidner.
Their grand-daughter Emmaline Alomes married John Morrisby, son of
James & Ann Morrisby.
Their grandson Robert Alomes married Jane Wood and their daughter
Elizabeth Alomes married Christopher Calvert who had 3 children that married 3
Morrisby children. Christopher Calvert was brother to my great great
grandmother, Sarah Macdougall.
Their son Jacob Bellett married Mary Louise Fisher who is a grand daughter of Gregory Thomas, another Norfolk Island convict, and also connected to the Macdougall family.
Jacob Bellett, Parcel 25, 12 acres. |
Jacob Bellett's house. One of the few remaining buildings from the first settlement. |
View from Jacob Bellett's land with Bloody Bridge on the corner. |
A letter from Jacob Bellett about how he felt when he had to relocate his family to Van Diemen's Land in 1808. Framed letter was hanging in Research Centre. |
Ann Bellett, Parcel 37, 39 Acres. One of the few women given land and it was next door to Jacob Bellett's land. |
Ann Bellett, nee Harper died 1842. |
Edward Garth.
Edward Garth was sentenced to
death at the Old Bailey on the 8th December 1784 for the theft of two live cows
owned by a Tottenham Court farmer, Thomas Rhodes the younger. He was reprieved on 3 March 1785 to
transportation to Africa for seven years. He was delivered from Newgate Prison to
the “Censor” hulk. Edward was sent to Portsmouth by wagon for embarkation on board
the “Scarborough” on the 24th February 1787, ready for a 13 May 1787 departure.
Edward was selected to go with
the first group of settlers to Norfolk Island, which included six female and
nine male convicts under the command of Phillip Gidley King. Edward left by “Supply” on the 14th February
1788, arriving on 6 March 1788 and was soon supporting his wife Susannah Gough
and a child, Mary Anne on two acres of land.
On 25 December 1807, Edward with his wife and six children, left for Van
Diemen's Land by “Porpoise”, leaving 30 acres all cleared.
Edward had extensive holdings at
Clarence Plains, Queenborough and Brown's River. Edward Garth died at his farm
at Sandy Bay, age given as 55 on 13th December 1823, leaving a widow and
numerous children. Three Garth children
married three Bellett children.
and
Susannah Gough.
Susannah was convicted on 10 September 1783 at the age of 20 for
feloniously stealing on 19 August 1783 nine guineas, (value 91 pounds 9 shillings)
and one half guinea (value 10 shillings and sixpence). Susannah was drinking with Elizabeth Dudgeon
and a man thought to be a seaman had just returned from Plymouth, possibly with
his wages in his pocket. The man,
William Waterhouse was warned to be more moderate, but replied "I mean to be gay". Some of his money was found on Susannah and
she also swallowed 8 guineas.
Susannah was tried by the First
Middlesex Jury before Mr.Justice Recorder at Justice Hall in the Old Bailey at
the Sessions which began on Wednesday 10 September 1783. During her trial Susannah pleaded "I
have nobody to my character but God and you.
I have not a friend in the world".
Susannah was found Guilty of stealing and to be transported for 7 years.
Susannah was taken to Newgate Prison
and embarked on the "Mercury".
On 30 March 1784, she was one of 66 convicts who scrambled down the side
of the ship in Torbay when it was bought into port by mutinous convicts. Susannah was captured by the ship “Helena”,
held in a small boat alongside overnight, then the next day, was taken to
Exeter. She was held on the
"Dunkirk" hulk until her discharge to "Friendship" on 11
March 1787 where Ralph Clarke recorded her as being 24 years old.
On the voyage, Susannah became
better behaved and when she was transferred, with five other women, to the
"Charlotte" at Rio, Clarke noted her as "one of the six very
best women we have in the ship .....they are the only women that can wash
amongst them".
Following the arrival of the
First Fleet at Port Jackson, Susannah was included as one of the six women
convicts to form a group of 22 under the command of Lieutenant Philip Gidley
King who sailed on the "Supply" to establish a settlement on Norfolk
Island. Also on board "Supply"
was Edward Garth & Susannah Gough. 3 Garth children married 3 Bellett
children. Edward Garth who had sailed on "Scarborough" with the First
Fleet.
