Sorry if this message arrives twice! It came back to me on my first attempt .... ---- Original Message ----- From: "Jeannine" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, January 01, 2002 11:14 PM Subject: Morse family - Lydney (a message from Australia) > Hello from Jeannine in Down Under Oz - in the state of New South Wales where > we are experiencing the worst bushfires ever (even some suburbs of Sydney > are currently under threat). > > I am a new Lister and send good wishes to everyone for a Happy, Healthy, > Safe and Prosperous New Year. > > I recently discovered that my great great grandfather, John Morse, was from > Lydney. He was convicted at Gloucester Assizes, April 1829, for > housebreaking and was transported to Australia (NSW) for 14 years. He left > England in December 1829 on the convict ship 'Mermaid'. > > Unfortunately his parent's names are not shown in any of the Australian > records relating to him. I am hoping someone on this List may be able to > assist me. Any Morse researchers? I found three postings made by an American > fellow (Michael Blackwell) concerning Morse families of the Forest of Dean > but unfortunately the emails that I have sent to his address bounce back > ([email protected]) > > John Morse's convict indent gave his occupation as 'Coal Miner and > Ploughman'. His year of birth could have been anywhere between 1802 and > 1809, (depending which record one consults here in Australia!) He eventually > became known as John Moss - perhaps as a deliberate attempt to hide his > convict background or perhaps it was just a pronunciation thing. > > Anyway, I'd love to make contact with any Morse /Moss researchers or hear > from anyone who might have any suggestions as to possible avenues of > research for me to follow. I found the Gloucester Prison Records Index on > line and located my John Morse convicted 2 April 1829. I made an inquiry by > email about obtaining a copy of this Prison information and I have been > notified that a quotation and copyright form has been sent to me by snail > mail. Can anyone enlighten me as to what is found in such records? Any > likelihood of me learning his parent's names from them? Fingers crossed! > > Looking forward to hearing from some-one! > > Another thought, I'd be delighted to consult Australian records if the > prospect of reciprocal research appeals to anyone. > > Cheers, Jeannine Henry.