Israel Chapman

74

iain Frazier on 31st March 2026

Family connections for Israel (Chapman) are: CHAPMAN attempting to provide precise information & not repeating all of the information already submitted by me. ??? (Chapman) produced perhaps 2children: 1.Israel (Chapman) was born about 1792 in Chelsea London & became a carman/coachman. He was tried for highway robbery probably at Old Bailey, sentenced to Life, held at Middlesex Gaol Deliver, & arrived in NSW as a convict on 14 9 1818 after a voyage of 4.5months on GLORY; he was 5'3.75" tall dark ruddy complexion black hair dark eyes. He became the first Detective in the NSW Police Force. He married firstly with permission Catherine (Martin) on 28 11 1820 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. He was recorded as a constable in 1825 with his wife. He was recorded as a police runner in 1829. He married secondly Mary Ann (???) with whom he traveled to West Indies & returned. He was employed again by police force & as bailiff & retired without pension. He died on 4 7 1868 age about76 at the Asylum for the Destitute and Infirm LIverpool & was buried in the Jewish Section Rookwood Necropolis general cemetery Haslems Creek Sydney. ..[Some details taken from this Website] ..Catherine (Martin) was born about 1800. She was tried w/11others for possessing a forged notes at Old Bailey, sentenced to 14years, held at London Gaol Bailey & arrived in NSW as a convict on 30 9 1820 after a voyage of 4.5months on MORLEY. She was recorded in 1825 with her husband. She died on 28 1 1829 age about27 & was buried at District of St James Sydney-headstone at Devonshire St cemetery shows wife of police runner... ..[Some details taken from this Website] >>>a Catherine (Martin) is recorded in 1822 as wife of J (Chapman) with 3children ages 1 (born about 1821) 5(born about 1817) & ?(born 18??)-no more information found yet. .. 2.Noel (Chapman) was born in 1809 & became a carman/coachman. He was tried for stealing a watch at Surrey Gaol Delivery, sentenced to 7years & arrived in NSW as a convict on 26 11 1826 after a voyage of 3.5months on SPEKE; he was 156cm fresh complexion brown hair brown eyes,second & third toe of each foot contracted, tattoos two pugilists on arms blue ring on left hand sun & 7stars on chest; he was Jewish. He applied to be assignmd to his brother, which was refused-assigned as servant to Mr (James) George St Sydney. At one time he requested permission to buy clothes with own money-refused. In 1827 he was assigned to Mr (Campbell) who refused to accept him. He quickly ingratiated himself into favour of the establishment when he helped apprehend six runaways; as a result of which he was issued, in 1828, a Ticket of Leave. He lodged with Benjamin (Goddard) in Kent St Sydney. He was appointed ordinary constable at Windsor in 1829. He had a first relationship with Elizabeth (Costello her first relationship) & produced a child. He married secondly Rebecca (Armfield) with permission on 1 2 1831 at (St Peters CofE?) Richmond & produced 3children. He was issued his Certificate of Freedom about 1832 & moved to Windsor, still District Constable In 1835 he was registered by Hawkesbury Benevolent Society driving cattle at the Hawkesbury for the society. In 1839 he gave evidence at horse stealing trial of J (Carroll). In 1840 he moved to Berrima to become chief constable at 70pound/yr. He also ran newspaper agency & was listed as local agent for Australian newspaper & political Literary and Commercial Journal of Launceston. Legal notices in his name were raised at Hartley & Central Criminal Court in 1844. In 1847 he was appointed bailiff of Court of Requests for Berrima Police District. In 1849 he became chief constable at Yass. He died on 30 12 1849 age about40 from painful illness father of 4children; intestate worth less than 50pound. ..[Some details taken from this Website] References: Craig James Smee 'Births and Baptisms Marriages and Defacto Relationships Deaths and Burials New South Wales 1788-1830' ..a complete listing from church & other records in the early colony. Smee Dr C J 'Convict Families That Made Australia 1821-1840' Lark Susan 'Index To Albion Park and Shellharbour Chronicle and Advertised' 1904-05 'Saint Matthews Church of England Windsor NSW Parish Registers-A Complete Transcription 1810-1960' Keith A Johnson & Malcolm R Sainty 'Sydney Burial Ground 1819-1901 (Elizabeth & Devonshire Sts) and History of Sydney's Early Settlement From Early 1788' Shirley Doolan Shirle 'Index to Bench of Magistrates Returns New South Wales 1822-1828-Court Record' McLelland James 'Bounty & immigration ships/Yass History/Pioneers/Lachlan Macquarie' Book3 Vol2 McLelland James 'Convict Pioneer & Immigration History of Australia-Convict & Pioneer Movements 1844-1847-Convict Assignments Abscondings & Whippings NSW 1833-Index of Bounty Ships to Port Phillip 1839-1851-index of Immigrant Ships to Tasmania Pioner Records To Tasmania Pioneer Records-Despatches To London From Governor King & Governor Bligh' Vol3 Book6 McLelland James 'Convict Pioneer Records of Australia' Vol5 Book11 McLelland James 'All Convicts 1818 1st 3 quarters' Book39 2Books McLelland James 'Convict Pioneer & Immigrant History of Australia' Book 11 Vol5 Levi John S 'These Are The Names-Jewish Lives In Australia 1788-1850' Levi John S/Bergman G F J 'Australian Genesis-Jewish Convicts and Settlers 1788-1860' Cerny John/Elliott Wendy 'Library Guide To (LDS) Latter Day Saints Family history library' Musters Paley Ruth & Fowler Simon 'Family Skeletons-Exploring The Lives of Our Disreputable Ancestors' Scott Sheila A 'Monumental Inscriptions Peebleshire <1855

