John Parks

Level 75

iain Frazier on 9th August 2026

Family connections for John (Parks) are: PARKS/ES John (Park/es/Sparks) was born about 1767 & became a nail maker. He was tried for stealing, on 11 2 1797, a greatcoat from shop of John (Grimestone) in Dudley Worcestershire at Worcester city Lent Assizes on 17 3 1797, sentenced to 7years & arrived in NSW as a convict on 18 5 1798 after a voyage of 8.5months on BARWELL: he was Protestant He was working at the dockyards when he started a relationship with Margaret (Southern) of The Rocks. His sentence expired in March 1803. He applied for his Certificate of Freedom on 20 2 1811. He seems to have left the dockyards after 1812. He was recorded in 1822 with his family as landholder in Sydney. He was recorded in 1827 as a nailor. He was recorded, as (Sparks), in 1828 with his family as a nailor at Upper Pitt St Sydney. He died in 1839 age73 father of perhaps 14children at Parkes Camp Cooks River (named Parkestown after himself). Parkestown continued to be so named until 1895 & gradually changed to Forest Hill & Earlwood. [Some details taken from this Website) [Noted a John (Park) had a relatinship with Mary (Breeze) & produced a child:] [1.Eliza (Park) was born on 10 2 1804 & baptised on 4 3 1804 at St Johns CofE Parramatta.] [Noted an Elizabeth (Park) married William George (Chapman) on 5 6 1837 at (Scots/Presbyterian) Ebenezer Kirk Portland Head.] [William (George (Dixon)s family is found in entry for Sarah (Chapman NILE 1801) on this Website] .. Margaret (Southern) was born about 1783. She was tried for stealing, on 21 1 1803, clothes of Jane (Eastwood) of Manchester at Lancaster Borough Manchester Quarter Sessions Lancashire on 27 4 1783, sentenced to 7years & arrived in NSW on 12 6 1804 after a voyage of 5.5months on EXPERIMENT, She was probably employed in Sydney & lived at The Rocks. She was Free by Servitude by 1812. She was recorded, as (Suthers), in 1822 with her family in Sydney. She was recorded, as (Sparks), in 1828 with her family at Upper Pitt St Sydney. She died on 24 5 1869 age about86 & was buried at St Peters CofE Cook's River Road (Princes Highway) St Peters. [Some details taken from this Website) John (Parkes) & Margaret (Southern) produced 13children: 1.Mary Ann (Parkes) was born on 9 11 1807 in Sydney & baptised on 21 6 1812 age4 w/Sarah, John at St Phillips CofE Sydney. She was recorded in 1822 with her parents in Sydney. She died on 24 1 1844 age37+. .. 2.Sarah (Parkes) was born on 18 4 1809 in Sydney & baptised on 21 6 1812 age3 w/Mary Ann, John at St Phillips CofE Sydney. She was recorded in 1822 with her parents in Sydney. She, as Sarah (Sparks). married Edward/Ted (Guest-Storss) on 8 1 1827 at St Phillips CofE Sydney & produced 1child. She was recorded, as (Sparks),in 1828 with her parents at Upper Pitt St Sydney. She died on 8 12 1848 age39. ..Edward (Guest) was born on 10 12 1802 & baptised on 25 12 1803 age1 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. He was a labourer in 1829. ..Details of Edward (Guest)s family are given in entry for John (Goss WILLIAM AND ANN 1791) on this Website. .. 