Edward Mitchell (abt. 1798 - 1859)

Born about 1798 in Wymondham, Norfolk, England [uncertain]

Husband of Elizabeth Ann (Coverley) Overton — married 17 Aug 1835 in Pitt Town NSW Australia

Descendants

Died 9 Jan 1859 at about age 61 in Kurrajong, New South Wales, Australia

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Helen Honeysett [send private message] and Ian Mitchell [send private message]

Biography

Edward Mitchell was born in England.

Edward Mitchell ^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]} was born about 1798, in Wyndham Norfolk England.

In 1818, Edward was kicking around the Smithfield market area in London. He was caught stealing the coat, value 25 s., of Thomas Peters on December 13 1818. He was thrown in Gaol that night.^[9]

From the transcript of the proceedings at the Old Bailey^[10]

EDWARD MITCHELL was indicted for stealing, on the 19th of December, one coat, value 25 s. , the property of Thomas Peters. JOHN GEE. I am a butcher, and live at Cowcross; I saw the prisoner go behind the Highgate errand-cart, and try to cut the baskets away; he left it, and went to Thomas Peters's cart, followed it, and tried to cut a hamper away; he then jumped on the shaft, and took a great coat out - Owen and I took him. The prosecutor claimed the coat in the prisoner’s presence, at the watch-house. WILLIAM OWEN. I saw the prisoner in company with another, about a quarter before six o’clock, in St. John-street; he tried the cart, then turned round, and followed the prosecutor’s cart - the man was leading his horse, as it was a foggy night; I saw the prisoner take the coat out of the cart, and secured him with it - he said it was his own. The prosecutor came to the watch-house, and claimed it in the prisoner’s presence - he described the coat.

GUILTY. Aged 20.

Transported for Seven Years.

First Middlesex Jury, before Mr. Recorder.

He was convicted at Middlesex Gaol 17 Feb 1819 - transported Life .

He was transported to Australia aboard the John Barry and arrived in September 1819. New South Wales.^{[11] [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]}

In 1822 Convict muster (taken after August 1822) , Edward is still serving sentence, and is a Government Servant to J Bayles of Windsor , Sydney. Edward was employed as a Government Servant to John Single of Evan from 9 May 1823 to 3rd Jan 1824, he was then sent to Emu Plains Convict Farm^[26] presumably for absconding. Emu Plains was was established by Lachlan Macquarie to take the high number of surplus convicts in the colony as well as new arrivals. The agricultural station holds an important place in the history of convict administration in New South Wales, with hundreds of convicts processed through the farm. Some had just arrived on transport ships, some were reprocessed and re-educated in agricultural work, and some remained there to give service as overseers, gardeners, watchmen, butchers and clerks. ^[27] At Emu Plains, Edward received 25 lashes for being absent from his place of employ (John Single of Evan) ^[28]

On 16 October 1824^[29], Edward was reassigned to Joseph Griffith of Nepean, and then returned (discharged) from Emu Plains on 20 October 1824 and shipped to Joseph Griffith^[30] , in Nepean. In the 1825 Convict Muster, Edward is still a Government Servant to Joseph Griffith in Argyle.

On the 19 Jan 1826, Edward received his ticket of freedom. His description was as follows : 27 years of age, Sallow compelxion, 5 feet 5 and 1/2 inches tall, with brown hair and brown eyes. (Note the remarks is blank, this is where notes of tattoos are normally shown ). It also gives his Native place as Norfolk. ^[31]

Edward Mitchell's religion is given as Protestant, on the 1828 (taken in November) Census^[32], where he is given as working as a servant for Joseph Griffiths.

Edward married Elizabeth Coverley on 17 Aug 1835, near Hawkesbury District, New South Wales. ^[33][34][35] They had 12 children Mary Ann Mitchell, Edward Mitchell, Sarah Mitchell, Jane Mitchell, William Mitchell, Susannah Mitchell, Rosetta Mitchell, Robert Mitchell, Matilda Ann Mitchell, Charlotte Mitchell, Martha Ann Mitchell, and John Mitchell

In the Prison records for Windsor Mar 1838 it is is noted that Edward Mitchell was 5 ft 5 and 1/2 Inches tall, slender build, sallow complexion , with brown hair and hazel eyes. Like 37% of male and 15% of female convicts^[36], Edward had a tattoo "Right arm a Crucifixion to Heart (drawing of an Anchor) EE.SS,"

In 1841 he resided in Cook, New South Wales, Australia. In the 1841 census (2 Mar 1841) , Edward is living in Kurrajong, he is shown as free, and a landowner and living in a wooden dwelling. Living with him are his wife and 3 male (1 under 2, 1 between 2 and seven, 1 between 7 and 14) and 2 female children ( 2 to 7, and 7 to 14) with him at the time. However this looks like an error, as William was 1, Edward was 6, and Mary Anne 7, Sarah 4 and Jane 3. Religion of the family is Church of England.^[37]

Edward died on 9 Jan 1859. Kurrajong, New South Wales, Australia. ^{[38][39] [40]}

Research Notes

Edward's criminal records say he was born in Wyndham Norfolk England. There is no town called Wyndham. I suspect that his birth place is Wymondham (/ˈwɪndəm/ WIN-dəm). ^[41] This could be explained by a variation in spelling .

