James Bowcock was born in 1805 in Haworth (York), England. He was in the military as "Seaman & Soldier" before he deserted.

His trial took place in Cork, Ireland in 1829. Later that year he was transported as a convict to Australia, arriving on Larkins (2) on 12 Dec.

Upon arrival in Sydney, he was assigned to John Grono of Pitt Town. He was granted his Ticket of Leave in 1834; and later earnt his Certificate of Freedom, granted on 11 Apr 1836.

He married Catherine Crowley on 2 June 1835 in Pitt Town, NSW. Their children included Timothy (b 4 April 1836), Mary, Susannah (b 25 December 1838) & William.

Mary & William's spouses unknown; but Timothy married Mary Houlahan (daughter of another convict) in Maitland West in 1855. Their children: Johanna, Daniel Joseph, Timothy, James, William, Mary, Edward, John, Ellen, Patrick, Celia & Margaret.

Susannah married Richard Harris in Oakville, Whittingham, Wollombi, NSW on 17 May 1854. Their children: John Thomas, Maria, Catherine, Charlotte, William James, Richard, Benjamin George, Mary Jane, Susannah & Emily Harriet.

James Bowcock died in 30 November 1882, in West Maitland, NSW. My information says he was buried in the Catholic Cemetery, West Maitland, NSW; this conflicts with info on convict records that says he was Protestant. Could be misinformation, an assumption or maybe he later converted...who knows.

The family is mentioned in the book Mines, Wines & People, which I believe is available for purchase from the Cessnock Library. You might find it in your local borrowing library as well. Also mentioned are associated families: Houlahan, Smith, Cagney, Harris.