Edward Garth & Susannah Gough family connections.
3 Garth children married 3 Bellett
children.
Edward Garth, Parcel 89, 20 acres. |
Daniel Stanfield.
Daniel was a private
marine, 55th (Portsmouth) Company who sailed for Port Jackson aboard “HMS
Sirius”. He served in Port Jackson in
the company of Captain James Campbell.
In March 1790, he was aboard “HMS Sirius” when she was wrecked off
Norfolk Island, returning to NSW on “HMS Supply” in April 1791. On 15 October
1791 Daniel married Alice Harmsworth, a widow with two children by her late
husband Thomas (also a Marine). She had
previously given birth to Daniel's son. Baby Daniel was baptised on 25th April
1790 after his father Daniel had left for duty on Norfolk Island.
The Stanfield family returned to
Norfolk Island on “Atlantic” as free settlers and Daniel was a successful
farmer on 2 lots of 60 acre leases at Cascade Stream, Phillipsburgh. He was made a constable in 1793 for the
Little Cascade Stream area and was elected to the Norfolk Island Settlers
Society. He was selling grain to stores
by 1794 and had hired a convict labourer. He joined the NSW Corps in November
1794, returning from Port Jackson after so doing. He was discharged in December 1799 and in
1805, with five children had 25 cultivated acres, 85 others and was valued at
541 Pounds 15 shillings, increasing his stock by 1807 on 230 acres and employing
two men.
Daniel Stanfield, Alice and five
children departed for Van Diemen's Land on 3 September 1808 aboard “City of
Edinburgh” where he received 60 acres at Clarence Plains and 310 acres at
Melville in 1813. Daniel Stanfield died at Green Point and was buried at St
David's Hobart on 7th February 1826. His tombstone reads “A wife’s a feather
and a child a rod. An honest man’s the
noblest work of God”.
and
Alice Harmsworth.
Wife of a Marine, Thomas
Harmsworth. On 22 January 1788 Alice,
her marine husband Thomas Harmsworth, daughter Ann (6), son Thomas (4) &
baby John who was born at sea on 1 December 1787, arrived at Port Jackson on
"Prince of Wales". A month later son Thomas died on 25 February 1788,
believed to be the first free settler to die in Australia. The following month Thomas Harmsworth Senior
died in Sydney from a fever & flux on 30 April 1788. 15 October 1791 Alice married Daniel
Stanfield who was also a Marine and they were transferred to Norfolk Island.
Alice and Daniel Stanfield had 6
children. Their eldest son Daniel
married Maria Kimberly in 1808. Daniel junior inherited a full measure of his
father’s energy and a great deal of property. By 1825 he could claim 450 cattle
and 600 sheep, 7 horses and other capital. In 1828 he was one of the first in
Van Diemen’s Land to export apples to Britain.
Daniel and Maria had 11 children, one of which married a Morrisby.
Daniel & Maria are buried at St Matthew’s
Anglican Cemetery, Rokeby, Tasmania. Another son William married Grace Smith a
grand-daughter of James Morrisby.
Daniel Stanfield (Marine) & Alice Harmsworth family connections.
Their son William
married Grace Morrisby, grand- daughter of James & Ann Morrisby.
Their son Daniel married Maria Kimberly, daughter of Edward & Mary
Kimberly.
Their grandson Daniel Stanfield married Elizabeth Morrisby, daughter of
Henry Morrisby & Elizabeth Mack and grand-daughter of James & Ann
Morrisby.
Daniel Stanfield 1766-1826, husband of Alice. |
William Stanfield 1813-1896, son of Daniel & Maria. |
Daniel Stanfield 1828 - 1902 who married Elizabeth Morrisby. |
Daniel Stanfield Parcel 1 and Parcel 2, each with 60 acres. |
Daniel Stanfield's land was on the north side of the island at Cascade, with commanding views. |
Today the property is "Simons Water". Visitors are permitted to walk onto the property. |
Adrian & Darren contemplating! |
Darren & Adrian, Andrew, Robyn, Fiona & Donna wonder what life would have been like for the Stanfield family about 230 years ago. |
Edward Kimberly.
