John Purcell1

M, #1392, b. circa 1779, d. 3 March 1851
Relationship4th great-grandfather of Timothy George Sheens
ChartsAncestors of Timothy George Sheens (DNA trail)
Last Edited21 Sep 2022
Birth*circa 1779 Killarney, Kerry, Ireland;
The year of John Purcell's btrth is unknown. Iin a Return of Constables of the Distirct of Evan in 1825 he is recorded as 42 (born c1783), in the 1828 census he is recorded as 49 (born c1779) and at his burial in 1851 he is recorded as 78 (born c1783).2,3 
Marriage*9 December 1802 St Marylebone, Westminster, London, England;
John Purcell of this Parish Bachelor and
Harriott Newman of the Parish of Saint Katherine near the Tower of London spinster were
Married in this Church by Licence
this Ninth Day of December in the Year One thousand eight Hundred and Two
By me Benjn. Lawrence Curate
This Marriage was solemnized between Us:
John Purcell
Harriott Newman
In the Presence of:
John Willcock
G Waddington;Bride=Harriett Newman1 
Birth of Son17 August 1807 Gibraltar;Principal=Charles Augustus Purcell4 
Immigration*27 February 1810 "Ann", Port Jackson, NSW;
SHIP NEWS.
On Tuesday arrived from England the Ann transport, Captain Clarke, with a part of the 73d Regiment; and 197 male prisoners, having lost one overboard on the passage, whose name was Pope. These people are in a healthy state; and express the highest satisfaction at their treatment on the passage. The Military Officers arrived are Captain Maclean; Lieutenants Purcell and Drury, and Assistant Surgeon Martin, the three latter gentlemen accompanied by their Families. Also have arrived Passengers the Rev. Mr Marsden and Lady, and the Rev. Mr Cartwright and Family.;Immigrant=Harriett Newman, Immigrant=Charles Augustus Purcell5 
Letter21 March 1810 Secretary's Office, Sydney, NSW;
Secretary’s Office, Sydney
21t. Mar. 1810

Sir
I am Commanded by His Excellency the Governor to inform You that Lieut. John Purcell of the 73rd Rg is now embarked with a Detachment of that Corps on board the Sloop Sally of this Port, Craft, Master, in order to deliver You and the Detachment of the 102d Regt. Under Your Command at Newcastle.
It is His Excellency’s Desire that you deliver over to Lieut. Purcell the Charge of the Port and Settlement of Newcastle immediately on his arrival there, together with the live Stock. Provisions and Stores of Whatever Nature belonging to Government, furnishing him at the same time with a Regular Return of the Various Articles at the time of handing them over, and Also with a Copy of the Instructions under which You have acted.
As soon as the Sally shall have got on board a proportion of Timber Coals and Lime for Government, it is His Excellency’s Desire that You embark on board of her with the Detachment of the 102d. Regt. Under Your Command and Return to Head Quarters here with all possible Dispatch.
I have to acknowledge the Receipt of Your two Letters of the 6t. and 17t. inst which do not at present demand any particular answers,
I have the Honor to be
Sir
Your obt. Hbe Servt
Signed J. T Campbell Secy.

Lieut. Lawson 102d. Regt.
Commanding at Newcastle6 
Article*24 March 1810 "The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser", Sydney, NSW;
Government House, Sydney,
Wednesday, 21st March, 1810.
HIS EXCELLENCY the GOVERNOR has been pleased to appoint Lieutenant JOHN PURCELL, of the 73d Regiment, Commandant of Newcastle, and also to be Magistrate and Justice of Peace in the District, during the Continuance of his Command in it.7 
Article20 April 1811 "The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser", Sydney, NSW;
PUBLIC NOTICE
SYDNEY, 20th APRIL, 1811.
HIS EXCELLENCY the GOVERNOR has been pleased to direct the following Statements of the Police Fund and Female Orphan Institution for the last Quarter, ending 31st of March, to be published for general information
By Command of His Excellency the Governor,
JOHN THOMAS CAMPBELL, Secretary.
The TRUSTEES of the POLICE FUND in an Account Current with D'ARCY WENTWORTH, Treasurer, for the Quarter ending on the 31st March, 1811.
Mar. 31st To Salary to Lieutenant Purcell, as Commandant at Newcastle, from 25th December to 24th March, [by HIS EXCELLENCY’S Order, as per Vouchers] £22 10s 0d8 
Article27 July 1811 "The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser", Sydney, NSW;
GOVENMENT and GENERAL ORDERS.
Headquarters, Sydney,
Thursday, 25th July, 1811.
His Excellency the governor has been pleased to appoint Lieutenant Thomas Skottowe of the 73rd regiment to be commandant of the settlement of Newcastle and also to be Justice of the peace and magistrate in that district, during the continuance of his command in it.
Lieutenant Skottowe's salary as commandant of Newcastle will commence from the date of his receiving Charge of that Settlement form Lieutenant Purcell.
By Command of His Excellency the Governor,
J. T, Campbell, Sec.9 
Letter23 August 1811 Secretary's Office, Sydney, NSW;
Secretarys Office, Sydney
23d. Augt. 1811

