AnnsGenealogy

John Budd "Jack" Gray 

Jack Gray was obviously either a good looking man, or else had a certain charm, or possibly (quite probably) both, as he was married at  least four times whilst living in England, and once more in Tasmania after he was transported.
He was baptised as John Budd Gray c.16.02.1798 March Cam, son of Thomas Gray and Susannah Faben. Thomas Gray married Susannah Faben, a gorja (non-gypsy) woman from Burwell in Cambridgeshire, 16 June 1791 at Burwell.

Jacks siblings, Thomas Gray and Susannah Fabens other children,
included:
Joseph c.15.07.1792 Burwell Cam (no other info).
Susan .27.12.1795 Burwell Cam, married Thomas Gray baptised 15.07.1798 Great Shelford Cam, s/o Fowk Gray and his wife Mary.
Piramus Gray c.1802 Upwell Cam, married Millia Heron d/o Edward "No Name". He died at "River Head" Louth Lincs 1886.
Maria c.17.03.1805 Upwell Cam married Israel Gray in 1829 at Horningsea Cam. She appears in the census in 1881 at Queens Court Boston Lincs, as Maria Gray.
William c.1808 died 1808 Upwell Cambridgeshire.
Francis c.21.12.1809 buried 28.06.1812 Outwell, Cambridgeshire.
Esther c.28.06.1812 Outwell Cambridgeshire, married William Tansy. She appears in the census in 1881 at Queens Court, Boston, Lincs, as Esther Tansy. 

The first tale that probably should be recounted, is that of Jacks supposed Heroism when he leapt into the river to save his family, when the raft they were on capsized. He managed to save all but the youngest and eldest - the eldest reputedly being the wife of his son Frank (see below for details of Jacks children). The nearest I have managed to get on this one, is Lazarus Gray baptised 1834 Upwell Cam s/o Paramus and Mary (sic) - no doubt a child of Piramus and Millia.
Within a year, this appears: Lazarus Gray aged 5 years, "found drowned in Downham In The Isle Yard, Welney" buried 19.06.1835 Welney St Mary The Virgin, Cam. I’m sure the truth is there somewhere, and this story is no fiction.
Just how it all fits together is beyond me at the moment!!. Given that his son Frank was supposed to have married Piramus daughter Gomorrha, who according to legend was baptised in 1824 at Kirkby Bedon,Nfk, and that the children who died were supposed to be the offspring of Frank and Gomorrha, well, it simply doesn’t work if Lazarus Gray was one of the children.
Well moving on: 

John Budd Grays  children - known and reputed:

Jack Gray was known to have several wives. Whether these were brief "Romany Liasons" or real "Weddings" heaven alone knows, but one suspects the former. In any case, Jack was recorded as being "married to":

By Urie "Waddi" Heron:

Uri (Waddi) Heron, daughter of Edward "No Name" and Rose Lovell. She was baptised 20.11.1803 at Surfleet Lincs,  Uri went on to marry Leonard "Oti" Printer/Printall and had several children by him, before her death in 1849 in the Mitford District of Norfolk, (GRO).

(reputedly) Caroline Gray who married Thomas Gray the son of Johns brother Piramus. (NB another source tributes Caroline to Harriet Williams).

(Reputed) Mochus Gray

(Reputed) Struddivares Gray

(Reputed) Waidence Gray married Tom Burns

(Reputed) Spidi Gray

(Reputed) Daienia Gray

(Reputed) Rabbi Gray married Wenti Boswell

By Eliza Heron:

Jack also "married" the sister of Uri, Eliza Heron, before she settled with Oseri Gray. She was baptised 08.11.1807 Washingborough, Lincs, and married Oseri Gray in 1830 at Wisbech.

(Reputed) Frank "Knivela" Gray - of which no trace has been found.

Sonny Gray b.cir 1827 North Walsham, married Frances Emma "Emmy" Mann. He died in 1906.

By Maria Boswell:

Jack also married Maria Boswell, the daughter of Tyso/Tisso/Taiso.
John or Johnny Gray b.cir 1830 possibly at Lynne, Norfolk. He married Vashti "Wasti" Lee d/o Zachariah Lee & Charlotte Hammond. She gave her date and place of birth as 1835 Norwich. They had two daughers, Deliah/Delilah, born cir 1860 Selby Yorks, and Amanda b.cir 1878 Hyde Cheshire. This may or may not be the "Miranda" who appears on the Heron Pedigree as a daughter of Deliah/Delilah. There is also a Malcolm b.cir 1895 Waterloo Lancs, a suposed son of "Kasty" *(sic) Gray. I suggest Vashti was too old at this point, and that Malcolm if not also Amanda, were actually children of Deliah/ Delilah.

