William Harris (1) was born in 1801 and lived in English Bicknor where he worked as a labourer. On 3 August 1826, at the age of 25, he was sentenced to death commuted to transportation for life for the theft of one sheep. After a spell on the hulks, he was transferred to the Andromeda which set sail for Van Diemen’s Land on 14 October 1826 and arrived on 23rd February 1827. He was initially detailed to work on public works and then as an assistant to Mr Mackersey. He was granted a ticket of leave on 21 August 1835, recommended for a conditional pardon on 29 May 1839 and 19 November 1840 and finally granted a free pardon on 4 April 1844.