3.John (Parkes) was born on 5 8 1810 in Sydney & baptised on 21 6 1812 age22m w/Mary Ann, Sarah at St Phillips CofE Sydney. He was recorded in 1822 with his parents in Sydney. He was recorded, as (Sparks), in 1828 with his parents at Upper Pitt St Sydney. He was living at St George when he married Martha (Powers/Irwin) of St George on 10 8 1835 at St James CofE Sydney. He died on 20 5 1884 age73. ..Martha (Irvin/e/Irwin/Erwin) was born in 1807 in England. She arrived at Port Jackson NSW with her mother on 4 6 1812 after a voyage of 6months on MINSTREL accompanying INDEFATIGIBLE. She was recorded in 1821 & 1825 as wife of J (Fallon his first relationship) in Sydney-Smees records show a marriage of Martha (Power) with J (Folin) with no date & no church & shown the couple as defacto at baptisms of their children. She was living at St George when she married secondly John (Parkes) of St George on 10 8 1835 at St James CofE Sydney & produced 3children. She produced 7children in her lifetime ..Details of Martha (Irvin)s family are given in entry for Sarah (Irvin MINSTREL 1812) on this Website. ..John (Parkes) & Martha (Powers/Irwin) produced at least 3children: ..1.George (Parkes) was born 29 9 1837 & baptised in 1837 at St James CofE Sydney. ..2.Emma (Parkes) was born on 25 11 1840 at Cooks River & baptised on 25 11 1840 w/Harriet at St Peters CofE-Cooks River Petersham (County of Cumberland). ..3.Harriet (Parkes) was born on 25 11 1840also at Cooks River & baptised on 25 11 1840 w/Emma at St Peters CofE-Cooks River Petersham (County of Cumberland). .. 4.Ann/e/Nancy (Parkes/Parks) was born on 12 5 1812 & baptised on 21 6 1812 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. She was recorded in 1822 with her parents in Sydney. She was recorded, as (Sparks), in 1828 with her parents at Upper Pitt St Sydney. She married Alexander (McHay) emancipist on 25 9 1829 at Scots Kirk Sydney & produced 6children. She died on 16 11 1865 age53 at Moorefields. ..Alexander (McHay) was born about 1804 in Sutherlandshire Scotland & became a brickmaker/backmaker (cooper). He moved to Aberdeen to live with his uncle Alexander in St Nicholas parish at Spring Garden about 1822 & worked as a road labourer. He was tried for stealing (pickpocketing?), on 19 7 1822, silver watch at Aberdeen Court of Justiciary on 17 4 1822, sentenced to 7years & arrived at Sydney town NSW as a convict on 9 3 1823 after a voyage of 5.5months on PRINCESS ROYAL; he was Presbyterian 5'7" brown & sallow complexion dark brown hair grey eyes. His Ticket of Leav No 27/417 was issued on 27 6 1827; height now 7.75" & complexion dark pale. He married Nancy (???) on 28 9 1829 at St Andrews CofEsic church in George St Sydney by a Presbyterian minister. His Certificate of Freedom No 29/884 was issued on 7 9 1829; his complexion was now dark sallow. He was recorded as a settler in 1840. He died about 6 5 1841 age about37 & was buried on 8 5 1841 St Andrew's Scots Church (Kirk?) Sydney. ..[Some details taken from this Website] .. 5.Joseph (Parkes/Parks) was born 4 2 1814 & baptised on 29 5 1814 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. He was recorded in 1822 with his parents in Sydney. He was recorded, as (Sparks), in 1828 with his parents at Upper Pitt St Sydney. He died on 18 4 1848 age33. ..[Noted a Joseph (Parks/es) married Mary (Doyle) on 29 4 1829 with permission of the Governor at All Saints Sutton Forest. He was recorded in 1833 as an overseer.] ..[a Mary (Doyle) was born in 1812 as Mary (Murphy). ..Details of this Mary (Doyle) are shown in entry for Edward (Doyle TELLICHERRY 1806) on this Website. ..[Joseph (Parkes) & Mary (Doyle) produced 3children:] ..[1.William (Parkes) was born on 4 4 1830 at Yass Plains & baptised on 5 4 1833 age3 w/Isabella at All Saints Sutton Forest.] ..{2.Isabella (Parkes) was born on 2 2 1832 at Yass Plains & baptised on 5 4 1833 age14m w/William at All Saints Sutton Forest.] ..[3.Mary Ann (Parkes) was born on 12 5 1834 & baptised, as (Park), in 1838 age about4 at St Phillips CofE Sydney; she was baptised again on 10 1 1853 age18 at St Clements CofE Yass.] .. ..[Noted a Joseph (Parks) married Mary Ann (Fuliam) on 9 3 1840 at St Peters CofE-Cooks River Petersham (County of Cumberland).] ++ ..