Sarah Chapman

Sarah was in a relationship with Aaron Peckham (Convict, Neptune, 1790) for a period from 1804 to 1812. They had four children. Subsequently, she had a son to George Dixon, in 1814. She then married Richard Francis (Convict, Larkins, 1817), in 1818 and had a further three children. Richard was an escapee from the law in July 1834 and no further mention of him seems to appear anywhere.

Sarah Made a plea to the Governor in 1824.... To His Excellency Governor Sir T. Brisbane... The Dutifull Memorial of Sarah Chapman Most Respectfully Sheweth Unto Your Excellency - That Memorialist arrived in this Colony per ship Nile in 1801 haveing been fore nearly seventeen years haveing had ten children, eight chidlren now living - begs most Mumbly to crave His Excellency Most Gracious commisseration - Fervently praying - His Excellency's Bountiful Benevolence will extend to Grant - and Humble and Neccessitous Solution and allotment of Ground in - Sydney to erect a house thereupon that I may be better Enabled to provide for my Eight Children and myself by honest industry - with a dutiful submission shall always Pray. I have not been able to find the result of this plea. Sarah died in 1863, aged 82, at St Albans, McDonald River.

There may be 2 Sarah (Chapman)s-one arriving on EARL CORNWALLIS in 1801 & the other arriving on NILE in 1801-or maybe an error in the recordings allows them to be considered the same person. Only one of these is recorded on this Website. These Sarah's had liaisons with-from EARL CORNWALLIS=John (Harris) surgeon from SURPRISE (although 1recording shows John (Harris) marrying Sarah from NILE). -from NILE=Aaron (Peckham) convict from SURPRISE - George W (Dixon) - Richard (Francis) convict from LARKINS. She also may have had the maiden name (Maddison/Maddigan). She was born in Yorkshire, perhaps as early as 1777. In Australia she first liaised with John (Harris his 2nd marriage?) surgeons mate NSW Corps from SURPRISE 1890. Sarah & John had 1child Elizabeth (Harris) born in 1802 baptised St Phillips Sydney; died in 1881 age79. John (Harris) later had son John Henry (Harris) in 1806 with partner Rosetta (Pracey/Marsh) who arrived as married woman on HILLSBOROUGH in 1799 [she had had child with Henry (Marsh convict from HILLSBOROUGH 1799) in 1800-she known as (Pracey/Madden]-[she also married Samuel (Terry innkeeper Emancipist from EARL CORNWALLIS 1810) at St Phillips Sydney & had children with Samuel (Terry age43) in 1810&1811 St Philips Sydney & she had child with Henry (Marsh) 1807. John Henry (Harris) died in 1842 age36. Sarah then liaised with Aaron (Cock/Peckham) convict from SURPRISE. She is recorded as being employed by Aaron (Peckham) and also living with Aaron (Cook aka Peckham) constable in 1806. Their marriage at Sydney in 1803 is recorded - 4children were produced. Sarah then liaised with George W (Dixon) & had a son George (Dixon) born & baptised St Phillips Sydney in December 1814. This information clashes with later birth William (Francis) but may be due to incorrect details for William (Francis). She then liaised with Richard (Francis) convict 7or14yrs from LARKINS whom she married in 1818 at St Phillips Sydney & produced 3children. She is recorded at musters 1822, 1823, 1824 & 1825 as housekeeper free by sevitude. In 1827 she is at Launceston, in 1828 at Pitt Town & in 1835 at Launceston, giving rise again to thoughts of 2 separate Sarah's as she is recorded mainly as wife Andrew (Peckham). Aaron (Cock/Peckham) has an entry on this Website. Richard (Francis) has an entry on this Website.

Sarah & Aaron (Peckham)s children were: George (Peckham) was born in 1803. He died in 1804. Mary Ann (Peckham) was born in 1805 & baptised at st Phillips Sydney in that year. She died in 1890 age84. 0n this occasion Aaron is listed as (Peckham/Heathcote). Louisa (Peckham) was born in 1807 & baptised at St Phillips Sydney age9months in 1808. She died in 1891 age81. Thomas (Peckham) was born in 1810 & baptised at St Phillips Sydney in that year. Sarah & Richard (Francis)s children were: William (Francis) was born in 1814. Sarah (Francis) was born in 1818. Eliza (Francis) was born in 1820.

