Summary
Personal Information
Crime
Voyage
Transportation
Eli Ditch was transported on the Mandarin, departing 30th Nov 1842 and arriving 16th Oct 1843 with 40 passengers.
640 ton ship. The 1843 voyage carried the 51 Parkhurst Boys from the Isle of Wight bound for Van Diemen's Land. (Another 31 went to New Zealand.)These boys were categorised as "ticket of leave" or "apprentice" boys.
Mandarin (generic)References
| Primary Source | Tasmanian Archives- convicts |
Claims
"Eli Ditch was a distant ancestor of mine. His parents featured on a branch of my family tree. I would love to know whether he survived or married. Gillian Ditch Sussex England"
Photos
No photos have been added for Eli Ditch.
Convict Notes
7/12/1840 Sussex Advertiser East Sussex, England: EAST SUSSEX ADJOURNED SESSIONS Eli Ditch, aged 10, was charged with stealing in the Clifie, Lewes, lbs. of wool, value 2s, the property of Burwood Godlee. Eli was then sent to Parkhurst for 3 years - this is probably the place where he became a Tailor. Listed as 12 years old on arrival - although found the following, so he may have been 14. From the Family Search Website: Eli Ditch England Births and Christenings Name Eli Ditch Residence Place Rodmell, Sussex, England Gender Male Christening Date 02 Aug 1829 Christening Date (Original) 2 Aug 1829 Christening Place Rodmell, Sussex, England Father's Name George Ditch Mother's Name Sarah Ditch 27/10/1843: The Courier, Hobart: IMMIGRATION OFFICE. 26th October, 1643. A list of Boys waiting for engagements as Apprentices at the-Quarters, Campbell-street: William Swift, 13, tailor Eli Ditch,.12, do 12/7/1848: Certificate. Found nothing further - not listed on Vic or NSW BDM's or 'Trove'.
Eli Ditch was convicted at Sussex on 2 Dec 1840 for stealing money. 7yr sentence. Sent to Parkhurst Prison for Boys on Isle of Wight (had received 20 lashes there for misconduct). Further transported to Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) on the 'Mandarin' arriving 16 Oct 1843. Single; a tailor; Protestant; can read & write. 1 yr Probation at Browns River, VDL. Certificate of Freedom Native place - Road Mill, Middlesex.