Robert Wells (c. 1762–1845)
Robert Wells (c.1762-1845), John Giles, William How, and Joseph Inkins were found guilty on 28 October 1789 at the Old Bailey, London, of stealing four pieces of flannel. Sentenced to 7 years transportation Wells arrived at Sydney aboard the Atlantic in August 1791 as part of the Third Fleet. He married Susannah Nairn/Riley on 20 January 1793 at Parramatta; their daughter Esther was born in 1796.
Wells was living on a 30 acre grant at Parramatta by 1800. As a member of the Loyal Association he assisted government troops in the Battle of Vinger Hill. He was recorded as a Parramatta Loyalist in the records of the uprising. Following his wife's death in 1814, Well's married Sarah Longhurst on 6 June 1814; they had two children. Wells also had two children with Sarah Lawson. He was recorded in musters between 1814-1821 as a baker. In 1825 he was listed as a labourer and in 1828 as a barber.
Robert Wells died on 22 September 1845 at Parramatta; his age was given as 94.
Additional Resources and Scholarship
- proceedings of trial, Old Bailey, London, 28 October 1789 (pdf)
Related Entries in NCB Sites
- Wells, Susannah (wife)
- Wells, Sarah (wife)
- Lawson, Sarah (partner)
- Riley, John (stepson)
- McBlane, William Hamilton (colleague)
Citation details
'Wells, Robert (c. 1762–1845)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/wells-robert-31125/text38512, accessed 31 May 2025.
Life Summary [details]
Birth
c.
1762
London,
Middlesex,
England
Death
22 September,
1845
(aged ~ 83)
Parramatta, Sydney,
New South Wales,
Australia
Cause of Death
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.