Elizabeth

1.  Elizabeth Banks, daughter of James Banks and Constance SCOTT, was born on 22 Mar 1816 in Wolverhampton, Sts, Eng, was christened on 4 May 1816 in Wolverhampton, Sts, Eng, and died on 15 Jul 1851 in Port Sorell, Tas, Aus, at age 35. 

Christening Notes:The Minister was Thomas Walker,

General Notes:Elizabeth was tried at Stafford on 8 March 1832 for Larceny on the 11 Dec 1831. It is said that she did feloniously and maliciously incite, move, procure, aid, council, hire and command Henry Tisset to steal and drive away one cow of the price of Ten pound that belonged to Henry Crutchley. Also on the same day did the same of a Samuel Morris's cow.Elizabeth was sentenced to 7 years.On the Record of Convict arrivals it was stated that she was "orderly on board". and Offences and sentences:-

August 12, 1833:  Sheppard/disobedience and insolence to her Mistress, Solitary                              working cell on month.

November 13, 1833: Foster/returned to the Crime class, being pregnant.

February 4, 1836: Scott/Found absent from her Master's premises at 2 o'clock this

                              morning. 3 months Crime Class, Launceston.

The description of Elizabeth was

Trade: Servant

Height: 4' 10 3/4"

Age: 19

Complexion: Fair

Head: Round

Hair: Brown

Visage: Round

Forehead: Medium Height

Eyebrows: Brown

Eyes: Light Grey

Nose: Small

Mouth: Small, lips full

Chin: Small

Remarks: Slightly pockpitted,

Noted events in her life were:

•  She had a residence on 26 Sep 1841 in Cleveland Tas, Aus.

Elizabeth married Charles Dewhurst, son of Thomas Dewhirst and Hannah WILKINSON, on 7 May 1836 in Campbell Town, Tas, Aus. 

Marriage Notes:Charles and Elizabeth applied for an application to marry on 2 February 1836.

Noted events in his life were:

•  He was employed in 1837-1887 in Port Sorell, Tas, Aus. Blacksmith

•  He had a residence on 26 Sep 1841 in Cleveland Tas, Aus.

•  He had a residence in 1836 in Campbell Town, Tas, Aus.

I do not know how Charles and Elizabeth met.  One can only assume that they had work in the same area or for the same property owner.  She was a convict, employed in the district, and because of this both he and she had to apply for permission to marry.  This they did on 2nd February 1835 and approval was granted eight days later.

Elizabeth came from Wolverhampton, Staffordshire, with perhaps a less fortunate background than Charles.  She stood four foot ten and three quarter inches when she arrived aged 19.  Her small nose, mouth, and chin, were set in a round, slightly pock pitted, fair complexioned face under brown hair.

Elizabeth left England on ‘Frances Charlotte’, a barque about two thirds the size of the ship on which Charles came, on 15th September 1832 making good time to arrive in the Derwent on 10th January 1833.

Her trial had been at the Stafford Assizes in March so she had six months in gaol after her trial before leaving and during that time she earned the gaol report “Bad character, sullen disposition, very orderly (?) in prison, connections very bad”.  Her brother had been transported for stealing.

She had been sentenced to seven years for stealing a cow.  If one reads the indictment one gets the impression that her crime was inciting a fellow to steal the cow.  She was sentenced to death but evidently had this commuted to seven years.

On the ship she behaved well.

On disembarking, she, along with 94 other women (seven had died on the way), would have marched to the female factory and heard Governor Arthur tell how she might improve her lot.

Charles and Elizabeth were listed as witnesses at the marriage of Grace Stevens and Charles Blight.

I'll tell you more about their life together soon,

Bernadette.