John Carroll

341

Maureen Withey on 28th September 2022

Correct : John Carroll's name is mistakenly given as Connolly.

341

Maureen Withey on 28th September 2022

Moreton Bay Convict Records. John Carroll, per Sir Godfrey Webster, tried at Wicklow, 5 Mar 1824, Robbery, 7 years. Labourer. Colonial Conviction: Tried at Wallis Plains, 24 May 1828, Offence: Hut breaking and robbery. Sentence, 3 years. Died 2 Feb 1829. Description: John Carroll, native place, Wicklow, age 21, 5 ft 5 ½ , sallow comp, brown hair, dk grey eyes, catholic. -------------------------------------------------- Supreme Criminal Court, Thursday 16th (April) Thomas Mathews and Thomas Allan were indicted for the wilful murder of John Carroll, at Moreton Bay, on the 2d of January last. The circumstances of this case were very few and simple. It appeared in evidence, that the prisoners and the deceased were employed in a road gang, at Moreton Bay, and that the prisoners having meditated an escape from the settlement, were apprehensive that the deceased would frustrate their intentions by giving information against them. They accordingly resolved to take away his life, and on the day laid in the information, whilst they were at their usual work, the prisoner Mathews knocked the deceased down with a spade, and the other prisoner, Allan, coming up, cleft his head in twain with a mattock. The Jury, without hesitation, found the prisoners Guilty. The Learned Judge then pronounced the sentence of the law, and ordered them for execution on Saturday next (this day). Sydney Gazette, 18 Apr 1829. (NB, the date of John Carroll's death is given as 2 January in this report, incorrect as other records give the date of 2 February.) -------------------------------------------------- Both men were hanged for killing John Carroll. EXECUTIONS. On Saturday morning Burgen, Thomas Allen, and Thomas Matthews, paid the forfeit of their lives upon the gallows. The latter two were tried on Thursday for a murder at Moreton Bay, and Burgen was also convicted in the early part of the week of a similar crime at the same place. Owing to the violent conduct of Matthews on his trial, it was expected something out of the common would occur during the scene of execution. Accordingly, a considerable crowd of spectators assembled on the heights outside adjacent to the gaol, as well as within the walls. During the latter part of the trial on Thursday, Matthews continued tossing about the floor of the dock, reiterating that he was murdered or about to be, and uttering imprecations against all concerned in his trial not excepting Judge and Jury. Upon the evidence of several witnesses, however, the appalling crime for which both Matthews and Allen were indicted, was conclusively proved. It was not one of these cases resting upon circumstantial evidence. It was deposed that Matthews and Allen were two of a gang of six labourers employed at Moreton Bay in clearing ground. One of the gang named Connolly, had been punished and smarting and enfeebled from the effects of the scourge, when Matthews was seen to lift the spade with which he was working and strike the poor wretch Connolly on the head. Connolly fell, and Allen finished the tragedy by a second blow, with a mattock, which struck into the scull (sic). This happened on the 2d of February last and Connolly shortly after expired. What occasioned this bloody and apparently merciless act, has not been declared, but from various circumstances which have come within our knowledge it would not at all surprise us, had the massacre been executed at the murdered man's individual request! Matthews was less hardened at execution than, was anticipated. He exhibited a sort of nonchalance. His companions were more composed to all appearance. Matthews, on mounting the ladder, threw a handkerchief and some other article from him to the gaol gang, ranged alongside the gallows. Whilst the hangman was preparing the nooses, Matthews expressed a wish to make his dying declaration, which not being objected to by the Sheriff, he began by accusing the Commandant at Moreton Bay of severity and cruelty. He cautioned the prisoners to avoid Moreton Bay. "If you go to Moreton Bay, (said the culprit,) you are ruined beyond redemption. You are either flogged to death, or worked to death. I have known many bright men murdered – completely murdered by the ill-usage of overseers, constables, and those above them. Take warning by me - take warning - never run from your road gangs or iron gangs. It may perhaps send you to Moreton Bay, and then you are a lost man. The last time I was flogged was for stealing a few grains of wheat. I received a hundred severe lashes. Oh fellow prisoners, avoid Moreton Bay." The culprit was told of the futility of such talking. Burgen spoke a few words. He said his fellow sufferer had so clearly related the ill-usage at Moreton Bay, he could say nothing more than this, that it was true - quite true "I die innocently before you all, and now about to suffer. I declare my innocence. Had I been allowed to have my witnesses up from Moreton Bay, I should have been cleared. I now solemnly declare my innocence, but I am willing to suffer." Allen said nothing, Matthews added he was sorry, very sorry, for the life he had led, and were his existence to begin afresh, he would be a better man. Allen ate a hearty breakfast of eggs nearly a loaf of bread & butter, & drank tea. He appeared very unconcerned in the early part of the morning, but on the gallows his demeanor underwent an alteration. The Rev. William Cowper attended Burgan, and the Reverend Mr Therry, with his usual assiduity, Matthews and Allen. Mr Therry interrupted Matthews repeatedly, when he was speaking of the Commandant and Moreton Bay, advising him to direct his thoughts to a different world. Matthews said he freely forgave every one, as he hoped to be forgiven, but he must warn his fellow prisoners against Moreton Bay, which was a hell, he assured them, upon earth. Allen being a heavy, corpulent man, it was supposed, would die easily, but his muscular strength was superior to his weight, and between parting life and death, he struggled hard. A few convulsive quiverings and death ter minated the mortal career of the other two. After hanging the usual time, the corpses were lowered down, and given over for dissection. The Australian, 21 Apr 1829. NB. John Connor's name is mistakenly given as Connolly in this report. --------------------------------------------------

221

D Wong on 26th November 2019

**Two John Carroll's on this voyage** Identifier 2 tried at Tralee, Kerry County. John Carroll was 20 years old on arrival. Native Place: Wicklow John was literate, single, 5'6" tall, hazel eyes, dark ruddy complexion light brown hair, dark grey eyes, troublesome, An F on right elbow. Assigned to Joseph Thorpe. 24/5/1828: Tried at the General Sessions, Wallis Plains for Hut breaking and Robbery - sentenced to 3 years transportation. Sent to Moreton Bay. Run 9/8/1828. Ret 24/1/1829. 2/2/1829: Died at Moreton Bay.