NameSwan, EdwardBiographyEdward and Mary Ann Hornsby were living at Swan Yard at the time of Edward’s arrest in London 7 February 1818. Edward Hornsby, alias Swan, was arrested and charged with feloniously receiving 24 oz of tobacco worth six shillings, the goods of Samuel Fish. Michael Wilkins, Fish’s servant was also charged with stealing the tobacco.
Edward was tried at the Old Bailey 21 February 1818 where policeman Thomas Thompson gave evidence he had seen ‘Swan’ receive a package from Mr. Wilkins before going to the ‘Bull’ where the two men had a drink. The policeman followed Swan and demanded he go with him to the watch house where one pound and a half of tobacco was discovered in his pocket.
Wilkins was sentenced to seven years and Swan sentenced to fourteen years transportation. Edward was described as being a native of Cambridgeshire, a labourer, aged 43 years, 5’10, sallow complexion, brown hair and hazel eyes. It is thought Edward was assigned to John Kennedy of Appin on his arrival in the colony.
In 1822, Edward petitioned the Governor for his wife and children to be brought out from London. He applied for a Ticket of Leave during this time and his employer John Kennedy provided Swan with a reference. His application was refused.
Edward’s wife Mary Ann and their four children arrived in the colony in November 1823, and on 14 January 1824 Edward was reassigned to his wife at Appin. In 1827 the family moved to the Illawarra and to Dapto. By the 1828 census, Edward was listed as a government servant, tenant farmer, with 20 acres all cleared and cultivated, and running 28 head of cattle.
Edward and Mary Ann moved from Dapto to Johnston’s Meadows, Albion Park c.1838-1840 and lived in a wood dwelling that was complete. Five people lived in the household; four free and one convict in private assignment to Edward Swan.
Mary Ann Swan died at her home in 1857. Her funeral was at St Luke's Church Brownsville and was attended by ‘upwards of a hundred horsemen and about twenty vehicles, forming one of the largest and best arranged processions known in the neighbourhood’ (Illawarra Mercury 2.2.1857)
Edward died at ‘Rose Hill’ on a visit to his son 27 July 1865 and was buried at St Luke’s, Brownsville. His obituary states Edward Swan was ‘one of the oldest and most respected residents of this district. His funeral was attended by upwards of one hundred and twenty relations and friends to his last resting place’. (Illawarra Mercury 1.8.1865)
Descendants of Edward and Mary Ann Swan include members of the Swan, Prior, Rogan and Brownlee families.