On the matter of his age and birth year we have all his criminal records giving his birth year as 1798 or his date of birth between 20 Jan 1798 and 19 Jan 1799. This seems to be consistent and based on and Age of 20 at the time of conviction. If his age was taken instead when he was arrested (Dec 13 1818), the window of his birth date could be stretched back to 14 Dec 1797. Giving a possible range from 14 Dec 1797 to 19 Jan 1799. The only other possible independent date we have on the records is based on an 1828 Census which was taken in Nov 1828, and gives his age as 28 , a birth range of Nov 1799 to Nov 1800, if true means he would have been 17-18 when arrested. Hence potentially we have a birth date from 14 Dec 1797 - Nov 1800.

I am still searching for evidence of birth or baptism to confirm his parents. But I am yet to find a baptismal record in Norfolk, will keep searching.

I found a Baptism record for an Edward Mitchell born to an unmarried Mary Mitchell on 3 Feb 1797. South Perrott, Dorset England. This seems a little early.

There is an Edward son of Edward and Mary from Milton bryan(t) in Bedfordshire. It is the right dates and about the closest geographically to Norfolk. A possible baptism record exists for 01 Apr 1798. Milton Bryant,Bedford,England. ^[42]

There are some ancestry tree records which suggest that Edward's father was Edward, and his Mother Anne Woodward from Cornwall. This is an error as, they relate to an Edward born around 1792 and came to Australia in 1857? as an assisted passenger. Hence whilst this Wikitree record is currently connected to Anne Woodard, I believe it to be in error, and it probably should be disconnected. The true Parents of Edward so far remain a mystery.

Unlocking the meaning of Edward's Tattoo might help learn more about him. His tattoo of the Crucifix to Heart may have been a tattoo of the Sacred Heart , which symbolises the unmitigated love, compassion, and long-suffering of the heart of Christ towards humanity. Another suggested meaning is that it represents a broken heart or lost love. The letters probably relate to people close to Edward , but it is unclear. Possibly the E's relates to his father (Edward) or his wife Elizabeth. The S's could relate to his mother or sister. He named his daughter Sarah ? is this his mother's name ?

Other research: Possible Relatives: Edward may be related to John Mitchell who's descendant appears in a DNA match for two of Edward's descendants. Edward may be related to Herbert J Mitchell who's grandson appears as a DNA match for two of Edward's descendants. Edward may be related to Hanna Louisa Mitchell as one of her descendants appears as a DNA match for two of Edward's descendants.

Possible family from Criminal records: Proceedings at the Old Bailey 17 Sep 1818. Defendants include William Mitchell(24), his brother (and possibly this )Edward Mitchell and , mother Sarah Mitchell . Criminal proceedings have them living in North-Terrace, near Cromer street St Pancras. ^[43] This occurred in July 1818, with proceedings on 9th September 1818. So prior to Edwards criminal offence in December 1818, that led to his conviction and transport to Australia in 1819.

Proceedings at the Old Bailey 9 Sep 1818 : Victims Mary and Edward MItchell. https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/browse.jsp?div=t18180909-194

