Contents |
John Piper was born on 8 August 1774 and christened on the same day in the home of his father at Maybole, Ayrshire, Scotland. His parents were Hugh Piper and Sarah Chalmers.[1][2]
John's uncle was Captain John Piper (1740-1803) who used his influence to have young John receive a commission as ensign in the newly formed New South Wales Corps in April 1791.[3]
John sailed in the "Pitt" and arrived in Sydney in February 1792. This was four years after the First Fleet landed at Sydney Cove..
Within a year, and at his own request, in 1793 he was sent to the penal outpost at Norfolk Island.
In 1795 Piper was promoted lieutenant and returned to the mainland. For a three year period between 1797 to 1799 he was away on leave. On his return to duty In 1800 he was given the local rank of captain.
In 1804 John was made acting commandant of Norfolk Island[3]. In 1806 John was promoted to full rank of Captain.
He likely met his future wife Mary Ann Sheers on Norfolk Island. Her father was a convict on the island whilst Captain Piper was posted there.
John returned to Sydney in 1810. They sailed for Britain on leave in September 1811, the family included their two little boys, and Sarah (also known as Sally), the child of an earlier liaison (mother unknown).
On his return from England in 1814 he had resigned from the military and took up private employment. He was appointed Naval Officer in Sydney. His duties included the collection of customs duties, and excise on spirits and harbour dues. This was very remunerative for him, and he bought and was granted substantial land holdings. He leased and later bought a small house at Vaucluse from Sir Maurice O'Connell, the commandant of the 73rd who had bought it from Sir Henry Browne Hayes. The house was called The Retreat, and Piper's daughter Sally spent her honeymoon there after her marriage to Alfred Thrupp. It became the the rendezvous of Sydney's sportsmen. The Pipers lived at their official residence near the quay in Sydney. In 1816 Piper received a grant of 190 acres (77 ha) of land on Eliza Point, now Point Piper, where he built Henrietta Villa (also called the Naval Pavilion). It took four years to build and meantime the family had moved to Burwood where they lived at "Burwood Villa", leased from Alexander Riley.[4]
About 1826 he commissioned Augustus Earle to paint two full length paintings of John Piper, and Mrs Piper with children (now in the Mitchell Library, Sydney) and two portraits of John Piper and Mrs Piper (now in the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra).[5]
In 1825 he was chairman of directors of the Bank of New South Wales, however Governor Darling ordered an inquiry into the affairs of the Bank of New South Wales, and in January 1827 Piper resigned from the chairmanship. In 1827 Governor Darling ordered an inquiry into Piper's administration as Naval Officer, and he was suspended from his official position. This resulted in a suicide attempt which was reported in the Colonial Times and Tasmanian Advertiser newspaper (his boat crew were also musicians):
It was reported as an accident in the Australian.[8] He had to sell most of his property.
Piper retired with his family to the Bathurst property, Alloway Bank. In 1838 due to drought he mortgaged the property and subsequently sold it for a few hundred pounds during the 1840s depression. However there was a fund in the hands of William Charles Wentworth which had been subscribed by some of Piper's friends, and with it a property of 500 acres (202 ha) was secured at Westbourne.[9]
Death: John passed away in 1851 at Westbourne, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia.[10][11] He was buried 12 June 1851 in Bathurst, NSW, Australia. His grave is in Bathurst Cemetery.[12]
Daughter of mother unknown:
Sarah (known as Sally), abt 1798 - 1860. She was the child of an earlier liaison (mother unknown), and adopted by John and Mary Ann Piper. Mary Ann referred to her as Sally in a letter in 1811. She married Alfred Thrupp in 1814. Piper secured for Alfred Thrupp a post as his assistant and a grant of land for farming at Neutral Bay. Thrupp sold the 700 acres at Neutral Bay to Piper and he and Sally moved to Van Diemen's Land in 1817.[13][14]DNA evidence points to her mother being Elizabeth Youngson.[15]
Son of Elizabeth Nichols:
Norfolk Piper 1809–1827, child of Elizabeth Nichols 1794–1872. Baptised: 21 Mar 1814 Tasmania, Father: John Piper, Mother: Elizabeth Nichols.[16]He was acknowledged as the son of John Piper in his death notice in the Sydney Gazette.[17]
Children of wife Mary Ann Sheers 1789–1872:[18]
Other Children? Is there any confirming evidence that they are children of 'our' John Piper?
