People Australia

John Collins (c.1801-1846), a plasterer's boy, was found guilty on 6 June 1821 at the Old Bailey, London, of stealing 28 yards of cotton, valued at 15 shillings, from a shop. Sentenced to 7 years transportation he arrived at Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) in December 1821 aboard the Lord Hungerford. He was described as being 17 years old, 5 feet 2½ inches (168cms) tall, with dark brown hair, and dark hazel eyes. London was listed as his native place.

Convict Conduct Record:
3 February 1823 — Appeared dirty at Muster and church yesterday — Rep

8 September 1823 — Not entering his place of residence with the Chief Constable - Rep

12 September 1823 — Absent from Church and Muster on Sunday — Rep

23 March 1826 — keeping a dis? house for the ? of ? ? of both sexes in Murray St — P. B. 12 months

24 February 1827 — absented himself during the hours of labour yesterday — discharged

1 November 1828 — employs his cart without a horse? or number? on it — fined 40 shillings and costs

22 March 1831 —breach of the peace for fighting with William Lear on the Race Course at New Town on the 7th inst. Informed? sureties to keep the peace for six months.

Collins married Elizabeth Hoddy Williams on 26 December 1825; both signed the register. William Williams and Maria Chaffey were their witnesses. The couple had about six children.

He may be the John Collins, farmer, who died on 20 October 1846 at Hamilton, aged 45. The cause of death was rupture of a blood vessel; his daughter Jane Collins was the informant.