Researchers who have claimed this convict
There is currently one researcher who has claimed James Brixly
Biographies
Submitted by Researcher (7708) on 14 June 2020
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James Brixey was born 1765 (baptised 21 Oct 1765) in Lymington, Hampshire, England, to parents Richard Brixey & Mary Hinton. James married Mary Preston on the 6 Feb 1787 at Milford, Hampshire, and together they had 3 children, all of whom were also born in Lymington.
The eldest, Mary Brixey, born 15 Jun 1787, went on to marry Edward Hewett in St George Hanover Square, London on 2 May1811. The next child to be born was James Brixey, 29 Jan 1789, who unfortunately died 20 Oct 1790 aged just 1 year and 9 months. The youngest child was Kitty Brixey, who was born 31 Oct 1790, just 11 days after the death of her brother. Kitty was named after her paternal aunt Kitty (Catherine). Kitty went on to marry Robert Holloway in Gosport, Hampshire 17 Nov 1812.
James Brixey was named as a beneficiary of his mother Mary’s estate, she having passed away in 1809, leaving a very substantial inheritance for each of her 5 children, as well as her brother-in-law. How James spent, and more likely squandered, his inheritance can only be speculated upon, but we do know that just 12 years later his fortunes had changed and James was arrested for stealing.
On the 23 April 1821, at the age of 56 years, James stole a sheet and 2 curtains from a lodging room, the property of William Palmer, in Bethnel Green, Middlesex, which were then taken to a pawnbroker in Shoreditch. It took a full year for James’ trial to be heard at the Old Bailey in London, with James finally having his day in court on 17 April 1822. Having been found guilty, James was sentenced to 7 years transportation. James was returned to the Hulks to await departure to Australia, which took another full year, with James departing April 1823 on the Convict Transport ‘Commodore Hayes’.
The ‘Commodore Hayes’ arrived in Van Diemans Land (Tasmania) on 16 Aug 1823. James is described as male, 5ft 6 1/4inches tall, grey hair and grey eyes, with no tattoo’s. By now James was 58 years old and likely not an attractive prospect for anyone looking to have young, healthy convict labourers assigned to them. His convict record mentions that he has 2 daughters - one in Portsmouth married to Robert Oliver (*note actual surname is Holloway) a grocer at Half Way House - the other daughter in London, married to Edward Hewett a Pastry Cook in Piccadilly. James Brixey last worked for a Calico Glazier in Bethnel Green. There is no mention of James’ wife Mary, the last we know of her was when James was arrested his wife was living in Legge Alley, London. Legge Alley no longer appears on current maps, but historically it appeared to come somewhere off of ‘Long Acre’ in Convent Gardens, London. This is right near Picadilly, where daughter Mary lived with her husband Edward Hewett.
James’ Convict indent records 3 charges against him. The first was on 22 Nov 1825, charged with stealing 4 cabbages and about 2 lb of potatoes from the Gov Garden near town, for which James received punishment of 25 Lashes and P.B 1st Class. (A. M. Esq) - P.B. means Prisoners’ Barracks, and 1st Class was the grouping for those deemed ready for assignment.
The second incident was on the 22 Aug 1827 when James absented himself from the Prisoners’ Barracks without leave. This charge was discharged. The third incident occurred on 12 April 1828, by which time James had been assigned to work for J. Allison, but on this day chose to neglect his duties.
On 12 Aug 1829 James had served out his 7 year sentence and was declared Free by Servitude and issued a Certificate of Freedom. James was 64 years old.
I have only found 1 registered death of a James Brixey, and that was on 25 May 1837 in Hobart. Our James would have been 72 years old, this mans age is listed as 50 years, however I believe this is our James Brixey as I’ve been unable to find any record of any other James Brixey in the Colony at the time.
Submitted by Researcher (7708) on 14 June 2020
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Disclaimer: The information has not been verified by Claim a Convict. As this information is contributed, it is the responsibility of those who use the data to verify its accuracy. Research notes
James BRIXEY
Submitted by Researcher (7708) on 15 June 2020
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Disclaimer: The information has not been verified by Claim a Convict. As this information is contributed, it is the responsibility of those who use the data to verify its accuracy. Sources
- The National Archives (TNA) : HO 11/5, p.29
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