There were numerous people visiting and living on Kangaroo Island before the South Australian "first fleet".
See paper by Gordon Copland, The Mysteries of Karta (Alias Kangaroo Island): Creation, Colonisers and Crusoes here
See article by William P. Holmesby here.
See Rick Hosking's 2003 thesis : A Critical Edition of William Cawthorne's The Kangaroo Islanders
See research on sealers by Bev Willson here
See research on sealers by Geoffrey Chapman here
See webpage "Bound for South Australia" here
OLD SETTLERS ON THE ISLAND : 'Governor' Walland. William Day — his partner. Jacob Seaman. George Bates. William Thompson. Chadwiok ("servants" to Walland and Day), William Cooper, Capper,
Historical Records of the Early Settlement on Kangaroo Island. (1931, January 24). The Kangaroo Island Courier (Kingscote, SA : 1907 - 1951), p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article191249152
EARLY SHIPS VISITING K.I. FOR SEALING / KANGAROO SKINS / SALT / WHALING
Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Sunday 8 January 1804, page 4 SHIP NEWS. On Friday arrived the Ship Union, Capt. PENDLETON, from New York, but last from Bass's Straits, whither she went to frieght in Skins and Oil, and has procured between 5 and 6000 of the former. She left New York the 10th of October last, and wintered at Kangaroo Island, where she staid upwards of four months, during which interval Capt. Pendleton set about and built a small vessel, 30 tons burthen, named the Independence, now at Kangaroo Island, whither he intends shortly to sail, having touched at this Port only to refresh.
Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Sunday 16 April 1809, page 2 SHIP NEWS. On Sunday last arrived the colonial vessel Eliza, from the South West coast of this Territory, with 500 seal and about 1000 Kangaroo skins. At Kangaroo Island she fell in with a gang of sealers consisting of 7 persons, who had been landed there three years since, under the direction of Mr. Joseph Murrell. Their provisions were expended in three months after their landing, and having never received any supplies at all, they have for the long time of two years and nine months subsisted entirely on the flesh of wild animals. -Mr. Murrell and two of the people came up in the Eliza from the Island, leaving four others behind.
Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Saturday 7 April 1810, page 1 SHIP NEWS. ... the intelligence whereof reaching this Port by the Active, Captain Bader, the 24th of last July, Mr. Nichols made purchase of the schooner Endeavour, of Norfolk Island, which sailed for her relief the 21st of October following, and reached the wreck the 14th of November, with mechanics and all necessary materials for endeavouring to get her off; in which work they were successful, after prodigious labour, without which the future exertions of the little Governor Hunter, whose previous labours have been very productive, would have been lost to the colony as well as to the owner. She brings the account that the Endeavour of Norfolk sailed from Kent's Bay in January last for King's Island, and from hence to Kangaroo Island, on the West coast of New Holland, where she fell in with the Endeavour of Sydney, which latter arrived with the Governor Hunter on Tuesday last; the master of the Endeavour of Sydney reporting that he left the Norfolk Endeavour at Kangaroo Island with 6 or 700 prime skins, and 50 tons of fine bay salt procured on the island; and that she was designed to proceed farther on the West Coast for the discovery of new sealing grounds, these already known being over-run with formidable gangs. The Endeavour of Sydney, Mr. Siddons master, brings about 4000 skins, and two tons of oil.
Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Saturday 5 May 1810, page 1 SHIP NEWS. On Sunday last arrived the colonial brig Endeavour Mr. Nichols owner, last from Kangaroo Island, sailed in October last for the relief of the Governor Hunter, which was happily effected as was stated upon the arrival of the vessel. She brings about 40 tons of fine bay salt, and about 1200 seal besides a number of kangaroo skins.
Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Saturday 27 June 1812, page 2 SHIP NEWS.-This morning arrived the schooner Elizabeth and Mary, Mr. Murrell master, with 60 tons of salt, procured at Kanguroo Island, and 2500 seal skins from the Islands in Bass's Straits. She fell in with the Campbell Macquarie, Capt. Seddins, at Kangaroo Island, bound from hence for the relief of the oiling and sealing parties belonging to the house of Underwood, employed at Macquarie Island ; and in Two-fold Bay she met with the schooner Cumberland, Captain Stewart, of this place, with about 15 tons of elephant oil : on leaving Two-fold Bay she went off in a north-easterly direction.
Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Saturday 7 December 1816, page 2 On Thursday the 28th ult. the brig Endeavour sailed for Kangaroo Island ; as did also the schooner Governor Bligh on Saturday the 30th ult. for the seal fishery.
