| Name | John GREENSLADE | |
| Parents | Thomas & Ann GREENSLADE | |
| Baptism | 10 Apr 1774 | Bovey Tracey, Devon |
| Spouse | Margaret SMALE | |
| Marriage | 3 Oct 1797 | Stoke Damerel, Devon |
| Children | 1800-1879 | John Smale GREENSLADE | 1803-1832 | Ann GREENSLADE |
| Death | 5 Jan 1844 | Exeter |
| Burial | 10 Jan 1844 | Moretonhampstead |
| Cause of death | Inflammation of the Bladder | |
| Occupation | 1793-1796 | Private, 1st Devon Militia |
| 1796-1798 | Corporal, 1st Devon Militia |
| 1799-1816 | Sergeant, 1st Devon Militia |
| 1818 | Ironmonger's Porter, Exeter |
| 1818-1820 | Convict on hulk 'Leviathan' in Portsmouth harbour |
| ? | Turnpike Keeper |
| Physical Description | Height | 5ft 8in |
| Complexion | Sallow | |
| Eyes | Hazle | |
| Hair | Brown |
The following is a transcript of an item in the Exeter Flying Post Newspaper:
| EXETER FLYING POST | Thursday 24 September 1818 | Page 4 column b |
| 'Yesterday John Greenslade, late a porter in the employ of Mr Wm. Sparkes, ironmonger, of this city, was apprehended for stealing sundry articles from the shop and ware-rooms of his master. - This morning an examination took place at the Guildhall, before the Mayor and other Magistrates, when he was fully committed for trial at our next Quarter Sessions. - The amount of the property stolen, which has already been discovered, is said to be from £200 to £300, with which, it appears, the prisoner intended shortly to commence business in a country town on his own account. - Exclusive of his wages, at his employers, the prisoner was in the receipt of one shilling per day as a pensioner, and, in consequence of his good behaviour during many years that he served as a soldier in the East Devon Militia, he was continued as a Corporal on the Staff of that regiment, with the pay of eight shillings and two pence per week.' | ||
John Greenslade was sentenced at the Exeter Quarter Sessions to 7 years transportation. This would normally have meant transportation to Australia, but he was kept on the prison hulk, Leviathan, in Portsmouth harbour, and after two years, he was released. The reason for his release is not known for certain, but is probably related to George IV coming to the throne. (New monarchs often released prisoners.) Here is a transcript of his pardon, (PRO ref HO13/36 page 2):
| John GREENSLADE | Free Pardon | George R. |
| Whereas John Greenslade is now under Sentence of Transportation on board the Leviathan Hulk in Portsmouth Harbour he having been convicted of Felony at the Michaelmas Qr Sessions of the Peace 1818 holden at Exeter: We in consideration of some favourable circumstances humbly represented unto Us in his behalf are graciously pleased to Extend Our Grace and Mercy unto him and to Grant him Our Free Pardon for the crime of which he stands convicted. Our Will & Pleasure therefore is that You cause him the said John Greenslade to be forthwith discharged out of custody. And for so doing this shall be Your Warrant. Given at Our Court at Carlton House the 6th day of Sept 1820 in the First Year of Our Reign. | ||
| To Our Trusty & welbeloved John Henry Capper Esq Superintendent of convicts and all others whom it may concern. | By His Majesty's Command | Sidmouth |
The pardon is signed by 'Sidmouth'. This is Viscount Sidmouth, Henry Addington, who was Home Secretary at the time.