John (Harris) the surgeon was born in 1754 in Ireland. He enlisted as surgeons mate on 5 6 1789 age35?. On 26 1 1791 he was given rank of Army Surgeoon & on 2 3 1792 he became Civil Surgeon as well. In 1795 he was stationed with ??? (Col)s company Sydney. On 29 9 1800 he was ranked as Magistrate, Superintendent of Police, Deputy Judge Advocate, Assistant to Governor King. In 1801 he was appointed as Naval Officer. In 1802 he requsted leave, in the year that hisdaughter was born. He also had a son in 1806. John was granted much land: including 100acres Parramatta Town in 1793 110acres N S ck to Parramatta in 1794 credited with ownership of 315acres in 1800 34acres (between Church land & Brick field) in 1803 90acres Evan in 1803 700acres Evan in 1805 30acres in Parramatta in 1805 135acresin Sydney in 1806 14acres in Sydney in 1808 34acres in St George in 1809 He also leased land: 8acres (between Church land & Brick field) in 1798 6.5rods Mulgrave Place in 1800 3.75acres Parramatta in 1800 24acres 36rods in Parramatta in 1800 a Sydney block in 1803 45rods in Chapel Row Sydney In May 1810 John (Harris) returned to UK, & back to the colony in 1814 9with a wife). He died in1838 at Concord.

Sarah Chapman liaised with George William Dixon and had a son George, born and baptised St Philips Sydney in December 1814. George, known as William George Chapman, married Elizabeth Dark (b. 1821) at Pitt Town on 5 June 1837.

Sarah's daughter was baptised in Sydney on 19 December 1802, and recorded in the register of St Phillip's Church of England: "Elizabeth Harris Daughter of John Harris & Sarah Chapman born April 19th 1802". If Elizabeth was born on 19 April 1802, she was conceived before her mother arrived in Sydney, so Dr John Harris could not have been the father.

We know from her Certificate of Freedom issued 22 April 1824 (113/2122) that Sarah was 46, had been a farmer's servant, native place Yorkshire, height 4 ft 11in, with pale and freckled complexion, brown hair, and grey eyes.