Sir,
1. I am commanded by His Excellency the Governor to inform you that His Excellency having minutely examined the several Returns lately made by you, has been much surprized to find by the Returns of the Government Herds and Flocks at Newcastle for the last month of July, that a very great and unusual mortality had taken place that month particularly among the Ewes, no less than 26 being stated to have died in that month of Old age and Disease, and His Excellency’s surprize is the more increased from the Circumstance of no official report having been made to Him of any Disease having Subsisted in the Govrnt. Flocks previous to Lt. Purcells having been relieved.
2. His Excellency has been also astonished at observing so very numerous a Return of Sheep and Horned Cattle being made as the Private Stock and property of Lt. Purcell.
3. From these Circumstances His Excellency deems it expedient and it is His desire that immediately on receipt of this Letter that you call all the Stock Keepers and Shepherds who had charge either of the Government or Lt. Purcell’s live Stock before you and examine them on Oath in order to ascertain as far as possible the Cause of this mortality among the Governt. Sheep, and whether it actually amounts to the extraordinary number stated in said Returns.
4. It is likewise His Excellency’s desire that you examine on Oath, Mr. Tucker the Store Keeper, Tho. Brady the Clerk, and all those men who have been employed as Stock Keepers or Shepherds by Lt. Purcell in tending upon his own, or the Govt. Herds & Flocks during the intire [sic] period of his Command, and ascertain thereby as nearly as possible, what number of Horned Cattle and Sheep Lt. Purcell purchased or imported for himself from any Individuals either at Newcastle, Sydney, or elsewhere, and you are further to require those Persons to state according to the best of their Knowledge & belief from whom those Sheep & Cattle had been and when and by what vessel they were imported into Newcastle.
5. His Excellency requires that in taking these examinations and Depositions that you will be very particular in your inquiries, and that you will transmit them with as little Delay as possible to me, in order to my Submitting them to His Excellency, accompanyed by Such remarks and observations as may occur to yourself on an occasion So very important as the present.
I have the honor to be Sir,
Your Ob. Hble. Servt.
Signed J. T. Campbell Secy.

Skottowe. 73d. Reg.
Commandant
Newcastle.10 
Note*31 August 1811 Newcastle, NSW;
Account of Stock belonging to Mr Purcell at Newcastle

9 Wethers
3 Rams
23 Ewes
48 Female Lambs
35 Male Lambs
218 Total

7 Cows
3 Heifers
1 Male Calves
3 Female Calves
14 Total11 
Letter31 October 1811 Secretary's Office, Sydney, NSW;
Secretarys Office Sydney
31 October 1811

Sir,
1 — I have it Command from His Exy. The Governor to Acknowledge the Receipt of your Letter dated the 29 Inst and at the same time to Convey to You His Excellency’s Sentiments on the general Subject of the Communications Which have lately passed between His Excellency and you thru the Medium of this Office.
2nd — Notwithstanding that it appears from the Documents accompanying your Letter of the 29: Inst that you have obtained the Cattle mentioned in them by purchase, His Excellency feels it incumbent on him to Express his most decided disapprobation of your Conduct in having been at all Concerned in any traffic of this Nature, it being totally incompatible with the Duty of an Officer, as well as Inconsistent with Military Discipline and the Usage of the Service for an Officer to Enter into any Mercantile or herding speculation Whatever — In the present Case it is the more particularly reprehensible from its not having been Carried on with the leave or Approbation either of your immediate Commanding Office or the Commander of the Forces
3 — His Excellency the Governor therefore desires you to Understand that such Your irregular and Unmilitary Conduct, has incurred his highest displeasure and most marked disapprobation, and further His Excellency Cautions you not to Enter into further Speculation of that Nature for the future
4 — It is His Excellencys Desire that you dispose of your present Stock so soon as you can possibly make Sale of them Conveniently and without Loss
For this purpose His Excellency is pleased to say that he will allow you Twelve Months from the present Date, in Which Time His Excellency will expect a full and Complete Compliance on your part with this Instruction
5 — His Excellency feels himself further Called on to express his Marked disapprobation and high displeasure at your Conduct in having presumed to being up hither or to allow to quit the Settlement of Newcastle without His leave or Sanction (Four Men Convicts)
His Excellency has only lately discovered had been permitted to Come to Sydney in a Clandestine Manner by you
6 — Having thus expressed his approbation and displeasure, His Excellency will take no further Notice of your highly Unjustifiable and Unofficerlike conduct in the foregoing Instances and desiring that no further Communication thereon shall take place, His Excellency desires to put an End to the Business by Cautioning you not to Suffer Yourself to be betrayed with such irregularities in future

I have the honor to be Sir,
Your Ob. Hble. Servt.
Signed J. T. Campbell

Lieut Purcell 73d. Rgt.
Head Quarters
Sydney12 
Photo*1812 Newcastle, NSW13
Newcastle in New South Wales with a distant view of Point Stephen, taken from Prospect Hill, drawn by I.R. Brown; engraved by W. Presston.
Letter11 April 1812 Secretary's Office, Sydney, NSW;
Secretarys Office, Sydney
11th April 1812

