MATHEWS, James born around 1806 Tiverton (General)

by lmat, Sunday, May 04, 2025, 04:37 (11 days ago)

Hello,

I've hit a dead end in my search for my ancestor James Mathews (born around 1806). I have scoured Anglican and Non-Conformist registers for all Dymock area to no avail. The information I have to go on is as follows:

James was transported to Australia for stealing 50 yards of cloth from the manufacturer Messrs Wilkins & Co.
James stated this his father and mother lived at Tiverton, surname Mathews (Matthews?)
He was sent from Shepton Mallet Goal to Ilchester Gaol.
He was tried at Taunton (Somerset) Assizes on 29 March 1823 and sentenced to transportation for 7 years.
He traveled on the Leviathan Hulk, then the Chapman - leaving England on 6 April 1824
James died in Tasmania, on May 4 1879 - son was Walter George Mathews

Any leads at all would be greatly appreciated!