From horse thief to constable – the remarkable story of John Self (alias William Hainsworth)

John Self was living in Surrey, England, married with one child. He worked as a ploughman, then made the unfortunate mistake of stealing a horse; an act that changed his life forever.
He was sentenced to death which was later commuted to transportation for life.

He arrived in Van Diemen’s Land aboard the Larkins in 1831. He later became a constable (though not always on his best behaviour!), received a Ticket of Leave nine years later, and was granted a conditional pardon in 1843. This was later extended, allowing him to live anywhere in the Australian colonies or New Zealand.

By 1849 John was in Colac, briefly serving as a Petty Constable before resigning. Around 1853, it was claimed that he married Ann Cassidy (though no record has been found). The couple became lifelong friends with neighbours Joseph and Mary Paatsch.

When Ann died in 1877, John wrote his Will, leaving his watch to Joseph Paatsch’s son. He passed away four years later, cared for by the Paatsch family.

John and Ann are buried in the Colac Cemetery in an unknown location.

It is unknown what became of his first wife and child in England. There may be descendants today who have no idea their ancestor is buried in Colac, where he spent half his life.

Research by Robyn Currie and Merrill O’Donnell
Story by Merrill O’Donnell

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