Sir,
1. The Government Vessels Lady Nelson & Estramina and the Colonial Schooner Governor Hunter are now dispatched for the Settlement of Newcastle under your Command. By the Lady Nelson Five Prisoners are now sent on augmentation of the Public Labourers in Newcastle – for their Names and Sentences I refer you to the accompanying List .
2. It is His Excellency the Governors desire that the Lady Nelson & Governor Hunter shall be laden with Lime exclusively, if you can supply a sufficiency for that purpose otherwise the Lading is to be completed with Coals & Cedar only.
3. The Governor having been pleased to grant permission to Lieut Purcell to bring hither from Newcastle his stock of Black Cattle and Sheep on board the Government Vessels, you will please to give the necessary Orders for their being received on board those Vessels at different Trips and in such numbers as will not materially interfere with their regular loadings for Government, and you will please further to direct sufficient assistance to be given for their safe embarkation.
4. I transmit you the accompanying Papers from the Judge Advocate for your information and guidance in the case of the King against George Greaves, and it is His Excellency the Governors desire that you adopt the measure recommended therein by the Bench of Magistrates at this Place.

I have the honor to be Sir,
Your Ob. Hble. Servt.
Signed J. T. Campbell Secy.

Lieut: Skottowe. 73d. Regt.
Commandant
Newcastle.14 
Birth of Daughter17 October 1812 NSW;Principal=Harriet Maria Purcell15 
Article29 May 1813 "The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser", Sydney, NSW;
SALES BY AUCTION.
(By Virtue of Execution),
SAME DAY [5th of June],
At Windsor, on the Premises of Mr. Purcell, at One o'Clock in the Afternoon,
THE PROVOST MARSHAL will Cause to be set up for Sale by Public Auction, a Bullock Cart and harness, a Mare, and an excellent Colt, the Property of the said Mr. Purcell (unless the Execution thereupon be previously superseded).16 
Article18 December 1813 "The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser", Sydney, NSW;
SALES by AUCTION.
At the Market Place, Sydney, on Friday the 24th Instant,
THE Provost Marshal will Cause to be Set up for Sale by Public Auction, 33 Head of Horned Cattle, the Property of Mr. J. Purcell (unless the Execution thereupon be previously superseded).17 
Birth of SonApril 1815 NSW;Principal=William A Purcell18 
Death of Son19 September 1815 Castlereagh, NSW;Principal=William A Purcell18 
Article24 February 1816 "The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser", Sydney, NSW;
SALES BY AUCTION.
(By Virtue of Execution),
At the Public Market Place, Sydney, on Friday next, the 1st of March, at eight in the Morning,
THE PROVOST MARSHAL will Cause to be Set up for SALE by PUBLIC AUCTION, TWO MARES, the Property of Mr PURCELL of the Nepean (unless the Execution thereupon be previously liquidated).19 
Article12 October 1816 "The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser", Sydney, NSW;
PROVOST MARSHAL'S OFFICE,
12th October, 1816.
SALES BY AUCTION.
(By Virtue of a Writ of Fieri Facias, issued forth of the Governor's Court),
Connel v. Purcel,
I Will Cause to be Set up for Sale by Public
Auction, at Thompson's Square, Windsor, on Saturday next, the 19th Instant, at Ten in the Forenoon, Twelve Cows, the Property of the above named Defendant (if the Execution thereon be not previously superseded). Terms as above.20 
Birth of Son15 April 1817 NSW;Principal=Henry Thomas Purcell21 
Note14 August 1817 "Kerry Farm", Castlereagh, NSW;
Murder of James Redmond Byrne allegedly killed in a case of mistaken identity for John Purcell who was absent at the time22 
Article16 August 1817 "The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser", Sydney, NSW;
PROVOST MARSHAL'S OFFICE, SYDNEY, August 16, 1817.
HOWE v. PURCELL.
TO be SOLD by PUBLIC AUCTION, by Virtue of an Execution in this Cause, at the same Time and Place, all that capital FARM of LAND, DWELLING HOUSE, OFFICES, &c. called KERRY LODGE, situate in the District of Castlereagh, the Property and present Residence of the Defendant.
The Purchases of all or any of the before mentioned Lands, Houses, Goods and Chattels, on being declared, will be required to deposit One Half of the Purchase-money, and the Remainder to be paid in four Days from the Day of Sale on the Execution of the Bill on Bills of Sale.
WM. GORE, Provost Marshal.23 
Article30 August 1817 "The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser", Sydney, NSW;
HOWE v. PURCELL.
TO be SOLD by PUBLIC AUCTION, at the Market-place, Sydney, at 11 o'Clock, on Saturday the 6th Day of September next, by Virtue of an Execution in this Cause, NINE HEAD of HORNED CATTLE, and a capital MARE, the Property of the Defendant in this Cause.24 
Article1 November 1817 "The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser", Sydney, NSW;
PROVOST MARSHAL'S OFFICE, November 1st, 1817.
IN THE GOVERNOR'S COURT.
Connell and Others v. Purcell.
TO be SOLD by PUBLIC AUCTION, at the Market Place, Sydney, on Friday next, the 7th Day of November Instant, at Ten o'CIock, by Virtue of Executions in these Causes, all that Freehold and Unincumbered ESTATE called KERRY LODGE, comprising 140 Acres of choice Arable Land, situate on the Nepean, in the District of Castlereagh, nearly 50 Acres of which are cleared, the greatest part in Cultivation, and the whole inclosed with a substantial Fence; and also, a capital and newly erected Dwelling-house, Coach-house, Stable, Granary, and all other necessary Requisites incident to an extensive Farm; together with the Crops of Growing Wheat, Maize, &c. &c. the Property and present Residence of the Defendant in this Cause.25 
Criminal*4 September 1820 NSW;
Whereas John Brennan my Usher hath this day made Oath on the Holy Evangelist and saith as follows
That about the hour of Eight o’clock on the Morning of Friday 15th August instant, he has been applied to by William Hardman, Constable of this District, who had informed him that James Redmond Byrne, who has kept School near the Nepean River, had slept in the House of Mr John Purcell of Kerry Lodge on the preceeding night, was dangerously aroused by some person or persons who had broken into the House on said night, and requested said Brennan would go with him the said William Hardman to see Byrne and dress his wounds. Brennan accompanied by said Hardman to Mr Purcell’s & arrived there about ½ past 8 o’clock on his arrival he found Byrne lying in a Bed in a bloody state, and on examining him discovered a severe cut he had got in the neck which had penetrated the Wind pipe. He asked how this had happened, to which he could not reply. Brennan then asked the Servants and Mr Purcell’s Son, who had been in the House on the preceeding Evening , & was informed that two Men of George Collis’s had salted some pork and went off about 7 o’clock he demanded their names and what kind of wearing apparel they had on them when Salting the pork, was told that one of them by name of Evan Davis had on a pair of White Trousers very clean and a Blue Shirt no Coat or Vest, the other Man, named Bob, had on old Grey Cloth Trousers & the same kind of Shirt. Deponent further saith that he then examined the place and discovered a large Hole thro’ the wall of the Skillern? Which adjoins the Room in which Byrne had slept through which he supposed the person or persons had entered. It appeared that the House had not been robbed of any Article, he found an Axe bloody laid near the Bed, which he was told Davis and Bob had used in cutting he pork and which was left in the Skillern? When they had done Salting.
Deponent then brought Hardman & Malone, another Constable, with him to George Collis’s House where they had met the Woman who lives with Collis who he is since informed is not married to him (Collis) he enquired where her two Men where she replied at work. That he then enquired to see the Cloathes that they had worn the preceeding Evening on a pair of Trousers he discovered some marks of blood, these Trousers the woman said belonged to Davis. He delivered these Trousers to Malone and proceeded with Harman to apprehend Davis but who made his escape as he saw them. He thew= then examined Bob’s Cloathes but found no blood on them. Davis was apprehended about 12 o’clock, and on being asked why he ran away at the sight of the Constable he replied that he was afraid of being taken as a Bush Ranger upon being asked if he had any Pass he made not any reply.
Written & signed by John Brennan
Sworn before me at Castlereagh this 18th day August 1817 (signed) Henry Fulton

