James Jenkins, Convict “Coromandel” 1802

From http://www.asletts.com/node/8

James Jenkins was about 23 when he and his brother William were convicted of stealing four ewe sheep, value ten pounds, and three wether sheep, value nine pounds, the property of Edward Smith, at Parish of Cricklade in northern Wiltshire. They appeared at the Wiltshire Assizes, Salisbury, on 11th March 1797. The original death sentences were commuted to transportation to the Colony of New South Wales for seven years. The brothers spent over four years of their seven year sentences imprisioned on the Hulk "Fortunee", anchored in Langstone Harbour near Portsmith, before embarking on the convict transport, "Coromandel", bound for New South Wales. The "Coromandel" sailed from Portsmouth on 12th February 1802 and arrived at Port Jackson four months later, on 13th June.

On board the "Coromandel", commanded by Captain Sterling, were 138 male convicts as well as several passengers comprising at least three families, including the ship's surgeon, Dr. Charles Throsby and his wife.

On completion of their sentences the Jenkins brothers soon entered into the commercial life of Sydney, as farmers, boat builders and property developers. James Jenkins described himself as a stonemason, probably a trade he learnt while working on construction sites around Portsmouth during his years on the "Fortunee".

Unfortunately the brother's commercial partnership was cut short when William Jenkins was shot and killed when he went to the aid of the keeper of the Parramatta Toll Gate who was being attacked by armed robbers, on 28th May 1814. William's widow, formerly Sarah Chivers, was pregnant with their third child at the time of his death. James continued to support his late brother's family until Sarah's remarriage in 1821, and by then, he had married Elizabeth Saunders, eldest child of Thomas and Mary.

At the time of his death James Jenkins had extensive property interests in and around Sydney, including 1310 acres in the Dee Why - Collaroy - Long Reef area of Sydney's northern beaches.