William Perkins - Gunsmith

The Lismore that Archie's Mum and I have referred to above is Lismore in the Western District of Victoria, not Lismore, NSW.

 

However, I jumped the gun. I read it as Lismore NSW and read a newspaper article about the death of Mrs Samuel Perkins being a very dedicated church worker for the Presbyterian Church...I got all excited cause by grandmother was a dedicated Presbyterian church worker as well....but Lismore NSW.

 

That beard would be very fashionable at the moment.

 

With the height, don't forget he was still only 16 when convicted and still a lad.

 

Common mistake, the NSW Lismore is so much bigger! It would seem that the two Mrs Samuel Perkins were rather similar: the obituary for mine (nee Jane Sutherland) stated "the late Mrs Perkins was an ardent church worker, and took an active interest in all matters connected with the welfare of the district." And that was also the Presbyterian church - lots of Scots in the Western District!

 

Perhaps your lad got his "Tall'th" from his Mother & hair colour does change over years ie from blonde to brown or darker.

 

Someone tell me I am not getting too excited when it is not warranted! I have discovered a strong potential for Joseph Perkins’ mother: Isabella Finch Roberts, daughter of Joseph Finch Roberts and Mary Roberts (maiden name not known), baptised 6 Sep 1795 at St Paul, Deptford, Kent. Siblings are Nicholas Joseph Finch Roberts (bap 12 May 1799)and Rebecca Roberts (bap 21 Nov 1803). Joseph Finch Roberts’ parents were Joseph Roberts and Isabella Finch, they were married 19 Apr 1770 at St Paul, Deptford, Kent. I have found three siblings for Joseph Finch Roberts: John Roberts; Mary Roberts and Matthew Finch Roberts. Also found his death registered at Greenwich on 11 Mar 1838, with his parish given as St Paul, Deptford.

My only concern is that there was another Isabella Roberts baptised 26 Apr 1801 to a Joseph and Mary Roberts, but she was born in the workhouse, and for the baptisms of all three of his children Joseph Finch Roberts’ occupation was given as Baker and an address given. So I think this 1801 Isabella is not the sibling of 1795 Isabella.

Should I be excited, or not?

 

It does look good.

It might pay to follow up on the workhouse Isabella though, see if there are any siblings to be found, it could help to give you confidence in the one you finally select.