4th September 1820
The King agt Harriott Purcell, Jno Castles
Before the Revd. R Cartwight, James Milcham Esq.
The Revd. Henry Fulton Sworn States that immediately preceeding the Week that Byrne was attacked Mrs Purcell came to him as a Magistrate respecting some pigs that had been impounded. Mrs Purcell requested that he would give her back the 4 Men that had been taken away from Mr Purcell viz. Castles, Clarke, Pratt and Clements. That on his mentioning this to Malone, the Constable, and Malone told Witness that if he did that they would certainly murder Mr Purcell as he learned so much from Mrs Purcell’s conversation that day, and that she had proposed to him said Malone to shoot Mr Purcell.
Christopher Malone Sworn States that on Friday or Saturday before Byrne was attacked he saw Mrs Purcell respecting some pigs that were impounded. In the course of conversation she expressed herself in the following manner “that she was going to dissolution thro’ the acts of her Husband that she wished he would break his neck or that some body would murder before he came back. That she would do anything she could for Witness if he would kill Mr Purcell that she would get him from Mr Fulton and live with him. That She would get some boarder from Sydney and give her Purcell’s own Gun to murder him with, & that it should be done immediately as he Mr Purcell was so involved in debt that he would son be take. She said that Castles would have done it but She was afraid he should miss him, and if any thing was done in the House it would come across her if she was at home, meaning that she would be suspected of the act or of being privy to it. That a few days ago having occasion to go to Mr Purcell’s respecting a Government Servant he saw Mrs Purcell she threatened Witness that if he should say any thing respecting the above language made use of by her She would swear such a charge against Witness as should send him to the Coal River Mrs Purcell has also informed Witness that if said John Castles would keep his own Guts, meaning his own counsel, nothing could happen to him. She also further said that she has repeatedly prostituted herself for her Husband’s benefit, and often paid money for him and that he was aware how she attained it. That he walked about like a lob lolly Boy whilst she was with a Captain of the Regiment, and that she would now do as she pleased for her own pleasure; and that if she now prostituted her body for his profit she might, but that he would not permit any thing of the Kind or her pleasure. Since the attack on Byrne he saw Mrs Purcell and told her that he would not let Evan Davis be hung as the Prisoner Castles was the Man that did it.
James Tongue deposed that he went to Mr Purcells about 3 months ago to plough for him during 15 days. That he saw John castles come there on Sunday Evening Mrs Purcell asked him how he did, he answered he was well and wanted to speak to her, that She went along with him out of the Kitchen to some place and remained there about half an hour That he has seen Castles come there frequently about twylight, and once that Mr Purcell was at home he went down the back way to get out of his sights.
Saml Cements States on Oath that about a month before Byrne was attacked, that on his return home, his Mistress Mrs Purcell desired Witness to look into her Bed Room and see who was there that on doing so he saw John Castles. That She then made a Cake which she informed Witness was for Castles He saw Castles repeatedly in the course of the day in the same Bed Room. At this time Mr Purcell was at Parramatta. In the Evening of that day after it was dark he still saw the said Castles in his Mistress’s bed Room
William Parry States that on Thursday last he cut up a Pig at Mr Purcells that he left Mr Purcell’s about 8 or 9 o’clock at night. That Mr Byrne came the great part of the lead? With him towards home. That Witness resided that night at George Collis’s at Castlereagh, that after eating his Supper he went to Bed. States that he has working about Castlereagh under a Pass in the Name of Evan Evans, which Pass he had from a Man in Sydney. States that he suspects Castles to be the Man that made the Attack on Byrne and on being interrogated as to the cause of his having such suspicions Witness declared that he overheard a Conversation between Mrs Purcell and her Servant Sally when the Servant accused Mrs Purcell of having had said Castles in her Bed all night when Mr Purcell was in Sydney, Mrs Purcell then said that she wished every thing that was bad might befall Mr Purcell.
Charles Morse States that on Monday the 11th August Mrs Purcell went to Sydney. That the next day Mr Purcell was arrested and he left his House on Wednesday following, leaving Mr Byrne in the care of his House. That on Friday Morning his Masters Son Charles Purcell, a Child, informed Witness that Mr Byrne’s Nose had been bleeding very muck, and on going into the House to see Mr Byrne, he found that one pannell of Brick work of the Skillern was broken down and the Door open and kept so by a Shingling Hammer. On going into the Bed Room he saw Mr Byrne in Mr Purcell’s Bed laying on his back at the side of the Bed next the Door, that Mr Byrne made signs for Pen and Ink, which Witness gave him, but Byrne was unable to write. That the side of his Head was beat and all Bloody and he observed that his throat had been cut. That an Axe belonging to Mr Purcell was laying under the head of the Bed. That he immediately alarmed the Stockman who went to acquaint the Constable of the circumstance
William Hardman District Constable Sworn States that on Friday the 15th August in the Morning Mr Purcell’s Stockman came to Witness and informed him that Byrne had been murdered That he immediately went to reported the same to the Magistrate, The Revd. H. Fulto, but who being absent Mr Brennan his Usher went with Witness to examine Mr Brennan’s [sic] wound and make enquiries to the transaction.
Mr Thomas Wheeler, Surgeon, States that on Friday Evening the 15th August he was called on by James McCarthy and requested to attend Mr Byrne, who had his throat cut at the House of Mr Purcell at Castlereagh. That he immediately went and found that said Byrne lying in Mr Purcell’s Bed with his Throat cut from Jugular to Jugular. The incision was about 6 inches the Wind pipe was cut through. There was a likewise contusion on the right Ear. The Knife produced was found on the Prisoner Castles, Witness thinks would be fully equal to cut a Span in the manner Mr Byrne was cut, Tho’ the same is now very blunt
Mr George Loder accounts for the Knife being so very blunt, as the Prisoner Castles attempted to break out of Gaol the first time by cutting a hole through the Door the second time by removing a Flag.
