This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Hoobs,Withers,Alexander,Brackstone Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/EUC.2ACI/265.652.1 Message Board Post: Hello Brian We have a coincidence. There is a link to the Hobbs family from the Alexander/Brackstone family. My ggg grandmother was Mary Ann Hobbs born in Ramsbury in 1898. her husband Peter Withers was also transported to Tasmania from Wiltshire. He was also a Swing Rioter or machine breaker. He was sent on the Proteus in 1831 after geting a death sentance changed to transportation for life. Mary Ann Hobb's father was Thomas the son of Benjamin Hobbs and Rebecca Alexander. So Joseph and Mattias were cousins of Mary Ann's. Although her husband sent her several letters Mary Ann never joined him. Just as well as I would not have existed. My parents emigrated to New Zealand in 1953 when i was 5 years old. I am descended from Ann Withers born in Ramsbury in 1829 twin to Sarah. Hazel Wiley It is better to contact me by my other email address wiley.coyote@xtra.co.nz