Hobart Town Gazette and Southern Reporter (Tas. : 1816 - 1821), Saturday 29 March 1817, page 2 SHIP NEWS - Yesterday arrived the Schooner Henrietta, Mr. D. M'CARTY Owner, commanded by Mr. C. Feen, after a very successful sealing voyage; last from Kangaroo Island; her cargo consists of skins and salt: at the latter place she left Rosetta of Sydney, on a like voyage, - Also, the brig Spring, belonging to Mr. Edw. Lord, commanded by Captain Bunster, from the same place, having also procured a full cargo of skins and salt.
Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Saturday 30 August 1817, page 2 Ship News. On Monday returned from Kangaroo Island, the colonial brig Endeavour, Captain Hammant, with a cargo of salt, &c.
Hobart Town Gazette and Southern Reporter (Tas. : 1816 - 1821), Saturday 3 January 1818, page 2 Sailed on Thursday for Kangaroo Island, the brig Jupiter, Captain WILLIAM BUNSTER.
Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Saturday 16 May 1818, page 3 The colonial vessel Rosetta, Mr Griffiths of Richmond owner, had arrived at Port Dalrymple from Kangaroo Island with salt, and remained there when Mr. Reibey left. [colonial brig Governor Macquarie]
Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Saturday 17 October 1818, page 2 ... Mr. Isaac Nichols learns the fate that attended his schooner Governor Hunter, which sailed hence for Kangaroo Island so long ago as three years, and was last seen and spoke by the Atlas, on her return to this port, off Cape Hawke, with a cargo of salt and skins, in the middle of July, 1816 ; at which time, the master Mr. Murrell, said he should be in in three days. The discovery of the vessel's wreck was made in a small branch leading inland out of an extensive bay about 45 or 50 miles north of Port Stevens, whereat part of the crew went onshore, and ascended a hill, from whence they perceived a narrow strait or branch, to which they proceeded in their boat, & found it to contain a rapid current of about six feet depth at low water, and leading into a huge lagoon, at the extremity of which a river presented itself. In the lagoon the almost buried hull of the Hunter was found, and the small figure head is restored to her owner. Mr. Murrell and his ill fated crew there can be little doubt were killed by the natives ; the foremast has been cut away, and her sails are gone ...
Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Saturday 16 January 1819, page 3 Ship News. On Monday last, ... the brig Governor Macquarie, Captain Sutherland, for Kangaroo Island.
Hobart Town Gazette and Southern Reporter (Tas. : 1816 - 1821), Saturday 3 April 1819, page 1 On Thursday arrived from a sealing voyage at Kangaroo Island, the brig Jupiter, Captain Ainsworth; having procured 3200 seal, and 2400 kangaroo skins, and thirty tons of salt. She brings the unpleasant account of Mr. C. Feen, her Chief Officer, and Samuel Tomlins, one of the island men, having both been unfortunately drowned while the vessel lay in the Bay of Shoals at Kangaroo Island.
c.1812 Edward (Ned) Tomlins - first child of European parent to have been born on Kangaroo Island, to Samuel and a Van Diemans Land aboriginal, Bulra. (May have been born Cape Barren Island, Bass Strait.) - Hallett Shueard, "The Forgotten Men" p.240
c.1823 Nancy Allen born to James Allen and "Long'un" -Hallett Shueard, "The Forgotten Men" p.245
Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Saturday 8 April 1820, page 3 Same day [Monday] arrived the schooner Little Mary, Captain James, from Kangaroo Island.
Hobart Town Gazette and Southern Reporter (Tas. : 1816 - 1821), Saturday 6 May 1820, page 2 SHIP NEWS. - On Sunday last arrived the brig Sophia, Mr. Brown, master, with salt and skins from Kangaroo lsland.
Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Thursday 8 April 1824, page 2 SHIP NEWS.Mr. Dawson, the Commander of the Samuel, has brought with him this voyage a black native woman, with a child two years old. She had been taken by the American ship General Gates [whaling ship] from Kangaroo Island, and left on the South Cape of New Zealand, with a gang of sealers. After these men had been there some short time, a horde of the savages came upon them, and nearly massacred all the party. The poor native, with her little one, took shelter under a rock, till the New Zealanders left the spot. For eight months the mother and child lived, without fire, on birds and seal. They are yet on board the Samuel, and were in good health when rescued by Mr. Dawson from danger.
