Researchers who have claimed this convict
There is currently one researcher who has claimed James Turner
Biographies
Only 5 more ships carrying convicts were sent after James' ship before transportation finally stopped in 1867 (arrived 1868). This made James among the last 1500 of c. 35000 prisoners transported.
James Turner was born in Baldock, Hertfordshire and was baptised 5 February 1843. He was the second son of James and Martha Turner of Pepper Alley. He had one brother and two sisters. Brother George was baptised 13 June 1841 and sister Catherine 17 May 1840 and sister Sarah Ann 23 February 1845. According to a newspaper report on the Hertfordshire Assizes (court report) in 1863, James Turner of Baldock was sentenced to 12 years Penal Servitude (jail) for arson (with others). According to the Govenors Journal of Hertsford Prison, James Turner was removed to Millbank Prison London 23 December 1863. James Turner, Convict number 8440 left Chatham Prison and embarked on the convict ship Racehorse 26 May 1865. He was 22 years of age. The Racehorse arrived in Fremantle 10 August 1865 after a 76 day passage from England. This was considered a fast passage as the Racehorse was a modern ship built in Jersey in 1853. Earlier ships took up to 4 months to arrive. On board was a crew of 105 Officers and men and a guard of 50 pensioners under the command of a Sergeant Major. In return for guarding the prisoners the 50 men received free passage for themselves and their wives and children. On board the space forward of the bulkhead was for prisoners and the only access was through a small iron studded door. It allowed the passage of only one convict at a time and then they had to almost crawl. Prisoners were given individual numbers and they were stencilled on the back and each breast pocket of the prisoners coat. Odd numbers were allowed on deck at one time, even numbers for the next period. Bugle call was at 0530. At 0745 there was breakfast of gruel, half a pint (about 225mls) of cocoa and 6oz (about 180grms) of biscuit. Dinner at midday was soup, 4oz (about 120grms) of salt beef or pork and another 6oz of biscuit. Supper at 1730 was half a pint of tea and 4oz biscuit. The water allowance was a generous 3 quarts (about 2 1/2 ltrs) daily. Of the 280 prisoners embarked 278 arr ived. Only 2 died on the voyage. Over the following 11 years details on the record sheet of Convict No. 8440 showed that an extra 4 months was added to the sentence for offences and 1 month was taken off for special remissions. Ticket of leave was granted in 1870. James Turner was 27. The following are details from James Turner's Work Sheet. 24 Jan 1870 Gen Servant 18 shillings week Employer J. Higgins Blackwood 18 Feb 1871 " " 30 " " G. Gueirier Busselton 3 May 1871 Labourer Contract T. Thurkle Vasse 30 Jun 1871 Gen Servant 25 shillings week W.F. Seymour Quindalup 31 Dec 1871 Labourer 30 " " W.F. Seymour Quindalup 16 Dec 1872 Gen Servant 30 " " G. Sayers Margaret River 21 Jul 1873 Labourer 30 " " J Wilson Margaret River 1 Oct 1873 " Contract A.P. Bussell Margaret River 12 Nov 1873 Gen Servant 3 shilling 6 pence day J. Cookworthy Busselton 2 Dec 1873 " " 1 pound week J.G. Reynolds Wonnerup 30 Jun 1874 " " 30 shillings week J. G. Reynolds Wonnerup 19 Apr 1875 Labourer Piece work A. Rosselloty Vasse 27 May 1875 " 4 shilling 6 pence day W.A. Timber Mill Lockville 30 Jun 1875 " 5 shillings day W.A. Tmber Mill Lockville While still serving his sentence he was granted special permission to marry 16 year old Emma Dilley - it is thought that they met at Margaret River. Emma was the daughter of William and ? Dilley and was one of nine children. Her brothers were Frank and George and her sisters were Eliza (Richards), Fanny (Higgins), Lena(Williams), Ellie(Hannaby), Louise(Stines) and Charlotte(Jackson). Jam es and Emma Turner were married at the courthouse, Vasse 6 Aug 1875. A Certificate of Freedom was issued 7 Jan 1876 by the Magistrate at Vasse. James was nearly 33 years old. Microfilm records of early baptisms from St Mary's Church Busselton showed that the first five of their chi
Submitted by Researcher (15171) on 15 March 2022
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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 11/19, p.74
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