[& noted a Laurence (Fullam) was born about 1795. He arrived in NSW from Ireland as sergeant with Royal Veterans Company with his wife Bridget (McNamara) & his family on 22 4 1825 after a voyage of 3.5months on HOOGHLEY. He, a dragoon) died in 1840 age45 & was buried, as (Fulham) on 25 4 1840 at ILLR.] ] ..[..........Bridget (McNamara) arrived in NSW from Ireland with her family on 22 4 1825 after a voyage of 3.5months on HOOGHLEY.] ..[..........Laurence (Fullam) & Bridget (McNamara) produced perhaps 4children:] ..[..........1.a Marianne/Marian/Mary Ann (Fullam) was born about 1821. She-recorded as arriving in NSW as a child on 27 9 1831 after a voyage of 3months on HOOGHLEY-married John (Simmons) labourer on 27 3 1839 at SMWM (Wolllombi]] ..[..............John (Simmons) was born propably at Taunton Somersetshire on 31 1 1808. He was tried for house breaking & stealing milk at Somerset Assizes in 1826, sentenced to Life & arrivrd in NSW as a convict on 25 7 1827 after a voyage of 4months on GUILDFORD, He was assigned to John (Blaxland). He was a labourer in 1839. He died on 15 7 1895 age87. ..[..............Some details taken from this Website] .. ..[..........2?.a Henry (Fulham) is mentioned just below.] ..[..........3.Margaret (Fullam) was born on 17 2 1825 & baptised on 4 5 1828 age3 at St Marys RC Sydney.] ..[..........4.Jane (Fullam) was born on 6 5 1830 & baptised on 16 6 1830 at St Marys RC Sydney.] .. ..[......& a Lawrence (Fulham) had arelationships with an unknown & later a Mary (Kelly), producing 2children:] ..[..........Mary (Kelly) ??? ..[..........1.Ellen (Fulham) was born in 1832 & baptised in 1832 at St Marys RC Sydney.] ..[..........2.James (Fulham) was born on 2 1 1835 & baptised on 13 1 1835 at St Matthews RC Windsor.] .. ..[......& a Henry (Fulham) married a Mary (Read) on 15 5 1838 at St Marys RC Sydney.] ..[..........Mary (Reed) ..[..........Henry (Fulham) & Mary (Read) produced at least 2children:] ..[..........1.Mary Ann (Fulham) was born in 1839 & baptised in 1839 at SYDR ] ..[..........2.Sarah (Fulham) was born in 1840 & baptised in 1840 at SYDR ] .. ..[......& a Rosanna (Fuliam) married a Rodger (Kaine) of Sydney on 22 5 1832 at St Marys RC Sydney.] ..[..........Rodger (Kaine) was living in Sydney in 1832. ++ .. 6.Esther (Parkes) was born in 1815. She was recorded in 1822 with her parents in Sydney. She was recorded, as (Sparks), in 1828 with her parents at Upper Pitt St Sydney. She was living in Sydney when she married John Robert (Peake age18) of Sydney on 26 3 1833 at St Andrews Kirk Sydney & produced at least 5children. She died on 18 5 1886 age about70. ..John Robert (Peake) was born on 27 2 1815 & baptised on 23 4 1815 at St Johns CofE Parramatta. He was living in Sydney in 1833. He died on 12 8 1886 age71. ..Details of John Robert (Peake)s family are given in entry for John (Peak ADMIRAL GAMBIER 1808) on this Website. .. 7.James (Parkes) was born in 1816. He was recorded in 1822 with his parents in Sydney. He was recorded, as (Sparks), in 1828 with his parents at Upper Pitt St Sydney. He was living at St George when he married with permission Hannah (Lees) of St George on 24 7 1837 at St James CofE Sydney. He was recorded in 1840 as a sawyer. He died on 17 6 1876 age about60. ..Hannah (Lees) was born on 30 10 1817 & baptised on 9 11 1817-& again on 16 11 1817-at St Phillips CofE Sydney. She was recorded in 1825 in Sydney with her mother. She was living at St George in 1837. She died on 17 6 1876 age58; she was apparantly buried at Devonshire St cemeteery, wher her mother was also buried. ..Details of Hannah (Lees)s family are given in entry for Thomas (Lees CANADA 1801) on this Website. ..James (Parkes) & Hannah (Lees) produced at least 2children: ..1.Sarah (Parkes) was born on 24 5 1838. ..2.Jane (Parkes) was born on 22 5 1840 at Cooks River & baptised on 21 6 1840 at St Peters CofE-Cooks River Petersham (County of Cumberland). ..