Summary
Personal Information
Crime
Voyage
Transportation
William Neale was transported on the Surprize, departing 31st Jan 1794 and arriving 17th Oct 1794 with 95 passengers.
Surprize (generic)References
| Primary Source | Flynn, Michael; Settlers and Seditionists: The people of the Convict Ship Surprize, 1794. Sainty, Malcolm & Johnson, Keith; 1828 Census of New South Wales. |
Claims
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Photos
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Convict Notes
Sainty & Johnson; 1828 Census of New South Wales: Page 283… [Ref N0103] Neale, William, 64, FS, Surprise, 1794, P, Tenant, Illawarra. 10 acres 8 cultivated. [Ref N0104] Neale, Sarah, 51, Fs, Surprise, 1794, P.
With the withdrawal of the NSW Corps to England, Neale obtained a discharge from the army in April 1810 in order to remain in the colony. He was ordered an 80 acre land grant in the Airds district in Mar 1811 and was mustered as a landholder there in 1814, living with Sarah Townsend and three children.
In the colony, William had a long term relationship with Sarah Townsend (Convict, Surprize, 1794). This relationship may have even commenced on board ship. By 1796 William Neale was living with Sarah Townsend. In May 1800 their house at Parramatta was burgled by Barnabus Sands, who was charged with stealing two shirts in the break-in and was sentenced to death. In 1801 the couple were recorded living in the Sydney district. In 1806 they were living at Parramatta, with four children (3 male, 1 female, all designated illegitimate by Marsden). Neale was described in 1808 as a baker by trade, aged 45 years 6 months, with 27 years 90 days army service, born Billesdon, Leicestershire, 5’9” tall with grey eyes, dark brown hair, and a long dark-complexioned visage. In 1809 he was stationed at the Hawkesbury, but moved to Sydney in July of that year. The couple were belatedly married at St Philips Sydney on 19 Mar 1810; he signed his name to the register and she made her X mark. Thomas and Mary Day witnessed the ceremony.
William had served in the 2nd Regiment prior to 1793. He was convicted at a court martial for an untraced offence (possibly desertion) and held in the Savoy Prison until 20 Jan 1794, when he was sent on board the ship 'Surprize'. On the voyage he was released and allowed to serve as a private in the NSW Corps.