Joseph Wright, Convict "Scarborough" 1788

Joseph Wright (c1765-1811)Joseph Wright appeared before the court in the Old Bailey, 26th May 1784, charged with stealing 218lb of lead which he was seen carrying in Sloane Square, Chelsea.

The lead had been cut from the roof, gutter and dormer windows of a house in Sloane Street. He stated that he had seen a man throw down a basket containing the lead and had picked it up to take home 'with an intent to advertise it'. He was sentenced to seven years transportation to Africa.

Joseph, aged 19, was received on the "Censor" hulk on 6th September 1784. Three years later, on 24th February 1787, he was dispatched to by wagon to Portsmouth and embarked on the "Scarborough" on 27th February 1787.

The "Scarborough" was one of the eleven ships of the "First Fleet". The ships carrying 250 marines, a handful of civil officers, some with wives and children, and 759 convicts left Portsmouth on 17th May 1897 under the command of Captain Arthur Philip. They called at Tenerife, Rio de Janiero, and the Cape of Good Hope before reaching Botany Bay mid-January 1788.

On 13th December 1790 Joseph married Eleanor (Ellen) Gott. Ellen had arrived in Sydney Cove aboard the "Neptune" on 28th June 1790. She had been sentenced at Liverpool to three years transportation for stealing various articles from Charles Norris. In March 1788 she had been sentenced to three months imprisonment in the Preston House of Correction for the theft of a gown and cloak.

Joseph received a 30 acre grant in the Hawkesbury district in 1794, by 1800 they owned 9 pigs and had 26 acres sown in wheat and maize, however by 1802 he had sold his land, and was employed by Edward Shipley on a farm at Prospect.

In 1806 Joseph held 15 acres on the Hawkesbury district, eight acres sown in grain, a half acre of pasture, six acres fallow, and an orchard and a garden of three quarters of an acre. He owned seven hogs and held a bushel of maize.

Joseph died on 30th August 1811 and Eleanor inherited the deeds to his property.

She married Daniel Buckridge (arrived per "Pitt" in 1792) in 1812. Daniel died in Pitt Town in 1834, Eleanor died there on 28th April 1834 leaving farm, boat, horse cart and harness to her children.

Joseph Wright was a young lad of 17 years when he was apprehended in Sloane Square, Chelsea, carrying a basket containing a quantity of lead. It was alleged that the lead had been stolen from a man named William Rothwell. Joseph was arrested and tried at the "Old Bailey" on 6th May, 1784, receiving a sentence of 7 years transportation.

However, at that time there was nowhere available for the transportation of convicts. Prior to 1776 many had been sent to the American colonies where they were sold into a form of bondage. They were virtually slaves. After the War of Independence, this practice ceased, and the British Government was forced to seek an alternative destination in order to relieve the vast overcrowding in the British jails.

At one stage, Africa was considered but then it was decided that it would be too hot and water supplies were not suitable. Finally in 1787, a decision was made to set up a Colony on Botany Bay, discovered by Captain Cook, in 1770.

Meanwhile, Joseph and the other like him, were confined on "hulks", moored in the Thames. Working parties were taken ashore during the day and returned for confinement on board at night.

On 6th January, 1788, Joseph was selected for shipment and on 21st January he was accepted by Captain Sinclair, the Master of the "Alexander". Somehow, either before the ships sailed or during the voyage, it appears that Joseph was transferred to the "Scarborough", for it was on this vessel that he arrived at Port Jackson.

Nothing is recorded about him during his first two years in the Colony, and it is therefore assumed that he must have been well behaved, not having come to the notice of his warders or the authorities.

Meanwhile, in Liverpool, a young woman, named Eleanor Gott, was charged at the Assizes, on 3rd August, 1789, with stealing sundry items from her employer, Charles Norris. The eldest of a family of six, she was the daughter of a shoemaker, John Gott. During her early life she apparently learnt the trade from her father for, in later years, she taught the craft to all of her sons.

Eleanor was sentenced to 3 years transportation and sent out on the "Neptune", on of the Second Fleet. This ship, known as the "Hell Ship", provided the worst instance of ill-treatment and brutality of any that brought convicts to Australia. Out of the 499 boarded, 158 died during the voyage. The ship's officers allegedly withheld food so that it could be sold at a profit when they reached the near starving colony.