341

Maureen Withey on 8th August 2022

Israel Chapman, over-zealous policemn, was criticised in this letter from former convict, Richard Rutledge, in 1828: Cockle Bay, Friday 21st March. TO THE EDITOR OF THE MONITOR, SIR, I ARRIVED in the Colony a prisoner for seven years in the ship Guildford, (3) in the year 1817. After I became free, I laboured up the country at all kinds of farming work, and have wrought for Messrs. Wm. and James Bean, in Minto, the last two years, off and on. Wishing to get into a better job than what these gentlemen could offer me, I was determined to come to Sydney, and get work here if I could, because I found I was not able to travel the country in search of a job of fencing, or other work, having had the misfortune to lose my certificate of freedom. And His present Excellency makes it a rule, to give no second certificate, lest designing men should sell them to bushrangers. I do not like Sydney however. I am a young man, and am easily persuaded to be into company and spend my earnings. But I found myself forced, in a measure, to come here, because I could not (having no certificate) travel in the country, without being thrust into every watch-house I passed, although free. But the constables know well that a poor man cannot go to law, and therefore they do with us just what they like. I therefore came to Sydney. Here I resided with one Edward Fagan, a friend of mine, and wrought for him as an indoor and out door servant. But this did not suit either me or him. I wanted a job of work, and finding I could not get one in Sydney suitable, I was determined to try the Country once more. I started accordingly at 2 o'Clock in the afternoon of yesterday. I went as far as the toll-bar, but finding I was rather behind the market-carts, and bethinking myself, that if I walked, I should certainly be abused by the first constable I met, (not having the good fortune to be over well dressed,) I determined to forego my journey till to-day, and accordingly returned. I got as far as Cockle Bay near to No. 6 Watch-house just after sundown. I had two loaves of bread in a handkerchief. I arrived at the door of a shipmate named Anthony Bogan, a grass-cutter in Cockle-bay; when, sitting down, I saw a pistol approaching my face, and looking up, I beheld that zealous constable, the famous Israel Chapman. To resist a man with a loaded pistol, I considered absurd, although he shewed no authority. I therefore went quietly with him, and he put me in No. 6 Watch-house. Before day-light I was taken to the Receiving watch house, and about 9 o'clock I was taken to the Secretary's Office, when the Clerk said I was free. The Constable took me back to Chapman, and the latter ordered me into the strong room at the Police-office. I submitted to all this, not because I did not feel very indignant, and had not a strong desire to avenge myself of master Israel, for all his tyranny, but because I was broken hearted; to think how a free man like me, who had served his time as I had done, and ought to be let alone in peace, was thus subjected to the abuse and oppression of every man who carried a staff. At length I appeared before Col. Morriset. Chapman accused me of being in appearance a most suspicious character, and of being too in a suspicious place in Cockle Bay. After a few remarks and questions pro and con, which appeared to me to make out Chapman's illegal and unwarrantable interference with a man, much longer free, and a much better man than himself, the Colonel, to my astonishment, told me, that if ever I was apprehended again and came before him, I should be committed to Jail under the Vagrant act ! ! ! Good God Sir ! what is a poor man to do ? If I go to seek my bread, and do the best I can for myself, I am to have a loaded pistol cocked in my face. I am to be hauled to a watch-house without a bed to lie on, or any thing to eat for seventeen hours. And then, instead of being redressed, by those whom my King and the laws have appointed to do me justice, I am to be degraded and have my feelings put upon the rack by being threatened with further punishment ! What security have I, that when I start to seek work up the Country, I shall not again be subjected to abuse by those who ought to protect me ? Where shall I go ? What shall I do? How shall a man exist, where there are such laws, such constables, and such decisions ? I remain Sir, your obedient servant, RICHARD RUTLIDGE. The Monitor, 22 March 1828.