A KANGAROO ISLAND RELIC. (1887, October 6). South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), p. 7. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article46828947 'I landed on Kangaroo Island,' said [George Bates], ' in 1824 in Smith's Bay, and I remember we had a south-east wind. She was a brig that I came out in named the Nemus [Nereus]. She came from Sydney, and I was in the employ of Sir Robert Campbell. We were on a cruise, and when we landed on the island there were three boats' crews of us. We were working along from the Australian Bight right up to Cape Leuwin on a sealing voyage. I wanted to go back to Sydney and get home to England, so I stopped at the island hoping to be taken back by a vessel bound for Sydney. Another young fellow landed with me ; we were active young chaps, and were not afraid of a stay on the island, but when the brig had gone in the morning I was a bit sorry.
Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Thursday 17 March 1825, page 2 ... [Friday last] arrived from Kangaroo Island, with 3500 seal skins, the brig Nereus, Captain Swindles.
Australian (Sydney, NSW : 1824 - 1848), Friday 25 January 1828, page 3 This day is expected to sail the cutter Speedwell, for Kangaroo Island.
Tasmanian (Hobart Town, Tas. : 1827 - 1839), Friday 15 February 1828, page 2 On the 10th February, the schooner Resolution, for Kangaroo Island. [for a cargo of salt]. [Returned 9 Mar 1828, not able to obtain the salt].
Launceston Advertiser (Tas. : 1829 - 1846), Monday 16 March 1829, page 2 On Thursday last.— From a sealing voyage, the schooner Henry, (John Griffiths Owner and Master, from Kangaroo Island, with the following valuable cargo:— 20 tons salt, 800 fur seal-skins, 400 common ditto, 2,500 kangaroo-skins, 2 casks seal oil.
Hobart Town Courier (Tas. : 1827 - 1839), Saturday 6 February 1830, page 2 We regret extremely to learn the loss [off Prime Seal Island] of Mr. Meredith's beautiful large schooner the Black Swan, which unfortunately got on shore while on a sealing voyage at Kangaroo island. A boat has been sent round to recover what portions of the wreck can be saved. This fine vessel was purposely built for the whale fishery, and we fear it will be difficult to replace it.
Sydney Monitor (NSW : 1828 - 1838), Wednesday 14 April 1830, page 3 [Yesterday] the cutter Pandora from Kangaroo Island and Bass's Straits, with skins, &c.
Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Thursday 6 May 1830, page 2 From Kangaroo Island, on Monday last, the cutter Dart.
Launceston Advertiser (Tas. : 1829 - 1846), Tuesday 5 June 1832, page 180 From Kangaroo Island, on Sunday last, the brig ' Socrates,' Captain Gibbons.
Launceston Advertiser (Tas. : 1829 - 1846), Tuesday 26 June 1832, page 5 From Sydney and Kangaroo Island, on the 22d, the schooner Elizabeth, Hart, master, with goods. Passengers—Captain Harvie, John Mills, John Fitzpatrick, Robert Blackwell, Dennis Halligan, and Mrs. O'Brien.
Sydney Herald (NSW : 1831 - 1842), Thursday 28 June 1832, page 2 For Kangaroo Island, on the 8th instant, the schooner Henry, with stores for the whaling establishment. Launceston Advertiser. JUNE 3-Arrived from Kangaroo Island, the brig Socrates, Capt. Gibbons. Launceston Independent.
Launceston Advertiser (Tas. : 1829 - 1846), Thursday 27 September 1832, page 5 On the 24th instant, ..., from Kangaroo Island, the schooner ' Henry.' with 47 casks containing 13 tuns of whale oil, and 46 bundles whale-bone.
Independent (Launceston, Tas. : 1831 - 1835), Saturday 29 September 1832, page 2 SEPT.28-—Sailed the schooner Henry, Jones master, for Kangaroo Island, in ballast.
Launceston Advertiser (Tas. : 1829 - 1846), Thursday 18 October 1832, page 333 From Sydney, same day, the schooner 'Elizabeth,' Hart, master, with sundries. SAILED. Cleared for Kangaroo Island, the schooner ' Elizabeth,' Hart, in ballast.
Launceston Advertiser (Tas. : 1829 - 1846), Thursday 22 November 1832, page 372 From Kangaroo Island, on the 19th instant,the schooner "Elizabeth," 51 tons, Hart, master, with oil, &c. Passenger Mr. Trimlett.
