People Australia

Richard Peters (c.1814-1877), a miner, was found guilty on 31 March 1838 at the Somerset Assizes, of house burglary. Sentenced to life transportation he arrived at Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) aboard the Coromandel in October that year. According to his gaol report his character and health were reported to be good. He was married and had one child. He had been sentenced for three months previously for vagrancy. He was described as being 23 years old, 5 feet 4 inches (162.6 cms) tall, with a fresh complexion, black hair, and hazel eyes.

Prison Conduct Record

• 14 September 1840 — misconduct in keeping his person dirty and insolence — 36 lashes
• 1 October 1840 — gross misconduct in being insolent to his overseer — six months hard labour in chains
• 10 April 1843 — insubordination — six month hard labour, town surveyor gang
• 13 September 1843 — neglect of duty and insolence — three months of hard labour added to his existing sentence of hard labour
• 7 February 1844 — misconduct in refusing to remain in service and overstaying his pass a day — six months hard labour on the roads
• 23 December 1845 — larceny under £5 — three months hard labour.

Peters was granted a ticket of leave on 15 February 1848. He was recommended for a certificate of pardon on 19 March 1950. It was approved on 25 March 1857. Described as a labourer, he married Sarah Jones on 8 September 1851 at St George's Church, Hobart; both signed the register with an 'x'. The couple had six children.

Richard Peters died on 1 September 1877 at Hobart. His age was given as 65; his occupation as drayman, and cause of death as cardiac disease and effusion into the chest.