People Australia

  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites
  • searches all National Centre of Biography websites

Browse Lists:

Cultural Advice

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website contains names, images, and voices of deceased persons.

In addition, some articles contain terms or views that were acceptable within mainstream Australian culture in the period in which they were written, but may no longer be considered appropriate.

These articles do not necessarily reflect the views of The Australian National University.

Older articles are being reviewed with a view to bringing them into line with contemporary values but the original text will remain available for historical context.

James Simmons (1795–1849)

James Simmons was sentenced to life transportation for the theft of goods worth several thousands of pounds. He arrived in Sydney in 1815 aboard the Marquis of Wellington. He was described in the ship's indent as being 5 feet 3 inches (160 cms) tall; with a dark, ruddy complexion; light brown hair and hazel eyes. He was assigned as a servant to Francis Greenway, William Small and Henry Coleman in Richmond.

In November 1821 he received a beer licence for Richmond. He was granted a conditional pardon on 17 August 1825 and an absolute pardon on 29 March 1833. In 1828 he opened an auction room. He began to charter whole ships of cargo from England and visited that country in 1833, 1838 and 1842 to search for merchandise for his stores.

He also invested shrewdly in land in NSW and was elected as the first Jewish alderman of Sydney in 1848.

Citation details

'Simmons, James (1795–1849)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/simmons-james-16905/text36724, accessed 7 December 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Alternative Names
  • Simons, James
Birth

1795
London, Middlesex, England

Death

2 May, 1849 (aged ~ 54)
Sydney, New South Wales, 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
Workplaces
Convict Record

Crime: theft
Sentence: life