Thomas Ratcliffe (Govt. Servt. To Mr Wm Cox) Sworn States that in the Evening of the 14th instant being unwell he remained in the hut with the permission of his Master wherein Castles also lives. That about ¾ of an hour before Sundown Castles and Thomas White came in, when Witness asked them to mix him a Cake as he was unable. That they made him no reply. That he then went to the well for water and on his return he found White had gone out, and met Castles with a Sugar Bag under his Arm. Castles told Witness he was going to walk, but that White would soon return, when he would mix the Cake for Witness. Witness never saw Castles any more that night nor till about 7 the next Morning Does not think that he was in the Hut tho’ he cannot positively say. Castles was in the Hut when he saw him the next Morning and was employed in tearing up a pair of Duck Trousers nearly three parts worn, dragged apparently with slew up to the knees As Castles tore the said trousers he carefully examined each piece and tore a number of small pieces and put them into the fire, but the Hut being dark he could not discern whether the pieces were marked with blood or not. That a Man of the name of Jones remarked to Castles not to burn the pieces as they might come to some use, that Castles replied that they were good for nothing Jones then asked further for a piece of the said Trousers to mend a Frock with, when Castles gave him one of the legs That Jones has since informed Witness that he observed blood on some of the Pieces that Castles burnt as above stated
Morgan Jones Govt. Servt. To Mr William Cox States that on Friday Morning last he saw some pieces of Duck in the hands of the Prisoner Castles, that Witness asked him to give him some to mend his Frock, said Castles accordingly gave him a piece of the Leg of a pair of Duck trousers, which was very dirty and wet. That he has washed the same piece of Duck and the same is still marked, Tho’ he cannot say that these marks are the marks of blood, Nor can he say that there was any marks of blood on the pieces that Castles burnt. Witness says that he might possibly have said he thought that the pieces burnt by Castles were marked with blood, but this supposition arose in consequence of his having heard what had happened, and not from any thing he actually observed.
James Hilton (Constable) Sworn States that he was sent this day to search the Hut wherein Castles formerly lived, and over the Bed place he found the remains of a pair of Duck trousers which had been cut in many places and a great part cut away. on examining the same there appears evidently several spots of blood which appear to be fresh. He also brought the frock belonging to Morgan Jones, which had been mended with a part of the Prisoners Trousers and on examining the same there still appears some marks like that of blood, but as the Frock has been washed he cannot possitvely say that those marks are the marks of blood. That the remains of the Trousers and Frock he delivered to Mr Howe the Chief Constable
Thomas White Sworn States that on Thursday the 14th August he saw John Castles at Mr Cox’s Farm about 5 o’clock in the afternoon That he never saw him again till the next Morning about 6 o’clock, that he did not examine his Bed, He might have been in Bed
Patk. Carroll, another of Mr Cox’s Servants Sworn States that on Thursday night he did not think that Castles was in all night that slept in the next bed to Castles that their feet are close to each other Thinks if he had been in Bed he must have felt him move That he saw Castles the next Morning very early coming, as he said, from the Bullocks.
The Prisoners deny the Charges
The Prisoner John Castles says that on Thursday Evening last after Sundown he came to Windsor for a walk, did not go into any House That he returned home about nine o’clock at night and went to Bed. Did not speak to any person in the Hut during the night, that he was up before any of the men and went and turned the Bullocks out, that on his return all the men were up. Acknowledges that remains of the Trousers are [h]is, that the apparent marks of blood are the effect of his having helped Connor Dwyer to kill a Pig on the Wednesday.
Mrs Purcell admits that Castles was in her Bed Room about a month or six weeks before the Attack on Byrne denies that he staid there the whole day.
Connor Dwyer (on the part of the Prisoner Castles) States that on Monday the 11th Augt. He killed a pig, and called to the Prisoner Castles to assist him to get the said pig on a Table, Castles held her by the forefeet whilst Witness stuck her. Did not observe Castles Besmeared with blood, that Castles went away as soon as the Pig was stuck.
The Prisoners Committed for Trial
;Principal=Harriett Newman22 
Article9 October 1823 "The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser", Sydney, NSW;
GOVERNMENT AND GENERAL ORDERS.
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE, OCT. 8, 1823.
Civil Department.
THE GOVERNOR is pleased to approve of the following Appointments:—
In the District of Evan—John Purcell, to be Chief Constable, in the Room of Collet, resigned; and Martin Connell, to be Constable, in the Room of Aull, resigned.   
In the District of Appin—Constable Malachi Ryan, to be an additional Poundkeeper.
By Command of his Excellency,
F. GOULBURN, Colonial Secretary.26 
Article16 May 1827 "The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser", Sydney, NSW;
On Thursday night last, Geary, alias Gow, the last of the pirates, was apprehended under the orders of Mr. Purcell, the Chief Constable at Penrith, in the house of a settler, within two miles of Windsor. It appears from a severe wound which he has, that this is the man who was shot in the house of the female which the constables entered prior to the capture of Lynch. The vigilance of Mr. Purcell is entitled to the thanks of the Public.27 
Article28 May 1827 "The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser", Sydney, NSW;
GEARY THE PIRATE.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SYDNEY GAZETTE.
It was with no small degree of surprise and astonishment, that I observed an article in a late number of your paper, and also in the Monitorial Mag, setting forth that Chief Constable Purcell was the individual who captured the notorious Geary, the last of the pirates; whereas, it is perfectly well known in the neighbourhood where he was taken, that he knew nothing of his apprehension, until he was lodged in the gaol at Penrith. Now, all this puffing about Mr. Purcell may do very well, but merit to whom merit is due. Dalton the Constable at Castlereagh was the person, who alone, and unassisted, and without any previous directions from his superior of the staff, apprehended Geary, and surely it is but a tribute justly due to that officer to set this matter right before the Public.
A SETTLER.
Nepean, May 12, 1827.28 
Article8 June 1827 "The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser", Sydney, NSW;
