Researchers who have claimed this convict
There are currently 5 researchers who have claimed Samuel Nixon
- Researcher (992)
- Researcher (Keith South)
- Researcher (luke caddaye)
- Researcher (Leanne Stark)
- Researcher (Galinda Wood)
|
 |
Biographies
Samuel is mentioned in the 1822 and 1824-5-6 NSW Musters, the1828 census, and in James McLelland's "History of NSW". A native of Rugby (Warwickshire) and a tailor by trade, he took to Highway Robbery, for which he was tried at Warwick Assizes and gaoled for life on the 28th Mar 1818. (The records give Death as the sentence, but this was commonly commuted to transportation for life).
Similarly charged at the time were Thomas Smith and William Smith, and there was also a Thomas Nixon sentenced to death for Larceny in a Dwelling Place, no doubt Samuel's brother, who was transported in 1819.
Samuel was put aboard the "Shipley", which sailed from Woolwich to Sydney, arriving on 18 Nov 1818. He was sent to work for William Cox at Windsor, and it would seem that his sentence was shortened to seven years as this is the time given at the 1822 muster: however, in 1825 he is still said to be serving a life sentence and working as a labourer. He gained his ticket of leave before the 1828 census (on record as #27/53), when he was living on two acres of cleared and cultivated land at Windsor. Two horses are mentioned, but it is uncertain whether the land and horses were Samuel's or whether he was working for someone else. He later gained a conditional pardon (#39/106) His record describes him as being 5'91/2" tall, of pale complexion, with brown hair and blue eyes. At his trial in 1818, his age was given as 20, and at the 1828 census as 28. From the christening date for Samuel and Thomas, and those of their siblings, it seems possible that they were both a year or two younger than claimed at the time of their trials.
Between 1824 and 1832, Samuel had four children by Frances Foley, but it seems they were not married: Frances (aka Elizabeth Johnson) married John FOLEY in 1816, and her name is given as Frances (Foley) on the children's christening records. It seems she was known to the authorities as "Elizabeth Johnson" as this is the name that was given at the census as an alternative to Nixon. However, the children were registered as Nixon. They must have separated between 1832 and 1834, as Samuel married Ellen Connor in 1834. It is not known where the children grew up.
Samuel's death was notified by his brother Thomas, and much of the information about the family comes from the death certificate.
On 15 May 1847, Samuel Nixon was up before the Police Court at Windsor, charged with stabbing his wife, Ellen. Bailed to appear on June 1 in the Central Criminal Court in Sydney, he was then remanded in custody until June 5, when he was sentenced to 6 months hard labour in Sydney Goal for malicious stabbing and assault.
Submitted by Researcher (Keith South) on 13 August 2018
|
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 11/3, p.48
|
