Robert Corban1

M, #144, b. 1814, d. 7 March 1885
FatherStephen Corban2
MotherCatherine (?)2
Relationship3rd great-grandfather of Timothy George Sheens
ChartsAncestors of Timothy George Sheens (DNA trail)
Ancestors of Timothy George Sheens (paper trail)
Last Edited27 Mar 2022
Birth*1814 Cork, Ireland3 
Article12 April 1834 "Cork Constitution", Cork, Cork, Ireland;
YESTERDAY.
His Worship was on the Bench at the usual hour.
Henry Brown, Ryder Gorman, and Richard Corban, lads about 18 or 20, were indicted for stealing on April 8th, 200 yards of calico, value 10l., the property of Thomas Dunn.
DANIEL DONOVAN – One of the New Police, was coming with the patrole from Mallow-lane, on Tuesday morning at half-past two o’clock, when he saw the three prisoners running across North-gate bridge, and suspecting that something was amiss, he pursued them, on which Brown and Gorman both dropped the goods. He then took the three prisoners.
RICHARD JORDAN and THOMAS HOLMES corroborated Donovan’s testimony. When they were taking them through a lane to the Bridewell, Corban threw an iron bar, (as they thought,) at one of the Police that were before them.
MURPHY – One of the Bridewell Police, searched the prisoners at the Bridewell; he found some yards of calico twisted round the bodies of Gorman and Brown, under their shirts.
HONORA DUNN – Shop-keeper in Blackpool, identified the property. The shutters and windows were broken.
The prisoners when asked for their defence, said that they found the goods in the street, and were taking them to the Bridewell. (laughter.)
The JURY at once found Brown and Gorman Guilty, but acquitted Corban.
The RECORDER – Henry Brown and Ryder Gorman you have been convicted of an offence, which under the laws as they stood some time ago, would have subjected your lives to forfeiture. In consequence of the alteration in the law you are not indicted capitally, but I will sentence you to the greatest punishment I can.
BROWN – Seven years your Worship.
The RECORDER – No, I’ll not; at least if it is to be for seven years, it must be by the interference of the Government. The sentence of the Court is that you be transported beyond the seas for the term of your lives.

