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Griffith Lawrence (1820–1904)

Griffith Lawrence (1820-1904), a coal miner, was sentenced to 7 years transportation at Cardiff Quarter Sessions, Wales, on 4 January 1847. He arrived at Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) aboard the Cornwall in January 1851. According to his convict record he was 30 years old, married, five feet 8½ inches tall, with a sallow complexion, dark brown hair and dark hazel eyes. His religion was given as Church of England and it was stated that he could read a little. He was granted a ticket of leave on 5 October 1952 and a conditional pardon on 4 October 1853. No punishments were recorded against him.

Lawrence married Elizabeth Collier on 12 December 1859 at the Manse, Campbell Town, Tasmania. His occupation was given as labourer; the couple had three daughters and a son. He also had a son with Elizabeth Hannah and a son and daughter with Mary Davies. On 12 April 1877 he was charged with deserting his children and ordered to pay 5 shillings per week for their maintenance.

Lawrence died on 1 September 1909 at New Town, Tasmania.

Citation details

'Lawrence, Griffith (1820–1904)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/lawrence-griffith-34332/text43085, accessed 8 November 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

1820
Cadoxton-Juxta-Neath, Glamorgan, Wales

Death

1 September, 1904 (aged ~ 84)
New Town, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

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.

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
Pre-transportation

Occupation: coalminer
Married: Yes

Post-transportation

Children: Yes (7)