Hello M [& Dundee 10],

James Wemyss was the brother of my 2xgreatgrandmother Mary Wemyss (married to John Humphrey, calico printer, of Kilmarnock). It was his family's letters back to her from Sydney, 1829-1846, which first triggered my interest in their doings, though I didn't realize till later that Priscilla was a convict.

My Dad donated those letters to the National Library in Canberra [catalogued as Vn 130675] back in the 1960s, but I kept photocopies and made transcripts, with added notes. If you or someone else is interested, I can send copies.

I also have info on Priscilla Kelly's 1826 Kilmarnock/Ayr trial and transportation (Louisa 1827) if you need. Also on the 1832/2 Glasgow trial and transportation to NSW (Buffalo, 1833) of her younger sister Elizabeth Kelly. Also on the 1823/4 Glasgow trial (and acquittal) of another probable younger sister, Maria Kelly. This probably all adds up to information overkill for you, but just let me know if you're interested in any of it: humphreyjohn(AT)rogers.com.

I'd be interested to know how you descend from James & Priscilla, and any information about the next few generations in Australia. I've had a few contacts down the years.

BTW I live in Toronto, Canada

Best regards, J

Quote Originally Posted by missmandyjane View Post
G'day

James and Priscilla Wemyss are my 4x great-grandparents. Priscilla (nee Kelly) was transported to Sydney for uttering forged notes. Her ticket of leave and other convict papers from Australia state her DOB as 1804 in Lanarkshire/Glasgow but I cannot find a birth record for her. I would like to trace her line back further.

Also looking for any info on her husband James Wemyss (m. Jan 1823 in Mauchline) who followed her to Sydney, particularly socioeconomic background. If anyone could recommend some places to search and/or some record sets to investigate, I'd be very grateful. Ancestry has not turned up much.

Thanks from sunny Sydney!
M.