Colonist and Van Diemen's Land Commercial and Agricultural Advertiser (Hobart Town, Tas. : 1832 - 1834), Friday 23 November 1832, page 2 Nov. 17.— The schooner Henry, Mr. Jones, master, from Kangaroo Island.
Launceston Advertiser (Tas. : 1829 - 1846), Thursday 29 November 1832, page 380 The schooners ' Henry' and ' Elizabeth' have cleared out for Kangaroo Island, in ballast. [Similarly Henry 28 November 1832, Jones, in ballast]
Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), Tuesday 4 December 1832, page 3 ... arrived at Launceston last week,... the schooner Henry from Kangaroo island.
Launceston Advertiser (Tas. : 1829 - 1846), Thursday 10 January 1833, page 430 From Kangaroo Island, on the 5th, the schooner Henry, with 2 tuns of whale oil, and stores.
Independent (Launceston, Tas. : 1831 - 1835), Saturday 2 March 1833, page 2 FEB. 24.—Sailed the schooner Henry, for Kangaroo Island, [with whaling gear and provisions for the whaling establishment.] Passengers—John Sinclair, Esq., Mr. Williams, John Taylor, wife and child.
Launceston Advertiser (Tas. : 1829 - 1846), Thursday 4 April 1833, page 2 ARRIVED. On Monday last, the schooner Henry, Jones, master, from Kangaroo Island.
Hobart Town Courier (Tas. : 1827 - 1839), Friday 21 June 1833, page 2 (From the Australian.) A cargo of fine salt had been brought to Sydney in the Elizabeth from Kangaroo island.
Independent (Launceston, Tas. : 1831 - 1835), Saturday 22 June 1833, page 2 Sailed the Elizabeth. Hart, for Kangaroo Island on a whaling trip.
Launceston Advertiser (Tas. : 1829 - 1846), Thursday 29 August 1833, page 4 On Saturday last, the schooner Elizabeth, 51 tons, Hart, master, from Kangaroo Island, with 60 tons salt and 1 tun whale oil.
Launceston Advertiser (Tas. : 1829 - 1846), Thursday 20 February 1834, page 2 On Thursday 13th February, the cutter Mountaineer, Wilkinson, master, for Kangaroo Island, in ballast.
Morning Star and Commercial Advertiser (Hobart Town, Tas. : 1834 - 1835), Tuesday 2 December 1834, page 2 KANGAROO ISLAND.—We are informed, that some families have already left the Tamar, to form a settlement on this island. The proverb says " you may go farther a field and fare worse," and so say we—from what we have heard of the properties and rescourses of that extensive spot. We fear it will be a longtime before it is fit for the reception of Emigrants. We shall shortly afford our readers some interesting particulars from a person, who was on the island some weeks.
... horrid barbarities committed by the unprincipled men infesting these coasts, both against the natives and against each other ... He [Major Lockyer] describes them as a regular set of pirates traversing from island to island in open boats, along the coast from Rottnest Island to Bass's Straits, having their chief resort or den at Kangaroo Island, making occasional descents on the mainland, and carrying off by force, the native women. They rob and murder each other. At Kangaroo Island a dreadful scene of villainy is going on, where to use their own words, "there are a great many graves. Their numbers consist in a great measure of runaway prisoners from Sydney and Van Diemen's Land. These melancholy truths were fully corroborated by the above attack of the natives, and other incidents which occurred during the time the Amity was at anchor in the harbour [King George Sound, Western Australia].
From the Hobart Town Gazette. (1827, April 20). The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1803 - 1842), p. 3. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article2188066
Kangaroo Island, on our southern coast, about four hundred miles to the west of Basss's Straits, a settlement of this kind has long existed, as I have before mentioned ; (by the latest accounts, this settlement contains a population of forty individuals, men, women, and children;) the men having reached that point by coasting along in boats, and having seized and carried off native women. During the seal season they live upon the coast, feasting on the seal-flesh which their wives procure for them ; and on the season being over, retire to their village, built in a valley in the interior, and subsist upon the produce of their gardens, and what game they can destroy. They lead a most slothful, idle life, obliging their women to perform all the drudgery, but occasionally assisting vessels calling there to load with salt, which is found co-vering the bed of a lagoon six inches deep ; and bartering their seal-skins for rum, tea, sugar, and so forth, with the crews. The senior individual upon the settlement is named Abyssinia, and has lived there fourteen years and, upwards.
CUNNINGHAM'S NEW SOUTH WALES. (1828, February 27). The Australian (Sydney, NSW : 1824 - 1848), p. 4. http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article37072501