Bernard Fitzsimmons, from "shop man" to Aussie convict.

[gregperth]

My 3rd great grandfather was Irish convict Bernard Fitzsimmons, a "shop man", from County Cavan. From his convict papers in NSW, it seems he was born around 1803. Convicted of forgery at Kings County. Sentence term: 14years. Ship: Elphinstone. Departure date: 8 September, 1838. Arrival date (Sydney): 29 December, 1838. A son Thomas (13) also came with him. However, it could be that person is a brother or cousin. He also has a long criminal record in Australia. Though not married, he had two children in Australia with Sarah Ann Fitt, one of which was my 2nd great grandfather (George Henry, named Fitt and Stephenson - her previous husband's surname). I'd appreciate any information on Bernard. Many thanks.

[dathai]

the Irish side have him born circa 1796
http://www.findingaids.nationalarchives.ie/index.php?simpleSearchSbm=true&searchDescTxt=bernard+fitzsimons&simpleSearchSbm=Search#searchfocus

[gregperth]

Well, heck, that's a find. Many thanks. Much appreciated.

[Jamjar]

Was he in VIC in his old age?

If so this confirms a birth of 1796, 2nd last column: http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article199361392

Jamjar

[Jamjar]

That makes him mighty old when fathering those two children in 1867 and 1869.

This is the VIC chap:

8105/1879 FITZSIMMONS Bernard Mother Mary Father Phillip Place of birth Dublin Age 83

Jamjar

[Jamjar]

What evidence do you have that Bernard is the father of Sarah’s children. There is no father’s name list for the births, or the death of Louisa?

I can’t find Thomas, his son, listed on the Elphinstone.

https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/elphinstone/1838

https://convictrecords.com.au/convicts/fitzsimmons/bernard/132556

Jamjar

[gregperth]

I have his arrival papers and ticket of leave (attachments too large). The arrival can be found online at the Australian Biographical database and other sources, including: https://convictrecords.com.au/convicts/fitzsimmons/bernard/132556. In NSW BDM he is registered twice, as Stephenson and Fitt, both with the same number (10234/1869). My mum's uncle Godfrey Stephenson said George Stephenson's nickname was "Fitzy". There are many coincidences, such as he and Sarah serving time together in Maitland Jail and the fact that Fitzsimmons was charged with embezzling Sarah's husband James Stephenson. No, I can't find a record of Louisa's death either but the birth is 8900/1867. I do not know if he was in Victoria.

[Jamjar]

Louisa’s death: 4948/1867 FITT LOUISA J mother SARAH A DUNGOG

Jamjar

[gregperth]

Many thanks, Jamjar.