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.

William Smith (c. 1745–1788)

William Smith (c.1745-1788) and Timothy Discall were found guilty on 25 July 1785 at Bodmin, Cornwall, of stealing iron graplings and other goods worth 23 shillings. Sentenced to 7 years transportation they were sent to the Dunkirk hulk, where they remained until they embarked for New South Wales on the Charlotte in March 1787. They were transferred to the Scarborough at Portsmouth on 6 April and arrived at Sydney in January 1788 as part of the First Fleet.

William Smith was buried at Sydney Cove on 21 May 1788.

* information from Mollie Gillen, The Founders of Australia: A Biographical Dictionary of the First Fleet (1989), pp 336-37

Related Entries in NCB Sites

Citation details

'Smith, William (c. 1745–1788)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/smith-william-30748/text38093, accessed 29 March 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

c. 1745

Death

20 May, 1788 (aged ~ 43)
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

unknown

Passenger Ship
Occupation
Key Events
Key Places
Convict Record

Crime: theft
Sentence: 7 years