The Dabb family originally came from France (known as Dabbe) and resettled in England.  My branch of the Dabb family lived in Devon, at Bere Ferres and Bere Alston. Their business activities, including illegally importing alcohol from France, brought them to the attention of the authorities. Some family memebers quickly moved away from Devon to the north of England. A few who I consider were not too bright were caught and subsequently transported on convict ships to Australia. The smarter ones (including my direct ancestors!) emmigrated voluntarily before getting caught, some to USA and others to New Zealand.