John Hugs

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Janine Wood on 27th March 2022

The complete biography of John Hughes (Jac Ty-îsha is to be found in 'No Ordinary Convict: a Welshman called Rebecca', as both a hard copy and E-book (Kindle App from Amazon). Copies are available in Tasmanian book shops, and from the publisher Forty South, Hobart.

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Janine Wood on 17th March 2021

The full story of John Hughes is told in the book No Ordinary Convict: a Welshman called Rebecca, by Janine Marshall Wood. Available from Forty South Publishing, Tasmania from mid May 2021, and at other book shops in Tasmania and Victoria.

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Janine Wood on 22nd June 2017

One of the best books about the Rebecca Riots, which contains quite a lot of information about John Hughes (Jac Ty-Isha), already referred to above, is 'And They Blessed Rebecca' by Pat Molloy. I have four fascinating letters that he wrote, one before sailing. He refers to the keeping of public houses, and of gaining and losing fortunes. He is remembered in his home village of Tumble, South Wales, with a wooden statue.

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Janine Wood on 22nd June 2017

Although one of the convict documents looks like his father's name is James, or something else, it was Morgan. I have a photocopy of the frontice page of the family Bible which clearly shows this, plus the census records and other official documents. I am his great-great-granddaughter.

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Sue Davies on 27th April 2017

Before being sentenced, the jury found John Hughes guilty but recommended him to mercy because of his unblemished character. Compassion had no meaning for the aged judge who sentenced John to twenty years transportation. Petitions for mercy were immediately put in place and the three prisoners in Cardiff gaol appealed to their friends to show restraint and keep the peace so that the Rebeccaites might have a reduction of sentence. I have a copy of the letter printed in a book as a poster and signed John Hughes, David Jones and John Hugh (the latter just made a mark). The National Library of Wales have a copy. On Van Diemen's Land, John Hughes was admonished twice for misconduct but won a commendation for capturing a fellow convict who absconded. He was given 14 days solitary confinement for feigning illness. He became a timber cutter once released in 1857 and hired me to work for him. He had forgotten most of his Welsh and wrote in English.

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Carol Axton-Thompson on 21st October 2013

John Hughes was convicted at Glamorgan on 26/10/1843 for riotiously beginning to demolish a dwelling. 20yr sentence. Transported to Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) on the 'London', arriving 1844. N.B. Not to be confused with "John Hugh" also convicted of this offence and also transported on the same ship. Single man; aged 25yrs; farmer/ploughman; 5'6 1/2" Protestant; read & write; native place - Carmarthen; fresh complexion; brown hair; Hazel eyes. Father: James Mother: Mary Brothers: William & Morgan Sisters: Eliza, Anne, Mary & Margaret Station Gang: Maria Island (off east coast of Tasmania) 2yrs. Emerged from Gang 18/07/1846. Note in 1845: Praiseworthy conduct whilst at Maria Island for apprehending a convict who had absconded. Assignments in Colony, including Bothwell. Ticket of Leave 22/02/1853 Ticket of Leave revoked, for being absent at Muster 20/05/1856. Ticket of Leave restored 30/09/1856 Conditional Pardon 19/05/1857. 17/10/1867 Launceston: Charged with stealing a bill of exchange - Acquitted.

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Deborah Tilley on 20th October 2013

I have a photograph of him in later life. If anyone would like to see, please get in touch

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Janine Wood on 17th July 2012

John Hughes, Jac Ty-Isha in his native Welsh, was a leader (or 'Rebecca') of the Rebecca Riots in Wales in the early 1840s, when the Welsh people were rebelling against the social conditions, especially being charged exorbitant rates to pass toll gates, although the English landed class passed through free of charge. He was 24 years old, could read and write and his father owned his own farm. He married Theresa Gray in 1864 and their children were Lydia Theresa (Tina) and William. He turned his hand to many occupations in Tasmania and the Launceston Examiner reported on his death that he was 'in early life a strong and vigorous man, but latterly feeble and frail, but always cheerful and smiling. He died at the good old age of 86 years. His friends at Waratah will miss him.' Many descendants are very proud of his legacy and some still correspond with family in Wales. His letters and photos still survive.