[Noted a Harriet (Parkes) was born on 26 11 1840 at Botany to James (Parkes) weaver & Harriet (???) & baptised on 21 1 1841 at St Peters CofE-Cooks River Petersham (County of Cumberland).] .. 8.William (Parkes/Sparkes) was born on 9 4 1818 & baptised on 19 1 1819 at St Phillips CofE Sydney & became an athlete known as 'Fighting Bill' (Parkes). He was recorded in 1822 with his parents in Sydney. He was recorded, as (Sparks), in 1828 with his parents at Upper Pitt St Sydney. He had a relationship with Elizabeth (Pithers/Brooks) her second (2of3) relationship). He died on 31 1 1889 age70. ..Elizabeth Jane (Pithers) was born on 11 5 1813 & baptised on 27 6 1813 at St Johns CofE Parramatta. She married firstly (10f3 at age16 Charles (Brooks) of Liverpool on 15 6 1829 at St Lukes CofE Liverpool-in 1824 at St Johns CofE Parramatta shown at births of their 5chidren. She married thirdly Richard (Crampton) brewer on 12 12 1842. She died in 1882 age about69 mother of 6known children-mostly boys. ..Details of Elizabeth Jane (Pithers) family ae given below. ..William (Parkes) & Elizabeth (Pithers/Brooks) produced at least 1child: ..1.William (Parkes) was born in 1840. .. 9.Isaac (Parkes) was born on 4 1 1823. He was recorded, as (Sparks), in 1828 with his parents at Upper Pitt St Sydney. He died on 28 12 1900 age77. 10.Elizabeth/Betsey (Parkes) was born in 1824. She was living at St George when she married at age16 with permission of her parents/mother? George Richard (Dent) of St Peters parish on 2 11 1840 at St Peters CofE-Cooks River Petersham (County of Cumberland). She died on 14 6 1866 age about41. ...George Richard (Dent) was born on 18 2 1822 & baptised on 28 7 1822 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. Hee was recorded in 1822 with his parents in Sydney. He was recorded in 1828 at Petersham with his parents. Se was living at St Peters when he married with permission of her parents/mother? Elizabeth/Betsey (Parkes age16) of St George parish on 2 11 1840 at St Peters CofE-Cooks River Petersham (County of Cumberland). He died on 25 7 1910 age89. ...Details of George Richard (Dent)s family are given in entry for James (Dent ELIZABETH 1816) on this Website. .. 11.Thomas (Parkes) was born on 11 3 1825. He was recorded, as (Sparks), in 1828 with his parents at Upper Pitt St Sydney. He died on 1 9 1899 age74-. 12.Mary (Parkes) was born in 1826. He was recorded, as (Sparks), in 1828 with her parents at Upper Pitt St Sydney. 13.Louisa (Parkes) was born on 2 2 1827 at Upper Pitt St & baptised on 6 2 1827 at St James CofE Sydney. [Noted an Edmond (Parkes) is recorded as born in 1833, died in 1836 age3 & was buried on 9 12 1836 at St Lukes CofE Liverpool-no parents given] CAN'T GET BURIAL [Noted an Edwin (Park) is recorded as born in 1832, died in 1833 age19m & buried on 19 11 1833 at St James CofE Sydney. PITHERS William (Pithers) married Ann (Nicholls) in England. He arrived in NSW as a Pensioner (Pensioner Guard?) with his family on 16 12 1810 after a voyage of 5.5months on INDIAN. Ann (Nicholls) He arrived in NSW with her family on 16 12 1810 after a voyage of 5.5months on INDIAN. William (Pithers) & Ann (Nicholls) produced 6children: mostly girls 1.Mary (Pithers) was born in England. She arrived in NSW with her parents on 16 12 1810 after a voyage of 5.5months on INDIAN. .. 