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 Williams (c. 1760–1820)

James Williams was a marine in the 23rd (Portsmouth) Company. He arrived in Sydney aboard the Sirius in January 1788 as part of the First Fleet. He was sent to Norfolk Island on the Golden Grove in October that year. On 26 April 1789 he received 24 lashes after a quarrel with a fellow marine. He returned to Port Jackson in February 1791 and was discharged from the ship's books.

Williams returned to Norfolk Island as a settler and received a 60 acre grant of land at Phillipsburg, but left the island at the end of the year and joined the NSW Corps in Port Jackson. He returned to Norfolk Island on the Kitty in February 1792 and remained there until the end of 1794. He was discharged from the company of George Johnson in October 1799. He re-enlisted soon afterwards.

By 1806 Williams was living with Rachel Watkins, who, in that year was recorded with one son and three daughters. When the NSW Corps was withdrawn in 1810, Williams remained in the colony and transferred to the Invalid (later) Veteran Company. He was on guard duty when he died on 16 March 1820 at South Head; his age was given as 70.

* information from Mollie Gillen, The Founders of Australia: A Biographical Dictionary of the First Fleet (1989), p 384

Citation details

'Williams, James (c. 1760–1820)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/williams-james-30212/text37495, accessed 29 March 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

c. 1760
Wrexham, Wales

Death

16 March, 1820 (aged ~ 60)
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

unknown

Cultural Heritage

Includes subject's nationality; their parents' nationality; the countries in which they spent a significant part of their childhood, and their self-identity.

Passenger Ship
Occupation
Military Service
Key Events
Social Issues