Hello MargM & Listers Here is some information on John Cockcroft's convict background! Thanks to Lesley Uebal from the Rootsweb, Port Jackson Convict list for the research! John Cockcroft was sentenced to 14 years transportation at the West Riding Quarter Session in York, on 20 October 1834, for street robbery. John was a Butcher by trade, single and Protestant. He could read & write. I have found a few records of births of a John Cockcroft in Yorkshire c1810 that could be John, but as he is not a direct ancestor, I have not purchased his death certificate to verify, dates, places or parents. When he landed in Port Jackson per Westmoreland on 15 July 1835, he was 25 years old. John married Jane Ann Turner, daughter of William Turner per Grenada (1819) and Margaret Bates (B.C.), on 13 May 1846. The witnesses were John Broadbent and Ann Broadbent of Wyoming, and Mary Hagan of East Gosford. The women all signed with a cross. They married at the Church of England Kincumber. In 1847 John received a Conditional Pardon and in 1850 he received his Certificate of Freedom. Thanks to Gwen Dundon of this list; I have far more information on John & Jane's lives and children. Please contact me direct if you would like to know more. One of John & Janes daughters, Mary Ann, married Andrew HENNESSY and they lived in Brisbane Water/Gosford area. Regards Wendy McKenzie