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SYDNEY GAZETTE.
SIR,
Having been confined by illness, I only this morning perused the scandalous letter, from a settler, under the head of "Geary the pirate," contained in your paper of the 28th ultimo. In reply, I request your kind insertion of the following brief statement of
facts.
I appeal to you, Mr. Editor, if I ever said or wrote to you, as falsely stated by Mr. Settler, that I took Geary. Indeed, your publication alluded to says no such thing. Did I not state him to have been taken by a constable, under my orders; but, perhaps, Mr. Constable Dalton fancies that I am under his orders, in lead of him being under mine. I will now state how, and by which means, the prisoner was taken. When the pirates, several weeks ago, came to the river Nepean, at the time of Kennedy's robbery, I took my constables, well knowing the connexion, to the very house where he was ultimately taken. It was from this circumstance that the owner of the horse, instead of going to Windsor to give information, came to Castlereagh, being the nearest station to him of the Evan District. Now comes the merit that Mr. Settler alludes to. This householder, when Geary is brought to his house, wounded in the foot, in a cart, pretends to say that he was going for medical aid, proceeds to Castlereagh, sees Dalton, as the only police officer there, and informs him of the circumstance that he is wounded, and unable to s and, and without arms; that, if he would accompany him, he would lend him his horse and cart to convey him to Penrith Gaol, all of which was done accordingly, so that the allusion of Mr. Settler, as to Dalton's merit, amounts to no more, I am constrained to say, than if the person who brought Geary in his cart to Penrith gaol, had requested him to accompany him, while he brought a sheep with its legs cut off.
I have the honour to be, Sir,
your most obedient Servant.
JOHN PURCELL,
Chief Constable at Evan.
Sydney June 1,1827.29 
Census 1828*1828 "Woodriffs", Emu Ferry, Evan, NSW;
John Purcell, 49, Came free, Catholic, "Anne", 1810,, Chief Constable
Dens. Cunningham, 31, Free by servitude, Catholic, "Martha", 1818,, Labourer
30 acres, 30 cultivated, 30 cleared
32 cattle, 1 horse3 
Article29 December 1831 "The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser", Sydney, NSW;
Government Notice
Colonial Secretary's Office,
Sydney, 28th December, 1831.
HIS Excellency the Governor has been pleased to appoint Mr. John Procter to be Chief Constable at Penrith, in the room of Mr, John Purcell,
By His Excellency's Command,
ALEXANDER M'LEAY.30 
Article23 July 1841 "The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser", Sydney, NSW;
WEDNESDAY.
Before the Chief Justice, and two Assessors.
Perry n. Purcell.—This was an action brought by the plaintiff who keeps the Rose Inn at Penrith, against the defendant Mr. John Purcell, of Penrith, Auctioneer.—The plaintiff claimed damages for injury sustained by him in his capacity of an innkeeper, in consequence of the defendant having used insulting and degrading language to him (the plaintiff) at an auction sale held in the Court Yard, Penrith, when upwards of fifty persons were present. The plaintiff alledged that his character had by this circumstance suffered materially in the estimation of many persons who previously to the affair in question, thought highly of him.
Damages were laid at £500,
Mr. Windeyer, appeared for the plaintiff and said, that although the defendant by offering no defence to the action, in law, had assented to a verdict for the amount claimed, nevertheless, he (Mr. Windeyer) would leave the case entirely in the hands of the assessors, who, he doubted not, would award his client such reasonable damages as would compensate his client in some degree for the slanderous language used by the defendant, and to which slanderous language their verdict would afford a satisfactory refutation.
Witnesses were then called for the plaintiff, by whose evidence it was shewn that, at a sale by the defendant, of the effects of an intestate, the plaintiff has expressed some dissatisfaction at the conduct of the defendant, in knocking down a heifer for £2 10s., although another person had bid for the same heifer the sum of £2 12s. 6d.; high words ensued, and the defendant said, that he would not be addressed by a person (meaning the plaintiff) who dared not take off his waistcoat, lest the marks he (the plaintiff) had received, should be exposed to view: and the defendant went on to state that, were the records of Hyde Park at Sydney searched, the character of the plaintiff would become sufficiently public.
His Honor the Chief Justice said, that as there was no defence on the part of the defendant, it would rest with the Assessors to determine what damages should be allowed the plaintiff. The defendant was an auctioneer at Penrith, and had been an officer in the army; now, no classes of persons were more irritable on the score of character than military men were, and it was only proper that they should pay such respect to the character of others as they themselves would wish to experience. The plaintiff as the assessors had heard by the evidence, was the landlord of the Rose Inn, At Penrith, and was considered to be a respectable man. Justice therefore demanded, that such assertions as had been made by the defendant should be contradicted, both on account of the plaintiff's feelings, and also on account of the injury which such assertions were calculated to do to his (the plaintiff's) business. The assessors therefore would have to determine what amount of damages they would award to the plaintiff, and also to take into consideration the ability of the defendant to discharge such award.
The assessors returned a verdict for the plaintiff. Damages £25.
Having disposed of all the cases on the lists for the day, the Court adjourned.31 
Article16 August 1841 "The Sydney Herald", Sydney, NSW;
Penrith.—John Proctor has been appointed keeper of the pound, commonly called the Emu Ferry Pound, vice John Purcell, who has vacated the same; and the said Emu Ferry Pound is removed to the residence of the said J. Procter, situated at the corner of the road leading to Castlereagh from Penrith.32 
Letter*14 June 1848 Downing Street, London, England;
Earl Grey to Sir Charles Fitz Roy.
(Despatch No. 92, per ship Trafalgar; acknowledged by Sir Charles Fitz Roy, 29th November, 1848.)
Downing Street, 14 June 1848.
Sir,
I transmit to you herewith c Copy of a Letter from the person described in the margin, [Lt. John Purcell] containing an application for information relative to Mr. John Purcell, who is stated to have settled in the Colony under your Government, and I have to request that you will transmit to me such information as you may be able to obtain on the subject of the enquiry.
I have, &c.,
Grey.