There appear to be some family stories handed down which are incorrect or unproven:
"Westbourne is more than just still standing. It has been restored to its former glory by a Dr from Sydney. It is in the village of Eglinton which is only about a 7 min drive from Bathurst. My Uncle Roger (who was left this rather large parcel of land) sold off some and donated a portion to the Aero Club (a gliding club) who have called it Piper's Air Field. My Dad has been inside Westbourne since its restoration and says they have done a brilliant job. I believe it is still owned by the Dr but I am not sure if he uses it as his 'weekender' or if he intended it to be open for display. Either way if you contacted the aero club they may be able to shed some further light on this for you. "As for Alloway Bank, it too has been restored and it was only about 12 months ago you could have owned it for a measly 1.2 million. The colour scheme inside was a bit rich for me (to lolly bright) and it is believed that a ghost still resides within it. It is also situated on the same road as the drive to Westbourne except it is east bound and Westborne is … yes … west bound. Neither of these properties can be viewed up close to the road, however, Alloway Bank can be seen in the distance from the road. I'm sure that if you contacted either of the owners and explained your interest in and relation to these properties, they may proudly show you." - Suellen Piper-Nagy (Citation needed)
Entries for John Piper in the Index to the Colonial Secretary's Records 1788-1825: PIPER, John. Commandant at Norfolk Island; Naval Officer; magistrate and landholder, State Records of New South Wales.
The Voyage of the "Pitt" Arrived 14 February 1792, 775 Tons, Master: Edward Manning, Surgeon: Jameson. Aboard was Major Grose, the commandant of the NSW Corps, 319 male convicts and 49 female convicts. At the time she was taken up the "Pitt" was the largest vessel so far employed in the convict service and the first regular East Indiaman to carry prisoners to Australia. 20 male and nine female prisoners died on the passage, and 120 men were landed sick, many of whom died in the weeks following their landing. More details at bellsite.[32]
John Piper, notes: Promoted to local rank of Captain of New South Wales Corps. Muster (1802): He was listed as having 100 acres at Petersham (Entry AB050), Grazing farm, 6 acres at Parramatta (Entry ABO051), 4 acres, Parramatta (Entry AB052) and a further 25 acres at Parramatta (Entry AB053). Entry No BE030 lists a Grant November 1794 110 acres and entry AH039 as having 4 servants. Occupation (1804): of Norfolk Island. He arrived on board the "Ferret" on 11th February and he spent the next 6 years on Norfolk Island, thus missing the Rum Rebellion back in NSW. In September 1804 Lieut. Governor Foveaux left on prolonged sick leave and Piper became Commandant. Occupation (Aug 1806): On returns of the NSW Corps, on detachment at Norfolk Island.Lieut John Piper, acting with S Tinks as Captain, Norfolk Island.
Ret to Engl (14 Oct 1811): Return of detachment of 102nd Regiment under his command with wives and children on September 12th 1811. The Embarkation Return for a detachment of 102nd Regiment which embarked from Sydney, was signed by Captain John Piper. "Captain John Piper left Port Jackson 20th October 1811 in the ship "Providence" carrying with a very favourable recommendation to the Earl of Liverpool from Governor Macquarie." Occupation (1814): "On 19th May 1813 the Earl of Bathurst notified Governor Macquarie of the appointment of Captain John Piper as Naval Officer & Collector of Duties in NSW. Captain Piper had seen service in NSW as a member of the NSW Corps. When as the 102nd Regiment, it was recalled in 1809, he was at Norfolk Island, where he had been Commandant for several years. After adjusting his affairs at Sydney, Captain Piper left Port Jackson on 20th October 1811 on the ship "Providence", carrying with him a very favourable recommendation to the Earl of Liverpool from Governor Macquarie (HRA1, 7.396-7, 705). As the Commander in Chief judged the holding of these offices to be incompatible with a Military Commission, Captain Piper quitted the Army (HRAI.8.29). He sailed for Sydney in the General Hewitt, reaching there on 10 February 1814, and taking up his duties on 16 February. Captain Glenhome furnished the returns for the period from 1 January to 15 February 1814. Captain Piper, on 31 March 1814, furnished returns relating to overseas shipping for the previous six weeks, but those relating to Colonial vessels do not appear to have been prepared. Thereafter all four returns were furnished regularly each quarter" Duties included the collection of customs duties, excise on spirits and harbour dues, control of lighthouses and work which is now the province of the Water Police. The post proved very remunerative with a percentage on all monies collected, his income from it rose to more than £4,000 per year. (Citation needed)
In 1810, newspapers reported: Captain John Piper's name appears as "arriving in Sydney per "Indispensible", leave of absence prolonged, raced horse called "Kitty" and also that he was thrown from his horse in Hyde Park." [1810 News Index No 1]
Following is a copy of the letter of appointment in the Colonial Secretary's Correspondence:
Muster (1814): Mrs Ann Shears of "General Hewitt" was listed as "lives with Captain Piper". Also listed were Richard Snell c "General Hewitt" and Samuel Myers c "Fortune", both listed twice. Probably servants.