Sources

1. ↑ Source: #S557777495
2. ↑ Source: #S558295439 State Archives NSW
3. ↑ Source: #S558295464 State Archives NSW; Roll: 262
4. ↑ Source: #S557771840 State Archives NSW; Series: NRS 12188; Item: [4/4006]; Microfiche: 642
5. ↑ Source: #S558301044
6. ↑ Source: #S558228949 Class: HO 26; Piece: 25; Page: 117
7. ↑ Source: #S564542914 State Archives NSW; Roll: 262
8. ↑ Source: #S558153783
9. ↑ Source: #S558228949 Class: HO 26; Piece: 25; Page: 117
10. ↑ Trial Transcript (t18190113-131) (http://www.oldbaileyonline.org)
11. ↑ Source: #S558314687 Class: HO 10; Piece: 36
12. ↑ Source: #S557612215
13. ↑ Source: #S557777495
14. ↑ Source: #S557777497 Series: NRS 899; Reel or Fiche Numbers: Fiche 3001-3162
15. ↑ Source: #S557777497 Series: NRS 898; Reel or Fiche Numbers: Reels 6020-6040, 6070; Fiche 3260-3312
16. ↑ Source: #S557777505 Class: HO 10; Piece: 13
17. ↑ Source: #S558295439 State Archives NSW
18. ↑ Source: #S558295464 State Archives NSW; Roll: 262
19. ↑ Source: #S557771840 State Archives NSW; Series: NRS 12188; Item: [4/4006]; Microfiche: 642
20. ↑ Source: #S558301044
21. ↑ Source: #S557777497 Series: NRS 898; Reel or Fiche Numbers: Reels 6020-6040, 6070; Fiche 3260-3312
22. ↑ Source: #S558295464 State Archives NSW; Roll: 262
23. ↑ Source: #S557777497 Series: NRS 898; Reel or Fiche Numbers: Reels 6020-6040, 6070; Fiche 3260-3312
24. ↑ Source: #S558314687 Class: HO 10; Piece: 20
25. ↑ Source: #S564542914 State Archives NSW; Roll: 262
26. ↑ New South Wales, Australia, Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1856 : No 741 : P539
27. ↑ https://penrithhistory.com/places/emu-plains-convict-farm/
28. ↑ New South Wales, Australia, Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1856 : Mar quarter Retrun of Fines and Punshments by the Evan Bench : p68 : Series: NRS 898; Reel or Fiche Numbers: Reels 6020-6040, 6070; Fiche 3260-3312
29. ↑ New South Wales, Australia, Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1856 : List of prisoners Assigned : p88 : Series: NRS 898; Reel or Fiche Numbers: Reels 6020-6040, 6070; Fiche 3260-3312
30. ↑ New South Wales, Australia, Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788- 1856  : pg 203
31. ↑ New South Wales, Australia, Certificates of Freedom, 1810-1814, 1827-1867 : (NRS 12208) Register of Certificates of Freedom : Registers of Certificates of Freedom, 1 Dec 1823 - Apr 1827, Jun 1828 - Dec 1833
32. ↑ 1828 New South Wales, Australia Census (Australian Copy): Source Ancestry.com
33. ↑ Source: #S557607124
34. ↑ Source: #S557607124
35. ↑ :57/1835 V183557 75 MITCHELL EDWARD COVELY ELIZABETH District J : https://familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au/
36. ↑ https://www.textpublishing.com.au/books/convict-tattoos
37. ↑ Source: #S558301791
38. ↑ Source: #S557610086
39. ↑ Source: #S557610086
40. ↑ https://familyhistory.bdm.nsw.gov.au/
41. ↑ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wymondham
42. ↑ Source: #S558153783
43. ↑ https://www.oldbaileyonline.org/browse.jsp?div=t18180909-3

• Source: S557607103 Repository: #R550443397 Australia, Birth Index, 1788-1922 Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.
• Repository: R550443397 Ancestry.com
• Source: S557607124 Repository: #R550443397 Australia, Marriage Index, 1788-1950 Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.
• Source: S557607146 Repository: #R550443397 Ancestry Family Trees Publication: Online publication - Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com. Original data: Family Tree files submitted by Ancestry members. Ancestry Family Tree http://trees.ancestry.com/pt/AMTCitationRedir.aspx?tid=108040383&pid=323
• Source: S557610086 Repository: #R550443397 Australia, Death Index, 1787-1985 Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.
• Source: S557612215 Repository: #R550443397 New South Wales, Australia Convict Ship Muster Rolls and Related Records, 1790-1849 Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations Inc
• Source: S557771840 Repository: #R550443397 New South Wales, Australia, Convict Indents, 1788-1842 Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.
• Source: S557777495 Repository: #R550443397 1828 New South Wales, Australia Census (TNA Copy) Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations Inc
• Source: S557777497 Repository: #R550443397 New South Wales, Australia, Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1856 Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc
• Source: S557777505 Repository: #R550443397 New South Wales, Australia, Settler and Convict Lists, 1787-1834 Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations Inc
• Source: S558153783 Repository: #R550443397 England, Select Births and Christenings, 1538-1975 Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc. Note: England, Births and Christenings, 1538-1975
• Source: S558228949 Repository: #R550443397 England & Wales, Criminal Registers, 1791-1892 Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations Inc
• Source: S558256958 Repository: #R550443397 Australia, Births and Baptisms, 1792-1981 Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.
• Source: S558295439 Repository: #R550443397 New South Wales, Australia, Certificates of Freedom, 1810-1814, 1827-1867 Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.
• Source: S558295464 Repository: #R550443397 New South Wales, Australia, Gaol Description and Entrance Books, 1818-1930 Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.
• Source: S558301044 Repository: #R550443397 1828 New South Wales, Australia Census (Australian Copy) Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations Inc
• Source: S558301791 Repository: #R550443397 1841 New South Wales, Australia, Census Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations Inc
• Source: S558314687 Repository: #R550443397 New South Wales and Tasmania, Australia Convict Musters, 1806-1849 Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations Inc
• Source: S564542914 Repository: #R550443397 New South Wales, Australia, Gaol Description and Entrance Books, 1818-1930 Ancestry.com Publication: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.