James Pigden (born c1795 Kent) was transported to NSW on the Minerva in 1821. He received a pardon on 31 Dec 1836, according to the nsw.gov.au website. I cannot find any records of him from that point on. Other Pigdens are seen in Australia from 1878 on Ancestry searches - perhaps some are his descendants?

Are there any online records that may indicate what became of James after his pardon?

From NSW BDM James Pigden d. Casino 1857 63 yrs old. #4469

Cheers Fryerning

Hi fryerning,

Many thanks for your help. Sadly, I don't know of any Pigden researchers in Australia. It would be good to make a connection.

Thanks again
wttmh

The Sydney Gazette shows that in 1830 he was in the County of Northumberland NSW at Wallis' Plains, probably working on a property there.

See http://newspapers.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/home

Thank you for this information - James received a ticket of leave. All this is completely new to me, not having found a convict ancestor before, and I will have to find out more about this sort of detail.

Regards
wttmh

Hi,
Just remember to try different spellings.

From Colonial Secretary Index
PIGDON, James. Per "Minerva", 1821
1824 Jul 6
Of Terry's clearing party. On return of fines and punishments inflicted by the Bench of Evan (Reel 6023; 4/6671 p.72)

Also that they may be more than one in the colony.
There is a James PIGDON listed in VIC 1856.

A James PIGDEN did recieve a ticket of leave (seems to be yours has arrival as 1821 Minerva)

In the 1825 muster he was at Samuel Terry's. He had a Conditional Pardon (or was asking for one)

All that means is,,His Life Sentence was reduced to a 7 year sentence and he had freedom but he had to remain in the colony.

In 1828 he is at Barracks Plains working for ?Eric? Glennis/Glennie.

I cannot see him in Convict Applications to marry from 1826-1851. From NSW BDM he doesn't appear to marry or have kids.

Chances are after his pardon he just moved away to work, probably where noone knew him.

Kellie