RootsChat.Com
Research in Other Countries => Australia => Topic started by: Lady Di on Saturday 25 September 21 13:17 BST (UK)
-
I've been looking for a convict: Robert GOODWIN.
He arrived 1801 on Earl Cornwallis, sentenced to Life in Oz (was originally a Death sentence)
Trial at Old Bailey in 1800
He is recorded on the Convict Index 1788-1868 & Convict Indents 1801-1814 but vanishes after that.
Best guess is that he died early. Nothing on NSWBDM pre 1840's for anyone of that name.
His brother William also arrived same time & same ship. His sentence was only 14yrs and rec'd his TOL/CP in 1814. Don't know what happened to him after that.
Your thoughts or suggestions on where Robert went would be very much appreciated.
Thanks
Di
Edit to add: Apologies - forgot the obvious ::) Robert arrived in NSW in 1801. He was born abt 1780, probably Northamptonshire. No proof of parents names but maybe William & Mary.
-
Do you know whether Robert actually arrived in Australia i.e. is there a possibility that he died during the voyage? He does not seem to be mentioned on the 1806 muster like his brother William (https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1290584099/view )
FYI brother William can be found working as a baker in the 1828 census (https://www.paperturn-view.com/?pid=NDM43339&p=270). He was already working as a baker in Parramatta in the 1825 muster (https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1284760817/view).
-
Thanks TreeSpirit
It's been so long since I last looked for convicts that I've forgotten the normal places to look. :o
Interesting that Robert isn't on the 1806. From what I found, he was reported to be on the Earl Cornwallis but haven't found any info about deaths on board. Looks like a very short time frame 1801-1806 when he jumped ship, died, vanished or took off into the bush.
Thanks also for William's info. His TOL/CF says he was a Baker so the 1825/1828 are interesting. I thought he may have died in 1844 at Wilberforce but that was only a "possible" and unconfirmed.
Thanks - I appreciate your help (and jogging my memory on where to search ;D )
-
Looking at oldbaileyonline it says he served in the west London militia. Can't find any records for this though.
-
Interesting that Robert isn't on the 1806. From what I found, he was reported to be on the Earl Cornwallis but haven't found any info about deaths on board.
There were quite a number of deaths ... see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Cornwallis_(1783_ship)#Convict_transport. Unfortunately I can't find any of the names of these poor blighters...
-
Looking at oldbaileyonline it says he served in the west London militia. Can't find any records for this though.
Interesting that you've brought this up middlesbrough - I've been looking for further information along those lines as well. My first thought was that Robert may have been transferred back to the Militia to serve his sentence as a soldier. I've heard of this happening before but don't know if it would be applicable for a Death/Life sentence.
Like you, I haven't found anything re London Militia in 1800-1801.
Shall keep looking ...
Interesting that Robert isn't on the 1806. From what I found, he was reported to be on the Earl Cornwallis but haven't found any info about deaths on board.
There were quite a number of deaths ... see: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earl_Cornwallis_(1783_ship)#Convict_transport. Unfortunately I can't find any of the names of these poor blighters...
I also just found an article about the deaths on board the Earl Cornwallis due to dysentery and that many of those who did arrive were weak and feeble. Like you - no lists of the deceased.
Frustrating as it looked like a good lead.
Thanks a lot
-
it seems the London militia was purely voluntary but I could be wrong. Perhaps that is the reason his sentence was reduced.
At his trial it says Robert Goodwin called captain hawes, who had known him for four months as a soldier in the west London militia, and gave him a good character.
-
it seems the London militia was purely voluntary but I could be wrong. Perhaps that is the reason his sentence was reduced.
At his trial it says Robert Goodwin called captain hawes, who had known him for four months as a soldier in the west London militia, and gave him a good character.
Interesting that the London Militia was (reputed to be) voluntary. He was the younger of the 2 brothers which makes one wonder if his brother had joined also. Certainly worth further investigation.
Thanks for the update.