Ann Davis (c. 1758–1789)
Ann Davis (c.1758-1789) alias Judith Jones, was found guilty on 26 April 1786 at the Old Bailey, London, of the theft of eight pairs of silk stockings. Sentenced to 7 years transportation she arrived at Sydney aboard the Lady Penrhyn in January 1788 as part of the First Fleet.
Ann Davis was hanged at Sydney Cove on 23 November 1789 for the theft of clothing from Robert Sidaway's hut. She was the first woman to be executed in Australia.
* information from Mollie Gillen, The Founders of Australia: A Biographical Dictionary of the First Fleet (1989), p 97
Additional Resources and Scholarship
- R v. Davis [1789], Minutes of proceedings of trial (pdf)
Related Entries in NCB Sites
- Freeman, James (executioner)
- Sidaway, Robert (related entry)
Citation details
'Davis, Ann (c. 1758–1789)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/davis-ann-30703/text38046, accessed 14 March 2025.
Life Summary [details]
Alternative Names
- Jones, Judith
Birth
c. 1758
Death
23 November,
1789
(aged ~ 31)
Sydney,
New South Wales,
Australia