Henry Kable Junior: A First Fleet Biography
This Henry Kable Junior biography follows Harry from his birth inside Norwich Castle Gaol on 17 February 1786 to his maritime career, The Oaks and family remembrance. He was the son of Henry Kable and Susannah Holmes, whose transportation and arrival became part of Australia’s First Fleet story. Son of the First Fleet by Tony Gaudry keeps Harry’s own life at the centre.
To follow Henry Kable Junior’s full story, order Son of the First Fleet by Tony Gaudry. The book is available as a digital PDF, paperback, or bundle.
Order the BookWho was Henry Kable Junior?
Henry Kable Junior, known in the family as Harry, was born inside Norwich Castle Gaol on 17 February 1786. He was the son of Henry Kable and Susannah Holmes, and their First Fleet story gives the family background to Harry’s life. Son of the First Fleet by Tony Gaudry follows Harry from childhood in early New South Wales to maritime work, The Oaks and family remembrance.
For readers who want more than a short reference entry, Son of the First Fleet gives Henry Kable Junior’s life room to be told in detail.
Why was he known as Harry?
Harry was a familiar form of Henry, and it helps separate Henry Kable Junior from his father, Henry Kable Senior. Family history researchers may see him described as Henry Kable Junior, Henry Kable Jr or Harry Kable.
Born inside Norwich Castle Gaol
Harry was born on 17 February 1786 while his parents were being held before transportation. That birth links his personal story to Norwich Castle Gaol and to the events before the First Fleet sailed.
Son of Henry Kable and Susannah Holmes
Henry Kable Junior’s story is closely tied to his parents, Henry Kable and Susannah Holmes. The book uses their transportation, reunion and arrival in New South Wales as family background where it helps explain Harry’s own life.
The First Fleet connection
Harry was born before the First Fleet sailed and travelled to New South Wales as an infant with his parents. His First Fleet connection comes through Henry Kable and Susannah Holmes, while this page keeps Harry’s own life at the centre.
Early years in New South Wales
Harry grew up in early Sydney Cove and New South Wales within the Kable family story. His parents’ better-known arrival helps explain his world, but Tony Gaudry’s book follows what happened to Harry after those beginnings.
Service as Master’s Mate on the Rolla (1799)
Harry's working life was shaped by the sea, serving as Master’s Mate on the Rolla in 1799 and later commanding trading vessels until a serious arm injury during the launch of the Governor King in 1803 changed his path.
The Governor King Accident of 1803
In 1803, during the launch of the schooner Governor King, Harry suffered a serious maritime injury to his right arm. The accident changed the course of his working life, moving him away from regular service at sea and towards shore-based roles.
Later years at The Oaks
In later life, Harry lived with family connections around Windsor and The Oaks. He served as Pound Keeper at The Oaks, a local role tied to the management of stray stock.
His work as Pound Keeper placed him within the everyday life of the Wollondilly region, where local responsibilities, family connections and rural community life shaped his later years.
Where is Henry Kable Junior buried?
Henry Kable Junior, known as Harry, is buried at St Matthew’s Cemetery in The Oaks, New South Wales.
St Matthew’s Cemetery
After his death in 1852, Henry Kable Junior was buried at St Matthew’s Cemetery, The Oaks.
Key Dates
- 1786: Henry Kable Junior was born inside Norwich Castle Gaol in England.
- Early 1800s: Harry worked as a mariner in Sydney’s harbour and coastal trade.
- 1803: He injured his right arm during the launch of the schooner Governor King.
- Later years: Harry lived around Windsor and The Oaks, served as Pound Keeper at The Oaks, and was buried at St Matthew’s Cemetery.
How the book tells Harry’s story
Tony Gaudry follows Harry through early New South Wales, maritime work, the Governor King accident, later life near The Oaks and his burial at St Matthew’s Cemetery. The wider story of Henry Kable and Susannah Holmes is included as family background.
View the Kable family tree and history for the wider family background connected to Harry’s story.Learn more about Harry's place in the Kable family history or order the book.
Common questions
Who was Henry Kable Junior?
Henry Kable Junior, known as Harry Kable, was the son of Henry Kable and Susannah Holmes. He was born in Norwich Castle Gaol in 1786 and raised in early New South Wales.
Why was Henry Kable Junior known as Harry?
Harry was a familiar form of Henry. It also helps distinguish Henry Kable Junior from his father, Henry Kable Senior.
Was Henry Kable Junior born in Norwich Castle Gaol?
Yes. Henry Kable Junior was born inside Norwich Castle Gaol on 17 February 1786 while his parents were awaiting transportation.
Was Henry Kable Junior on the First Fleet?
Harry was born before the First Fleet sailed and travelled to New South Wales as a small child. His First Fleet connection comes through his parents, Henry Kable and Susannah Holmes.
Who were Henry Kable Junior’s parents?
Henry Kable Junior’s parents were Henry Kable and Susannah Holmes, whose story became part of Australia’s First Fleet history.
Where did Henry Kable Junior live in New South Wales?
The book follows Harry through early New South Wales, including Sydney Cove, the Hawkesbury and Windsor, and later family connections around The Oaks.
What was Henry Kable Junior’s connection to The Oaks?
In later life, Harry lived with family connections around The Oaks and served as Pound Keeper there.
How does Son of the First Fleet tell Harry’s story?
Tony Gaudry’s book follows Harry’s life through family history, early New South Wales, the sea, The Oaks and family remembrance.
Son of the First Fleet is available as a paperback ($20 AUD + shipping), digital PDF edition ($16 AUD), or paperback and digital bundle.
Discover the full history
Read the full account in Son of the First Fleet and choose the edition that suits you.
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