Person:William Presnell (1)

William was the first of the Presnells to settle in the land that has now become known as Australia. Details of William Presnell's parents and birth still remain a mystery. It does seem clear that his mother was Sarah, but so far it has not been possible to confirm details of her maiden name, William's father or his birth date or place. Some candidates have been found but none confirmed. (For these refer to details on family page for Unknown Presnell and Sarah Unknown c1737 - 1823.) It is also not known for certain whether William was married in England and/or whether he had any children prior to his transportation.

William PRESNELL was sentenced to death at Essex Chelmsford Lent Assizes on 8 March 1797 (Public Records Office Ass. 135/237 pt. 1 1p/386). The sentence, however, was commuted and William was transported to New South Wales for "Life" on "Barwell" on 7 November 1797. He and Simon MOULDS had been convicted of at least three counts of cattle stealing and one count of horse stealing "with force and arms" and they were transported together. William was about 31 years of age and came from the County of Essex. His Parish, however, is given differently for each of his four convictions - Chinkford, Little Ilford, West Ham and Plaistow. Barwell arrived in Port Jackson, Sydney, on 18 May 1798.

In about 1801, William was sent to Norfolk Island. The circumstances or exact date of this relocation are not known at this time. While on Norfolk Island, William met and perhaps married fellow convict, Ann FOWLER. No records have been found of this marriage. There is also some confusion about the number and identity of the children of this relationship. On Norfolk Island, William seems to have become a successful farmer. However, the settlement was abandoned and its inhabitants were moved to Van Diemens Land.

On 3 September 1808, William left Norfolk Island with family on "City of Edinburgh" (misspelt on original document) and arrived in Hobart on 2 November 1808 (CSO 1/177/4306/5, p. 222). The ship's master was Simeon PATTERSON. Three children are reported to have accompanied William and Ann. They are listed as Joseph, Thomas and Elizabeth in the book "The Forgotten Generation of Norfolk Island and Van Diemen's Land" by Reg Wright. While there is considerable documentation relating to Elizabeth and Thomas, it seems unlikely that the other child was actually Joseph. There had been a Joseph ABBOTT born to Ann Fowler in 1797, but there is also an apparent burial record for this child on 6 March 1800 at Port Jackson. There is no mention of a suitable Joseph Abbott, Fowler or Presnell that I have found anywhere in the VDL / Tasmanian records. The third child on the City of Edinburgh may have been a son who died at an early age but whose records have not survived, or it may have been the infant Sarah, who was born about 1808, or perhaps James FOWLER who was christened by Ann FOWLER in 1811. That William had at least four children is confirmed in the Hobart musters of 1814 and of 1819 (and also probably in others). To the best of my knowledge, these are Elizabeth, Thomas, Sarah and James. These 4 children appear on the 1814 muster in the children's section as Elizth PRISNELL, Thomas PRESNELL, Sarah PRISNELL and James PRISNELL, all on stores, and apparently in birth order (Mitchell Library Film CY597). William is also on included in this muster as "Willm Presnell, Barwell, Prisoner, On stores", as is Ann. That two of the children were sons is supported by the fact that William was granted (date unknown, CSO 1/86/1916) two allotments of land in Elizabeth Street for his "two sons".

William established a house and retail business in Collins Street, Hobart Town. He asked for compensation for his stock left on Norfolk Island but it is not known if he received this. It is known that William was selling tobacco from this premises but what other goods he may have traded in has not been established with certainty at this time.

1816 was an eventful year for William. He was granted a conditional pardon and, along with other emancipists, received a grant of 50 acres of land. This land was at New Norfolk. Also in 1816 William's house in Collins Street, valued at 24 pounds 15 shillings, was acquired by the government when they were undertaking a realignment of the streets of Hobart. In its stead, William was provided with a building plot at Argyle Street in Glenorchy, a suburb of Hobart.

William evidently put both of his properties to good use and became quite prosperous. Frequent notices appeared in the Hobart Town Gazette citing William as a supplier of meat, wheat and other produce to the government. William established a residence at his property in Argyle Street. He also brewed beer which he offered for sale and ran a "Horse, Cart and Dray Establishment". It appears that William may also have owned some other properties in the area and that he expanded on the 50 acres that he was originally granted. William obtained an absolute pardon in August 1821 (listed as Pressnall, Fiche 3292; 4/6974.1 p. 77). George ROBINSON, William's son-in-law, took over the brewery and cartage business at Argyle Street in 1823. He was also given William's original 50 acres of land at New Norfolk.

William's death is registered as being on 14 June 1839. However, the memorial inscription at St David's Park, Hobart, indicates that he died on 13 June. This memorial is also to William's son, Thomas, and reads, "Sacred to the memory of Thomas Presnell, who departed this life 11th November 1838, aged 32 years, also William Presnell, who departed this life 13th June 1839, aged 74 years."

Documents found which are thought to relate to this William Presnell:

21 March 1811 - William Presnell is listed as a resident of the county of Buckingham in the general muster taken at Hobart.

