Researchers who have claimed this convict
There is currently one researcher who has claimed Robert Oakley
Biographies
Robert Oakley, son of James Oakley (1772-1813) & Sarah White.
Robert Oakley (1808-1849) and Harriet Mitchell (1825-1901) were married at Maitland on 25th June 1842. Robert was the brother of Joseph Orland Oakley, CONVICT (1810-1895). Joseph was my ancestor.
Robert Oakley, 20, bricklayer's Labourer, James Harvey & Thomas Brown were tried at Horsemonger Lane, Southwark, Surrey, England. The offence was shoplifting cheese from the property of Joseph Webb, Chertsey. On 28 December 1829 all 3 were convicted ands sentenced to 7 years transportation.
Robert Oakley departed 29 May 1830 on the "Lord Melville 3" and arrived at Sydney 22nd October 1830. He was assigned to the Hunter River. The convict Muster of 1837 lists his age as 26. His Certificate of Freedom was granted at Maitland on 19th November 1839.
An intriguing article in the Maitland Mercury, 20 January 1847, entitled 'a curious case of robbery'. It reveals James Harvey, co-accomplice of Robert Oakley, remained a close friend:
"Richard Saunders and James Harvey were on Saturday last fully committed to take their trials for stealing a box of clothes, the property of one Robert Oakley. The case has been for the last fortnight under examination by the police bench, and presents some rather interesting features. Harvey, it appears, had occasionally lodged at the Oakley House, and had ultimately managed to seduce the affections of Mrs Oakley from their legitimate obje3ct, her own tender spouse. Poor Oakley, in perfect innocence, kept his friend in his house, until at last his wife disappeared mysteriously one morning, leaving no trace behind of her whereabouts.rs Oakley had not, however, gone quite alone; she had taken care to provide herself with every necessary, and had filled a trunk with clothes of different descriptions. These were handed over to Saunders, who left them at Lee's public-house, in East Maitland, until an opportunity offered of transplanting the trunk and himself to the more genial soil of Sydney. Oakley in the meanwhile, to recover his wife, gave information to the police, and Saunders were apprehended on the Newcastle road by the chief constable; Harvey and Mrs Oakley were also in company, but no reasonable excuse then offered for taking them. Harvey was, however, subsequently taken at Hexham. The box having been traced to Lee's public house was opened, and some of Oakley's own things having been found inside, the two prisoners were committed to take their trials. The fair, though faithless, cause of the turmoil, has since returned to the arms of her disconsolate spouse.
Robert Oakley died at Maitland on 29 August 1849. There was no issue from the marriage. On 6 December 1849, Harriet Oakley, of Maitland, widow and sole executrix in the last will of Robert Oakley, late of Maitland, yeoman, applied to the Supreme Court of NSW for probate of the will of Robert Oakley. NSW Government Gazette, 7 December 1849.
Harriet (nee Mitchell) Oakley re-married on 21 January 1850 at Maitland (just a few weeks later). Her husband was Thomas Hanks (1822-1891). They had 1 son, Thomas Charles Hanks (1856-1931). For many years Thomas Hanks, bootmaker, and Harriet, midwife, lived at the corner of Fitzroy and Newcastle Streets, East Maitland. Their house was later a private hospital where grandaughter's were midwives. During floods, patients were rescued from top-story windows by boat.
Submitted by Researcher (Jill Mozina) on 8 November 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
There are currently no research notes attached to this convict. Sources
- The National Archives (TNA) : HO 11/7, p.378
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