Category Archives: Family history articles

A fraudster Down Under: Robert Atcherley Taylor – Part 5

< Back to Part 4  TWO DOLLARS REWARD, for the Apprehension of a MAN who goes by the Name of PARSON TAYLOR; he stands about 6 feet high; having swindled from the undersigned, a Pair of Trowsers and Stockings, THOMAS WATKINS, Kent-street.  — The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, 5 Dec 1825. There could only be one man… Read more »

A fraudster Down Under: Robert Atcherley Taylor – Part 4

< Back to Part 3  Robert Taylor was placed at the bar, charged with obtaining money under false pretences … The Honourable the Judge Advocate remarked, with much energy, upon the extraordinary effrontery with which the fraud had been effected, under circumstances from which it was impossible the prisoner could have escaped justice; and upon a very short consultation of… Read more »

A fraudster Down Under: Robert Atcherley Taylor – Part 3

< Back to Part 2.  The post office department was in an exceedingly primitive condition in those days. Mr. James Mitchell was postmaster at Hobart Town. A weekly messenger carried letters to Coal River and Pittwater, but no further. In October, 1816, a vast stride was made in this branch of the public service by the appointment of Robert A…. Read more »

A fraudster Down Under: Robert Atcherley Taylor – Part 2

< Back to Part 1. As a result of his conviction for fraud, Robert Atcherley Taylor [] was sentenced to seven years transportation or, as one commentator gleefully expressed it, “ordered to Botany Bay!” What a shock this must have been for Robert’s family, and what shame they must have felt when the story of his misdeeds hit the press. Robert… Read more »

A fraudster Down Under: Robert Atcherley Taylor – Part 1

Robert Atcherley Taylor [], a tall man nearly six feet in height with brown hair and hazel eyes, made his way towards Major Cartwright. He introduced himself and proffered his letter of introduction from Sir Francis Burdett. Robert desired a private audience with the Major, a request which was granted. The outcome of the meeting was just what Robert wanted:… Read more »

Faith, hope and charity – Fanny Rose, nee Atcherley

The Rev. Dr. Brown said they had come on a solemn errand, and were assembled to render the last office of respect and affection to the sacred dust of one who had passed from their midst, and gone home to be with God. … Speaking for himself, he could remember when the parents of Mrs. Rose belonged to the congregation… Read more »