Researchers who have claimed this convict
There are currently 2 researchers who have claimed John Kinsey
- Researcher (Jamie Williams)
- Researcher (Sarah Ranner)
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Biographies
John Kinsey is registered in various locations under different names. The reason for this is hard to detangle. Some of it is the result of inconsistent spelling (especially between the English, Irish and Scottish).
John is registered on the passenger list for The Duke of Portland as 'John Kinsey'. He is listed at his trial as 'John Kinzy'. He names himself 'John McKenzie' once he is freed. This makes finding records difficult.
My grandfather told me that John McKenzie (his great great great grandfather) was Scottish, from the highlands. That they were a well-to-do family with a crest and their own tartan. I have no evidence to prove this - in fact all documentation appears to point to John Kinsey being Irish. However, in my research I have found other distant cousin who have been told the same story. It is very possible that John changed his name and even nationality when telling his children and grandchildren of his past to hide his convict origins.
John was charged in 1806 with attempted armed robbery in County Sligo, Ireland. He, his brother and three friends tried to steal a gun in order to then rob the owner. They were sentenced to 7 years transportation. The indictment was on 31/11/1806.
His ship left Portsmouth on 19/02/1807 and arrived in Australia 27/07/1807. John was freed on 03/01/1814 (Certificate of Freedom # 6/1293). He then applied for a grant of land on 30/06/1814 in Pitt Town NSW. From this date on, his name is John McKenzie.
John married Mary Ann Hobbs on 08/10/1814. Mary was the daughter of two convicts - Robert Hobbs (b. 1763 | a. 1791 abroad the 3rd Fleet | d. 1839) and Bridget Heslin (b. 1774 | a. 1792 abroad Sugar Cane | d. 1843). Robert was English, Bridget was Irish but her mother was Scottish.
John had nine children including John Jr, Elizabeth Bridget, James, Joseph, Louisa, Mary, William, Andrew and Mary Ann).
John died 27/08/1865 in Denham NSW.
Submitted by Researcher (Sarah Ranner) on 4 December 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
Surname later changed to McKenzie
Submitted by Researcher (Jamie Williams) on 18 March 2014
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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
- State Records NSW (SRNSW) : NRS 12188, [4/4004], 1807, Duke Of Portland, p.8
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