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.

John White (c. 1746–1820)

John White (c.1746-1820) was found guilty on 3 July 1792 of stealing a linen frock, towel and horse roller from a stable. Sentenced to 7 years transportation to America, he was among the prisoners who mutinied on the convict transport Mercury in April 1784. Recaptured in London in July, he was sentenced to death at the Old Bailey on 7 July 1784 for returning from transportation. His sentence was again commuted to life transportation and he was afterwards sent to the Fortunee hulk where he spent over four years before embarking for New South Wales on the Scarborough in November 1789, arriving in the colony in June 1790 as part of the Second Fleet.

In 1806 White was recorded as a shipwright, working for James Underwood, and holding a conditional pardon. By 1820 he was living at Colo. He died on 17 September 1820.

* information from Michael Flynn, The Second Fleet: Britain’s Grim Convict Armada of 1790 (1993), p 607

Additional Resources

Related Entries in NCB Sites

Citation details

'White, John (c. 1746–1820)', People Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://peopleaustralia.anu.edu.au/biography/white-john-30865/text38221, accessed 27 July 2024.

© Copyright People Australia, 2012

Life Summary [details]

Birth

c. 1746

Death

17 September, 1820 (aged ~ 74)
Colo, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

unknown

Passenger Ship
Occupation
Key Events
Groups
Key Places
Convict Record

Crime: theft
Sentence: 7 years