Summary
Personal Information
Transportation
Lydia French was transported on the Rajah, departing 1st Apr 1841 and arriving 19th Jul 1841 with 182 passengers.
Rajah (generic)References
| Primary Source | Australian Joint Copying Project. Microfilm Roll 91, Class and Piece Number HO11/12, Page Number 276. Tasmanian Archives - convicts. JOURNAL of Surgeon Seperiintendant Donovan for ship Rajah 19/03- 19/07 1841 |
| Source Description | This record is one of the entries in the British convict transportation registers 1787-1867 database compiled by State Library of Queensland from British Home Office (HO) records which are available on microfilm as part of the Australian Joint Copying Pro |
| Original Source | Great Britain. Home Office |
| Compiled By | State Library of Queensland |
| Database Source | British convict transportation registers 1787-1867 database |
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Convict Notes
On the convict ship’s journey to Tasmania, when they were three months out from Hobart, Lydia showed difficulty breathing and the Surgeon placed her in the ship’s hospital for observation, as he suspected the genuineness of her symptons. She had already been continuously in the ship’s penitentiary. The Surgeon was James Donovan, and a copy of his Daily Sick Book & Synopsis, was Received by the Convict Department in Hobart 7th July 1842 Donovan wrote: “Lydia French, Aged 37 years, was put on the sick list April 18th. “ She was seized suddenly in her berth with a great difficulty of breathing and seemed to gasp for breath. When I saw her she was on [?] pretended to be entirely unable to answer any question I put to her. She is apparently weak in health and has been an invalid constantly in the Penitentiary as I am informed. “I had her removed into the Hospital and desired the Nurse to have a sharp look out upon her as I suspected her violent symptoms while her pulse was quite tranquil. She was given a little wine which soon recovered her. "19th April – No particular complaint except of weakness. Says she is subject to frequent attacks similar to yesterday's. Her appetite does not seem impaired. "She remained in Hospital for a few days but was discovered one morning by the Nurse attempting to disturb her stomach by introducing a quill down her throat. I told her I had now found out what was the matter with her. She returned to her berth and never again came before me as an invalid during the voyage." ***********************
Husband Charles Selby died 26 June 1896 at Benevolent Asylum, Launceston. Tailor. Aged 81yrs. Senility. Born Ireland.
Death: Lydia Selby 4 June 1853 Spouse: Charles Selby Wife of tailor Cause: disease of brain (ref. 35/1/4 no. 62)
Lydia French was convicted at Essex 20 Oct 1840 for stealing a bed curtain. Previous offences. 7yr transportation sentence - to Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) per the 'Rajah' 1841. Ship surgeon's report: Quiet Married. Native place: Pass Green, Coggeshall Assignments of work service in the Colony. Application for Permission to Marry: 31 May 1842 - to Charles Selby. Approved. (ref. 52/1/2) Married: to Charles Selby (age 27, free, tailor. bachelor),St. David's Church of England, Hobart 22 Aug 1842. Lydia French (aged 29yrs, convict Rajah, spinster Ticket of Leave granted 25 Aug 1844 Free by Servitude 20 Oct 1847 Certificate of Freedom 25 Oct 1847