Cruttenden Connections. Including: Crettenden, Crittenden, Crittendon, Crittenton and other spellings

First Australian

Oast House and Hop Garden near Maidstone in Kent

At the Kent Summer 1819 Assizes held at Maidstone John Cruttenden was sentenced to death for 'feloniously cutting hop binds'.¹ 'The Times' of 26 August 1819 reported that John Cruttenden had been granted a respite and was being held at the New-gaol, Maidstone.

The Convict Transportation Registers² show that John was convicted on 2nd August 1819 and was to be transported for 'Life'. He was one of 190 other prisoners who sailed on the 'Asia' in September 1820 for New South Wales.

The Asia departed England on 3rd September 1820 and arrived at Sydney on 28th December 1820 where John, aged 47, was delivered to the gaol.³

By the General Muster and Land Stock Muster of New South Wales, 1822, John is recorded as a Government Servant, the employer was Cape Irvine at Liverpool. His sentence was given as 7 years.

On 2nd November 1824, whilst a servant to William Howe of Minto, John petitioned to have his wife Elizabeth and children sent out at Government expense.⁴ [Whether this was granted or not the records will have to be examined].

A Government Jail Gang, Sydney, N.S. Wales - Augustus Earle (1793–1838)

A Government Jail Gang, Sydney, N.S. Wales - Augustus Earle (1793–1838)

It is possible this was request was not granted for in 1834 marriage banns were read for John, now aged 61, and Ann Fox from Ireland aged 47.⁵

Alas John had not learnt from his early misdemeanor, on the 18th November 1826 the Sydney Government Gazette reported:

"Crittenden, John. Sydney. POLICE REPORT. John Crittenden was charged with absenting himself from his Master’s service on Tuesday evening last and with not making his appearance till 1 last night when he came home in a state of drunkenness. Sentenced seven days to the treadmill and then to be returned to his Master."

I have not found the record which shows John's discharge from Government Service or evidence of his death or return to England.

¹ HO 27/17, The National Archives, Kew, London, United Kingdom
² HO113, The National Archives, Kew, London, United Kingdom
³ AO Fiche 643 1820/21; Passengers and Crew Departing Sydney.
⁴ AO Fiche 3285. 4/1112.1A pp. 77-8
⁵ AO Fiche 682 1832-33. 4/4017 579-33