Joshua Gray c.22.07.1838 Revesby, Lincolnshire, s/o John & Maria "a gipsy in this parish". He married Delenda Williams c.13.03.1833 d/o Job & Elizabeth. They were married 27.08.1859 St James. Birkdale, Lancs.

(Reputed) Bidi Gray married Inji Heron

(Reputed) Susie Gray married Samson Boswell s/o Lucy Boswell

(Reputed) Israel Gray married Eldorai Smith

(Reputed) Eliza Gray married Perrun Heron and later Oscar Boswell

By Harriet Williams:

Jack finally (in the UK at least) married Harriet Williams, the daughter of the above Maria Boswell, which appears to run concurrently with his relationship with Maria the mother.

Eliza "Wikki" Gray  b.cir 1832 North Cave, Yorkshire, married Joseph Elliott b.cir 1836 Candlesby, Lincs s/o Edward & Martha Elliott.

Victoria Gray c.22.07.1838 Moorby, Lincolnshire, d/o John & Harriet "gypsy encamped in the parish of Revesby".

It should be noted here that Victorias baptism is on the same day as that of her half brother, Joshua, in the neighbouring parish of Revesby. Joshua was s/o John and Maria - and that should prove beyond doubt that Jack had relationships with both Maria and Harriet at the same time.

Isabella "Bella" Gray b.cir 1842 London married Nelson Gray, Edward Heron also known as Young b.cir 1842 Wetherby, Yorkshire, s/o Khulai Heron and Dorelia Boswell. Also married Charles Dalton/Brown.

(Reputed) Oti or Yunaici Gray married Goli Heron

(Reputed) David Gray who died young.

Harriet Williams lived to a ripe age, and was seen on census with both the Williams and Gray surnames, although reputedly she went back to her maiden name after Jacks transportation in 1844.

By Frances/Fanny Dowling/Dowlen:

Charlotte Gray b.1849 Hobart Tasmania

Israel Gray c.1853 Buckingham, Hobart Tasmania d.1904

Charles John Gray c.1851 Buckingham, Hobart, Tasmania d.1879 married Caroline Leeman Spivey 1871 Pitfield, Victoria, Australia.

John Gray b.cir 1853 Geelong, Victoria, Australia

Parmoss Gray b.cir 1855 Geelong, Victoria, Australia

Angelina Gray b.cir 1858 Geelong, Victoria, Australia

Isabella Jane Gray c.1861 Geelong, Victoria, Australia d.1862 buried Geelong Eastern Cemetery.

Alexander Thomas Gray b.cir 1863 Geelong, Victoria, Australia

George Francis Gray c.1866 Chilwell, Geelong, Victoria, Australia d.1931

Transportation

In 1844 Jack was transported to Van Diemens Land (Tasmania) with Elias Boss s/o the infamous Riley, for stealing two mares at Hammeringham, Lincolnshire. Both men left from London, on the Sir Robert Peel, arriving in Tasmania 09.09.1844. 

Details as follows:

The first account sent to me is a transcript of the Lincolnshire Chronicle, Friday July 26th, 1844. Which reads as follows:

Elias Boss, aged 17, Charged with having on the 8th of April last, at Hammeringham, stolen two mares, the property of Jane Blades, John Burd Gray, aged 48, also charged with this offence, pleaded guilty. The prisoners were gypsies, and Gray is said to be the son of the gypsy king.

There were many of the wandering tribe in Court to hear the result, and among the number was the monarch.

On the night of 8th April the two horses were safe, and the next morning the two prisoners, who had been seen in the neighbourhood of the prosecutrix's house the day before the horses were stolen, brought the animals to the house of a Mr Merriman, at Surfleet, 30 miles from Hammeringham. The men stopped all day, and then went away with the horses with them without paying for their keep.

About a month afterwards, Christopher Blades, in consequence of certain information he had received, went to Ipswich, and there he found the prisoner Boss riding one of the stolen horses into an inn yard. He gave him into custody, and prisoner said if the horse was his to take it. Prisoner told the constable that he was brought into this mess by Gray, who had brought the horses to the camp where his mother was on the night of 8th May, saying he had bought them at Sleaford Fair. He gave the constable a description of Gray, which partly led to his apprehension. Gray, however, on being sworn, said that they were both together when the horses had been taken, and that he took one and prisoner the other. Mr MaCauley made an able defence for the prisoner. The Judge, having summed up, the jury returned a verdict of guilty. Gray was sentenced to 12 years and Boss to 10 years transportation.

