John Green (abt. 1821)

Born about 1821 in County Roscommon, Ireland

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Biography

John Green was a convict after the Third Fleet transported to New South Wales

John Green was a convict who came to Australia in 1836 sentenced for seven years having been convicted in 1836 in Roscommon of stealing wool. The ship he travelled on was the Captain Cook. Green's profession was labourer and he had no prior convictions^[1]. His sister Anne was also a convict, she travelled to New South Wales on board the Roslin Castle.

In August 1854 Green was incarcerated in the gaol at Bathurst^[2]. At this point Green had achieved his freedom by servitude. His profession was constable. These records show that Green was accused of murder and was to be sent to Sydney for trial later that year.

In fact, Green had been a constable with the Cowra Police Force. He had killed one Andrew Duffy on the Cowra Racecourse and alleged self-defence. The Bathurst press had published an inflammatory article about the murder, so Green's lawyer successfully argued that his client should be tried in Sydney on the grounds that an unprejudiced jury in Bathurst would not be possible^[3]. On arrival in Sydney, Green was found not guilty and discharged^[4].

In about 1870 John Green was incarcerated in the gaol at Goulburn, New South Wales^[5]. His age was recorded as 49 years giving an approximate birth year of 1821. The gaol records state that Green came to Australia in 1835. His profession was given as stonemason; his religion was Catholic; he was 5 feet 7 inches tall, stout frame, brown hair flecked with grey and blue eyes; sharp nose and wide mouth. Green also apparently had a scar on his left buttock, a mole on his left side back, a scar across the breast, two moles under the left breast, a mole on the right side breast, and a fractured right shin.

Sources

1. ↑ Irish Convicts to NSW, entry for John Green
2. ↑ New South Wales, Australia, Gaol Description and Entrance Books, 1818-1930, Roll No.251
3. ↑ Bathurst Free Press and Mining Journal (NSW : 1851 - 1904), 14 October 1854
4. ↑ Bell’s Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (NSW : 1845 - 1860), 7 October 1854
5. ↑ New South Wales, Australia, Gaol Description and Entrance Books, 1818-1930, Roll No.1875