People Australia

  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Older articles are being reviewed with a view to bringing them into line with contemporary values but the original text will remain available for historical context.

James Tucker (c. 1757–1807)

James Tucker (c.1757-1807) was found guilty on 10 September 1788 at the Old Bailey, London, of the theft of a silver teaspoon and a part of a linen shirt. Sentenced to 7 years transportation he remained at Newgate Gaol until late 1789 when he was sent to the Dunkirk hulk. He embarked for New South Wales on the Neptune in November 1789, arriving in the colony in June 1790 as part of the Second Fleet.

Tucker was sent to Norfolk Island in August 1791 where he had two daughters with Elizabeth Cole. In August 1796 he was tried with two other men for his part in the nighttime robbery in which a miller and his wife were robbed and a large quantity of money and goods were stolen. One of the men was hanged; Tucker was pardoned on the condition that became the island's public hangman. Elizabeth left him for Richard Burrows.

James Tucker died on Norfolk Island on 3 December 1807.

* information from Michael Flynn, The Second Fleet: Britain’s Grim Convict Armada of 1790 (1993), p 579

Citation details

'Tucker, James (c. 1757–1807)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/tucker-james-30572/text37898, accessed 29 March 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

c. 1757

Death

3 December, 1807 (aged ~ 50)
Norfolk Island, Australia

Cause of Death

unknown

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.

Passenger Ship
Occupation
Key Events
Key Places
Convict Record

Crime: theft
Sentence: 7 years