81

Gail Robyn Newman on 18th January 2022

death of Israel Chapman - 4 July 1868 Asylum for the Destitute and Infirm, LIverpool, NSW - this was not a lunatic asylum

74

iain Frazier on 19th December 2019

Israel apparantly had no children, so there's probably little genealogical interest in this record. But-It is possible? that Catherine (Martin) had 3ch w/J in colony 1817-20. An examination of the 1822 muster reveals a J (Chapman), a Catherine (Martin) & a ??? (???)-& 3ch born to J & ??? (???) which shows 3children born in 1817, 1819 & 1822. In 1831 Israel left Australia. The reason is unsure as there were legal matters involving his job happening in England, but these were denied as the reason for his trip, or he travelled to West Indies - or perhaps both places. He returned in 1833. He is variously reported as having sought the assistance of exGovernor (Darling) for free passage from England; and also that he returned from West Indies. Versions show him travelling West Indies to UK on HENRY WOLSELEY & that he arrived in Australia on HENRY WOLSELEY. On his return he returned to the Police Force. The publication 'Currency Lad' included this statement;- 'Izzi Chapman the celebrated thief catcher formally designated 'the Hebrew dreamer' has been sworn again into office. The villains who infest this town paractising their delinquencies had better mind their P's & Q's. They will not be able to evade this vigiland, this very active officer for a very long period. They had better take the hint and betake themselves to honest industry.' He is also said to have married Mary (???) in West Indies & brought her to Sydney on HENRY WOLSELEY. In 1833 he is recorded as having married Mary Ann (Slater) at Scots Church. This lady was hard to handle-sued by neighbours for quarreling violently with them. Given beating by husband-traditional fate of a brawling wife-& charged husband with having thrashed her most unmercifully. Israel was bound over to keep the peace.

221

D Wong on 4th November 2019

Israel was listed as 26 years old on arrival. He was 5'3¾" tall, dark ruddy complexion, black hair, dark eyes.

4

Rosalie Pollett on 4th November 2019

Born at Chelsea, England. 1st Detective in the NSW Police Force, Buried in Jewish Section, Rookwood Cemetery, Sydney NSW Brother of Noel Chapman.