HOUSE BREAKING AND ROBBERY.
Henry Brown, Richard Corban, and Michael Corban, noted characters, were charged by Constable Donovan of the City Police, under the following circumstances: - Donovan and three others of the Police were on patrol about two o’clock this morning; on coming into Shandon Street from Blarney Lane, they observed the prisoners before them carrying heavy bundles, when they gave chase, and, having arrested them, lodged them in the Bridewell, and secured the property, which consisted of Muslins, Cottons, Calicos, &c.
On investigation it appeared that the property belonged to Mr. T. Dunn, Dealer, Blackpool, whose shutters had been forced open about one o’clock this morning, and the fellows were in the act of carrying away their plunder, when they were so fortunately met by the City Police.
The property stolen from Mr. Dunn exceeds £20 worth, most of which has been recovered.4 
Article12 April 1834 "The Southern Reporter, and Cork Commercial Courier", Cork, Cork, Ireland;
BURGLARY.
Henry Brown, Rider Gorman, and Richard Corbett were charged with having, on the 8th inst. Stolen from the shop of Mr. Thomas Dunn, at Blackpool, 200 yards of calico.
Sergeant Donovan, of the police, was, about two o’clock on the morning of Tuesday last, coming down Mallow-lane, with his party on patrole, when he saw three fellows running over North Gate Bridge. Leaving his men, he ran after them, and succeeded first in capturing Gorman, whom he saw previously drop a large bundle. – Having given him into custody of his party, who had come up, about twenty paces further on he caught Browne, who also dropped a bundle.
Thomas Holmes, of the horse police, was in the sergeant’s party, and succeeded in capturing Corbett in a lane off the North Main-street; the prisoner dropped an iron bar which he had concealed under his arm, and which was picked up by witness, and now produced in court.
Denis Murphy, of the Bridewell Guard, searched the traversers when brought down; on Brown he found several yards of calico wound tightly round his waist; and on Gorman more of the property was found concealed in the same manner
John Bates, Bridewell Guard, discovered nothing on the person of Corbett.
Mrs. Honora Dunn, wife of Prosecutor, identified the goods. She was called up by the Watchman, who, on going his rounds, discovered her shutters were pulled down and some of the glass broken. Her husband and a neighbour went in search of the thieves, but could not discover them.
His WORSHIP asked Prisoners what they had to say?
One of them said “We found the bundles in the street, and were taking them down to Mr. Mathis, at the Bridewell.” (a laugh.) Corbett denied having had the bar in his possession.
His WORSHIP, in charging the Jury, observed that there was no evidence of any goods being found on Corbett; however, if they believed he had the bar, it would be sufficient evidence against him. As to the other two the testimony was strong against them.
The Jury returned a verdict of guilty against Browne and Gorman, acquitting Corbett.
The RECORDER, in the course of a few observations, in which he remarked on the recent change in the law, and but for which the Prisoners might have been capitally indicted, said he would sentence them to the severest punishment he was permitted to inflict – namely, that they be transported for life.5 
Criminal*18 April 1834 Cork City, Cork, Ireland;
CITY SESSIONS - Friday
The RECORDER entered the Court at half-past 10 o'clock, and proceeded with the trial of prisoners.
Robert Corban was charged with stealing, on the 11th April, a hide of leather, the property of Mr. Garrett Condon.
The prosecutor, with some of the City Police, captured the prisoner in a passage off Cockpit-lane, North Main-street, with the goods in his possession - Guilty.
The RECORDER told the prisoner that he had been before him in 1833 for burglary and robbery, and on that occasion was acquitted. In the spring assizes of the present year, he was also acquitted on a similar charge, and on Friday last he again appeared, with two others, who were ordered to be transported for life, for stealing 200 yards of calico from Mr. Thomas Dunn, when he was, for the third time, acquitted, tho there was an iron ripping tool found on his person, and there existed little doubt that he was of the gang. His Worship would not, however, permit him any longer to go at large, and sentenced him to 7 years' transportation.
Prisoner - Thank your Worship.6 
Article19 April 1834 "Cork Constitution", Cork, Cork, Ireland;
Robert Corban, one of the boys tried yesterday week before the Recorder, for robbing Mr. Dunne, linen-draper, in Blackpool, and who was acquitted, his companions having been transported for life, - on quitting the Court House, perceiving at the door of Mr. Condon, Leather Seller, at the Exchange, a Hide of Leather most temptingly in his way, took it up, and marched off with it, but in a few minutes after was arrested in Cockpit-lane, with the leather in his custody. Informations were subsequently lodged against him, and he was yesterday convicted before the Recorder, and ordered to be transported for seven years.7 
Transportation*14 November 1834 "Blenheim", Sydney, NSW;
List of Male Convicts, by the Ship Blenheim, James Temple Brown, Master, James Wilson, Surgeon Superintendent, arrived from Ireland, 14th November, 1834

Standing No. of Convict: 34-2336
Indent No.: 105
Name: Robert Corban
Age: 21
Education (Reads, Writes): R & W
Religion: Protestant
Single, Married or Widowed: Single
Children (Male, Female):
Native Place: Cork
Trade or Calling: Shoemaker (good)
Offence: Stealing leather
Tried Where: City Cork
Tried When: 18 April, 1834
Sentence: 7 Years
Former Conviction: None
Height (Feet In.): 5 6
Complexion: Ruddy freckled
Colour of Hair: Brown
Colour of Eyes: Hazel
Particular Marks or Scars, Remarks: Scar right cheek, mark of a bile lower part of chest.8 
Ticket of Leave*20 January 1840 NSW;
Ticket of Leave

No.: 40/146 20th January 1840
Prisoner’s No.: 34/2336
Name: Robert Corban
Ship: Blenheim
Master: Brown
Year: 1834
Native Place:
Trade or Calling:
Offence:
Place of Trial: City Cork
Date of Trial: 18th April 1834
Sentence: 7 Years
Year of Birth:
Height (Feet In.):
Complexion:
Hair:
Eyes:
General Remarks:

Allowed to remain in the District of Inverman
On recommendation of Inverman Bench,
Dated Septr 18399 
Cert. of Freedom*9 June 1844 NSW;
CERTIFICATE OF FREEDOM
No.: 41/739
Date: 9 June 1844
Prisoner’s No.: 34/2336
Name: Robert Corban
Ship: Blenheim
Master: Brown
Year: 1834
Native Place: Cork
Trade or Calling: Shoemaker
Offence:
Tried Where: City of Cork
Tried When: 18 April 1834
Sentence: Seven Years
Year of Birth: 1814
Height (Feet In.): 5 feet 6 inches
Complexion: Ruddy & freckled
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Hazel
General Remarks: Scar on right cheek, mark of a bile lower part of breast

Held a TOLeave No. 40/131 dated 28 January 18403 
Marriage*18 November 1845 Scone, NSW;
Robert Corban of this Parish Bachelor and
Mary O'Brien of this Parish Spinster were
married in this Church by banns
By me John Morse A M Chaplain Scone
This marriage was solemnized between us
Robt Corban
Mary O'Brien by mark
In the Presence of
Jeremiah O'Brien by mark of St Aubins
Mary Ann Sutton of Scone;Bride=Mary O'Brien10 
Article*6 November 1847 "Maitland Mercury", NSW;
To the Editor of the Maitland Mercury.
Sir – I wish you would publish the following facts for me. A short time ago I was taken out of my own house and brought before the Scone bench, without summons or any other form, and tried for an assault, the party assaulted not preferring a charge nor appearing against me. I was convicted; and fined £2, and put in the lockup until the money was paid, or else go to Newcastle gaol. I write wishing to give the affair publicity, and hoping it will reach the proper quarter, for I consider the proceedings illegal – I might be mistaken. – Yours respectfully,
ROBERT CORBAN.
Scone, Oct. 30, 1847.11 
Birth of Daughter18 November 1849 Scone, NSW;Principal=Catherine Corbin1 
Article17 September 1851 "Maitland Mercury", NSW;
The United Counties of Brisbane, Bligh, and Phillip.
REV. DR. LANG. 
WE, the undersigned Electors for the United Counties of Brisbane, Bligh, and Phillip, being of opinion that the absence of the Rev. Dr. Lang from the Legislative Council would be a severe public calamity, and that such a contingency as his rejection by the constituency of Sydney, although highly improbable, is by no means impossible, hereby determine to exert ourselves to insure his election for these counties.
Robert Corban, Scone.12 
Article27 March 1860 "Maitland Mercury", NSW;
SCONE.
POLICE COURT, FRIDAY, 23RD MARCH.,
(Before Thomas Hall, Esq., J.P., and Jas. Smith, Esq., Police Magistrate.)
Robert Corban appeared before their worships, charged by Constable Spratt with using obscene language. From the evidence adduced it appeared that between eight and nine o'clock on Thursday night last the constable heard defendant, when near the post office, shouting and making use of the most disgusting language, loud enough to be heard at some distance - language unfit to be repeated here. Defendant had eluded the grasp of the constable by making a short cut by the back to his own house, where after a few minutes he was apprehended, and lodged in the lock-up. Defendant was not drunk, but had been drinking. The bench held that as defendant could not contradict the evidence of the constable, and the language made use of being of so very disgusting a nature, and which he was in the habit of using when drunk, ordered him to pay a fine of 40s or 7 days' imprisonment. The chief constable then made application for an order to prohibit Corban from being supplied with intoxicating drinks, stating that he and others were able to show that he was wasting his substance by constant drunkenness: indeed his wife had made complaint to him (the chief con-stable) relative to this matter. The bench cautioned defendant, but refused to entertain the application-not having been brought before them in usual form.;Principal=Mary O'Brien13 
Death of Spouse3 June 1864 Scone, NSW;
Name: Mary Corben
Date of Death: 3 Jun 1864
Place: Scone NSW
Ocupation:
Sex: Female
Age: 47
Conjugal Status:
Place of Birth: County Cork Ireland
Time in Aust Colonies: 20 years in NSW
Father: T O'Brien
Occuppation: Laborer
Mother: Unknown
Place of Marriage: Not Stated
Age at Marriage: Not Stated
Name of Spouse: Robert Corben
Children of Marriage: Catherine
Informant: Thos W Brown, Undertaker, Scone
Cause of Death: Natural Causes
Length of Illness: 12 months
Medical Attendant: Dr Hunt
Date Last Seen: 2 Jun 1864
Date of Burial: 4 Jun 1864
Place of Burial: Catholic Ground Scone
Minister & Religion:
Undertaker: Thos W Brown
Witnesses: Thomas W Brown, Charles L Sutton
Registered: 21 Jul 1864 - Scone;Principal=Mary O'Brien14 
Article5 July 1865 "NSW Police Gazette", NSW;
Apprehensions.
Robert Corban, charged with stealing two pairs of boots (recovered), the property of N. F. Asser, Scone, has been arrested by Constable Carter, Scone police. Sentenced to 6 months imprisonment in Maitland Gaol.15 
Gaol*8 July 1865 Maitland Gaol, Maitland, NSW;
When Received in Gaol: July 8 1865
Gaol Arrival No.: 233
Name: Robert Corban
Arrival Ship: Blenheim
Arrival Year: 1834
Offence: Stealing
Committed Before whom: James Smith P.M.
Bench: Scone
When: June 30 1865
Purpose: Inprisonment for 6 Months16 
Article3 January 1866 "NSW Police Gazette", NSW;
RETURN OF PRISONERS DISCHARGED FREE since last publication.

