AustLit

William Swallow (alias William Walker/ Brown) was born in Durham county, England in 1792. He worked as a seaman before being convicted of larceny. The records show he was sentenced to seven years transportation for 'stealing a a quilt'. He was tried at the Durham Quarter Sessions and  was transported to Van Dieman's Land aboard the Malabar, arriving on 21 October 1821. 

In 1822, Swallow along with two other convicts absconded and returned to England. He was caught and tried at at Guilford in 1828, his crimes were listed as tier-ranging, plundering ships at night in the river and, sheep stealing. he was sentenced to transportation for life and sent back to Van Dieman's Land aboard the Georgiana, arriving in the colony in 1829. He made one final bid for freedom, absconding for a second time and commandeering taking over the ship "Cyprus'.He was eventually recaptured and sent back to Van Dieman's Land aboard the Exmouth in 1831. He died in Port Arthur on the 12 May, 1834 aged 42 years.