Hi Thomas,

It was most interesting to read your information on your website. I have been looking into James Dempsey superficially as I have a convict who was assigned to him.

 

I noticed in your info that you have a gap between the years 1826 and 1835. Perhaps this might help.

 

1830    18th of July 1830; Dempsey writes to Father Therry saying he is very lonely more lonely than the last 36 years.  He is happy St Mary's is still going but slowly.  He criticises Therry over coolness between Therry and the Rev Power.  Evidently both hold mass at the same time.  One for government people and the other for inhabitants.  He asks Therry to pardon him for speaking his mind but wants what is best for the country at large.  Says Therry only looks at the size of the church and not the expense.  Says Terry, for great glory of God who knows his intentions.  The letter goes on to give advice on how to save money on the building.  I believe James must have been overseas when he wrote this letter but if you are interested I can check. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

1831  28^th Nov --   James Dempsey arrived on Yare From Liverpool/Hobart Town.  Departed 17/4/31 and from Hobart 8/11/31  (Sydnet Gazette 1/12/31). He would have been returning to the colony having left Liverpool in England

In Aug 1832, I have reason to believe that James Dempsey was the sponsor for my great grandmother Brigid Quigg.

.It seems that the Quiggs returned from Ireland in 1834 and I have to wonder if the fact that James Dempsey had made the journey might have influence them to do the same.

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For some time I have been gathering information on my own Irish convict ancestor and am now in the process of writing it up in the form of a story.

On looking into James Dempsey, I found him to be a most interesting character. I thought his descendants would have a wonderful time researching his life.  When I found your web page I noticed there were some missing years so decided to share some of the inflo I have discovered.

I have stumbled on to a newspaper article, which I think was in the Sydney Gazette of the 23rd of August 1832.  (I need to check the date).  The following is my summary.

23/8/32?? After the execution of Troy and Smith on Saturday, the bodies were given to friends to bury before sundown. Instead they were taken to a house in Kent Street where, 'using an Irishism, they held a wake'. On Sunday afternoon the bodies were taken to Market Street and laid in front of the house of the man giving information that led to the apprehension of Smith on his premises. They threw a red handkerchief at the door - this was of 'ominous significance'. The police interfered and the mob dispersed to the churchyard and the bodies were buried peacefully, without any trouble.

This just might have been James Dempsey's residence. Particularly as his home was a centre where the Irish gathered. Next time I am in Sydney I intend to look into Troy and Smith. I believe they had stolen some clothing. However, as their actions were classed as "bushranging" they received the death penalty. No doubt the Irish felt the punishment unfair and extreme.

If you are interested I shall continue to send off any info I find on James Dempsey but I have almost satisfied my curiosity.  If you would like me to send my follow up poor old Troy and Smith I am happy to do so.