People Australia

John Solomon (c.1802 - ), alias Mospratt, an errand boy, was found guilty on 17 March 1817 at Deptford, Middlesex, of stealing copper and silver money worth 3 pounds 8 shillings from a dwelling-house. His death sentence was commuted to 14 years transportation. He arrived at Sydney aboard the Larkins in November 1817. He was described as being 5 feet (152.4 cm) tall, with a florid complexion, flaxen hair and hazel eyes. When granted his certificate of freedom in 1831 his height was given as 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm).

Solomon was sent to Windsor and in 1818 was sent to Newcastle on the Lady Nelson and then to the Port Macquarie penal settlement in 1823. He was granted a ticket of leave in 1824. His trade was given as cooper. In February 1825 his father Samuel Webb petitioned to take him to Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania); on 4 October he sought permission to marry Mary Burley in Sydney and in late October 1825 he left with his father for VDL on the Elizabeth Henrietta.

Solomon married Sarah Storer, a widow, in 1826 in Sydney. He was still working as a cooper in 1828 with two servants, and an apprentice.