2.James (Pithers/Pitches) was born on 23 1 1811 & baptised on 24 2 1811 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. He was a colonist apprentice tailor living at Cooks River when he married Mary Ann (Biggs her second relationship) of Cooks River on 1 8 1836 at St Lukes CofE Liverpool. He died on 26 1 1895 age84+. ..Mary Ann (Biggs) daughter of Charles farrier & Elizabeth (Biggs) of Bristol Gloucestershire was born about 1810. She was a barmaid in Temple St when she was tried w/20thers for stealing linen at Bristol City Quarter Sessions on 6 4 1831, sentenced to 7years & arrived in NSW as a convict on 5 3 1832 after a voyage of 5months on PYRAMJUS; she was ssigned to J (McIntyre) at Hunters River. She had a first relationship on board ship which produced a child. She was at the Female Factory Parramatta in 1833. She was living at Cooks River in 1836. Her Certificate of Freedom was issued on 22 12 1838. She died on 12 9 1899 age87 mother of 10known children. ..1.Eliza (???/Biggs) was born about July 1832. She died in 1833 age10m at the Female Factory Parramatta & was buried on 11 5 1833 at St Johns CofE Parramatta. ..[Some details taken from this Website) .. ..James (Pithers/Pitches) & Ann (Biggs) produced 9children: ..1.-8.??? (Pithers) ..9.James Silvester (Pithers) was born in 1857. He produced at least 1child: ....1.Nioma Phyllis was born in 1924. She married ???(Moore) & produced at least 1child: according to this Website: She died after 2020. ......1.Susan (Moore) married ??? (Capel) & produced at least 1child: ........1,Susan (Capel) .. 3.Elizabeth Jane (Pithers) was born on 11 5 1813 & baptised on 27 6 1813 at St Johns CofE Parramatta. She married firstly (1of3) at age16 Charles (Brooks) of Liverpool on 15 6 1829 at St Lukes CofE Liverpool-in 1824 at St Johns CofE Parramatta shown at births of her 5chidren.>>> ..Charles (Brooks) was born about 1797 & became a brewer/distiller. He was tried at Leicester Assizes Leicestershire, sentenced to 7years & arrived in NSW as a convict on 8 1 1819 after a voyage of 4months on GLOBE. In 1827 he was employed at Grose Farm, on stores. He was recorded at Bathurst on 10 4 1824 & on 27 9 1824 he was reputed to be a runaway on return of fines & punishments in the Police Office; on 28 10 1824 he was sent to Port Macquarie (penal settlement) on SALLY. He was issued his Certificate of Freedom on 30 4 1825, which was renewed on 6 10 1825. He was an emancipist living at Liverpool in 1829. He was recorded in 1830 as a brewer. He died in 1941 age about46. ..[Some details taken from this Website) ..Elizabeth Jane (Pithers) & Charles (Brooks) produced at least 5children: mostly boys ..1.William (Brooks) was born on 14 11 1830 in Sydney & baptised on 12 12 1830 in group ceremony at St Phillips CofE Sydney. ..2.Charles (Brooks) was born in 1832 & baptised in 1832 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. ..3.David (Brooks) was born in 1834 & baptised in 1835 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. ..4.John (Brooks) was born in 1837 & baptised in 1837 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. ..5.Mary (Brooks) was born in 1840 & baptised in 1840 at SLS. NOT FOUND .. >>>Elizabeth Jane (Pithers/Brooks) had a second (2of3) relationship with William (Parkes) & produced at least 1child.>>> ..William (Parkes/Sparkes) was born on 9 4 1818 & baptised on 19 1 1819 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. He was recorded, as (Sparks), in 1828 with his parents at Upper Pitt St Sydney. He died on 31 1 1889 age70. ..Details of William (Parkes)s family are given above. .. >>>Elizabeth Jane (Pithers) married thirdly Richard (Crampton) brewer on 12 12 1842. She died in 1882 age about69 mother of 6known children-mostly boys. .. 