Convict Love Token - 1845 - Joseph Taylor
Joseph Taylor, 37, farm labourer, was tried and convicted at Warwick, Birmingham Borough Quarter Sessions for stealing malt from the local railway company. He was sentenced to seven years' transportation. He sailed for Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania) on the Marion on 7 June 1845, leaving behind a wife and six children. His record shows that he was able to read and write. On arrival he was sent to the gang at Port Esperance for 12 months. His last assignment appears to have been to noted merchant and philanthropist Henry Hopkins. He was granted a ticket of leave on 29 May 1849 and his free certificate on 11 May 1852.
Transcription
Back
Token made from a George III halfpenny, on which the King’s head is still visible. Around the border and beneath the head is stippled text:
JOSEPH TAYLOR
AGED
37
1845
Front
Token engraved with stippled text (first line curved around the border) and a heart decoration at the base:
REMEMBER
ME.
WHEN FAR
AWAY.
Diameter
30.0 mm
Copyright: National Museum of Australia