Lincoln, Rutland & Stamford Mercury, Friday, July 26th, 1844 has another account:

Elias Boss, aged 17, and John Burd Gray, aged 42, two gypsies, were indicted for stealing two mares at Hammeringham on the 8th April, the property of Ja. Blades. When called apon to plead, Boss replied that he was not guilty, but Gray said that Boss' statement was false and both were guilty. He added they went together for the purpose of stealing the mares, it being arranged that each should steal one, and that they should ride off in a different direction. A plea of guilty was therefore entered against Gray, and Boss stood his trial. The prisoners were seen with the mares taking them through the country, and 20 days after, one of them was found at Ipswich, in the possession of Boss, who gave it up and said that Gray had hired him to take care of the mare, bringing both to the camp, and placing one in his possession. From the information given by Boss, Gray was apprehended at Leverton. Boss was sentenced to 10 and Gray to 12 years transportation. Some gypsies amongst the audience implored the Judge to be merciful, and on the sentence being passed some of the females set up a dreadful howl.

Lincoln Castle Prison - The Keepers Journal.

John was committed to Lincoln Castle Prison on 28th May, 48 days after stealing the horses. Elias was committed to the same prison on May 10th. The Prison Keepers Journal says

"28th May John Burd Gray committed this day for horse stealing. No complaints."

"29th May I have examined John B Gray who is clean."

The actual trial took place on 20th July.

Petition For Clemency

After his trial Johns next recorded document is his petition for clemency, which was written from Lincoln Prison. It was addressed to the The Right Honourable Sir James Graham Baronet, Secretary of State for the Home Department, and was written by someone else on Johns behalf.

It was noted that John had been in prison previously for vagrancy. This document shows that some respected people in his home village of Upwell, Cambridgeshire, were willing to sign on his behalf, attesting to his previous good character, and honesty, having known him many years. John humbly pleaded on behalf of his large family, all to no avail.

Millbank Prison Register

John was transferred to Millbank Prison on 22nd August, to await transfer to his ship. His trade was recorded here as a Tinker. The gaolers report reads " First conviction, temper, intelligence, and disposition good, behaviour in prison good."

On September 4th John  was taken on board the Sir Robert Peel, which left England the next day. The voyage to Van Diemens Land took 3 months and 19 days.

The Journal Of The Ships Surgeon

This document tells us again that Johns conduct was good, and that his wifes name is "Hart" (Harriet)

and the names of some of his family: Pyramus, Charlotte, and Esther. This document states that John had 8 children, although all other documents to date show him having 6. He is described as being 5 foot 7 and a quarter inches tall, and said to be 48.

The Sir Robert Peel arried on 26th December 1844.

On arrival various details were recorded:

Complexion: Sallow
Head: Long
Hair: Black to Grey
Visage: Oval
Forehead: M Height
Eyebrows: Black
Eyes: Brown
Nose: Broad
Mouth: Large
Chin: (Illegible)
Scar over upper lip, cut on nose, forefinger left hand crippled.

Conduct Record: (CON 33/63)

About 2 weeks after arrival, John was sent to Oyster Cove to do his 15 months labour. In May 1846 he emerged from his gang and returned to Hobart. He is now classed as a PPH class 3 (Probation Pass Holder Class 3) and can do some work for private settlers for which he could receive payment, and work on Government projects. He committed a couple of misdemeanours, he had ten days in solitary, and he was drunk on more than one occasion. During this time he worked at Brown River.

John received his Ticket Of Leave on 23rd July 1850, and his Conditional Pardon on 14th September 1852.

Convicts Permission To Marry Register (CON 52/3 P166)

This records Johns request to marry Fanny (Frances) Dowling/Dowlen. He applied for Permission to marry her on 27.03.1849. She was a Free woman. Johns request was refused. This did not stop John and Fanny living together as man and wife however, and she bore him 8 children.

His first child, Charlotte was born early in 1849, which strongly suggests he requested permission to marry because Frances was pregnant. Then came Charles, and by this time the family was living in Warwick Heights, with John now a free man, working as a Baker. Charlotte sadly died in 1852 of Croup. Next came Israel (known later as William Israel), and by now they were living in Argyle Street, and John was a "Tinman".

They moved to Geelong, Victoria Australia, where the rest of the children were born. John’s occupation varied, being a Tin Smith, Musician, and a Baker.

 He died in 1868 in Geelong, being there for 24 years. He must have told his current family of his previous ones, as they are named on his death certificate, and the informant was his son Parmoss.

