James Bloodworth, like James Smith, was an early arrival in Sydney Town.

The similarity ends there, however, as Smith's time was not successful, but Bloodworth was a stunning success.

In many ways, he was critical to the survival of the infant settlement.

Born on 7-3-1759, he was convicted in October 1785 of the dreadful crime of stealing a game cock and two hens! He left England on the “ Charlotte “ on 13-5-1787.

Such was his worth to the colony that by 1-9-179,1 he was appointed Superintendent of Brick Makers and Layers.

He died at the age of 45 on 21-3-1804 . Governor Philip Gidley King accorded him an early form of a State Funeral.

Not a bad effort. Arrives as a convict and 16 years later has a State Funeral.