Researchers who have claimed this convict
There are currently 3 researchers who have claimed James Dennis
- Researcher (Helena Woolrich)
- Researcher (michelle hearne)
- Researcher (Barrie Parker)
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Biographies
James was baptised Kentisbury, Devon on 3 September 1877 to John Dennis and his wife Grace (nee May), the 6th of 10 children.
He married Elizabeth Gubb by banns on 17 February 1801 at Kentisbury by Charles Sweet (Rector) in the presence of Grace Litheby and John Blackmore.
They had eight children.
James Dennis born c1774 was sentenced to death at the local assizes on 16 March 1818 for sheep stealing, but this was commuted to life and transportation to Australia. An article in the Taunton Courier dated 1818 listed all those to be tried at the Lent assizes. It shows that James, and two others named Ephraim and William Street, were charged with stealing three wether sheep. Ephraim and William are shown in the assizes under sentence as "No Bill" along side their names. No Bill meant acquitted due to lack of evidence.
James Dennis (aged 44) was received on board Prison Hulk HMS Laurel, moored at Portsmouth on 20 May 1818 and the records show he was discharged 30 June 1818 to NSW.
HMS Laurel had been the Dutch sloop Sireene (or Sirène) which was launched in 1786. The British captured her in 1796 at the capitulation of Saldanha Bay, South Africa. She then served in the Royal Navy, first briefly as the sixth rate HMS Daphne, and then from 1798 as the prison ship HMS Laurel. The Admiralty sold her in 1821. (Source Wikiepedia)
Colonial Secretary records show that James Dennis was forwarded on 13 January 1819 to Liverpool NSW as part of a road building party.
In the Colonial Secretary records dated 31 March 1821 there is a permission and authority slip for William Browne Esq of Sydney to procure 15,000 feet of Cedar in the District of Illawarra and to employ thereon Patrick Hopkins and John Button (Prisoners) and James Dennis and Richard Kippar (Freemen). Also in the same records 31 March 1821 is a permission and authority slip for Mr Hamilton Hume of Appin being given authority to procure 5,000 feet of cedar in the District of Illawarra and to employ James Dennis and James Smith (Government Servants to Mr Hume).
Also in the Colonial Secretary records is a letter from James Dennis to Sir Thomas Brisbane, Governor Commander in Chief dated 8 July 1924 requesting his family be allowed to come and join him in Australia. This letter states that he is able to support his family should they be allowed to join him. This request is accompanied by references from Mr Hamilton Hume, William Browne and Thomas Reddall. In his reference Mr Hamilton Hume states that James Dennis has been in his employ for upwards of six years during which time he has conducted himself in a sober, honest and industrious manner and is capable of supporting his wife. He states that James Dennis had a few head of horned cattle and a piece of land under cultivation, which Mr Hamilton Hume has given him for his good conduct.
Confirmation dated 22 July 1824 for free passage to the Colony for his family came from the Colonial Secretary's office.
There is a discrepancy in the ages of the children in James’ letter and their actual ages. He made them younger than they actually were, probably because his eldest were beyond the age of minority. Possibly making them younger meant they would all be eligible for free passage.
His wife Elizabeth had remarried (supposed widow) in 1824 to William Lerwill so she and the family did not travel out to join James.
James Dennis was given a Ticket of Leave to remain in the District of Appin dated 2 July 1827 and was given a conditional pardon on 8 September 1836.
James met, but never married, Elizabeth Spinks and they went on to have eight children together living in Fairy Meadow, Illawarra where he had a farm.
James Dennis died 3 August 1860 Fairy Meadow, Wollongong (aged 86) and was buried 5 August 1860 at Wesleyan burial ground, Wollongong
Submitted by Researcher (Helena Woolrich) on 29 April 2021
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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
Conviction report 1818: Source BNA Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser 9 March 1818, page 3
Submitted by Researcher (Helena Woolrich) on 25 December 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. Sources
- The National Archives (TNA) : HO 11/3, p.67
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