Edward Whitton was born in England in 1751 and at the age of 32 years had been convicted of stealing and assault in Maidstone, England.

Edward Whitton is Ray Buschmann's great-great-great-great grandfather on his mother's side and Edward carries the unique distinction of being one of the convicts who were brought from England to work the new colony of Australia in what was known as "The First Fleet", arriving in 1788 at Sydney Cove under the captaincy of Arthur Phillip. Edward was aged 37 years and travelled on the ship, "Scarborough".

He quickly gained his freedom in Sydney in 1794, now aged 43 years. and was awarded a grant of land near Windsor, NSW rent free for ten years. He married Anne Slater and they had three children. They were one of the earliest residents in Windsor, NSW. Edward died in 1802, aged 51 years and is thought to be buried either on his farm, or at a recently discovered burial ground in Windsor, NSW. There are no markers for him nor his wife.

For a more though review, some 28 pages, of the life and times of Edward Whitton and Anne Slater, please click on to the following link:

EDWARD WHITTON FIRST FLEETER 1751 - 1802