[Enclosure.]
Lieut. J. Purcell to Earl Grey.
Sligo, 3rd June, 1848.
My Lord,
Being informed that a Registry of the inhabitants of New South Wales is kept at the Colonial Office I most respectfully solicit information as to the Party described on the annexed page, as it is a matter of consequence to ascertain if he is alive or not.
I have, &c.,
Lt. John Purcell
Please to address,
Provincial Bank of Ireland, Sligo.
John Purcell, from 60 to 70 years of age, a native of Killarney in the county of Kerry, formerly a Lieutenant in the 73d Regiment, sold out several years ago when stationed in New South Wales, since which, until last heard of, he had resided in or near Sydney.2 
Letter29 November 1848 Government House, Sydney, NSW;
Sir Charles Fitz Roy to Earl Grey.
(Despatch No. 255, per ship Sir Edward Paget.)
Government House, 29th November, 1848.
My Lord,
1. I have had the honor to receive your Lordship’s Despatch, No. 92 of 14th June, 1848, covering an application from Mr. St. John Purcell for information relative to Mr. John Purcell, who is stated to have become a Settler in this Colony.
2. In reply, I have the honor to respect to Your Lordship that, having caused enquiry to be made, I have ascertain that Mr. John Purcell, formerly Lieutenant in Her Majesty’s 73d Regiment, held the situation of Chief Constable at Penrith for many years; that he is now living in the neighbourhood of that Town, and is well known to any of the old Colonists.
I have, &c.,
Chs. A. Fitz Roy.2 
Death*3 March 1851 Nepean, NSW33 
Burial*5 March 1851 St Stephen the Martyr Anglican Church Cemetery, Penrith, NSW;
Name: John Purcell
Abode: Nepean
When Died: March 3d 1851
When Buried: March 5th 1851
Age: 78
Quality or Profession: Gentleman
By whom the ceremony was performed: B Lucas Watson33 
Headstone* St Stephens the Martyr Cemtery, Penrith, NSW, England;
SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
JOHN PURCELL
WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE
MARCH 1 1851
AGED 78 YEARS