Gaol: East Maitand
Ship: Blenheim, 1834
Name: Robert Corban
Offence: Stealing
Sentence: Six months labor
When and Where Tried: 30th June, 1865, Scone P.O.17 
Death*7 March 1885 Tempest Street, Gunnedah, NSW;
Name: Robert Corban
Date of Death: 7 Mar 1885
Place: Tempest Street Gunnedah NSW
Occupation: Shoemaker
Sex: Male
Age: 73
Conjugal Status:
Place of Birth: Cork
Time in Aust Colonies: 40 years

Father: Stephen Corban
Occupation: Not known
Mother: Catherine (maiden name not known)

Place of Marriage: Scone
Age at Marriage: 33
Name of Spouse: Mary O'Brien
Children of Marriage: Catherine 35
Informant: John Connors, son-in-law, Tempest Street Gunnedah

Cause of Death: Heart Disease
Length of Illness: 3 years
Medical Attendant: Dr Dowe
Date Last Seen: Few days before death

Date of Burial: 8 Mar 1885
Place of Burial: Gunnedah
Minister & Religion:
Undertaker: W L Douglas
Witnesses: Wm Newell, Geo Barrack

Registered: 9 Mar 1885 - Gunnedah2 

Family

Mary O'Brien b. Feb 1821, d. 3 Jun 1864
Child

Citations

  1. [S58] Microfilm Roman Catholic Baptism Registers, "V1849503 67/1849 Catherine Corbin."
  2. [S107] NSW Death Transcript (Marilyn Rowan), 10276/1885 Robert Corban.
  3. [S101] State Records of NSW Convict Certificates of Freedom, Robert Corban 41/0739 SR Reel 1009.
  4. [S403] Cork Constitution, April 12, 1834.
  5. [S155] The Southern Reporter and Cork Commercial Courier, April 12, 1834.
  6. [S155] The Southern Reporter and Cork Commercial Courier, Saturday Evening April 19, 1834.
  7. [S155] The Southern Reporter and Cork Commercial Courier, April 19, 1834.
  8. [S99] State Records of NSW Convict Bound Indents.
  9. [S100] State Records of NSW Convict Tickets of Leave.
  10. [S55] Microfilm Marriage, Early Church of England, 1788-1855 "V1845666 30B/1845 Robert Corban & Mary O'Brien."
  11. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Maitland Mercury, and Hunter River General Advertiser, Saturday 6 November 1847, page 2.
  12. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Maitland Mercury, and Hunter River General Advertiser,Wednesday 17 September 1851.
  13. [S154] Australian Newspapers, trove.nla.gov.au, The Maitland Mercury, and Hunter River General Advertiser,Tuesday 27 March 1860.
  14. [S107] NSW Death Transcript (Marilyn Rowan), 5770/1864 Mary Corben.
  15. [S157] New South Wales Police Gazette, 5 July, 1865 page 249.
  16. [S394] NSW Gaol Description and Entrance Books, 1818-1930, online www.ancestry.com, Robert Corban 1865.
  17. [S157] New South Wales Police Gazette, 3 January, 1866 page 5.