This a copy of the letter of appointment:-
Bank of New South Wales: (20 Feb 1820): Election result was as follows:-
Darcy Wentworth Esquire For- 50 Against- 5 Majority for- 45 Majority against- NIL,
Thomas Wylde Esquire For- 29 Against- 33 Majority for ----- Majority against- 4
John Piper Esquire For- 49 Against- 15 Majority for- 34 Majority against- NIL
From the examination and report of the above mentioned Ballot it was determined that Darcy Wentworth and John Piper Esquire, were the Directors elected, commencing from the 8th of this present month of February.
Occupation (bet 1821 and 1826): " Mr Campbell then proposed that Captain Piper be appointed President and Chairman of the Bank, which was seconded by Frederick Garling Esqr., the ballot having taken place, the Tellers reported 37 in favour of Captain Piper, and 21against. Majority in favour of Capt. Piper - 16.
Published Biographies: A book has been written about John, the title being "The Life and Times of Captain John Piper" by M. Barnard Eldershaw published in Australia 1973 by Ure Smith Pty Limited in association with The National Trust of Australia (NSW). National Library and Australia Card Number and ISBN 0 7254 0132 X.
In a book named "The Commandants - the tyrants who ruled Norfolk Island" by M.G. Britts ISBN 0 947163 06 9, Chapter Six is devoted to John Piper: September1804-March 1810.
Over the years many articles have appeared in Sydney papers. "Captain Piper Just Had it All" - Sunday Telegraph, November 16, 1980. "Captain Piper's Tune was Far Too Merry" by George Blaikie under Article 'This was Australia". Unfortunately, paper and date . (Could be Sunday Mail Magazine, July 5 1987.) "Rags to riches Tale Ends with Disgrace" under heading "As It Was" by Robert Willson. - RD 2491990. "The High-Flying Capt John Piper" -- Navy man made fortune from 5 per cent of Sydney Customs duties. - Telegraph Mirror, 6th December 1991.
"The AJC's 150 Years" in The Daily Telegraph Mirror, Saturday, May 2, 1992. "More Than Face Value" under the Arts section of Sydney Morning Herald dated Wednesday, May 27, 1992. "Captain Foolhardy" under section Sydney Live - History of The Daily Telegraph, Saturday May 11 2002
The following is a copy of a letter written to him from the Colonial Secretary's Office.
In the New South Wales 1828 Census John Piper, aged 51 years was listed as Presbyterian, Landholder at Alloway Bank, Bathurst Plains with 2600 acres, 1300 being cleard, 70 cultivated, 25 horses, 400 cattle and 1000 sheep. Anne aged 37 years, born in colony. Also listed at Alloway Bank was John (Jun) aged 21 years, Thomas age 12 yrs., Eliza aged 10 yrs., Ann aged 8 yrs., William aged 5 yrs., Alexander aged 3 yrs., Mary Ann aged 8 months. Then list of workers on Alloway Bank: Thomas Bouker, age 53 yrs., arrived on "Isabella" in 1823, Sentence 7 yrs, Government Servant, Gardener; John Carter age 39 yrs., arrived on "Mangles" in 1824 , Govt. Servant, Sentence Life, Servant; James Chard age 33 yrs.,arr on "Surry" in 1822., sentence 7 yrs, Govt. Servant, Carpenter; James Charlton age 17 yrs Born in Colony, Labourer ; Catherine Clark age 29 yrs., arrived on "Grenada" in 1827, Govt. Servant, Sentence 7 yrs., Protestant, Servant; George Cole, age 38 yrs., arr on "Surry" in 1819, sentence 14 yrs., Ticket of Leave, Protestant, Labourer; Edward Collins,age 44 yrs., arrived on "Asia2" in 1822 , Sentence Life, Govt. Servant, Protestant, Shoemaker; Thomas Daddy age 28 yrs., arr on "Granada" in 1821, Free by Servitude, Protestant, Shepherd; Henry Doran age 28 yrs., arr on "Agamemnon" in 1821, Sentence Life, Govt. Servant, Protestant, Servant; John Edwards age 58 yrs., arr on "Henry" in 1823, Sentence 7 yrs., Convict, Protestant, Labourer; Sarah Graham, age 27 yrs., Born in Colony, Protestant, Servant; Thomas Grey, age 32 yrs., arr on "Baring" in 1819, Govt. Servant, Catholic, Free by Servitude, Protestant, Brickmaker; Daniel Heley age 42 yrs., arr on "Mangles" 1826, Sentence 7 yrs., Government Servant, Catholic, Stockman; John Hinley age 28 yrs., arr on "Mangles" in 1826, Sentence 7 yrs., Convict, Catholic, Labourer; Thomas Lindsay age 18 yrs.,arr on "Asia 3" in 