4.Martha (Pithers/Porthers) was born on 8 11 1815 & baptised on 31 12 1815 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. She was living at Cooks River when she married at age15 John (Fraser/Frazer) of Cooks River on 17 10 1831 at St James CofE Sydney & produced at least 4children. She died on 27 10 1857 age42-. ..John (Fraser/Frazer) was born about 1801. He arrived in Australia free & was a shipwright at Cooks River in 1831. He was recorded in 1841 as shipwright. ..Details of John (Fraser/Frazer)s family are given below. .. 5.Charlotte Priscilla (Pithers/Pitchers) was born on 29 4 1818 & baptised on 28 3 1814 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. She was living in Sydney when she married at age15 Robert (Phelps) mariner of Sydney in 3 2 1834 at St Andrews Kirk Sydney. ..Robert (Phelps) was born on 7 12 1810 & baptised on 9 2 1812 age14m at St Phillips CofE Sydney. He died in 1851 age about40. He was a mariner in Sydney in 1834. ..Details of Robert (Phelps)s family are given in entry for Richard (Phelps ROYAL ADMIRAL 1800) on this website. ..Charlotte Priscilla (Pithers) & Robert (Phelps) produced 1child: ..1.William A (Phelps) was born in 1837 & baptised in 1837 at St James CofE Sydney. .. 6.Rebecca (Pithers/Pitchers) was born on 9 9 1820 & baptised on 8 10 1820 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. She married at age15 Peter John (Dillon) on 2 1 1837 at St James CofE Sydney. She died on 18 10 1888 age68. ..Peter John (Dillon) was born on 26 6 1815 & baptised on 17 9 1815 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. He died in 1857 age about42. ..Details of Peter John (Dillon)s family are given below. DILLON Peter (Dillon) was born about 1788. He arrived in Australia as ships master in 1809. He married Mary (Moore age14) on 22 9 1814 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. Mary (Moore)was born in 1800 in the colony-no recording found in Smees records. Peter (Dillon) & Mary (Moore) produced 2children: 1.Peter John (Dillon) was born on 26 6 1815 & baptised on 17 9 1815 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. He married Rebecca (Pithers/Pitchers age15) on 2 1 1837 at St James CofE Sydney. He died in 1857 age about42. ..Rebecca (Pithers/Pitchers) was born on 9 9 1820 & baptised on 8 10 1820 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. She died on 18 10 1888 age68. ..Details of Rebecca (Pithers/Pitchers)s family are given above. .. 2.Napoleon (Dillon) was born in 1820 in Sydney & baptised on 6 11 1821 at St Marys RC Sydney. FRASER/ZER John (Fraser/Frazer) was born about 1801. He arrived in Australia free & was a shipwright at Cooks River when he married Martha (Pithers age15) of Cooks River on 17 10 1831 at St James CofE Sydney. He was recorded in 1841 as shipwright. Martha (Pithers/Porthers) was born on 8 11 1815 & baptised on 31 12 1815 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. She was living at Cooks River in 1831. She died on 27 10 1857 age42-. Details of Martha (Pithers) family are given above. John (Fraser/Frazer) Martha (Pithers) produced at least 4children: 1.William (Fraser) was born on 28 12 1832 & baptised in 1833 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. 2.John (Fraser) was born in 1835 & baptised in 1835 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. 3.Elizabeth (Fraser) was born in 1838 & baptised in 1838 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. 4.David (Fraser) was born on 9 11 1840 at Parramatta St Sydney & baptised on 3 10 1841 at St Peters CofE Cooks Rivers Petersham county of Cumberland. Reference: 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.

