Researchers who have claimed this convict
There are currently 2 researchers who have claimed John Curtis
- Researcher (Paul Fergus)
- Researcher (Mary Wilson)
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Biographies
John Curtis was probably born in Bristol England in c 1749. His life before deportation is not yet known except that he had a wife and 10 children living in the parish of St Augustine's in Bristol (1803 Petition to Governor King). Previously it was thought that he was married to Jane Purrier in 1773 but this is now proven to be incorrect. (England & Wales, Prerogative Court of Canterbury Wills, 1384-1858).
In March 1795, 45 year old John was tried and convicted at the Lent Assizes in Gloucester for “forging, counterfeiting, coining . . . silver coin of the realm called a sixpence”. He was convicted at the Gloucester Lent Azzizes and sentenced to death, later commuted to deportation for life to Australia.
John was put on board the ship Ganges which sailed from Portsmouth on 10th December 1796. He arrived in Sydney on 2 June 1797. Upon arrival he was sent to work as a dairyman at the Government Stores at Toongabbie.
Five years later, in 1802, he was promoted to Overseer of the Government herd (see Petition from John Curtis to Governor King - King papers Vol 1 pp 66-69 M.L.)
John Curtis was granted emancipation on 4 June 1802 by Governor King John was now a free man but unable to leave the Colony. Missing his family he petitioned Governor King in 1803 for permission to return to his family in England. The petition was not granted since if he returned to England the original sentence pf death could still be carried out
On 26 June 1802, an Irish convict, Ann Moran/Feaghan arrived in NSW on board the ‘Hercules’ and was assigned to work for John as a dairymaid. Very lonely, John formed an attachment with her. A daughter was born to them in c1803. They named her Elizabeth.
John and Ann eventually married in 1814 and had 5 children.
In January 1810 John was again granted 80 acres of land at Liberty Plains/ Pilgrim Hill.
John received a absolute pardon in 31 January 1813.
By 1821 John owned a house in Parramatta (which was left to his oldest daughter, Betsy), 26 head of cattle and 2 mares, a 30 acre farm on Sydney Rd, near Haslem’s Creek
John wrote his will on May 28th 1821. In his will John Curtis left everything to Ann in trust for his children, Elizabeth, James, John, Peter and Catherine. To his married daughter, Elizabeth Ready he also left 10 head of cattle.
On 12th September 1821 John Curtis died at age 72J. He was buried in St John's Church Cemetery Parramatta.
Submitted by Researcher (Mary Wilson) on 3 September 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
There are currently no research notes attached to this convict. Sources
- The National Archives (TNA) : HO 11/1, p.210
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