My great (X 4) grandfather was a Scottish "convict" named William Campbell. Apparently, only 5% of convicts sent to Australia came from Scotland....
The Campbell's are a Highland clan. Politically, they supported the Protestant succession and therefore supported the Hanoverian's during the Jacobite rebellions of 1715 and 1745. However, like all Highland clans they were effected adversely economically by the Highland Clearances
William was a tailor and born in the port of Leith, near Edinburgh in 1802. In 1826 he married Jane JOHNSTON, a nurse and midwife, while still an apprentice. Times were grim in the retail trade in the 1830's! -- in 1833 he was tried and sentenced to transportation "for life" to Van Diemen's Land, for forging a cheque.
Coutesey Flickr website
Castle Campbell
Richmond Bridge
Flickr
3 comments:
That's interesting info, now how did you find all that out? from our online website ?
My great great (I think only 2 but maybe 3) grandfather was also a convict, He was from Dublin Ireland. He was sentenced for stealing silver plate from a ladies house when she was at Church (how low can you get)He escaped from a Chain gang in Sydney and became a small time bushranger. He was recaptured and sent to Norfolk Island. Later on he was sent back to Sydney.
When I was young, many years ago, there was a tongue twister that we would all try to say quickly - it was "The Leith Police Dismisseth Us"; try it three times quickly - perhaps with your background you'll manage it!
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