I wonder if you might have meant Australia when you wrote "...transported to N.Z in 1803 on the Calcutta for stealing a sheep.". As far as I'm aware no one was transported to New Zealand, with penal colonies existing only in Australia. A later exception was the poorly-conceived "Parkhurst Boys" programme; see the very informative discussion elsewhere on this page.
There are a large number of records for PRESTIDGE held by the New Zealand Society of Genealogists, some of which appear to be submitted by descendants, possibly still living. I suggest you contact the NZSG at http://www.genealogy.org.nz/ to further your search.
Regards, riley
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ELLERKER - Beverley ERY ENG HEALEY - Staffordshire ENG MURDOCH - Wigtownshire SCT PALING - Nottinghamshire ENG RILEY - Flamborough; Cottingham; South Dalton ERY, Manitoba CAN, & London ENG STURTON - Arnold, Nottinghamshire ENG SUTTRON - All, NRY & DUR ENG TAYLOR - London ENG TYLER - London ENG
My husband is the GGGGGrandson of John Prestidge, from Moreton Pinkney Northampton transported to N.Z in 1803 on the "Calcutta" for stealing a sheep.
Also of Henry Prestidge who was his GGGUncle who emigrated to N.Z with his wife and children on the Emma Colvin.
I believe one of Henry's sons, Joel, had about 20 twenty children, so there must be plenty of you out there.
Hope to hear from someone.
Linda Prestidge
Hi Linda,
Not a descendant myself, but Joel PRESTRIDGE m. Charlotte GIBBS, 1st cousin 3x removed to my husband. I have them with 11 children, and have a little on further generations. Want to swap?