Researchers who have claimed this convict
There is currently one researcher who has claimed Simon McKenzie
- Researcher (Lilian Magill)
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Biographies
Simon was fifteen in 1843 when he first faced the court for stealing. Court records show that he was living with his mother, Margaret McKenzie in Friars Lane, Inverness, no father is mentioned.
On 9 January 1843, Simon along with one John McDonald were charged with three accounts of stealing; firstly from Mr Joseph Mitchell, Esquire, Inspector of Highland Roads and Bridges, on or about November or December 1842; A large jar or Greybeard, a small cask or keg, a pair of drab trousers, a pair of gaiters and a bagpipe chanter , also a flute, a whip thong and a pair of gaiters belonging to John McLennan, servant to Mr Mitchell. Secondly from Alexander Munro, spirit dealer on 24 December 1842; 25 common glass bottles, a pair of new shoes, a pair of boots and a pair of worsted stockings. Thirdly from Mr James Falconer, teacher on 7 January 1843; two legs of mutton, weighing in total 17 ¾ pounds and a hare, by breaking the lock from the meat safe door.
When apprehended, sleeping in the hay loft of Mr Mitchell’s coach house, Simon is wearing the boots stolen from Alexander Munro. In Simon’s statement he gives names of the people he and John sold the items to and that with some of the money they purchased whiskey. When questioned about the mutton, he tells the police where it can be found. His statement and the statements from witnesses see him and John McDonald sent to stand trial on 15 April 1843. They are found Guilty and sentenced to eighteen months goal, in Perth 119 miles from Inverness
Released from Perth Gaol on 21 October 1844, they are apprehended two months later in December 1844, in Inverness, for stealing from Alexander Watson, meal dealer; one blue greatcoat, a wooden snuff box and a pair of cotton gloves. Simon and John are again found Guilty and their sentence is given as 10 years imprisonment in Van Diemen’s Land and they are taken to Millbank Prison, to await transportation.
In the Millbank Prison Register , Simon is described as 17 years old, single and can read and write well. The specific description of the crime reads, ‘theft and poor character.’ On 26 May 1846 he is taken on board the Maitland, leaving England on 29 June 1846. After 129
days at sea and stopping at Van Diemen’s Land to disembark eight convicts, the ship arrived in Port Phillip on 6 November 1846.
Known as Exiles, these 291 men were granted their pardons on arrival, with Queen Victoria giving approval on ‘10 day of June 1846 in the Ninth year of our Reign.’ In his talk ‘The Exiles – a different class of Victorian.’ , to the Port Phillip Pioneers Group on 10 March 2007, Scott Brown gives a good description of what was expected of them. They had to have had a period of solitary confinement to reflect and show remorse. They undertook training in various trades. It was not compulsory for him to accept help but if he refused, he had to fend for himself.
The ship’s Dispersal List doesn’t show who employed Simon on his arrival, with the comment ‘not specified’ given, other than it was to be for a period of one year.
I have no information on Simon from his arrival in 1846 until his marriage, as Simon Grant McKenzie or McKay on 10 January 1850, to Ann Cameron at Kilnoorat, near Camperdown, Victoria. This is the first recording of the name Grant being used.
Simon and Ann settle in Ballarat and have six children; James McKenzie, 1850 - before 1892 (only child to be given the surname McKenzie), Margaret, 1852/53 – 1928, Maryann, 1856 – 1858, drowned, Maryann, 1859 – 1912, William Alexander, 1864 – 1945 (known as Alexander) and Jessie Elizabeth, 1868 – 1946. He gives his occupation as a miner on several of the children’s birth certificates.
Simon seems to have led a quiet life, with no mentions in local papers, no police reports, apart from his Deposition given at the inquest into Maryann’s death in 1858.
Simon died on 18 January 1892, collapsing in the early hours of the morning, at his home in Sweeny Street, Ballarat East.
Submitted by Researcher (Lilian Magill) on 10 May 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 11/15, p.105
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