Dear Listers, "During the years they lived in NSW the eldest daughter (of Duncan and Ann GRAHAM nee BUCHANAN) Elizabeth married John Fletcher SMITH, an ex-convict who already had a ticket of leave when they wed in August 1845. Their first child, Sarah Ann SMITH was born 3.8.1846 at South Creek County of Cumberland NSW before the entire family travelled overland to settle in South Australia. Oral history dates that epic journey as taking place in early 1851. Sarah Ann SMITH claimed to be the first white child to cross the River Darling. In 1867 she became mrs John OLIVER of Victor Harbor." I received this information from a GRAHAM cousin, and am wondering how I would go about finding more information about John Fletcher SMITH? What was his crime etc., I am descended from Elizabeth's brother Duncan. Any suggestions, thoughts, ideas much appreciated. Stephanie Cocks. Adelaide. :-)))

Hi Stephanie You said: "an ex-convict who already had a ticket of leave when they wed in August 1845" A convict holding only a Ticket of Leave was still a serving convict. I think you mean that he had received his Certificate of Freedom or a Pardon. If you know that he was a convict, do you know on which transport he arrived? Regards Lesley Uebel mailto:ckennedy@bigpond.net.au CLAIM A CONVICT http://users.bigpond.net.au/convicts/index.html -----Original Message----- From: aus-convicts-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:aus-convicts-bounces@rootsweb.com]On Behalf Of Stephanie Cocks Sent: Monday, April 13, 2009 5:17 PM To: aus-nsw@rootsweb.com; aus-convicts Subject: [AUS-CON] John Fletcher SMITH Dear Listers, "During the years they lived in NSW the eldest daughter (of Duncan and Ann GRAHAM nee BUCHANAN) Elizabeth married John Fletcher SMITH, an ex-convict who already had a ticket of leave when they wed in August 1845. Their first child, Sarah Ann SMITH was born 3.8.1846 at South Creek County of Cumberland NSW before the entire family travelled overland to settle in South Australia. Oral history dates that epic journey as taking place in early 1851. Sarah Ann SMITH claimed to be the first white child to cross the River Darling. In 1867 she became mrs John OLIVER of Victor Harbor." I received this information from a GRAHAM cousin, and am wondering how I would go about finding more information about John Fletcher SMITH? What was his crime etc., I am descended from Elizabeth's brother Duncan. Any suggestions, thoughts, ideas much appreciated. Stephanie Cocks. Adelaide. :-)))