John Watson

26

Josie Andrews on 22nd November 2019

Samuel Watson Vickery alias John Watson was a baker from Chelsea. He was tried on 9th April in Middlesex. Transported for stealing 2 snuff boxes. Married with two children. Wife Eliza or Hannah at King Street, St Ann's. Sentence of 7 years was extended two more years after he was involved in a mutinous plot (conspiracy) on board the ship Argyle on the way to Australia. Left England 18 Mar 1831. Shipmaster was Peter M Stavers. Ship surgeon Henry G Brock. Travelled via Rio and arrived in Tasmania 3 August 1831. In November of the same year he was charged on suspicion of having broken into the dwelling house of John Brown. The case was dismissed but there being strong grounds for suspecting he was guilty and it was recommended that he be employed in a road gang for 2 years. In December he was in trouble again, this time for neglecting his duty and so was to be put on chain gang allowance 1 month. On 17th April, 1832 he disobeyed orders by refusing to go to work. His punishment was to be put on single rations six weeks. On 24th August 1832 he was once more in trouble for disobeying orders and reported. On 3rd December 1832 - disobedience of orders and contumacious conduct; given 30 lashes. 30th July of 1833, disobeyed orders by refusing to work. Sentenced to two months imprisonment and hard labour. Recommended to the Notman gang. 31st of July insubordination - 100 lashes. 10th December 1833 in trouble for having tobacco pipe in his posession, reported. 14th April 1836 - feloniously receiving a half crown and other articles, the property of some person unknown knowing them (to be stolen). Existin term of transportation extended three years. 13th December, 1836 disobeyance of orders. Deprived of his situation as sub overseer and existing sentence with road party extended 3 months. 20 September 1836 - absent without leave and in a disorderly house. Sentenced 24 hours in solitary confinement on bread and water. 1837 Ticket of Leave restored. Assessment Rolls Launceston - Residences of Samuel Watson 1853 - Shop and house in Elizabeth owned by Henry Reading 1854 - same residence 1855 - same residence 1857 - same residence 1858 - same residence Died in 1860 - widow Margaret still lived at same residence in 1861. In 1862 she was in a house in Elizabeth Street but no shop attached. Electoral Roll North Esk 1856 - Samuel Watson. Abode - Elizabeth St, Launceston. Particulars of Qualification Sand-hill Road, Launceston, land. L'ton Examiner Dec 8 1860. Sudden Death - "Mr Samuel Watson of Elizabeth St died suddenly on Thurs morning. Mr Watson had been conversing in the street on the previous evening but we hear that on Thurs morning about 4 am he was seized with illness and expired in about an hour and a half. Disease of the heart is said to have been the cause of death. Mr Watson has left a widow and several children." Buried St John's Church Cypress St A:LN03-0. 2012 - I found that Samuel Watson was an alias for Samuel Vickery. He was the brother of Nathaniel Vickery who ran a toy bazaar in Launceston and the brother of William Vickery from England. Nathaniel came out as a convict in 1829 on the ship A series of letters exist written by William (their brother in England) to Nathaniel and Samuel over many years which explain the connection with his aliases whereby the conclusion made. He had to leave behind his wife Hannah and two children when he was convicted. He came on the ship "Argyle" which Samuel became a bankrupt in 1860 and it is thought that the stress of the court case hastened his demise. He left a widow and 9 or 10 young children. Colonial Times Hobart Friday 21 Nov 1856, page 2 List of Letters detained at the Post Office, Hobart Town in consequence of their being insufficiently stamped, or not stamped at all, the 20th November, 1856. Mr Samuel Watson, Draper, Elizabeth-street, Launceston. These lists are made up at the Post Office every evening and will be published in the Colonial Times the following morning. If, during seven days, no one appears to provide the necessary postage, on the eighth day they are opened and returned to the writers. In 2015, with more records appearing on line, it was discovered that Samuel Watson, also known as Samuel Vickery and also known as John Watson, was transported (under the name of John Watson) for stealing 2 snuff boxes. He was given a 7 year sentence which was extended by two years after he landed in Van Diemen's Land, for conspiring with other prisoners on the ship, with the intention to commit piracy. His convict indent states that he had the occupation as a baker. His father Nathaniel was a baker and maybe he taught his boys how to cook a loaf of bread! After receiving his pardons he converted his name back to Samuel Watson (his mother's maiden name was Watson) and began business as a draper in Elizabeth Street in Launceston. Read Launceston Examiner Sat 8 Sept 1860, page 1; Launceston Examiner Sat 19 Oct 1861 page 3; re Insolvency court case. More Evidence of Samuel Watson being Samuel Vickery Colonial times (Hobart, Tas : 1828-1857) Friday 21 November 1856, page 2 General Post Office Detained Letters List of Letters detained at the Post Office, Hobart Town, in consequence of their being insufficiently stamped, or not stamped at all, the 20th November, 1856. Mr Samuel Watson, draper, Elizabeth-street, Launceston. Letter from William Vickery to his brother Samuel from Purmerend in Holland dated 8 September 1861. "I am sorry you were put to any expense about the postage of my letters". Hobart Courier Fri 6 October 1843 noted that Samuel Watson had gained his Certificate of Freedom. In 1853 Samuel was a shareholder of the Cornwall Coal Company. Letter to the Editor 31 Jul 1855 page 3. Sir, I think some token of esteem (say, for instance, a badge with certain emblems upon it) is due to Samuel Watson, Esquire, Slop seller, of Elizabeth St for his untiring emotions (?) in the late elections and he put himself up for alderman honours; but alas he came down again. He offered to carry Mr R.C. Gunn into the legislative council, but that gentleman having in his possession, a first rate ............., thought that animal stronger and better qualified to perform the task; so Mr Watson found this very light. He (Mr Watson), not the least daunted, then joined in raising Mr C. Field to legislative honours. Now, Mr Watson joined in this because Mr Field is heavier than Mr Gunn, and He (Mr W) thought he should not be able to carry him in by himself so he procured the assistance of a very big butcher, and a press man (who I should say volunteered) and they thought they could do it with a little humbug. Well Sir, they found themselves in possession of the Field for a short time. They then beat up for recruits, but alas, when the time for engagements arrived, the allies brought their Guns against the Field which caused the desertion of Prince Charles; and Commander in Chief Watson; Comisery General Moore and the other leaders in the Field found themselves completely done, Brown and Humbugged. In the afternoon, when the Gunn was taken from the Field (I should say the Green), the Fielders (now regiment of Bulldraggers (?) made a sortie on public houses with great success, went into mourning for their Prince and retired with disgust. Thus ended the War July 1855. Don't you think Sir, Mr Watson is justly entitled to the rank of Candidate-Chooser General and Mr Moore deputy candidate Chooser General and Commissery General and Prince for all elections. There is no-one better qualified than Mr Watson to judge a candidates fitness, he having been a long time in the colony and has seen a great deal. I will send you for your next publication a detailed account of what I know about the Piggery in Martins Lane London. Yours etc, V.V.V., Charles St July 30.