Also on board the "Neptune" was another female convict from Kent. Her name was Sarah Griggs and she also was to feature later on in the Wright story.

The Second Fleet arrived in June 1790, adding to the problems of the already overtaxed colony. Some of the convicts were sent to Norfolk Island straight away, and Sarah was amongst them.

On 13th December 1790, Joseph Wright and Eleanor were married, in St. Phillip's Church, by the Rev. Richard Johnson, but they first had to obtain special permission from Governor Phillip.

Their first born child as Joseph who was baptized by Richard Johnson and two years later, another son, Robert, was born. He was baptized at St. John's, Parramatta. In the same year, on 22nd November, Lieutenant Governor Grose granted Joseph (and 21 others, mostly ex-convicts) 30 acres of land on the Hawkesbury River in the district of Mulgrave Park. The area was later to become known as Pitt Town Bottoms, a name that is still in use today.

Joseph had some success as a farmer but he suffered many setbacks, what with floods and corrupt officials. By 1803 he was able to fully support his family, but floods in 1806 and 1809 were disastrous and as a result of the 1809 flood the Wrights lost most of their land.

It was at about this time that he petitioned Governor Macquarie, seeking a "man of stores" to assist him in his labours. At that time Joseph was supporting a wife and five children. The two older boys, Joseph and Robert, had been sent to learn trades - Joseph a wheelwright, and Robert, a blacksmith.

Soon after this Joseph Wright died, passing away on 25th August 1811, at the age of 44 years. He was buried in the Sydney Burial Ground, the site where the Sydney Town Hall now stands. (In early 1988, the First Fleeters' Association had a plaque erected on the south side of the Town Hall building to commemorate those who sleep there.)

Eleanor remarried in 1812, a Daniel Buckridge, and lived on until 28th April, 1843, when she died at the age of 68 years. Considering the horrors she had experienced in her early life, it could be said that she lived to a "ripe old age".

CONVICT Joseph Wright Born September 11, 1767 in London, England Son of Joseph Wright and Elizabeth Unknown [sibling%28s%29 unknown] Husband of Eleanor Gott — married December 13, 1790 in Information Source: Laycock Book. Father of Joseph Wright, Robert Wright, Mary Wright, John Wright, Sarah Wright, Samual Wright and Thomas Wright	 Died August 25, 1811 in Sydney, NSW

Joseph was born in London area in September 1767, we believe his parents were Joseph and Elizabeth, although at this stage we have been unable to prove this. On 26th May 1784 he was tried and found guilty of stealing lead.

   Arrived in NSW on "Scarborough" 1788. 

   Joseph Wright appeared before the court in the Old Bailey, 26th May 1784, charged with stealing 218lb of lead which he was seen carrying in Sloane Square, Chelsea. The trial was in Justice Hall, Old Bailey. 

   The lead had been cut from the roof, gutter and dormer windows of a house in Sloane Street. He stated that he had seen a man throw down a basket containing the lead and had picked it up to take home 'with an intent to advertise it'. He was sentenced to seven years transportation to Africa, some sources say America, whatever the case it was not to be, as all transport to America had ceased with the war of independance. Joseph, aged 19, was received on the "Censor" hulk on 6th September 1784. Three years later, on 24th February 1787, he was dispatched to by wagon to Portsmouth and embarked on the "Scarborough" on 27th February 1787. 

   He departed from Portsmouth on 13th May 1787 aboard the convict ship "Scarborough" and landed at Sydney Cove on 26th January 1788. 

   The "Scarborough" was one of the eleven ships of the "First Fleet". The ships carrying 250 marines, a handful of civil officers, some with wives and children, and 759 convicts left Portsmouth on 17th May 1787 under the command of Captain Arthur Philip. They called at Tenerife, Rio de Janiero, and the Cape of Good Hope before reaching Botany Bay mid-January 1788. 

