Tasmanian Steve Harrison’s quest to uncover the life of his great-great-great-grandfather, James (Jimmy) Harrison, Convict No 6071, has culminated in a fascinating series of YouTube videos. These videos not only chronicle Jimmy’s extraordinary story but also serve as a tribute to the tireless research conducted by Steve’s late father, Tony Harrison.

Steve’s journey began with the wealth of information his father had compiled. 

“My late father Tony did pretty much all of the research,” Steve told Anglo&Celtic. “I’ve added some additional fact-finding to detail and explain contexts.” 

This collaborative effort has resulted in a comprehensive narrative that’s both informative and engaging.

The Harrison family’s roots trace back to Salford, England, where Jimmy was convicted at the young age of 14. Steve has visited Salford, capturing a poignant moment outside the Salford Assizes, where his ancestor’s fate was sealed. However, the search for any living relatives in the UK remains inconclusive due to the complexities and loss of records, exacerbated by Jimmy’s name change from John Morris.

The catalyst for Steve’s video series was a visit to Norfolk Island. Intrigued by the island’s history, Steve delved into Jimmy’s charges of “piratically stealing a boat,” uncovering new information that deepened his connection to his ancestor’s story. This journey of discovery took Steve across various significant sites in Tasmania, including Southport, Hobart, and Port Arthur.

For those looking to explore their convict heritage, Steve offers practical advice: “Start with the public information available online. In Tasmania, we’re fortunate to have the Tasmanian Names Index hosted by Libraries Tasmania. Then just start digging.” 

He also highlights the value of community support through helpful Facebook groups.

Steve’s videos are a testament to the enduring legacy of his ancestor and the meticulous work of his father. They offer viewers a window into the convict history of Australia, bringing to life the struggles and resilience of those early settlers. To follow Steve’s captivating journey, check out his YouTube playlist here.


Pictures: Steve Harrison uncovers the story of his convict great-great-great-grandfather in a YouTube series. Credit: Steve Harrison/YouTube.