Fanny died in 1870 in Geelong, and she is listed as Frances Gray, aged 40, parents unknown, born in Glasgow, unmarried, no children listed.

Next Generation:
Caroline Gray, reputed d./o Jack and Uri, died 18.05.1917 at Little Coates, Lincs, with her son Gus Gray and his wife Polly Hope.  She married Thomas Gray, s/o Piramus Gray and Millia Heron.
Caroline and Thomas Grays children were:
Elvira b.cir 1851 Skegness, Lin (In the days before Billy Butlin!)
Shandras/Charlie/Shanni b.cir 1852 Lynn Nfk
Harry b.cir 1854 Lynn Nfk, married Phoebe.
Ada b.cir 1856 Lowestoft
Eve Amelia c.24.01.1858 Gayton Nfk
Mary b.cir 1860 Newcastle, Northumberland
John b.cir 1862 Swaffham, Nfk
Alice, aka Loli Lali “Lalible”  b.cir 1861 Partney Nfk (poss Partney Lin?)
Joshua b.cir 1863 Swaffham, Nfk
Phoebe b.cir 1865 Swaffham/Sheffield
Esau b.cir 1869 Sheffield m. Mabel Gray
Reuben b.cir 1867 Nulty Green, Nfk married Athaliah Boswell d/o Taimi
and Lenda (Heron).
Gus (Augustus) b.cir 1871 Hogsthorpe Lin, d.29.08.1930 Little Coates
Lin, m. Mary aka Polly Hope, "Gypsy Gray" b.cir 1868 Downham, Nfk, d.
21.10.1822 Little Coates, Lin.

Joshua Gray c.22.07.1838 Revesby, Lincs, married Delenda Williams(c.13.03.1833  Hornsea, Yks, as "Harthadelinder" d/o Job & Elizabeth, and they had:
Alice b.cir 1856 Southport
Enoch b.cir 1860 Cheshire (Ina c.01.07.1860 Higher Bebington Cheshire)
John b.cir 1862 Southport (c.13.06.1862 Halsall St Cuthbert)
Nelson b.cir 1863 Southport (c.02.11.1863 Alvanley Cheshire)
Joshua b.cir 1871 Doncaster (c.19.02.1868 St Mitford, Yks) married Margaret
Samson b.cir 1872 Gorton Lancs (c.21.01.1872 Gorton) married Alice Rimmer (18.04.1892)
Herbert b.cir 1875 Preston Lancs

Isabella Gray married Edward Heron/Young - Issue:
Mary Ann b.cir 1856 Lincs
Louisa b.cir 1862 Lincs
Sarah b.cir 1863 Lincs
Add ? b .cir 1867 Malton Yks
Samson b.cir 1870 Doncaster Yks married Wilhelmina, b.cir 1876.
Albert b.cir 1878
John b.cir 1880
Oscar b.cir 1887 

Back In Oz,
Charles John Gray who Married Caroline Leeman Spivey, had:
Ellen b.cir 1873 Pitfield Victoria Aust.
Charles William b.cir 1875 Pitfield Victoria Aust,
Samuel b.cir 1871 Pitfield Victoria Aust
and George b.cir 1878 Pitfield Victoria Aust
Of Which: Sam married Mary Ann Norris and they had:
Samuel John b.16.11.1893 Melbourne, who married Catherine Dodd b.21.02.1900 Marylebone, London England
on the 28.01.1919 Marylebone. Which proves at least one descent of Jack Gray in Australia travelled to England during his lifetime. He died 26.11.1967 in Newport Victoria Australia, which proves I guess, that Australia is a grand place to be.

William Israel Gray b.1853 Buckingham, Hobart, Tasmania, married Mary Ann Low, in 1873 at Ballerat, Victoria Australia.

George Francis Gray b.1866 Chilwell, Geelong, Victoria, Australia, married Annie Matia Waltho in 1886 at Geelong, Victoria Australia.

 Partners in crime

It is interesting to note, that Elias Boss also worked at Brown River whilst a PPH. One wonders if they crossed paths? if they reconciled their differences after the court case. Whilst John was sentenced to two years more than Elias, it was Elias who ended up serving a longer sentence. Elias did not receive his conditional parton until 1855. He was issued a ticket of leave in 1850, but having 3 brushes with the law, including one for sheep stealing, his ticket of leave was cancelled. The next one was not issued until 1854. In 1883 he was charged with having meat illegally in his possession and was sentenced to hard labour for four months. As for the gypsies affinity with horses, Elias worked as a stockrider and horsebreaker, and was apparently well known and respected in Tasmania for his skills. He died in 1919 at Hobart.