   Joseph appears to have behaved well in the new Colony and was granted his freedom in 1794. Joseph married Ellen Gott (a second fleet convict Arrived NEPTUNE, Sydney about 27th June 1790) on 13th December 1790 at St Phillips Church Sydney (Ref Vol 4 No.111) Witnesses Edward Field a Private with NSW Corps and Martha Proud a convict on the Lady Juliana . Governor Arthur Phillip gave permission for the marriage. Chaplain Richard Johnson conducted the service. Joseph signed the Register with "X" indicating he was unable to write, however Ellen was able to sign her name. On 3/11/1794, Joseph was one of the first settlers to be granted a Land Grant (No.260) of 30 acres at Mulgrave Place on the Hawkesbury River. Joseph is buried in the Old Sydney Burial Ground (Vol.5 No.256) which is now the site of the Sydney Town Hall. In 1988 the First Fleeters Association erected a plaque on the south side of the Town Hall Building to commemorate those who were interred there. 

   Notes from Lorraine Gillies file now incorporated here also; Joseph Wright, First Fleet Convict, was christened on 11th September, 1767, Saint Luke Old Street, Finsbury, London, England. 

   On Wednesday, 26th May 1784, he was tried at the Old Bailey by the London Jury, before Mr. Recorder (Trial No. 539, Page 735) for "feloniously stealing on the 6th of May, two hundred and eighteen pounds weight of lead, value 40s. belonging to William Rothwell, fixed to a certain building there situate against the statute". In his defense Joseph stated "I was going to Knightsbridge, a man had this basket on his head, and he threw it down, and I was carrying it home with an intent to advertise it". He was found guilty and sentenced to 7 years. He was 17 years old. Source Mitchell Library Ref: Q343-1L. 

   While awaiting transportation, Joseph was placed on the hulk "Censor", which was anchored in the Thames. He was selected for a place on the "Scarborough" to sail with the First Fleet and was delivered for transportation to Botany Bay on the 27th February 1787. 

   From the Navy Office 5 September 1786, Ships to be ready in 6 weeks. Joseph Wright No. 96 from 12/7/1786 to 12/10/1786. Estimate of Clothing to Serve a Male Convict for One Year: 2 jackets 4 Woollen Drawers 1 Hat 3 Shirts 4 pair Worsted Stockings 3 Frocks 3 Trousers 3 Pairs Shoes 

   (A Proportion for 2 years to be provided) 

   The First Fleet, comprising 11 ships in all, sailed from Portsmouth on 13th May 1787. Joseph was aboard the "Scarborough" a two decked, three masted vessel that was built in Scarborough in 1782. She was chartered by the Admiralty to carry convicts to Botany Bay, returning via China to collect a lucrative tea cargo. The venture was successful for the ship and she made the voyage twice, sailing again with the Second Fleet. On both voyages the convicts made an unsuccessful attempt to seize the ship. The "Scarborough" was broken up in 1798 following her return from the second voyage. Apart from the "Sirius" and "Supply" she was the only other ship from the First Fleet to return to England. She was skippered by Master John Marshall. 

   The "Scarborough" was the second largest of the transport ships at 430 tons, carrying 208 all male convicts. She was the first of the transport fleet to arrive at the assembly point at Portsmouth, having left the Thames in December 1786. At Portsmouth she was unable to take on more convicts because the security hatches were faulty and carpenters had to be called on 12th January 1787, to make necessary repairs to the faulty security hatches. More convicts arrived in open wagons on 2nd March 1787, but they could not be loaded because of heavy gales. On the 6th March 1787, a further 186 male convicts were taken on board the "Scarborough". Finally after many delays, the First Fleet slipped quietly out of Portsmouth at 5 o'clock on the morning of May 13th, 1787, and began the long voyage to their new land. Some convicts having already been confined below decks for several weeks. 

   On 18th May, two of the tougher convicts sensed the advantage of being in international waters and sent word around to their fellow prisoners that this was the time to escape. Having sneaked tools and weapons into their cells, they slipped out and began to unlock others in preparation for the breakout. Once free, they expected to seize the ship and sail to freedom. However, a traitor amongst the other convicts gave advance warning to the guards and the mutineers were nabbed. They were taken on board the "Sirius" and punished with two dozen lashes and double irons. Joseph's name does not appear in the lists of the disorderly and mutinous convicts on board. 