1825, , Sentence 7 yrs., Govt. Servant, Catholic, Labourer; Thomas McNabb age 20 yrs., arr on "Hadlow" in 1821, Sentence Life, Govt. Servant, Catholic, Ploughman; Michael Mahar, age 45 yrs.,arr on "Prince Regent" in 1824, Sentence 7 yrs., Govt. Servant, Catholic, Stockman; Joseph Pearce age 39 yrs.,arr on "Royal Charlotte in 1825, Sentence Life, Govt. Servant, Protestant, Groom; Thomas Rae, age 63 yrs., Ticket of Leave, Protestant, Shepherd; Samuel Soames, age 25 yrs., arr on "Francis" in 1824, , Came Free, Protestant, Groom; Michael Spencer, age 32 yrs., arr on "Mary" in 1819, Ticket of Leave, Catholic, Ploughman; George Velton, age 27 yrs., arr "Grenada" 1819, Sentence 14 Yrs., Convict, Labourer; George Williams, age 21 yrs., arr on "Guilford" in 1827, Sentence 14 yrs., Government Servant, Protestant, Groom.[33]
(2697) September 11, 1849 JOHN PIPER sen., formerly residing at Alloway Bank, now or lately at Westbourne, Bathurst, New South Wales, as heir to Hugh Piper, sometime Merchant, afterwards Vintner, Maybole, his father, Seised, - in a back House and House formerly called the Long Byre now a stable in the town of MAYBOLE; on Disp. by Thomas Campbell, sometime in Cultizoune thereafter in Thornbrock, to the said Hugh Piper, Dec. 27, 1773; and Decr. Gen. Serv. Aug 24, 1849. P.R.348.188
Sasines, Ayr, 1846-1850, Vol #6 (2600) July 21, 1849 JOHN PIPER, sometimes residing at Alloway Bank, now or lately at Westbourne, Bathurst, New South Wales, Seised, - in a dwelling House on the lands called NEW YARDS with the Kitchen and Barn Yard at the west corner of the said lands measuring, exclusive of the Ground Stead of said Dwelling House, 50 Falls, par. Maybole; - on Feu Disp. by Sarah Chalmers, relict of Hugh Pyper, Vintner, Maybole, his mother, Feb.20, 1805. P.R. 347.279 (The year seems to be 1805 - the last digit seems to be a 5 rather than a 3)
Letter From A.K. MacKenzie To Captain John Piper In NSW Letter Dated 25 January 1822:
Some references in Biographical Database of Australia (BDA):
Ship departures and arrivals https://www.bda-online.org.au/mybda/search/biographical-report/10051405801?f=john&l=piper&ol=&i=3&s=&p=8
Norfolk Island Victualling lists https://www.bda-online.org.au/mybda/search/biographical-report/11371361501?f=john&l=piper&ol=&i=3&s=&p=8
Musters etc https://www.bda-online.org.au/mybda/search/biographical-report/11091205001?f=john&l=piper&ol=&i=3&s=&p=9
See Also:
Featured Auto Racers: John is 15 degrees from Jack Brabham, 22 degrees from Rudolf Caracciola, 20 degrees from Louis Chevrolet, 21 degrees from Dale Earnhardt, 35 degrees from Juan Manuel Fangio, 15 degrees from Betty Haig, 27 degrees from Arie Luyendyk, 15 degrees from Bruce McLaren, 21 degrees from Wendell Scott, 18 degrees from Kat Teasdale, 20 degrees from Dick Trickle and 25 degrees from Maurice Trintignant on our single family tree. Login to see how you relate to 33 million family members.
Thanks for looking after this Australian notable! I'm not sure if you're aware, but the Australia Project has recently changed their Australian Notables categories. We are now moving all the profiles currently under the Australia, Notables category to one or more of the sub-categories - see Australia, Notables category for the sub-categories and Australian Notables for information on how to include an Australian Notable category as part of the Notables sticker. You can also check if you have any other profiles that need moving from under this category by going to the category and choosing 'Limit to Watchlist' on the top RHS.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me,
Thanks so much! Gillian, co-Leader, Australia Project
Alfred THRUPP moved to Tasmania to be with his brother Henry THRUPP my direct ancestor in 1817.
Someone added very long content to the Research Notes and I have been tidying them up. I have removed the copy and paste of the ADB because there is already a link to it. I have also removed the long list of entries from the Col Sec Index and replaced it with a link. I think the Research Notes could be shortened a bit more. Please let me know privately if you want to discuss. Regards, Heather
edited by Heather Stevens