Level 7

Neville Parkes on 20th April 2020

John's surname was always written as Perks in Australia as were the surnames of his children, at least into the late 19th century, e.g. Records at the Registrar General of NSW of Case #6123 dated 1883-4 show John (Snr), John(Jnr) and Isaac with the surname Perks which was also the name that John (Snr) was referred to in his 50acre Crown Grant. A suggestion for the name change to Parkes may be that as John(Snr) was illiterate he could not spell his name and with his undoubted accent those writing his name heard 'Perks'. As he came from Birmingham where the name Parkes is very common some of the family changed the spelling of their surname in the late 19th century to reflect their Birmingham family attachment.

Level 6

Vicki on 4th January 2018

There is a facebook group called John Parkes and his descendants. For ancestors to connect and share information.Please see the link below https://www.facebook.com/groups/291589151236736/

Level 54

Phil Hands on 25th September 2017

John, wandering in the City of Dudley in 1797, caught up in the social upheaval of the Industrial Revolution and with winter closing in, John Parkes, a nail maker by trade, altered the entire course of his life when he was caught stealing a warm beaver coat from the shop of John Grimestone. He was arrested and taken to the City of Worcester where he stood trial at the Worcester Lent Assizes on 11th March that year. The charge read: "The Jurors for our Lord the King upon their oath present that John Parkes (guilty) late of the Parish of Dudley in the County of Worcester Labourer on the eleventh day of February in the thirty seventh year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord George the third King of Great Britain and with Force and Arms at the parish a foresaid the Great Coat called a Beaver great coat of the value of sixteen shillings of the goods and chattels of John Grimestone in the shop of the said John Grimestone, then and there privately and feloniously did steal take and carry away against the peace of our said Lord the King his Crown and Dignity." Sentenced to seven years transportation on 11th March 1797, John spent eight months either in prison or worse still on one of the many rotting prison hulks, then cluttering up most of the English sea-ports. Left England on 17th November 1797. Ship:- the 'Barwell' sailed with 296 male convicts on board of which 9 died during the voyage. Arrived on 18th May 1798. John Parkes, alias 'Perks the nailor, ex convict, landholder, founder of a bustling Sydney suburb, father of Australian champion and world class fighters, father of the first Australian born sportsman to represent his country overseas, died quietly at Parkestown in 1839 aged 71. He left a grieving Margaret then aged 56. Of his family of eleven surviving children (six sons and five daughters) only three of them appear to have been married at the time of their father's death, so that Margaret now had the full responsibility for the Dynasty she and John founded in 1806. Mary Ann, John's eldest child was thirty-two when her father died, and Margaret must have found her eldest unmarried daughter a great source of comfort at this sad time of her life. John's second daughter had now been married to Ted Stores for twelve years, and she was now aged thirty. The next eldest child, John, was now aged twenty nine years, and still single; Ann (Nancy) was twenty seven and single, Joseph was twenty five and single, Esther was twenty four and had been married to John Peake for six years, James was twenty three and had been married to Hannah Lee for three years. William was twenty-one, single and had been fighting professionally for three years; Isaac was sixteen, Betsey was fourteen, and Thomas was fourteen.

Level 105

Denis Pember on 8th March 2016

sainty & Johnson; 1828 Census of New South Wales: Page 350... [Ref S2063] Sparks, John, 50, free by servitude, Barwell, 1797, 7 years, Protestant, nailor, Upper Pitt Street, Sydney. [Ref S2064] Sparks, Margaret, 45, free by servitude, Experiment, 1803, 7 years. [Ref S2065] Sparks, Sarah, 19, born in the colony. [Ref S2066] Sparks, John, 15, born in the colony. [Ref S2067] Sparks, Anne, 14, born in the colony. [Ref S2068] Sparks, Joseph, 13, born in the colony. [Ref S2069] Sparks, Esther, 12, born in the colony. [Ref S2070] Sparks, James, 9, born in the colony. [Ref S2071] Sparks, William, 8, born in the colony. [Ref S2072] Sparks, Isaac, 5, born in the colony. [Ref S2073] Sparks, Thomas, 3, born in the colony. [Ref S2074] Sparks, Mary, 2, born in the colony.

Level 105

Denis Pember on 8th March 2016

1822 Muster: Parks, John, free by servitude, Barwell, 7 years, landholder, Sydney. Parks, Mary, 15, born in the colony. Parks, Sarah, 13, born in the colony. Parks, John, 12, born in the colony. Parks, Ann, 10, born in the colony. Parks, Joseph, 8, born in the colony. Parks, Esther, 7, born in the colony. Parks, James, 6, born in the colony. Parks, William, 3, born in the colony. all children of above. Suthers, Margaret, free by servitude, Experiment, 7 years, wife of J. Parks, Sydney.

Level 105

Denis Pember on 8th March 2016

Around 1806, John commenced a de facto relationship with Margaret Southern (Convict, Experiment, 1804). The couple had 12 children between 1807 and 1827. This family included William "Fighting Bill" Parkes born 1816 and a famous athlete for the period.

Level 105

Denis Pember on 8th March 2016

Hereford Journal Wed 22 Mar 1797 p.3 On Monday: the Assizes commenced at Worcester. The business was unusually heavy on the crown side, and did not end until late on Wednesday evening; when... John Parks, for stealing a great coat was sentenced to transportation for seven years.