ALSO HARRIETT PURCELL
WHO DIED DEC 11 1867
ageB 74 YEARS;Principal=Harriett Newman34
John & Harriett Purcell headstone
Purcell plot - John & Harriett and Charles & Phoebe Purcell

Family

Harriett Newman b. 24 Nov 1782, d. 10 Dec 1867
Children

Citations

  1. [S370] London, Marriages and Banns, 1754-1921, online www.ancestry.com.
  2. [S320] Historical Records of Australia, Series 1 , Volumes 1-26.
  3. [S158] 1828 Census for New South Wales, Australia (online image) "Household of John Purcell."
  4. [S54] Microfilm Baptism, Castlereagh, 1820-1825 "Charles Augustus Purcell 6623/1812 V18126623 1B."
  5. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Gazette, Saturday, March 3, 1810.
  6. [S436] NSW Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1856, online www.ancestry.com, Letter 21 March 1810.
  7. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, March 24, 1810.
  8. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Saturday, April 20, 1811.
  9. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Saturday, July 27, 1811.
  10. [S436] NSW Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1856, online www.ancestry.com, Letter 23 August 1811.
  11. [S436] NSW Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1856, online www.ancestry.com, Account of Stock belonging to Mr Purcell at Newcastle.
  12. [S436] NSW Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1856, online www.ancestry.com, Letter 31 October 1811.
  13. [S337] Website National Library of Australia (https://nla.gov.au) "William Presston, National Library of Australia, nla.obj-135782103.jpg."
  14. [S436] NSW Colonial Secretary's Papers, 1788-1856, online www.ancestry.com, Letter 11 April 1812.
  15. [S54] Microfilm Baptism, Castlereagh, 1820-1825 "Harriet Maria Purcell 1824."
  16. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Saturday, May 29, 1813.
  17. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Saturday, December 18, 1813.
  18. [S430] NSW Early Church Records 1788-1855, marriage James Herbert & Harriot Purcell 1832.
  19. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Saturday, February 24, 1816.
  20. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Saturday, October 12, 1816.
  21. [S54] Microfilm Baptism, Castlereagh, 1820-1825 "Henry Thomas Purcell 1824."
  22. [S437] Records of the Colonial Office (as filmed by the AJCP), File 121. AJCP Reel No: 108-109 Police. Evidence B1-7, Documents B 1-46 pages 358-366.
  23. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Saturday, August 16, 1817.
  24. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Saturday, August 30, 1817.
  25. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Saturday, November 1, 1817.
  26. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Thursday, October 9, 1823.
  27. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Wednesday, May 16, 1827.
  28. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Monday, May 28, 1827.
  29. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Friday, June 8, 1827.
  30. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Thursday, December 29,1831.
  31. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Monitor and Commercial Advertiser, Friday, July 23, 1841.
  32. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Sydney Herald, Monday, August 16, 1841.
  33. [S45] Microfilm Death, Early Church of England, 1788-1855 "John Purcell 801/1851 V1851801 37B."
  34. [S434] Monumental inscription St Stephen the Martyr (High Street, Penrith).
  35. [S430] NSW Early Church Records 1788-1855, 6625/1817 V18176625 1B Henry T Purcell.