27 November 1811 - William Pressnell was signatory to a letter to Captain Murray requesting compensation for stock left on Norfolk Island (Reel 6020; 4/6977A p. 57).

1814 (probably early October) - Willm Presnell, Barwell, Prisoner, On stores, is listed in the Hobart Muster (Mitchell Library Film CY957).

1 June 1816 - W. Presnal had on sale at Collins St a quantity of the best Brazilian tobacco, at 7 shillings sterling per pound (HTG p. 1).

7 September 1816 - It was recorded in the Hobart Town Gazette (p. 1 c. 1) that William Pressnall was granted a conditional pardon. Along with other emancipated convicts he received a grant of land. According to Dan Cerchi, it would appear that William was granted 50 acres of land at New Norfolk. He subsequently gave this land to his son-in-law, George Robinson (1824, CSO 1/86/1929). George later described the land as "stony and rugged ground unfit for cultivation".

1816 - William Presnell owned a house in Collins Street valued at 24 pound 15 shillings. Presnell's house was acquired by the government when the streets of Hobart were realigned. He was provided with another building plot in Argyle Street. (Historical Records of Australia, Series III, Volume III, p. 571.)

18 January 1817 - 19 June 1819. Between these dates William Presnal had a contract to supply meat to the Commissariat (HTG). "A list of persons who have delivered into this office tenders for supp lying his Majesty's magazine with FRESH MEAT, with the Quantities which will be received from them, and the Dates when the same is to be delivered." William was required to supply 800 lbs of meat.

1819 - Muster of Convicted Men in Hobart has 2 men assigned to Presnill [sic]. They were: Robert Caldwell, who arrived on the Lady Castlereagh, tried in London in 1817 with a sentence of Life; he is listed as "off stores"; Joseph Brown, who arrived on the Lord Melville, tried in Alnwick in 1817 with a sentence of 7 years; listed as "off stores".

1819 - The 1819 muster for Cornwall at Hobart Town has William listed as being off the stores. The muster also indicates that William Presnell owned 80 acres of land; 10 acres were in wheat and 70 acres in pasture. There were 200 bushells of wheat on hand. He also owned I male horse, 4 female horses, 16 male horned cattle, 18 female horned cattle, 200 male sheep and 400 female sheep. Presnell's household consisted of himself, his wife, 4 children, 2 government servants and 2 free men.

6 November 1819 - John Manning commenced a Bakery Business in that well established bakehouse belonging to Mr Presnell near the new bridge in Argyle Street (HTG p. 1 c. 1). "John Manning begs leave respectfully to inform the Public and his old Customers, that he has re-commenced the Baking Business in that well-established Bake-house belonging to Mr. Presnell, near the new Bridge in Argyle-street; where at all time may be had fine and coarse Bread, fancy Biscuit and Cakes of all sorts, on the most moderate Prices. N.B. - Shipping supplied on the shortest Notice. Baking every day."

24 May 1821 - The Colonial Secretary's Index has store receipts for William Presnall for wheat (Reel 6051; 4/1748 p. 172)

August 1821 - William obtained an absolute pardon (listed as Pressnall, Fiche 3292; 4/6974.1 p. 77).

25 August 1821 - In HTG: Commissariat Office, Hobart Town, 25 June 1821 - "List of Persons from whom MEAT will be received for the Supply of His Majesty's Magazines in Van Diemen's Land, for the Quarter ending September, 24th 1821. AT HOBART TOWN - Sept. 8 - W. Presnell 1500 lbs."

Date unknown - Presnell was given two allotments in Elizabeth Street, by Governor Sorell, for his two sons (CSO 1/86/1916)

23 August 1823 - The following appeared in the "Hobart Town Gazette", p. 1: "WILLIAM PRESNELL begs leave to return his sincere thanks to the Gentlemen, Merchants, and other Inhabitants of Hobart Town and its vicinity, for their liberal support and encouragement so long experienced in his Horse Cart, and Dray Establishment; and also to inform them, that he has transferred that business to Mr. G. W. Robinson (his son-in-law). of Argyle-street, who, for the future, will execute all orders upon the same terms hitherto adopted." "G. W. ROBINSON, having taken the business of Mr. W. Presnell (his father-in-law), as far as relates to the Horse Cart, and Dray Establishment, most respectfully solicits the favours of Inhabitants of Hobart Town and its vicinity, upon the same terms hitherto adopted, and assures them that all property entrusted to his care for carriage or otherwise, shall be most carefully protected and punctually delivered." "The Undersigned being about to leave the Colony, requests all persons who are indebted to him to come forward immediately and settle the same, all Persons having claims against him are requested to present the same for payment, on or before the 1st of September next. WILLIAM PRESNELL"

The latter advertisement was reprinted the next week. It is not known if William (temporarily) left the colony at this time.