   The voyage took 8 months and 1 week, with stops being made in Tenerife, Rio de Janeiro and Capetown, taking on food and supplies. After Botany Bay proved unsuitable for the new colony, Captain Phillip explored Port Jackson and decided to move the Fleet north. The flag was raised at Sydney Cove on 26th January 1788. On the morning of 27th, a long boat full of convicts from the "Scarborough" was set ashore to assist in the cutting down of trees and clearing ground. The temperature was 74 degrees, the heat being felt by all. Tents were pitched on shore that day and the new colony was founded. Some convicts had not set foot on land for over 12 months. Joseph was 21 years old when he stepped ashore at Sydney Cove. The success of the venture was due to the leadership and dedication of Arthur Phillip. 

   Governor Arthur Phillip gave permission for Joseph and Eleanor Gott to marry, Eleanor having arrived with the Second Fleet, aboard the "Neptune". Joseph and Ellen (Eleanor) were married on 13th December 1790, at St Phillips, Sydney. The original certificate shows a large signature by Ellen Gott and Joseph placed his mark, a cross. The witnesses were Edward Field and Matilda Proud both of whom signed the certificate with a cross. (Certificate No 111 Vol: 4) 

   Joseph and Ellen's first child, Joseph, was born at Port Jackson on 11th February 1792. 

   Joseph and Ellen's second child, Robert, was born on 15th June 1794. He was baptized at St Johns Parramatta on 6th July 1794. 

   In 1794, now free by servitude, Joseph was given a grant of 30 acres of land at Mulgrave Place on the Hawkesbury River. He is listed among the first 22 settlers to receive land grants. Records show his land as being 30 acres, 12 1/2 acres under wheat and maize and running 6 hogs. The early settlers suffered great hardship, battling floods, river transport, natives, no roads etc. The rent was 1/- per year commencing after 10 years. 

   Joseph came under suspicion when his neighbour, John Fenlow shot his servant, using a bullet thought to be an old 1oz lead weight. Did Joseph make the bullet? 

   Book 1A. Grants by Francis Grose: Wright's farm lay between Douglas and Fenlow's. William and Mary Douglas made congenial neighbours, good family people like themselves. Later intermarriage of their families, and also with the nearby Butlers, would cement this early association on the river. Fenlow however was different, a wild young bachelor. If Wright as metalworker did make the bullet with which Fenlow used to shoot his servant dead - and this is certainly speculation - there was unlikely to be much social contact. (Early Hawksbury Settlers - Robbie Hardy) 

   In July 1796, John Malloy who was our first General Practitioner was called upon to give medical evidence in a murder case at the settlement on the banks of the Hawkesbury, John Fenlow had shot his servant John Lane, using a bullet thought to be an old 1oz lead weight. According to the writer, "this raises another interesting point. Fenlow's neighbour Joseph Wright came to the Colony for removing 218lbs of lead from a roof - against the statute. Old habits die-hard: was he still in the unofficial scrap metal business". (The Medical Journal of Australia - 12th April 1975, Page 475). 

   When Gilberthorpe took over Fenlow's grant, his wife shared Eleanor's Catholic faith and they were friends. When Joseph Wright happened to find out that Gilberthorpe was harboring the runaway George Bruce he felt it incumbent on him to report the matter, Eleanor slipped across to warn them what her Joe was up to. 

   Joseph and Eleanor's third child, Mary, was born, circa 1797. 

   Joseph and Eleanor's fourth child, John, was born circa 1800. 

   Joseph and Eleanor's fifth child, Sarah was born on the 12th March 1802. She was baptized on the 9th February 1812, at St Matthews, Windsor. 

   On 10 April 1803 Joseph went to court to request more money for his wheat. He lost the case. 

   Joseph and Eleanor's sixth child, Samuel was born at Windsor on 25th December 1805. He was baptized on the 9th February 1812, at St Matthews, Windsor. 

