Researchers who have claimed this convict
There is currently one researcher who has claimed John Brewer
- Researcher (Jillian Brewer)
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Biographies
John Brewer was born in London in January 1819 to John and Hannah (nee Ashton) Brewer. His family originated in Somerset. In November 1840, he married Jane Elizabeth Jackson with whom he had two children. He lived with a woman named Margaret from at least 1841 and they had a son, Henry, in 1843. John Brewer was a brass turner and was at one time employed by James Pelton, a dealer in London. In December 1844, he was charged with selling brass cocks stolen from Pelton and committed to trial in the Central Criminal Court. In March 1845, he was found guilty and sentenced to 7 years transportation. Margaret is mentioned in the court proceedings and he was still living with her at that time.
His family and friends unsuccessfully petitioned for a retrial and later his wife Jane, petitioned for him to be sent to America, where he had relatives who were willing to employ him. Both petitions failed.
John Brewer was transported to Port Philip aboard the Thomas Arbuthnot, arriving in March 1847. He sent one letter to Jane, from Macedon on 26 December 1847, but she never heard from him again. She wrote to the Governor of Port Philip in June 1850, asking about him.
By that time, John Brewer had married 16 year old Ann Bray, a Cornish immigrant, in Melbourne.
He ran hotels in Melbourne (The Black Bull) and Kyneton (the Royal Oak) in the 1850s and was involved in a number of dubious commercial transactions and court proceedings.
He died at his farm, Oak Farm, at Piper's Creek in June 1861.
Submitted by Researcher (Jillian Brewer) on 15 May 2019
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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.142
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