4 October 1823 - The following advertisement appeared: "TO be LET, with Immediate possession, a neat brick HOUSE, with large Garden adjoining, situated in Bathurst-street. For particulars apply to Mr. WILLIAM PRESSNELL, Argle-street [sic]." (HTG)

12 March 1824 - George Robinson [son-in-law] advertised the wares of the Eagle Tavern in Argyle St. Among them was "Mr. W. Presnell's Colonial brewed Beer, with which he continues to supply Families, at 2s. per gallon, in quantities not less than 5 gallons; by the cask at 4 pond 4 shillings, and which G. W. will warrant to be equal in quality to English porter." (On 8 November 1823 a similar advertisement to the one above had appeared, but with no mention of the name of the brewer (HTG). There was a licence to brew beer granted to John Hill Blanchard reported in HTG on 8/10/1824, p4. but no mention has been found of a licence for William Presnell.)

28 May 1824 - From SC 41/1 - Record book of persons tried in criminal cases 1824-1831:  ? O'Neill, free by servitude, per Sophia, tried 28 May 1824, charged with stealing one cask v alue 10/- property of Wm Presnell - Not Guilty.

2 July 1824 - It was advertised, "FOR SALE, a MARE and CART, with Harness complete.--For Particulars apply to Mr WILLIAM PRESNELL, Hobart Town; or Mr JOHN PRESNELL, Sorell Springs. ***Stock, Wheat or Barley taken in Payment." (HTG, p. 1)

31 December 1824 - It was reported that Wm. Presnell was paid 19 pounds 6 pence by the Colonial Fund for Q.E. 31/12/1824 (Medical Dept) for firewood (HTG, supplement).

1825 - The Tasmanian Almanack lists Wm Presnell, Brewer, Argyle Street.

4 March 1826 - In HTG supplement: Statement of the Colonial Fund for Y.E. 31/12/1825. (Engineer's Dept.) Amount paid for Cartage, Carriage & Freight etc: W. Presnell 6 pounds 2 shillings 6 pence; W. Presnell 2 pounds; Amount paid for Miscellaneous A/cs: W. Presnell For a Horse 50 pounds. (Police Dept.) Expenses incurred by the General Muster, Viz: W. Presnell For expenses incurred by Supt. of Convicts: 7 pounds 4 shillings 9 pence.

11 March 1826 - In HTG supplement. Statement of the Colonial Fund for Y.E. 31/12/1825. (Judicial Dept.): W. Presnell 1 pound 16 shillings. (Police Dept.): W. Presnell Cartage of doors for Courthouse 3 pounds 15 shillings. (Commissariat Dept.): Amount paid for Hay, Straw, Green Forage, etc. W. Presnell 10 pounds. Paid for Expenses incurred by Cartage and Conveyance of provisions &c. viz. W. Presnell 7 pounds, W. Presnell 2 pounds 10 shillings; W. Presnell 6 pounds 10 shillings 6 pence; W. Presnell 14 pounds 4 shillings.

1826 - The Tasmanian Almanack, p. 29: Presnell Wm., Carter & Brewer, Argyle Street.

25 January 1826 - William wrote to George Arthur, Lt. Governor of Van Diemen's Land: "Sir, I addressed your Excellency under Date the 16th Inst. respecting a Trespass committed upon my allotment Ground in Elizabeth Street by a W. Elliott who states he had the authority from your Excellency and although I have made that Gentleman acquainted with my claim continues to enclose the Ground and not having received an answer to any application to your Excellency upon this subject I will be thankful for an interview when ever your Excellency may be pleased to direct." There are 4 partially legible notes written on the cover of this letter, which indicate that John Montague and the Governor had made some effort to address the problem and the Governor had written back to Presnell. However, it is not clear what the outcome was. (CSO 1/86/1916, pp. 72-74)

25 March 1826 - In HTG p. 3: Supply of meat 25/3/1826- 24/6/1826, Wm. Presnell Glenarchy 3 1/2d.

24 June 1826 - In HTG, p. 1: Supply of meat 25/6/1826-24/9/1826, Wm. Presnell Glenarchy 3 3/4d.

14 October 1826 - In HTG: Supply of meat Q.E.: 24/12/1826, Wm. Presnell Glenarchy.

19 June 1830 - In HTG: List of persons who have given descriptions of their dogs at the police office for licensing re regulations to restrain the increase in the dog population:- W PRESNELL (Trudy Cowley)

18 June 1839 - William Presnell of Glenorchy was buried. William's headstone, and that of his son Thomas, is in St. David's Park, Hobart, where it is now mounted, along with other plaques from the original cemetery, on a decorative wall. The inscription reads, "Sacred to the memory of Thomas Presnell, who departed this life 11th November 1838, aged 32 years, also William Presnell, who departed this life 13th June 1839, aged 74 years." It is recorded in "Inscriptions in Stone" by Richard Lord.

19 July 1939 - Death Registered. Occupation given as farmer.

1. ↑ Tas Death Reg. No. 1839/194.
2. ↑ Memorial Inscription.