John Hyams (c. 1750–1830)
John Hyams (c.1750-1830) was found guilty on 13 January 1790 at the Old Bailey, London, for receiving one watch, one silk watch ribbon, one steel seal, and one key, knowing that they had been stolen. He arrived at Sydney aboard the Active in September 1791 as part of the Third Fleet.
In 1795 Hyams was charged, with five other men, of gang raping Mary Hartley. The men were found not guilty but were detained and tried for assault. They were found guilty on 25 April. Hyams was sentenced to 300 lashes.
In 1806 Hyams was working as a sealer for Henry Kable. In 1814 he was employed as a tanner. He was still working as a tanner in 1825. In the 1828 Census he was recorded as a 'servant' to P. L. Berrie, at Princes St, Sydney. He died at the Sydney Benevolent Asylum and was buried on 29 November 1830.
* information from Biographical Database of Australia — https://www.bda-online.org.au
Additional Resources and Scholarship
- R v. Marshall [1795], Minutes of proceedings of first trial (pdf)
Related Entries in NCB Sites
- Watson, Richard (criminal associate)
- Marshall, Joseph (criminal associate)
- Dunstil, Joseph (criminal associate)
- Brien, Morgan (criminal associate)
- Cottrell, Thomas (acquaintance)
- Kable, Henry (employer)
- Hartley, Mary (crime victim)
Citation details
'Hyams, John (c. 1750–1830)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/hyams-john-30657/text37991, accessed 21 April 2025.
Life Summary [details]
Birth
c. 1750
Death
28 November,
1830
(aged ~ 80)
Sydney,
New South Wales,
Australia
Cause of Death
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 or Descriptor
Key Events
Key Places
Social Issues
Convict Record
Crime: receiving stolen goods
Sentence: 14 years