   In 1806 Joseph was convicted of employing an escapee and was fined 20 pound by the Bench, the money to be paid to the Orphan's Home. However, a lenient Judge halved the fine to 10 pound. The following was reported in the Sydney Gazette dated 6th February 1806: 

   "The Court Jurisdiction assembles tomorrow for dispatch of business. At a bench of Magistrates convened on Wednesday the 5th instant several settlers were brought forward to answer to a charge of giving employment to Thomas Desmond, a prisoner absconded from public labor and repeatedly advertised. Three were fined in the sum of 5 pound each to the Orphans and Joseph Wright in the sum of 20 pound, but the lenient motives the Bench were pleased to remit the one half the latter penalty. It is needless to remark on the consequences of an indiscretion to which the magistrates have on all occasions testified just aversion. The plea in such cases set up in extenuation by the defaulter can not possibly obtain for although it may be supposed natural that the fugitive should attempt by imposture to obtain assistance and employment, yet no evasion whatever can surmount the act of disobedience to a salutary regulation, which requires that no person shall be employed until he has produced his certificate or pass, if a freeman, or his ticket permission if a prisoner off the stores" 

   By 1806 Joseph had purchased 15 acres on the Hawkesbury from Mr. Boston. Joseph was not very successful in his farming ventures and suffered the loss of his wheat crop in 1803. It was ruined when the boat carrying his produce was swamped in transit. He was denied compensation (see copy of Gazette article 10th April, 1803). He also probably suffered flood losses in 1806 and 1809, which would have contributed, to his failure and finally he lost his farm just before he died. In 1810 Joseph requested the help of a man of the stores to assist him in cultivating his land and getting in his harvest. Perhaps Joseph was ill at this stage. 

   Wheat - 6 acres Barley - 2 acres Orchard - 3/4 acre Pasture - 1 acre 6 acres fallowed Hogs - 2 Boars, 5 Sows 1 Bushel Maize in hand 

   Joseph & Ellen's seventh child, Thomas, was born on the 12th March 1809. 

   June 1809, saw big floods in the Hawkesbury and Robert and John are supported by Government Stores. Joseph Jn. must have been working elsewhere at this time. 

   In 1810 Joseph wrote to the Governor requesting help on his land, he was probably ill, however his request was denied. The following is a copy of the letter written by Joseph to Governor Macquarie: (NSW Colonial Sec. in Letters 1810. PP 360-61, CS-6) 

   "Esquire Capt; General and Governor in Chief in and over his Majesty's Territory of N.S.W. and its Dependencies G.G.G. 

   Petition of Joseph Wright 

   Most Humbly Sheweth 

   That your Excellency's Petitioner came into this Colony in the ship "Scarborough" January in the year 1788, holds a farm situate in the Nelson's District on the Hawksbury River - have fifteen acres under cultivation - have got a wife and five children to support - have no assistance but such as he can procure at an exorbitant price. 

   In consideration of which he is emboldened to trespass on your Excellencies goodniffs for petitioner to have a man of the stores wherby he may be enable to retrench considerably the heavy expense which attends in cultivating his land and getting in his Harvest if this spate meet your Excellencies approbation it will greatly serve. 

   Your Excellency's Most Humble Petitioner Who wil be duty bound to every prayeth 

   Snd. Joseph Wright" 

   Joseph died on 30th August, 1811, at Pitt Town. He was 44 years old. A service was held at St Phillips, Sydney and he was buried at Town Hall Cemetery, Sydney, which was the burial ground for St Phillips. (Burial Certificate No 256 Vol: 5) 

   On 31st March 1812, Eleanor married Daniel Buckridge at St Matthews, Windsor. Daniel Buckridge was in fair circumstances and perhaps he should be given some credit for the Wright children's good start in life. The sons had trades as Wheelwright, Blacksmith, Cooper and Shoemaker. Some of the family migrated to the Hunter Valley and Joseph Jnr. helped pioneer the interior of Van Diemans Land. (Early Hawkesbury Settlers by Robbie Hardy). 

Convict Record:

Crime: Stealing Lead Convicted at : Old Bailey Sentence Term: 7 yrs, transported to Australia Ship:1st Fleeter arrived on the "Scarborough"  Arrived:26/01/1788

1st Fleeter arrived on the "Scarborough"

1767–1811 BIRTH 03 AUG 1767 • Finsbury, London, England DEATH 25 AUG 1811 • Sydney, New South Wales, Australia