Family connections for Sarah (Chapman) are: CHAPMAN Sarah (Chapman) was born in Yorkshire about 1781 & became a farmers servant. She was tried for stealing at York West Riding Assizes, sentenced to 7years & arrived in NSW as a convict on 14 12 1801 after a voyage of 6months on Fleet ship NILE. She apparantly had a first (1of4) relationship with John (Harris his 2nd (2of3) marriage?) surgeons mate NSW Corps.>>> [Some details taken from this Website] [Noted that this relationship may have been with a Sarah (Chapman) from EARL CORNWALLIS 1801-not shown on this Website] [This relationship is uncertain & doesn't fit with the calendar of this John (Harris)s life] EXPLORER John (Harris) son of John & Ann (Harris) was born about 1754 in Moneymore co. Londonderry Ireland. He trained at University of Edinburgh & was a surgeon in the navy in Indian waters. He enlisted in NSW Corps as a surgeons mate on 5 6 1789. He arrived in NSW as a surgeons mate with the NSW Corps on 26 6 1790 after a voyage of 7months on SURPRISEalso; a voyage noted for extreme brutality of prisoners with a high death rate-he was stationed at Parramatta. No details of any first (1of3) relationship. He became Army surgeon on 26 1 1791 & on 2 3 1792 he became Civil surgeon as well. In April 1793 he was granted 100acres at Parramatta town & bought a farm on which, in 1798, he built the still extant Experiment Farm Cottage; & in 1794 a further 110acres at N S Creek to Parramatta. In 1795 he was in (Col's) Co. In 1796 he leased 8acres between Church Land & Brickfield, in 1808 leased 6.5rods at Mulgrave Place Hawkesbury & in 1800 leased 3.75acres & a further 24acres at Parramatta-by which time he owned 315acres. On 29 9 1800 he was Magistrate Superintendent of Police Deputy Judge Advocate & assistant to Governor King. In 1801 he was appointed as Naval Officer & deputy Judge Advocate. He was on the Gaol and Orphan Committees and accompanied Francis (Barrallier) on his expedition to explore the Hunter River in 1801, He requested leave in 1802 in Sydney.>>> Sarah (Chapman) & John (Harris) produced 1child: ] 1.Elizabeth (Harris) was born on 19 4 1802 & baptised on 19 12 1802 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. She died on 4 7 1881 age79.] .. >>>John (Harris) was granted 34acres in 1803 between church land & Brick Field & 90acres at Evan, while leasing a block in Sydney. In 1805 he was granted 700acres at Evan & 30acres at Parramatta. He was granted 135acres in Sydney. He lived at Ultimo. He had a third relationship with Rosetta (Pracey/Marsh her third (3of4) relationship). He created some dissfaction in his duties & was against Governor (Bligh). In 1809 he was granted 14acres in Sydney & 34acres at St George & leased 45.5rods at Chapel Row Sydney. In May 1810 he returned to UK. On 7 2 1814 he resigned his Commission & returned to NSW on GENERAL HEWITT with his fourth wife (Eliza) as a settler. In about 1816 he was in Sydneys 1st Masonic Lodge-No.227-which took part in laying of cornerstone for Captain John (Piper)s home at Eliza Point/Pt Piper. He was a first Director of Bank of New South Wales from February 1817. In 1819 he acted as surgeon to John (Oxley)s expedition to Bathurst where later he acquired land. In the same year he was again made a magistrate. He died on 27 4 1838 age about84 at Parramatta father of 2children. Rosetta (Pracey/Madden) married firstly (1of4) Henry (Madden). She arrived in NSW with only her child on 26 7 1799 after a voyage of 9months on HILLSBOROUGH. She had a second relationship (2of4) with Henry (Marsh). She became an Innkeeper in Pitt St Sydney. She married fourthly Samuel (Terry) innkeeper on 27 3 1810 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. She died on 5 9 1858 mother of 6children. Details of Rosetta (Pracey/Madden) are given in entry for Edward (Madden HILSBOROUGH 1798)this Website. John (Harris) & Rosetta (Pracey/Marsh) produced 1child: 1.John Terry (Harris) was born in 1806. He died in 1842 age36. .. .. >>>Sarah (Chapman) was assigned to Aaron (Peckham) in 1803 & entered into a second (2of4) relationship with him-producing 4children. She is also recorded living with Aaron (Cook aka Peckham) constable in 1806.>>> Aaron (Cock/Peckham) was born about 1754. He was tried for horse theft of William (Hitchin) of Eling New Forest at Winchester Assizes New Hampshire on 6 4 1787, sentenced to death reprieved to 7years & arrived in NSW as a convict on 26 6 1790 after a voyage of 6months on Fleet ship SURPRISE; a voyage noted for extreme brutality of prisoners with a high death rate. He was Free by Servitude by 1803. He was appointed constable at Sydney on 29 12 1810 & discharged on 24 6 1815 for improper conduct & neglect of duty. He was issued his Certificate of Freedom on 7 10 1824. He died (found dead, visitation of God) on 31 3 1825 age71 in Sydney & was buried, as (Peckham), at St James CofE Sydney. [Some details taken from this Website] .. >>>Sarah (Chapman) had a third relationship (3of4) with George W (Dixon).>>> George William (Dixon) [George William (Dixon) does not have an entry on this Website as yet; he may not be a convict & seems to not have been a soldier] 1.George (Dixon) was born on 2 12 1814 & baptised on 29 12 1814 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. He was known as William George (Chapman) & married Elizabeth (Dark) at (St James CofE?) Pitt Town on 5 6 1837. [..Elizabeth (Dark) was born in 1821-not shown in Smees records.] .. >>>Sarah (Chapman/Maddison-maiden name?) married fourthly Richard (Francis) labourer on 1 12 1818 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. She is recorded at musters 1822 & 1823 housekeeper free by servitude. She made a desperate plea (unsuccessfuly?), after her husband apparantly left, for housing in 1824. She was issued her Ticket of Leave no.113/2122 on 22 4 1824; she was 4'11" pale freckled complexion brown hair grey eyes. She is recorded at musters 1824 & 1825 as housekeeper free by servitude. In 1827 she is at Launceston, in 1828 at Pitt Town & in 1835 at Launceston, giving rise again to thoughts of 2separate Sarah's as she is recorded mainly as wife Andrew (Peckham). She died in 1863 age82 mother of perhaps 9known (she claimed to had 10) children at St Albans McDonald River. Richard (Francis) was born about 1787/91 & became a brickmaker. He was tried for burglary at Lincoln Assizes on 8 3 1817, sentenced to 14years, held on prison hulk BELLEROPHON from 12 5 1817 & arrived in NSW as a convict on 22 11 1817 after a voyage of 4months on LARKINS. He was a labourer in 1818. He was issued his Ticket of Leave 504/1438 on 11 11 1824. He was arrested in 1833 & indicted for perjury in attempting to defraud at Windsor Court on 7 5 1834 & sentenced to 1month prison in Windsor, 2hours standing in pillory at Windsor market place & 7years in a penal settlement. He escaped from the Windsor jail on 8 7 1834; he was 5'11" dark ruddy complexion brown sandy hair blue eyes. He died in 1837 age50 at St Albans. [Some details taken from this Website] Richard (Francis) & Sarah (Chapman) produced 3children: 1.William (Francis) was born in 1814. [It is possible that he is actually Sarah's firstborn George (Dixon) son of George 'W' (Dixon); baptism record seem to be non existent or unavailable. 2.Sarah (Francis) was born in 1818. 3.Eliza (Francis) was born in 1820. She died in 1897 age about77. References: Craig James Smee 'Births and Baptisms Marriages and Defacto Relationships Deaths and Burials New South Wales 1788-1830' ..a complete listing from church & other records in the early colony. Pamela Statham 'A Colonial Regiment-New Sources Relating to the New South Wales Corps-1789-1810' Clem Sargent 'Colonial Garrison 1817-1824-48th foot Northamptonshire Regiment in the colony of New South Wales'