Coins and Australia - 1829 - Convict love tokens

Convict Love Token - 1829 - James Thurtell

James Thurtell, 18, gardener and baker's apprentice, was tried and convicted at Norfolk Assizes in April 1829 for stealing shoes, spectacles, a tea chest, candlesticks and other items from Martha Chapman. He was sentenced to seven years' transportation. He sailed for New South Wales on the Katherine S Forbes, leaving 7 October 1829 and arriving 19 February 1830. Thurtell's records show that he measured 5 feet 4 inches (1.6 metres), had a ruddy complexion and that he was missing the point of his right fourth finger. He also had a number of tattoos. He gained his ticket of leave in 1836 and his certificate of freedom on 9 February 1842. He married Maria Jane Culverson in 1841 in Kelso, New South Wales. His death certificate shows that he died in the Lunatic Asylum in Parramatta in 1861.

Transcription

Back

Token engraved with stippled text and designs. The first line is engraved around the edge of the token:

JAMESâ—ŠTHURTELL
AGED
*18*
YEARS
*1829*

Front

Token engraved with stippled text and designs. The first line is engraved around the edge of the token:

TRANSPORTED
FOR
*7*
YEARS
1829

Diameter

36.0 mm

Copyright: National Museum of Australia

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