Rediscovering Ginninderra:
Richard Coates
Born: c. 1807
Yorkshireman, Richard Coates (also spelled 'Crates' or 'Coots') was assigned to George Palmer at Ginninderra. He had arrived on the Asia in 1827 aged about 21 years after being sentenced to fourteen years' transportation for sheep stealing.
Coates must have had some education as he is described as being able to read. He had a large scar under his right jaw.
In the 1828 census he is listed as single, a protestant and a 'labourer', his native place Yorkshire.
By 1840 he had earned a ticket of leave and was employed by J. E. Turner. It is not clear what happened to him after this.
References
- Gillespie, L. L., Ginninderra: Forerunner to Canberra, Campbell, 1992
- Meyers D. (ed. K. Frawley), Lairds, Lags and Larrikins: an Early History of the Limestone Plains, Pearce, 2010
- 1828 NSW census and convict transportation records