Immigrants to Australia

[Glendreath]

How do I trace arrivals to Tasmania pre 1850. James Stevens born abt 1818 Salisbury, England. Supposed to be free to the colony then joins Police Force and lists his previous Trade as a Baker.

[trish251]

I haven't found alot of online records for free arrivals to Tasmania. You could try an email to the archives - I'm not sure how much information they provide free of charge, but may advise if they have an immigration record for your James

There are lots of James Stevens who arrived as convicts - so presumably lots of free settlers - Is your man the one who married Mary Callaway?

http://www.archives.tas.gov.au/

Trish

[Glendreath]

Hi Trish - Yes James marries Mary Callaway 23/5/1850 in Hobart, Tasmania. Mary comes to Tasmania with her parents Richard Callaway and Mary Burridge.
They arrive 17/2/1843 on Sir Charles Napier as general immigrants.
Mary is born in Crediton, Devon, England 4/2/1832.
I contacted Tas. Archives and paid for a search on James Stevens but they only gave me some Police Files which showed his postings.  His marriage certificate does not give much information other than he was from England, Chief Constable Norfolk Island, age 32years and a Bachelor.
Not sure what the Free to Colony relates to on Police record - Tasmania or Norfolk Island?? What would you think? Regards Glendreath

[trish251]

I know about the first settlement on Norfolk, but not the later ones. It is probably worth trying to find out when your man was on Norfolk & how he got there.

The "free to colony" probably means from Norfolk to Tas, but if he was a Chief Constable on Norfolk it doesn't seem likely that he started as a convict. Could be worth googling Norfolk Is to see what is around - your man was probably part of the 3rd settlement I would think. I think the 2nd was circa 1825 & he would probably have been too young. There may be some information in the NSW archives.

Trish