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Biographies
John Smart of London, when 19 years old, was convicted of larceny, for stealing a rope. His trial took place on 23 November 1835, and he was sentenced to 7 years transportation.
The birth of a John Smart to John and Sarah Smart was recorded 10 February 1816, with the Baptism 13 March 1816 at Saint Michael Bassishaw, London, England.
The trial of John Smart in the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey) was recorded as follows:
“CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT
LONDON
23 November 1835
124. JOHN SMART and CHARLES MARTIN were indicted for stealing on the 21st of November 29lbs. of rope, value 3s., the goods of the West India Dock Company; and 12lbs; of rope, value 2s., the goods of Hugh M'Intosh.
GEORGE TURNER. I am a policeman. I was on duty on the 21st of November, at Limehouse and saw the two prisoners going down towards the City Canal and after passing us some distance they changed their hats—I and my brother officer followed them down to the canal—they went behind a quantity of timber and in about twenty minutes Martin came up with a long coil of rope on his shoulder and he met Smart about 300 yards off, who took it on his shoulder—my brother officer and I stopped them coming down the hill and found a knife on Martin—they were in company both before and afterwards.
CHARLES HAGAN. I am an officer. I was with Turner—his evidence is correct.
THOMAS BLACKMORE . I am a gateman in the West India Dock Company's service. I missed this rope on the Sunday morning—the prisoners were taken on the Saturday evening—It was taken from a boom at the entrance of the dock—It was cut—I swear positively to its being the Dock Company's property.
JOHN FOY. I am an officer. I produce the Act of Parliament, constituting the West India Dock Company.
Smart's Defence. I was called out of bed, between five and six o'clock, to help this man carny the rope—I did not know where it was got from—the man told me to go on, and he would overtake me—I took the rope off shoulders, and helped to carry it.
SMART— GUILTY. Aged 16.
MARTIN— GUILTY. Aged 22.
Transported for Seven Years.
Before Mr. Justice Park.”
He arrived in Hobart aboard the 'Lady Nugent' on 12 November 1836, having sailed from London leaving on 12 July 1836, with the vessel having called at the Cape of Good Hope on the voyage. The barque of 535 tons was built in Bengal in 1814 and was skippered by J.W. Fawcett. The cargo was 387 male convicts, some 82 picked up at the Cape of Good Hope originally bound for Sydney. In Hobart John Smart was assigned work; sent to the employment of Mr. J.T. Gellibrand.
Between 1838-1840 he had three charges laid against him, and one resulted in 48 hours in the cells on bread and water for misconduct.
John received his Conditional pardon on November 25th 1841, and his Free Certificate on 24 January 1843. The description of John Smart in 1836 was a single labourer, 5'5" tall, fresh complexion, long brown hair and hazel eyes, with an anchor tattooed on his left arm.
(Archives Ref. CON 31/40,18/14)
He elected to remain in the young colony, and worked on the Harbour. In the 'Colonial Times' of 4 December 1849 a report of the Licensed River Waterman's race at the Regatta recorded the results. John Smart's 'Elizabeth' won first prize, of a "purse containing five sovereigns end a silver badge to the value of £5 ----". Upon the bare-chested Smart receiving his prize he told his Excellency that he might just as well fasten the badge on his arm for him, which he good humouredly complied with."
John married Jane Aquila Langdon in St. David's Church of England, Hobart on 9 June 1851 with witnesses Charles and Charlotte Dillon.
Submitted by Researcher (David Dwyer) on 2 February 2022
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There are currently no research notes attached to this convict. Sources
- The National Archives (TNA) : HO 11/10, p.306
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