Edward Kimberly aged 18 was a
convicted at Coventry Warwickshire on 23rd March 1783 of grand larceny, being
the theft of several parcels of fabric from a milliner's shop. Edward was sentenced to transportation for
seven years. On 18th February 1786 he
was received on the hulk "Censor" or "Ceres", later being
sent to "Justina" from which on 24th February 1787, he was sent by
wagon to Portsmouth and embarked on
"Scarborough" on 27 February 1787.
and
Mary Cavenaugh had arrived on “Lady Juliana” on 3 June 1790, along
with 151 female convicts. Mary was convicted for 7 years at Old Bailey on 2
April 1788 for stealing 5 yards of printed cotton.
Edward married Mary on 20th
October 1791 and although more than a year after expiration of his sentence,
both were sent to Norfolk Island aboard "Atlantic" on 26th November
1791 and were settled on 12 acres (Lot 60) on the Mt Pitt Path,
Queenborough. Within 12 months he was
selling grain to stores and by June 1794 he had one child. Edward was a constable in 1805 and was,
according to a number of reports, at times sadistic in his treatment of
prisoners.
Edward and Mary had 4 children
born on Norfolk Island. Their eldest
Maria, married Daniel Stanfield. On 3 September 1808 Edward Kimberly, his wife
Mary Cavenaugh & children Mary, Hannah William were transferred to Van
Diemen’s Land on "City of Edinburgh". Edward Kimberly was given 140 acres Parcel
No.3 & 40 acres Parcel No.9 at Clarence Plains when he was resettled.
Edward died 1829 and Mary died 1851.
Edward Kimberly & Mary Cavenaugh family connections.
Their daughter Maria Kimberly married
Daniel Stanfield, son of Daniel the Marine & Alice Stanfield.
Their grandson Daniel Stanfield married Elizabeth Sarah Morrisby,
daughter of Henry Morrisby & Elizabeth Mary Mack and grand-daughter of
James & Ann Morrisby.
The Kimberly, Stanfield & Morrisby families became related by the
next generation.
Edward Kimberly, Parcel 60, 12 acres. |
Google map showing Edward Kimberly & James Morrisby land - neighbours. |
Samuel King.
Samuel was a Marine and First
Fleeter who arrived on “HMS Sirius” with 198 Officers, crew, marines and
families on 20 January 1788. Samuel took
up farming on Parcel No.13, 60 acres on Norfolk Island. He was re-settled on Van Diemen’s Land,
leaving Norfolk Island on “City of Edinburgh” on 3 September 1808. Samuel was given 28 acres at New Norfolk,
Tasmania. Samuel is reported to be the last male survivor of the First Fleet
who died in 1849.
and
Elizabeth (Betty) Thackery.
Elizabeth was convicted on 4 May
1786 at Lancashire Assizes, Manchester for stealing 2 black silk handkerchiefs
and 3 white handkerchiefs to a total value of one shilling. She received 7 years transportation and came
on the “Friendship”, a First Fleet ship at the age of 21 years. She left behind her husband Thomas Thackery
who was a Soldier. Betty was a troublesome convict. She was punished for fighting with other
women convicts and put in irons for being found with some of the seamen. She
was transferred to “Charlotte” at Cape of Good Hope, along with other badly
behaved women. The Captain commented in his diary “30 sheep came on board this
day and were put in the place where the women convicts were – I think we will
find much more agreeable ship mates than they were”. Betty was reported to be
the first white woman to set foot on Australian soil as she excitedly jumped
from her longboat and swam to the beach before the cheers of male convicts and
guards.
Elizabeth was sent to Norfolk
Island on “HMS Sirius” in March 1790 and reported as living with James
Dodding. She bought 10 acres from Samuel
King. Betty and James Dodding were
resettled on 25 December 1807 on “Porpoise” as “husband and wife”. James
Dodding was granted 30 acres at Tea Tree. Betty was granted 20 acres at New
Norfolk. Rev Robert Knopwood married Betty & Samuel on 28 January 1810. Betty is also reported as the last known survivor of the First Fleet who died in 1856 at 89 years.
