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It appears the Benjamin above was a convict sent to VDL - http://www.convictrecords.com.au/convicts/bowater/benjamin/56199

Thank you, I'll apply for the certificate to confirm that his father is Benjamin.

My uncle told me that Benjamin went to Australia in search of his fortune, but was never seen again :-(
A colleague of his found the death certificate, and a court record. He was not charged with anything, but the court said that he was 'a dangerous lunatic'. On the 1871 England census Phoebe was a widow (I always wondered how she found out that he had died). I couldn't find Joseph on the 1871 or later census records.

I think it was the Newcastle court record which stated that he had travelled on the Donald McKay, and upon searching the unassisted passenger list I could not find a Bowater so searched for Benjamin, which returned Boattie, and Joseph Boattie. I'm not sure what paperwork they would have, but can imagine that Bowater said in a Worcestershire accent would sound like that :-D

I have read about the earlier Benjamin Bowater, and a Daniel Bowater, who I think were both convicts but haven't yet pursued any possible connections. I have Benjamin's parents as Benjamin Bowater and Hannah Pitt.

From The Newcastle Chronicle and Hunter River District News, 22nd October 1862, I think this is how he came to be a dangerous lunatic, though I don't know what would have happened from him being in hospital and progressing favourably to ending up in court. "Attempt at Suicide. — A person named Benjamin Bowater, residing at Wallsend, attempted to commit suicide by cutting his throat on the morning of Sunday last. Fortunately the effort was an unsuccessful one, and he was removed to the hospital here, where he is progressing favourably. There is but little doubt that Bowater, who only lately arrived in this district, is deranged in his intellect, and that a
sort of melancholy madness tempted him to the commission of the rash act we are recording. He is a married man and has a family."

I am so pleased that you found the death record for Sarah, it means that Joseph didn't kill her then commit suicide. I will apply for the marriage certificate, I like to have things confirmed, and not rely on Ancestry trees. There are trees showing that a couple of generations on one of my other branches, people who were born and lived all their lives in Gloucestershire England, went to Glos, Calvados, France to die :-|

Christine xx

So true Christine, so many people blithely copy things off other people's trees just assuming they have evidence :-D

Yes it was a bit lucky finding Sarah's death in NSW. Seems that is where some of the kids settled too.

I agree about the accent and the spelling of Bowater, how funny is that! Sad about poor Benjamin, he must have been quite bereft and desperate, I don't think Australian streets were paved with gold in the way some had painted it!

Keep me posted, I'd like to know if the marriage certificate reveals anything new! x

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Cheri

Would you be kind enough to take a look please


http://www.genesreunited.co.uk/boards/board/ancestors/thread/1345702?jump=1345702

Looks like I am too late!!! :-D Can't find anything new.

Nice work!

Thanks

I added more info earlier :-)

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thanks Kay :)

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Good morning Cherlin,
A young relation of my family was transported from Wicklow Goal, Ireland in 1800. His name was Dennis Kirwan aged 14 son of Bridget Kirwan. Can you help ??

Hi Donal

There was a Dennis Benjamin Kirwan Per "Hayeston", 1816

And a Dennis Kirwan per "Marquis of Hastings" 1825 but seems a bit late for your lad

was his sentence definitely carrired out?