74

iain Frazier on 19th August 2019

Israel/Izzy was born in 1792 at Chelsea London & was brother of Noel who came on SPEKE as convict in 1825. In 1817 he was coachman & grazier and was charged with robbery with George (Scott) of James (Palmer) a sea captain on King's Highway Parish of St Botolph Aldgatein-stole 14shillings-seen running away-sentenced to death remitted to Life at Old Bailey Middlesex. He came to NSW on GLORY in 1818. Dark ruddy complexion black hair dark eyes stout 5'3.25" In 1818 he received a Conditional Pardon. By 1819 he was overseer & chief wardsman Hyde Park prisoner's barracks; also Principal Overseer Government Lumber Yard with wages. He was Jewish. In the 1820's Israel (known as Izzy C) was the subject of rumours of bodysnatching-noted, an Israel (Easy) was a resurrection man (body snatcher) in London in 1811. In 1820 Israel married Catherine (Martin) convict from MORLEY at St Philips Sydney. Catherine was born about 1800; she was sentenced to 14years and transported to NSW in 1820. Israel received his Conditional Pardon in 1822 for good conduct & work. Israel & Catherine are recorded at muster in 1822-1828. In 1822 he was dismissed from the Police force for quarrelling with a superior-dismissed by Colonial Secretary, & became a dealer. He advertised for work as general overseer. He commenced as Sydney's first detective with help from Government contact. He was awarded (first of many) 1lb for helping capture and arrest a bushranger. In 1823 he was reinstated to the Police force & acquired reputation for catching offenders by dreams & visions. In 1825 he is recorded as an employer. In 1826 he went to Parramatta Rd to search for bushrangers-wounded Roberts severely in groin with cutlass, also Morison & Mackay. He later shattered his hand when fowling piece exploded. In 1827 he requested brother Noel be assigned to his care and also resigned from Police force. 'CHAPMAN the flower of Colonial Constables, has resigned the Staff of Office. Hard work and little pay do not suit an active policeman, and he properly resolves to show his employers the void that is created by his resignation. He is perfectly right' Israel was then reemployed in Police force with salary 100lb, receiving Absolute Pardon 'for indefatigable exertions'. Convicts asked to be assigned to him. He became known as 'Izzy the Hebrew Dreamer' for his night visions of criminal activity. He went on strike for wages & was appointed Police Runner with increase in salary. In 1828, still Police constable, he was owner 3horses & 8acres land cleared & cultivated; he provided lodging, still an employer. In this year he appeared at Magistrates Court Sydney. Catherine Martin died in 1829, buried at Devonshire St Jewish cemetery or St James Sydney or Bunnerong (references conflict as she was apparantly CofE). She was also exhumed for reburial at Bundaberg. Israel was at Bundaberg. In 1831 Israel married for the second time to Mary Ann (???). They travelled to Sydney on free passage. He then went to West Indies, only to return to give evidence. He was reemployed in Police force in 1833. In 1835 he was demoted to conductor; he moved to Berrima in 1839; he retired in 1840, without pension. In 1843 he moved to Campbelltown. Also recorded as retiring from Police force in 1846 due wounds and injuries-shot in head & right hand crippled. He requested grant of land & pension in writing from Berrima citing 16yrs employment & capture of 11bushrangers-refused. In 1848 he went to Sydney, employed as baillif. In 1852 he was convicted of theft overenthusiastically helping 2friends collect rent debt (robbed an aged shoemaker of 7x1lb notes & 2pr boots) & was sent to Darlinghurst Prison 6months hard labour by Sydney Quarter Sessions. In 1868 Israel died Lunatic Asylum Liverpool buried at Jewish section Rookwood cemetery by Sydney Synagogue's congregation as act of charity. He was the model for George Flower the thief taker in John George Lang's novels. 'He next beheld that noted trap man And police runner, Israel Chapman Steeped was he standing to his head In couldron hot of boiling lead. 'Alas!' he cried. 'Behold me, stranger, I've captured many a bold bushranger But Lo! now yonder snakes appear The Frank beheld some loathly wax worms And snakes of various shapes and forms All entering at the mouth and ears To know his guts for years and years. 'The Convict's Tour of Hell' He apparantly had no children, so there's probably little genealogical interest in this record.