My interest in Betty King was because she left her property to Ebenezer Shoobridge who was the Grandfather of
4 boys who my Grandpa tutored 1897-1900. The Shoobridge family lived in a home
called “Sunnyside” in New Town, Hobart and was frequently visited by my Grandpa
1900-1939. Coincidently, I visited that
home recently with my son as friends of his now live there.
Sanuel King, Parcel 13, 60 acres. |
James Dodding, Parcel 38, 10 acres. |
Betty King, nee Thackery died 1856. |
Joy visited "Sunnyside", more than 80 years after her grandfather visited the Shoobridge family there. |
“Morgan’s Run” by
Colleen McCullough.
Perhaps you have read some of
Colleen McCullough’s books. Probably the
most famous is “Thorn Birds”. Colleen
died in July 2015 and after her death her Will was contested in a Sydney Court. Colleen had written a Will in 2014, leaving
her estate to a University in USA. A
year later and just 10 days before she died from a stroke while in hospital, it
is alleged her husband convinced her to change her Will and leave her estate to
him. He was to get their house in
Norfolk Island regardless. He won the
case. When we were on the island there was advertising that one could take a
tour of Colleen’s home. We only drove
past! It is right next to Rocky Point
Reserve on New Farm Road.
A friend gave me a copy of
“Morgan’s Run” before I went to Norfolk Island. As I read it I could imagine the
names of MY convicts as their circumstances would have been just like Richard
Morgan. Because there was nothing on
Norfolk Island before the convicts arrived, they had to cut down Norfolk Pines
and build themselves a house. They had
to grow crops like flax and feed pigs. They were able to sell the results of
their labours. By the time most of the convicts got to Norfolk Island in
1788-1790, their 7 years was nearly up and they were free, but never to return.
Many of them had left behind in England wives and children but all that was to
be forgotten. They married other convict
women on the island and produced many children. In fact, as the women started
coming to Norfolk Island, the men were encouraged to take a woman in, and ok
you know what happened next. By the time
they were relocated to Van Diemen’s Land they had been on the island about 18
years, their children had grown up together and were ready to marry. Most of MY convicts ended up being related to
each other, so that is how I am related to them all.
Richard Morgan was tried in Gloucester on 23 March 1785 and
transported on “Alexander” for 7 years.
He arrived on Norfolk Island on 8 January 1790. Richard had been married
in England but his wife had died, leaving him with 2 children who had died by
the time he was convicted for the theft of a watch, assault and threat of
murder to obtain a promissory note for 500 Pounds. As I read the book, it seems it was set up,
but he got 7 years. While in Gloucester gaol Richard met Elizabeth (Lizzie) Lock.
They met up again and “so called” married in the colony. She did not come to
Norfolk Island with him but arrived a month later. She worked as a house maid to Governor Philip
King.
and
Catherine Clark arrived on “Lady Juliana” June 1790 and transferred
to Norfolk Island on “Surprise” August 1790.
Richard took a very shy 20 year old Catherine in for shelter, but the
inevitable happened. They married on the
island in November 1791 and had 9 children over the next 12 years on the
island. Richard worked hard cultivating his land and worked as a sawyer. They
left Norfolk Island on “Buffalo” on 15 October 1805 and were given land in
Cambridge, Van Diemen’s Land. Richard
died 26 September 1837 and Catherine died July 1828 in Clarence Plains,
Tasmania.
Richard Morgan, Parcel 80, 10 acres. |
Richard Morgan's land today. |
Giant Morton Bay Figs line the road with Richard Morgan's land on the north. Hundred Acres and Rocky Point Reserve on the south. The home of Colleen McCullough is on the left of Hundred Acres. |
Playing like kids in the Morton Bay Figs. |
Morton Bay Figs from Hundred Acres with Colleen McCullough's property behind. |
Darren & Fiona walking through Hundred Acres to Rocky Point Reserve. |
View from Rocky Point Reserve. |
Darren contemplating. Philip Island in the distance. |
Goodbye Norfolk Island. Can you see our orange roof on left hand side? |
Goodbye Norfolk Island. |
What a fun filled family time together. |
If you want more depth to my discoveries and to learn how each of these couples ended up being one big happy family, you could go to http://norfolkislandfirstfleetersandfamilies.blogspot.com.au
If you have any comments, corrections or further information about these families, please email me on joyolney@gmail.com